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: Jan 31, 2022
My high beams quit working for no reason. Dealer said I must replace the complete housing assembly at $680 a piece. I have 80 thousand miles in the car with zero accidents. $1360 for headlights?? This is not acceptable.
Incident date: Jan 30, 2023
There was a defective light headlamp recall issued in year 2020 for my vehicle 2015 SRX Cadillac. This was during the COVID pandemic. The recall started around March 2020 and ended June 2020. I was affected by COVID 19 as many were and I missed that window by a couple weeks. There was a noticeable dimming with my headlamps when driving at night. This issue has threatened me and my family puttin... Read more
Incident date: Jan 27, 2023
This vehicle like so many others have many problems with low miles! My van less than 70k mile and has a major oil leak! Chrysler will just give you the run around and you are stuck fixing it !! They know these split engine cars are junk and they left it to us consumer to fix it ! This should be a class action lawsuit because it’s way too many of us owners out here experiencing the same problems
Incident date: Oct 1, 2022
Have had low visibility at night since purchase in 2018. Thought it was just the bulbs until receiving a recall notice that it is a manufactured issue and there is still no remedy. VERY low night visibility is a serious safety risk to myself and other drivers when having to operate after dark. It has been over 5 months and Subaru has still failed to make a remedy available to resolve problem.
Incident date: Jan 21, 2023
The reflecting mechanism in the headlamps are causing the headlights to display a dim light. It makes it difficult to be able to see past about 5ft and extremely difficult to see at night, the vehicle has been inspected by a dealership and an auto shop. The problem started a couple months ago but there was no indicator or warning before the problem occurred.
Incident date: Jan 21, 2023
My LED headlights have a massive dark spot in the top left corner. It looks like a triangle took a bite out of the light. It creates a big blind spot at night when driving in poorly lit areas and again, Hyundai won't do anything about it.
VOLKSWAGEN
JETTA
(2013) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jan 30, 2023
Incident date: Aug 15, 2022
There is an open recall on the Halogen headlights on my car. Notice was mailed to me in Oct 2022. Why is this not resolved? I need to sell my car but I cannot due to the open recall. It’s been 4 months !!!!
MERCEDES-BENZ
ML350
(2014) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jan 30, 2023
Incident date: Jan 3, 2023
This vehicle has poor headlight performance. I changed the bulbs to no avail. There is no way this 2015 GMC passes vehicle state inspections if they really look. There is very little power to the lights, even on the high-beams. After some quick research - GM has a service bulletin PIT5374 that addresses this very issue. But the dealerships are using this safety defect as a way to generate ser... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2023
My headlamps have become dimmer and dimmer. I changed the bulbs and the fuses are good as well. I checked online and discovered many online forums where others who own this model year Acura are experiencing the same thing and indicate the only resolution is to buy new headlamps. This is unacceptable that the consumer should have this burden placed on them because the manufacturer chose poor qualit... Read more
Incident date: Jan 30, 2023
Both rail lights went out at the same time. No reason whatsoever
Incident date: Jan 29, 2023
car not able to be driven rear subframe had completely rusted out and rear light housing is burn
Incident date: Jan 29, 2023
My high beam lights stopped working. Replaced bulbs and they still don’t work.
Incident date: Nov 21, 2022
As I am driving my car losses speed slows to almost stop. I keep my foot on the gas pedal very lightly pressing acceleration to keep it going.
Incident date: Oct 4, 2022
We have had issues with the tail lights of the car not working properly. The lights have had issues with the daytime running lights not working or the brake lights not working. When we took it in they said that there was an issue with the wiring harness. I also noticed 4 separate hyundai sonata vehicles with they same body style in the last 2 days that appeared to be having the same issues. I thin... Read more
Incident date: Feb 22, 2022
Multiple electric concerns...airbag light, park assist, inop camera, and losing communication with BCM(?) Found multiple communication codes for a variety of different modules. Found main source to be from the "side detection modules". Found fuse 62 blown underhood. Inspected side detection modules and found "a lot of corrosion" on both modules and connectors. Needs side detection kit. I purchased... Read more
Incident date: Jan 28, 2023
Brake lights work inconsistently, burn hot, melt sockers, fall out of sockets and melt carpeted covers. Safety and fire concerns. Much info on this problem from other owners on various sites. PLEASE force Hyundai to fix these issues.
Incident date: Jan 28, 2023
The truck has has multiple issues.RR taillight always blows fuse,which I think sometimes stops my back sliding glass,I have no power to it,this has been an issue since day one,always have to carry fuses,then not long after having the truck,it has stabili trak issues,it stalls when first put into drive.delayed take off sometimes the truck jumps forward and revs the rpm’s up to 1000 X rpm sitting ... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2018) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jan 28, 2023
Incident date: Jan 28, 2018
This Truck that I'm buying from USCryo Carriers that is a Freightliner has been in the shop numerous times for electrical issues and lighting issues and body and tires problems and they have yet to fix them and get them properly repaired and the Truck is shocking me while driving and whenever laying in the bunkso much it hurts and causes headaches I pay insurance and for the truck, but my c... Read more
Incident date: Jan 28, 2023
Headlights are dim. I am aware that there is a settlement in place where Nissan extended the warranty to 6 years. My car is in this warranty period. The headlights are dim and getting worse, I have taken it to the Nissan dealership and they test them and note that there is not a problem, but it is difficult to drive at night and it is a safety issue.
