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
MITSUBISHI
OUTLANDER
(2022) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
May 9, 2023
Incident date: May 8, 2023
The contact's daughter owns a 2005 Chevrolet Aveo. The contact stated that intermittently, the headlights failed to illuminate. The contact's daughter had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V261000 (Exterior Lighting). The contact made a local dealer aware of the failure and the recall; however, the dealer informed the contact that parts were on backorder. The vehicle was not repair... Read more
Incident date: Feb 4, 2023
The housing for the headlights have started to delaminate from the inside of the housing and starting to create a problem with the effective lighting and turn signal area. Where the delaminating is occurring, the lens has a milky , etched, , water spot film like appearance clearly on the inside of the housing. Since it first appeared , it has grown in size on both headlamps and appears that it ... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
TIGUAN
(2012) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
May 9, 2023
Incident date: Apr 1, 2023
Water seeps into brake lightbar in tailgate and shorts the light. The light bar now does light at all during braking or normal operation. This seems to be a known issue amongst forum contributors, some which have had 3+ light bars replaced. Seems to be an awful design choice but it’s affecting the safety of travelers.
Incident date: May 7, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Impreza. The contact received notification of the NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V624000 (Exterior Lighting) however, the parts to do the recall repair were not yet available. The dealer was not 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 ha... Read more
Incident date: May 8, 2023
I found online there is a recall for 90 cars that have a lighting issue with the display making it hard to see the dash during the day and/or in the sunlight. My car has this issue but no recall issued on it. It's a driving hazard, especially when sunny, because you can't read how fast you are going. It's an accident waiting to happen when someone is too focused on trying to see to avoid a speedin... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2023
*Headlights are not shining correctly. Traveling on a two lane highway, a big black spot covers the whole left lane, about 75 yards. No black spot on traveling lane Driving on a curve road in a subdivision, your eyes follows the black spot , instead of paying attention the road. This is a bad scenario for a accident. I do not know if oncoming traffic sees the black spot or not. *This has a ... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2023
March 2019- December 2021 Car serviced by Ford Dealers and repeatedly told to ignore CSP recall notice re: California Emissions Warranty Paid out of pocket for services August 2023 Ford issues recall of climate control blower Motor Nov 2022 -Customer has multiple issues addressed at South Bay Ford in CA Customer was not notified of open recall December 2022 Customer notices hot air spontaneously i... Read more
Incident date: Apr 30, 2023
Low Beam headlights have degraded to the point of being unable to see the road and have to use high beams to drive at night.I have replaced the low beam bulbs with no improvement .The problem seems to be the low beam bulb capsules that the bulbs are in that have some type of reflective coating that has deteriorated.I see Acura has recalled the 2015 model RLX for this same problem. I have searched ... Read more
Incident date: May 7, 2023
Water intrusion into racetrack tail light. This has apparently been an issue for ten years on this style of light on Durangos with no recall or fix offered. There are hundreds of YouTube videos on how to drain water by removing a bolt, applying silicone caulk or other random fixes. Now my rear tail light is so dim it's nearly undetectable and the dealership wants to charge $1600 to fix it. But I r... Read more
Incident date: Apr 3, 2023
When I drive at night the low beams are so dim I have to use high beams or fog lights to see.
Incident date: May 4, 2023
I have had replaced my taillight bulbs 8 times in the last year. They keep blowing out and getting so hot they melt the taillight assembly. I replaced the whole assembly a couple months ago and it is already melted so bad the light bulb will not fit properly or stay in place. This is a fire hazard and also a safety hazard as my taillights quit working at anytime.
Incident date: Jul 13, 2022
This morning, I had the software upgrade patch applied to my 2020 Kia Sorento that was supposed to fix the potential theft issue. After that service appointment, I started a 2 hour road trip. We stopped for gas and when we went into the store, I noticed that my car was not sounding the horn when I hit the key FOB twice like normal. I went back to the car and saw that the car was in fact not lock... Read more
Incident date: May 2, 2023
Headlights are continuing to get Dimmer. I was never notified by Nissan regarding the replacement campaign
Incident date: Apr 13, 2023
The problem appears to be the power module. My van is psychotic. Problem usually occurs when headlights are on, although sometimes AC will also do it. Headlights and/or wipers will randomly turn off (or on, though the off is what is scary and dangerous.) Entire electrical system is unreliable. Sometimes engine just shuts off, dash lights randomly blink, TPMS light illuminates randomly when pressur... Read more
Incident date: May 5, 2023
Subaru appears to be in no great hurry to remidy this recall. I have called them twice. This is safety related.
