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: Feb 13, 2023
Brake light stop switch replaced 2/2/23. Now brake lights cut off if any pressure is released but foot is not removed from brake pedal. Additional harder pressure is required for brake lights to come back on. Brake lights will flicker and then cut off while foot is on brake pedal. Intermittently comes on as it should. This is an extreme safety hazard.
Incident date: Jan 4, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Subaru WRX. The contact stated that while shifted into reverse, the rear-view camera and the back-up lights failed to operate as needed. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the reverse light switch and camera needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V5... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2022 Ford F-150. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number 22V686000 (Exterior Lighting) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 22, 2023
The headlights on the BMW 535 collect excessive amounts of condensation. If the condensation builds up, then the light does not function properly. The main safety concern is the malfunction of the turn signal. It will function in the rear of the vehicle but does not light up on the front in the affected headlight housing. Review of this problem on-line shows that this has occurred in many BMW veh... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2021
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Low beam headlights are dim. Available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? I cannot properly see during night time driving. I almost crashed into a highway retainer wall. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent servic... Read more
Incident date: Feb 3, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that the taillights failed to operate as needed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that a circuit chip was burned due to contact with an unknown fluid. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.
Incident date: Feb 3, 2023
Loss of high beam function in both headlights at same time - fuses/relay switches are not burned out. Low beams will turn on, but the curtains for the high beams will not activate in both headlights. Lights on the dash show that high beams are on, but the curtains in the assembly will not activate. Had the issued looked at at a sister dealership (Hyundai) as the Kia dealerships couldn't schedule... Read more
Incident date: Jan 17, 2023
Hi, I wish to submit a compliant as Jeep have still not issued a remedy for my 2021 vehicle. This is a new expensive vehicle that I'm unfortable driving my young children in so I'm suprised and dissapointed it is taking Jeep so long to resolve.
Incident date: Oct 19, 2022
High beams are not functioning,lighting same on high or low beam setting.
Incident date: Feb 10, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 GMC Terrain. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V137000 (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 made aware of the issue. The contact had n... Read more
Incident date: Jan 20, 2023
OVERHEAD ROOF CONSOLE INOPERATIVE/SERVICE SAFETY/ RESTRAIN SYSTEM/ SUNROOF INOPERATIVE/ DOME LIGHTS INOPERATIVE/ DTCs B1A7A and U1121
Incident date: Oct 15, 2022
Plugs for brake/running/turn signal lights have moisture and road salt inside and corrode causing brake/running/turn signal light to not operate. I have cleaned the corrosion out multiple times, now the contacts inside the plug have corroded away with the only resolution being to replace the wire harness. Parts are available for inspection. My safety and the safety of others is at risk due to fail... Read more
Incident date: Jan 19, 2023
Parts of the dash lights are not illuminated. Seems to be a trend on the 2017-2018 models according to forms I have read. Dash replacements are roughly $1200 not including labor. Kind of steep to expect customers to pay with as many customers having the same issue.
Incident date: Jan 23, 2023
These lights are so dim, even after switching bulbs it’s like I have 2 iPhone flashlights on the front of my car, I can’t see anything at night without using my brights. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve almost crashed due to low visibility from these dim head lights. I think they have delaminated. No specific date of incident, everyday it’s an issue
Incident date: Dec 17, 2022
My car is part of the headlight settlement from a lawsuit against Nissan. I followed the settlement guidelines and took my car to the dealer for assessment. The dealer agreed that my headlights were defective and ordered the replacement set. The low beam headlights on my car are useless at night...often I have to drive with the high beams on to see anything. They are a safety hazard and I cann... Read more
Incident date: Dec 13, 2022
The low beam headlight reflector has deteriorated and makes the vehicle unsafe to drive at night
Incident date: Dec 16, 2022
Battery charging system is faulty. Drains battery and alternator shuts off. Car and other components shut off. Third brake light brakes when car is lifted or jacked, causes safety issue and concern. Worst part is cause expensive property damage to interior of vehicle from water leaking in.
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2022) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Feb 11, 2023
Incident date: Jan 29, 2023
Headlight Hi-beams stopped working and is very dangerous at night with a lot of wild animals where I live.
