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: Oct 11, 2023
The information screen, which provides all of the safety backup camera and sensors and entertainment and other adjustments and information won’t turn on. It is very important when backing up. A replacement is not available for months per Honda corporate customer service.
Incident date: Oct 15, 2023
Per the mandated law in September of 2001 all vehicles sold in the United States are required to have a trunk release on the inside. The 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe does not. The 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe small SUV are very known for the lights to go out due to condensation in the tail lights. So needless to say it was built poorly as an owner like myself has to constantly change the tail lights or be rear-... Read more
Incident date: Oct 16, 2023
The electric power steering system went out while driving. The truck had been checked for codes that day which indicated a possible need to replace the egr valve but nothing about power steering. I was in a parking lot and was able to pull into a space but was unable to get home.
Incident date: Sep 23, 2023
My vehicle is under a cyber attack! I went to Ford dealership to have my horn fixed and explained the same thing I am about to tell you. They check and stated that there were some issue with the Sync system but all is well. If I further issues to see them again. Well, I have the same issues. My horn is not working when I know I just had it fixed! I was driving when suddenly my vehicle engine felt ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 21, 2023
I have a 2016 Chevy Traverse. The “traction control off” light has been on for about 2 months now, along with the service stabilitrak light, and ABS light. When driving it seems is if though my ABS is kicking in when it should not be. Since those lights have been on, the left passenger brakes seem to also be affected. Anytime I first begin driving until I hit about 30mph, or anytime I press th... Read more
Incident date: Oct 12, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated that while parked, the vehicle had smelled gas fumes in the vehicle. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the failure was due to a plastic fuel pump module in the gas tank had corroded and the seam of the gas tank had leaked. The vehicle had not been... Read more
Incident date: Aug 19, 2013
Multiple engine failure codes appeared on dashboard. Took vehicle for inspection and diagnoses states code P0172 Fuel system too rich. The service technician recommended fuel injector replacement due to faulty injectors. Service advisor did not file a warranty claim on my behalf despite my request to do so. When I called Portfolio Protection, they informed me that the technician did not call in th... Read more
Incident date: Sep 5, 2023
Driving on the interstate with no cars near me and my sunroof exploded and showered me with glass. VW is claiming that it was hit and it was not. The car is my daily driver, and I inspect it daily. The plastic insert was cracked (also an issue with this model)and mentioned by me on a previous service visit at Baxter Volkswagen of Omaha, but it was not investigated by Baxter and then the service a... Read more
Incident date: Sep 5, 2023
6 days after an oil change, the temp gauge while driving went from cool to hot in under a mile and the engine temp light came on. There was coolant all over the underside of the car it was near catastrophic. I had to have it towed to the dealership for repairs. The faulty part was the oil filter adapter it was cracked by over tightening of the oil filter.
Incident date: Sep 5, 2023
Check engine lights came on flashing “service abs” and “ break system malfunction “. Took to dealer and had to have HCU ( hydraulic control unit) for ABS system replaced.. it was a dangerous situation as the trailer brakes were rendered useless, as was the cruise control. The breaks still worked but not the ABS part, so could possibly lock up and loose control during an emergency event.
Incident date: Aug 13, 2013
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 1500. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 22V406000 (Fuel System, Diesel) and 23V411000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. An undisclosed dealer was contacted and confirmed that the parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount... Read more
Incident date: Oct 2, 2023
Front side marker light it'd by canbus system as failed. Still illuminated, but resistance changed. 25 cent led, Audi says headlamp Assy need to be replaced ro $5100. Oh, and other side is about to go too. Design is non-compliant with NHTSA requirements for lighting (very early failures, often at.70k miles), places undo burden on consumers to comply to meet regulations of NHTSA. This consumer asks... Read more
Incident date: Oct 2, 2023
Car has inflatable seatbelt in the second row bucket seats. I am unable to find any car seats that are safe to use in this vehicle once you move from tether position Have visited local dealership and called Ford for assistance. None of which are able to assist with this which puts children in great harm as no car seat can be safely used
Incident date: Oct 2, 2023
Car has inflatable seatbelt in the second row bucket seats. I am unable to find any car seats that are safe to use in this vehicle once you move from tether position Have visited local dealership and called Ford for assistance. None of which are able to assist with this which puts children in great harm as no car seat can be safely used
Incident date: Sep 25, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact state that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled without warning. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the timing chain had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure and an appoi... Read more
Incident date: Sep 25, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Lincoln MKC. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V378000 (Engine) however the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time to remedy the recall repair. The manufacture was notified of the issue. The VIN tool confirmed parts are now available.
