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: Dec 7, 2022
This complaint is made regarding Hyundai recall 251 concerning the ABS module. I am the original owner of a 2013 Hyundai Elantra automobile. As of 12 March 2024, Hyundai Motor America has not been responsive to my inquiries when a remedy will be available. I have made numerous inquiries to the Hyundai dealer where I purchased the car, and to Hyundai Motors America. I have been forced to park... Read more
Incident date: Feb 26, 2024
When raining the water will leak throug the sunroof or headliner not sure where it comes through but it comes from 2 places one hitting the arm rest / middle console which caused the terrain selection to go out and im worried it will cause the screen or something else to go out and catch on fire as I read it is common with these problems , when I purchased the vehicle as well they said it was jus... Read more
Incident date: Mar 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Tesla Model S. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V838000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was notified of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 5, 2024
There's a shuddering, clanking sound coming from the torque converter when the engine shifts gears at 25-35 mph. I also noticed that it happens when it transitions from 4 cylinders to 6 cylinders. There's a sweet spot somewhere in there. It has also happened on the highway from 65-75 mph. This also happens when it's switching from 4 cylinders to 6 cylinders.
Incident date: Feb 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Buick Enclave. 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 made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 15, 2023
I am writing to you regarding the vehicle safety which I became aware of recently but there was no solution provided. IF this happened to me, it can happen to anyone driving the same model and needs to be addressed as soon as possible before the fatality occurs as this is danger to the public.I was driving a vehicle on [XXX] after just picking it up from service (serviced at Ray Catena Lexus... Read more
Incident date: Dec 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2006 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 - 70 MPH, the vehicle began emitting white smoke coming from the rear end of the vehicle. The contact pulled to the side of the road and allowed the vehicle to cool off and added oil to the engine and the smoke subsided. The contact became aware of oil around the bumper of the vehicle. The contact was abl... Read more
Incident date: Dec 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Mustang. The contact stated that during a routine oil change, the technician observed that the coolant level was low. The coolant reservoir was filled however, the contact reported that when another oil change was made, the coolant level was again very low and was refilled. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. However, the contact stated that he noticed... Read more
Incident date: Jan 23, 2024
1. Navigtion wrong directions 2. The battery charge runs out too quickly *I said several times that the brakes and driver's seat belt were strange, seat belt wasn't locked no tighter If the seat belt did not work, there was no point in wearing it, so I experienced a big disappointment. so I ended up having it serviced for the second time, but the brakes are still working. One of the three recall ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 2, 2024
Sudden engine stalling in the middle of a highway with extremely heavy traffic and stopped in the center lane. Needs to wait inside the car with a passenger in a very scary, tense situation and exposed to serious accident, until a towing arrive for about 1.5 hrs later. The car was towed to the dealer. Since I was in the middle of a highway, I wasn’t able to exit the car to verify the car. But, ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 2, 2024
I have only had this vehicle for maybe 300-400 miles. Bought it new. Three times I’ve had the parking break engage on its own when trying to accelerate at intersections. For no reason the red parking break will light up and cause the truck to screech to a hault, then disengages when I engage the throttle again. I’ve not noticed any messages in the instrument cluster beyond the red parking ligh... Read more
Incident date: Mar 2, 2024
1) First and most annoying is the start button displays code on the screen "keyless start system problem ". Its done it for about two three now. There is no recall for my VIN. 2) Back wheels brakes make very loud kicking noise when car put in reverse and moves in reverse. It started 4 years ago. I took it to dealership and they said breaks are fine and they don't know why its kicking. In cold wea... Read more
Incident date: Mar 2, 2024
Passenger airbag is indicated to remain on when no one is in the passenger seat. The airbag off light comes on during warning light check but then shuts off and remains off. I do not confidence that the accurate weight is being accounted for when a passenger is in the front seat.
Incident date: Mar 6, 2007
My vehicle stops working while in traffic when the auto stop is engaged. The abs, parking brake, and dash flashes prior to the engine stopping. I have been to the dealership multiple times and they are never able to recreate the issue. The check engine light codes produced are P0014 and c0800-03.
Incident date: Oct 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Buick LaCrosse. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the Steering Advance System Declined message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The contact related the fa... Read more
Incident date: Feb 24, 2024
A few times a week I will go to start my car and the smell of gas is too much to bear inside the vehicle! You can smell it for hours and is hard to drive with the windows up!