Incident date: Apr 12, 2023
The headlights on my 2008 Ford Mustang are dim at best. And it's hard to drive the vehicle at night due to the lighting. I've already had one accident where a deer ran in front of me and that was due to it being at night on a dark Road. I have tried to fix it but the mechanic says that it is the way the factory made it. I've already spent $2,300 on fixing the car once and would like to know if the... Read more
Crash
Incident date: May 4, 2023
Excessive moisture or condensation in the headlights after heavy rain. First one failed which is on driver side but replaced but second one which is the passenger side failed too within months. Replace for headlights would cost 4.5K
Incident date: Apr 1, 2023
Water in tail lights. Complete failure of marker lights
Incident date: Nov 26, 2022
The headlights of the 2023 Toyota Corolla cross have a major defect, in that the bulb element casts a big shadow in the head light spread causing a huge distraction while driving. I personally have swerved to avoid colliding with an object just to learn it is said shadow. When taken to the dealership for inspection, the invoice states "inspected and verified concern. Dark spot being seen is normal... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2004) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
May 3, 2023
Incident date: Apr 14, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Telluride. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the high beam headlights were inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the headlight assemblies needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 102,981.
Incident date: Apr 3, 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: Apr 3, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the headlights ceased to operate as designed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the headlight bulbs were replaced three times within a month; however, the failure persisted. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The failure mileage was approx... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2023
A few months after purchase, my hazard lights came on while the vehicle was off and parked in my driveway. I couldn't get them to turn off until I disconnected the battery. I scheduled a diagnostic with the jeep dealership and before I could get it in, it started happening while I was driving it as well. I never know when it's going to happen. At the diagnostics appointment, they told me it's a pr... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
EQS 450
(2022) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
May 3, 2023
Incident date: Mar 26, 2023
I have been having an intermittent warning error saying my front camera is faulty and my lane assist is no longer operational. The error seemed to come and go with bumps. Here recently it has become permanent around the beginning of April 2023, and I no longer have functionality of many safety features including adaptive cruise control, regular cruise control, lane assist, crash prevention warni... Read more
Incident date: Apr 25, 2023
My right turn signal suddenly stopped working. The BMW dealership diagnosed the problem as the fem module failure.
Incident date: May 1, 2022
I had the bushing recall done. My interior lights no longer work. I keep getting brake lamp bulb warning. AutoNation dealer Amherst stated it was the battery. Charged me $100 to run diagnostic. Took vehicle to Walmart for battery replacement. Did not fix the issue.
TOYOTA
COROLLA CROSS
(2023) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
May 2, 2023
Incident date: May 1, 2023
This vehicle does not have separate high and low-beam bulbs for it's headlights. Rather, it has a shutter to change the amount of light. Both shutters failed to the closed position, only allowing the low-beam to operate. The only solution is to change out the entire headlight assembly. Not having high-beams at night is a safety hazard since the low-beam output isn't enough to illuminate a far... Read more
Incident date: Apr 20, 2023
I was driving to the dealership due to an unusual message. I was on a main street less than 2 minutes from home when an alert came on the screen that said "critical 12v system" I believe. The screen went off shortly after so I was unable to fully capture it. Within 20' the car stopped itself on the road and shut off. All systems were offline with a total power loss. I could not turn my hazards on,... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2023
I have been encountering issues with my 2007 Hyundai Sonata SE in the following manners: 1- At times the brake lights will be on and the car will have anyone inside. 2- My ESC OFF light comes on will not go off. 3- When using my headlights the cruise control will not work. (Specifically when the automatic lights would come on the cruise goes off) 4-At random times the key will not turn. All the... Read more
Incident date: Apr 29, 2023
We bought our Rav4 fresh of the lot in 2018, since then e we have replaced the headlight bulbs 43 times. Now our fog lights and license plate light are out. This time the bulb (installed by a professional) melting the actual socket and we have to built the entire thing out and replace it.
Fire
TOYOTA
COROLLA CROSS
(2023) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
May 1, 2023
Incident date: Apr 29, 2023
Rear tail lights will not work. Have checked all fuses relays,and even changed the turn signal switch. My car is currently at the garage. Original appointment was only for inspection. Mechanic has not yet located the issue. Also has no dash lights. Parking lights. Had I known this in advance would have returned car immediately.
Incident date: Apr 28, 2023
High beams stopped working. No fault of owner. Took to two Kia dealerships that would not pay the $1800 to replace lights. We can not pass state inspection and dangerous driving dark roads at nights. Vehicle still under “bumper to bumper warranty”. Should be a recall or repaired by Kia.
