Consumer Safety Complaints
Search 2,245,377 safety complaints filed by vehicle owners with NHTSA, including 140,173 crashes, 56,794 fires, and 8,580 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 2,245,377 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 15,319 complaints for LEXUS
Incident date: Nov 4, 2024
Safety recall no fix. My car smokes and could catch on Fire. BMW refuses a loan vehicle until it can be fixed. They advise me to drive it and if catches fire call 911. This is unacceptable
Incident date: Dec 20, 2023
The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated that the front bumper on the driver’s side occasionally detached while driving 50 MPH or more, and while driving over rough roads. The contact was able to reattach the bumper. The dealer had been contacted but the vehicle had not been taken to the dealer. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure a... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2024
Within a day of taking possession of the car, September 20, 2024, with odometer reading 76,352 , warning message in instrument cluster appears stating action required “steering assist is reduced, drive with care”. Following day, A/C stop working while driving. When park, I can hear radiator fan, running full speed (louder than normal). While driving at night, headlights are not bright, special... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2024
Within a day of taking possession of the car, September 20, 2024, with odometer reading 76,352 , warning message in instrument cluster appears stating action required “steering assist is reduced, drive with care”. Following day, A/C stop working while driving. When park, I can hear radiator fan, running full speed (louder than normal). While driving at night, headlights are not bright, special... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2024
Within a day of taking possession of the car, September 20, 2024, with odometer reading 76,352 , warning message in instrument cluster appears stating action required “steering assist is reduced, drive with care”. Following day, A/C stop working while driving. When park, I can hear radiator fan, running full speed (louder than normal). While driving at night, headlights are not bright, special... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2024
HEADLIGHTS!!! The headlights are so dim that other drivers flash me, honk at me or yell at me to turn my lights on when driving at night. When driving at night It is the same as driving without my headlights on. I have to use the high beams to drive at night. I changed the fuses, changed 1 of the bulbs and still no difference. The whole headlight housing needs to be changed. Here is a link to a ge... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V653000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) 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 made aware of the issue. The contact had not exp... Read more
Incident date: Oct 22, 2024
All four tire have required replacement due to tread separation 2 tires replaced June 2023 with less than 15,000 miles 2 tires replaced September 2024 ,with thread separation.
Incident date: Oct 29, 2024
Delamination of headlight units has left low beam use unsafe. Seeing more than 20-25ft ahead of vehicle is impossible at night. There was a class action suit for this issue but I was not notified and now the window for replacement had passed. This seems like it should have been a safety recall. I attempted to get relief from Nissan but was stonewalled. Not even a discount on replacing the uni... Read more
Incident date: Oct 30, 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 not yet available. The contact stated while driving 65-70 MPH, the driver's side windshield exterior A-Pillar trim separated and flew off the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated that the passenger's side windshield exterior A-... Read more
Incident date: Oct 30, 2024
Tesla's latest update pings you when you're sitting at a light and it turns green. It also shows you the green light on its screen rendering of your surroundings. The other day, Tesla incorrectly pinged me that a light was green when it was still red. It also displayed it as green on the screen. This is dangerous not only because it suggests the self-driving mode would have incorrectly registered ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Honda Pilot. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and informed the contact that parts would be available in October 2024; however, most recently the contact called, and it was confirmed that parts were still not available.... Read more
Incident date: Oct 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Veloster. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a Midas where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel pressure regulator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failur... Read more
Incident date: Oct 18, 2024
I was traveling on the interstate this morning, driving approx 70mph in 55 degree weather when the sunroof exploded and glass shattered everywhere inside my vehicle. The sunroof was closed at the time, and the interior cover was opened, so the glass was all over me and the inside of the car. There were no other vehicles near me and no evidence of a rock or other debris hitting the car. I have file... Read more
Incident date: Jun 25, 2024
Multiple issues where slowing down to a stop the truck will stall and go automatically to the parking brake. Have to restart and then turn the parking brake off. Seriously a safety issue. Seen several issues concerning this on the internet. This is a very serious issue and needs to be addressed immediately. Thank you
Incident date: Oct 24, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Honda CR-V. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not e... Read more
Incident date: Feb 28, 2023
The transmission cooling line in my 2019 Toyota Tacoma was never installed by an authorized repair shop following an accident. This critical component failure led to the transmission failing just 1.5 hours after I retrieved the vehicle from the shop. My safety was compromised, as the failure occurred while driving at highway speeds, without any warning lights or messages indicating an issue. The ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 28, 2023
The transmission cooling line in my 2019 Toyota Tacoma was never installed by an authorized repair shop following an accident. This critical component failure led to the transmission failing just 1.5 hours after I retrieved the vehicle from the shop. My safety was compromised, as the failure occurred while driving at highway speeds, without any warning lights or messages indicating an issue. The ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 28, 2023
The transmission cooling line in my 2019 Toyota Tacoma was never installed by an authorized repair shop following an accident. This critical component failure led to the transmission failing just 1.5 hours after I retrieved the vehicle from the shop. My safety was compromised, as the failure occurred while driving at highway speeds, without any warning lights or messages indicating an issue. The ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
Issues with transmission/ over drive snap ring vehicle only has 145,000 miles. This truck has many complaints and many failures and flaws that need fixed.
