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
MERCEDES-BENZ
C300
(2015) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jan 22, 2023
Incident date: Jan 21, 2023
Known recall NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V554000 (Exterior Lighting) since July 28, 2022. Remedy still not available and major safety concern with potential vehicle wreck! Taken to dealership twice and remedy not available.
Incident date: May 3, 2020
The auto dimming feature on my ridgeline does not operate properly. Does not dim when on coming traffic approaches sometimes, and others do not stay on when it should. This has happened since I took possession of the vehicle and still happens today.
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2014) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jan 22, 2023
Incident date: Jan 21, 2023
This and other year model RAV4s have a known and reported issue of the tail light lenses not being properly sealed with and connected to the tail light housing. This is allowing water intrusion into the tail light and electrical system and vehicle body. This is the case with both of my tail lights on my 2010 RAV4. Water has been entering the tail lights where the lens is not sealed to the housi... Read more
Incident date: Dec 4, 2022
Nissan is not supplying headlight assemblies to dealers in a timely manner (settlement of class action lawsuit for dimming headlights) yet is selling them as OEM online. I have been waiting 10 months or more for them to come into my dealer. The only response is that the supply chain is the problem. These headlights have been gradually been dimming for years due to the deterioration of a coating in... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2023
The insulation on the internal wiring of the headlight (left and right) have fallen off the wiring leaving sections of conductor exposed creating shorts in the lighting system. This is a known problem in the BMW community (owners and BMW) since at least 2011. This is due to the use of bio-degradable wiring by BMW that breaks down prematurely. Replacement headlight assemblies (high intensity dis... Read more
Incident date: Nov 19, 2022
Headlights grew dimmer and dimmer, creating a serious danger for night-time driving. The problem was confirmed by the local dealer. Both front headlight assemblies were replaced by the dealer at a cost of $2,460. The problem appeared over 2 years ago, but it gradually deteriorated, especially since the vehicle was a second car and not driven often at night. No warning lamps or symptoms until one n... Read more
ALFA ROMEO
STELVIO
(2023) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jan 21, 2023
Incident date: Dec 7, 2022
Leasing car since November 11, 2023. Car has been in service four times for various problems regarding engine light on, throttle problems, gas emission problems, headlight not working, heater not working, I am very anxious and fearful of driving car. Dealership has had car in for service more than I have had car in my possession.
Incident date: Jan 19, 2023
I drive a 2002 Ford Focus Sedan. My engine light is on, warning light for trunk door ajar light is on (even though the trunk is securely locked, my front headlights due not work consistently (sometimes work, sometimes don't). My trunk does not always latch secure after I close it as well. I took my car to Advanced Auto Parts and had my engine light diagnosed. Engine codes that resulted were: B... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2020
First issue (intermittent) the light control did not come on or operate the lights in the auto position to a high beam in limited visibility. The rotation knob for interior lighting would not work and the display was bright that affected seeing at night. No codes was generated and will be going to have the vehicle check out by dealership on Feb 8 2023. Second issue the truck demonstrated a short ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 13, 2023
The AFLS forces the low beam headlights too low when passengers are in the back seat (see attachment for full details)
Incident date: Jan 18, 2023
Inferior light for night driving. I avoid night driving but there are times when I must. Had to take a pet recently at for emergency help
Incident date: Jan 9, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated that the headlights were dim and failed to produce adequate lighting. There was no warning light illuminated. 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 ha... Read more
Incident date: Jan 7, 2023
Recently got this car and am fixing it up. Vehicle's headlights function but are dysfunctional. Night driving is impossible as per nearly nonexistent illumination of roadway. Don't know how to fix/upgrade. Wanted to give this vehicle to my Florida student but now hesitate as Florida's roadways are not illuminated. Have seen many posts relative hereto, even when the vehicle was new. A manufac... Read more
Incident date: Aug 9, 2022
As the owner of this 2020 KIA Telluride, I have noted that the headlamps on both din and bright are very poor and are a safety concern when driving on a dark road, particularly when wet or no other lights around. I did some online research and found that many Kia owners had the same concern so I reached out to KIA Care or Kia America (Case # 15236897). Twice I was directed to my local dealer w... Read more
Incident date: Jan 15, 2023
The headlights are so dim you can not tell if you have them on at all. I have spent $400 on new bulbs. With all the complaints about the headlights, why hasn’t this been addressed. I almost ran over a pedestrian two nights ago. It is so dangerous that I can not drive my car at night.
