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: Jun 3, 2021
the rubber oil cooler hose busted/exploded on 6/03/2021 on the way home from vacation 2 hours away from home late at night with my 2 children. there were no warning lights etc. all of a sudden it started making this horrible sound, i stopped on side of rode to everything covered in oil. had to get the vehicle towed to home. the engine and all under hood was covered in oil. i see tons and tons of... Read more
Incident date: Jul 20, 2021
Engine hesitation. sometimes the engine suddenly slows down or like lossing it’s power while running on the freeway or making a turn or going uphill . This is a very scarry situation everytime it does .
Incident date: Jul 18, 2021
Something had broken causing oil draining out of the car while driving on the highway. The car lost power and I pulled over immediately and shut off the engine. I opened the hood and saw nothing wrong, however when I checked the oil, there was no oil. I then proceeded to look under the car and there was oil all over the under carriage. I then did a walk around and found oil all over the back side.... Read more
Incident date: Jul 18, 2021
Something had broken causing oil draining out of the car while driving on the highway. The car lost power and I pulled over immediately and shut off the engine. I opened the hood and saw nothing wrong, however when I checked the oil, there was no oil. I then proceeded to look under the car and there was oil all over the under carriage. I then did a walk around and found oil all over the back side.... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2015
The contact owns a 2009 Lexus RX350. The contact stated that a crack had formed on the dashboard extending horizontally from the driver’s side instrument panel to the passenger’s side air bag housing. The contact also stated that the dashboard was sticky and appeared to be melting. The contact notified the dealer of the failure and was insured that the dashboard would not affect any safety fea... Read more
Incident date: Jul 20, 2020
I have a 2007 lexus is350 with the melting dashboard and door panels. The dashboard causes a terrible glare that reflects off the windshield and making it difficult to see the road and causes a smell in the car as well.
Incident date: Jul 13, 2021
The contact owns a 2019 Lexus RX350. The contact stated while parking the vehicle in a parking space, as he disengaged the brake pedal to complete the parking, the vehicle accelerated inadvertently and crashed into the pillar of a building. There were no warning lights illuminated. There were no injuries sustained. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot, then it was towed to an independent mechanic. A... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jun 10, 2021
My vehicle has safety recalls since last year and I would like to fix them for my kids and mine safety
Incident date: Jun 17, 2021
Occasionally when just touching the brakes the vehicle reacts as if I had slammed on the brakes
Incident date: Jul 14, 2021
I purchased a previously-owned Lexus IS 250 in 2017. At the time I was unaware of the "melting dashboard" issue that is associated with the make and model. As I begin to notice the sticky appearance of the dashboard, I began to conduct some research. During my research, I found that Toyota Corporation was aware of the situation and issued an extended warranty and that a recall has never been issue... Read more
Incident date: Jul 13, 2021
Vehicle has been reported before for similar problems. This time, no power, severe stumbling, lurching. Check engine light comes on along with warning indicators that the electrical systems have failed. Lexus notified again and vehicle will be towed to dealership. This car is dangerous and life threatening as we were in traffic with no power. Dealer did not notify us of any problems prior to sale... Read more
Incident date: Jul 13, 2021
Vehicle has been reported before for similar problems. This time, no power, severe stumbling, lurching. Check engine light comes on along with warning indicators that the electrical systems have failed. Lexus notified again and vehicle will be towed to dealership. This car is dangerous and life threatening as we were in traffic with no power. Dealer did not notify us of any problems prior to sale... Read more
Incident date: Jul 13, 2021
Vehicle has been reported before for similar problems. This time, no power, severe stumbling, lurching. Check engine light comes on along with warning indicators that the electrical systems have failed. Lexus notified again and vehicle will be towed to dealership. This car is dangerous and life threatening as we were in traffic with no power. Dealer did not notify us of any problems prior to sale... Read more
Incident date: Jan 15, 2020
