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: Dec 21, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start up after several attempts. There was no warning light illuminated. Once the vehicle was started, the vehicle jerked while depressing the accelerator pedal while driving at various speeds. There was no warning light illuminated. One day, several warning lights appeared on the instrument panel soon after starting... Read more
Incident date: Jun 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, there was a crackling sound coming from the engine compartment. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or local dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 10, 2024
The contact owns 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the vehicle made an abnormal sound. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the cam phasers, the timing chain, and other unknown parts were replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact related the failure to Ford Campaign Number: 21N03. The man... Read more
Incident date: May 24, 2024
THE Transmission Valve Body Solenoid was diagnosed as not working. while i was driving on the highway without any indication the car just started slowing down . There was not a warning or anything, then the transmission service lights up, i had to have my car towed to a dealership however they informed me that there was never any service they were supposed to do on my transmission because of th... Read more
Incident date: May 24, 2024
THE Transmission Valve Body Solenoid was diagnosed as not working. while i was driving on the highway without any indication the car just started slowing down . There was not a warning or anything, then the transmission service lights up, i had to have my car towed to a dealership however they informed me that there was never any service they were supposed to do on my transmission because of th... Read more
Incident date: Jun 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle started to idle rough with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified... Read more
Incident date: Jun 3, 2024
Prius Gen III has a known defect with failing Brake booster parts. In Nov 2023, while driving my 2010 Prius (~160K miles), suddenly brake, ABS, Traction control, skid indicator lights popped up on the dashboard and I have lost the ability to brake effectively. There was a brake pressure loss and I had to slam hard the brakes to slow the car. The error code was 'C1391' and the mechanic diagnose... Read more
Incident date: Jun 3, 2024
Bought vehicle from Joe Machens Chrysler, Columbia, MO. [XXX]. The net day after a long drive out of town, the owner put vehicle in reverse to leave home and there was an issue. The vehicle sounded like it had “run over a metal garbage can.” It vibrated the floorboard as well. It happens only when the car is in reverse. It happens immediately when you try to back up. It is available for ins... Read more
Incident date: May 17, 2024
There is a message that’s pops up on my dashboard when I cut my car off saying “car not in park” when I have in fact put it in park. I have to jiggle and constantly press the gear shift in order for the message to go away .My safety was fine , I’m just scared that I may not see the message and my car could potentially start rolling backwards or forward. My car has been doing this for about... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
The dashboard is separating where the airbag is on the passenger side and also the driver side which could deploy the airbag
Incident date: Jun 14, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 20 MPH, the fuel tank detached and fell from the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or local dealer. The contact related the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V160000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the VIN was not included. T... Read more
Incident date: Sep 23, 2022
The contact owned a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, smoke started to enter the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated a bystander yelled at her telling her that the vehicle was on fire, and the contact exited the vehicle. The vehicle then exploded. The fire department was able to extinguish the fire. A police report and a f... Read more
Fire
Incident date: May 15, 2024
When putting the car in reverse, the rear camera displays briefly. As you start to reverse, the camera cuts in and out and you're unable to see what is behind you on the screen. It flashes to black for at least a minute, so you're unable to use the backup camera for up to 60 seconds after you put the car in reverse.
