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: Apr 14, 2023
The contact owns a 2024 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated that while his wife was driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle independently veered to the right. The failure recurred severely times and independently veered to the left or right. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was app... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while stopped at a traffic light, there was smoke coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that coolant and oil were leaking and the turbocharger and hoses needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. On another occasion, while driving approximately 35 MPH, the check ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2020
The contact owns a 2023 Fisker Ocean. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal, a vibration and tapping sound was coming from the brake pedal. Additionally, the "Regen Braking" message was displayed, and the stopping distance was extended. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a technician was sent to examine the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was inf... Read more
Incident date: Apr 11, 2024
Repeatedly losing power steering while driving. A recall for this problem has been issued but for some reason my vin falls outside of the recalled vehicles. This is dangerous and frustrating as the the failure exactly matches the recall description!
Incident date: Apr 11, 2024
See attached document for complaint
Incident date: Apr 1, 2024
The following two events happened during the first week of April 2024 EVENT #1: While driving at 65 MPH on a freeway, the car decelerated and failed to travel above 40 MPH. Simultaneously, three warming lights appeared on the dash: a yellow triangle, the check engine light and a "CHECK HYBRID SYSTEM" warning. EVENT # 2: Same symptoms and dash displays as event number one while traveling at 40 ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2024
On 3/29/24 my wife was driving the Fisker home on the freeway. She had about 20% battery left and was 5 miles from home. All of a sudden, the car lost power and she started to coast on the freeway. Nothing happened when she pushed on the accelerator. She made it to the side of the road. Stopped the car. And then turned it on again and all was fine and drove home. She was severely shaken to c... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2024
Transmission problems! Dealer wants to Charge me $7,000.00 dollars to fix it! Recall has a warranty until 2022 or 120,000 miles . My car has 85,375 miles!they said that warranty already expired! But my car only has 85,375 miles and the warranty is 120,000 miles!
Incident date: Apr 9, 2024
I brought my car to dealership three times in two month period time. The first time was because car wasn’t starting and I need to replace spark plugs , second time was because camshaft position sensor and now the engine has failed
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
I was driving the vehicle on the left lane of the freeway and the acceleration suddenly gave out. The car began to slow even when I pushed on the gas. Heat gage was fine and no lights went on. I quickly got over 4 lanes of traffic to the next exit and was able to pull over to the side of the road. White smoke began to billow out of the hood on the offramp and all the emergency light indicators c... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Apr 6, 2024
DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AT APPROX. 70 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE MADE A LURCH FORWARD MOTION. THE VEHICLE LOST POWER.WE WERE NEAR A EXIT RAMP AND COAST TO THE INTERSECTION. VEHICLE WOULD START BUT WOULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF PARK. WE COULD NOT MOVE THE VEHICLE. IT WOULD NOT EVEN GO INTO NEUTRAL TO PUSH THE VEHICLE TO SAFETY. THE POLICE WERE CALLED TO DIRECT TRAFFIC, WHILE WAITING FOR A TOW TRUCK. WE ATTEM... Read more
Incident date: Mar 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Honda CR-V. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V844000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2024
2.4L Ecotec engines contain a defect that consumes excessive engine oil leading to: unanticipated engine shutdowns, engine stalls, engine knocking, unexpected loss of power, and vehicle jerking. The first instance I was still in a parking lot, the second on was on a local street traveling at 25 mph. During the third instance, My son and I have driven our car on 4 separate occasions and while driv... Read more
Incident date: Oct 4, 2023
The contact owns a 2022 Kia Telluride. The contact stated that the client's vehicle was parked in the driveway and turned off, while the client was reaching into the rear driver-side seat area the vehicle began to erroneously roll backward causing the rear door to make contact with the client, and the client was knocked to the ground. The EMS was called to the scene and the client was transported ... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Mar 17, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon the start of the vehicle, a heavy, blueish-colored smoke would emit from the exhaust pipe as the check engine light would intermittently appear on the instrument panel. In addition, the contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would hesitate upon the depression of the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 31, 2024
Freeway driving - normal conditions. Vehicle suddenly loses most power and all the warning lights appear. After powering off for a couple minutes then it will act normal with check engine light on. This happens multiple times in a couple hundred mile drive.
Incident date: Feb 29, 2024
left and right rear coil spring broken.
