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: Sep 12, 2021
After driving a while 30 minutes or so steering intermittently stiffens especially in turns loss of power steering. Creating very dangerous situation especially if you are yielding. It can cause a very bad accident situation as you may loose control driving control. It is an electronic steering.
Incident date: Apr 1, 2021
Traveling distance of 0.2 miles in a residential complex with 15 mph speed limit, on an uneven road that loops around. The road goes on a slight incline as it bends towards the left reaching my parking destination, a 2-car stall. At slow speed I made a right turn into the stall (a break-release-break maneuver) when the car lurched and suddenly picked up speed. Visualizing a wide pedal in the midd... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Apr 1, 2021
Traveling distance of 0.2 miles in a residential complex with 15 mph speed limit, on an uneven road that loops around. The road goes on a slight incline as it bends towards the left reaching my parking destination, a 2-car stall. At slow speed I made a right turn into the stall (a break-release-break maneuver) when the car lurched and suddenly picked up speed. Visualizing a wide pedal in the midd... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Apr 1, 2021
Traveling distance of 0.2 miles in a residential complex with 15 mph speed limit, on an uneven road that loops around. The road goes on a slight incline as it bends towards the left reaching my parking destination, a 2-car stall. At slow speed I made a right turn into the stall (a break-release-break maneuver) when the car lurched and suddenly picked up speed. Visualizing a wide pedal in the midd... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Dec 30, 2020
Car doesn’t run probably. Seat are getting ripped
Incident date: Dec 30, 2020
Car doesn’t run probably. Seat are getting ripped
Incident date: Dec 30, 2020
Car doesn’t run probably. Seat are getting ripped
Incident date: Sep 11, 2020
Just after topping a hill on an Interstate Highway, both lanes of traffic ahead of us came to a sudden and complete stop. I was in left lane and reacted quickly and applied full braking power and managed to stop a foot or 2 from the rear of the stopped car ahead of us. A few seconds later we were hit from the rear by two cars, one, a Black late model Camry, which almost stopped and a 2nd, a large... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Sep 11, 2020
Just after topping a hill on an Interstate Highway, both lanes of traffic ahead of us came to a sudden and complete stop. I was in left lane and reacted quickly and applied full braking power and managed to stop a foot or 2 from the rear of the stopped car ahead of us. A few seconds later we were hit from the rear by two cars, one, a Black late model Camry, which almost stopped and a 2nd, a large... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Sep 11, 2020
Just after topping a hill on an Interstate Highway, both lanes of traffic ahead of us came to a sudden and complete stop. I was in left lane and reacted quickly and applied full braking power and managed to stop a foot or 2 from the rear of the stopped car ahead of us. A few seconds later we were hit from the rear by two cars, one, a Black late model Camry, which almost stopped and a 2nd, a large... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Sep 7, 2021
I have had my 2009 RX350 serviced regularly at Lexus of Maplewood. When I had it routinely serviced earlier this week, the service representative told me that I need to replace the oil cooler hoses with updated pipes and gaskets to prevent an oil hose failure that could cause major engine damage. The cost of this repair will be $595.90. In researching this problem online, it appears that this risk... Read more
Incident date: May 20, 2021
The contact owned a 2021 Lexus UX 250 Hybrid. The contact stated that while their father was driving approximately at 65 mph when the warning for tire low pressure had illuminated. The driver pulled over to check the tires to the side of the road. After pulling over the driver noticed smoke coming from underneath the hood between the tire on the driver's side. Both parties exited the vehicle when ... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Sep 1, 2021
My dash and door panels are sticky and crumbling to pieces. Also, my door handles aren't working on the car. Every time I open the door the handles are stuck on the driver and passenger side. Also, my floor mats are constantly wet and I'm not sure why. I don't want it to get worst and build mold or start to rust.
Incident date: Sep 1, 2021
My dash and door panels are sticky and crumbling to pieces. Also, my door handles aren't working on the car. Every time I open the door the handles are stuck on the driver and passenger side. Also, my floor mats are constantly wet and I'm not sure why. I don't want it to get worst and build mold or start to rust.
Incident date: Jul 31, 2021
4 new tyres were installed by Firestone but driver side wore out despite balancing rotation, alignment performed during install. TyrePlus sister concern replaced with new tyre and prorated as the tyre was at fault. Same tyre blew out on the road. The tread, side all etc damaged the wire harness and car went out of control causing damage to suspension and fuel tank. Fuel began to leak. Car is toatl... Read more
Incident date: Aug 27, 2021
The contact owns a 2017 Lexus ES350. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the sunroof exploded without warning. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed but not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 31,200.
