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: Jul 28, 2022
I was a passenger in an accident. I was sitting in the front passenger seat. We were sitting in standstill traffic. Our vehicle was struck from behind; it caused the vehicle to shift and was hit again on front driver side of the vehicle. Airbag’s deployed on the driver side (front and back) but not the front passenger. Seatbelts were worn. I suffered a concussion and a herniated disc.
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Sep 6, 2022
While driving home in the freeway, I felt my car shake then a sudden loss of power. Then my CEL started blinking and my VSC lit. Got a code for engine misfire(P0302). Is250 has a lot of cases on engine misfires because of excessive carbon build up because of how the engine is designed. My car only has 108,000miles. Lexus released a Customer Support Program for this problem but it already expired. ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 22, 2022
The speakers in my car made a loud noise and I thought someone hit my car. Ever since then it’ll keep happening and it’ll startle me when I’m driving. Sometimes my speakers would have really loud static sound and it’s impossible to turn it off. It’s extremely dangerous to be startled like that when I’m driving.
Incident date: Aug 22, 2022
The speakers in my car made a loud noise and I thought someone hit my car. Ever since then it’ll keep happening and it’ll startle me when I’m driving. Sometimes my speakers would have really loud static sound and it’s impossible to turn it off. It’s extremely dangerous to be startled like that when I’m driving.
Incident date: Sep 5, 2022
This is an original equipment Yokohama Geolandar tire with 26,650 miles size 225/60R18. We were traveling on I-80 through a work zone at 50 mph. We noticed our tire pressure indicator was lit. On a separate info screen, I could see the pressure on each tire and watched the passenger front tire at 14 psi and then decline. This told me we had a blowout rather than a leak. The other 3 tires were ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 2, 2020
The contact owns a 2020 Lexus RX350. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine. The contact stated that the vehicle felt as if it was losing motive power and stalling. The contact depressed the accelerator however, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated. The contact stat... Read more
Incident date: Jun 9, 2022
On Friday, June 03, 2022 as I was leaving the dealership in the 2020 Lexus ES 350 loaner vehicle, I put the car in reverse to back away from the wall, and then put the car from reverse into drive that resulted in it lurching forward momentarily. I did not hear the engine revving, probably because I wasn’t paying attention, but my partner who was seated next to me in the driver’s seat said he ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Aug 29, 2022
Water may leak from heavy rain, from the sunroof region into a part of the roof, leading to water leaking from the interior microphone above the driver seat. Seems to be a common issue amongst 2016-2017 RX350’s but no recalls. This is a safety issue given that the microphone is where the water leaks to, compromising other electrical systems. In addition, water builds and wets the headliner causi... Read more
Incident date: Aug 29, 2022
Water may leak from heavy rain, from the sunroof region into a part of the roof, leading to water leaking from the interior microphone above the driver seat. Seems to be a common issue amongst 2016-2017 RX350’s but no recalls. This is a safety issue given that the microphone is where the water leaks to, compromising other electrical systems. In addition, water builds and wets the headliner causi... Read more
Incident date: Aug 25, 2022
On march 17, 2022, I purchased 4-Michelin CrossClimate2 car tires (245/45R19/XL 102V) for my Lexus LS460. From the attached photos you can see how soft the rubber is as tested with a Durometer Meter reading of 54 compared to 64.5 Meter on the replaced Michelin Radial MXV.4 tire. Never had a single problem with the MXV.4 tires. Those tires came with the Lexus and had a hard rubber ridge just above... Read more
Incident date: Aug 26, 2022
Rear glass window is much to dark in standard oem built in tint into window. Can only see out clearly in broad day light otherwise much too dark. We have been involved in several near back up collisions even though we have a back up camera, we are used to looking back through the rear window and outside rear view mirrors. We have complained to Toyota by phone and checked for recalls. WE like th... Read more
Incident date: Aug 29, 2022
This vehicle has run flat tires oem, tire flat warning light comes on for a while then goes off for a long time then comes back on. Tires behave like they want to go on their own direction. Vehicle came with no emergency spare tire or tools to replace tires.
Incident date: Aug 29, 2022
This vehicle has run flat tires oem, tire flat warning light comes on for a while then goes off for a long time then comes back on. Tires behave like they want to go on their own direction. Vehicle came with no emergency spare tire or tools to replace tires.
