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 27, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid. The contact stated that he attempted to use the key fob to unlock the doors, but the doors failed to unlock. The contact stated that he was able to use the key to manually unlock the doors. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact was able to jumpstart the vehicle and the check engine warning li... Read more
Incident date: May 4, 2023
The contact owns a 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the Forward Collision Avoidance system failed to alert as needed and failed to automatically stop the vehicle when another vehicle was ahead. The contact had to depress the brake pedal to stop the vehicle immediately. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, no error codes were retrieve... Read more
Incident date: May 4, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 75 MPH, the panoramic glass sunroof shattered, causing shards of glass to enter the cabin of the vehicle. The contact stated that the panoramic sunroof was in the closed position when the failure occurred. During the failure, the front passenger sustained lacerations to the back, leg, and shoulder. The elev... Read more
4 injured
Incident date: May 22, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Palisade. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V633000 (Trailer Hitches) 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. The contact ha... Read more
Incident date: May 22, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Gladiator. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the transmission started slipping. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V116000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer confirmed that the parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the man... Read more
Incident date: Apr 24, 2023
Rear view camera is no longer functioning properly.
Incident date: May 15, 2023
vehicle parked, came out next morning, tire had 5" split on sidewall, completely deflated original purchase date 12/11/21 tires have 5320 miles on them from new tire sidewall failed 5/15/2023 tire size 225 70R 16 mastercraft courser HSX tires available for inspection upon request
Incident date: May 18, 2023
VEHICLE TURNS OFF WHILE DRIVING. THE IGNITION BUTTON GOES TO ACC. THE CLUSTER BOARD THEN SAYS TO PRESS BRAKE AND PUT VEHICLE IN PARK. THIS IS HAPPENING EVERY COUPLE TRIPS
Incident date: May 14, 2023
The accident happened on 12/28/22. At 8:50 am, I was picking up a friend and was leaving the parking lot. My friend got in and and then opened the door to lock it again . My foot was on the gas pedal trying to leave the parking lot. The car jumped and went to the opposite side. I turned the steering wheel to keep it from hitting an object but could not get any control on the car. The car kept acce... Read more
Crash
Incident date: May 14, 2023
My rear passenger side rusted right out completely and the strut mount is not attached to any part of the body. It caused my vehicle to swirve off the road almost hitting another vehicle when it was raining out also in the snow this occurred several times where my rear end jerked sideways pulling my truck into a complete circle.
Incident date: May 14, 2023
My rear passenger side rusted right out completely and the strut mount is not attached to any part of the body. It caused my vehicle to swirve off the road almost hitting another vehicle when it was raining out also in the snow this occurred several times where my rear end jerked sideways pulling my truck into a complete circle.
Incident date: Jan 1, 2014
Today on May 13th 2023 I was driving on LIE 495 freeway with my wife. All of sudden we heard the explosion and could hear the air noise from the sunroof. We pulled vehicle on the side and found out glass was broken and there wasn’t any rock or any other object which could cause the damage. We think it’s quality of the glass which could not resonate the heat and pressure could have caused.
Incident date: Apr 27, 2023
I have a 2019 LS500 I’ve been hearing noise from my tires and Also my tire shredded literally at 3k miles. It took manufacture 6 months after that to recall all 4 tires. I was very scared to drive the car. When it happened I was going 80. The car swerved all over the highway. If there had been a car near me it most likely would have been fatal. The absolute most terrifying experience I have ever... Read more
Incident date: Apr 27, 2023
Pacifica with 68000 miles giving a P0303 cylinder 3 misfire. After taking to two separate mechanics, they both confirmed its a blown head gasket leaking antifreeze into cylinder 3. Going to cost $4000 to repair.
Incident date: Apr 27, 2023
Prior to this incident below I started my vehicle up and it started up fine. Suddenly I couldn’t move my vehicle out of the parking spot. I tried to turn the vehicle off and it wouldn’t turn off at all. So I was just sitting trying to figure out what to do. I suddenly click the stop start button without pressing the breaks and it turned my vehicle off. The next day I took my vehicle to a Jeep ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 28, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V650000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. 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 a failure. VIN tool confi... Read more
Incident date: Apr 24, 2023
The factory Ford lug nuts have "swollen" so that the 2 piece "cap" has detached from the actual nut preventing me from removal or properly tightening the lug nut to the wheel. In the even of a flat tire, this would be impossible to change along the highway.
