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 7, 2022
Second day of buying the vehicle stopped suddenly in the highway forcing me to turn to the emergency lane and gravel.Ounce stopped, tried to return to the highway and stpopped suddenly in several ocasions.Noticed the presence of the emergency braking system was on in the dash.Turnned it off and resume my trip.When i leaved the highway it was turnned on again and no signs,but in the middele of the... Read more
Incident date: Jul 7, 2022
Second day of buying the vehicle stopped suddenly in the highway forcing me to turn to the emergency lane and gravel.Ounce stopped, tried to return to the highway and stpopped suddenly in several ocasions.Noticed the presence of the emergency braking system was on in the dash.Turnned it off and resume my trip.When i leaved the highway it was turnned on again and no signs,but in the middele of the... Read more
Incident date: Jul 7, 2022
Second day of buying the vehicle stopped suddenly in the highway forcing me to turn to the emergency lane and gravel.Ounce stopped, tried to return to the highway and stpopped suddenly in several ocasions.Noticed the presence of the emergency braking system was on in the dash.Turnned it off and resume my trip.When i leaved the highway it was turnned on again and no signs,but in the middele of the... Read more
Incident date: May 5, 2022
At the beginning of the Month of May as the weather got hot I turned on the AC and suddenly the windshield cracked more than 6 inches long with no previous damage.
Incident date: Jul 26, 2022
ON 7/26/2022 APPROX 8:00 AM I WAS DRIVING ON BRIGHTON CLOPTON RD WHEN THIS FLAT BED WRECKER WAS BACKING OUT ON HIGHWAY AND I WAS LOOKING DOWN TO MAKE SURE MY SPEEDOMETER WAS AT 30 MPH ALL OF A SUDDEN I CRASHED INTO THIS BED OF THE WRECKER, (NOT ONE) AIRBAG DEPLOYED MY KNEES, SHINS, CHEST BONES , HURT LIKE CRAZY , HEAD, I WAS TAKEN TO HOSPITAL FOR EVALUATION, I ATTACH SOME PICTURES FROM MY CRASH ... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Sep 6, 2021
The contact owns a 2020 Lexus NX. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH and attempting to make a turn, the steering wheel was difficult to operate. There was no warning light illuminated. On another occasion, the steering wheel veered to the left and right. In addition, there was a sudden unintended acceleration. The brake pedal was depressed but the vehicle did not reduce in speed... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Sep 6, 2021
The contact owns a 2020 Lexus NX. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH and attempting to make a turn, the steering wheel was difficult to operate. There was no warning light illuminated. On another occasion, the steering wheel veered to the left and right. In addition, there was a sudden unintended acceleration. The brake pedal was depressed but the vehicle did not reduce in speed... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Jul 23, 2022
During a trip on the highway the accelerator was to low and take harder to accelerate the car. When we arrived home close to parking end the car suddenly accelerated while I was using the brakes pedal. I was lucky to stop on time. Thanks for your attention.
Incident date: Jul 13, 2022
The first incident occurred sometime in late June/early July...indicator lights mentioned below came on and I cleaned off sensors and indicator lamps disappeared on this occurrence. On July 13 2022, I was driving on a busy local road when the following malfunction indicators were displayed: brake system warning, 'check' engine malfunction indicator lamp, electric power steering system warning, pa... Read more
Incident date: Jul 13, 2022
The first incident occurred sometime in late June/early July...indicator lights mentioned below came on and I cleaned off sensors and indicator lamps disappeared on this occurrence. On July 13 2022, I was driving on a busy local road when the following malfunction indicators were displayed: brake system warning, 'check' engine malfunction indicator lamp, electric power steering system warning, pa... Read more
Incident date: Jul 13, 2022
The first incident occurred sometime in late June/early July...indicator lights mentioned below came on and I cleaned off sensors and indicator lamps disappeared on this occurrence. On July 13 2022, I was driving on a busy local road when the following malfunction indicators were displayed: brake system warning, 'check' engine malfunction indicator lamp, electric power steering system warning, pa... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2022
After having our car in the local dealerships shop to fix recalls and a Very hard jerking of the car when slowing to 8mph thinking it was the ABS accutator, that unit was replaced and system bled and tested we picked the car up and before we got 100 feet away from the shop our car still had the same problem. After much talking with a lexus forum group I now believe based on their experiences and t... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2022
Sunroof Glass Failure Report: I was traveling on the interstate at the speed limit and there was a loud bang, which after I pulled over, discovered that the sunroof had "exploded". There was no sign of anything hitting it and the weather was typical for the Texas Gulf Coast in a July morning. Luckily, the underneath cover for the sunroof was closed, because several pounds of glass fragments were... Read more
Incident date: Jun 8, 2022
235/55R20 102V Michelin Premier LTX, premature wear, tires falling apart in layers & chunks, caused premature failure of front left strut on Lexus RX350. Started at 24,000 miles. Tires create an oscillation, causing you to think a tire balance issue, no alignment issue in the onset of problem. Tire tread not wearing but appears to be melting and becoming brittle. Road weight balanced and numbers v... Read more
Incident date: Jul 4, 2022
The contact owns a 2011 Lexus RX350. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, an abnormal clicking sound was coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the AWD and oil pressure warning lights were illuminated. The contact pulled over and discovered oil leaking from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and the contact was informed that the oil cooler line was leaking. The manufact... Read more