Incident date: Jan 4, 2024
The car just randomly turns off mid drive, several times a week. Even in drive the engine turns off and says I need to put it in park and return on the whole car, very unsafe.
Incident date: Feb 22, 2024
In 2020 I got a recall for engine support from Mitsubishi. We took it in and told me that the support was find that I didn’t need to be replace even tho the recall called for it. They ended up putting rust paint on the support. 4 weeks ago that part broke on my wife when she was driving down the road. The steering wheel was taken out of my wife’s hand while driving. She was able to get the off... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: May 13, 2023
Engine seized while driving down the road in traffic, loss of power steering and power brakes. Had to tow it to ford. FORD WILL NOT REPLACE ENGINE THAT THE OIL PUMP DAMAGED. THEY WANT 8 THOUSAND DOLLARS!!!!
Incident date: Mar 5, 2024
Starting at about 28,000 miles the ABS & Traction Control lights would come on, Disabling the Anti-lock braking system. During slick road conditions the truck would often skid when braking, especially when towing. The anti-lock brakes didn't work. This also triggered the check Engine light, Disabling the Cruise Control. All of this would occur randomly and often with no pattern. Prior to reaching ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Fiat 500 Pop Hatchback. The contact received notification NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V302000 (Power Train) however, the parts to repair were not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The local dealer was notified of the recall notice and confirmed that the parts were not available. The contact stated ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 13, 2024
have a 2015 Chevy Malibu that is randomly trying to start itself. The key fob is the original when I bought it. It has the auto start on the fob but is the kind that requires the key in the ignition to drive.car completely off (not in aux) but the key is in ignition, could be for 2 minutes or hours, and randomly it will try and start, but not fully turn the engine and actually start, just that lit... Read more
Incident date: Mar 27, 2024
I was driving approx. 60 entering on ramp of freeway when car suddenly loses power to accelerator not entire car, i almost was hit by other drivers i couldnt accelerate or anything. I panicked then started pumping accelerator then it finally catches and sped up. I immediately got off freeway. Then next day CEL, Check VSC light and skid light all came on. This car is very dangerous. WHATCAN I DO??... Read more
Incident date: Mar 27, 2024
Repeatedly getting warnings of "secre vehicle with parking brake"
Incident date: Mar 27, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags) 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 had not exp... Read more
Incident date: Mar 25, 2024
ABS and Traction control light is on in the instrument cluster indicating a failure of the anti lock brakes. I took my vehicle to my local Ram dealer and they did a system scan. One of the results was a defective ABS module. I was told by the dealer that a replacement module was not available due to national backorder. They could not give me any date of availability to correct this dangerous failu... Read more
Incident date: Jan 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Highlander. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V720000 (Structure) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that p... Read more
Incident date: Mar 10, 2024
Thermo control valve failure, P26A3 code, eyesight safety assistance warning light ,check engine light, pre collision braking light, lane assist light.
Incident date: Feb 29, 2024
Incident date/time: [XXX] MDT*Year, make, model: 2019 Jeep Cherokee Latitude Upland 4X4 3.2L V6 F/I Gas 4D SUV*Odometer when incident occurred: 80,358*Injuries: No*Failed or malfunctioned component or system: Engine*Warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to incident: No*Recent maintenance history, date and location: Routine maintenance, inspections, oil, lube*Last oil chang... Read more
Incident date: Feb 29, 2024
My car has done 4 false automatic emergency braking incidents while I was on the freeway (all times). There was no vehicle in front of me or the sides and my car started applying emergency brakes with a message pop up on the digital dashboard. Looks like the system is falsely detecting there is a car in close proximity. When this happened, I noticed the back car hit the brakes and immediately swit... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
The contact's wife owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated while his daughter was driving 30-35 MPH, a message indicating that the engine was overheating and advising to pull over immediately was displayed. The contact stated that his daughter veered to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was coolant intrusion... Read more
LEXUS
RX
(2024) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:IMMOBILIZER/PROXIMITY:KEY/SENDER
Mar 22, 2024
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
KEY FOB WILL NOT FUNCTION. NO ACESS TO INSIDE VEHICLE.
