Consumer Safety Complaints
Search 2,215,138 safety complaints filed by vehicle owners with NHTSA — including 138,663 crashes, 56,255 fires, and 8,561 deaths.
What is a NHTSA consumer complaint?
A consumer complaint is a free-form report filed by a vehicle owner directly to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) describing a safety concern about their vehicle. NHTSA collects these reports through its Vehicle Owner Defect Report (VOQ) system and publishes them publicly. Each complaint includes the affected component, the date and circumstances of the incident, whether the failure caused a crash or fire, and any reported injuries or deaths. The owner's full narrative description is included verbatim — NHTSA does not edit or moderate the descriptions.
The database below contains over 2,215,138 individual complaints. NHTSA's investigators monitor it for clusters of similar reports — when enough owners describe the same failure mode on the same vehicle, NHTSA may open a Preliminary Evaluation that can lead to a recall. Many of the largest recalls in U.S. history, including the Takata airbag recall and the Hyundai/Kia engine fire recalls, started as patterns visible in this complaint database years before they became formal recalls.
How to interpret what you read
A few principles for reading consumer complaints usefully:
- One complaint is anecdote; a hundred similar complaints is data. NHTSA does not investigate the truthfulness of any individual report — that's the job of the Office of Defects Investigation, which looks at the full pattern. When evaluating a vehicle, look for whether multiple owners describe the same chain of events.
- Crash, fire, injury, and death flags are owner-set. They are not verified by NHTSA. They are still useful as a filter, because owners who tick those boxes are typically reporting more serious incidents than those who don't.
- Component categories are NHTSA-assigned, not owner-assigned. NHTSA standardizes the component field so that complaints can be aggregated. The owner narrative often goes into more detail than the component category captures.
- Complaint volume scales with sales volume. A best-selling model will accumulate more raw complaints than a niche model even at the same defect rate. To compare across vehicles, look at complaints per 100,000 units sold, not raw counts.
If you've experienced a defect
File a complaint. NHTSA's investigators rely on this database to detect emerging defects, and useful complaints — specific, concrete, with dates and mileage and clear descriptions of what happened — feed directly into the agency's pattern detection. The form takes about 10 minutes and is at nhtsa.gov/recalls under "Report a Safety Problem." Your complaint becomes part of the same public record that this page is built from. Owners filing detailed VOQs are how recalls get triggered.
Read more from our blog
Showing 15,126 complaints for LEXUS
Incident date: Jun 17, 2020
Issue number one the dashboard the steering wheel and the clutch handle for automatic or manual melts it gets extremely hot and slippery it burns no matter if you cover your car or anything it melts and the glare from it is very dangerous when the Sun hits the windshield while driving it makes it look like a mirror form I'm not the only one who complains about this issue because why does the dashb... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jun 17, 2020
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon placing the vehicle in reverse(R), the brakes made an abnormally loud squealing sound while the brake pedal was depressed. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to several dealers where it was acknowledged that the failure was a known issue; however, there was no remedy for the issue. The vehicle was not repa... Read more
Incident date: Jun 17, 2020
Ongoing steering issue, started at approximately 75K miles. When making turns (typically between 15mph and 35mph), steering requires driver input to manually return car to center. Car will continue turning without this input. Steering is stiff, loss of fine control.
Incident date: Feb 1, 2024
My transmission is not responding properly. It will jump between gears and sometimes will downshift while in motion back to first gear. It then becomes unresponsive for a short time and then will jump back to the gear it was in.
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
Having battery drain issues. Brand new vehicle with less than 2,000 miles. After locking the car at night, the remote start would not work in the morning because it stated battery under 40%. Vehicle started with key no issues. One week later, after one day of not driving the vehicle, battery would not unlock remotely or start. Battery was at 6.25 volt. Jumped battery and vehicle started no problem... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
Bought 2015 Nissan Sentra SR from Nissan West in Dickson, TN. The car didn't even a lot of miles on it. Not even a month after having the car, the transmission went out. Car started acting up on the interstate. Would not shift gears, wouldn't go over a certain amount of speed, almost caused us to be hit multiple times. Finally got it to Nissan West dealership where they did confirm transmission wa... Read more
Incident date: Mar 21, 2024
Engine stalled out in the middle of the road immediately after acceleration following a sudden braking event. A car had pulled out in front of my vehicle at an intersection requiring a sudden brake. After the car had passed, a quick acceleration was needed as a car was quickly approaching from behind. It was at this point the engine stalled and the vehicle would not move forward. Pushing the g... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle was slow to respond. The contact stated that the gears were lagging while shifting. While driving at unknown speeds, the vehicle shut down. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact noticed that the coolant reservoir was empty. The... Read more
Incident date: Aug 23, 2023
My timing and my energy is going bad..I don’t know the problem.Im new on having my own car..And when I got it everything was great at first but Two trips going too Chicago it started going bad
Incident date: Aug 23, 2023
My timing and my energy is going bad..I don’t know the problem.Im new on having my own car..And when I got it everything was great at first but Two trips going too Chicago it started going bad
Incident date: Jul 19, 2024
Incident occurred when head-in parking in a space pointed into an stores exterior wall. There were no parking/wheel stops, just pavement then wall. No adjacent cars. I was decelerating with foot completely off accelerator and over the brake pedal. The car is an EV and was in 3rd level of regenerative braking, slowing down quickly. As I completed the turn into the space and began straitening the wh... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jul 5, 2024
Unintended acceleration when slowing to a stop. Car accelerated requiring significant brake pressure to avoid hitting the stopped car ahead. This has happened on two separate occasions. Checked to see if carpet or any other physical interference could have caused the issue. No issues found. Cruise control was lot activated and incident was a low speed.
