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: Mar 1, 2021
The nut on the axle on the passenger side of the vehicle came completely off. Not sure how long it was off as it was “smooth” and full of dirt. From what I was told the wheel could fall off. I travel on an interstate at 80 miles an hour daily. I bought this car to transport elderly mother to appointments. I am not feeling confident in this vehicle. I would trade it if I was not upside down... Read more
Incident date: Feb 8, 2026
The contact owned a 2025 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed into a parking spot, the brake pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard. The vehicle failed to come to a stop. The vehicle drove over a parking median in front and struck a tree. The contact then attempted to steer the vehicle to the left, but crashed into another vehicle on the passenger si... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Nov 3, 2025
Gear shifter gets stuck. Car jerks back when trying to speed up
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
I am writing to formally report Hyundai’s failure to remedy Safety Recall 25V607 involving defective first and second-row seatbelts in our 2025 Hyundai Palisade. The recall was issued in September 2025 and stated no remedy was yet available but the vehicle remained safe if belts were checked after fastening. In December 2025, the front passenger seatbelt in our vehicle began unlatching while dri... Read more
Incident date: Feb 10, 2026
At approximately 5:50 PM on Feb 12, 2026, a collision occurred while the vehicle was under the control of "Full Self-Driving (Supervised)." While parked in a commercial lot, I engaged FSD to initiate a route home. A stationary semi-truck was positioned behind my vehicle. Upon engagement, the FSD system failed to detect the presence of the stationary truck. The vehicle initiated a rearward/lateral ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Feb 10, 2026
On Feb. 10th 2026 I was driving north I405 (Los Angeles). The car suddenly applied emergency breaks in the middle of the freeway, while there was no car in front of me, at least for 100m. I was lucky that the car behind me didn't hit me. It could be a serious multi-car collision.
Incident date: Feb 10, 2026
On Feb. 10th 2026 I was driving north I405 (Los Angeles). The car suddenly applied emergency breaks in the middle of the freeway, while there was no car in front of me, at least for 100m. I was lucky that the car behind me didn't hit me. It could be a serious multi-car collision.
Incident date: Dec 31, 2025
This complaint involves a 2023 Jeep Grand Wagoneer L Series III, a full-size luxury SUV. The vehicle has experienced repeated electrical and powertrain failures culminating in complete loss of propulsion. On 01/22/2026, while traveling approximately 45–50 mph, the vehicle abruptly shut down without warning. The engine lost power, dashboard displays went black, and multiple warning lights illumi... Read more
Incident date: Dec 31, 2025
Description of Incident: This is a recurring safety defect that has occurred multiple times from August 2023 to February 2026. The following description refers to the most severe incidents: 1. NATURE OF DEFECT: The vehicle experienced a sudden "Limp Mode" event where all dashboard warning lights illuminated simultaneously, followed by an immediate loss of propulsion while in motion. Subsequently, ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 30, 2025
I am writing to formally express my dissatisfaction regarding a significant safety and reliability issue with my 2020 GMC Denali. Specifically, the vehicle is experiencing premature wear and imminent failure of the front ball joints. I expect the suspension components of a premium Denali-trim vehicle to last significantly longer than the 37,061 miles currently on my odometer. Industry standards ty... Read more
Incident date: Feb 11, 2026
I have a 2007 Hyundai Sonata SE v6 3.3L and on January 9th, 2026 I had an incident where on the road my charging system light on signifying alternator failure. I made it home, but the battery was dead which was recently purchased. After recharging the battery I conducted tests with a multimeter and have determined the alternator has failed. The alternator has accrued a coating of oil overtime that... Read more
Incident date: Feb 4, 2026
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, attempting to activate the heater, there was an abnormal fuel odor entering the vehicle through the vents. No warning light was illuminated. A local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the head gasket needed to be replaced. The vehi... Read more
Incident date: Jan 25, 2026
The contact owns a 2024 Toyota Tundra. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V322000 (Exterior Lighting), 25V767000 (Engine and Engine Cooling), and 26V038000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that while driving approximately 10-15 MPH, the vehicle experienced reduced engine power. The contact st... Read more
Incident date: Feb 10, 2026
In October, 2025, the car gave the warning notice on the screen 'check electrical system' (or to that effect... i was at home, and put the car in drive, to get to a Doctors appointment. I drove about a mile and another notice came on to the screen to stop the car immediately. I did, and called Bluelink to have it towed (missed my Dr's appointment). The Capital Hydaid dealer in Greensboro, NC, took... Read more
Incident date: Feb 3, 2026
While driving, my vehicle has intermittently lost power without warning, creating a serious safety hazard. The loss of power occurs unexpectedly while the vehicle is in motion and is not associated with any driver input, weather, or road conditions.The issue has occurred on more than one occasion. The first occasion in March 2025. The issue appeared to be temporarily resolved but later recurred, i... Read more
Incident date: Feb 3, 2026
The contact owns a 2009 Lexus RX 350. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment with the check engine oil warning light illuminated. The failure had occurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the oil cooler hose was leaking due to... Read more
Incident date: Feb 3, 2026
Seat emblem (Denali) pulls and rips out hair while sitting in seat.
