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: Jul 1, 2023
Had cruise control on and “phantom braking” occurred about 10 times on a 22hr trip from California to Oklahoma. Very scary. Car went from 80 to about 40mph in seconds. How is this even possible for Tesla to have these vehicles on the road? I’ve only had the car for 2 weeks.
Incident date: Jun 26, 2023
When my car is exposed to water (rain, a car wash) the trunk completely floods and does not drain. It has flooded so much now that my amplifier does not work. I took my vehicle to Chevy to have the known recall on this vehicle repaired but Chevy claims that they will not do anything for me. I am afraid that the car can potentially catch fire and burn my home down as I park this car in my driveway.... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jun 21, 2023
Starting 6 months ago air bag light is on constantly. Horn stopped working, speed control doesn't work. The whole steering wheel and buttons with horn doesn't work.
Incident date: May 13, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Ford F-150. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure recurred while starting the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact that the failure was related to Ford Technical Service Bulletin Number: 23-21-43.... Read more
Incident date: Jun 15, 2021
I have a 2020 Ford Expedition with 40,000 miles on it and a Transmission problem. The first year I got it I had a incident where I was driving around 65 MPH and it just slammed it down to 1st gear on the freeway and I lost power. I tooked to the shop and they couldnt find anything. This last week I had it happen 3 times on a trip to DC. I would just be cruising and it would slam out of gear or dow... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
Within the last 2 months the car began to run rough. We added fuel injector cleaner to no avail. After some time, the computer system went berserk - every system in the car was informing us that it had a problem (ie lane keep assist, lane departure warning, collision mitigation braking system, vehicle stability assist , electric power steering etc) along with continued rough engine performance. ... Read more
Incident date: May 4, 2023
I just purchased this vehicle and within a day, it was already giving an alert that something was wrong. Says "action required, shift to park". My car was in park. It was not shutting off due to the notification, which leads your battery to drain. The next day, as I was driving with my kids, the headlights start flickering, and then shut off. It left us driving in the dark and nearly causing a wre... Read more
Incident date: Jun 23, 2023
Airbag light stays on Transmission service light comes on when driving and vehicle stalls
Incident date: Jun 13, 2023
The contact owns a 2006 Pontiac Solstice. The contact stated that the "Service Air Bag" message was displayed. Additionally, the air bag light remained off while the front passenger's seat was occupied. Additionally, a beeping sound engaged, and the SRS warning light was illuminated while starting the vehicle. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 21, 2023
The Dodge Ram that I had just suddenly stop and not restart. Had it towed to the Ram dealership. Belt tension broke. That's what the dealership said.
Incident date: Mar 12, 2023
Occasional (several times a month) phantom breaking on two lane roads, particularly when opposing traffic is approaching along a concave (i.e., inward) curve or when opposing traffic is transitioning from a widened road section back to a single lane.
Incident date: Mar 12, 2023
Passenger Side Air Bag sensor flashes possibility due to faulty sensor in passenger seat. Water enters cabin on passenger side causing water to pool on floorboards, possibly causing electrical damage and failure. Water entering could be due to flawed design in water channel or sunroof.
Incident date: Mar 12, 2023
Passenger Side Air Bag sensor flashes possibility due to faulty sensor in passenger seat. Water enters cabin on passenger side causing water to pool on floorboards, possibly causing electrical damage and failure. Water entering could be due to flawed design in water channel or sunroof.
Incident date: Jun 20, 2023
While stopped at a stop light, the automatic on/off initiated as usual. However, twice in the past 24 hours the engine has stopped and the driver display provided a message stating “engine stopped” and prompting me to depress the brake harder to start the engine—this action did not restart the vehicle and it had to be put in parked and fully turned off and on to restart both times. The displ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 20, 2023
While stopped at a stop light, the automatic on/off initiated as usual. However, twice in the past 24 hours the engine has stopped and the driver display provided a message stating “engine stopped” and prompting me to depress the brake harder to start the engine—this action did not restart the vehicle and it had to be put in parked and fully turned off and on to restart both times. The displ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 11, 2023
The fabric side wall failed to keep my daughter safe as she slept in the camper. She fell out of the camper onto the hard, cold ground while she was sound asleep. She could have been seriously injured. The Velcro on the fabric was secured to the camper frame.
1 injured
Incident date: Jun 18, 2023
The Ford dealer told me that my 2017 Ford Fusion has "swollen lug nuts" and must be replaced. They said that there is a potential for the lug nuts to fail and the wheel would fall off while driving. This will be at my own expense. My car has less than 22,000 miles on it and I feel that this a design/manufacturing issue on the part of Ford Motor Company.