I was informed in January of 2020 of a safety recall pertaining to the low pressure fuel pump in my Lexus NX300. I learned of the recall via CarFax rather than through Lexus. As I continued to drive and service the Lexus NX300, I received conflicting information from Lexus about whether or not my vehicle was impacted by the recall. Regardless, Lexus informed me that there was no remedy for the def... Read more
Incident date: Jul 6, 2021
The contact owns a 1999 Lexus GS400. The contact stated while driving at 1 mph, the vehicle accelerated independently. The brakes failed to engage while depressed on the brake pedal almost causing a collision. The contact informed the independent mechanic of the failure, but the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 67,0... Read more
Incident date: Jul 6, 2021
The contact owns a 1999 Lexus GS400. The contact stated while driving at 1 mph, the vehicle accelerated independently. The brakes failed to engage while depressed on the brake pedal almost causing a collision. The contact informed the independent mechanic of the failure, but the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 67,0... Read more
Incident date: Jul 11, 2021
The contact owns a 2008 Lexus LS460. The contact stated that a day after purchasing the vehicle, he noticed that there were cracks on the instrument panel near the radio, and between the dashboard and passenger’s and driver’s side doors. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic nor dealer. The dealer was not made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was made awar... Read more
Incident date: Jul 4, 2021
I was driving down highway 24 in colorado at roughly the speed limit. Out of nowhere, my sunroof shattered and glass fell into the car on to me and my passenger. Falling glass cut my passenger's arm but did not require medical attention.
1 injured
Incident date: Jul 10, 2021
UNKNOWN The airbag light continues to come on and off, also the check VSC keeps coming on. Not sure what the issue is. I feel unsafe and uncomfortable with this occurring!
Incident date: Jul 9, 2021
Car does not speed when gas pressed, noise and car shakes. Engine check light on and screen showed trac off. Saw something with engine power issue. Parked car and called Lexus emergency. Car at dealership and it is being inspected.
Incident date: Jul 9, 2021
Car does not speed when gas pressed, noise and car shakes. Engine check light on and screen showed trac off. Saw something with engine power issue. Parked car and called Lexus emergency. Car at dealership and it is being inspected.
Incident date: Jun 17, 2021
I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE ON 17TH OF JUNE 2021. I NOTICED THE DASHBOARD IS CRACKED REALLY BAD. I DID RESEARCH ON THE LEXUS DASHBOARDS AND FOUND PREVIOUS RECALLS ON THE LEXUS DASHBAORDS INCLUDING THE 2004 RX330 MODELS. HOW CAN I GET THIS FIXED IF THE RECALL IS NOT LISTED FOR THE VIN NUMBER ON MY VEGICLE?
Incident date: Jul 7, 2021
The contact's wife owns a 2019 Lexus ES350. The contact stated that while attempting to park in between two vehicles with his foot on the brake pedal, the vehicle independently accelerated without warning. The vehicle jumped the parking barrier and hit stanchion which caused the vehicle to stop. The airbags did not deploy and the vehicle's electrical warning sensors also failed to operate as neede... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jul 7, 2021
The contact's wife owns a 2019 Lexus ES350. The contact stated that while attempting to park in between two vehicles with his foot on the brake pedal, the vehicle independently accelerated without warning. The vehicle jumped the parking barrier and hit stanchion which caused the vehicle to stop. The airbags did not deploy and the vehicle's electrical warning sensors also failed to operate as neede... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jul 7, 2021
The contact's wife owns a 2019 Lexus ES350. The contact stated that while attempting to park in between two vehicles with his foot on the brake pedal, the vehicle independently accelerated without warning. The vehicle jumped the parking barrier and hit stanchion which caused the vehicle to stop. The airbags did not deploy and the vehicle's electrical warning sensors also failed to operate as neede... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jul 1, 2021
Once existing the car the Officernoticed that my rear driver tire had expolded. This is what caused the accident and caused me tremendously back pain problems. The tires were purchase new from Firestone Complete Auto Care as we only purchased Firestone tires beginning with our first replacement tires until present.Thank God my life was spared. Unfortunately this is the second major conflict with ... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Feb 23, 2021
My car stalled in the middle of an intersection. It had to be towed to the Lexus dealer, where it was determined to be a fuel pump malfunction. My car was not subject to the fuel pump recall but it should have been.
