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: Aug 13, 2023
When crossing an intersection my vehicles RPMs went up but there was no acceleration, after a few seconds the car found the gear and went across. There hasn't been any lights on for any issues. Trying to find somewhere to take it because the transmission is done. had we been hit with my kids in the vehicle ford would have a bigger issue at hand.
Incident date: Aug 13, 2023
My vehicle sound system sometimes makes ear splitting squelching noises. It has caused my ears to ring. It has done it twice in the last week.
1 injured
Incident date: Aug 8, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated driving 30-35 MPH, the ABS warning light, the check engine warning light, the traction control warning light, and other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The odometer became inoperable. The vehicle lost power steering functionality and shifted into Accessory Mode. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The contact stat... Read more
Incident date: Aug 8, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated driving 30-35 MPH, the ABS warning light, the check engine warning light, the traction control warning light, and other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The odometer became inoperable. The vehicle lost power steering functionality and shifted into Accessory Mode. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The contact stat... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
CONCERN: This is the second time the engine does not shut off. All warning lights go off, unsteady steering wheel and odometer/odograph failed. This is not just a malfunction issue it is a severe safety concern. Back in January of 2023 it happen for the first time and was told Control Unit IPDM, Engine Room needed to be replaced and it was. But once again while driving the steering wheel went u... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2023
My car started making a whining noise from the engine. I took it into my Toyota dealer, and was told there was an internal bearing failure in the transmission. The transmission would have to be replaced. This is not right for a car only 4 1/2 years old. I contacted Toyota Brand Engagement Center Headquarters. They were of little help. I have researched other cases on the Toyota forum with exact sa... Read more
Incident date: Aug 5, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle decelerated and shifted into LIMP Mode. The service required a warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the speedometer fluctuated erratically. Additionally, the contact stated that he used a code reader to diagnose the vehicle and retrieved DTC code: P0720. The vehicle was ... Read more
LEXUS
ES
(2018) — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE
Aug 7, 2023
Incident date: Aug 7, 2023
The Heat Shield on Exhaust becomes loose, rattles and comes off while driving. Danger to to other drives behind me. See the number of complaints over here - https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-3rd-gen-2010-2015/863952-exhaust-heat-shield-loose-and-rattling.html
Incident date: Aug 7, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil with the oil warning light illuminated. The contact had initially taken the vehicle to Crowley Kia (223 Broad St, Bristol, CT 06010) to be diagnosed. The diagnostic result was cylinder wall scoring due to piston rings failure. The vehicle was taken to another dealer and the con... Read more
Incident date: Aug 7, 2023
The component that has failed is on the exhaust listed as the flexible exhaust pipe assemble part N1MZ5G203A. The part has no visual damage but consistently rattles while idle. The vehicle has been well taken care of but the part appears to be defective. This appears to be the same issue as NHTSA Technical Bulletin 20-2282. There are no safety concerns at this point. The vehicle has been inspec... Read more
Incident date: Aug 4, 2023
Our Jeep has had multiple accounts of shifting hard, hesitation while shifting, and a on and off service 4wd light. We reported these issues to the Jeep dealership it was purchased from and they said nothing was wrong after 4 scheduled maintenance visits. We brought our Jeep to a neighboring dealership who immediately found the issue and said it was a major transmission component that went bad. ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 10, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and while shifting in reverse, she heard a grinding sound at the hood of the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a Midas where it was diagnosed that the transmission failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then towed to Atlantic Transmission Specialist wher... Read more
Incident date: Jun 10, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Rogue. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the local dealer under NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V093000 (Electrical System). The vehicle was repaired, but the contact stated that the repair to the use of a screw was not adequate. The contact stated that the key was now always opened. While the key fob was in his pants pocket, the key cut his leg. There was no... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Jul 31, 2023
The ADAS regularly brakes suddenly for no apparent reason. There does not seem to be a consistent reason. Yesterday, during a 90 mile drive EB on the interstate in the afternoon it braked (scaring us) suddenly so often that it made cruise control more of a hazard than a help. This morning between 9-11 am, westbound on the same interstate it braked suddenly 20-30 times. This sudden braking is dange... Read more
Incident date: Jun 5, 2023
Which component or system experienced a failure or malfunction, and is it available for inspection upon request? The Pre-collagen system and emergency braking system failed. These components are available for inspection upon request at the dealership where the car has been undergoing manufacturer inspection since June 8th, 2023. How was safety compromised for you or others? While driving on the h... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jun 5, 2023
The whole truck shut off, dashboard, stereo, engine, while driving and in gear. Had to drift over safely to a stop to restart the engine. The safety of my children and myself were in danger due to this catastrophic failure. No warning lights, no previous problems.
