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 27, 2022
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. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contac... Read more
Incident date: Mar 24, 2023
Recall notices 23V138 and 23V161 for our vehicle. We have never received notice for either one of these. The repairs have never been done. When I researched our VIN number it stated to notify NHTSA if manufacturer has failed to remedy.
Incident date: Feb 1, 2023
Exterior light, especially the low beams, are not sufficient for driving at night. The beams are very low and make it challenging to see. If I did not have added fog lights, I would find it impossible to drive at night without constant usage of the high beams. It seems this was recalled in other models and needs to be addressed. It is not safe for drivers and it is clear that just changing the bul... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
C250
(2012) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Mar 23, 2023
Incident date: Mar 23, 2023
My dash and radio can’t decipher when it’s night or day. Screen is dark during the day and I can’t see how fast I’m going or where I’m going. It was working fine for about three weeks into me having the car. Now it doesn’t work I just purchase this car. Problem has been confirmed by a dealer. The problem happened on February 25, 2023.
Incident date: Feb 27, 2023
Left Headlamp Assembly and Driver’s Window Regulator were replaced under Warranty and now need replacing again! Trim Strips were replaced under Warranty because they were rusting and now they are all rusty again! Electrical System now blows fuses. 2103 Buick Regal Turbo just reached 60,000 miles. HOW MANY TIMES WILL I HAVE TO SPEND $2,000 TO FIX THE FAULTY LEFT HEADLAMP ASSEMBLY WHICH WAS GOING... Read more
Incident date: Jul 11, 2022
I'm writing in concern about my 2016 F150 brake lights. This concern is due to the rear break light assembly is breaking for no reason. I am on my third set of break light assembly. The driver and passenger side rear break light assembly keeps breaking on its own. There have been no accidents involving the rear end of the truck . It's becoming a safety concern . Looking to see if any other incid... Read more
Incident date: Oct 31, 2022
Melted headlight connector.Have replace headlight connector and headlight bulb several times. Using the manufacturers recommend bulb. 9005LN. On 3/21/23 it overheated again an cause a electrical fire behind the headlight assembly. It is fleet police car and I have several cars that have the headlight connector melted and replace.
Fire
Incident date: Mar 18, 2023
The stock headlights both low and high beams provide poor lighting at night. The headlights provide a poor beam pattern making it incredibly difficult to see more than 100 ft in front of you while driving down dark roads. And even more difficult in light storm conditions both rain and snow. The high beams aim too high when used and don't show enough of the road in front of you but rather the tops ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 6, 2023
Headlight deflector burning/melting.not properly deflecting light to properly lighting up the road .they acknowledged the problem but said they would have replaced them if I brought it in before 3 years or 36,000 miles .no not inspected .no indication of symptoms prior to failure.
Incident date: Mar 22, 2023
The fog lights on the vehicle stop working while I was driving at night in a not well lit area. After they stop working I went to get an oil change and was told I was unable to get an oil change and the water pump was leaking. The tech stated it was unsafe and dangerous.
Incident date: Mar 20, 2023
The headlights on Cadillac SRX are defective and Cadillac will not have a recall. The lights are so dim I have to drive with my brights on, which is dangerous to other drivers. If I do not use the high beams, I am not able to see what is on the side of the road at night. There could be a person, other vehicle, etc. Therefore an accident could occur or someone could be injured. Cadillac was assist... Read more
Incident date: Nov 16, 2022
There is an electrical failure that causes the blinkers to stop working, shortly after noticing this issue the vehicle will fail to start after travelling to my destination. This has happened more than twice and there are no recalls shown for the "Limited" version of this vehicle. The standard edition seems to have confirmed recalls for the same issues that the Limited version is experiencing. A m... Read more
Incident date: Dec 5, 2022
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Malibu. The vehicle was previously serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V252000 (Electrical System, Exterior Lighting, Vehicle Speed Control, Electronic Stability Control). The contact stated that on various occasions while driving at various speeds, the traction control and power steering disengaged independently as the "Reduced Engine Power" warning message w... Read more
Incident date: Mar 16, 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. The local dealer ... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2015) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Mar 20, 2023
Incident date: Mar 4, 2023
Same issue in two class action lawsuits against GM: moisture entered the headlight casing which eroded the plating reflecting the light, resulting in dim headlights, unsafe to drive at night. We have had this issue for year, but managed to drive other cars at night. Now we need to drive this car at night for work. We have replaced the light bulbs. But the issue remains. GM said they sent letters t... Read more
Incident date: Mar 20, 2023
When traveling when it is dark, the head lights will suddenly turn off. The indicator on the dash shows that the switch has been changed to parking lights. If you turn the switch on and off the lights will come back on. This has happened on approx 10 occasions. I documented the time and date of one of the incidents below.
