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
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2023) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
May 28, 2026
Incident date: May 16, 2026
This recall {25TA06} has been out since May 15 2025, it's been over a year now. I have called a few times and nobody know anything when this will be completed. Rumors on line say they took care of the ones at the dealership but not the ones that customers purchased. All I need is about when this will be taken care of. Thank you
HONDA
CLARITY PLUG-IN HYBRID
(2019) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
May 27, 2026
Incident date: May 16, 2026
I am filing this complaint regarding an active safety recall on my 2024 Toyota Tundra involving manufacturing debris left in the V35A 3.4L twin-turbocharged V6 engine during production. This recall has been open for multiple years and spans over 250,000 vehicles across the 2022–2024 Tundra, Lexus LX 600, and 2024 Lexus GX 550. The manufacturing debris causes damage to the engine’s main bearing... Read more
Incident date: Dec 31, 2025
The driver-side headlight on my 2025 Cadillac Escalade failed while the vehicle was still under factory warranty. This is a critical safety component that significantly reduces nighttime visibility and creates a safety risk for both myself and other drivers on the road. The vehicle was inspected by an authorized GM/Cadillac service center, and the failure was confirmed. The warranty repair was ap... Read more
Incident date: May 21, 2026
Front passenger-side daytime running light went out. Cannot be replaced individually. Must replace entire front lighting assembly at significant cost.
Incident date: Nov 1, 2025
i went online because i was having troubles with my vehicle battery alternator and other electronics , i found out other bmws with the same symptoms as my car led to having a bad footwell module , currently interior lights work when they want to if any constant battery dying from lights not turning off none of the parking sesnors work no back up camera the rear windows do not work some times the p... Read more
Incident date: May 22, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the front driver-side headlight would not illuminate during nighttime conditions. No warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed as needing both front headlights to be replaced. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnose... Read more
Incident date: May 22, 2026
2022 Tiguan overhead consule just fell down hanging by wires. No glasses compartment so not sure what would cause the stress on it due to usage. Dealer said 2020 models had issue and have an extended warranty. The 2022 does not have any recall. Seems like design flaw VW should correct as issue comes up. If I was driving at the time. it would have hit me or passenger in the head. This is a safet... Read more
Incident date: May 22, 2026
When driving at night, the low beam headlights were noticeably dim. The headlight bulbs were replaced and the lenses were cleaned on both headlights. This did not fix the issue. I have also adjusted the angle of them, and they’re still dim. My safety is at risk when I drive at night since I am almost completely unable to see the road using the low beams at night. The problem has not be confirmed... Read more
Incident date: May 19, 2026
Component/System: Exterior lighting — right front low beam headlight. Vehicle is available for inspection upon request. 2019 model year vehicle has 65,000 miles Safety risk: The right low beam headlight failed, reducing forward visibility on the right side during nighttime driving and in low-visibility conditions. This creates risk of failing to see pedestrians, road hazards, or lane markings, ... Read more
Incident date: May 26, 2022
I have always kept my Impala in my garage until recently I started keeping my grandson a few days a week. When I am at that home my car is parked in a driveway open to the elements. About a month after starting I notice that my car started having what I would describe as an electronic issue. The seat belt alarm would go off without me ever touching my seat belt. I have also had to replace my tail... Read more
Incident date: May 26, 2026
The contact owns a 2024 Toyota Tundra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V322000 (Exterior Lighting) and 25V767000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer... Read more
Incident date: May 22, 2026
The DRLs went out at the same time. It's still not working so it's available for inspection. DRLs are obviously safety-relevant. No warning, no messages. Checking fault codes shows "module overheating".
Incident date: May 12, 2026
The Driver side Daytime Running Light (DRL) has stopped working. This is not a replaceable bulb, an entire head lamp assembly must be purchased, its also not really a user replaceable item. It involves removing the from bumper cover an other body parts. Im reporting this because this is a common occurrence on 2021 and up model year Dodge Durango and Im hoping you get enough reports to force a rec... Read more
Incident date: May 8, 2026
Daytime running lights have both failed within the last 79 days. Passenger side failed at ~32660 miles o/a 05 Mar 26. It was replaced under warranty. Driver side failed around 36234 miles on 22 May 26 (5-days out of warranty). It is pending a shop appointment for replacement. This is not a “wear and tear” issue, it is a product quality control issue. It is not a simple plug and play re... Read more
Incident date: May 8, 2026
Passenger side daytime running light has burned out. Driver side daytime running light is starting to burn out as well. Starting to read that this is a problem for this year make and model of vehicle.
Incident date: May 1, 2026
Low beam headlights are very dim after installing new bulbs. It appears the reflective capsule is not working properly. My car headlights have not been damaged in the past.
