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: Mar 8, 2024
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? transmission problems. loss power while driving vehicle How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? vehicle stopped driving while on road with traffic. Major accident could of happened Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes, Joh Hall C... Read more
Incident date: Sep 3, 2024
2018 Pacifica with multiple similar issues. August 2018 - Recall - Reprogram Powertrain Control module May 1019 - Recall fixes (Power steering and ball joint). July 2021 - start/stop light came on - took to dealership and they replaced the battery for that system. Feb 2022 - Recall customer satisfaction notification 1 Y65 July 2022 - ISSUES begin - Cylinder misfire - and car would not start an... Read more
Incident date: Mar 12, 2023
I own a 2015 Kia Soul affected by recall SC200, which addresses engine compartment fires due to oil/fuel leaks and potential engine damage. My vehicle experienced engine halts at high speeds, and Peak Kia in Littleton, CO, discovered a leaking valve cover gasket and PCV valve. Despite these issues being relevant to the recall, Kia and the dealership refuse comprehensive testing or repairs under th... Read more
Incident date: Apr 28, 2024
Travel Assist is disabled which includes Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Keep Assist. The warning lights flash on and off, sometimes multiple times a second, sounding a loud beeping each time. The flashing lights and associated rapid beeping indicating the failure is extremely distracting while driving. Warning lights and warning sounds are designed to alert the driver to a potential safety issue... Read more
Incident date: Sep 3, 2024
My rear exhaust manifold cracked, was told there should have been have been a recall on them bc they are defective. GM is covering 2019 and 2021 Models, but not 2020 models. I had to replace my alternator at the Chevrolet dealership 6 months ago. In the last month, have had the shift to park message come up on my car and that has something to do with the transmission.
Incident date: Dec 23, 2023
LOSS OF PWR STEERING ASSIST-- STABIL-TRAC INDICATOR LIGHTS UP ON DASH STEERING WHEEL EXTREMELY HARD TO TURN. CONFIRMED BY QUIRK CHEVROLET IN MANCHESTER,NH REPAIR COST $2800.
Incident date: Sep 1, 2024
Carvana is attempting to sell this vehicle in Lehi, Utah. After speaking with the Ford dealership that worked on it for an “internal transmission repair” they told me the the vehicle’s engine is bad (full long block replacement is recommended and the dealership told me it’s dangerous) and needs a new engine. The previous owner was told this and then turned around and sold it to Carvana. I ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 27, 2024
Without warning and no OBD2 codes thrown, my car and many others in the E90 (2007-2012) 3-series (N52 engine) will stall, lose power, and/or burn excessive oil when the integral PCV - valve cover starts to clog. Many owners on the BMW boards online have reported similar problems. The E90 3-series BMWs have an integral, internal positive crankcase ventilation system as part of the engine's plasti... Read more
Incident date: Jun 20, 2024
The DIC randomly displays “check trailer wiring” then says “brakes connected” over and over. When this happens the brakes on the trailer quit working, all lights continue to work all the time. It hasn’t been back to the dealer yet but I will take it when I can. Other vehicles have no issues with this trailers brakes when towing. I have replaced the trailer pig tail 7 pin plug, cleaned al... Read more
Incident date: Aug 29, 2024
What component or system failed or malfunctioned? Spare tire blew open across the tire belt. is it available for inspection upon request? Yes How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? A tire explosion next to someone can permanently damage their hearing and possibly even kill them, luckily no one was operating or even near the tire at the time of explosion Has the problem been r... Read more
Incident date: Aug 24, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Rogue. The contact stated that the front passenger's side air bag and seat belt warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the front passenger's side seat sensor was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The dealer contacted the manufacturer, and the manufacturer advised the dealer that the front passenger seat needed to be replac... Read more
Incident date: Aug 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed that the headlights were inoperable. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the lighting control module had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted.... Read more
Incident date: Jul 30, 2024
I bough this car in February with no knowledge of the prior lawsuit on these cars randomly stalling. The past month- my car has stalled multiple times, in the middle of the road and I lose all control. It is such a safety hazard because people will literally almost hit me. I have to hurry up and turn on the flashers and pull over and restart and try again. There is no warnings for this and once it... Read more
Incident date: Aug 12, 2024
Lincoln/Ford knowingly designed an engine where the head gasket is unable to properly seal and overtime causes intrusion of coolant into the cyclinder causing overheating. This results in the need to replace the ENTIRE engine block. They are aware of the issue and continued to build these engines with the KNOWN safety issue from 2017 - 2020 on not only Lincolns but Fords. The dealerships are aware... Read more
Incident date: Jun 3, 2024
We own a 2021 Dodge Durgano SRT Hellcat which we received from the dealership on [XXX]. It has only 17,083 miles on it and the 50,000 mile stock Pirelli run flat tires are cording and coming apart at the interior of the tire. The vehicle has had recommended tire rotations every year at 5,000 to 6,000 mi. They have advised there is a MAJOR factory alignment issue causing the front tires to lean in ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 25, 2024
There are several incidents reported regarding ongoing assessment with GMC interplay activity I have noticed this have become a dangerous drive ability inside acceleration controls Governor sets whiling driving engine play transmission shifts this have gone beyond everyday practices during drive times this have been very noticeable during anyone time RPM gauges constantly disrupted radio functions... Read more
Incident date: Aug 22, 2024
Both of our side seat of the middle row seatbelts will not buckle randomly or will just release. We’ve brought it in several times and they say they can’t find anything but it does this with my kids just sitting and riding. This has now been happening for years.