Incident date: Apr 24, 2023
My 2022 VW Taos suddenly began to lose acceleration and the check engine light and EPC light came on. Upon contacting the dealership, they said there is a recall on my car for the exact issues, however they do not have any parts to fix it and do not have an ETA of when it can be fixed. The safety recall states that if operating the vehicle while this issue is happening, it could result in a car cr... Read more
Incident date: Apr 7, 2023
Sunroof exploded upwards. Nothing hit the sunroof and there was no existing damage
Incident date: Feb 7, 2023
The vehicle started to shift on its own mostly between the upper gears even though terrain or load had not changed. At slower speeds the vehicle started to automatically shift into park and lock up the wheels. This caused a very serious risk of injury to me and the people behind me when it would lock up. After stopping the vehicle sometimes does not move when in drive. There are no warning ligh... Read more
Incident date: Apr 25, 2023
When driving my truck on the freeway the steering became hard to turn and to control the truck. Steering wheel would turn and click but hard to keep straight on road. was able to drive slowly to a auto repair shop, almost nearly crashed into railing on freeway. Took 190 days for ford to deliver the part. (Sounds like this happened before to other vehicles). The issue was the steering gear stoped w... Read more
Incident date: Apr 25, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, smoke and an oil leak coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was towed to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the engine was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The fa... Read more
Incident date: Nov 12, 2022
This is the second dangerous situation on the highway. Both were within reasonable speed and distance, and the car couldn't come to a complete stop. This time there was an accident and I hit the car in front of me. I realized the car had a very important brake failure malfunction.
Crash
Incident date: Apr 10, 2023
Unknown other than I requested Vernon Chevrolet in CT repair my recall on January 2, 2023 but have yet to hear back
Incident date: Apr 17, 2023
We have a 2019 Honda CRV. The car won't start. When we try to start the car, the following things hapen: 1. "Electric Parking Brake Problem" warning signal flashes on the dashboard 2. "Brake System Problem" warning signal flashes on the dashboard 3. "Tire Pressure Low" warning signal flashes on the dashboard 4. "To Start Engine..." light flahes on the dashboard 5. "BRAKE" light remains on 6. More... Read more
Incident date: Mar 9, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that while turning the steering wheel in either direction, there was a clicking sound was coming from the steering column. Additionally, while operating the vehicle, the air bag warning light remained illuminated, with the cruise control feature inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the clockspring was... Read more
Incident date: Apr 18, 2023
I purchased a 2015 Volkswagen Jetta from North Coast Auto Mall on March 19, 2023 and the following day several issues went wrong with the vehicle like: The car reeked of gasoline, oil and engine lights came on, driver side head light blew out. Also, I was told that the car had an inspection, come to find out they didn't do an inspection by North Coast Service manager, so they lied. Also, the reaso... Read more
Incident date: Apr 18, 2023
I purchased a 2015 Volkswagen Jetta from North Coast Auto Mall on March 19, 2023 and the following day several issues went wrong with the vehicle like: The car reeked of gasoline, oil and engine lights came on, driver side head light blew out. Also, I was told that the car had an inspection, come to find out they didn't do an inspection by North Coast Service manager, so they lied. Also, the reaso... Read more
Incident date: Apr 13, 2023
There has been a recall since last year, with no parts. In Feb my car broke down stopped running due to this recall. I had it towed to a dealership and no parts. Now its been sitting there for months and I have no car to drive. The dealership said they cant help, call Crysler. I contacted them and was told so sorry we WONT pay for a rental car. Now what am I going to do? I have to work and cant af... Read more
Incident date: Feb 17, 2023
From purchasing this vehicle form Autohaus of Orlando, there was no such mention of this open safety recall at all. In fact, I believe the Check Engine Light had been tampered with, as it was not on, but immediately came on a couple days later. On the CARFAX, it is listed as a Manufacturer Safety Recall on 11/19/2021: "- Recall #21V-907:404 - EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION (EGR) COOLER - Status: Remed... Read more
Incident date: Feb 17, 2023
I received a Safety recall notice in February 2023. I immediately called to schedule an appointment to have the work done. Upon driving to the dealership, I was told that they needed to order the part from Ford Co. and it would take a month to receive the part. I again called the dealership after 5 weeks had passed, and again they told me that Ford is not making the part available, when the Recall... Read more
Incident date: May 26, 2016
Safety Issue. The Chrome on the lever to make the seat move forward to access the back seat has sharp razor blade ridges. It has cut my hand open multiple times as well as my wife and a friend. A lot of blood, this is a serious issue. When I brought my car to the Mercedes Service center the agent told me this is a known problem and he too has cut his hand open on customers cars. This is not from... Read more
3 injured
Incident date: Feb 18, 2023
At 85000 miles the dual clutch failed. At 88,219 miles the transmission failed. The car had started to shudder when it shifted when the dealership told me the clutched need to be replaced. The transmission died with no warning on a sub-zero night. I'm lucky that it died in my driveway rather than someplace out of the way. The failure of the transmission was confirmed by an independent service cent... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2023
The vin to my car does not match with the motor. I find this odd. When I looked up my car vin on Kelly blue book the description was a 4 cylinder but how because I spicifically bought the 6 cylinder. also I just noticed that my car has two safety recalls that I just had found today. Another thing that I will tell you (you will find this odd at first) but once you investigate you will understand. i... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2023
I bought my 17 Hyundai Elantra back in august 22 and noticed sometime after buying it that it smelled like coolant burning when it ran. So I kept my eye out to see if there where any leaks no leaks. Sometime this year I took the car to central Hyundai to get it looked at cause of the burning coolant smell and because after it had been running if I opened the engine oil area on the top of the engin... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2023
I bought my 17 Hyundai Elantra back in august 22 and noticed sometime after buying it that it smelled like coolant burning when it ran. So I kept my eye out to see if there where any leaks no leaks. Sometime this year I took the car to central Hyundai to get it looked at cause of the burning coolant smell and because after it had been running if I opened the engine oil area on the top of the engin... Read more
Incident date: Mar 8, 2023
El asiento tiene un ruido muy raro. Pero no se quita con nada. Y además el carro se me frenó una vez llendo en carretera.