Incident date: Feb 11, 2022
During the day, even in bright sunlight, the headlights are on because the auto headlight sensor is faulty. This causes the LED display for the climate control to be unreadable as it “thinks” it is night and defaults to a very dim display setting. This is a safety concern since you can’t see what temperature, what fan setting or what mode the climate control is on. You end up needing to t... Read more
Incident date: Jan 10, 2023
The contact owns a 2007 Mercedes-Benz R320. The contact stated the vehicle failed to start in very cold weather. The contact stated that after changing the battery several times, the failure continued to occur. Additionally, while operating the vehicle, the front and rear exterior lights failed to illuminate as needed. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. The cause of the failure ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 8, 2023
Right side blinkers stopped working front and back I have checked bulbs fuses relays the safty flashers work on both sides break lights work no blink on the dash for right side blinkers out completely could be blinker switch witch is 400 bucks to replace but not sure if that's the problem
Incident date: Apr 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that the passenger's side low-beam headlight failed to provide adequate illumination while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who informed the contact that no issues were found; however, the dealer replaced the headlight bulb. The contact stated that the headlight bulb was replaced several times; however, the failure persisted. The... Read more
Incident date: Feb 10, 2023
low beams so bad you cant see 10 feet ahead; in fact, the low beams from a car behind me will brighten the road in front of me more so. i replaced both bulbs, twice. Acura says this is over $1000 to replace both light assemblies. Other cars cant see me and i cant see other cars, or pedestrians! Progessively works since 2018
Incident date: Nov 28, 2022
The vehicle would overcharge in which made the vehicle loss all power,lighting, and steering control. U had to come to a complete stop and restart the vehicle which would put it into limp mode and not handle properly
Incident date: Jul 4, 2022
System Failed: Back up lights are not working. Safety Concern: Cannot reverse in dark and putting self, family and others in danger. Problem reproduced at dealership: Fred Beans Cadillac in Bucks County Pennsylvania. Dealership Response to problem: They said GM is aware of the issue and it is related to software issue, no ETA of when it will be fixed however telling me it is safe to drive. No warn... Read more
Incident date: Dec 7, 2022
The low beam headlights on the 2015 Kia Sorento has made it very difficult in viewing the road at night. It is hard to visualize objects within short distance. The socket to install the headlight bulbs point more to the ground instead of outwards. Your assistance in this matter would be greatly appreciated.
Incident date: Dec 1, 2022
MY ISSUES STARTED WHEN I WAS DRIVING RIGHT HEAHLIGHT WENT OUT, AFTER REPLACING THE HEADLIGHT BULB MY CAR STRATED TO HAVE ISSUES STARTING. ONE TIME YOU COULD TURN IT ON AND NEXT TIME IT WILL TRY TO TURN BUT LIGHT STARTED TO BLICK ON THE DASH BOARD. I TESTED BATTERY TWICE WITH O'RILEY AND HONDA AND HAD 100%. BATTERY PC WAS REPLACE AND CAR WAS WORKING FINE FOR A FEW DAYS. WHEN I WAS GOING TO WORK I N... Read more
Incident date: Jan 10, 2023
The auto high beam function does not work properly, and in fact can be dangerous. With system on it continuously and constantly goes back and forth between low and high beam with no traffic in sight. However, more dangerous it has on two occasions turned high beams on when traffic is almost upon me causing potential safety issue and road rage. I have turned the system off, and I am using manual... Read more
Incident date: Feb 3, 2023
High beam lights suddenly stopped working on both front headlights.
Incident date: Feb 10, 2023
This is a general concern, not limited to only my car. Daytime running lights do not turn on the tail lamps. People believe if they have the DRL turned on, they’re safe, but they are difficult to see in rain/fog/tunnels etc. DRL should include tail lamps Also, automatic headlamps only come on when it gets dark enough out. It’s surprising how many tail lamps come on half way through the turn... Read more
Incident date: Feb 10, 2023
After multiple attempts to have my 2019 Audi Q3 repaired the vehicle is still sitting at Audi of Columbia with the following issues (leaking water, drainage system is compromised, mold in the roof lining, sunroof is leaking).
Incident date: Jan 3, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Subaru Impreza. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V624000 (Exterior) 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 not made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
ID.4
(2023) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Feb 9, 2023
Incident date: Feb 9, 2023
The front headlights are dangerously dim. It is all but impossible to see the road at night. Using the brights puts others at risk. This problem was diagnosed by the dealer as buildup inside the plastic light covering. The car is only 7 1/2 years old and is a premium brand. No warnings whatsoever. The lights were not great when I bought the car, and it has only gotten worse. If there is a defect i... Read more
Incident date: Jan 27, 2023
Unable to dim dash lights/touch panel or rear view mirror for safe night driving. Began about 6 weeks ago. Jeep has known about this for months as it is reported on the Jeep Compass forum going back prior to Aug 2022. The touch panel can be turned off with a button, but due to the “software glitch” the manual dash dimmer knob will not function and vehicle is unable to recognize its night. I no... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
ID.4
(2023) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Feb 9, 2023
Incident date: Jan 11, 2023
Low beam headlights are so dim it is extremely dangerous to operate during dark hours. Purchased this car this date from Charlottesville Mercedes Benz. The contact stated that there was a previous recall for the headlight issue but it expired in June 2022. Although the low beam headlights are too dim, the vehicle somehow still passed state inspections.
