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: Apr 5, 2022
I had new brakes put on my car and a few months later, while I was driving, the brakes completely stopped working. There was no warning and I ended up going through a red light because I couldn't stop. I was lucky to be in a residential area where I could pull over to the side and be towed to the brake shop. They checked it out, and said there was a code that showed a Lexus issue. We took it to ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 17, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Lexus NX200T. The contact stated that his wife was driving approximately 5 MPH, the power steering suddenly malfunctioned and the steering wheel became extremely difficult to turn in either direction. After turning off and restarting the vehicle, the failure persisted. During the failure, the message “power steering malfunction, steering power low visit your dealer” had... Read more
Incident date: Oct 13, 2022
The forward collision not working when it raining. I took to a dealership and they said they test the system not the car and everything it okay. I did a test myself today (10/13/2022),and the system didn't work. They advertised that on national tv and it not working. The sales person convinced me to get this car because it very safe for my family, and failed miserably. What lexus is doing called f... Read more
Incident date: Oct 13, 2022
The forward collision not working when it raining. I took to a dealership and they said they test the system not the car and everything it okay. I did a test myself today (10/13/2022),and the system didn't work. They advertised that on national tv and it not working. The sales person convinced me to get this car because it very safe for my family, and failed miserably. What lexus is doing called f... Read more
Incident date: Oct 13, 2022
The forward collision not working when it raining. I took to a dealership and they said they test the system not the car and everything it okay. I did a test myself today (10/13/2022),and the system didn't work. They advertised that on national tv and it not working. The sales person convinced me to get this car because it very safe for my family, and failed miserably. What lexus is doing called f... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2022
The vehicle has severe rust and corrosion underneath affecting the suspension. The brakes and power steering needed repairs but the service would cause even more damage to the vehicle. The vehicle was confirmed by sterling mcall lexus of clear lake. 18160 Gulf Fwy, Houston, TX 77546. and also Firestone Center Pearland 2908 Broadway St, Pearland, TX 77581. This vehicle is unsafe to operate due to t... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2022
The vehicle has severe rust and corrosion underneath affecting the suspension. The brakes and power steering needed repairs but the service would cause even more damage to the vehicle. The vehicle was confirmed by sterling mcall lexus of clear lake. 18160 Gulf Fwy, Houston, TX 77546. and also Firestone Center Pearland 2908 Broadway St, Pearland, TX 77581. This vehicle is unsafe to operate due to t... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2022
The vehicle has severe rust and corrosion underneath affecting the suspension. The brakes and power steering needed repairs but the service would cause even more damage to the vehicle. The vehicle was confirmed by sterling mcall lexus of clear lake. 18160 Gulf Fwy, Houston, TX 77546. and also Firestone Center Pearland 2908 Broadway St, Pearland, TX 77581. This vehicle is unsafe to operate due to t... Read more
Incident date: Oct 9, 2022
Sun Roof shattered while driving, a potentially dangerous situation.
Incident date: Oct 4, 2022
Oil leaked substantially while driving on the Highway. As we were slowing down on WB I-94 due to construction, our red oil light was on, and then flashing. The car was driven for about 1.5 miles from the initial lit to a safe location (local Honda dealership) where it was determined that the vehicle was no longer drivable. Engine light and all other warning lights were also on as we arrived in the... Read more
Incident date: Oct 4, 2022
Oil leaked substantially while driving on the Highway. As we were slowing down on WB I-94 due to construction, our red oil light was on, and then flashing. The car was driven for about 1.5 miles from the initial lit to a safe location (local Honda dealership) where it was determined that the vehicle was no longer drivable. Engine light and all other warning lights were also on as we arrived in the... Read more
Incident date: Oct 2, 2022
The hill assist does not work as should which causes the vehicle to drift backwards and engage the traction control/ brake system which hinders your ability from moving forwards. This is dangerous for many reasons such as drifting backwards into the vehicle behind you, if it’s icy it could cause the vehicle to break loose and go backwards uncontrollably, and cause unwanted delay in pulling out ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 2, 2022
The hill assist does not work as should which causes the vehicle to drift backwards and engage the traction control/ brake system which hinders your ability from moving forwards. This is dangerous for many reasons such as drifting backwards into the vehicle behind you, if it’s icy it could cause the vehicle to break loose and go backwards uncontrollably, and cause unwanted delay in pulling out ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 27, 2022
While driving home one day four warning lights lit up: VSC, VSC OFF, ABS & BRAKE, plus a very loud warning tone. I cautiously drove home thinking at any moment my brakes may not stop the car in time. I arrived at home & parked in the garage. I needed some time to think what I should do. I decided to move the car out of the garage. I started it up and began to back out, I applied the brakes to slow... Read more
Incident date: Jun 20, 2022
I was hit by another car. Both cars were totaled. My seatbelt did not lock and my air bag did not deploy. I hit my head so hard against the steering wheel. I got a concussion and now I have daily headaches and my neck is killing me. The seat belt should have locked and the air bag should have deployed.