Incident date: Aug 21, 2024
The steering does not allow for smaller adjustments making it difficult to keep the vehicle continuing in a straight line in higher speeds (highways, freeways). When attempting to pull the wheel, it will not move until more force is used, causing the wheel to jerk and making the vehicle difficult to control. After checking with the Norm Reeves Honda Center, they suggested it was an issue with the ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 5, 2024
While driving I had to push the brake to the floor and a light came on saying reduced engine power. I pulled over right away and had my car towed to mechanic. The vacuum brake pump exposed and parts went into the engine. The mechanic got all the parts out but now engine has low compression and needs a new timing chain. This is over $3,000 so far. Gm recalled other vehicles with the exact same pump... Read more
Incident date: Mar 31, 2024
Outside temperature was over 80 degrees, we were driving long distance on a highway. First the air conditioning failed. Then the "Remaining miles on battery" started to go up ( even though it had been a long time since we charged). When it got to about 12, we got a dashboard message that said "Engine shutting down, get to a safe place". We pulled over just in time as the engine did shut off, the ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 4, 2024
I am attempting to file a complain due to the manufacture of my car, not addressing the recall. The recall was initiated on July 17, 2024, and it has now been more than 30 Days. I use my car and also had it on a rental platform to help me with my monthly payments. Now it has been removed from the platform due to it being unsafe to drive on the road and it is also unsafe for me to drive it on the r... Read more
Incident date: Aug 24, 2022
When pressing the gas pedal, my Equinox does not accelerate and move forward. It takes approximately 2-3 seconds for the vehicle to react to the pressing of the pedal and that reaction is slow despite applying full pedal movement. This happens intermittently and appears to be most notable during extreme high temperatures. It also has been noticed while trying to accelerate to pass in addition to t... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2016
Approximately at 56,000 miles I began having trouble with a whining noise along with rough, delayed, or sudden shifting, lack of acceleration from a stop and shuddering. I had taken it in for an oil change and explained some of my complaints. They stated they didn't hear any whining noises (so they say) after completing the oil/fluid change. The service department said if it continues to com... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2016
While away from home on vacation, the car alarm randomly went off for several minutes. Upon returning the battery was dead and would not start. Over the next several days this happened multiple times with the battery dying, car not starting, and the dash would light up and doors would not lock or unlock properly. Replaced the battery and again the same issue with alarm going off in the middle of t... Read more
Incident date: Jul 24, 2024
Instrument cluster fuel gauge become garbled or blank (lower right side). Happens more often when the outside temperature drops. This has been happening for years now but corrects itself when the engine has warmed. There are multiple complaints on the Honda forums and complaints issued with NHTSA also for this issue.
Incident date: Jul 24, 2024
10 days ago transmission on 2004 Rav started to act funny. Slow/jerky to engage in lower gears. Check engine lights came on. Checked out by mechanic who said it looked like a transmission problem and should have it looked at by transmission specialist who said it was not safe to drive as is since it could simply die at any time, and it needed a new transmission. When replacing trans, the tr... Read more
Incident date: Oct 5, 2023
My entire instrument cluster/dashboard display is blank. I cannot see my speed, how fast I am going, collision warnings, if my lights are on, etc. I have called the dealership, and they indicated there is no active recall. They said they cannot diagnose and fix the issue for a month. This is a major safety issue, since I have no indication of my speed or gas or anything else. It is all controlled ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 5, 2023
My entire instrument cluster/dashboard display is blank. I cannot see my speed, how fast I am going, collision warnings, if my lights are on, etc. I have called the dealership, and they indicated there is no active recall. They said they cannot diagnose and fix the issue for a month. This is a major safety issue, since I have no indication of my speed or gas or anything else. It is all controlled ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 27, 2024
The car totally shut down while driving. The motor has ceased up.