Incident date: Feb 5, 2024
On a long road trip ([XXX]) from Milwaukee, Wi to Bowling Green, Ky. and from From Bowling Green, KY to Orlando, FL. While driving from Bowling Green, KY about 8 hours into the drive, we were in a massive rain storm which started in Atlanta, GA. and did not end until we crossed into Florida. About 60 miles past the border of Florida traveling on [XXX], I needed to over-ride the cruise control tr... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2024
Tapping noise on cold start and then loss of power triggered P052D-00 code "Cold start camshaft position timing over0retarted bank 2"
Incident date: Feb 18, 2024
i bought car from dallas dealer toyota, 2022 tundra, i bought bed cover on line at [XXX] i had receipt for that, mar/2023 i bring my car to toyota dealer : TOYOTA OF MIDLAND, for oil change they told me bed cover recall i had to let they take off , they drill all the holes on that for destroy my bed cover, every month i came back ask for bed cover the lady april work in there she keep said i dont... Read more
Incident date: Jan 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while accelerating from a stop sign, the middle rear sliding window suddenly exploded causing shards of glass to enter the rear cabin of the vehicle. The contact stated that shards of glass had struck the two granddaughters seated in the rear seats. No injuries were stated. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer... Read more
Incident date: Feb 17, 2024
While driving car came to an abrupt stop and stalled. (ABS) Had to engage brake to restart car. Noticed abnormal shifting while driving in NC mountains.
Incident date: Feb 17, 2024
The vehicle's primary Autopilot processor randomly and completely failed while in active use on February 10th, causing the vehicle to immediately change course towards a highway barrier at high speed. Since that moment, every time the Autopilot DAS computer is reset, the primary processor refuses to transition from the INIT state to the NOMINAL state and instead transitions to CRITICAL state. Th... Read more
Incident date: Feb 17, 2024
The vehicle's primary Autopilot processor randomly and completely failed while in active use on February 10th, causing the vehicle to immediately change course towards a highway barrier at high speed. Since that moment, every time the Autopilot DAS computer is reset, the primary processor refuses to transition from the INIT state to the NOMINAL state and instead transitions to CRITICAL state. Th... Read more
Incident date: Feb 10, 2024
This vehicle has the standard headlights. No headlight cleaners included. Live in Colorado. When it snows, the front end of the car attracts snow to the point all the safety features shut down and the headlights pack up with snow so bad you cannot drive the car at night. You can’t see the road and other drivers flash their headlights to tell you the lights are not on, even though they are. O... Read more
Incident date: Feb 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 BraunAbility Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and using the power chair with hand controls, the drivability was terrible. While driving at various speeds, it was difficult to stay in the intended lane. The Lane Sensing feature was loose and failed to the vehicle failed to steer correctly. While driving at various speeds, the steerin... Read more
Incident date: Feb 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 BraunAbility Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and using the power chair with hand controls, the drivability was terrible. While driving at various speeds, it was difficult to stay in the intended lane. The Lane Sensing feature was loose and failed to the vehicle failed to steer correctly. While driving at various speeds, the steerin... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
It was 5:30 PM and I was driving 80mph (the speed limit) down interstate 84 near Mountain Home Idaho. There was no one near me and I heard a very loud bang and my sunroof had exploded. It exploded out as from the inside and not down as though something had hit it. I did not see anything that could have caused this is just exploded on its own.
Incident date: Feb 14, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Taurus. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the rear end of the vehicle shifted while depressing the brake pedal hard. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who informed the contact there was a recall for the failure. The contact called the dealer however, the dealer informed the contact that the vehicle was n... Read more
Incident date: Feb 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 35 MPH, he heard an abnormal sound coming from the front tires. The contact stated that the abnormal tire sound was constant and was occurring at various speeds. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was occasionally failed to start. The contact stated that there was no starter motor sound o... Read more
Incident date: Feb 11, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that the adhesive bonding on the front panel of the sunroof had failed, and the panel detached from the vehicle and the sunroof could no longer be opened. The cause of the failure was not yet determined, and the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Camp... Read more
Incident date: Feb 11, 2024
There are 2 active/open recalls for my 2021 Audi etron vehicle. The recalls were initiated by the manufacturer 2 months ago and there currently are no repairs available for either recall. Both recalls present a severe safety risk to consumers and present risks to their homes. Dec 20, 2023 Manufacturer Recall Number. 93V2 NHTSA Recall Number 23V867 A potentially critical self-discharge condi... Read more
Incident date: Dec 19, 2023
ABS BELLS GO OFF ALL THE TIME AND SAYS SERVICE ABS , CANT EVEN GET THE PART , NON STOP PROBLEM .