Incident date: Jun 16, 2023
The driver seat electric motor has failed on three separate occasions. 7/29/21, mileage 22,984 9/3/21, Mileage 24156 7/12/22, Mileage 34,414 When the electric motor fails the seat can not move forward or back. Depending on the seat position at failure, certain individuals would not be able to reach the pedals to safely drive the vehicle. This could create a serious safety issue requiring some on... Read more
Incident date: Jun 16, 2023
I was driving the speed limit of 60 mph and all of a sudden it sputtered and hesitated; stalling out while attempting to accelerate going lower speed. My vehicle luckily got a parking spot at an automotive repair shop. No warning signal illuminated during my driving incident. The next morning the engine wouldn't start, but eventually they get it to start. They got the "Check Engine Message Center ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 5, 2022
Driving down the highway and notice a small chip in the windshield.We heard no impact noise while driving. It went from a micro chip to the attached picture in approx an hour. We are outraged because we just repaired our windshield last week from an unknown chip/crack that we came outside to one morning. It spread from the rear view mirror area to the passenger edge of the windshield in 2 days.
Incident date: Jun 11, 2023
Hi I'm in the car with my granddaughter 9 years old We will ready to visit my oldest son his daughter my 3rd grandchild 9 months old.my 9 year old granddaughter we were on I75 north ready to change lanes into the right slow lane as I am ready to merge onto exit 275 Ramp Land o lakes. I notice my rpm numbers are at zero, my SUV was losing speed, I had a green 18 wheeler tractor trailer exactly on m... Read more
Incident date: Oct 25, 2022
Unknown Lost my truck to fire I was shopping and when I came out of the store the fire department had already put the fire out. They had said the fire started under the hood on the driver side.
Fire
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while reversing, the back-up camera failed to operate as needed, causing the vehicle to strike a pole. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed; however, the dealer informed the contact that parts were not yet available to repair the vehicle under NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V644000 (Back Over Prevention). The vehicle was not repa... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2022
pearl white paint chipping away. also both power mirrors went out. one replaced with after market and other one available for inspection
Incident date: Dec 28, 2022
The forward collision warning system stopped working and the warning lights lit up saying the camera was obstructed, even though it was a clear day, and the car was clean (it had literally just been cleaned). This has happened previously at random times.
Incident date: Dec 28, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power but was able to continue to operate at slower speeds. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed and found failures with the EGR and intake manifold. The contact stated that the vehicle had previously been repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V757000 (Engine and... Read more
Incident date: Dec 28, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power but was able to continue to operate at slower speeds. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed and found failures with the EGR and intake manifold. The contact stated that the vehicle had previously been repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V757000 (Engine and... Read more
Incident date: Mar 22, 2023
I’ve been complaining about my mcu1 glitching, freezing and my rear view camera not working since June 2022. I also filing a complaint because I have the fsd package on my 2016 mcu1 car and that has not been delivered after a 6 year wait. They released fsd to the mcu1 platform. But less than 50 cars got it and that very software got recalled. They have fixed every other platform but mcu1 since. ... Read more
Incident date: May 31, 2023
The check engine light began flashing without warning. I experienced sluggish performance and loss of power. Luckily I made it to my home. I took my car to my local mechanic and was informed my car was "burning oil" or over consuming oil. I never had an oil light indicator come on or any warnings that my car was having an oil issue. The only way to fix this is engine replacement. I called the deal... Read more
Incident date: May 20, 2023
Instrument panel to turned black, thus blocking access to essential information, such as current speed of the vehicle, the status of cruise control, lane departure warning, lane keeping assistance, and parking collision warning. The problem happened couple of times. Also, the Carplay feature freezes and is interrupted a lot.
Incident date: May 20, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while parked, upon starting the vehicle, several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact noticed later that the air bag warning light had remained illuminated; however, the warning light turned off independently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the front passenger’s side seat belt. The vehicle ... Read more
Incident date: May 29, 2023
The locks on the doors do not all unlock at the same time or lock at the same time. The passenger door has locked and would not unlock. My daughter had to climb through car to get out. If there’s an accident my kids can not safely exit the vehicle due to the locks. You can’t unlock it either from the inside. It randomly will unlock on its own.
