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: 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 7, 2023
The car will only charge at half of the advertised Level 2 AC charging rate. It advertises it can charge at 48 amps; however, we cannot charge above 24 amps. If we charge above that rate the charging will stop. The issue appears to be well documented in online forums where if the charging port reaches about 100 Degrees C it will fault. There is a TSB they are installing but it just makes it au... Read more
Incident date: Aug 7, 2023
The car will only charge at half of the advertised Level 2 AC charging rate. It advertises it can charge at 48 amps; however, we cannot charge above 24 amps. If we charge above that rate the charging will stop. The issue appears to be well documented in online forums where if the charging port reaches about 100 Degrees C it will fault. There is a TSB they are installing but it just makes it au... Read more
Incident date: Aug 4, 2023
Began getting front end collision alerts and unexpected automatic emergency braking shortly after purchase. Unexpected braking, slowing/stopping of the vehicle is a safety hazard. Returned car to VW dealer in Irvine, CA in Feb 2023 and July 2023. Explained this was safety issue concern. The dealer claimed the issue was from damaged front bumper sensors from debris or other impacts, though the ca... Read more
Incident date: Jun 10, 2023
Steering got locked and stiffened in middle of the road in traffic.had to call 911 to help me to move my car.this was scary as it could have lead to crash or accident.some time front wiper is automatically wiping in dry summer days which is sometimes blocks the view while driving. Had to switch off the auto mode for wiper.
Incident date: Jun 10, 2023
Steering got locked and stiffened in middle of the road in traffic.had to call 911 to help me to move my car.this was scary as it could have lead to crash or accident.some time front wiper is automatically wiping in dry summer days which is sometimes blocks the view while driving. Had to switch off the auto mode for wiper.
Incident date: Jul 31, 2023
Driving at speed limit (70MPH) on Interstate 5. Was using cruise control. On 5 occasions, driving N, then S 4 days later, car braked suddenly with no obstacle or vehicle within 50 yards.
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: Jun 5, 2023
To whom it may concern, Last month in California I purchased an automotive hardware/software tool from an Indiana based company through Amazon which connects to the OBD port. After using the tool, the airbags were disabled on two of my vehicles requiring replacement. At first, I didn't realize that the tool caused the error, but when I moved my cellular telephone holder, I noticed the error lig... Read more
Incident date: Jun 5, 2023
To whom it may concern, Last month in California I purchased an automotive hardware/software tool from an Indiana based company through Amazon which connects to the OBD port. After using the tool, the airbags were disabled on two of my vehicles requiring replacement. At first, I didn't realize that the tool caused the error, but when I moved my cellular telephone holder, I noticed the error lig... 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 27, 2023
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power and would not properly accelerate. Additionally, the front passenger’s side door would not open while using the interior door latch. The contact stated while using the cigarette lighter, the vehicle shut off, and smoke filled the cabin of the vehicle. The cause of the fai... Read more
Incident date: Jul 24, 2023
Window switch on driver’s door quit working. Switch for rear passenger windows also not working. Front passenger window switch works. Possible cause is faulty wiring harness in the door (only one blue wire comes loose from the plug, causing the driver’s window switch to go dead.)
Incident date: Jan 3, 2023
Lug nuts stripped off on the drivers rear wheel, that was corrected. Now my right rear lug nuts have been stripped completely off.
Incident date: Nov 15, 2022
The contact owned a 1999 Ford F-150. The contact stated that he had parked the vehicle and was standing outside of the vehicle, between the driver's side door and the vehicle; however, the vehicle reversed independently at 5-7 MPH onto the highway. The contact's back was slammed against the pole of a speed limit sign and he hit his face against the door. The contact stated that he was crushed betw... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Jul 22, 2023
The OEM back up camera will spontaneously go to a black or blue screen and at times will just say, “back up camera not available”. Being without a back up camera leaves a blind spot where you can’t see small children or pets that are directly behind my car. When it does work the picture displayed is reversed wich can disorient you
Incident date: Jul 22, 2023
When braking for an intersection the engine revved after lifting foot from the accelerator and brakes were not able to stop the vehicle until I was in the middle of the intersection. Luckily no other vehicles were in the intersection at the time otherwise it would have caused a crash.
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: Apr 15, 2023
Engine coolant is coming out of coolant reservoir! Car is smoking and their are no lights on dash untill it is low. If idle with auto starting it will over heat and car can't be started.
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 15, 2023
The safety failure involved the Electric Power Steering Rack on my 2013 Ford Explorer XLT. The failure occurred while driving on the interstate at posted highway speed, 65 mph. The warning lights came on during the failure and all power steering was lost. The electronic control box on the Steering Rack has been the diagnosed failure by a Ford service center, and the entire rack requires replace... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Edge. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, an overheat message was displayed. The contact pulled over to the side of the road. Upon inspection, the contact noticed that the coolant reservoir was empty. The contact added more coolant and restarted the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine needed t... Read more
Incident date: Jul 18, 2023
Since September 2015 the car Headlamps malfunctioned. I made several trips to the Dealer and was told they are not able to duplicate my complaint. Presently while driving the headlights will go off and by bumping the multi-Function light switch, they would come back on. Please see attached letter & service detail that was sent to Kia without resolution.