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Jun 20, 2022
I was hit by another car. Both cars were totaled. My seatbelt did not lock and my air bag did not deploy. I hit my head so hard against the steering wheel. I got a concussion and now I have daily headaches and my neck is killing me. The seat belt should have locked and the air bag should have deployed.
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Jul 27, 2022
Motor Vehicle accident with damage to vehicle front end and drivers side quarter panel. Vehicle was not drivable and required towing service at the scene. Front seat belts of the vehicle failed to engage resulting in the driver being bounced up in the seat and then down resulting in a serious compression fracture of the vertebrae of the spine. An inspection was completed of the vehicle by a th... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Sep 15, 2022
The dashboard is defective in that it melts when exposed to heat and becomes sticky. Although initially it started off as a cosmetic issue, the melting of the dashboard causes it to be very glossy to the point where it reflects onto the front windshield and creates a blind spot on the front windshield when driving. This poses an immediate safety hazard when driving as it's sometimes difficult to s... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Lexus IS200T. The contact stated while the vehicle was stationary, he noticed that the rear driver’s side speaker had water inside, causing an electrical short. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to a local dealer who stated that the failure was caused by the body shop. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not b... Read more
Incident date: Aug 17, 2022
Sunroof exploded while driving in middle lane of 5 lane interstate. Cars, semi trucks all around me, center section of sunroof glass blew up and back into a pickup truck directly behind me. Pieces of glass flew in all directions. Luckily the moonroof/sunroof and interior panel were closed. No one was hurt. Other than a loud POP! then 2-3 seconds later an explosive BOOM! no warning light or me... Read more
Incident date: Sep 22, 2022
The contact owned a 2008 Lexus RX 350. The contact stated while driving approximately 20 MPH, the contact was crashed into by another vehicle on the driver's side door. The contact stated that the driver's side air bags did not deploy. The driver's side door and the driver's side front wheel and axle were broken. The front fender was also crushed by the impact. The contact suffered a 7-inch lacera... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Sep 23, 2022
The Brake Actuator is malfunctioning. I had it inspected at Lexus and they stop the warranty at 150,000 miles which needs to be researched as the issue is arriving beyond 150,000 miles
Incident date: Oct 18, 2019
My 2008 Lexus ES350 has been repaired at Northtown Lexus since 10/18/2019. The dealer and manufacturer indicated the door lock actuators are defective as original equipment. The dealer replaced only two door locks and referred me to Lexus Customer Service. Since 10/18/2019, I have NOT been able to obtain any relief from Northtown Lexus or Lexus Customer Service for these defective, factory orig... Read more
Incident date: May 8, 2020
On 5/8/2020, Northtown Lexus replaced or repaired the vacuum pump. Northtown Lexus required the vehicle to be returned for repair twice, following the initial repair on 5/8/2020. After three attempts, the vehicle's vacuum pump (per a factory recall) is not functioning properly. Northtown Lexus refuses to further diagnosis this defective vacuum pump and continued to decline any and all requests ... Read more
Incident date: May 8, 2020
On 5/8/2020, Northtown Lexus replaced or repaired the vacuum pump. Northtown Lexus required the vehicle to be returned for repair twice, following the initial repair on 5/8/2020. After three attempts, the vehicle's vacuum pump (per a factory recall) is not functioning properly. Northtown Lexus refuses to further diagnosis this defective vacuum pump and continued to decline any and all requests ... Read more
Incident date: May 8, 2020
On 5/8/2020, Northtown Lexus replaced or repaired the vacuum pump. Northtown Lexus required the vehicle to be returned for repair twice, following the initial repair on 5/8/2020. After three attempts, the vehicle's vacuum pump (per a factory recall) is not functioning properly. Northtown Lexus refuses to further diagnosis this defective vacuum pump and continued to decline any and all requests ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 26, 2022
I have a 2022 Lexus NX. The driver's side mirror shakes excessively and consistently. It is a serious safety concern because at night there is blurry lights reflecting and makes seeing cars difficult. It is also a safety concern because during the day you cannot see the distance cars or objects are away from the vehicle as the mirror is constantly shaking. This puts myself and others at risk of co... Read more
Incident date: Sep 24, 2022
AC drain was clogged/malfunctioned which resulted in constant condensation in footwell. The problem persisted which resulted in black mold in the carpet and footwell insulation beneath the carpet. Lexus service advisers insisted the ac drainage line was clogged by a spiderweb but the picture they took didn’t show any spiderweb. After researching many Lexus forums, it seems like a common problem ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 23, 2022
While driving in local conditions (traveling 20 mph) the brakes stopped working partially (about 90% of braking power was lost) and a message on the dash board show check vsc, after pulling aside it turning off the engine. I inspected the brakes in the engine and at the wheels for leaks. no leaks. upon restarting the car all was normal again.