Incident date: Jul 4, 2022
The contact owns a 2011 Lexus RX350. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, an abnormal clicking sound was coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the AWD and oil pressure warning lights were illuminated. The contact pulled over and discovered oil leaking from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and the contact was informed that the oil cooler line was leaking. The manufact... Read more
Incident date: Apr 15, 2022
After just 6000 miles, all 4 of my tires have significant cracking on most of the blocks & sipes. I've already lose a few small sections of the blocks where these cracks have reached the tread. No punctures or blowouts, but I wonder how long they will be safe. Kenda claim all damage is caused by stone drilling as a result of driving dirt roads (I've done 3-400 miles on gravel roads) and refuse to ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 25, 2022
A rock is able to penetrate the huge weak grill and put a hole in the radiator causing dangerous overheating. My car overheated in a busy highway
Incident date: Jun 2, 2022
Sunroof exploded on interstate with no other cars around. Thought we had been shot. Noticed air sound and started to open sunroof to have shards of glass fall on us. Closed roof. Pulled off as soon as we got to exit making sure that no one was behind us so that those pieces which were flying off our car would not cause a broken windshield for someone else or an accident. Took pictures of sunroof ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 31, 2022
My dashboard is melting due to a manufacturing defect. The glare from my dashboard makes driving difficult as the glare can blind you. The chemical smell from the melting is horrible. I have placed a dash cover on which has helped but if I am in an accident this dash cover will impede the correct deployment of my airbag on the passenger side. Also the inside door panels are melting and are becomi... Read more
Incident date: Mar 31, 2022
My dashboard is melting due to a manufacturing defect. The glare from my dashboard makes driving difficult as the glare can blind you. The chemical smell from the melting is horrible. I have placed a dash cover on which has helped but if I am in an accident this dash cover will impede the correct deployment of my airbag on the passenger side. Also the inside door panels are melting and are becomi... Read more
Incident date: Mar 31, 2022
My dashboard is melting due to a manufacturing defect. The glare from my dashboard makes driving difficult as the glare can blind you. The chemical smell from the melting is horrible. I have placed a dash cover on which has helped but if I am in an accident this dash cover will impede the correct deployment of my airbag on the passenger side. Also the inside door panels are melting and are becomi... Read more
LEXUS
HS 250 HYBRID
(2010) — SERVICE BRAKES
Jun 21, 2022
Incident date: May 28, 2022
The contact owns a 2010 Lexus HS250 Hybrid. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the contact depressed the brake pedal to avoid traffic however, the brake pedal felt loosened and the vehicle started to swerve from the left to the right. Additionally, the contact stated that the steering wheel was loose causing the vehicle to swerve from left to right. The contact stated that the ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2021
car was recalled for faulty air bags.i have tried numerous times to speak with someone,always with the same result-i am transferred 2 or 3 times and then i am promised a call back.i have not received a call back as of 6/20/2022.i think the first time i called was over a year ago.i am sure i called at least 4 times and spent many hours on hold being transferred.i have other things to do than sit on... Read more
Incident date: Jun 18, 2022
My vehicle has a sticky dashboard and has a reflection to my front windshield. When it is sunny, that reflection is very blinding when I’m driving. My vehicle is available for inspection if needed. I am scared for myself and my passengers when I’m driving. My vision is 20/20 and this reflection is very bothersome. The issue has been confirmed by my local mechanic. I called the dealership ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2022
While I was driving, I went to slow down to turn around and my car started smoking and caught fire. It started from under the hood towards the passenger side front closer to the headlight you could just start seeing flames coming from there so I put it in park and hopped out and got as much stuff as I could out of the car. There was no warning signs no lights came on nothing.
Fire
Incident date: May 26, 2022
Rear ended vehicle automatic braking did not activate
Crash
Incident date: Jun 13, 2022
The contact owns a 2008 Lexus RX400H. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormal sound with the VSC message displayed and the ABS and traction control warning lights illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle made the same abnormal sound for 15 minutes after the vehicle was turned off. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 13, 2022
The contact owns a 2008 Lexus RX400H. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormal sound with the VSC message displayed and the ABS and traction control warning lights illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle made the same abnormal sound for 15 minutes after the vehicle was turned off. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 12, 2022
HELLO , the steering has excess freeplay ,wanders at most speeds , unsafe condition , have tried 3 sets of tires - and 2 alignment check --- help
Incident date: Jun 8, 2022
UNKNOWN: However, the engine is using 2 quarts of oil in less than 100 miles of traveling. It has been taken to the dealer several times for this problem of. Using oil through the engine with no leaks in the oil pan.
