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.

2,215,138 Total Complaints

138,663 Reported Crashes

56,255 Reported Fires

8,561 Reported 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

How to Read NHTSA Consumer Complaints › How NHTSA Investigations Work › Used Car: 7 Recall Checks to Run First › The Takata Airbag Recall: Full Story › OBD-II Codes Explained › All Articles ›

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Showing 42,495 complaints — component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Incident date: Dec 15, 2025

The vehicle is a Nissan Altima experiencing a low-beam headlight failure. The headlights have become extremely dim and no longer provide adequate illumination of the roadway at night. Visibility is severely reduced, making it difficult to see lane markings, pedestrians, and obstacles ahead. The vehicle and headlight assemblies are available for inspection upon request. This condition creates a se... Read more

Incident date: Feb 11, 2026

Brake lights become faulty due to moisture intrusion from car washes. The part is available for inspection if requested Audi has issued a technical service bulletin on this issue already. This should be handled through a recall, not a TSB.

Incident date: Mar 14, 2026

Warning message on dashboard regarding right side marker light defective. This warning only occurs after sundown when the daylight sensor has engaged. Confirmed by Audi dealer service on 3/12/2026. Dealer reports this is due to a problem with a LED light inside the headlamp component. Dealer denies coverage for the repair under my active extended warranty. Dealer states an approximate $5,000 re... Read more

Incident date: Mar 13, 2026

I’m tired of replacing my headlight bulbs every month!!! Both high and low beam go out all the time! It’s expensive. Also it is a safety concern. The low beams are dim to begin with and having one go out I have to drive with high beams on due to inability to see. I even upgraded bulbs in hopes of brightening but they also go out all the time.

Incident date: Feb 20, 2026

This vehicle experiences multiple recurring safety-critical system failures while driving, creating a dangerous operating condition for both the driver and the public. 1. Dashboard / Instrument Cluster Failure While Driving While the vehicle is in motion, the dashboard display intermittently shuts off completely. When this occurs, I cannot see my speed, warning lights, battery status, or any othe... Read more

Incident date: Jan 14, 2026

Sometimes I feel as if my car is possessed I own a 2008 Volkswagen Jetta and sometimes the passenger headlight works sometimes it doesn't I've replaced the bulbs doesn't matter. My sunroof All of a sudden stopped working. My turn signals on the right side don't work when the headlight is not on. I have no sound from my stereo cuz my speakers automatically went out. It has a lot of electrical issue... Read more

Incident date: Mar 13, 2026

The rear lighting on the left side of the tailgate was accumulating water. Even though it was part of a recall campaign, the period had expired. I had to replace it at my own expense. This could be a broader issue since similar cases may occur for others.

Incident date: Mar 14, 2026

The driver's side headlight does not illuminate the center of the road. There is a dark spot. The headlight was replaced but the issue still persists. This is dangerous and cannot see the road adequately.

Incident date: Feb 18, 2026

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Incident date: Jan 27, 2026

The illuminated dashboard, center control console, and headlights suddenly turned off while the vehicle was in motion during a dark night. The blackout lasted approximately 10 seconds and I was unable to see to keep the vehicle on the roadway. After running onto the unpaved shoulder, I was able to fully stop the vehicle without hitting anything. All of the lights came back on and the dashboard sho... Read more

Incident date: Mar 4, 2026

The current b-pillar trim issue that Ford hasn't remedied. In October 2025 my b-pillar broke off my car while driving, shatteringagainst the car behindme. When it did that the wiring immediately caused my liftgate to think it was open and I have not been able to access that back of my suv since then. In order to do so a piece in the door had to be removed and I have to crawl thru the vehicle to ma... Read more

Incident date: Mar 12, 2026

Both taillamps holding moisture. Could cause electrical issues or fire. .. same year and model car have same reported issues and were fixed by manufacturer. This vehicle is the same but different level.

Incident date: Mar 3, 2026

I am reporting a safety defect in my 2023 Mazda CX-5 involving the right headlight assembly. The internal LED cooling fan has failed, causing loud noise and excessive vibration. This is a confirmed manufacturing defect (documented in Mazda Service Alert SA-013-23). Safety Risk: The cooling fan is essential to prevent the LED from overheating. A failure of this component can cause the headlight to ... Read more

Incident date: Mar 9, 2026

I have a failed leveling motor on my led headlight assembly causing a constant noise as it is attempting to level. This is apparently a known problem and has had a TSA technical service bulletin of 09-015/23. My car is past the 3 yr warranty but under the 36,000 mile warranty period with only 33,000 miles. Mazda refuses to cover it since it has not had a recall yet even though it is a common and k... Read more

Incident date: Feb 3, 2026

Headlights are recessed and snow can pack in the recess which blocks the light. The snow renders the headlights useless and makes for unsafe driving conditions.