Incident date: Sep 23, 2022
LEXUS UX200. CONSUMER STATED THAT RUN FLAT TIRES CAUSING DIRECTIONAL CONTROL ISSUES AND FALSE LOW TIRE PRESSURE ALERTS.
Incident date: Mar 15, 2021
Excessive oil consumption. I purchased the car January 7, 2021 and checked the oil on March 15, 2021 before a long trip and the oil didn't even register on the dipstick. I followed procedure before and up to checking the oil. I checked it when it was delivered and it was at the appropriate level.
Incident date: Aug 28, 2022
As I was traveling eastbound going 55MPH, a car pulled out in front of me from a parking lot and hit my car in the front passenger side. The impact caused my car to go over both eastbound lanes, the median, both westbound lanes, down a hill, and headfirst into a fence. All passenger side airbags deployed, but my driver airbag did not. The impact from the collision should have caused my airbag t... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Sep 15, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Lexus ES350. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the contact stated that a beeping alert sounded to notify him that he was approaching another vehicle. As the contact attempted to depress the brake pedal, the brake pedal failed and the contact rear-ended the vehicle. The air bags deployed upon impact. The police and paramedics were called to the scene and the o... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Sep 15, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Lexus ES350. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the contact stated that a beeping alert sounded to notify him that he was approaching another vehicle. As the contact attempted to depress the brake pedal, the brake pedal failed and the contact rear-ended the vehicle. The air bags deployed upon impact. The police and paramedics were called to the scene and the o... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Sep 17, 2022
Heat appears to come from under the passenger side floor boards.
Incident date: Sep 16, 2022
Someone hit from front left head on but the airbags did not deploy. Car was damaged the extent that it maybe totalled. I am working with ALSTATE Insurance at this time.
Crash
Incident date: Sep 16, 2022
I am uploading for complaint number 11485175
Crash
Incident date: Jul 16, 2021
The contact owns a 2006 Lexus IS250. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the air bag warning light activated. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the air bag sensor on the driver's side needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage w... Read more
Incident date: Sep 15, 2022
I was attempting to stop at an intersection. I pressed the brake pedal and an error message came up on the info screen and the car failed to stop. I ended up crashing into the rear of the vehicle in front of me.
Crash
Incident date: Sep 13, 2022
ABS Brake Actuator Brake Booster Pump & Bracket Is the component that is malfunctioning and it is under inspection now. Car not stopping correctly that’s is actually dangerous for everyone if driven not safe to drive by the way. Yes this problem was discovered at the lexus service center where these accusations where obtained. I was told there is a beeping noise and the brakes are hard to pre... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Sep 13, 2022
ABS Brake Actuator Brake Booster Pump & Bracket Is the component that is malfunctioning and it is under inspection now. Car not stopping correctly that’s is actually dangerous for everyone if driven not safe to drive by the way. Yes this problem was discovered at the lexus service center where these accusations where obtained. I was told there is a beeping noise and the brakes are hard to pre... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Sep 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2008 Lexus LS460. The contact stated that the vehicle would erroneously start without anyone being near the vehicle with the starter button not being pressed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who replaced the starter however, the failure persisted. The contact indicated that the starter had been replaced on four separate occasions for the same failure. In addition, whil... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2021
2008 LX570: This is my second time owning a Toyota/Lexus vehicle with the 3UR-FE/5.7L V8 and each has had the same issue. At 156,000 miles, noticed a nauseating smell of oil and coolant enter the cabin via the air vents. Noticed oily residue around front and sides of engine, no check engine lights. Took vehicle to Lexus dealer who reported that timing and valve covers were leaking oil and that the... Read more
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