Incident date: Jan 22, 2024
See attached document for complaint
Incident date: Aug 13, 2022
6/15/23 @ 18,357 miles the car was given a four wheel alignment at the owners request. Due to loud tire noise and visible cupping on the right rear inside edge, it was clear the car's wheel alignment was wrong. The dealer's before and after alignment is attached. When presented the before and after, I noted RR Camber was.-2.3 vs. a range of -1.8 to -0.3 degrees. The reading was unchanged from... Read more
Incident date: Feb 7, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not 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 conta... Read more
Incident date: Jan 16, 2024
My bluetooth has not been connecting in my car. To preface this, my car was in twice this year alone, with a near $3000 bill, to replace the MCU, on a car with only 26k miles. Now this bluetooth connection issue is still a problem. After opening a service ticket with Tesla, I am told for an additional $180, I would need to replace my seat sensor. This means my seat (while I am driving) does not re... Read more
Incident date: May 12, 2022
Horn is too weak and inaudible when there’s other noise around or if someone is listening to music in their car. Other vehicles don’t seem to hear the horn in case of emergencies.
Incident date: May 12, 2022
The check engine light came on, then when I started driving it was a little sticky/ rough. I continued to drive it home and the rpm started going up when not needed. I had a code read done and came back as a P07A3, transmission friction element A stuck on.
Incident date: Feb 7, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Volvo S60. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she smelled a burning odor in the interior of the vehicle, after which the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to coast to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. After a visual inspection of the engine compartment, the contact became aware that the ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 4, 2023
I was pulling into a parking space at a gas station and the vehicle took off at a fast speed and I could not stop the vehicle, the “parking assist light came in saying parking assist malfunction, I tried braking and nothing, the car kept going I hit something then it stop as I put the gear in park, the passenger electrical window won’t operate from the driver side, Lexus refused to take respo... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Nov 4, 2023
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Maverick. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V380000 (Engine) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was n... Read more
Incident date: Nov 4, 2023
Steering tends to "stick" when driving, most noticeably at highway speed. You can feel the steering wheel catch when you move the wheel, even slightly. Although the sensation is similar to when lane departure engages, it happens when the feature is off and when I am dead center in a lane. Seems to increase over the time and distance driven. I bought the car new and drove for some time before i... Read more
Incident date: Jan 4, 2024
The passenger front door middle hinge broke from inside the door. There are numerous online articles of this happening and causing costly repairs of the entire door instead of just the hinge, which is Ford’s solution. Two days ago I noticed a creaking noise and thought I should spray wd40 and when I went to open my door to do this, there was a POP! And now the hinge can be moved up and down and ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 3, 2024
This vehicle has faulty or defective ABS braking system. The warning lights and warning chimes have been constantly going off for approx. 2 years. The Dodge/Ram dealerships admits that this is an industry wide defect with 2017 and 2018 Ram 2500 trucks, but say they have no parts to correct the problem. Their suggestion to me was to buy a new truck which is not acceptable or affordable. This was id... Read more
Incident date: Feb 2, 2024
I bought this vehicle 2weeks ago and she drove it Iowa. The next morning when she went to drive it, the battery was totally dead. Technician at Jeep Dealership it’s a software problem and they could take out that chip of the Telematics box is causing battery drain.
Incident date: Dec 23, 2023
ABS lights on dash continue to come on. ABS pump is most likely not working
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
I was driving at 35 MPH on a nicely paved road and my sunroof exploded. It sounded like a gun shot. There was a big whole in the roof mostly over the passenger seat. There was some glass on the seat and on the console and in the back seat. Most of the glass landed outside the car because the sun roof exploded from the inside out. The remaining glass was shattered upward. Because it was tem... Read more
Incident date: Sep 17, 2022
The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The vehicle restarted after 15 minutes but then stalled again. While driving 45 MPH on three other occasions, the vehicle stalled. The check starting system message was displayed. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that the part to repair the veh... Read more
Incident date: Jan 5, 2024
The TPMS system has been in a failure state a total of three times so far. The error message has cleared itself after a random amount of time.
Incident date: Dec 6, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Toyota Sienna. The contact stated while parked on a slight hill, her granddaughter opened the power sliding door to enter the vehicle however, the door did not latch or lock in place, causing the door to close independently while her granddaughter was entering the vehicle. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer but was previously repaired under a Toyota Customer Support Pr... Read more