Incident date: Mar 13, 2023
My cars automatic braking system engages when nothing is around. This has happened multiple times. One of these time I recall traveling with my child at a sped of 50-+mph. It was fearful for the both of us. This alone is dangerous, it could become deadly given different weather conditions causing loss of control of the car. I believe this issue will eventually cause someone injury and/or death. D... Read more
Incident date: Mar 16, 2023
Brake light switch went out 3 months after getting car. Car would not start then after it started it would not go in gear nor would the brake lights turn on dealership repaired it. The Brake light switch went out again one year later while driving causing my brake lights not to turn on resulting in me getting rear ended after. After I replaced the switch for the second time. It lasted maybe a yea... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Mar 20, 2023
The low beam headlights is very dim. It is almost impossible to see using that and driving at night. Whatever reflecting coating nissan put inside of the low beam headlight has faded away causing the light to not reflect properly and thus providing little to no light when you try to use the low beam headlights. This is extremely dangerous because this significantly reduces the visibility when you ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 2, 2023
Headlights have gradually become so dim that the vehicle is not safe to drive at night. This 2014 Base model Acura RDX was purchased new from the dealer in 2013 and has less than 50,000 miles. This appears to be a widespread issue and the only identified correction is to replace both headlight assemblies at an estimated cost exceeding $2000 (for dealership replacement). In addition to compromisi... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2022
The electrical system of the vehicle malfunctions regularly. When the headlights are on, the brake lights are stuck on and do not turn off, nor do they properly "activate" when braking. If the headlights are off, they work just fine. If the headlights are on, the entire dashboard lighting is prone to going haywire. On several occasions with the headlights on, the electrical system has malfunctione... Read more
Incident date: Mar 18, 2023
While driving, the following warning will appear “Starter system faulty! Service vehicle.” The instrument panel will then shut down entirely, and brake lights, headlights, and blinkers will not work. This can happen anywhere—on the highway traveling at 70 mph at night, for example. When the vehicle is pulled over and turned off, it will restart as normal—but while driving it might shut d... Read more
Incident date: Mar 18, 2023
MY CAR STOP SUDDENLY, IGNITION KEY FAILURE, THEN LIKE TRANSMISSION HESUTATION UNTIL THE CAR STOP COMPLETELY WHERE AT THAT MOMENT CALL A TOLL THAT COST ME $650 DLS. SINCE THAT DAY CAR HAVING ELECTRIC PROBLEMS AND EVEN TRANSMISSION GET STUCK SOMETIMES, HAVE TO TO DO IT MANUALLY.
Incident date: Mar 2, 2023
I have been having major battery issues switching out my batteries and them going out fast. Also when I'm driving my car shakes when it goes above 60 miles per hour, also when I change gears I noticed I get a hard thump when I change my gears. The electrical in the car sometimes it goes off and on my radio has completely went out it comes on when it wants. Cruise control when I put it on sometimes... Read more
Incident date: Feb 15, 2023
Tracklight has water intrusion. Replaced twice already. New light has water. Less than 6 months old. Causes rear lighting to fail, including plate light, which is illegal in my state. Failure causes drivers approaching from the rear not to see vehicle on approach, potentially causing an accident.