Incident date: Jan 27, 2023
The headlights are very dim and I cannot drive this vehicle at night due to safety. This problem comes back after replacement of headlight assembly.
Incident date: Jan 28, 2023
I previously reported an issue with a he condensation in the driver side headlight which every one of these models with the hid headlights has this issue. Now it is becoming a safety issue as both headlights are doing it and are randomly going off while driving I almost hit a telephone pole with my infant in the car this is an extremely common issue with these vehicles and Buick has no fix they ev... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jan 25, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Audi Q7. The contact stated while driving 15 MPH, the side marker light malfunction message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V642000 (Electrical System, Exterior Lighting) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not con... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2022
BMW Bi Xenon Headlights wires harness. Insulation on wires peels off and start touching each other. Malfunction high beam, low beam, turning light.
Incident date: Jan 26, 2023
1.Instrument cluster panel brightness does not adjust either too dim or too bright Mazda dealer stated no failures were found twice same responded. 2. Lane Keep Assist this feature never worked even on the straight road since I bought July 2022. Mazda doesn't have a capability and mislead the consumers. I found a some report by [XXX] that said Mazda i-ACTIVSENSE received an overall ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 28, 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 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 n... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2015) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jan 26, 2023
Incident date: Sep 4, 2022
I bought this 2014 Mazda 2 Sport HB on Thursday January 26, 2023. Upon driving it home, this vehicle with only 41,280 miles on it, shook, vibrating , hearing a very loud popping clicking sounds. Like body metal clanging. It was hard to see. I don’t know if the low beams were set wrong or what but visibility wasn’t good with the low beams at all. I told him that the air conditioner made a horri... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
C300
(2011) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jan 25, 2023
Incident date: Jan 24, 2023
At about 11 PM on January 24 I sent a remote command to my vehicle to heat the cabin through the myVW app. The app reported a success like it has many times. When I opened it and sat in the driver’s seat, the two information displays neither displayed anything nor lit up at all. The car appeared to have heated up as expected and was otherwise operational, i.e. I was able to put it in gear, move,... Read more
Incident date: Jan 24, 2023
The low beam headlights on our Acura RDX are so dim that they cannot be used at night and we are forced to drive with high beams on for safety.
CADILLAC
ESCALADE ESV
(2021) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jan 25, 2023
Incident date: Jan 25, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that the headlights were very dim while activated; there was no warning light illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer where she was informed that there was an unknown recall on the headlights; however, the parts for the repair were on backorder. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repai... Read more
FORD
EXPEDITION
(2020) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jan 25, 2023
Incident date: Jan 23, 2023
My complaint is with the standard HID headlights in the 2019 Blazer and the very poor mounting system. The headlights are mounted TOO LOW to be effective in lighting the roadway, particularly where no shoulder stripping is on the roadway. Too, at unlighted intersections the lighting so poor that safe left or right turns cannot be accomplished. The HID lights themselves are a poor design in that ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2018
I'm always having issues with the airbag light coming on while driving it goes away then come back when there is a sudden move and causes something to trigger. also, I'm having issues with my headlight low mode not working I did a lot of research stating that many people are having the same issue and the problems have to do with the fuse box close to the battery. I'm also having an issue with the ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2021
While driving with the lights in auto mode, the light flicker and sometime go off. I took the car to the dealer to have it repaired. I was charged over $700 for the repair. I have since found out that this is an issue as noted in NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V210000 (Exterior Lighting) however, the VIN was not included in the recall.
Incident date: Jan 25, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Harley-Davidson Road Glide FLTRK. The contact stated that the motorcycle was taken to a local dealer for unknown repairs, he was made aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V781000 (Exterior Lighting); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repa... Read more
Incident date: Jan 22, 2023
The silver reflectors on the low beam headlights are very oxidized to the point night driving is very dangerous. I’m not referring to the clear plastic headlamp that often gets cloudy after many miles, but the actual low beam reflectors. Replacing the bulb is ineffective as it’s the reflector at fault. Cost to replace is $1,600. The is a well known reported problem 2013-2015 RDXs.
Incident date: Jan 16, 2023
During the rainstorms here in sacramento California water was coming inside the truck. At the dealer it was diagnosed with the 3rd brake light and flapper vents needed replacement that was the cause of water leaks. water was entering on the back cabin and baseboards were flooded. It’s a safety hazard because mold started forming real bad. We didn’t catch it right away.