Incident date: Jun 11, 2024
I was driving home from work when I felt my car was in a limp like a previous problem I had except this time I had a check engine light come on. I was almost home and I had a check hybrid system pop up on my dash and the car basically stopped driving. Luckily I was on a side street. I had a p0171 code on both of my issues . I had it fixed about a month and half ago the first time but couldn't s... Read more
Incident date: Jun 11, 2024
I was driving home from work when I felt my car was in a limp like a previous problem I had except this time I had a check engine light come on. I was almost home and I had a check hybrid system pop up on my dash and the car basically stopped driving. Luckily I was on a side street. I had a p0171 code on both of my issues . I had it fixed about a month and half ago the first time but couldn't s... Read more
Incident date: Jun 3, 2024
On June 8th my husband was driving the car for the first time and when he was coming to a stoplight the regen braking was active, he hit a bump a grinding noise was made, and it lurched us forward and put the car in park. My husband was confused and asked me how often the car does that, and it does it every time I drive it that I have just had to learn to try and compensate for it so that I do not... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2024
When the vehicle in front of me slows down significantly, my Accord will flash the automatic brake warning and come to a complete stop. Once stopped the vehicle does not accelerate for a few moments. Several times I’ve pressed the acceleration pedal to the floor with no acceleration, the vehicle in front of me long all while watching cars swerve behind me to not rear end me. The several times ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle unintendedly lost motive power. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with a misfire in cylinder #4. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure; however, no assistance was pr... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2023
Usually in the mornings there is a loud sound that comes out of the vents. I have it recorded. It sounds somewhat like crackling. One time when my car was in the shop I was given a loner of the same type of car and I heard it in that car as well. Today was the most recent occurence. 6/12/24.
Incident date: Sep 4, 2023
A water leak has ruined TWO power liftgate control modules. The water leak probably comes from the roof or driver rear window welds. I replaced one module two months ago and the new one has also malfunctioned due to water intrusion. This causes the liftgate to be stuck open or closed and could potentially open when driving!
Incident date: Sep 4, 2023
A water leak has ruined TWO power liftgate control modules. The water leak probably comes from the roof or driver rear window welds. I replaced one module two months ago and the new one has also malfunctioned due to water intrusion. This causes the liftgate to be stuck open or closed and could potentially open when driving!
Incident date: May 6, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the passenger's side active head restraint deployed independently. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the headrest. The contact was informed that the headrest needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not n... Read more
Incident date: Mar 4, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while making left and right turns on several occasions at various speeds, the parking assist warning light illuminated, and the steering wheel became stiff. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notif... Read more
Incident date: Mar 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, there was an abnormal clunking sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated while reversing, the failure recurred, and the rear end of the vehicle responded forcefully. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving and while reversing. The vehicle was not diagnosed or ... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact stated that while driving on several occasions in one week, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that a week later while driving at an undisclosed speed, the low-pressure oil warning light illuminated. Th... Read more
Incident date: May 31, 2024
Sunroof on Kia Telluride will not close completely. Will begin closing and then will not set down into the closed position.
Incident date: May 31, 2024
Driver's side door will lose power while in park or while driving. This causes the locks to not work and windows (driver's and passenger's) will not go up or down. The mirrors will not fold in. Lights on the door goes out. Controls goes completely unresponsible.
Incident date: May 31, 2024
Blown head gasket due to the new 1.5L engine Honda started making on the 2018 models.
Incident date: Jun 4, 2024
Car pulls to the right since I had it..the dealer did a alignment twice already but it still pulls to the right..they did a alignment at around 5000 miles and again at 8000 miles but it still does it.
Incident date: Jun 2, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, it was difficult shifting gear. The contact stated that the vehicle was slow to respond. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, and the contact was informed that the vehicle was experiencing transmission failure. The local dealer was contacted, b... Read more
Incident date: May 29, 2024
Driver's side front door is making loud noises when opening and closing. Noise appears to be coming from the middle hinge.
Incident date: Apr 26, 2024
This issue has happened multiple times, once on the highway the vehicle felt like it lost gear/ the engine completely cut off. multiple warning lights came on such as airbag, ABS, engine light. was eventually able to get to the shoulder and after multiple attempts it started back up, showed no warning lights. drove the rest of the way fine. another time that could have put other at risk is when ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 26, 2024
This issue has happened multiple times, once on the highway the vehicle felt like it lost gear/ the engine completely cut off. multiple warning lights came on such as airbag, ABS, engine light. was eventually able to get to the shoulder and after multiple attempts it started back up, showed no warning lights. drove the rest of the way fine. another time that could have put other at risk is when ... Read more
Incident date: May 30, 2024
The Windshield of my outback Subaru 2019 has cracked two times since I purchased the vehicle. Not caused by propelled items, accidents or vandalism, instead, these cracks originated from the center bottom part of the windshield suddenly and spread upwards.