Incident date: Apr 27, 2023
High beams no longer work but low beams still do
MERCEDES-BENZ
C 300
(2018) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Apr 30, 2023
Incident date: Apr 28, 2023
The suv uses large amounts of oil, no matter what brand. Also an electrical issue is present. The radio stops working, thr check engine light stays on. And the headlights dim way down. This happens randomly. The engine code reappears for p420, and i have fixed every component related to the code. The suv consumes approximately 2 quarts of oil in a months driving. The headlights dim so low, even wi... Read more
Incident date: Feb 3, 2023
Display screen for radio, navigation, status has failed and is flashing on/off. Radio, navigation and other functions are not operable. First occurred in Fall 2022, dealer examined and diagnosed in Jan 2023. Repair replacement parts are indefinitely unavailable. There is not a committed schedule to repair/replace. This appears to be a widespread problem/defect with no known schedule to delive... Read more
Incident date: Apr 29, 2023
This recall notice (22V624000) was issued in AUgust 12th, 2022 almost nine months ago. There has been no communication nor no remedy. When will this recall be fixed? Does the manfacturer and/or Subaru by law not have a timeline/deadline of when they are to have the remedy? August 12th, 2022 Manfacturer Recall Number WRG22 NHTSA Recall Number 22V624000 Recall Status: Recall Incomplete, remedy ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 20, 2023
Turn signal issue, lights are hyper blinking when direct sunlight is shining on the back of the vehicle. Happens every single time sun is on the rear of the vehicle. turn signals don't work while sun is at rear of vehicle
Incident date: Mar 8, 2023
The passenger taillight failed.
Incident date: Jun 22, 2022
The contact owns a 2005 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed and released; however, the brake light remained illuminated. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V280000 (Exterior Lighting). Additionally, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became stiff while making a turn. The contac... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
SL55
(2003) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Apr 28, 2023
Incident date: Apr 1, 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: Mar 21, 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: Apr 23, 2023
The 2015 Hyundai Genesis model was produced with a halogen daylight running lamp that is also the directional turn signal; because of this dual function, the directional fails. When you google this issue, there are hundreds of other owners who have either made videos or blogged about the same issue. I have spent over $1000 dollars trying to fix the issue and when it was under warrantee, the deal... Read more
Incident date: Apr 28, 2023
The door ajar light will come on and remain on after starting the engine and while driving. This happens while in park and while driving. Even after opening and reclosing the doors before moving the door adjar warning light will not go away. If i get up to 55 mph it'll finally go off. The cabin lights remain on while the display light is on distracting at night and beeps while driving. The doors w... Read more
CHRYSLER
TOWN AND COUNTRY
(2016) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Apr 27, 2023
Incident date: Apr 21, 2023
Receiving intermittent warnings to check Automatic Emergency Braking System, Lane Departure Warning System, and Automatic High Beam Light System. All three warnings occur together and happen intermittently while driving. Problem may or not begin when first start driving. The problem will also seem to rectify itself after a period of time then begin to cycle again several minutes or hours later... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
PASSAT
(2014) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Apr 27, 2023
Incident date: Apr 6, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Can-Am Spyder RT. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she attempted to activate the cruise control, however, the vehicle failed to operate as designed. The contact then stated that she noticed that the brake light remained illuminated although the brake pedal was not depressed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it remained. The contact the... Read more
Incident date: Mar 30, 2023
Brake system light failure. Some system lights came on. I had no breaks car didn’t stop fast enough before hitting a pole
Crash
Incident date: Aug 20, 2021
The contact called on behalf of a 1994 Chevrolet GMT-400. The contact stated while driving uphill at night, she suddenly noticed that there was a vehicle at a complete stop in front of her. The contact stated that she swerved to avoid the vehicle; however, the driver's side front end of the vehicle hit the rear passenger's side bumper of the other occupied vehicle. The contact stated that the tail... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Apr 27, 2023
The contact owns a 2009 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the instrument cluster started flickering and the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the power steering and brakes were operable. The contact pulled off the highway and shifted the vehicle into park(P). The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to the dealer. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2023
While driving all of a sudden high beams shut off and would not come back on. Attempted to fix issue by replacing bulbs. This did not fix the issue. Technician looked at the wiring into headlights and no issue was found. Have not been able to fix thus issue. It is going on a year now without having high beams. During my research multiple other owners have Same issue. I spoke to kia and was told 10... Read more
Incident date: Apr 16, 2023
After being parked for 4 hours the vehicle caught on fire. Burnt passengers rear corner and rear tailgate
Fire