TOYOTA
PRIUS PRIME
(2018) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jan 19, 2023
Incident date: Jan 11, 2023
Fuel pump has a hard time engaging. Truck will not start after filling gas tank. Also if you hit a bump the radio station in electrical systems go out
Incident date: Oct 10, 2021
The air bag light is on and it has a recall the lights behind the gages went out and the engine has a knock at times
MERCEDES-BENZ
ML320
(2007) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jan 19, 2023
Incident date: Jan 19, 2023
Nissan is not supplying headlight assemblies to dealers in a timely manner (settlement of class action lawsuit for dimming headlights) yet is selling them as OEM online. I have been waiting 8 months for them to come into my dealer. The only response is that the supply chain is the problem. These headlights have been gradually been dimming for years due to the deterioration of a coating inside the... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2022
The Body Control Module controlling the lights, hatch, and door lock/unlock malfunctioned. Its a serious safety issue when the lights go out unexpectedly while driving.
Incident date: Jan 18, 2023
1. COULD NOT PUT CAR INTO PARK OR TURN OFF. CAUSED BATTERY TO BE DEAD AS IT WOULD NOT TURN OFF WHEN PUT INTO PARK. 2. STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AND JERKED REPEATEDLY. COULD NOT TURN INTO PARKING SPOT. THE STEERING WHEEL HAD A MIND OF ITS OWN AND COULD NOT STOP THE JERK. IT IS DANGEROUS AND SCARY ! 3. AT NIGHT, THE HEADLIGHTS DO NOT LIGHT THE ROAD. IT IS AS THOUGH THERE ARE NO LIGHTS AT ALL. IT IS D... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2022
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Front left blinker failed, front right headlight failed, both at the same time. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Both failed and now there is no blinker or headlight to drive safely at night or in inclement weather. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 17, 2023
Rear Tracklights has water intrusion. This is a safety hazard and should be a recall asap
Incident date: Nov 16, 2022
My Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sahara have this problems for the last 5 years The light goes out and comes back all the time, it is very dangerous, especially when you drive at night and you can have an accident. In addition, the police gave me a ticket for not having light. I took this problem to the dealer to repair it and once again it has the same problem. electronic problem I am a woman and it is... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
PASSAT
(2016) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jan 17, 2023
Incident date: Oct 21, 2022
Drivers front side marker LED light warning.
Incident date: May 25, 2022
Due to opening and closing the rear hatch, the wiring harness wires running from the car through the hatch break and fray causing many issues. One being the potential for exposed wires to spark and cause a fire. Others being faulty rear windshield wiper and faulty rear lighting. Brake lights, turn signals, running lights and rear interior lights causing a road hazard.
Incident date: Jan 7, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 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 not made aware of the issue. The contact h... Read more
Incident date: Jan 16, 2023
There has been a considerable dimming of car’s headlights over the past 6 months. Visibility at night is very low, and I usually have to use my high beams to see while driving at night. The cost to replace headlights is astronomical and requires mechanic to fix (very complicated process that requires significant amount of dismantling of the vehicle). Concerned this is a recipe for disaster a... Read more
Incident date: Aug 30, 2022
Vehicle was on highway in stop and go traffic when brake was applied. Auto stop-start feature engaged which turned engine off. On release of brake the auto stop-start feature failed to restart vehicle. Engine tried and failed to turn over and all console lights flashed on and off continuously. Ignition was turned off and attempted to restart car unsuccessfully. Four way hazard light button wa... Read more
Incident date: Nov 9, 2022
High beams went off. Not showing any errors on dash. Switch seem to be working. High beam sign goes on and off when you try to switch between the low and high beams, But only low beam lights working.
Incident date: Dec 20, 2022
On Dec. 20, 2022, my Outback totally stopped working while sitting at a red light, causing traffic to be forced to maneuver around my car. A kind policeman put out flares until the tow truck arrived. I could not shift into park, nothing electric would work, except the radio continued to play and the flashers worked until it all died. I could not turn the radio off and the seat would not adjust. Th... Read more
Incident date: Dec 24, 2022
I received a recall on my car in 2019 to change the lighting control module as my headlights could go out without warning. Although I had not experienced this, I brought my vehicle to the local Ford dealer who changed the part. Over the pandemic and now since my wife and I are in declining health we have driven very little after dark. However, I recently had to go to the pharmacy at Walmart and re... Read more
Incident date: Jan 6, 2023
Water get inside the taillights and the lights stop working. Dangerous in night
Incident date: Dec 27, 2022
The Recall z50/ 22V544 has been outstanding for the tailamp since August 2022 and still has no remedy.