Incident date: Jun 5, 2023
Control Arms - lower control arm both sides of the vehicle Confirmed by the dealership service department and given an estimate of cost for repair Has not been inspected by manufacturer, police, insurance or others. No warning lights have come on. Just a crunching & clicking noise coming from under the front end of the vehicle.
Incident date: Jul 27, 2023
Purchased a brand new Lexus RX 350h on April 28, 2023. Within 2-3 weeks, the vehicle started issuing alerts that parts of the ADAS were malfunctioning, and therefore the vehicle was disabling the entire ADAS. This warning would come on while driving, and even after clearing the warning, it would pop back up within seconds. Took the new car to the dealer over 4 weeks ago to have this addressed, and... Read more
Incident date: Jul 27, 2023
The contact rented a 2021 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, he heard a vibrating sound coming from the front driver’s side windshield. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic; however, the contact was informed that the vehicle was a rental and could not be diagnosed. The contact was informed to return the vehicle to Avis Car Rental. The contact ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 27, 2023
The contact rented a 2021 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, he heard a vibrating sound coming from the front driver’s side windshield. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic; however, the contact was informed that the vehicle was a rental and could not be diagnosed. The contact was informed to return the vehicle to Avis Car Rental. The contact ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 24, 2023
The car has been burning oil where I have to have it changed every week. I read that California has a lawsuit on lemon law against Kia and Hyundai for burning engines and my 2014 Kia Rio is included but I don't live in California. I am requesting you to do the same thing California is doing and do a lawsuit. I have all the receipts and proof every week I have to add oil because the engine burns oi... Read more
Incident date: Jan 3, 2023
Right rear air bag twisted and got against the exhaust which caused the vehicles suspension to drop or not hold air. I was told it was the compressor leaking through and had compressor replaced. It is not the compressor and the vehicle right rear suspension continues to loose air. When the vehicle was looked at again the airbag was untwisted and had a burn mark from exhaust. This is definitely a s... Read more
Incident date: Nov 15, 2022
DRIVING ON AUTOPILOT ON THE HIGHWAY, THE CAR SUDDENLY BRAKES WITH NOT APPARENT REASON.
Incident date: Jul 22, 2023
I was on my way to take my baby to daycare and all of a sudden fuel gauge system problem popped up. And then everything shut off. Had to park very close to the road because I was on a small road with culverts on each side. I had fuel in it I just drove it the day before with no problems. I don’t feel that’s a very safe feature on the car. I had no warning and my baby was with me. If it’s jus... Read more
Incident date: Jul 22, 2023
Every 6 months, the rear cameras, cross traffic sensors and blind spot warning go out and completely stop functioning. I take it to the dealer tland they keep it for 1-2 weeks and eventually replace a fuse and send it home. This has happened four times. No one will actually correct the root cause ti the issue. It's going on its third week in the shop this time.
Incident date: Apr 15, 2023
I brought my car to Kendall Lexus for repairs as well as a recall on the starter solenoid. They charged me about $1,200 for these repairs, including the installation of a new starter. Unfortunately, the newly installed starter failed within a month of its replacement, causing significant inconvenience and safety concerns. Upon discovering the issue, I immediately contacted Kendall Lexus to report... Read more
Incident date: Apr 15, 2023
My steering started locking up and now my vehicle will stall and shut completely down while doing 65 miles an hour and now it won't run at all
Incident date: Apr 15, 2023
My steering started locking up and now my vehicle will stall and shut completely down while doing 65 miles an hour and now it won't run at all
Incident date: Jul 15, 2023
While traveling at freeway speeds the vehicle's emergency braking system activated without the operator initiating the system resulting in rear wheels locking up, causing the vehicle to go into a rear wheel skid.
Incident date: Jul 15, 2023
Transmission K1 snap ring failure. Left me stranded on busy road unable to move truck.Dealer has diagnost it. No warnings, just failed.