Incident date: Jul 18, 2023
When going from Drive to Reverse, the car will delay for 30 seconds to a minute and display a white vehicle screen. It will be inoperable during this delay time, which can be dangerous given the situation and I have almost been hit twice because of this delay. I am uncomfortable driving the vehicle, as not being able to put the car immediately into reverse in any given situation is dangerous for... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2023
Car only has 1400 miles on it and is brand new. The engine for the car wont start when utilizing the push button within the car or app. The engine will only start by using the key fob. Initially we thought it was the battery, but after being able to turn the car on from the key fob, it was confirmed it was not the battery. Additionally, the car will randomly shut off when it is on. You can be ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 18, 2023
Massive rear brake failure. Known on the forums to be a common issue not remedied by the manufacturer. Rear brake pedal goes to the floor with no brake engaging. Vehicle available for inspection. Dealers won't cover the repair due to no recall issued. No audible or visual warnings of the malfunction before, during or after the occurrence. The occurrence is not isolated. It is a constant issue. No ... Read more
Incident date: May 11, 2021
The front control arm bushings are failing. The RF link is broken to the suspension too.
Incident date: Jul 14, 2021
The contact owned a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V560000 (Structure) and requested to be removed from the recall distribution list because the vehicle was totaled. The local dealer and manufacturer were not contacted.
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 7, 2023
ABS light comes on frequently and disables the ABS and cruise control. I dings each time and does so frequently when I hit a bumpy road. Ram says the parts are back ordered and none are available. This should be a recall due to the anti skid control not working properly.
Incident date: Jul 7, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Edge. The contact stated that the vehicle hesitated while starting. Additionally, the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. In addition, a white colored smoke began to emit from the vehicle as the check engine light appeared on the instrument panel. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer where they discovered that coolant had leaked into cylinde... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2021
I just purchased a new 2023 Model Y and took my first road trip. Traveling from Broomfield, CO to Santa Fe, NM, and then on to Mesa, AZ on July 16th and 17th. Traveling south on [XXX] I experienced nearly a dozen hard emergency braking events when using cruise control. The hard braking events happened without warning and without stepping hard on the throttle to overcome the sudden braking I believ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 15, 2023
The inside of the car smells like coolant and the air is making the front dashboard foggy. One area of the Central ac is blowing cooler than the other.
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
Driving, hit 40,5xx miles and ABS and traction control light was flickering on and off. Kept getting warnings to service ABS and Electronic Brake System. After 25 miles of on and off flickering and chimes which were extremely distracting, it turned on and stayed on permanently. I do not have ABS, Traction control or cruise control. This is a known issue with the 2017/2018 models, and Mopar does no... 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: 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: 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 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V010000 (Electrical System, Hybrid Propulsion System) 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 not made aw... Read more
Incident date: May 29, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Mazda Rx 8. The contact stated after performing NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V744000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) while driving at 35 MPH, the contact smelled the odor of smoke in the vehicle, but no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. While the vehicle was being diagnosed, the vehicle caught on fire and burned. The contact did not have any details of th... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jul 11, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was a coolant intrusion into the engine, and the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to tow the vehicle to another dealer for a secon... Read more
Incident date: Apr 11, 2023
Car suddenly accelerated and crushed into shop in parking lot
Crash
Incident date: Jun 19, 2023
MY SUNROOF WAS EXPODED during I drive to home.
Incident date: Jun 19, 2023
MY SUNROOF WAS EXPODED during I drive to home.
Incident date: Jun 19, 2023
When parked in home driveway brake lights came on with no one in car or driven during the day. Only way to turn off brake is to remote start & then cut off engine with Fob. Dealer diagnostic unable to find issue & condition didn't occur when at their location.
Incident date: Jun 8, 2023
Takata recall. The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact received notification of the NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. An undisclosed dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available for the recall repair. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time fo... Read more
Incident date: Jun 26, 2023
I had a forward collision with 2 cars. My brake has been failed and forward collision warning system failed. I leased the car because of the safety features but I am really disappointed. Since I had my kids in the car with me. It was a really horrible experience and I can't drive the car anymore because of the safety issues.
Crash
Incident date: Jun 28, 2023
Car has broken down multiple times. Most recent issue: 1car stalled while trying to make a left turn on highway, would not drive forward -dashboard sign said to put car in park -when trying to put it in drive it went into neutral and rolled back -car would not turn off, kept running when we tried to turn it on and off -“battery voltage low”warning signal came on -engine warning signal cam... Read more
Incident date: Jun 30, 2023
Left driver side rear and front headlamps would burn out, after time noticed the left headlamp flickering 9n and off while driving at night in auto mode, also inside dash lights dimming, also left driver side seat will not adjust, this is a Hazzard for myself and others while driving at night, with lights malfunctioning, was pulled over by highway patrol, and given a warning to fix headlamp.Issue ... Read more