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: Jun 19, 2023
When parked in home driveway brake lights came on with no one in car or driven during the day. Only way to turn off brake is to remote start & then cut off engine with Fob. Dealer diagnostic unable to find issue & condition didn't occur when at their location.
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2008) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jul 8, 2023
Incident date: Jul 8, 2023
I HAVE A WIRE THAT BURNED-OUT AND IT CONTROLS MY WINDOWS, SUNROOF,MY AC CONTROLS, AND THEN ALSO MY TRANSMISSION IS SHUTERING
GENESIS
G80 ELECTRIFIED
(2024) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jul 7, 2023
Incident date: Apr 3, 2023
Honda Ridgeline's "Auto High-Beam Headlights" do not work as advertised. They do not automatically engage high-beam headlights when appropriate. When this features rarely engages, the high-beams often disengage quickly - which distracts the driver and creates a temporary dangerous situation. I believe that this can be fixed with software.
DODGE
GRAND CARAVAN
(2016) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jul 7, 2023
Incident date: Jul 5, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 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 contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had no... Read more
Incident date: Jun 20, 2023
The dashboard instrument panel lighting has begun to go dark. It started with a section of the odometer going dark and has since spread to a lot of the instrument panel. After researching it further it is a known issue among other Armada owners. It poses a safety risk as you can no longer glance at the panel to get information, but instead must look for a longer period of time to see the gauges... Read more
Incident date: Jun 6, 2023
Loss of brakes and lights due to short at junction box and axles. 50amp short causes arc and burning of foam insulation. There are multiple complaints and photos of all models in 2021 and 2022 with same issues across internet and social media.
TOYOTA
HIGHLANDER
(2023) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jul 7, 2023
Incident date: Jul 7, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Impreza. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V624000 (Exterior Lighting) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms... Read more
Incident date: Jun 27, 2023
The component that is failing in the Kia is the headlighs. It has been inspected by Kia of Orange Park and is determined to need replacement of left and right headlight assemblies. It is available for further inspection but Kia wants more money than I can afford to fix it, so I will be finding another mechanic soon. While traveling home with five others after dark the headlights just went out ... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
ATLAS
(2018) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jul 7, 2023
Incident date: Jul 7, 2023
While driving an alert comes on that states check engine system. As soon as this happens all power in the car turns off. Engine is still running but you no longer have any turning signals, brake lights, headlights, air conditioning, etc. It happens randomly and has almost cause me to be rear ended due to car behind me not knowing I was slowing down or stopping. This happens when I am not close... Read more
Incident date: Jun 28, 2023
While driving in snow storm I had to pull over and I noticed lights were covered with snow . LED lights will not produce heat to melt snow The lip above and the ledge below traps the snow and with the way the headlights are set up the snow sticks on the lights which affects visibility creating a safety issue. Same thing happens in rain. I have been to a parts store and a mechanic shop Both shop... Read more
Incident date: Jul 5, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the headlights were extremely dim, making it difficult to see the roadway properly while driving night. The contact then 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 contacted. The con... Read more
Incident date: Jun 29, 2023
I am the original owner of the vehicle and have kept up on all routine maintenance. At about 65K miles the headlights started getting dimmer and it is impossible to see at night. It is like having a bic lighter for headlights. It is not the lens clouding over and there are numerous other consumers online that have the exact same problem. Online reasearch shows that there is a problem with the ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 21, 2022
Car completely shut down while in drive. Towed to dealership where I was told there was a software update that needed to be done. Car working fine now.
HONDA
CLARITY PLUG-IN HYBRID
(2019) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jul 6, 2023
Incident date: Jun 26, 2023
The eyebrow on the drivers side needs to be replaced for the third time within 3 years. This is a safety issue for visibility.