Incident date: Dec 17, 2024
The rear taligate track light for brakes is not working. Some of the lights are out when braking
Incident date: Apr 1, 2026
This is an ongoing issue. The panel lights and indicators associated with climate control setting module (in front of/below) the dash are very dim. In normal to bright daylight it can be impossible to see. As a result drivers have to take their eyes off the road and bend down a little to see what the climate control lettings are set on or whether a selection has been set properly. This has obviou... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
ID.4
(2023) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
May 24, 2026
Incident date: Jun 15, 2023
We took delivery of the vehicle in March 2025. The vehicle has never been involved in any accident or collision during our possession. • In April 2026, we discovered that the passenger-side rear brake light was no longer functioning. • Upon inspection, dealership personnel informed me that a small crack—approximately one inch in length—in the plastic housing of the driver-side rear turn si... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
ATLAS
(2022) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
May 23, 2026
Incident date: May 23, 2026
I AM GETTING FRONT LEFT SIDE MARKER LIGHT FAULTY PROBLEM. I WAS TOLD THIS IS VERY COMMON FOR 2018 AUDI Q7. PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS ISSUE AND SEE IF I AM QUALIFIED TO GET THIS REPLACED BY AUDI. APPARENTLY, THE REPLACING THE LAMP ISN'T EASY BUT WOUDL REQUIRE TO REPLACE THE WHOLE LIGHTING FIXTURE WHICH COULD COST OVER $2K. THANK YOU.
Incident date: May 22, 2026
This happened the first night that I drove this brand new vehicle since owning it. While driving at night, there is what I would describe as a "Hard line" of headlight illumination on the roadway in front of the vehicle. I would describe the "hard line" as being illuminated toward the bottom and at a certain point further up, the light suddenly stops and is just a black void, creating a black line... Read more
TESLA
CYBERTRUCK
(2024) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
May 22, 2026
Incident date: May 22, 2026
The exterior lighting does not light up as warranted. It is impossible to see at night due to the lack of lighting from the headlights. The problem was confirmed with the dealership, however I was told to replace the bulbs which I had done. Replacing the bulbs did not fix the issue so I went back to the dealership and told them again. I was told I would have to replace the entire headlight unit in... Read more
Incident date: Oct 25, 2023
Before I owned this car, I used to get so frustrated whenever I was driving behind this type of vehicle because the rear blinkers are mounted so incredibly low in the bottom bumper that you can't see what the driver is doing. Now that I actually own a Hyundai Tucson, I feel completely responsible for the drivers behind me. Because I know how low my blinkers and reverse lights are, I have to tur... Read more
Incident date: Jun 19, 2023
Driver's side daytime running lights have gone out already after fairly low mileage. Have since discovered this is a very common issue for this model and requires entire headlight assembly replacement, which is over $1,000. This prohibitive cost lessens the likelihood of replacement for many drivers and since it is not legally required it negates the added safety value of these lights.
Incident date: May 14, 2026
The contact owns a 2026 Ram 2500. The contact stated he is experiencing issues with electrical on his trailer when connecting to the vehicle, stated his blinkers or lights are not operating. The contact stated, he had took his vehicle in for NHTSA Campaign Number: (26V059000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM), The repair was done. The repair was completed by the dealer. However, the contact st... Read more
Incident date: May 11, 2026
The auto-dimmer function does not work. On high-beam there is no automatic dimming; on low-beam the high beam automatically and randomly flashes on for a couple seconds, then off. In the latter instance, oncoming traffic gets hit with a sudden blinding flash - creating a hazard. My understanding is that this has been a problem for several years even before we bought the vehicle new and the comp... Read more
Incident date: Jan 2, 2026
Both my passenger and driver headlights have failed. I have paid to have them replaced. The drivers side has failed twice. The passenger side has failed 3 times. I have taken it to the dealership and they “fixed” the issue but it keeps coming back months or weeks later. The low beams are what is failing. The message on the dash says “check headlight assembly see manual” This is a safety... Read more
Incident date: May 17, 2026
Toyota issued a recall (NHTSA 25V322) over a year ago. We are now more than a year beyond the issuance date of this recall and Stop Sale order for affected vehicles. There is still no remedy available for this recall and from what I can tell, none in sight. Additionally, on 11/6/25, Toyota issued a recall (NHTSA 25V767) related to potential engine failure. Over 6 months after this recall and S... Read more
Incident date: May 20, 2026
May 15,2025 Manufacturer Recall Number25TB06 NHTSA Recall Number25V322 Recall StatusRecall Incomplete, remedy not yet available Toyota nor my local Dealer has not contacted me to remedy this recall.
Incident date: Apr 17, 2026
Headlights are so dim and cannot operate at night driving thru the mountains. It seems like a repetitive issue that affects many owners.
Incident date: May 1, 2026
The rearview camera does not function properly at night.
Incident date: May 17, 2026
"I own a 2018 Subaru Outback VIN [XXX] . I have experienced a recurring failure with the TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) three times within the same year. In January 2026, I brought my vehicle to the dealership and had to replace the TPMS sensors. Shortly after, the issue returned and I had to replace the TPMS module. I picked the vehicle up on Monday, May 18, 2026, and by Wednesday, May 20... Read more
Incident date: May 13, 2026
at night, when going over any sort of bump in the road the headlights visibly shake. It’s distracting and generally disconcerting.