Incident date: Jan 1, 2016
My 2018 3500 Dully with 34,000 miles started having an issue with the ABS, Traction Control and Eletronic Brack control systems. While driving the truck on a trip, the Traction Control, and ABS lights started coming on intermittently and the check Eletronic Brack control came on at the same time and it too flashed intermittently. Also, while this is happening, the cruise control does not work. T... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2016
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Niro. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V534000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. An undisclosed dealer was contacted and 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 made... Read more
Incident date: Sep 15, 2023
Transmission jerks abruptly and very hard.
Incident date: Sep 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the passenger’s side rear control arm fractured. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The mechanic confirmed that the control arm had fractured. The contact was informed that the control arm needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aw... Read more
Incident date: Sep 15, 2023
The door locks simultaneously stopped working on the vehicle at the same time. The key fob chimes and the lights flash on the car but nothing happens with the door locks. The fuses all check out and you hear a sound when pushing the lock and unlock button but nothing happens. Faulty actuators seem to be a recurring problem with Nissan that I am hearing from other Sentra owners. This definitely pre... Read more
Incident date: Aug 7, 2023
Vehicle fuel fill back flows everything and vehicle's not full splashing gasoline on the vehicle and the ground which could cause an explosion also. The tank will not be full with fuel range on the dash ranging from 440 to 519. 519 is the full range. The vehicle has been back to dealership service department several times (4) with no resolution. The information screen on the dash has gone blank s... Read more
Incident date: Sep 26, 2023
heard a small popping noise when i opened the door. the next day i heard a louder pop and the driver door no longer would hold open. the door check bracket separated from the door.
Incident date: Sep 24, 2023
Auto Start/Stop feature stopped working. Shows unavailable no matter setting. Have had battery checked multiple times and dealership supposedly fixed prior but it is not working again
Incident date: Sep 21, 2023
The electronic steering control unit stops working while driving. This is dangerous and a known problem. The parts are on back order because all available supply in US is depleted. Also the front sensors for safety turn off in the rain.
Incident date: Sep 25, 2023
The defrost only blows out cold air, along with the drivers side heat. Heat comes out of the passenger side but the defrost and drivers side is always cold. The cold defrost makes for LESS visibility and freezes the windshield making it unsafe to drive in winter conditions or cold conditions. The actuator door has been replaced twice and did not fix the issue. The dealership has recommended th... Read more
Incident date: Sep 5, 2023
The contact has a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the gear shifter was inoperable. The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the transmission clutch had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 29, 2022
Hello, I have a 2016 Ford Explorer Limited with VIN [XXX] . I have 90k miles on it and my water pump failed like it did for many many people for this model. This is a systemic issue at this point and I don't understand how there is not a recall for this issue with Ford. The cost to repair this issue is at more than $4k. This is a basic design issue that must be addressed by Ford. Thank you, ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 29, 2022
Abs light and traction control light came on. The rear parking sensors and 4 wheel drive were also disabled. Repair shop stated that a wheel speed sensor was bad, replaced it and on the way home the lights came on again. Took truck back to shop and they stated another wheel speed sensor was bad. Replaced and then once again, lights came back on while driving home. Took back to the shop and they s... Read more
Incident date: Aug 8, 2023
I've had the car for 6 months. After a few months we noticed a "bucking" during acceleration and a "hesitation" when pressing the accelerator. Under medium to hard acceleration the car will exhibit these traits almost consistantly and now after 3500 miles it has become so noticeable that it is dangerous! The hesitation is "off the line" from a dead stop. There is at least a couple second dela... Read more
Incident date: Jun 27, 2019
My car is having issues driving over 60miles per hr, I have to keep pressing the gas to get the car to move, the car battery is dead and won’t turn on, I got the car repaired twice and the second time I got it repaired, it just was even worse then before . The car smells like gas , the salesman only told me that I needed a value cover gasket and he had someone repair it , but when I went to auto... Read more
Incident date: Sep 8, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Edge. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was idling rough. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The mechanic determined that there was coolant intrusion into cylinder #2. The contact was informed that the engine needed replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure ... Read more
LEXUS
RX
(2010) - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR
Sep 20, 2023
Incident date: Sep 8, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Fit. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated and started to shake. The check engine warning light intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel injectors had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure recurred. Th... Read more
Incident date: Sep 8, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 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 not 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 experien... Read more
Incident date: Sep 25, 2022
I turned the corner into a parking space at a local business. When I was turning into the parking space, my foot was hovering over the left floor peddle (the break). All of a sudden, the vehicle lunged forward while my foot was still hovering over the break. During the incident, my foot did not touch the gas pedal when the car was accelerating towards the store window. I quickly firmly stepped on ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Sep 25, 2022
I turned the corner into a parking space at a local business. When I was turning into the parking space, my foot was hovering over the left floor peddle (the break). All of a sudden, the vehicle lunged forward while my foot was still hovering over the break. During the incident, my foot did not touch the gas pedal when the car was accelerating towards the store window. I quickly firmly stepped on ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Sep 25, 2022
I turned the corner into a parking space at a local business. When I was turning into the parking space, my foot was hovering over the left floor peddle (the break). All of a sudden, the vehicle lunged forward while my foot was still hovering over the break. During the incident, my foot did not touch the gas pedal when the car was accelerating towards the store window. I quickly firmly stepped on ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Apr 10, 2023
The system warning keeps coming on, I’ve tried to schedule appointments with Audi since 2022 and they have zero appointments available
Incident date: Aug 1, 2022
About 6 mo. ago, a sticky substance started leaking under the center touch screen. I went to the dealer, and was told that the screen was leaking due to high temperatures inside the car while parked. They refused to do anything about it. I went online to a Tesla forum, and learned that this is a common problem with the Model S touch screen. Ultimately, the screen will "bubble" and the go compl... Read more
Incident date: Aug 20, 2023
Service Electronic Braking System warning locked in. Service Electronic Stability Control warning locked in.