Incident date: Jan 13, 2023
My car (2016 Honda Pilot Touring) SHUTS DOWN due to the auto shut off feature at least once a month and I am very nervous to hand it over to my daughter in a next year when she is old enough to drive. I have been stalled out at intersections...it is irresponsible of Honda to not issue a recall. People are going to get into accidents if they can't start their car in the middle of intersections! Why... Read more
Incident date: Jan 4, 2023
Purchased a vehicle with a cord dealership and found out it had a recall (22C22) front light flicker. I was unable to take the vehicle off the lot. Found out this recall has been in effect since roughly August 2022 with no remedy to fix as of yet. I have been checking daily for updates and still nothing! I really want this vehicle and it’s been 5 months since the recall to effect with no fix... Read more
Incident date: Jan 13, 2023
Headlight Dim setting are so weak the vehicle over runs the lighting at speeds over 40 mph. Unsafe to drive vehicle on major highways, and on secondary roads where street lighting is sparse, or non existent.
Incident date: Dec 11, 2022
Headlights go off and on intermittent
Incident date: Jan 7, 2023
Suddenly, low beam headlights have become VERY dim. Both low beam headlights still work. They are both so dim you cannot see the roadway. Research revealed GM knows of this problem and has refused to issue a recall.
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2022) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jan 14, 2023
Incident date: Jan 14, 2023
Vehicle is a 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning Lariat Extended Range. The light bar on the tailgate is filling with water on the right side. The light bar provides rear tail lamp and reverse light functions when the tailgate of the truck is in the closed position. With the tailgate in the closed position, no other reverse lights are visible.
Incident date: Jan 2, 2023
Both headlights are filled with condensation which makes driving the car not too good at night getting concerned that they might go out at night due to a short or something cuz of the water
Incident date: Jan 14, 2023
Just bought this truck I have no idea what has or has not been resolved, very poor lighting I noticed and there's a click noise coming from? It just clicks and clicks and clicks. Thanks
Incident date: Sep 1, 2020
A family member alerted me that my passenger side brake light was out. I went and purchased a replacement bulb to change the light. As soon as I went to pull the old bulb out I noticed the housing the bulb sits in was warped, cracked, and discolored like it had been burned. The old bulb can't even be pulled out without having to break the bulb because the plastic is so warped. Being unable to chan... Read more
Incident date: Jan 7, 2023
1675 miles- rear taillight including brake light failure 10,094 miles- rear differential oil stain noted 23028 miles- front passenger seat motor and seat frame failure 23258 miles- AC compressor failure 24090- very leaky rear differential noted
Incident date: Jan 1, 2023
On November 2014, purchased Hyundai Equus from Bob King Hyundai located in Winston-Salem, NC. Within a month, our headlights flashed on and off for a brief second. Occurred more often after that and the dealer checked the car to resolve problem. Nothing found. Months later, problem got more severe and once again dealer tried to fix and could not find a problem. Two or three times car went back... Read more
Incident date: Jan 7, 2023
brake line fitting leaking at the main line pressure fitting. this caused brake fluid to leak out and loss of brakes occured.
FORD
EXPEDITION
(2015) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jan 13, 2023
Incident date: Nov 27, 2022
The Vehicles brake lights are not working Properly. They are on when driving and no brake pedal pressure is applied. When you Apply Brake Pedal Pressure the Brake lights go out. This is a safety hazard cars approaching from the rear do not see a stopped car. Chevrolet had a Special policy and Technical bulletin regarding this issue. It stated that the electrical pins going to the body control c... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2009) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jan 13, 2023
Incident date: Dec 16, 2022
Dashboard instrument panel all lights and gauges goes out while driving down the road when vehicle is turned off a clicking noise is made in the dash. This issue causes when driving down the road, not knowing the speed because the speedometer is out or how much gas the vehicle has, or any other readings, and at night all lights go out, not able to see while driving down the road.
MERCEDES-BENZ
C230
(2006) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jan 13, 2023
Incident date: Jan 13, 2023
The taillight housings accumulate standing water due to cracking of the plastic on the back of the tail light housing. This water leads to corrosion of the brake light bulb socket, which then leads to an inoperative brake light.
Incident date: Oct 5, 2022
Vehicle's turn signal is not hardware based, but instead relies on the software registering signal use. The turn signal can be "fully" pressed, and "partially" pressed, and the behavior is supposed to be: Full press: Blinks until you manually disengage 1/2 press: Blinks 3 times, then automatically disengages. Anything "between" a full press and a half-press, ie beyond the level which is supposed... Read more
Incident date: Nov 19, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that the exterior lights failed to operate as needed. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the headlamps and brake light bulbs had been changed approximately 2 - 3 times per year. Additionally, the horn failed to sound off while being depressed. The contact stated that the oil pressure warning light failed to illumi... Read more