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 42,929 complaints - component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Incident date: Sep 28, 2023
Horn only occasionally works when honking and/or locking car, which increases the risk of a crash since I can’t always use my horn to alert other drivers of presence. One front headlight only occasionally works (lightbulb is not the issue), which increases the risk of a crash since other drivers may not be able to see me as well & I am not able to see the road as well in the dark. Cruise control... Read more
Incident date: Jun 15, 2023
I was driving from Florida to my home in Washington, DC on September 4th, 2023 on I-95. Somewhere in South Carolina, a message appeared on my display that said the blind spot assistant was disabled. Soon thereafter, my turn signals quit functioning. At first chance, I pulled over and turned the car off hoping it was some kind of computer reset. That worked but only for an hour or so. I made it h... Read more
Incident date: Sep 26, 2023
My headlights (specifically on the driver side) keeps going out randomly. I have replaced the high and low beam bults 3 times and the wiring harness twice. I can be driving down the road and they it will go out and 10 minutes later it will just come back on all on it's on. I looked on all of the Dodge discussion forums and this seems to be a very common issue with this make/model of the Dodge R... Read more
Incident date: Sep 29, 2023
After the vehicle sits idle for about two contiguous days and you open the driver's door, there are not lights on inside or outside. Normally when you open the driver's door, the center dash and console light up as well as the ambient lighting in various areas of the interior. There is no mention of the 'battery deep sleep' anywhere in the online user manual for a non electric vehicle (ICE). Ent... Read more
Incident date: Sep 20, 2023
In Texas this year we had 50+ days of 100F +. All the plastic parts on front and back cracked from within. Spider cracks form where the plastic is molded. Ford says it’s cosmetic however it’s on every piece of plastic and the dealers states “ I have seen a lot of this this year and all truck under 36 month warranty Ford covered as a defect hou out of warranty it’s a cosmetic issue.
Incident date: Jul 20, 2023
The headlamps in the Cadillac Lyriq are supposed to be self leveling, maintaining a consistent throw throughout a drive. My left headlamp droops significantly after 10-15 minutes of driving, failing to throw its beam more than 15 feet ahead. This poses a a safety risk because it decreases my ability to see pedestrians or road hazards. This has not been reviewed by a Cadillac dealer yet because it ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 21, 2023
Headlights will randomly turn on and off throughout while driving. Radio has the same issue
Incident date: Sep 28, 2023
The left turn signal does not turn off after the turn is completed.
Incident date: Sep 21, 2023
No difference between high and low beems
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
My dash screen went blank several times.
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2014) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Sep 28, 2023
Incident date: Sep 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Volkswagen CC. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the back over prevention camera failed to display an image. Additionally, the brake lights and turn signals failed to operate as needed, and the electronic trunk latch was inoperable. Upon inspection, the contact discovered that the trunk wiring harness was damaged from wire fatigue, caused by the opening, ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 18, 2023
The issue is that there are times when the brake lights kick on when I’m not braking and they stay on and when I brake they turn off. I’m at risk and so are the people who drive in back of me. The lights kick on and they don’t know when I’m actively braking. I took it to the Merle stone a year ago now and they “fixed it” but it still occurred. No warning lamps/lights. It was my moms ca... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2023) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Sep 27, 2023
Incident date: Sep 26, 2023
Manufacturer has replaced and recalibrated headlights on 2 occasions however they will not maintain aim on road. This is consistent and as of now besides the repairs performed they do not know how to rectify this. Additionally in the rain or moving from a shadow to sunlight the rear cross traffic alert will trigger if enabled on vehicle causing emergency braking for no reason. it will continue t... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
TIGUAN
(2012) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Sep 27, 2023
Incident date: Sep 18, 2023
The headlight pattern of the low beam lights has a large dark area at the 10 to 11 O'clock position that appears in the oncoming traffic lane when driving at night. This dark area is very distracting while driving at night. The area is approximately 1 to 2 meters in diameter when seen on the driving surface. It appears the headlights to not meet the photometric requirements for headlights. This pa... Read more
Incident date: Sep 24, 2023
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Power steering pump/Module, Break light, and Head lights How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Power steering/module went out while driving and almost cause an accident. The break and head light have gone out shortly after changing them and caused me to receive a Warning ticket. H... Read more
Incident date: Sep 26, 2023
My KIA Sportage 2017 headlights malfunctioned by flickering on and off and the screen and dashboard lights went totally out while I was driving on THE FREEWAY at NIGHT. This happened five times in the span of 30 minutes and each incident lasted approximately five to ten seconds. My car is available for inspection upon request. My safety or the safety of others was put at risk. I worried my lig... Read more
Incident date: Sep 26, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that upon being pulled over by local police, he became aware that his rear license plate lamp was out. The contact also stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, he heard wind noise in the interior of the vehicle. After a visual inspection, he became aware that the rear driver's side door latch mechanism failed to secure the door clo... Read more
LAND ROVER
RANGE ROVER SPORT
(2015) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Sep 27, 2023
Incident date: Jun 27, 2023
My cars lights (headlights, gage cluster lights, dash lights, radio screen light, etc..) and screen for my radio and back up camera, all turn off by themselves, for maybe 1 second or 2, while driving. This happens randomly, no warning, no special conditions, just out of nowhere, and for no reasons. Since I bought the car in September of 2020 (used, as is) it has done it now 7 or 8 times, with toni... Read more
Incident date: Sep 26, 2023
Headlights switch set in Auto position. Headlights turned on spontaneously, two different times while auto was off and locked. This resulted in battery being drained and auto would not start. This has not happened since switch was set to Off position.