Incident date: May 14, 2022
The contact owns a 2022 Lexus NX450H+. The contact stated while in reverse and exiting her driveway at approximately 3 MPH, the vehicle came to an abrupt stop. The contact stated that the brake warning light was illuminated in red. Additionally, she had not depressed the brake pedal. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer who diagnosed and determined that the failure could not be dupl... Read more
Incident date: Jan 15, 2021
Power steering keeps going out and steering wheel making grinding noise. Almost crashed when lost steering on freeway. Car also makes noise while starting cold
Incident date: Jan 15, 2021
Power steering keeps going out and steering wheel making grinding noise. Almost crashed when lost steering on freeway. Car also makes noise while starting cold
Incident date: Jan 15, 2021
Power steering keeps going out and steering wheel making grinding noise. Almost crashed when lost steering on freeway. Car also makes noise while starting cold
Incident date: Jun 1, 2022
While driving there was no warning lamps messages or other symptoms to any problems. I went to slow down so I could turn around because I missed my stop. The brakes started feeling less pressure I looked up and there was black smoke coming from under the hood then I saw flames. Then the car blew up
Fire
Incident date: Jun 1, 2022
While driving there was no warning lamps messages or other symptoms to any problems. I went to slow down so I could turn around because I missed my stop. The brakes started feeling less pressure I looked up and there was black smoke coming from under the hood then I saw flames. Then the car blew up
Fire
Incident date: Jun 1, 2022
While driving there was no warning lamps messages or other symptoms to any problems. I went to slow down so I could turn around because I missed my stop. The brakes started feeling less pressure I looked up and there was black smoke coming from under the hood then I saw flames. Then the car blew up
Fire
Incident date: May 31, 2022
LED headlights are pointed downward and is set with auto leveling to adjust. The distance you can see isn't far enough and these need to be higher. There is no way to adjust these LED lights. With the halogen bulbs you have a level option to raise or lower. You do not with LEDs factory fitted.
Incident date: May 3, 2022
The contact owned a 2020 Lexus RX350. The contact stated that while making a left turn into a parking lot at approximately 10 MPH, the vehicle suddenly accelerated on its own and crashed into the side of a Walmart shopping store. The air bags deployed upon impact. The contact and her sister were both taken by ambulance to two separate hospitals. The contact was treated for fractures to her right h... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Jun 1, 2022
Original Equipment in Lexus RX 350; Michelin Premier LTX 235/55/20 at less than 2 years and 14, 00 miles run advised by the manufacturer to replace for a new one because premature tire deterioration with risk of impending tire rupture. Advised that they have seen a situation is occurring in the same vehicle and these specific tires. Yet no recall and the replacement at the owner's expense.... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2022
Original Equipment in Lexus RX 350; Michelin Premier LTX 235/55/20 at less than 2 years and 14, 00 miles run advised by the manufacturer to replace for a new one because premature tire deterioration with risk of impending tire rupture. Advised that they have seen a situation is occurring in the same vehicle and these specific tires. Yet no recall and the replacement at the owner's expense.... Read more
Incident date: May 12, 2021
The contact owns a 2021 Lexus ES350. The contact stated while accelerating from a stop, the brakes inadvertently was activated. The automatic braking system engaged and the vehicle had to be shifted to park, turned off, and restarted to operate correctly. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic for diagnostic... Read more
Incident date: May 31, 2022
Car displaying parking brake malfunction and and cruise control malfunction intermittent when using the parking break, seem that TSB (T-SB-0168-19) was open for Camay from 2018 to 2020 exhibiting the same issue but not for this car. This a safety concern since parking brake becomes disable, this issue resets after restarting the car again.
Incident date: May 31, 2022
Car displaying parking brake malfunction and and cruise control malfunction intermittent when using the parking break, seem that TSB (T-SB-0168-19) was open for Camay from 2018 to 2020 exhibiting the same issue but not for this car. This a safety concern since parking brake becomes disable, this issue resets after restarting the car again.
Incident date: May 31, 2022
Car displaying parking brake malfunction and and cruise control malfunction intermittent when using the parking break, seem that TSB (T-SB-0168-19) was open for Camay from 2018 to 2020 exhibiting the same issue but not for this car. This a safety concern since parking brake becomes disable, this issue resets after restarting the car again.
Incident date: May 14, 2022
Mirror of driver side vibration when driving. This cause of double image effected driving safety.
Incident date: May 14, 2022
I was driving up a hill, turning on to a dirt road. I had my foot on the brake as I was going down hill, I bounce from the crevice on the dirt road. My car started going faster, I kept my foot on the brake trying to stop, but it did not STOP. I avoided hitting a parked car and slammed in to a K-rail. My car would not STOP.
Crash
Incident date: Jan 25, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Lexus IS300. The contact stated that the instrument panel continued to display an electrical short that flashed the lights and emitted a loud sound from the radio for the system to be reset. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who reprogrammed the software however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that the failure was happening more frequently. The contact r... Read more
Incident date: May 8, 2022
While driving up I70 in colorado I experienced a fuel smell in the cab of the vehicle. When I stopped to see what the issue was I found fuel vapors coming out of the fuel door/gas cap. I replaced the gas cap and again experienced this issue. This leads me to believe the fuel evap system does not work correctly causing excessive fuel pressure in the gas tank, leading to pressurized fuel coming ... Read more