Incident date: May 30, 2024
ABS Module, confirm with dealer ship and automotive shop. Loss of power steering, lost use of drive shaft, car completely stalled on main road.
Incident date: May 30, 2024
ABS Module, confirm with dealer ship and automotive shop. Loss of power steering, lost use of drive shaft, car completely stalled on main road.
Incident date: May 19, 2024
I was stopped at a red light in middle lane with traffic all around when the car just stopped running. After a few tries it started again.
Incident date: May 30, 2024
My Tesla model Y performance 2022 was purchased on September 26, 2022. I found that the left rear wheel was leaking in July 2023. After other tire repair shops failed to find the cause of the leak, I went to the Alhambra Tesla service center for further inspection. They found that my wheels rims had cracks that caused the tire to leak very slowly. These cracks are invisible to the naked eye (I sti... Read more
Incident date: May 30, 2024
The lane keep assist does not work basically , it can't detect the lines , due to the recall I can't charge my car which I paid much more than regular ford fusion. To be able to use the Electric miles and save on gas , also the 3G modem stopped working and ford has no fix for that , took it to different dealers and they say even if I replace the old modem with a new 4G, (paying out of my own pock... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2017
My engine completely locked up due to a faulty part at approx 68k miles. I sued and they immediately paid what I was asking for which was only the cost of the brand new engine I had to buy and the rental car for 3 months. In January, I was traveling approximately 55 mph when the light came on and said engine too hot, stop car now. I pulled over and opened the hood. It did not appear hot. I started... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2017
My engine completely locked up due to a faulty part at approx 68k miles. I sued and they immediately paid what I was asking for which was only the cost of the brand new engine I had to buy and the rental car for 3 months. In January, I was traveling approximately 55 mph when the light came on and said engine too hot, stop car now. I pulled over and opened the hood. It did not appear hot. I started... Read more
Incident date: Dec 26, 2023
The adaptive cruise control doesn’t function correctly. I was on the freeway, which was 70 MPH, and all of a sudden the vehicle breaker abruptly while in autopilot. I saw that it registered the max speed as 40 MPH. It almost caused a collision.
Incident date: May 22, 2024
Was driving smelled plastic burning parked it at my house now dash says service charging system. It wont turn on or go into drive. I am afraid its going to catch fire.
Incident date: May 21, 2024
The contact's daughter owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that on several occasions while his daughter was driving at various speeds, the engine ran rough, and the vehicle started shaking violently. On one occasion, the check engine warning light flashed. The vehicle stalled but was restarted after one attempt. The contact stated that violent shaking persisted. The vehicle was towed to a ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 20, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The vehicle ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 20, 2023
The Hyundai I just purchased was packaged with BOTH carpeted and rubber mats. Both were priced and charged separately on the Hyundai window sticker. The car cannot be bought without paying for both. It is well known that driving with rubber mats over carpet mats creates a serious safety hazard that will can lead to the mat slipping and the driver losing control over speed and braking. I contacted... Read more
Incident date: May 6, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, there was an abnormally strong fuel odor detected. The contact stated that fuel was leaking from the fuel tank onto the ground. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where the fuel tank and fuel pump assembly were replaced. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V278000 (Fuel Syst... Read more
Incident date: May 12, 2024
My 2016 Kia seronto was fine wasn’t throwing any codes not even the code that tells me my oil is low. But always kept it changed and maintained never had a problem with it only the code that says 02 sensor then I started having an exhaust leak near my engine it was getting so hot to the point it was catching my carpet inside my car on fire so I had to pull up the carpet that never bother me or ... Read more
Incident date: May 14, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Mercedes Benz C300. The contact stated that while making a left turn at 40 MPH, another vehicle crashed into the front passenger side of the vehicle. The air bags did not deploy upon impact and the seat belt also failed to restrain the contact during the crash. Due to both failures, the contact's head and chest hit the steering wheel. The contact was taken to the hospital b... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: May 7, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle misfired, with the check engine warning light illuminated. In addition, the RPMs were unusually low. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was later towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusi... Read more