Incident date: Mar 15, 2026
The contact owns a 2025 Ram 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V059000( ); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2026
After updating Manufacturer Recall Number25SA8, My backup camera and all other cameras are not working. Ford is refussing to replace the Module B free of charge. Looks like I'm going to have to pay then go after them to get my money back. They keep trying to update and the updates are not working. Everything was working as it should be it went to the dealership. Now it is a seroius safty as I have... Read more
HYUNDAI
SANTA FE SPORT
(2014) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
May 19, 2026
Incident date: Sep 16, 2025
On my 2011 Hyundai Sonata GLS, both rear tail lights have melted to the point that the lightbulbs cannot be extracted and the brake and tail lights no longer work. When I looked into this, I found out this is a common issue on 2011 Hyundai Sonatas. It is almost always caused by excessive heat from the standard incandescent bulbs, which damages the wiring harness and deforms the plastic housing. Wh... Read more
Incident date: May 16, 2026
The low beams headlights, when you go over a bump they visibly shake, it is distracting. I checked forums and other owners are complaining of same problem with this model.
Incident date: Apr 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2008 Pontiac G8. The contact stated that while driving approximately 80 mph the cruise disconnected had erroneously deactivated and the brake lights had remained illuminated . The contact replaced brake sensors, emergency brake sensors and ABS Module but the failure continued to occur. The local dealer was notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The manufacturer w... Read more
ACURA
MDX TYPE S
(2023) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
May 19, 2026
Incident date: Mar 28, 2026
The contact owns a 2022 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that the right turn signal fails to remain engaged intermittently. The failure had become more frequent as time progressed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for another matter, and the owner was also informed about the failure. The dealer confirmed there was no recall attached. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact 24V239000 (EXTERIO... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
AMG GLA45
(2017) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
May 19, 2026
Incident date: Apr 2, 2026
Parking light defective message on dash board. Looked at the light and all lights present. Talked to a dealer and the headlight assembly to replace is 6K plus. For a small yellow side light inside of headlight that is still on, but the message on dashboard says otherwise. Was told that it isn't outputting enough light power.
CHEVROLET
SUBURBAN 1500
(2025) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
May 18, 2026
Incident date: May 8, 2026
The headlights quiver in their housing and this creates a jittering effect on the road ahead and in the faces of oncoming drivers. The shakiness is a potential hazard to the ability to view surroundings by, and distracting to, driver of this vehicle and other drivers.
Incident date: Oct 31, 2024
At 76000 miles, the daytime running light on the passenger side went out. I took the vehicle into the dealership for repair and I was told that because there is an internal open circuit, the entire headlight assembly will need to be replaced. I was quoted $1600 for the part, not including labor. This is a safety issue due to one daytime running light being a distraction for other drivers as well a... Read more
Incident date: Aug 4, 2025
I noticed that my passenger side headlight was out but no warning was given in the dashboard. If I hadn’t noticed that the ‘round the corner’ lights were not working it might have taken me a while to figure it out presenting a safety issue
Incident date: May 11, 2026
The driver-side headlight assembly failed unexpectedly on my 2020 Land Rover Defender 110. This appears to be a known and recurring issue with this vehicle model involving the headlight or related electrical/control system. The failed component and vehicle are available for inspection upon request. The failure significantly reduced nighttime visibility and made the vehicle less visible to oncomi... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2020) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
May 18, 2026
Incident date: May 7, 2026
Excessive amount of moisture inside my headlight. Affects how bright my headlight is at night and is now prone to failure. Dealership has documentation of the issue and is making it very difficult to replace.
Incident date: May 15, 2026
The daylight running lights failed at the same time. This a closed system so VW wants 1000 per headlight unit.
Incident date: May 18, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while his daughter attempted to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start immediately. The contact's daughter pressed the engine Auto Start/Stop button again, the vehicle restarted. The contact had AAA test that the battery, which had no failure, and it was determined that the brake light switch had failed. The cruise control late... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2026
Back up camera randomly stops working (black screen-completely gone, or blue screen). Dash will randomly dim on its own and does not go back to normal unless car is shut off and turned back on. adaptive cruise control will disengage for no apparent reason. stabilitrak will flash on screen but no other indicators or reasons; nothing happens with car. Occasionally the blind spot mirror lights will n... Read more
Incident date: May 18, 2026
Daytime running lights are non replaceable and a hazard left unfixed. The dealer refuses to acknowledge this or do anything but charge me 1600 dollars to replace. We don't have that kind of money just sitting around these days and they refuse to do anything. DRLs are critical for visibility. We had an extended warranty and they replaced 1 side last year instead of both. Now that the warranty is up... Read more
Incident date: Feb 3, 2026
I was driving home from work late at night in December 2025. A Signal came on that said pull to safety or something like that and then I lost power steering and brake control and my entire dash in my vehicle went pitch black. I was in the middle lane on route 290 and I was very lucky not to hit any other vehicles, but it was incredibly scary because I had no control of my vehicle and there were ... Read more