Incident date: Jul 15, 2023
White paint is peeling off in multiple places on the body of the vehicle. There is a change.org petition with 5,000+ signatures, yet Toyota has refused to do anything about the issue. https://www.change.org/p/toyota-motor-company-hold-toyota-accountable-for-2008-2022-tacoma-super-white-peeling-paint
Incident date: Jul 18, 2023
The contact's wife owns a 2015 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle made an abnormal popping sound. The contact veered to the side of the road and opened the hood. The contact stated that he noticed that coolant had leaked onto the engine, and the coolant reservoir was empty. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact who is an independent m... Read more
Incident date: Jul 18, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to accelerate, the RPM quickly became elevated; however, the vehicle temporarily lost motive power before returning to normal operation. The contact stated that he was able to drive to residence however, the vehicle had since failed to start. The check engine warning light was illuminated. T... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2023
I was driving on the interstate highway. While driving at 60 mph towing a fifth wheel RV the front end shuddered for several seconds. Then the drivers side front wheel assembly broke off at the wheel studs. I was able to safely get to the breakdown lane. The drivers side front wheel assembly struck another vehicle traveling the oncoming lane. I was told that the vehicle that was struck was totaled... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jul 18, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Ford F-150. The contact stated that at start up, he heard a rattling sound coming from the hood of the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the timing chain and camshaft failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mile... Read more
Incident date: May 11, 2021
I received a recall notice back in Sept 2019 (19V-495 ). I went to Antwerpen Nissan (Woodlawn, MD ) and they eroneously closed my recall ticket without completing the work. This was the second time that dealership falsified documents. Antwerpen Nissan said that they didn't see anything wrong with the wire harness. I've been having electrical problems sporadically since 2019. The problems are gett... Read more
Incident date: Jul 14, 2021
At ~126k miles, my 3.3L Santa Fe started knocking and then stopped running. There were no warning lights whatsoever. Regular service records are available to show oil changes/maintenance and all repairs done at the dealership. Mechanic says the engine is toast. Hyundai dealership told me no need to even bring it in bc it will not be covered.
Incident date: Jul 7, 2023
I was driving my 2011 Lexus RX 350 on July 7, 2023, to a swimming pool. I was pulling into a parking spot just rolling to a stop with my foot on the brake. The car suddenly accelerated with grate speed and ran on the curb of the sidewalk forward to a small rock wall, I immediately turned the vehicle to the right and pressed down on the brakes, but the vehicle kept moving about 45 feet and came to ... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jul 7, 2023
My car is braking hard while I'm on the highway. It's happened on this trip 7 times already. In one of braking, My wife almost got rear ended
Incident date: Jul 7, 2023
There is a deadly airbag recall and GM has no plan to fix the driver side airbag.
Incident date: Jul 1, 2021
The Forward Collision Warning light comes on display cluster during start indicating it is turned off. Adaptive Cruise Control does not appear to be working because it doesn't give warning upon closing in on the vehicle in front of my vehicle and I have had to react by tapping brake to turn the cruise off. Parking Collision Warning works intermittently. These problems showed up after a software u... Read more
Incident date: Feb 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Edge. The contact stated that upon visual inspection, he observed condensation build-up within both the driver's and passenger's side taillights that could severely reduce night-time visibility. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer wa... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
I was traveling on IH-10 from San Antonio and El Paso, when I had multiple hard braking incidents for no reason at all. I had adaptive cruise control on. Multiple incidents also happened on my return trip. I took out emergency brake on my return trip and it seemed to work ok, except it resets the emergency braking after each stop and I forgot to take it out. That is when I had multiple incident... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2023
On Saturday July 15, 2023, at between about 8:00 and 8:30 a.m. CDST the vehicle was parked overnight in a garage, spontaneously caught fire and burned and was a total loss. There was a smell I would associate with an electrical fire. People reported hearing a car alarm and a "popping sound" before the fire. The fire department extinguished the fire and had the car towed out of the garage of a cond... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jul 15, 2023
When the car is started, it cranks with a bit of hesitation. It then has a rough idle. After putting the car in gear and going, it will just shut off while it's in drive. I then have to place the car in neutral while it's still moving to start it again and then quickly put it into drive. It does this the first 10 minutes of driving and then it stops. Until you let it sit for awhile and then it... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2023
When adaptive cruise control is set, the vehicle thinks there is a crash ahead and applies the brakes when in reality nothing is in front of the vehicle . This causes a very dangerous situation for vehicles behind the truck when it applies emergency braking.
Incident date: Jun 26, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while her husband was driving approximately 25 MPH, the "Service Power Steering”, “Service Stabili-trak" and "Service Four Wheel Drive" were displayed. The contact's husband was able to veer to the side of the roadway. The contact stated that her husband turned off and restarted the vehicle, and the vehicle responded as neede... Read more
Incident date: May 29, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the front driver side wheel seized and would not release. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a fractured wheel dimension as a result the dimensions needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximatel... Read more
Incident date: Jul 11, 2023
My car was hesitant to accelerate when both stopped and while cruising. When stopped, I would release the brake and the car would shudder and not accelerate. It would sit for a few seconds before going forward. When stopped on a hill, my car would roll backwards when I would release from the brake. When accelerating up a hill, my car would shudder and stop accelerating for a few seconds. Once, whi... Read more
Incident date: Apr 11, 2023
I drove through about 12 inch water during a flash flood rain down pour. After driving about 200 feet, my steering failed. The instrument panel displayed, power steering assistance reduced. I could not turn the the steering wheel to get in the parking lot. I Google to see what the problem was and there are a lot of people complaining with the same problem. I had towed to the shop and the extended ... Read more