Incident date: Aug 15, 2021
The contact owns a 2008 Lexus LS460. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, he noticed that there was a shiny glare coming from the dashboard that obstructed his visibility. The dealer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that the manufacturer's recall for the dashboard had expired in March 2021. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 15, 2021
The contact owns a 2008 Lexus LS460. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, he noticed that there was a shiny glare coming from the dashboard that obstructed his visibility. The dealer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that the manufacturer's recall for the dashboard had expired in March 2021. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 29, 2021
While driving my car, the vehicle would not let me drive pass 20 miles. My engine light came on and my tractor off came on. Almost causing an accident. Also, my car cut off while driving. I took it to Lexus service repair and they said it’s a fuel pump issue. I see a recall was list for my car but the year 2015. Mine is a 2017 and Lexus IS trying to make me pay for a service knowing that other c... Read more
Incident date: Aug 28, 2021
In 2020 entire dash sticky to touch, and cracking of dash 2021. VSC light on/off.
Incident date: Aug 28, 2021
In 2020 entire dash sticky to touch, and cracking of dash 2021. VSC light on/off.
Incident date: Aug 25, 2021
The contact owns a 2013 Lexus ES350. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the contact heard a loud gunshot like sound and the sunroof shattered into pieces. The contact stated that small fragments of glass fell all over him due to the failure however, he was not injured. The contact pulled over, cleaned out his vehicle and was able to drive the vehicle home. The contact called the deal... Read more
Incident date: Aug 24, 2021
Complete DASH board is cracked spanning from Drivers side to Passengers Side including Cracks on the AIRBAGS on both sides
Incident date: Aug 19, 2021
The contact owns a 2008 Lexus RX400H. The contact stated that while reversing out a parking space at a low rate of speed, the vehicle stalled as the hybrid system warning message illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact was able to walk to an automotive parts store and purchased a new battery which he replaced in his vehicle. The contact was able to drive to a gas station and soon after le... Read more
Incident date: Aug 10, 2021
Was driving into the garage (coasting) very slowly and as I was preparing to step on brake the car revved forward unsuspectedly - I have a video on my ring door bell and you can hear the engine then the squealing of the automatic braking system. I destroyed the adult 3 wheel bicycle that was stored along the wall but that helped the vehicle from crashing through the bricks - I remember shouting ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Aug 10, 2021
Was driving into the garage (coasting) very slowly and as I was preparing to step on brake the car revved forward unsuspectedly - I have a video on my ring door bell and you can hear the engine then the squealing of the automatic braking system. I destroyed the adult 3 wheel bicycle that was stored along the wall but that helped the vehicle from crashing through the bricks - I remember shouting ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Aug 16, 2021
The contact owns a 2019 Lexus RX450H. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact pulled over and had the vehicle towed to a local dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed with needing a fuel pump replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and the contact was awaiting a response. The failure mileage was approximat... Read more
Incident date: Aug 4, 2021
The automatic door locks have stopped working. I have had to replace 3 out of the 4 door lock actuators in the car. When they go out I am unable to use the door lock sensors and have to manually lock my doors. It also affects my ability to use the key fob remote to lock and unlock my door. I replaced 2 in 2018 and 1 in 2021
Incident date: Aug 17, 2021
Driving along normally, started seeing a flashing "low oil pressure warning". Within seconds, engine started revving uncontrollably and would not make power. Was able to coast into a parking lot. On dipstick inspection, engine had lost ALL engine oil and entire car was covered in oil. Suspect that oil spilled out at some point on the road- danger to other cars. Vehicle was towed to local dealer, ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 17, 2021
Driving along normally, started seeing a flashing "low oil pressure warning". Within seconds, engine started revving uncontrollably and would not make power. Was able to coast into a parking lot. On dipstick inspection, engine had lost ALL engine oil and entire car was covered in oil. Suspect that oil spilled out at some point on the road- danger to other cars. Vehicle was towed to local dealer, ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2016
The contact's wife owns a 2008 Lexus GS 450H. The contact stated while attempting to park and depressing on the brake pedal but the vehicle accelerated independently and hit a lamp post. The contact stated the air bags did not deploy. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated no one was injured nor sought medical attention. A police report was not filed. A dealer was... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jan 1, 2016
The contact's wife owns a 2008 Lexus GS 450H. The contact stated while attempting to park and depressing on the brake pedal but the vehicle accelerated independently and hit a lamp post. The contact stated the air bags did not deploy. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated no one was injured nor sought medical attention. A police report was not filed. A dealer was... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Aug 8, 2021
Our sunroof exploded while driving on the highway, not near any other cars or flying debris. The glass shattered across the entire sunroof, and a hole 6 inches x 12 inches was created.