Incident date: Sep 7, 2023
The fuel pump is leaking gas on top of the fuel tank. I just bought the car and didn’t know about the consistent problem with second generation CTS. The problem is stated to ba a plastic elbow attached to the fuel pump that ruptures.There is a fuel smell inside while I’m driving and around the car when the car is motionless. This a fire and explosion hazmats that is common to this model year.... Read more
Incident date: Sep 14, 2023
Rear subframe corrosion and failure. Based on my queries this apparently a common issue. I am adding my report to add weight to this common issue. Vehicle is approximately 13 years old, is in good condition, and has not suffered any accidents affecting the rear subframe. Overall only minimal rust or corrosion is found during a visual inspection while on a lift. This vehicle has passed annual ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she was unable to keep the vehicle centered, and the vehicle was pulling either to the left or the right. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle seemed to return to normal functionality; however, the failure had since become a persistent failure. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehi... Read more
Incident date: Sep 13, 2023
1. The car started making a noise then started surging and jerking. I'm not a mechanic, so I don't know what happened but it will not crank now. Yes, someone can come inspect the vehicle, by appointment only. 2. I was afraid that the car was going to blow up or the brakes would not hold. 3. No, the problem has not been reproduced or inspected. 4. No, the vehicle or component has not been inspec... Read more
Incident date: Sep 13, 2023
1. The car started making a noise then started surging and jerking. I'm not a mechanic, so I don't know what happened but it will not crank now. Yes, someone can come inspect the vehicle, by appointment only. 2. I was afraid that the car was going to blow up or the brakes would not hold. 3. No, the problem has not been reproduced or inspected. 4. No, the vehicle or component has not been inspec... Read more
Incident date: Apr 5, 2016
ABS/traction control sensor issue. I believe it to be a faulty sensor or sensor connection issue which is causing my service brake light to chime and light up at every bump in the road. While driving even just a short distance my service brake light/alert chime goes on and off sometimes every 2-3 seconds and while driving on the freeway my cruise control disengages every time the brake warning pop... Read more
Incident date: Sep 9, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Lincoln MKZ. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V162000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) 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 contact stated that the “Service Brakes” message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 7, 2023
I was riding the car and all of a sudden tv my car stopped right in the middle of the street, totally shut down and non of the keys were working not even the hazard lights to alert other cars to turn around me. So I had to get out of my car right in the middle of the street to let the other cars to move away . I finally got back in the car, tried on and off switch couple of times and finally engi... Read more
Incident date: Sep 10, 2023
AT MY 10,000 MILE SERVICE, ON JUNE 08, 2023, I WAS TOLD THAT THE REAR SHOCKS WERE LEAKING. I WAS ALSO TOLD BY THE FORD DEALERSHIP THAT THEY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED BUT WERE ON BACK ORDER DUE TO THE LARGE NUMBER OF SHOCKS THAT HAVE FAILED ON THIS MODEL VEHICLE. IT IS NOW SEPTEMBER 12, 2023 AND THE SHOCKS ARE STILL ON BACK ORDER AND I NOW HAVE 14,500 MI ON THE VEHICLE. OVER 3 MONTHS AND ADDITIONAL 4... Read more
Incident date: Sep 5, 2023
My 13 month old can unclip the chest buckle. When I contacted the manufacturer they said there were other people who reported this issue with the carseat and that if the strap was tight it was good.