Incident date: Jul 3, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that the brake lights remained illuminated after releasing the brake pedal. The ABS warning light was intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and the contact was informed that front brake pads were low however, the contact was not offered any further information. The manufacturer was also notified of the issue info... Read more
Incident date: Jun 26, 2023
Problem: Dim low beam headlights. I first noticed this issue around the end of 2020 to 2021 (mileage around 80,000). It got progressively worse over the next 2 years. I believe that it is now unsafe to drive this vehicle at night. I have contacted Acura customer service (American Honda) regarding this problem 12/06/21 case #[XXX]. I have made a number of efforts to improve brightness including ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 12, 2022
When using the one pedal driving or "iPedal" mode, the brake lights do not illuminate when braking unless your foot is completely off of the accelerator pedal. This is very dangerous because the vehicle can be stopped very hard without completely removing your foot from the gas pedal. I have stopped using this mode after almost being rear-ended three times within a week due to the car behind me no... Read more
Incident date: Jul 4, 2023
The frame of the back window is cracking causing water to leak into the cab. After talking to the dealership they are saying this is happening with RAM Trucks that has not been recalled. He stated that the control module is located under the rear seat which is getting wet and causing problems to the trun signals, starting of the truck and lighting to malfunction which could cause an accident. The... Read more
Incident date: Apr 5, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed at night, the low-beam headlamps failed to adequately illuminate the roadway. The contact activated the high-beam headlights to see the roadway. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and Auto Zone Auto Parts, where the headlamp bulbs were replaced several times; however, the failure recurr... Read more
Incident date: Jul 2, 2023
Low beam headlights do not provide enough light for night driving. Just purchased a used Acura RDX with 100k miles for my daughter and I do not feel that it's safe to let her drive after dark. This appears to be a known issue with the RDX ranging 2013-2015 and I'm surprised to see there have been 0 recalls for this obvious safety issue. Hope this writeup is the one that tips the scales to force a ... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2018) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jul 4, 2023
Incident date: Feb 1, 2023
Moke america is NOT installing tamper proof controller.. even the dealers are taking off tampering with the controller say these LSV e mokes with cruise at 45 MPH . there is even facebook page with nothing but owners looking to modify the controllers.. Moke Electric Club.. Note seems the DOT marking on the headlights., windsceen and seatbelts are FAKE. and NOT UL approved..
CRUISE CAR
MOKE
(2018) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jul 4, 2023
Incident date: Sep 28, 2021
Condensation in the headlights assembly. It’s a common problem. I have already drivers side front replaced at the dealer, now the passenger side front is showing lots of moisture inside the headlamp. Super dangerous as it defuses the light, limiting visibility in the dark. Mazda, please do something!!! This is ridiculous. I have attached a photo of the headlight that has water in it. The second... Read more
Incident date: Oct 26, 2022
The system that malfunctioned was the brake light(s) and/or electrical components which started a fire in the trunk of my car on 2 separate occasions. On one of the occasions, the top break light in my trunk apparently blew out without my knowledge, it wasn't until my two kids in the backseat started to smell smoke that I pulled over and tried to figure out where the smoke was coming from. When ... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jun 22, 2023
Came Home Saw that the break lights were on in my Sonata. Tapped the brake pedal, they went off. Came home the next day same thing. I found a re call (google) for stuck brake lights. 2011 - 2012 Sonatas. I purchased the car used, and was informed that everything is working and in order. I'm just curios if there were any other reports concerning this matter?
Incident date: Jun 12, 2023
Instrumental cluster display does not display during daylight hours. Gas gauge and speed gauges are not visible due to faulty illumination. Inability to view during operation diverts is a safety hazard. I have taken the vehicle to Dodge service centers twice but they are unable to fix or repair this issue stating that they have not been told of this problem by Dodge/Chrysler.
Incident date: Apr 26, 2023
Headlights go out on there own and may come back on a few minutes later but right back out again. The vehicle had this as a recall but if it was repaired the repair is not working. The manufacturer is claiming the recall expired, obviously without them making contact to do the repair. Now they think it's good business practice to ignore their problem and put customers lives at risk.
Incident date: Jul 2, 2023
Left driver side rear and front headlamps would burn out, after time noticed the left headlamp flickering 9n and off while driving at night in auto mode, also inside dash lights dimming, also left driver side seat will not adjust, this is a Hazzard for myself and others while driving at night, with lights malfunctioning, was pulled over by highway patrol, and given a warning to fix headlamp.Issue ... Read more
Incident date: May 22, 2023
My regular lights on pasenger side keeps going out. The harness keeps melting. And my sunroof rubber pieces keep coming undone hitting the glass of sunroof causing very loud noises while driving sounds like the glass is going to break.
Incident date: Jun 13, 2023
A minute after starting my car sitting in a hot parking lot, the entire car and engine shut off. A message popped up saying “please check starter system”. I looked this up and seems to be an extremely common issues with 2019 Jettas, and everyone has had issues with getting it fixed. Mechanics have said there’s “no issue” with the car because it won’t shut off every time. Some even had ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2023
Low Beam headlight is extremely dim. You can't even tell they are on in pitch darkness. This may be due to the reflector housing deteriorating.
Incident date: May 29, 2023
Sunday, June 25, when I was driving the car on the road, the engine shut off and the car stopped running. 3 warning lights show on screen: engine light; 48v Battery Service Required; 12v Battery service required. I used the break to park the car on the roadside after that. I tried many times to restart the car, Waited over one hour and 40 minutes it finally started again, the engine warning light... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2023
Brake lights keep failing. Have replaced wiring harness, bulbs and brake switch twice now. Super unsafe to not have brake lights on your vehical
Incident date: Jun 25, 2023
Headlamps on 2015 Nissan Pathfinder delaminating making plastic on headlamps foggy with issue getting worse by the day. Safety issue that Nissan will not assume responsibility for, even though they had similar recall for years of other model car in 2015. Reference TSB No. 03-074H. Dealership at Surf city Nissan has been zero help. I am concerned for the safety of my family while driving at night. ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2023
When driving at night or low light areas headlights are very dim. The road in front of vehicle is very dark I have use high beams to see.