Incident date: Aug 26, 2022
The PCS detected another car in front and my car went into PARK, but kept rolling and the engine revved to 7500 rpm.
Incident date: Sep 1, 2015
UPON STARTING VEHICLE, ENGINE LOUDLY RATTLES FOR APROX. ONE SECOND AS IF SOMETHING IS LOOSE. THIS INSTANCE IS DIRECTLY IN LINE WITH LEXUS TSB "L-SB-0155-08" (Engine - Brief Engine Knock/Rattle On Cold Start Up). FURTHER INVESTIGATION SHOWS THIS IS A MAJOR CONCERN AS THIS INVOLVES A FAULTY CAMSHAFT ASSEMBLY.
Incident date: Aug 22, 2022
- The door panel and dashboard is melting under normal to warm weather conditions. Yes. - The rubber is degrading and coming off in pieces . I am concerned that inhalation or contact with this rubber material is a chemical hazard and/or carcinogenic. Also, the shiny sticky dash impedes my driving visibility with a constant glare. - Yes, Lexus offered a limited recall for 2-3 years only. I was ne... Read more
Incident date: Aug 22, 2022
- The door panel and dashboard is melting under normal to warm weather conditions. Yes. - The rubber is degrading and coming off in pieces . I am concerned that inhalation or contact with this rubber material is a chemical hazard and/or carcinogenic. Also, the shiny sticky dash impedes my driving visibility with a constant glare. - Yes, Lexus offered a limited recall for 2-3 years only. I was ne... Read more
Incident date: Jun 13, 2010
1) Keep getting rotten egg smell from exhaust during acceleration; smell like it is coming from catalytic converters/exhaust system or front of engine. Never had or was informed by dealership that exhaust system could be replaced by Lexus although I brought my vehicles in several time for recalls. Brought vehicle in for recall to Fresno Lexus in 2020 never informed by dealership of Lexus being a... Read more
Incident date: Jun 8, 2022
Had so many issues with this car. Transmission went out at 52k (was replaced under warranty), and at 86k, it went out again. Car overheated and won't move in traffic. Had to push and move it to the side. Had a independent shop rebuild the transmission. Notified Lexus, but won't help due to it was not taken into their dealer. Nothing came on the dash, nor showed any symptom prior to the incident. ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 10, 2022
UNKNOWN - The dashboard plastic is cracking and pieces have broken off. While it may be deemed to be a cosmetic issue, the front passenger side airbag sits underneath the dashboard where the cracking has occurred. The concern here is that when the airbag deploys, the dashboard will fragment, ejecting plastic shrapnel towards the vehicle occupants, exacerbating any potential injuries.
Incident date: Aug 14, 2022
DRIVING ON HIGHWAY AND ALL OF A SUDDEN AFTER A LOUD NOISE THE bottom of the vehicle went on fire. we called the fire department who put out the fire. After looking at the bottom I notice that the crankcase had a big hole. it seems that a valve went right through the cracnkcase. resulting in hot engine oil going on fire. The car is only 5 months old and Carmax will not pay for the repair which coul... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Aug 14, 2022
DRIVING ON HIGHWAY AND ALL OF A SUDDEN AFTER A LOUD NOISE THE bottom of the vehicle went on fire. we called the fire department who put out the fire. After looking at the bottom I notice that the crankcase had a big hole. it seems that a valve went right through the cracnkcase. resulting in hot engine oil going on fire. The car is only 5 months old and Carmax will not pay for the repair which coul... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Aug 16, 2022
Hood latch and cable malfunction in that the hood wouldn't close and warning light and buzzer continuously beeped. Woburn Toyota in Woburn, MA said it was due to overuse and not a defect and not a safety issue! Not so. Hood not opened more than other vehicles I have had without such a problem. Other Lexus owners have posted similar complaints, too.