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
Transmission failure. Dealership diagnosed CDF drum slipped out of place causing gear slipping, slamming into gear, shuttering. It is available for inspection upon request. Sudden and unexpected lack of power, and unreliable shifting due to slipping gears created safety hazard on the road. Problem has been confirmed by dealership. Vehicle has not been inspected by manufacturer, police, or ins... Read more
Incident date: Oct 14, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Honda Odyssey. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. 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 ha... Read more
Incident date: Oct 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while stopped at a traffic signal, the contact depressed the accelerator pedal, and the vehicle hesitated before responding as needed. The contact stated that the vehicle was vibrating and was jerking into gear. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent but was a recurring failure. The contact stated there was no warning light il... Read more
Incident date: Oct 16, 2024
After having my vehicle in for service, 64000 mile maintenance, new front brakes and rotors, and new air struts, at Jaguar Land Rover Raleigh, I was inspecting the completed work after driving the vehicle home and noticed a large crack in the front left steering knuckle where it connects to the upper control arm. I immediately called to have the vehicle towed to the shop. If that component had fai... Read more
Incident date: Oct 16, 2024
i began getting a service engine light that went on and off a few times randomly. the vehicle would not switch down to 4cylinder as designed. there was an odd shudder as the vehicle slowed at 10mph increments which would randomly happen or not happen dependent upon the moment. i was outside of warranty so i went to a shop which has been very good in the past as opposed to risking dealership costs ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2022
ABS kicks in constantly at low speeds in dry conditions. This causes longer stopping distances. The ABS grinds or vibrates interfering with normal braking situations. Many near miss collisions at low speeds. The manufacturer should be responsible and replace all the ABS sensors. I purchased this truck brand new in 2002.
Incident date: Oct 10, 2024
The rear differential failed. Our safety was put at rick because this is what drives the rear wheels causing them to lock up and lose control. The vehicle is currently at the local jeep dealer and they have deemed it to fail. The issue is apparently a very common as there are over 1k units on back order. Over 6 months back log so with no help from the dealership we have a 6k paper weight.
Incident date: Oct 21, 2024
The transfer case module failed after a software update. The response from the bcm is no forward collision warning , emergency braking. It turned it off?? Aren't they required to have these features? I bought the vehicle for those features that are no longer available?
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
Display went dark and did not display. This is not the only time it happens. It acts like someone’s touching the screen even when in motion. It prevents the reverse camera from displaying.
Incident date: Oct 7, 2024
The vehicle has 119285 miles on it. I have started to see oil leak from the transfer-case/transmission. I called lexus back in August 2023, they were aware of certain vehicle developing oil leak problems. They issued recall on certain vehicles and issued a TSB for oil leak repair. I called lexus today and took the vehicle to the dealership. There is an understanding that my vehicle won't be cove... Read more
Incident date: Oct 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that after refueling, the vehicle failed to start immediately. The contact stated that after restarting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. Additionally, while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was shaking and vibrating abnormally while shifting gear. The cause of the failure was not yet deter... Read more
Incident date: Oct 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, there was white smoke coming from the exhaust, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact exited the vehicle and checked under the hood and became aware that the coolant reservoir was low on coolant. The contact refilled the coolant reservoir and drove to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagn... Read more
Incident date: Oct 7, 2024
Started my car and got all these warning lights ACC problem, Collision Mitigation Problem, Lake Keep Assist Problem, Auto High Beam Problem. From reading forums online this is a common issue for Honda Odysseys 2018-2023. The camera is faulty. This should have a recall.
Incident date: Oct 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, there was an abnormal vibrating sound coming from the moon roof. The contact stated that the moon roof started to bend inward and required to be held up manually. The contact then closed the moonroof. The contact contacted an independent mechanic and was informed that it was a known failure. The mecha... Read more
Incident date: Oct 15, 2024
In 2021 while hauling the camper on [XXX] from TN to AR we bent the back axle and had to have it replaced along with several tires, and the wiring harness, that axle was a lippert, we had it replaced with a Dexter. We had a tire blow out in 2023 on front axle, in spring of 2024 the brake drew up and had to cut wires and back adjustment. We had the camper serviced brake assembly and bearing at a... Read more
Incident date: Oct 10, 2024
Check engine light came on while idling. "Eyesight" tech turned off along with certain associated safety features. Next day, vehicle struggled to ignite. Came to a complete stop at an intersection, released brake, stepped on gas, and the car rolled forward as if in neutral and bucked up and down like a rodeo bull.