Incident date: Sep 10, 2023
Left turn signal doesn’t cancel on its own. You signal left and you make a left turn and the signal is still blinking. This is a widespread issue according to other Ram 1500 owners.
Incident date: May 6, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Impreza. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V624000 (Exterior Lighting) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The ma... Read more
Incident date: Sep 15, 2023
HEADLIGHTS ARE VERY DIM. At night, it is very hard to see the road unless I put the high beamers on. I've inquired about this with the dealership and shared my concerned on how this is a safety issue and front lights arent bright enough. the response "we are aware, it is common in that year and model but nothing we can do." then proceeded to state it would cost $2k to replace. This clearly is a ma... Read more
Incident date: Sep 21, 2023
The driver headlight assembly has water in it and unable to fix it without replacing whole assembly that can be as much as $1500. The light bulb and valance was replaced. The valance was filled with water. The headlight still wouldn’t work. Upon further investigation there is a part sealed into the assembly that also has water in it with no way to get it out or replace. This is a safety risk si... Read more
Incident date: Mar 9, 2023
Right DRL LED strip broken and will not illuminate. Outside of the 3 year/36K mile warranty and Ford will not repair despite numerous owners reporting the same issue and the 2022 models having a recall for them. The same should be extended to 2021 owners.
Incident date: Aug 5, 2023
hi beam, low beam, both sides flicker, go off, then come on. Driver's side (low and hi beam) is now permanently off even after having a repair shop fix them.
Incident date: Aug 24, 2023
The low beam headlights degraded very quickly and doesn't throw much light. The problem seems to be with the projector headlight housing
Incident date: Sep 22, 2023
Start/ Stop system malfunction shown on dash board. Took vehicle to Lynbrook Audi New York on 9/20/23. Water penetration causing multiple damage to electrical systems. Audi states water possibly entering through faulty skylight drain hose ? Quote service charge of 12,028.00 not including tax , declined service for a second opinion. Invoice # 207805. Paid 271.57 for diagnostic inspection. Vehicle... Read more
Incident date: Sep 24, 2023
I have had my lights to go off at night while driving.
Incident date: Sep 20, 2023
The headlamps have quit working when driving at night but will come back on later. This has happened several times. I found GM recall number 14291 that is supposed to include 2006 Chevy Trailblazers and pertains to this problem. The local dealership told us that our vehicle has a vin number that is not covered. It would seem that all model 2006 Chevy Trailblazers would use the same HDM modules... Read more
Incident date: Sep 7, 2023
The reverse camera works poorly and is not clearly especially if it’s wet outside. Water smears on the camera more easily than other cars I have owned even if it’s not actively raining. My 2013 g37 and 2017 Mercedes glc300 never had visibility issues for the camera and the Infiniti is 11 years older. Honda states it’s normal. I think it’s a bad design that allows camera lens to hold water ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 25, 2023
Comfort Control Module (J393) is malfunctioning due to water getting into the wiring components and surrounding areas. The rear lighting stops working all together; No taillights, no brake lights, no turn signals, no license plate lights, and no lights when backing up. The problem has been reproduced by an authorized dealer. The component was removed by the dealer and noted of water inside the mod... Read more
Incident date: Jul 31, 2023
Headlights start dropping as car is driven. Every 10 to 15 miles must pull car over and restart as you can not see further than a car’s length in front of you. Cycle car off and then back on the headlights return to normal for another 10 miles. Also seems that some of the individual lamps start pointing upward blinding oncoming drives even with most of the lamps are pointing down in front of the... Read more
CHEVROLET
CAPTIVA SPORT
(2012) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Sep 24, 2023
Incident date: Sep 12, 2023
Engine: Timing chain, valve rocker arms and valve lifters. All in sequence once the rocker arms went out with the lifters which is a common problem with dodge 3.6L PenStar engine it made my timing chain go off timing causing my engine to shut off while driving. Lighting: When vehicle was purchased i noticed condensation in both head lights got 1 replaced per warranty, they would not do both at s... Read more
Incident date: Sep 21, 2023
The headlights are so dim it's unsafe to drive at night. I replaced the bulbs, but the headlights still are too dim to drive at night. It's dangerous and people in my car with me at night after I replaced the bulbs noticed it too and were very concerned.