Incident date: May 29, 2023
UNKNOWN: 04/11/23 I purchased (as second owner) a 2012 Kia Forte (less than 2 months ago) only had 107,799 miles. Purchased as a Senior Citizen for doctor appointmenta & food shopping....after a short while I noticed a tap/knock from the engine that has gotten louder with every ride....Took the vehicle to Dealer Matt Blatt Kia in Egg Harbor Township for diagnostics. Couldn't believe I was charged ... Read more
Incident date: May 29, 2023
The entire top edge of the windshield is no longer sealed to the car. Water gets in. If all of the windows are closed, the windshield briefly pops out a little bit as the door is closed.
Incident date: May 9, 2023
Chunks of paint are coming off my car on the freeway. It was raining and a large section of paint flew off and onto the car that was driving behind me and stuck to their windshield. The occupant almost had a collision with another vehicle on the freeway. I was able to follow the car that got the paint stuck to their windshield and I did apologize and got their contact information to verify my inc... Read more
Incident date: Jul 10, 2022
At approximately 69000 miles my engine stalled as I was pulling onto a highway and would not accelerate beyond a low mph. I turned back into gas station I had left and checked the oil. It did not register any oil and had a burning smell. There were never any dash lights indicating low oil. I put almost 2 quarts in vehicle. I then proceeded to drive as it seemed okay. I have had oil changes wh... Read more
Incident date: May 18, 2023
The truck will jump from sixth gear to first gear, or will go from first gear straight to fifth and be stuck in fifth , or be stuck in first, the truck will randomly take off on its own or come to a screeching stop on highways going 60 mph, the gear indicator will stop working, alongside all other gauges on the dash, such as gas mileage, RPM, speedometer, heat and oil gauge will all stop working, ... Read more
Incident date: May 18, 2023
The truck will jump from sixth gear to first gear, or will go from first gear straight to fifth and be stuck in fifth , or be stuck in first, the truck will randomly take off on its own or come to a screeching stop on highways going 60 mph, the gear indicator will stop working, alongside all other gauges on the dash, such as gas mileage, RPM, speedometer, heat and oil gauge will all stop working, ... Read more
Incident date: May 18, 2023
The truck will jump from sixth gear to first gear, or will go from first gear straight to fifth and be stuck in fifth , or be stuck in first, the truck will randomly take off on its own or come to a screeching stop on highways going 60 mph, the gear indicator will stop working, alongside all other gauges on the dash, such as gas mileage, RPM, speedometer, heat and oil gauge will all stop working, ... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2022
Manufacturer recall. Solution not available.
Incident date: May 14, 2021
The contact owns a 2021 Ram Promaster. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V301000 (Power Train) 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 aware of the issue. The contact had not exper... Read more
Incident date: Mar 8, 2023
Vehicle at interstate speeds would periodically “phantom brake” on I-90 one a clear day with no other cars around. Experienced about 10 different phantom brake incidents betweeen Sioux Falls and rapid city
Incident date: Apr 27, 2023
I noticed a fire from under the hood, half of my car burnt down. I had been parked at home for about five minutes when I noticed a fire.
Fire
Incident date: May 4, 2023
The contact owns a 2006 Jeep Liberty. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormal sound. The contact stated that all 4 windows had detached from the track. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact that the failure was a common failure. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the... Read more
Incident date: May 4, 2023
The contact owns a 2006 Jeep Liberty. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormal sound. The contact stated that all 4 windows had detached from the track. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact that the failure was a common failure. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the... Read more
Incident date: May 22, 2023
On the highway the vehicle would Rev to 4K RPM and not shift. It felt like it was stuck in 2nd gear.
Incident date: May 22, 2023
Today- 5/22/2023 - Ford dealer attempted to perform sync3 software update from version 1 to version 3 as promoted and advertised by Ford Motor Co. This was performed by dealer after personal attempts at Wi-Fi and flash drive update processes failed. Following dealer attempted sync 3 update, no update could be accomplished and the synch 3 system is now not active- no radio, Bluetooth( hands free p... Read more
Incident date: Apr 24, 2023
Rear view camera is no longer functioning properly.
Incident date: May 15, 2023
I had a 2015 2 dr Jeep Wrangler Willy's edition. In march 2023, after sitting cold in the driveway for 10+ hours, it spontaneously combusted. It was very obviously an electrical fire based on the smell alone. It appeared that the most damage was in the area of the battery and fuse box. Vehicle was completely totaled and I found many reports online of similar issues, including many wranglers that w... Read more
Fire