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: May 19, 2023
High beams do not work
DODGE
GRAND CARAVAN
(2018) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
May 19, 2023
Incident date: May 19, 2023
To the best of my ability id like to explain why my car does not operate . i have taken my car to two jaguar dealership and have talked to Rocco' s European car repair shop as well and the all say that what is defective with my car is the central junction box. When I asked them all as to why this does not function they all said its a known problem with the car specifically due to "water ingress" l... Read more
Incident date: May 13, 2023
The "cone of light "projected forward by the headlights is too narrow. When turning right or left from one dark road onto another dark road, one cannot determine if it is safe to turn. The light cone is blocked by the escutcheon around the headlight, which are set inward too deep. In addition, the light intensity of the main beam is insufficient for proper night driving on dark roads, Note:this ca... Read more
Incident date: May 10, 2023
New battery, plugs and wires, new alternator. It will run for 5 seconds after jumping, then lights pop on and it dies. When jumping the negative also throws a spark while trying to start.
Incident date: Mar 7, 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 unavailable. The local dealer was not 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 expe... Read more
Incident date: Apr 19, 2023
My high beams on the headlights have ceased to work. Low beams not casting enough distance for save sight ahead. It appears to be working on the display when switching to high beam but neither headlight is changing.
MITSUBISHI
OUTLANDER SPORT
(2012) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
May 18, 2023
Incident date: May 18, 2023
I bought this car from a private owner about 2 months ago ever since I had it the car shuts off I think it O2 sensor is not working or it's gone the CV joint went out on the right side I had it replaced and it still messed up it's something with the suspension and stuff the front end alignments out real bad it ate up my tires really bad to where it keeps eating up tires every time I put them on he... Read more
FREIGHTLINER
CASCADIA
(2020) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
May 18, 2023
Incident date: May 17, 2023
I was driving on the highway and all of sudden my car started decelerating. I looked in my rear view mirror and noticed the brake lights were illuminated although I was NOT pressing the brake pedal.
Incident date: Jan 1, 2023
First, the tail lights malfunctioned randomly. Both tail lights were out due to some software error that eventually resolved after a week. Thankfully this was covered by Audi, and there is a redundant tail light system in place. The error just suddenly came up and all main tail lights and turning signals failed. This could have ended terribly as i was driving at night. An additional issue is the p... Read more
Incident date: Apr 25, 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: May 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2023 Chevrolet Blazer. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at night, the driver’s side headlight failed to illuminate properly, and contact was unable to see more than 30-feet ahead of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer however, the failure could not be duplicated. The failure reoccurred, and the vehicle was taken back to the dealer, wh... Read more
Incident date: Dec 6, 2022
Rear passenger side brake lights and turn signal stopped working due to ground wire burning out post. Ground wire seems to be to weak and gets overheated. I'm not the only one found this issue on YouTube with many other Mercedes C class vehicles
Incident date: May 13, 2023
Received notice in August 2022 that there is a safety concern with this car's headlamp. There is still no remedy available. I am concerned for my safety while driving because they headlights are very dim and it's hard to see at night putting my safety and the safety of others at risk. 9 months to develop a new headlamp seems extreme for a car manufacturer.
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2014) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
May 16, 2023
Incident date: May 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-350. The contact stated that her son became aware that the white bulbs in the third brake light had two burned holes and cracks inside. The vehicle had not yet been taken to an independent mechanic or local dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The approxi... Read more
Incident date: May 12, 2023
The 2015 Harley Freewheeler first illuminated the red security light Trike “does not have security” then check engine light and Brake lights staying on plus a lower brake pedal had a code for rear brake switch low. Trike was picked up by Stampede HD in Burleson Tx. Replaced Rear Brake Switch, reset codes and Blead Brakes. Said No Recall apparently for this 2015 Trike. Charges approximately $27... Read more
Incident date: May 14, 2023
When car is locked alarm sporadically goes off on its own also when the headlights are set to auto and the car is turned off the headlights will come on sporadically and drain the battery. Having electrical components come on on their own is obviously a safety concern. The dashboard lights and warning icons will also flicker. There have been numerous complaints of this kind on the Honda Pilot foru... Read more
Incident date: Apr 28, 2023
Brake lights intermittently don't work.