Incident date: Feb 15, 2023
The headlights are very dim (barely any light at night) and the dealership stated the entire headlight assembly has to be replaced (over $2300 in costs). Apparently many of the same model and year RDX have the same problem.
MERCEDES-BENZ
METRIS
(2016) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Mar 17, 2023
Incident date: Dec 1, 2022
The headlight housing on my model year is leaking water into it and causing electrical issues , Iv noticed majority of other models I see on the road have the same issue with one of the headlight housings having water in them, this has caused numerous codes to appear on the dash. “ Vertical headlight malfunction “ …”turn signal malfunction “ …”daytime running light malfunction “ ec... Read more
Incident date: Mar 8, 2023
Headlights are frosted up under 20 degrees Fahrenheit. A frost line appears and will not disappear without cleaning. Then it reappears again. I have never experienced this before with any vehicle. Dims the already dim front headlights, not good for safe driving practices.
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2020) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Mar 17, 2023
Incident date: Mar 17, 2023
Our 2018 Porsche Cayenne has a problem with the headlights and water intrusion that is affecting the functioning of the headlights. I took it to someone to look at and they said this should not be happening, that it is a manufacturer defect. I googled my car / year and there is a recall for headlight issues but for some reason my VIN is not included. It should be. How do I go about having Porsche ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 14, 2023
As stated by other owners the brake lights come on and off I have had the bulb replaced several times. I wiggle the blub it comes on and off. This is a danger to cars behind me as the brakes lights are not working properly I believe there should be a recall as many owners are having and have had the same issue with this problem. My sister has a Hyundai not a Sonata had the same issue but her t... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2022
Radio not working. Headlights quit working. Replaced them both. Within 5 minutes, one bulb exploded. Next day it won’t crank.
Incident date: Feb 10, 2023
I HAVE A 22 F150 LIGHTNING LARIAT WITH A TAILGATE LIGHT BAR THAT IS TAKING ON WATER. AS OF NOW THE LIGHTS ARE FLICKERING AND BURNING OUT. THE WATER MAY BE SHORTING OUT THE LIGHTS AND COULD BE A SAFETY ISSUE. I HAVE READ ON LIGHTNING FORUM SIGHTS ABOUT OTHER OWNERS WITH THE SAME ISSUES.
Incident date: Feb 23, 2023
Without any warning or warning lights the electronic power steering system failed, and the turn signal will not remain on unless held manually (new problem that started when the power steering failed). It is very hard to turn without it, and I am a strong man, it's nearly impossible to turn with one hand so the turn signal can also be operated. Only 39000 miles on the vehicle.
Incident date: Jan 16, 2023
Front driver side turn signal fails to signal randomly. From the instrument panel, I see the turn signal flashing 2x as fast like the bulb is out and it appears the amber light isn't flashing in the headlight. This continues for the entire duration of the drive, but the next several drive it works OK. Drivers can't see which way I'm turning when it's failed.
Incident date: Jan 16, 2023
Both headlights on the vehicle have a major amount of moisture in them. Also, when using the headlights the lights surge. They will get really bright and then dim down the whole time they are being used. The dealership looked at it and said other models of the same car have been recalled for issues with the headlights but mine were not included. I'm not sure how that can be. No warning lights or ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 16, 2023
Tail lights fill with water. This caused a safety risk both of electrical fire and lights failing and increasing risk of an accident when due to not being visible from behind. This is a known issue with Dodge Durangos from 2016 to 2020. There are class action lawsuits and petitions requesting dodge fix the problem. I called Dodge corporate and was advised the situation has not been addressed and t... Read more
Incident date: Feb 2, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Ford F-150. The contact stated while reversing the vehicle, the rearview camera turned off. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the rearview camera and instrument cluster would turn off intermittently. Additionally, the contact stated that upon moving the gear shifter into reverse(R), the vehicle failed to respond, and the reverse(R) indicator li... Read more
Incident date: Feb 12, 2023
The headlights on my 2014 Acura RDX are very dim. I went to the Acura dealership and they agreed that it was dim and suggested that I replace both hid bulbs which I did but it hasn't made much of a difference. Not having properly lighting is obviously a safety issue and makes it very difficult to drive at night, especially with our current weather conditions. I emailed Acura to follow up and... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
GLB 250
(2020) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Mar 16, 2023
Incident date: Dec 2, 2022
High beams not working even after a fuse/relay replacement. Both went out at the same time, have yet to take it in for repair in hopes a recall covers this issue soon.