Incident date: Jul 2, 2021
BL 265/65R17 110S THIS TIRE EXPLODED AS I was existing the Harbor Fwy going south at Adams Blvd. The Lexus has an automatic system that prevents instant breaking when the tire pressure exceptionally low tire pressure or wet pavements due to weather conditions and or slippery pavements. Therefore as I was existing the Lexus did not allow me to stop as I normal did for over 17 years. The Lexus then... Read more
2 injured
Incident date: Jul 30, 2021
The drain system failed to properly route water out of the car after heavy rain and an automatic car wash in two separate incidents. The water would leak through the sunroof along the edges and leak down into the passenger side compartment and land on the floor mats.
Incident date: Jul 21, 2021
Water gets into the body of the vehicle over time. Came outside one day after rain and my passenger carpet was SOAKED all my windows were up and my complex don’t get flooded. Car smells like mildew in cabin! Middle of July I came outside and all the lights were on the dash, no rain the previous day or during, and car wouldn’t start. Took it to the dealership and they can’t explain how water ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 21, 2021
Water gets into the body of the vehicle over time. Came outside one day after rain and my passenger carpet was SOAKED all my windows were up and my complex don’t get flooded. Car smells like mildew in cabin! Middle of July I came outside and all the lights were on the dash, no rain the previous day or during, and car wouldn’t start. Took it to the dealership and they can’t explain how water ... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2016
Dear Sir/Madam, Our Lexus ES350 2008 has front panel melting and cracking. The melting plastic could emit hazardous fumes with health risk to driver and passengers. This melting panel looks awful, it dramatically decreases value of the car. We found this ZLZ program online below. But unfortunately it expired. We never received the ZLZ notice even though Lexus had our contact info (This is b... Read more
Incident date: Jul 26, 2021
Car stalled after 100+ miles driving. When gas pressed, the car thump/hump and irregular acceleration. Engine light on trac off. Stop car, engine off. Restart and can not accelerate (engine hump/thump/shake). Stop, rest, turn off AC/all other electronic, restart, very irregular acceleration, was able to drive with slow acceleration. Once past 25 mph, slow acceleration, no stall. Around 25 m... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2004 Lexus GX470. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked when he noticed there was a crack on the dashboard. The contact was not sure what caused the dashboard to crack. The dealer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the manufacturer for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. T... Read more
Incident date: Jul 17, 2021
Both rear shock absorbers failed simultaneously, with no rebound control. Shock failure made the vehicle very difficult to control on any uneven surface, especially while cornering. Yes, problem was confirmed by dealer and both rear shocks were replaced. Inspected by dealer No warning lights or other indications of failure.
Incident date: Jul 1, 2018
FRAME IS ROTTING FROM INSIDE OUT, EXCESSIVE CORROSION. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE THAT WAS COMMON TO THE EARLY/MID 2000'S TOYOTA TUNDRA, TACOMA, AND 4RUNNER, THE LATTER OF WHICH SHARES FRAME COMPONENTS. TOYOTA, FOR WHATEVER REASON, COVERED THE TUNDRA AND TACOMA THROUGH RECALLS, BUT SO FAR HAS NOT DONE A RECALL ON THE 4RUNNER OR GX470.
Incident date: Jul 1, 2018
FRAME IS ROTTING FROM INSIDE OUT, EXCESSIVE CORROSION. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE THAT WAS COMMON TO THE EARLY/MID 2000'S TOYOTA TUNDRA, TACOMA, AND 4RUNNER, THE LATTER OF WHICH SHARES FRAME COMPONENTS. TOYOTA, FOR WHATEVER REASON, COVERED THE TUNDRA AND TACOMA THROUGH RECALLS, BUT SO FAR HAS NOT DONE A RECALL ON THE 4RUNNER OR GX470.
Incident date: May 31, 2021
The dash is shining and obstructs my view of the road
Crash
Incident date: May 31, 2021
The dash is shining and obstructs my view of the road
Crash
Incident date: May 31, 2021
The dash is shining and obstructs my view of the road
Crash
Incident date: Jul 23, 2021
Transmission wouldnt shift all of the sudden on the high way no prior mechanical issues was t boned and broke my leg abs and trac off lights mechanic says total transmission failure 121000 miles and this is the second owner of this vehicle
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jul 23, 2021
Transmission wouldnt shift all of the sudden on the high way no prior mechanical issues was t boned and broke my leg abs and trac off lights mechanic says total transmission failure 121000 miles and this is the second owner of this vehicle
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Mar 4, 2021
Airbag light keeps going on and off. Looked up on google. A lot of people are having this issue. I filed for a complaint before and got no response.