Incident date: Jul 26, 2024
While I was driving the power steering light came on and lost power. A message came on the vehicle history alert. After driving slowly for 2 miles it when away and got power back on the steering
Incident date: Jul 15, 2024
I was parked then backed up to proceed forward. There was a pole with a cemented base in the corner left as I accelerated I ran in to this pole. Peripherally I don’t know how I missed the pole however I do take accountability for that. What concerns me is my front collision system and forward emergency braking system failed and did not activate or message me in any way. In the past if I’ve co... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Feb 11, 2003
Brand new owner - first owner; Car accelerated numerous times during ownership that caused harm to both my young son and I life. This IS250 Lexus was dangerous, unreliable, caused mental and emotional issues. Lexus was negligent in handling numerous issues and concerns related and has done nothing to compensate me for to date relating to multi-billion dollar law suits.
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Feb 11, 2003
The contact’s mother owns a 2014 Ford Escape. While the contact's mother was driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with coolant leak and engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provi... Read more
Incident date: Feb 11, 2003
The contact’s mother owns a 2014 Ford Escape. While the contact's mother was driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with coolant leak and engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provi... Read more
Incident date: Oct 12, 2006
Brand new owner - first owner at time of lease/finance terms and conditions. Car accelerated numerous times during ownership that caused harm to both my young son and I life, placed us in harms way and accident occurred in California due to faulty emissions, acceleration out of control, and braking problems. This Lexus was dangerous, unreliable, caused mental and emotional issue coupled with an... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Oct 12, 2006
When Apple Carplay is utilized the operator's phone is muted all though they are unaware of this until notified whereas to correct the call must be disconnected then reconnected. This happens continuously and dealer denied any problem and blamed all kinds of other culprits. Upon contacting Apple then Subaru Corporation Headquarters we have discovered that this a problem for many of these models. S... Read more
Incident date: Oct 12, 2006
When Apple Carplay is utilized the operator's phone is muted all though they are unaware of this until notified whereas to correct the call must be disconnected then reconnected. This happens continuously and dealer denied any problem and blamed all kinds of other culprits. Upon contacting Apple then Subaru Corporation Headquarters we have discovered that this a problem for many of these models. S... Read more
Incident date: Jul 22, 2024
This is a safety issue in that the shifter wire harness malfunctions and will not let the electrical system to confirm that the car is in park and won’t let it cut off. I have had this repaired once, and it is now beginning to show the same thing. 1) you can’t cut the car off. 2). Letting it run until the automatic cut-off kicks in can run the battery down. 3)you can shut it off in neutral... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2022 Toyota 4Runner. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact's vehicle was involved in a head-on collision. The contact stated that the air bags did not deploy. Additionally, the contact stated that several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact's service dog accompanied the contact in the vehicle and was seated in the front passenger's ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Oct 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2007 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. The contact stated while driving approximately 5 MPH and turning into the driveway, the power steering and braking system malfunctioned. The contact stated that the steering wheel became difficult to turn in either direction and the brake pedal had extended to the floorboard while depressed and the vehicle would not immediately stop. Upon inspectio... Read more
Incident date: Jul 21, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, the driver... Read more
Incident date: Jun 11, 2024
Unintended acceleration causing accident March 2, 2023. Low speed frontal collision avoidance assist did not engage causing accident June 11, 2024. August 2023 I agreed to video and Lexus is not providing video of accident June 11th, 2024! Recall on fuel pump and software replaced but still BAD. Radio off. Heard cybercrimes of communications systems for video game data by Meta.
Crash
Incident date: Jun 11, 2024
The transmission on my 2019 Nissan Kicks shudders, jerks and experiences acceleration problems intermittently. This began more noticeably at the end of the 5 year factory warranty.
Incident date: Jun 11, 2024
BOTH ACCESS doors are opening in transit along with pass thru baggage storage doors this has been brought to the attention of the manufacturer and the selling dealership We have had to tape the doors shut just to get somewhere safe These problems started shortly after purchasing its been back to the factory for repairs where they found abnormal frame flex / failure ,we were told additional frame... Read more
Incident date: Jul 16, 2024
The car will continue driving forward when pressing the break pedal when you try to stop on uneven pavement, potholes, broken roads etc, I nearly rear ended a car with my entire family in the car including my kids also a 2 year old, since the car refused to simply stopped and I was going between 10-15mph, ABS is very sensitive and it kicks in when it shouldn't making it extremely dangerous for a f... Read more
Incident date: Jul 16, 2024
The engine cooling fan died. There was a recall for it and it was supposed to be replaced according to the v54 recall. My vehicle still has the version 1 fan even though it was supposed to have been replaced back in 2019. Since the fan does not work I cannot idle for too long or else the car will overheat.