Incident date: Jan 18, 2026
On 1/19/2026 I had my 2023 Jeep Wrangler 4xe serviced at a Jeep dealership to have recall 68C corrected. I received a call from the dealership later that day stating a new battery was not needed, only a software update was needed. They completed the software update. On 1/31/2026 ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 15, 2025
On February 3, Tuesday drove home from work. The battery light came on. I Drove to AutoZone and they placed it on Diagnostic reader. The diagnostic reader said that the battery had no charge. They told me I need a new battery. I replaced the battery. The next morning, I placed the jeep into auto start. So the Jeep can warm up. When I went outside, there was smoke coming from underneath the hood of... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Feb 2, 2026
Catastrophic engine failure. Engine failed while driving and lost all oil pressure. Nearly cause accident
Incident date: Jun 12, 2022
While driving my Jeep Compass's emergency parking brake engaged on its own. I thought I was hit by another vehicle since it was so abrupt. I was able to disengage it after several minutes and as I turned my hazards on and drove home, the emergency brake engaged again on its own. This was a major safety issue and after getting the vehicle home, I was able to call and get it into a mechanic who was ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 12, 2022
I am reporting two safety-related problems in my 2022 Lexus GX 460, both present since shortly after purchase and the vehicle is available for inspection upon request. 1. Power Train / Speed Control (delayed acceleration / no throttle response): When I transition from the brake pedal to the accelerator pedal quickly (normal driving), the vehicle intermittently displays a warning message indicatin... Read more
Incident date: Jun 12, 2022
I am reporting two safety-related problems in my 2022 Lexus GX 460, both present since shortly after purchase and the vehicle is available for inspection upon request. 1. Power Train / Speed Control (delayed acceleration / no throttle response): When I transition from the brake pedal to the accelerator pedal quickly (normal driving), the vehicle intermittently displays a warning message indicatin... Read more
Incident date: Feb 2, 2026
Lifters went out in January 2024 Paid thousands and thousands to repair and now having more issues again. Same issues the recalled 2021-2025 gym 6.2L have
Incident date: Feb 2, 2026
Frequently I will be driving at highway speeds and the truck will unexpectedly downshift. This will happen around every 500 miles. I have only had it drop from 6th to 5th/4th, never any lower at highway speeds. I have had this occur multiple times at slower speeds but it will go away. During each time the code P0720, output speed sensor, will appear and I will have to clear the code and it will wo... Read more
Incident date: Jan 28, 2026
See attached document for complaint. am writing to file a complaint regarding Recall 25SA9 (NHTSA Recall 25V695) affecting my vehicle, a Ford (please confirm make/model ~~based on VIN if needed~~) The recall states the rearview camera may display a blank or distorted image when in reverse, posing a crash risk. I received the recall notice over a month ago, but the dealership has no parts availab... Read more
Incident date: Jan 28, 2026
My 2024 Lexus RX 350h experienced a catastrophic 12V battery collapse (2.00V), disabling the electronic 'e-Latch' door system and rendering interior handles non-functional for standard use. While a manual override exists, it is not intuitive for emergency egress. Additionally, the electronic parking brake and shift-by-wire systems remained physically locked, preventing the vehicle from being moved... Read more
Incident date: Jan 31, 2026
Unknown but told by multiple mechanics that the kia soul eats oil and the engine constantly runs dry which is pricey and unfair
Incident date: Jan 31, 2026