Incident date: Nov 20, 2019
Please check for all of the recalls on my car
Incident date: Jun 8, 2023
When I purchased the car it had been used as a police car in the state of Mississippi. So after I bought the car I checked for any recalls and found it to have 2 open recalls. 1 was a passenger side airbag and the other was the alternator. So I contacted Moss motor company in South Pittsburg Tennessee and they agreed to do the recalls. After they had finished installing the air bag they told me th... Read more
Incident date: May 11, 2023
The tailight bulbs are melting the plastic around the lights. This hss been an issue for me and millions of other drivers who own 2013 Ford Edges. https://www.fordedgeforum.com/topic/9037-burntmelted-taillight-bulbssockets/
Incident date: May 17, 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 unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated while... Read more
Incident date: Jun 29, 2023
Had someone driving behind me flag me over. I had no tail lights, brake lights, turn signals front or rear or hazzard lights in the front or back. There is only 15,000kms on this truck. Head light low beam and high beam work. trying to get in contact with ford canada and a ford dealership. was scanned at a shop and showed multiple body control module faults and looks like a module. but not touchin... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2023
The cue system screen has become unresponsive due to separation of the glue the system is pretty much the heart of the car everything electrical is controlled thre that screen along with the back up camera
NISSAN
PATHFINDER
(2015) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jun 29, 2023
Incident date: Jun 28, 2023
On May 31, 2023, my wife and I were in our Honda ridgeline when attempting to back up into a parking spot. We noticed the instrument cluster went dark with only a "P" flashing. There were no alarms or indications of any fault. We shut down the truck. After trying to restart there was no instrument cluster along with the shifter locked in park. On this current model their is no emergency override ... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2013) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jun 29, 2023
Incident date: Jun 2, 2023
Both front head lights (low lights) are very dim; right headlight may require re-wiring due to constant burning out of head light (low lights) and turning signal light. Measures have been taken by owner to address the situation by careful step-wise cleaning of headlight covers. After cleaning of headlight covers, there was significant fogginess still noted as having a film like appearance. This ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 24, 2023
I just bought a new chevy bolt euv from a dealership here in Michigan. No sooner than me driving off their lot, a pickup truck damn near ram into me. I was in thick traffic following slow vehicles and the only damage cause was a skid mark on the road he cause. No damages to my bolt. He roll down and said fix your brake lights. I yell back, it's factory! I'm scared to hold onto this vehicle when i... Read more
Incident date: Jun 2, 2023
Abs module is a common issue on these vehicles I think it’s ridiculous that owners have to come out of pocket 2600$ for a part that should be recalled ! The part is on back order and has been for almost a year now and it’s impossible to get it anywhere else . Please do something about this as I love Honda but have never delt with something like this before . I would hate to have to switch to a... Read more
Incident date: Jun 28, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 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 contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not ex... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2022
I've purchased a 2019 Nissan Sentra SV on 06/06/2023 from Empire Hyundai in Fall River Ma. I received the vehicle on 06/09/2023. Shortly after leaving the dealership, malfunction lights appeared with a continuous beeping sound. It would disappear when the car was turned off, and reappear after restarting the vehicle and driving for a few minutes. I had a bumper to bumper inspection conducted at F... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 2500
(2013) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jun 28, 2023
Incident date: Jun 27, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Impreza. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V624000 (Exterior Lighting) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the headlights lights illuminated very dim, causing other drivers to flash their h... Read more
NISSAN
PATHFINDER
(2023) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jun 28, 2023
Incident date: Jun 28, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Ram 1500. The contact stated that he became aware that water had leaked into the interior of the vehicle through the rear windshield. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed with a possible brake light or antenna failure. The rear window glass was replaced. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred twice, and the rear window glass was replaced; however, the f... Read more
RAM
PROMASTER CITY
(2017) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jun 28, 2023
Incident date: Jun 28, 2023
The backlight for the center cluster display is failing to properly illuminate during daylight. This causes it to be hard/impossible to see during day time hours. There is currently a recall for the 2022 Jeep Compass having the same issue, however mime does not fall under the recall. I would advice looking further into the recall, because it appears more vehicles are affected than stated.
Incident date: Mar 30, 2023
While driving down the radio, my infotainment system began flashing on and off, failing to properly load. This can cause a distraction in the vehicle, leading to an accident. The dealer stated could not duplicate.