Incident date: Aug 15, 2019
Having an issue with my 2014 lexus is350 steering..the steering feels notchy and grabs when going around curves..it does it when returning wheel back to straight position..and wheel has to be pulled back into straight position or it will keep pulling ..thats when it catches and causes the jerk in the steering.. Usually when driving a car It'll somewhat straighten itself smoothly.. I have taken it ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 6, 2022
Electrical system malfunction began (to my best calculation & recollection) in summer 2021 with the first of four battery malfunctions in one year. Each time, AAA discovered low battery response and recommended battery replacement. This time around, battery was replaced about two weeks prior, due to battery failure/AAA reporting would not accept charge. THE NEW BATTERY FAILED (8/3) and the start... Read more
Incident date: Aug 6, 2022
Electrical system malfunction began (to my best calculation & recollection) in summer 2021 with the first of four battery malfunctions in one year. Each time, AAA discovered low battery response and recommended battery replacement. This time around, battery was replaced about two weeks prior, due to battery failure/AAA reporting would not accept charge. THE NEW BATTERY FAILED (8/3) and the start... Read more
Incident date: Aug 6, 2022
Electrical system malfunction began (to my best calculation & recollection) in summer 2021 with the first of four battery malfunctions in one year. Each time, AAA discovered low battery response and recommended battery replacement. This time around, battery was replaced about two weeks prior, due to battery failure/AAA reporting would not accept charge. THE NEW BATTERY FAILED (8/3) and the start... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2022
Vehicle brakes are inconsistent. The ABS system also locks up periodically, and fail to engage at other times. Extremely dangerous to drive. They are also very noisy. I contacted both the local Lexus dealership and national number, but they refused to fix them under warranty. Lexus DID offer an extended warranty in 2016 or so, but since I was the second owner of the vehicle, I never received notif... Read more
Incident date: Aug 5, 2022
ALL FOUR TIRES DEFECTIVE AND DANGEROUS 1.On February 10, 2020 we purchased four Goodyear Assurance Weatherready tires from Riverside Garage (19 East Ave., Riverside, 60546 708-447-7221 (see attached receipt) 2.On August 5, 2022 the rear/driver’s side tire went flat in Springfield, Illinois during a family visit. We were unable to reinflate the tire. Discount Tire inspected it and found a 12 inc... Read more
Incident date: Jul 27, 2022
I was involved in a single car accident in which the vehicle went off of the road hit an embankment and the vehicle bounced. The front drivers side hip and shoulder seat belt did not engage, and sustained a compression fracture to the vertebrae. The passenger front seat belt at the hip did engage with the sudden stop but the shoulder harness did not engage. The back seat passenger seat belt did... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Aug 11, 2022
I entered the VIN and found that my car airbag was an unrepaired recall.
Incident date: Jul 19, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Lexus IS250. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the brake inadvertently activated without the brake pedal being depressed. The vehicle also experienced unintended acceleration without the accelerator pedal being depressed. The cause of the failure was not determined. The contact indicated that the failure occurred after the cell phone was hacked and wa... Read more
Incident date: Jul 19, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Lexus IS250. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the brake inadvertently activated without the brake pedal being depressed. The vehicle also experienced unintended acceleration without the accelerator pedal being depressed. The cause of the failure was not determined. The contact indicated that the failure occurred after the cell phone was hacked and wa... Read more
Incident date: Jul 19, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Lexus IS250. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the brake inadvertently activated without the brake pedal being depressed. The vehicle also experienced unintended acceleration without the accelerator pedal being depressed. The cause of the failure was not determined. The contact indicated that the failure occurred after the cell phone was hacked and wa... Read more
Incident date: Aug 3, 2022
Airbag recall was replaced 8/02/2022. Car accident occurred 8/03/2022. Airbags did not deploy.
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jul 30, 2022
We were driving to Fort Bragg, CA on Hwy 20 W of Willits, CA in the mountains out of cell service, and the car was surging like it was out of gas, would not respond to throttle input, then just died. This put us in danger because we were heading down a steep hill on a narrow 2 lane road, and could easily have lost control from loss of braking and handling due to loss of power steering & power bra... Read more
Incident date: Aug 3, 2022
Spontaneous shatter of tempered glass sunroof.