Incident date: Jun 23, 2021
2010 LEXUS 250HS BRAKE ACTUATOR. DRIVING ALONG A CITY STREET GOING 45 MPH. SLOWING DOWN TO APPROACH A STOP LIGHT. IMMEDIATELY AFTER DEPRESSING BRAKE PEDAL THE RED BRAKE LIGHT AND ABS LIGHT COMES ON. MY PEDAL GOES STRAIGHT TO THE FLOOR AND I HAVE NO BRAKES AND ALMOST CRASHED MY CAR INTO THE REAR END OF ANOTHER CAR. DIAGNOSTIC SHOWED CODE C1391THAT ABS MASTER CYLINDER NEEDED REPAIR. I PAID FOR A CAR... Read more
Incident date: Jun 16, 2021
When I press on my brakes they make a loud roaring sound right away. Usually when brakes are about to go out its usually a squeaky noise then it will go to loud roaring noise. There has not been an indicator on the dash about any issues with the vehicle. I found it rather odd that the brakes made the roaring noise immediately. It didn't squeak at all. I would like for this matter to be looked into... Read more
Incident date: Jun 16, 2021
When I press on my brakes they make a loud roaring sound right away. Usually when brakes are about to go out its usually a squeaky noise then it will go to loud roaring noise. There has not been an indicator on the dash about any issues with the vehicle. I found it rather odd that the brakes made the roaring noise immediately. It didn't squeak at all. I would like for this matter to be looked into... Read more
Incident date: Jun 16, 2021
When I press on my brakes they make a loud roaring sound right away. Usually when brakes are about to go out its usually a squeaky noise then it will go to loud roaring noise. There has not been an indicator on the dash about any issues with the vehicle. I found it rather odd that the brakes made the roaring noise immediately. It didn't squeak at all. I would like for this matter to be looked into... Read more
Incident date: Jul 5, 2021
At 1 p.m. July 5, 2021, I was driving on the expressway on a short trip from home (about 5 miles). Temperature outside was 83 degrees, inside car 70 degrees. No overpasses, nearby cars, or debris noted from roadway. We heard a loud explosion. Seeing no other vehicles, feeling nothing wrong with the tires, or broken mirrors, I cracked open the moon roof slightly and noticed shattered glass. Fo... Read more
Incident date: Jul 2, 2021
2008 LEXUS 350 RX. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO A OIL LINE DEFECT. THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER WOULD NOT REPAIR THE VEHICLE UNTIL IT EXHIBITED A FAILURE. THE OWNER SUSPECTED THE VEHICLE WOULD FAIL IN THE FUTURE. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONSUMER TO PAY FOR THE REPAIRS.THE CONSUMER DECLINED.
Incident date: Jun 9, 2021
The contact owns a 2007 Lexus ES350. The contact stated that the dashboard was sticky with a glare coming from the dashboard. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was unavailable.