Lexus of Sarasota Fl confirmed a Faulty brake actuators causing brake , skid control and ABS light to come on which created an immediate and extremely dangerous driving situation as I was on an interstate highway driving at 70 mph. It’s been confirmed that multiply Lexus models and years have had numerous brake actuator . Multiple failures have been documented yet ONLY a few were given recall ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 31, 2026
Lexus of Sarasota Fl confirmed a Faulty brake actuators causing brake , skid control and ABS light to come on which created an immediate and extremely dangerous driving situation as I was on an interstate highway driving at 70 mph. It’s been confirmed that multiply Lexus models and years have had numerous brake actuator . Multiple failures have been documented yet ONLY a few were given recall ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 5, 2026
Drive chain guard mount broke off while uninstall chain guard for chain maintenance as specified. Simple small threaded bolt into threaded frame mounted bolt boss. Purpose to secure plastic chain guard. Small part factory welded to major component (swingarm) thus can't be replaced separate of entire swingarm. Fasteners were uninstalled and reinstalled three times with hand tool only hand tightened... Read more
Incident date: Nov 10, 2025
We are being denied a repair that is exactly like the service recall Service Bulletin 24-001 Safety Recall: 2016 (&2018-19) Pilot Connecting Rod Bearing. They found metal shavings in the oil that are identical to vehicles that are covered. The dealership said they received 4 other 2016 Honda Pilots this week where the VIN wasn't in the range but the same issue. Honda is trying to avoid a recall wh... Read more
Incident date: Dec 18, 2025
when I got in my car the display showed that my driver’s door was open, but it wasn’t. When I tried to put it in drive, the car had an awful beeping sound and wouldn’t go into drive unless I released the emergency brake button. Once I came to a stop the car would automatically go into park and wouldn’t not proceed unless I released the emergency brake again. I did look up if there was a re... Read more
Incident date: Nov 13, 2025
Issue: Rear liftgate window on my 2017 Ford Explorer Sport spontaneously shattered without any impact. Conditions: Occurred in cold weather (approx. 5 F) within 30 minutes of starting the vehicle. Description: The glass failed suddenly with an explosive sound and scattered fragments inside and outside the vehicle. There were no prior cracks, chips, or external forces. Safety Concern: Sudden loss o... Read more
Incident date: Nov 13, 2025
I purchased the 2022 Lexus RX 350 used a couple of months ago. While driving down the highway the instrument panel went blank. I was terrified. I continued to drive not knowing what speed I was driving. The instrument panel went panel came back minutes later. Another incident occurred when the car was parked in my driveway. I turned on the engine and the instrument panel was blank. No numbers ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 13, 2025
I purchased the 2022 Lexus RX 350 used a couple of months ago. While driving down the highway the instrument panel went blank. I was terrified. I continued to drive not knowing what speed I was driving. The instrument panel went panel came back minutes later. Another incident occurred when the car was parked in my driveway. I turned on the engine and the instrument panel was blank. No numbers ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 21, 2026
The front passenger seat sensor failed. Without the sensor properly detecting weight, the airbag will deploy no matter the weight of the front seat passenger. Tesla has fixed the sensor placement in newer models as the service tech told us this is a common issue in later models where the only fix is to pay over $5k to replace the entire seat otherwise the airbag will go off no matter what.