Incident date: Aug 3, 2022
Vehicle stalls when giving it gas then lunges forward all at once ….brake light is on
Incident date: Jul 2, 2021
JULY 2021 at 69568 miles on 2008 Lexus RX350 Brake Booster was changed by Lexus of Orange Park, Florida, for $1652.97. Situation/Discrepancy: After normal stop, Brake Light would illuminate and brakes would mysteriously release and vehicle would start rolling forward! After several brake pumping actions vehicle would stop. Brake Booster was leaking internally! Corrective Action: Replace Power Br... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2007 Lexus ES350. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH the dashboard was sticky with a glare and shiny. The contact stated the material caused visibility issues. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was repaired before for TSB: L-SB-0011-15 however the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified o... Read more
Incident date: Aug 2, 2016
The contact owns a 2006 Lexus RX400H. The contact stated that the vehicle would emit abnormal sounds long after the vehicle was parked. Additionally, the contact stated while driving 10 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed but failed to respond. The contact stood on the brake and the vehicle finally responded. The brake warning light and the ABS warning light were illuminated. The contact was able t... Read more
Incident date: Aug 2, 2016
The contact owns a 2006 Lexus RX400H. The contact stated that the vehicle would emit abnormal sounds long after the vehicle was parked. Additionally, the contact stated while driving 10 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed but failed to respond. The contact stood on the brake and the vehicle finally responded. The brake warning light and the ABS warning light were illuminated. The contact was able t... Read more
LEXUS
HS 250 HYBRID
(2010) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Aug 1, 2022
Incident date: Jul 13, 2022
The contact owns a 2010 Lexus HS250 Hybrid. The contact stated that while her daughter was attempting to reverse, the vehicle would not accelerate. The vehicle was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the transaxle assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed that the vehicle had experienced the failure list... Read more
Incident date: Jul 29, 2022
On July 29th at approximately 8:30pm, I got into my car after exiting the Meijer store and noticed the car making strange noises and was hard to get in gear. I park so I don’t have to back up, so I put the car in drive and it went fast in reverse, when it went forward, it went crazy and I ran into a tree island and busted 2 tires and finally stopped. Fortunately this happened in a mostly vaca... Read more
Incident date: Jul 29, 2022
On July 29th at approximately 8:30pm, I got into my car after exiting the Meijer store and noticed the car making strange noises and was hard to get in gear. I park so I don’t have to back up, so I put the car in drive and it went fast in reverse, when it went forward, it went crazy and I ran into a tree island and busted 2 tires and finally stopped. Fortunately this happened in a mostly vaca... Read more
Incident date: Jul 29, 2022
On July 29th at approximately 8:30pm, I got into my car after exiting the Meijer store and noticed the car making strange noises and was hard to get in gear. I park so I don’t have to back up, so I put the car in drive and it went fast in reverse, when it went forward, it went crazy and I ran into a tree island and busted 2 tires and finally stopped. Fortunately this happened in a mostly vaca... Read more
Incident date: Jul 14, 2022
The previous recall on this issue is not completely resolved. The rear suspension on this model of Lexus was simply epoxied in place permanently. The recall "resolution" approved by NHTSA and implemented by Lexus does not allow for the common maintenance on the vehicle - namely, alignment. Therefore, inordinate and substantial tire wear occurs due to the inability to align the wheels. The only way... Read more
Incident date: Jul 25, 2022
The sole occupant driver drove into a slightly elevated driveway and stopped. The driveway is maybe 5 degree incline. The shift select lever was placed in Park and the Driver visually confirmed it was in park. Driver sat in the car for 12 seconds before exiting the vehicle with the engine running and AC on. The driver exited and was standing outside of the vehicle with both feet on the ground for... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Jul 25, 2022
The sole occupant driver drove into a slightly elevated driveway and stopped. The driveway is maybe 5 degree incline. The shift select lever was placed in Park and the Driver visually confirmed it was in park. Driver sat in the car for 12 seconds before exiting the vehicle with the engine running and AC on. The driver exited and was standing outside of the vehicle with both feet on the ground for... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Jul 25, 2022
The sole occupant driver drove into a slightly elevated driveway and stopped. The driveway is maybe 5 degree incline. The shift select lever was placed in Park and the Driver visually confirmed it was in park. Driver sat in the car for 12 seconds before exiting the vehicle with the engine running and AC on. The driver exited and was standing outside of the vehicle with both feet on the ground for... Read more
1 injured