Incident date: Apr 28, 2023
*Headlamp *Hard to see at night; risk of being pulled over *yes *no *no Week of May 1st 2023...headlamp works...then turns orange...the goes out. Repeats this process consistantly ** Currently there is a notice from NHTSA that GM Extended Headlamp Module Warrant Unfortunately Dealership is unaware of that...and also GMAC Warranty Customer service The initial recall was for defective low-beam he... Read more
Incident date: Apr 16, 2023
I had to replace the left brake light 4 times already. I see other Kia Sedonas that have the same brake light out all the time.
Incident date: Jun 10, 2022
Both tail lights have stopped working. I purchased in 2019 with 60k miles and by the time the first tail light failed, I was over the 72k limit. If these lights failing was an issue before, it still is an issue and the special warranty should be extended to ensure replacement of faulty items.
Incident date: May 12, 2023
Driverside Airbag light will come on with Service Airbag message. This does occasionally turn off but comes back for days or weeks at a time. Driver side seatbelt light will randomly come on and stay on or turn off. Both airbag and seatbelt light may be on at the same time. If they are all off or the airbag light turns off it's only for a day or two. Most of the time it will be the airbag light... Read more
Incident date: Apr 21, 2023
#1. Both headlights are very dim on low beam, even after bulb replacements. High beam seems more dim than other autos I have driven in the past. I usually have to drive with my high beams on if possible #2. When in reverse, my screen to view the rear view camera doesn't show a clear picture like my previous Nissan. Sometimes when first shifting into reverse the video loses its complete picture for... Read more
Incident date: May 14, 2023
Passenger taillight goes out. Replaced it twice now and now I have to do it again a 3rd time. They know of this issue but have done nothing to fix it or offer anything to help cover cost
Incident date: May 5, 2023
There is a known recall for this vehicle. Our vehicle in particular is affected as nighttime visibility with the headlights on is terrible. Despite the recall, 9 months have passed and subaru is still without a remedy. Every day is dangerous as I commute prior to sunrise. Please address.
Incident date: May 14, 2023
Last week the the security alarm went off for no reason. The following day, I arrived to work and parked my car. 45 minutes later, I am notified my headlights were on. I ALWAYS keep my headlights on AUTO so they never should have been on. After I started my car for a minute, everything seems fine. 3 hours later, I hear an alarm in the parking lot but did not think it was my vehicle. I leave work a... Read more
Incident date: Mar 15, 2023
Subaru has failed to repair the halogen headlight safety recall in a timely manner. This recall was first announced on August 16th, 2022. It has been 9 months and the remedy for the safety recall has not yet been made available.
Incident date: Apr 13, 2023
Driver side headlight allows moisture to enter, contine to get headlight error. Turn signals and hazard signals stopped working. Dealer indicates that entire headlight assembly must be replaced at a cost of $2000.00. No sign of exterior damage.
Incident date: May 13, 2023
The headlights in low beam mode no longer are bright enough to safely see or be properly seen at night. This problem is documented by many owners of this same vehicle and similar cadillac vehicles, and many videos are available on Youtube documenting this as a fact as a frequent problem by all owners. It is being ignored and needs to be addressed. There is apparently even a class action lawsu... Read more
Incident date: May 13, 2023
The rear tail gate seal for lamps on both the left and right side have failed and the lamp assemblies condense and fill with water. I have read other reports on your website of the same problem with the highlander. In your other reports the a person was told Toyota will not warranty the lamps because of moisture in them because it is not a safety issue. While it is because the moisture blocks the... Read more
Incident date: May 3, 2023
Took vehicle in to get checked. Had a hose replaced due to antifreeze leak. After picking vehicle up. Interior lights doesn’t work, signal lights doesn’t work, and or emergency brakes doesn’t work. My car was perfectly fine since I’ve had it. Never experienced this issue before.
Incident date: May 12, 2023
The Ioniq 5 offers a multi-level regenerative braking system, which slows the car down to varying degrees when letting off the accelerator pedal. While these systems work well to increase efficiency, the behaviour of the brake lights while in use is concerning. Very often the car is slowing considerably, enough to be akin to light braking, but the brake lights do not activate. This can be full let... Read more
Incident date: May 12, 2022
The right side break light works intermittently. It is out more than on. I was informed that there is a shortage in it and the entire assembly has to be replaced. I see countless GMC Yukons with the same light out. This is a huge safety issue.