Incident date: Jul 27, 2024
I tool my car in for a recall, they said they could not fix the recall cux it was too rusted. They said the wouldn't even put it on a lift cuz of the rust, however it was just on a lift a week ago at an auto shop. Also when I dropped off my car the air conditioner blower worked, I go to pick it up and turn it on and nothing, I call and ask and they tell me they only touched the steering wheel, I ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 27, 2024
On Tuesday August 6th 2024 car was put in the shop for an automatic DTC notification/check engine light. Our car is less than a year old with less than 10,000 miles on it. Our car was in the shop for a full 5 days and was given to us on the evening of Monday August 12th with assurances that it was safe to drive. While in the shop, our car grounding pump and numerous fuses were replaced. On Friday ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 17, 2024
Vehicle is under recall with no remedy. This is presenting a safety risk to me and my family.
Incident date: Aug 14, 2024
When you have the car on lane steer it randomly attempts to steer out of it
Incident date: Aug 14, 2024
There is a massive wear on outer tire front. The wear bad enough where it’s lost half its life.
Incident date: Aug 16, 2024
While driving through an intersection with my family in the car, the engine suddenly failed without warning, leaving us stranded in a dangerous situation with incoming traffic. The engine began smoking, shaking violently, and emitting a strong odor, making the vehicle undrivable. We also received a notification to have the engine checked, and the check engine light was blinking. The vehicle is cur... Read more
Incident date: Aug 10, 2024
Roof panel is deteriorating and loosing integrity. Outer laminate coat broke down in general sun conditions, and now underlying roof structure is breaking down as well. The dealer has not inspected the roof yet, but this is an issue widely discussed on community forums, and it’s breaking down on my vehicle now.
Incident date: Jul 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the low oil pressure warning light illuminated, and an alarm sounded. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where an oil change was performed; however, the failure recurred within 15 minutes and the engine made an abnormal knocking sound. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 25, 2024
I have a 2018 Kia Soul Base Model with a 1.6 L engine. At the moment, the engine is making a loud knocking noise when the car is running. Also, upon checking the vvt solenoid there were metal shavings as well, which is a common symptom of engine failure. The safety of mine as well as other drivers are at risk as the engine can stop automatically while driving without any warning. The problem has n... Read more
Incident date: Aug 12, 2024
I called into my local dealer to schedule an appointment to have this issue resolved and was told there has been no remedy for this situation as of right now. I have a 12 year old daughter and I am now concerned about her safety.
Incident date: Aug 12, 2024
2021 Subaru Outback Limited | ~13000 miles | Component: Battery | Car suddenly stopped and ALL warning lights started flashing at a busy traffic signal, while I was waiting to take a left turn (lucky to have escaped safely from that situation). I had to turn the car off and restart it. 2 days later, the car would not start at all. Tried jumping it multiple time in vain. Had to tow the car to the... Read more
Incident date: Jul 19, 2024
There is loud sound associated with the steering column! It has locked on me before and wouldn’t allow me to turn the vehicle. It has been to the dealership several times only for them to not be able to pinpoint the issue.i have a video but no pictures.
Incident date: Aug 10, 2024
This jeep compass had been a nightmare since we got it. The 4wheel drive/parking break is stuck ON. We gave had it replaced already, the repair lasted a week. And now it's stuck ON again. It's dangerous. It's costing us gas money, repair money, we have to keep replacing our brakes. We drive 50 minutes to and from work each way 5 days a week. Ontop of that. The headrest EXPLODED while we were on th... Read more
Incident date: Aug 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Maverick. The contact stated that while pulling into a parking lot, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was not able to be restarted. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the battery was completely drained. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 31,632.
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: Jun 17, 2020
The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact observed smoke coming from the engine compartment. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and after an oil consumption test, it was determined that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The contact was informed that the ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 17, 2020
The contact owns a 2013 Lincoln MKS. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The contact drove the vehicle to the shoulder of the road. The contact stated that the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was restarted and driven without further failure. Additionally, the contact stated that recently after the vehicle was started, the power steering assists fai... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2024
I have a Volkswagon ID4 that has the screen power go off while you are driving, VW says they have no idea when they will have a fix it, but they are aware. The safety features, including the emergency call, don't work, and no airbag lights come on either, everything appears to be disabled. On the highway this happens whenever with no warning. I do have videos of some of the incidents. Lane keep ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
UNKNOWN. Has an investigation been opened into the delamination of the Leather dashbords, in the RAM LIMITED 1500. Concerned how the disfigured dash surface will impede the function of passenger Air Bag deployment. A review of U Tube. Will have pictures / videos.
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
Windows have detached from the vehicle while driving on two occasions. One was recovered on the shoulder of the highway, another quite large window was lost on the interstate and could have hit another vehicle. The Lippert windows are already the subject of a NHTSA safety recall (21V-522); however, even though the windows have experienced an adhesive failure and detached from the vehicle while d... Read more
Incident date: Mar 21, 2024
The contact's daughter owns a 2017 Ford Edge. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion inside cylinder #1 had caused engine failure. The dealer determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to TSB Number: 19-2346. The ma... Read more