Incident date: Jan 22, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V137000 (Exterior Lighting). After the recall repair was performed, the contact discovered that while driving at night, the low-beam headlights illumination was extremely low, creating a visibility hazard for the driver. The vehicle was taken back to ... Read more
FORD
MAVERICK HYBRID
(2022) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jan 24, 2023
Incident date: Dec 29, 2022
The HID low beam headlights on this car failed. The reflector is defective, per the Acura service manager. The only fix is to replace the entire headlight assembly. $2,300. Acura refuses to issue a recall, even though they have recalled another model in the past for headlight issues. This is a true safety issue that makes driving the car at night treacherous. Someone is going to get hurt or k... Read more
Incident date: Jan 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Acura RDX. The contact stated that while driving at night, the headlights were failing to illuminate properly. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that he replaced both headlight bulbs; however, the failure recurred, and the driver’s side headlight was unable to illuminate more than 50 feet ahead of the vehicle. The contact stated that the hi-beam headl... Read more
Incident date: Dec 21, 2022
The contact owns a 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle with the exterior lighting dial setting in the Auto ON position, the rear taillights failed to illuminate. The contact stated that on several occasions while operating the vehicle, other drivers alerted him that the rear taillights were not illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was only pres... Read more
Incident date: Nov 15, 2022
The Icon Adaptive Led headlights w/Laserlight are designed so that the high beam tracks (aims) to steering wheel inputs, and possibly camera inputs, in order to illuminate the road ahead. The center of the beam is focused more tightly than is generally done with headlights which have illumination fixed to the centerline of the car. This feature is described on page 160 of the operating manual, and... Read more
Incident date: Jan 24, 2023
The car windows were down the windshield wipers were running the front lights were on and parking brake light is flashing. I'm not sure how water was sitting where the spare tire was located. As I researched it stated it may be a faulty comfort module.
FORD
MAVERICK HYBRID
(2023) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jan 23, 2023
Incident date: Jan 20, 2023
On Jan 1st, approx 6 PM (completely dark), I was driving my 2019 MX (41K miles) traveling at 60-65MPH on I5. All of a sudden, I noticed a series of dashboard warnings popped up with warning sounds -> "Acceleration/top speed reduced", "Performance Reduced", "Service Require", and "Vehicle system shutting down". I had to pull over to the left shoulder due to limited control of my MX and I was only a... Read more
Incident date: Jan 21, 2023
headlights on #22V624000 Recall WRG22. My headlights never illuminated the road properly since new. Mentioned it several times to dealership on service visits and they stated they are all the same. It seems there was an issue. I called Subaru and they advised there is no time line to fix a safety recall? It has been 5 months since the recall was issued and they still cannot tell when it can be... Read more
Incident date: Jan 23, 2023
-Exterior lighting continuously burns out and I am willing to have my vehicle inspected. Lights that continuously burn out are both headlights, all blinkers, all break lights. -Since the lights burn out so frequently (sometimes as soon as you install a new bulb) I am concerned that without adequate lighting I am at risk for an accident by not being able to properly see at night, be noticed by ot... Read more
Incident date: Jun 18, 2020
The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the left turning signal and driver’s side daytime running light failed to illuminate as needed. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact also stated that he was given a ticket for the failure. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the turn signal and drive’s sid... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 2500
(2016) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jan 23, 2023
Incident date: Jan 22, 2023
When driving in snowy conditions at night the LED headlights and driving lights do not put off enough heat to keep the headlights cleared of snow. This results in the snow packing in the headlight area disbursing light in every direction but straight ahead. The snow coming at you as you drive is thus lit up but there is not enough light emitted forward to light the road. Driving around 30 mph yiel... Read more
Incident date: Jan 23, 2023
The issue is that I and as well as many others live in cold winter climates. LED headlights do not put off the heat required to keep snow and ice off of them. This is a hazardous and accident causing issue when you can not see any longer. Getting out of the vehicle every few miles poses a hazard in it's own that you are pulling over on a roadway to clear the headlights. I don't feel the manuf... Read more
Incident date: Jan 20, 2023
The rear tail light, backup light, and blinker have simultaneously quit working. After inspecting further, the connection from the electrical wiring has burned the ground connection on the rear lamp housing. The ground wire also looks to be burned.
VOLKSWAGEN
TAOS
(2022) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jan 23, 2023
Incident date: Jan 23, 2023
2019 dodge Durango R/T Gasket fails and allows water to get into track light and left and right rear corner light.. Dodge knows about the issues across many years but does not issue a recall or own liability to the problem which leaves customer footing the bill
Incident date: May 24, 2022
On our base model 2015 RDX the low-beam headlights go dim after a couple of years. From what I've read this is due to the reflective bulb housing deteriorating in headlight assembly over time. New bulbs do not fix the problem. We have had the headlight assembly replaced once and the problem started all over again after a few years. The car is completely unsafe to drive at night. Acura has iss... Read more