Incident date: Jan 21, 2026
When coming from a stop, the car will not respond to the gas pedal being engaged OR it will begin to engage and then no response leaving the car rolling for a few seconds until a response is recieved and the car engages again. This has caused us to be put in harms way MANY times with oncoming traffic when making turns or in front of oncoming traffic in intersections. The dealer states this is not ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 17, 2026
The contact's daughter owns a 2021 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at highway speeds, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted and failed to accelerate above 30 MPH. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The driver pulled over and restarted the vehicle. Upon restarting the vehicle, the check engine warning light was no longer illuminated, and the vehic... Read more
Incident date: Jan 17, 2026
The contact owns a 2002 Lexus ES 300. The contact stated that while driving approximately 5 MPH in the driveway and turning into the garage, the vehicle unintentionally accelerated, hit a beam, drove through the garage wall, and into the dining area of the residence, crashed into the furniture, and stopped. The air bags did not deploy. The contact noticed sparks and smoke coming from the dashboard... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jan 17, 2026
Lower front control arms are bad. Was told by tire company they need replaced. Quote about 2k
Incident date: Jan 17, 2026
This vehicle has a recurring, safety-critical defect involving intermittent engine misfires, flashing MILs, reduced engine power, sudden loss of acceleration, and noticeable engine shaking. Despite multiple repair attempts and extended diagnostics by a dealership, with manufacturer technical assistance, the defect continues. The defect has repeatedly caused the vehicle to stall and lose propulsion... Read more
Incident date: Jan 26, 2026
The engine check light is on and the car is using more oil than it should. I had the oil changed and had to add quarts before 2000 miles. I called Kia and was told my VIN is not part of the recall. I got an inspection and Cylinder 2 is misfiring and has low pressure so the entire engine needs a replacement.
Incident date: Jan 26, 2026
My Lexus 2019 RX450H is making a squishing squeaking brake actuator noise when pressing the brake pedal. I located well publicized TSB’s documenting the awareness by Toyota/Lexus of the problem. (TSB: MC-10245447-9999) Brake Squawk/Knock Noise. I checked with my local Lexus dealership to see if my vehicle had been repaired. It had Not!. Temecula Valley Lexus, 42081 Dealer Drive, Temecula, Ca... Read more
Incident date: Jan 26, 2026
My Lexus 2019 RX450H is making a squishing squeaking brake actuator noise when pressing the brake pedal. I located well publicized TSB’s documenting the awareness by Toyota/Lexus of the problem. (TSB: MC-10245447-9999) Brake Squawk/Knock Noise. I checked with my local Lexus dealership to see if my vehicle had been repaired. It had Not!. Temecula Valley Lexus, 42081 Dealer Drive, Temecula, Ca... Read more
Incident date: Jan 25, 2026
Issues with 1.5L turbo engine and fuel injector causing safety features to be disabled and flash on dashboard repeatedly, also heard of many issues with head gasket failure in this specific engine which could lead to driving in limp mode on a highway(20miles or less). These safety concerns could potentially be LIFE THREATENING if these issues occur on a highway
Incident date: Jul 1, 2024
My rear racetrack light on my 2021 Durango rt tow n go has water in it from not being sealed and it’s burnt out was quoted astronomical amounts of money to fix along with getting pulled over and was told it’s a safety issue by police and said it can cause a electrical fire and it’s a hazard
Incident date: Jan 15, 2026
The Main screen in the car completely went black all of the sudden with no prior warnings or signs to show cause of the outage. The duration of time was over 5 minutes and it was only the center screen not the screen behind the steering wheel it stayed on.The car mostly runs off of the center touch screen with all the braking, lane keeping, powered windows, airbags, gps etc to not have any contro... Read more
Incident date: Jan 23, 2026
I received a recall on my 2022 ford f150 vehicle stating that the wheel end hub bolt in the rear axle may become loose or break. Continued use of the vehicle can cause damages to other vehicles and/or cause crashes. I tried to have this repaired when I received a recall notice back in November 2025 but they were unable to help. I dropped my vehicle off on 1/6/26 for recall repair and they are tell... Read more