Incident date: Nov 19, 2022
Rear powered tailgate closes by itself. There is no warning. It closes VERY rapidly. This hit me in the head, but I am mostly concerned with others, such as elderly people and children. It could easily cause a concussion, or worse. I have contacted MBUSA advocacy at 1-800-222-0100 three times. I was told all three times that I would be contacted back within 24-48 hours (business days) regard... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Mar 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota RAV4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was ma... Read more
Incident date: Dec 14, 2023
I intermittently lose trailer brakes when towing my trailers on my 2023 Ford F350. I have two trailers and both trailers give me intermittent faults saying "trailer disconnected' or "trailer turn signal lights not working", but the trailer is connected and the lights are working - but the brakes do not. I know this is a truck issue because both trailers have no issues with my 2017 Toyota Tundra. I... Read more
Incident date: Oct 30, 2023
Went to got a normal free oil change. They told us they could not do a tire rotation because the lug nuts were swollen. On a 2018 car the cheap 2 piece lug nut swollen so a normal 19mm socket could not fit over to took off the tire. No recall and no free fix at the Anderson SC Ford Dealer.
Incident date: Mar 15, 2024
Rear liftgate strut stud ball mount broke and the tailgate slammed on my wife’s head. She was knocked to the ground and her neck has hurt for months now.
1 injured
Incident date: Mar 2, 2024
Battery stopped charging, dealer repaired it and it happened again in less than 30 days. It has happened more than three times now.
Incident date: Mar 15, 2024
Went, to start the Jeep. No power to anything, dead. Waited a bit tried again nothing. Called Jeep and they sent a wrecker out. he tried to jump nothing. ended up towing to the dealer. They found no issue. Then Jeep sent this letter to me after a few conversations. They must have a problem they do not want to fix.
Incident date: Sep 20, 2021
The braking, steering and suspension components are malfunctioning and are extremely rusted. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. My safety as well as my passengers, other motorists and pedestrians with children and pets on the roads and highways safety is compromised due to the vehicle violently and unexpectedly pulling left and right, losing contact with the road over rough road... Read more
Incident date: Sep 20, 2021
[XXX] [XXX] Description On your vehicle, a rear axle bolt may fracture. Safety Risk If your vehicle was previously repaired for this issue under recall [XXX] to apply the electronic parking brake when the vehicle is shifted to park, a further repair is needed to prevent rear axle bolt fracture. A fractured rear axle bolt will allow the rear axle housing to move out of position, resulting in sever... Read more
Incident date: Sep 20, 2021
Loud, oscillating static through speakers when starting vehicle. Measured at 106db. Audio controls non-responsive. Shutting off vehicle and opening door eventually caused it to stop. Resumed again when restarting vehicle. Eventually stopped after letting it sit 30 minutes. This is extremely dangerous. Not only is this a level that can lead to hearing damage, but if this happened while driving, i... Read more
Incident date: Jan 10, 2024
My air bag alert keeps coming on at different times. And my drivers side seat belt doesn't always stay clicked.
Incident date: Mar 4, 2024
ABS service light continually comes on and service antilock brake system light comes on daily. This seems to be an ongoing problem with all 2017 ram 2500 trucks there should be a recall on this Since it’s been a problem for 5 to 6 years
Incident date: Mar 14, 2024
I am writing to bring to your attention a critical security issue regarding the rear door locks of the 2017 Mercedes GLE model VIN - [XXX] . Upon attempting to lock the vehicle using the key fob, I have encountered a malfunction where the rear door behind the passenger seat fails to secure properly. Despite attempts to engage the locking mechanism, this specific door remains open, triggering the v... Read more
Incident date: Mar 7, 2024
I was in a car accident on the freeway . I had just got onto the freeway so I couldn’t have been going that fast . The brakes on this Lexus Nx [XXX] to say the least . Also the collision sensor and warning also are useless. The warning light and sound didn’t go off until I was basically rear ending the other vehicle . I had a different , 10 year old car . A 2014 that would start to pump air an... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Mar 7, 2024
I drove my car out of garage in reverse gear & put it to drive straight down my driveway ,instead Vehicle spun around going backward in front of the garage hitting a trash can, bushes ,flower pots &hit the patio wall ,then turned around in front of trees & stopped in position where it started thus completing full 360 degree circle.
Incident date: Mar 7, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that she had parked the vehicle in the driveway and went to manually open the garage door to reverse inside the garage. The contact stated that while opening the garage door, the vehicle started rolling back. The contact stated that the front driver's side door knocked her down, and the front driver's side tire rolled up her right foot. The v... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Oct 27, 2023
See attached document for complaint