Incident date: Mar 13, 2026

Headlight is defective and is filled with condensation which has caused the entire light to fail. The problem has been confirmed by a independent service center. The light has not been inspected by a manufacturer however the manufacturer was contacted and denied that a recall exists however other purchasers have reported the same issue. There have been no apparent issues prior to this problem.

Incident date: Feb 27, 2026

THE REAR LIGHT BAR DEVELOPS LEAKS AND CAN MAKE THE REAR LIGHING GO OUT. DEALER WAS MADE AWARE AND STATES IT'S NO LONGER A COVERED ITEM.

Incident date: Jan 1, 2024

The contact owns a 2024 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at night, the low beam headlights were very dim. The headlight control was set to automatic, but the dimness of the headlights was the same as when switched to manual control. The failure was not as noticeable while using the high beam headlights. The contact stated that the low beam headlights failed to properly illuminate in... Read more

Incident date: Mar 6, 2026

Automatic headlight sensor flashes lights on and off even during sunny days

Incident date: Mar 2, 2026

The vehicle has a recurring door handle/door lock malfunction associated with Volkswagen safety recall 57J9. Symptoms include the vehicle unlocking and immediately re-locking, auto-unlock failure, and difficulty entering the vehicle. All four door handles were previously replaced under the recall (Feb 2025), but the malfunction recurred. On 01/26/2026 I delivered the vehicle to a Volkswagen deale... Read more

Incident date: Dec 10, 2025

In April, 2025, my vehicle's engine power was significantly reduced while on the highway. I could not keep pace with traffic. My mechanic said there were recalls for the turbo engine but my car was not included. I paid forbthe part and repair. Less than a year later and the car began burning a lot of oil very fast. I add oil weekly. The car has again been losing power and there is still no recall ... Read more

Incident date: Jun 20, 2025

The contact owns a 2025 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V059000 (Exterior Lighting, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that messages that the exterior lights on the trailer were inoperable were displayed while the exterior lights were operable. The dealer was notified of the failure and inf... Read more

Incident date: Dec 31, 1969

* Sudden shutdown while driving * Dash failure * “Vehicle not in park” message * RF hub failure * Recall references While driving at highway speeds and without warning the entire dashboard shut off and the vehicle lost power. The message “Vehicle Not in Park” appeared. My son was forced to coast off the highway to safety. Once the vehicle stopped, it shifted itself into park. The truck res... Read more

Incident date: Feb 19, 2026

See attached document for complaint.

Incident date: Mar 12, 2026

The contact owns a 2022 Ram 1500. While driving approximately 45 MPH, the contact was pulled over by the Local Police and was informed that the taillights were dark. The contact turned on the exterior lights using the automatic function on the light switch. The contact stated that there was no warning illuminated. The contact depressed the brake pedal and the brake lights operated as needed. The c... Read more

Incident date: Jan 5, 2026

The contact owns a 2025 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V059000 (Exterior Lighting, Electrical System). The local dealer was contacted to schedule an appointment; however, on the day of the appointment, the dealer called and informed the contact that parts were not available, and that the manufacturer was shipping a limited amount of parts to the dealers. Th... Read more

Incident date: Jan 22, 2026

The contact owns a 2014 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that for several years, the headlight bulbs were replaced several times. The contact used several different brands of headlight bulbs, but the bulbs failed prematurely. The contact stated that the headlight bulbs were dim while using the low beam or the high beam headlights. Additionally, the turn signals failed to properly operate while engag... Read more

Incident date: Jan 17, 2026

The passenger side day time running light is dimmed drastically and almost not visible anymore on the upright section. After doing research , this seems to be a very common issue and not a cheap repair. Some states day time running lights are mandatory to work to pass inspection. Ford has not acknowledged this issue and/or making profit from changing out the whole headlight assembly to fix. It se... Read more

Incident date: Oct 1, 2025

Collision with deer. The vehicle cannot be driven because Nissan cannot supply a bumper with no ETA.

Crash

Incident date: Feb 9, 2026

This vehicle does not recognize that the gear is on park. Due to the issue, it has left me stranded twice. The first time it was at a very remote area up in the mountains. I was stuck for hours due to battery dying. The second time being a very dangerous situation Because it was a very dangerous area late at night.