Incident date: Jun 20, 2024
The head gasket on cylinder 4 broke. Releasing coolant into the engine block, causing stuttering and stalling within the engine. As well as causing the car to loose coolant quickly that lead to the engine overheating. All of this information about my car I was given by the head mechanic at Olympic Auto, Longwood FL. He said that many Ford escapes have experienced this issue. The only warning lig... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Acura Integra. The contact stated that while driving on a ramp at approximately 30-35 MPH, while turning to the right, the steering wheel continued turning a complete 360 degrees, causing the contact to lose control of the vehicle and crash into a nearby wall. The air bags did not deploy. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the cause of the failure was not determined.... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the steering and brake systems warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the warning lights were cleared; however, the failure recurred. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to NHT... Read more
Incident date: Oct 11, 2024
malfunctioning positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve: Issue: The partial-load ventilation valve in the intake line assembly does not work as intended, causing the check engine light to come on. Recommended action: the intake line assembly may need to be replaced. A malfunctioning positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve can cause a number of engine issues, including: Increased oil... Read more
Incident date: Oct 11, 2024
Was told today my 2019 Ford f1500 needs “cam fazer” replacement. Cost $4300! Internet makes it sound like ALL 3.5L eco boost engines have/will have this problem. There’s a couple “field service bulletins” on it, but mines not included.
Incident date: Nov 1, 2023
So my push to start has to be pushed twice in order to crank the vehicle and when I first got the car about 9 months ago it didn’t do that and about since January the computer system failed twice and it showed a message about the computer system don’t remember exactly what it said and took a 1/2 to a hour to get it to come back one
Incident date: Sep 10, 2024
I towed a trailer last month and noticed some hard breaking issues in slow moving traffic. Las night as I was parking my vehicle under the car port, I had to press on the brakes to straighten my vehicle and as I was moving forwards slowly, my brakes failed, the pedal was stiff and I almost hit my other vehicle and the garage door.
Incident date: Jul 27, 2024
Transmission failure with gears 2-3-4-5-7. Hard jerking and shifting when attempting to accelerate. Transmission slips while driving especially at stop lights which can cause an accident or rear end accident. Putting other drivers at risk by not being able to fully control acceleration of vehicle coming on or off highway ramps. Ford dealership and dealership of purchase has been made aware of iss... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
The vehicle loses power when trying to accelerate when driving in electric mode, and the gas engine kicks on after a second at which point acceleration returns. It occurs when the battery power is high or low. Sometimes a warning pops up on the dash saying speed is limited to a specific MPH.
Incident date: Oct 7, 2024
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has a bulletin about coolant leaks in Jeep Wranglers with 2.0L engines: Bulletin: 07-001-20 REV. A, dated April 9, 2020 Vehicles affected: Jeep Wranglers built before November 30, 2019 with a 2.0L I4 DOHC DI Turbo Engine or 2.0L I4 DOHC DI Turbo Etorque Engine Issue: The coolant inlet tube fasteners may become loose, causing a coolant l... Read more
Incident date: Sep 10, 2022
The contact owns a 2023 Fisker Ocean. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and driving over a pothole or an object on the roadway, with the brake pedal depressed, the vehicle experienced independent acceleration. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to unlock all doors while the vehicle was occupied, and the contact was trapped inside of the vehicle for several minutes. N... Read more
Incident date: Sep 13, 2024
When driving through Eugene brakes suddenly got soft while at a stoplight, then pedal got stiff and very hard to keep pressed. An alert came on the dashboard 'Brake Assist Service' just about the same time the brake pedal changed and car would not fully stay at a stop. When checking to feel what had just happened, by letting up and repressing the brakes, it would not fully stop car, even with all ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 28, 2024
Daytime running lights burn out with no remedy with the exception of replacing entire headlight assembly. Safety is impacted as DRL's are needed in places that my work is conducted.
Incident date: Aug 5, 2024
During any precipitation, primarily rain, the adaptive cruise control fails to sense vehicles in front of it. This became alarming as the vehicle began to speed up and get alarmingly close to the other vehicle, causing driver to slam brakes. When looking at the cruise control display, the vehicle never showed another vehicle in front of it.