Incident date: Sep 14, 2023
Control modules located next to the gateway module that was recently recalled are getting wet and shorting out. Tail lights, brake lights, turning signals, license plate lights, and reverse lights all stop working. Once the area is dry, the lighting works only sometimes. I am not ever sure if the lights work or not while I'm driving and am concerned about getting rear-ended because of the lights b... Read more
Incident date: Sep 22, 2023
I have a 2019 Odyssey Elite and the following lights come on: Adaptive cruise control problem (ACC); Auto high-beam problem (A); Road departure mitigation system problem; collision mitigation system problem; lane keeping assist problem (LKAS); brake system lights. My problem is intermittent. I can make it go away most of the time by pouring water over the camera or spraying it from the windshield ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 19, 2023
I was recently served a notice in regards to our back up camera. Of greater concern is the moisture issue in the headlight that MAZDA seems to not be concerned about. However my inspection mechanic seems to be offended and warns it shan't pass PA inspection. Why won't Mazda deal with this defect? If you poll other owners the concern is not random. Many folks have paid hundreds of dollars for a rep... Read more
Incident date: May 30, 2023
When headlights are set to automatic they do not come on when running the wipers. The only way to get them on when raining is to manually select them. The owners manual states that they should turn own automatically with wipers.
Incident date: Sep 16, 2023
1. This issue is with the image produced by the backup camera as its image is dim and not very clear, especially at night. At daytime the image is also dim. I had 3 previous models of the same Ford Edge Titanium 2013, 2016 & 2019 all had a similar backup camera albeit with the image on a smaller screen and never had an issue with the brightness/ clarity of the image. The issue I'm reporting is on ... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2020
This vehicle has been at the dealership for six weeks waiting on both headlamp replacements. Daytime running lights do not function. Intermittent headlamp function.
Incident date: Sep 21, 2023
When the headlights are on Low, not High beam, there is a dark horizontal and vertical streak (shadow) in the illuminated area in front of the vehicle. The dark area looks like an L turned on it's side to the right. It is the same for both right and left headlights. This shadow area prevents full illumination of the roadway ahead of the vehicle. This also is a distraction and causes the driver's e... Read more
Incident date: Sep 20, 2023
The headlights are soo dim that you cannot see anything at all at nighttime unless you drive with the brights on. The headlight bulbs blow out super fast, within a few months, and need to constantly be replaced over and over again. Even brand new headlights you cannot see at night.
MERCEDES-BENZ
ML350
(2006) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Sep 21, 2023
Incident date: Sep 21, 2023
Driver side DRL are not working
Incident date: Jul 18, 2023
LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS EXTREMELY DIM
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2014) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Sep 20, 2023
Incident date: Jun 20, 2022
I purchased a new 2021 Subaru Outback Onyx Edition XT in May of 2021. The headlights have been a continual problem and I cannot get a solution from the dealer. They are way too bright. It’s a safety hazard to oncoming drivers. I also believe it’s a personal security risk to me from angry drivers. And there's nothing I can do about it because I don't have my high beams activated. The headlights... Read more
Incident date: Sep 5, 2023
This recall 22V624000 was issued in August of 2022 and it is now September of 2023, over a year since it was recalled and Subaru still does not have a remedy according to NHTSA website and my local Subaru dealer. Does it really take more than 13 months to redesign a few parts in a headlamp assembly and get it manufactured? Covid is no longer an excuse. When will someone put Subaru on notice to g... Read more
TOYOTA
PRIUS PRIME
(2021) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Sep 20, 2023
Incident date: Sep 10, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Audi Q7. The contact stated that the passenger’s side front marker light defective message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V642000 (Electrical System, Exterior Lighting). The contact was informed that the repair would not be covered under warranty. The manufacturer ... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2023
High beam lights do not work. It shows them on but they never turn on. We found out driving on a mountain road in NM that had no street lights. We had to slow down to 10 miles an hour because it was so dark and we couldn't see. It was scary and dangerous. We wouldn't have been able to react in time if a deer or other animal ran into the street. We looked it up and saw it was a known problem. We c... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2019) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Sep 20, 2023
Incident date: Sep 16, 2023
The low beam headlights do not turn on, all the other lights work as normal including the high beams. The fuses have not blown and there are no warning lamps or messages. This is a known problem with this make and model, there is a recall in Canada for this issue. The safety of others is put at extreme risk in any kind of low light condition (fog, rain, etc.) As well as my own safety by not being ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 19, 2023
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Corvette. The contact stated while driving at speeds above 25 MPH, the ABS system failed, causing the front brakes to activate without the driver depressing the brake pedal. During the failure the active handling warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the active handling control module wiring harness was ... Read more