Incident date: Mar 30, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Ford F-150. The contact stated that during cold weather, the power steering failed to operate without warning. The contact initially took the vehicle to a dealer, but the mechanic was unable to service the vehicle. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic where the mechanic discovered moisture inside the power steering module. The manufacturer was also notified... Read more
Incident date: Feb 2, 2023
When using the auto high beam headlights. The headlights will dim and the high beams do not always come back on. this appears to happen after seeing yellow signs on the roads. To fix I have to turn the head light knob to on (which turns the lights off for a second). This is very dangerous on the dark roads i ride on. I was told by dealer this is a known issue on many brands and there is no fi... Read more
Incident date: Feb 2, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while approaching a stop light, the vehicle started to vibrate without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer stated that the transmission support needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure continued. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer stated that the transmission might have malfunct... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2022
I have a 2022 Buick Enclave Avenir. I purchased the car Dec 2021. I received a low pressure indicator October 26, 2022 in which I had the tire repaired. The brakes started grinding in December of 2022. I took it to the local dealership several times and have called to report the issue as well. On one visit the brake pads were repaired because of a bulletin received from GM. A few days after the re... Read more
Incident date: Feb 10, 2023
After 45 minutes in stop-and-go traffic the brake pedal went to the floor four times, the Brake Override System (BOS) failed, throwing the shifter into Park failed, and we hit the car in front of us. No warning sounds typical for this car sounded and no lights appeared on the dash. Thankfully, we were only moving at 5 mph which I didn't think qualified as a "crash" but there was indeed a collision... Read more
Incident date: Feb 10, 2023
My car completely malfunctioned, the first time my car only had 2,000 miles on it. I was sitting at a red light on a busy Atlanta Rd. The vehicle went completely dead, I mean I could not even turn on the emergency flashers- " nothing worked" Dead car! I could not go anywhere for about 2 minutes. People honking and getting aggressive in traffic started up in about 2 minutes or so. I stopped in t... Read more
Incident date: Feb 10, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the front windshield wipers activated independently. The contact removed the fuse to stop the windshield wipers. The vehicle was not diagnosed. On another occasion while starting the vehicle, the vehicle lost power steering functionality with the steering assist fault message displayed. The contact turned off and... Read more
Incident date: Feb 2, 2023
Fuel pump started going out. My brothers vehicle also started going out too in the same vehicle as this. It's clearly a wide issue. Car stalls when gas is at half tank.
Incident date: Mar 22, 2023
I have 2 bmws with identical issues. Computer reads airbag sensor stating restraint system defective.
Incident date: Mar 22, 2023
I have a 2017 Honda Pilot EX-L with a mileage of 41010 miles. I have completed all the recommended services in a timely manner by an authorized Honda Dealer. When I was driving the vehicle yesterday (3/25/2023) at a speed of around 65 mph, I got an error message saying "Transmission System Problem". There was no error code associated with it. There was no problem in the driving. But at the end of ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 25, 2023
In 2020 the right windshield trim detached and flew from the car while driving down the interstate. I didn't know what happened and I thought maybe something hit my car. On March 22, 2023, while driving on the interstate, the left side detached and flew off the car into the left lane of the interstate. I don't know if it hit another car or not. It was too dangerous to try and stop and find it. ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 23, 2023
HYUNDAI KIA. CONSTITUENT WRITES REGARDING OIL DRAIN PAN ASSEMBLIES.
Incident date: Mar 23, 2023
Driving approximately 40mph with no one in front, sides, rear and car suddenly braked without warning for no reason. Glad no car behind could have caused accident.