Incident date: Jan 18, 2026

I am writing to formally document my experience with the service performed at Nissan Heights following a recall repair on my vehicle. My vehicle was brought to Nissan Heights on Monday, March 2, for recall service related to NHTSA Recall #22V-024 (Nissan Recall #R21B9) involving the wiring harness. I dropped off the vehicle early that morning with the expectation that the recall work would be comp... Read more

Incident date: Mar 4, 2026

My main headlights became DIM after 7 years of ownership. I have gone to the Dealership and had BOTH bulbs Replaced with No Visible Improvement in the Brightness. Given the age of my car, I've also had the Lenses Polished to ensure there's no significant Film on the Outside. Again... No Improvement in the Brightness of the lights. I asked the techs at the Shop about the problem and they said... Read more

Incident date: Mar 7, 2026

Vehicle produced symptoms over time: Loss of Ford Pass connectivity, Inconsistent turn signal function, occasional dashboard alarm for Open Driver Door while driving, unwarranted security alarm triggers when still at home. Second to last incident was an unwarranted security alarm that triggered, and was unable to be stopped by use of the security controls (lock/unlock, alarm key button). Horn "w... Read more

Incident date: Oct 2, 2025

Paint on car is coming off from hood and doors headlights are not bright had to change to aftermarket to make it brighter

Incident date: Mar 11, 2026

This is a leased vehicle through Enterprise. We have had a recall on the reverse lamps since 7-17-2025. Every time our driver take the vehicle in for service they say the parts haven't arrived or they cant get them to replace. There was no wreck or damage to the vehicle its just a simple recall we are trying to get fixed.

Incident date: Dec 23, 2025

Race light tail lights went out. Water can get in around light . Known issue in class action lawsuit

Incident date: Aug 1, 2025

Trailer lights operate intermittently (basis of Manufacturer Recall Number 03D NHTSA Recall Number26V-059). Manufacturer states that the repair parts are available, but they are not allowing dealerships to make the repair for some undisclosed reason. The Manufacturer is misrepresenting that a repair is available when it is not and is not able to provide any more information on when this will be r... Read more

Incident date: Mar 11, 2026

The contact owns a 2016 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that the headlights failed to properly illuminate the roadway while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact was informed that the fog covering the headlights could not be removed and that the vehicle was not covered under recall. The dealer informed the contact that the headlight assemblies needed to be replaced. The ve... Read more

Incident date: Feb 1, 2026

Driver side Daytime Running Light (DLR) went out without warning. Another motorist notified me. Fixing requires the entire headlamp assembly to be replaced and the part, alone, is over $1,100.

Incident date: Jan 19, 2026

When it is too windy or rains my blindspot warning light will indicate there is something there when there isn't. I'm unsure of when I really started to notice it and watch for it to occur

Incident date: Mar 10, 2026

I previously had this same issue August 2024 (associated complaint 11608428). My rear drivers side tail light is out completely-no brake light, reverse, turn signal, or nighttime tail light is working. I spent nearly $800 to replace part 68599920AA, as the entire motherboard was fried, as were the connectors from overheating. I’ve located several other complaints with similar issues: 11585014; 1... Read more

Incident date: Dec 20, 2024

Daytime running light just went out one side.

Incident date: Mar 7, 2026

Spontaneous headlight cracking and chipping.

Incident date: Mar 1, 2026

The contact owns a 2025 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving out of the driveway of the residence at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights illuminated related to the trailer control module; however, a trailer was not attached to the vehicle during the failure. The warning lights were continuously illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, an... Read more

Incident date: Sep 1, 2025

The low beam headlights are very dim and this causes reduced / no visibility while driving at night. While driving in the dark, it is impossible to see anything on the road ahead

Incident date: Mar 9, 2026

No brake lights.

Incident date: Feb 28, 2026

Basically, the instrument cluster lighting is very, very poor. Very difficult to read when driving, especially in a day break. You must turn off your daylight running lights to make it a little bit brighter. This is a problem.

Incident date: Mar 6, 2026

Major electrical issues causing problems with the wipers, cruise control, break lights, sensor issues and much more

Incident date: Jun 20, 2019

The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked with the headlight switch set to the Automatic Off/On position, the headlights blinked continuously, the bulb became red, and then the headlights became inoperable. While the headlight switch was in the on position, the headlights operated as designed. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehic... Read more

Incident date: Mar 9, 2026

Both front headlights are making an abnormal loud whining noise which started intermittently about 6 months ago and became continuous January 2026. Took vehicle to dealership where the dealership reported that the noise may be due to contamination by a foreign matter during the manufacturing process getting inside the adaptive headlight system causing the fan motor bearings inside the headlight to... Read more

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Consumer Safety Complaints

What is a NHTSA consumer complaint?

How to interpret what you read

If you've experienced a defect

Read more from our blog