Incident date: Oct 15, 2022
The vehicle lost both high beams randomly together. Shows indicater on dash but you can see lights do not get brighter. This is a huge safety concern for my wife and children not being able to see well!!!! We went to dealer and they quoted us $1800 for both new headlights and said warranty will not cover this! I’ve read it’s an issue across the board with these cats and it’s time Kia does ... Read more
FORD
BRONCO SPORT
(2021) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Feb 8, 2023
Incident date: Feb 7, 2023
2nd time in a month this car has shut off completely while in motion. Both times in an intersection. No power to even turn on hazards to let traffic know I was stuck. Finally gets some power and hazards are able to come on but they are faulty and glitch, do not stay consistently on. Ford had no answers for me a month ago and just sent me home.
Incident date: Oct 24, 2022
I took my car to Toyota for multiple issues with my electrical. My headlights go out every 5-10 minutes when trying to drive at dark. The headlights turn off or do not work if I try to use my blinker or windshield wipers. Three times now my car has stalled when I tried to turn on my headlights while driving. And one time it stalled when I went to make a left turn. Toyota ran a diagnostic and said ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 18, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 GMC Terrain. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V165000 (Visibility) and 22V137000 (Exterior Lighting) however, the parts to do the recall repair were unavailable. The contact had experienced a windshield wiper failure while driving at approximately 35 MPH in a rainstorm. The contact also stated that recently the passenger’s side headlight stopp... Read more
Incident date: Aug 10, 2022
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V544000 (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 con... Read more
Incident date: Feb 8, 2023
My low beam headlights go out about every 60 days. I find myself having to drive home... once with both lights failing at the same time. This is discussed in many on-line forums and seems to be a common problem with this car.
Incident date: Jan 26, 2023
During my early commute on a sunny morning shortly after sunrise with the sun at the rear of the vehicle, when selecting the turn signal, the dash display flashes rapidly, i.e., hyperflashing, and it has been confirmed that the rear signal light does not operate during this anomaly. The forward turn signal does function but flashes at a rapid rate. This is a repeatable occurrence when the sun is... Read more
Incident date: Dec 17, 2022
The headlights are auto leveling based on load. Although there is no load in my vehicle the headlights do not shine out very far in front of the vehicle. There is a very distinct cut off line on the road. There is no way of adjusting them. This is very dangerous because you cannot see whats ahead of the vehicle in the dark. The attached photo is the headlights shining on my garage door.
Incident date: Jan 31, 2023
Adaptive headlamp failure including daytime lamp failure from loose headlamp seal that allowed water to infiltrate system. The lights go off at anytime while driving.
Incident date: Feb 3, 2023
The high beams headlights no longer function correctly. Low beams work fine but when toggle the shaft from low to high- there is no change in visibility. I do feel like this is a danger to myself and my growing family because in some rural areas, visibility is very limited at night. Warning lamps did not appear before high beam failure. It began about 3 months ago and still running into issues. I ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 6, 2023
The high-beam headlights are randomly turning on while city driving. The auto high-beam function is turned off, so high beams should not turn on. This affects the safety of the other cars around me. I typically drive in the city and using the high beams is not necessary because of dense traffic and available overhead street lights. This issue has not been confirmed by a dealer, service cen... Read more
Incident date: Feb 7, 2023
Every time I am driving dusk or night, I am being flashed by oncoming drivers as if I have my high beams on. Every time this happens I am using low beams. I am not usually prepared for their brights and it is difficult on my eyes. I have only had the car since November, but it has happened ever time I drive at night. I am sure it is annoying for the oncoming traffic as well, if they think I have m... Read more
Incident date: Jun 14, 2022
There are multiple incidents and confirmed by many different owners across the nation. Toyota GR86 / Subaru BRZ when there is strong sunlight direct towards the taillights, the turn signals (rear) will not operate and hyperflash at the front signal lights This is a safety hazard, and couple owners had been ticketed because of the lights being defect. Dealerships network had been ignoring this... Read more
Incident date: Feb 7, 2023
Headlights are dangerously dim. Won’t pass inspection and I’ve changed bulbs multiple times