Incident date: Jul 14, 2024
Both rear doors will intermittently not open when unlocked from both the inside or the outside. I am unsure if this is electrical or related to the door components itself. This is a hazard because passengers have been locked in the back of the car, and needed to climb out from the front or needed me to open the door from the outside if it will open—which could be a deadly amount of extra time in... Read more
Incident date: Feb 2, 2024
Safety concern: Engine timing cover oil leak. blind spot warning malfunction.
Incident date: Feb 2, 2024
I bought a LS2 motorcycle Helmet in a local shop on 06/26/24 to be a passenger on a motorcycle ride. While removing the lining and installing a communication system I discovered the foam was cracked on the posterior area of the helmet. The edges of the polystyrene were uneven. The local shop has a NO return NO exchange policy for helmets. I returned the very next day and showed the findings to the... Read more
Incident date: Feb 2, 2024
I bought a LS2 motorcycle Helmet in a local shop on 06/26/24 to be a passenger on a motorcycle ride. While removing the lining and installing a communication system I discovered the foam was cracked on the posterior area of the helmet. The edges of the polystyrene were uneven. The local shop has a NO return NO exchange policy for helmets. I returned the very next day and showed the findings to the... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact stated while driving 5 MPH, the ABS inadvertently activated. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled with the ABS warning light activated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approxim... Read more
Incident date: Jul 6, 2024
Coolant leaks into the engine cause the engine to eventually breakdown and a whole new engine is needed.
Incident date: Jul 15, 2024
The ABS motor and module failed burning the wiring harness plug into the module This caused the engine once shut down to not be abled to start the electrics on the dash were flicking on and off 24 hours later engine started and a warning chime noise came from the dash turned engine off wouldn't start again every thing was dead Replaced ABS Module and electric motor as a unit and electric module... Read more
Incident date: Jul 14, 2024
Nothing happened but I would like to get this fixed because of the open recalls
Incident date: Jul 13, 2024
It is hard to explain to people and some people might not fully understand what they are even feeling if they are not in tune to how the steering system works normally vs with some type of assist. I don't use the lane keeping assist (button on steering wheel) because it is not comfortable for me where the truck wants to be in relation to the lane. But even with lane keep assist off i could feel di... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2024
Coolant leaked into the engine due to failed parts/seals on the car and therefore it now needs a brand new engine. Ford is aware of this issue and even issued a TSB. According to a mechanic as well as the Ford Dealership Service, it needs a complete new engine.
Incident date: Jul 1, 2024
Drove 170 miles round trip to airport and back. Shut off car to unload friend. When car was restarted I had no power steering. Message indicated steering power assist problem. Let car cool for about 2 hours. Restarted and drove without problem. Dealer stated that it would be best if it were not working when I brought it in.
Incident date: Jul 3, 2024
When coming to a slowdown at the light, lightly braking to a slow, the brakes would suddenly disengage and the car lunges forward, I have to release an reapply the pedal in order for braking to stop. This has happened multiple times, but the most recent, I almost ran into the person in front of me because the brakes disengaged. It doesn’t happen all the time, but every once in a while with unkno... Read more
Incident date: Jul 8, 2024
On June 30, 2024 I was driving a 2015 Hyundai Sonata and the car caught on fire. There were no warning lights/ dash indicators/ no check engine lights or other warnings present. I had just exited the highway and while sitting at a light, smoke began emanating from the hood and within seconds the smoke turned dark brown at the vents near the windshield. I immediately exited out of the vehicle... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jul 8, 2024
clockspring malfunction causing horn, cruise control, and air bag not functioning
Incident date: Oct 12, 2022
My steering wheel has a vibration, this problem started a few days ago, I wasn't sure what was happening until today that I got the recall from Ford. I'm afraid now, it's the first time in my whole life that I experienced this problem, really? this is brand new car. 3 recalls in one year.
Incident date: Sep 16, 2023
Soft or Low Brake Pedal The brake pedal have a soft feeling and travel to the floor with low effort. This is causing low braking performance and increased pedal stroke. This condition is increasing the risk of a crash.
Incident date: Jul 5, 2019
The contact's father owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact’s father received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the A-pillar trim was loose upon inspection but had not detached from the ve... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2024
Sudden downshift while driving approximately 35-40MPH. Truck bucked hard and caused significant change in speed. This happened multiple times between approximately 5/13 and 6/2/24. On 3 occasions the transmission slipped out of gear with the "wrench" warning light. On incident of warning light was while backing down a boat launch. The vehicle was not inspected by a mechanic or dealer.
Incident date: Jun 2, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Expedition. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact also stated the transmission unexpectedly downshifted while attempted to change gear. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not... Read more