Incident date: Jun 30, 2021
Oil cooler line, rubber elbow potential failure. No notice letter from Lexus received warning of their TSB: POL.14.02 (NHTSA#: 10056509). Voluntary extended warranty coverage is expired now and no support from Lexus offered. Rubber elbow cannot be simply replaced as the newly desigend replacement is a metal elbow. Entire assembly must be replaced. Extremely expensive. Unacceptable for a flaw... Read more
Incident date: Jun 28, 2021
Oil cooler high pressure line, rubber elbow, pin hole oil leak/spray. TSB: POL.14.02 (NHTSA: 10056509). Leaked oil out with check engine light/low oil pressure warning just as I arrived home. Line of oil in driveway. Diagnosed leak from this rubber elbow. One quart of oil left in oil pan. After review of NHTSA website (and many, many Google hits) found this to be a well known problen by Lex... Read more
Incident date: Jun 27, 2021
The contact owns a 2013 Lexus RX450H. The contact stated while driving at an unknown speed, the contact had crashed into a tree which resulted in the airbags not deploying. The contact does not remember anything between driving on the highway and waking up in an ambulance. The contact sustained shoulder, neck, and mild concussion and sought medical treatment. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard wh... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jun 27, 2021
The contact owns a 2010 LEXUS RX350. The contact stated while driving 65 mph, she saw light white smoke floating through the air which she initially assumed came from the vehicle ahead of her. As she exited the highway and came to a stop, the low oil pressure warning light illuminated with an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine. The contact pulled over and called her brother for assista... Read more
Incident date: Jun 27, 2021
The contact owns a 2010 LEXUS RX350. The contact stated while driving 65 mph, she saw light white smoke floating through the air which she initially assumed came from the vehicle ahead of her. As she exited the highway and came to a stop, the low oil pressure warning light illuminated with an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine. The contact pulled over and called her brother for assista... Read more
Incident date: Jun 28, 2021
Structure problem. Went to the mechanic for a routine oil change. He said the frame is rotted, rusted away so bad he could stick his finger through the frame. They said it was unsafe, couldn’t even hoist it up on the lift. The body, exterior looks fine, no rust at all, but the frame is evidently rotted away. Faulty metal or treatment??
Incident date: Jun 14, 2021
I called Sheehy Lexus of Annapolis to get this recall addressed two weeks ago and they told me the parts are not available. I called again today and they told me the same thing. They do not know when the parts will be arriving. The letter they sent stated "If a vehicle stall occurs while driving, this could increase the risk of a crash". I am concerned that this is taking too long to remediate... Read more
Incident date: Jun 17, 2021
Vehicle stumbles and loses power when accelerating. Loss of power when passing. Both situations caused driver to abort action for fear of not having the power to enter the roadway or pass vehicles. Lexus dealership acknowledged the problem with this vehicle and said the fuel pump was replaced because of a recall. Problem continues to exist and is dangerous to driver and others. Dealer further reco... Read more
Incident date: Jun 17, 2021
Vehicle stumbles and loses power when accelerating. Loss of power when passing. Both situations caused driver to abort action for fear of not having the power to enter the roadway or pass vehicles. Lexus dealership acknowledged the problem with this vehicle and said the fuel pump was replaced because of a recall. Problem continues to exist and is dangerous to driver and others. Dealer further reco... Read more
Incident date: Jun 21, 2021
The hybrid transmission failed at 146k and the light went on. When we took it to the dealership, they said that there was metal bits. The owner of the vehicle when into the dealership asking the dealership to set tire pressures and inspect floor mats for proper installation, they performed an inspection and inflated the tires. The owner went in and stated that the check hybrid system warning light... Read more
Incident date: Feb 25, 2021
Extremely terrible material used on the dash and door panels. Sticky black material sticking to my children and their clothes.
Incident date: Mar 31, 2021
STICKY AND CRACKED DASHBOARD
Incident date: Jun 19, 2021
When parking the car at a shopping mall, the car suddenly accelerated and jumped the curb. It finally stopped when it hit a stopped bus. Two teenage passengers were in the vehicle. The driver does not believe the accelerator was pressed enough to cause the vehicle to accelerate in the manner it did.
Crash
Incident date: Jun 4, 2021
Brake actuator failure reported by dealer because booster pump is running frequently. No info from Toyota and Toyota declined repair . Dealer indicates my vehicle is not under extended warranty. 117000 miles on my car.
Incident date: Jun 4, 2021
Brake actuator failed at 117000 miles. Verified by dealer and suggest replace brake actuator and pump assembly. No notification ever