Incident date: Nov 10, 2022
These low beam head lights are so dim you can not see the road at night
Incident date: May 11, 2023
The contact owns a 2022 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while driving at night at an undisclosed speed, the instrument cluster light inadvertently turned on and off. Additionally, the speedometer was inoperable. The turn signal warning light was illuminated, and the headlights inadvertently illuminated on and off while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer on three separate occasions; h... Read more
Incident date: Apr 7, 2022
The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Impreza. The contact received notification of the 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 no... Read more
Incident date: Apr 22, 2023
The low beam lights have completely degraded making the car basically inoperable at night. It has been gradual but is now at the point where I am constantly being flashed by other drivers to put on my lights even though they are on. The daytime running lights are brighter! The output from the low beams has been so poor that I have to rely on street lights as well as the headlights of other cars wh... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2010 Kia Forte. The contact stated while driving and while at a complete stop, she noticed an abnormal burning odor. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the third brake light assembly had melted. The mechanic replaced the third brake light assembly; however, the burning odor persisted. The vehicle ... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
ML320
(2000) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
May 10, 2023
Incident date: May 7, 2023
Left rear tail lamp not illuminating. Investigation: Verified connection to find wire cut and corroded, wire was touching a plastic bracket on the vehicle because the trim that covers the harness had a foam on it and that was pushing the tail lamp harness onto the bracket causing it to rub. Then with time water made it's way in and corroded/cut the wire.
Incident date: Apr 16, 2023
Climate and volume controls on main screen are not illuminated causing unnecessary fumbling at night, compromising safety.
Incident date: May 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Tesla Model S. The contact stated that the center display screen became inoperable. The contact stated that the defroster, exterior lights, back-up camera and radio were inoperable. The contact stated that the vehicle occasionally stalled. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the center display screen needed to be replaced. Th... Read more
Incident date: Apr 26, 2023
Lights will just turn off while driving and and the blinkers will not work. The horn will not work either. It happens all the time it doesn’t matter if it’s day time or night time.
Incident date: May 8, 2023
The contact owns a 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V903000 (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. Parts dis... Read more
Incident date: May 10, 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 contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufact... Read more
Incident date: Mar 31, 2023
The headlight bulbs, like a past recall on the 2011-2012 Chargers, regularly fry through fuses and stop working. This is obviously caused by a more serious issue in the vehicle and should be recalled. Many Dodge Charger and Challenger owners have been faced with this common problem, as shown in the comments on the page linked below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pAmcGxeD5LY In my case, I've... Read more
Incident date: Apr 27, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact coasted the vehicle off to the shoulder of the highway and the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The contact then discovered that the vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V749000 (Exterior Lighting, Electrical System) which the mechanic linked to... Read more
Incident date: May 3, 2023
Due to water in the spare wheel well, (Recall ID:22V955) our fuel module and fuel pump went out. While driving in traffic on I-5 our car stalled then stopped which put us at risk of a crash.The first time (July 2022) It was repaired by Cooper's Auto Repair), After the 2nd time it failed again in Aug 2022, once again as we were driving, our mechanic at (Boyle's Foreign Car Repair) Aug 2022 & Dec 2... Read more
Incident date: May 8, 2023
Regular headlights are too dim to be seen at night and it’s verry dangerous to drive at night even after replaceing the a brighter light also happends on Cadillac ats from 2018
Incident date: May 7, 2023
I have insufficient backlighting of the instrument panel center cluster display. making it unreadable during daylight driving. I see there was a recall on this but dose not come up for my compass. With not knowing speed can be unsafe driving. I talked to dealer about this and They know of this issues and said they know of 3 more from that deal with same issues.
Incident date: May 7, 2023
When using the car in "i-Pedal" (one-pedal driving) mode — the highest brake regen setting — the car can come to a complete stop whenever I lift my foot off the accelerator pedal, without touching the brake. While in this mode, when I fully lift my foot off the accelerator, the rear brake lights illuminate as expected, however, I often slowly reduce pressure on the accelerator pedal to come ... Read more