Incident date: Mar 7, 2023
Normal headlight illumination is insufficient and dangerous to see safely ahead. I must always use bright lights to see
Incident date: Mar 15, 2023
2021 GMC Yukon Headlight condensation with no accidents or exterior factors. Fills up with water and causes light bulbs burnout and safety issues. Reports driver’s side headlight to dealer’s service department. Day light went out followed by headlight and signal. Now passenger side is also developing condensations. Called GMC, and dealer. No solution or explanation of why this happens to a ye... Read more
Incident date: Mar 15, 2023
My instrument cluster/dashboard glitched and became stuck in night mode. Whenever I would drive during daytime hours it became impossible to see my radio screen along with my speedometer since it's all a screen. Because of this I can barely see my speed or fuel level or any alerts along with not being able to see my GPS screen. I brought it to the dealer and they have no fix for it yet so it's bee... Read more
Incident date: Jan 2, 2022
The headlights do not adequately illuminate the front of the car.
Incident date: Jan 31, 2019
The low beam headlights are extremely dim, making the car unusable at night. The exterior plastic is clear and not cloudy. Changing the bulbs did not help. It appears that the reflective coating inside the light has failed. The car was not used at night durning the pandemic so I'm not sure when the failure occurred. I have recently replaced both light assemblies in order to use the car at night.... Read more
Incident date: Sep 15, 2022
Several months ago, my high beams quit working inexplicably. The panel indicator light does indeed work (ie, it shows the "blue high beam" icon when I engage), however, the high beams themselves do not. I brought it to the dealer for repair, but they told me that there is no fix that they know of --short of replacing the entire light assemblies on both sides, which would be very expensive (and un... Read more
Incident date: Mar 12, 2023
There is a special policy to replace faulty tail lamps. However, the policy is only extended through 72,000 miles or 5 years which is ridiculous, and should be a recall. I had my drivers side tail lamp replaced in February 2022 because it was not working. I wasn’t aware of the mileage and year restrictions at that time. Fast forward to today, I have my passenger side tail lamp intermittently wor... Read more
DODGE
GRAND CARAVAN
(2008) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Mar 14, 2023
Incident date: Mar 14, 2023
There are several electrical problems with this vehicle that through research has proven to be a problem with several people with this vehicle. The speedometer lights only illuminate half of the numbers, which can cause an issue when its dark and you can't see your speed. The battery seems to be drained in about a year after installing new battery. The right rear tv in the headrest does not work... Read more
Incident date: Sep 22, 2022
On multiple occasions, i have gone to start my Jeep and not been able to turn it on. It will then lock in an "on" position where the engine will not run or shut off. Has had to be towed twice and Chrystler is not helping. I am not being told anything other than they do not know what is going on, but say it happens to a lot of these cars.
Incident date: Feb 24, 2023
Right headlight was not attached to car properly the clips are bend that hold it on the vehicle. Has been like this since I drove it off the lot. It makes it hard to see at night since the headlight does not sit properly. It points downward. I have reported this to the dealership where I bought it and to Ford itself. They say I didn't report it soon enough but I had just had eye surgery when I bou... Read more
Incident date: Mar 14, 2023
My driver side tail light is not working. The passenger side tail light flickers in and out.