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
FREIGHTLINER
SPRINTER 3500
(2012) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jan 12, 2023
Incident date: Jan 12, 2023
Driver-side Daytime Running Light (DRL) failed after only 3 years. DRL is made up of LED bulbs integrated in the headlight assembly, and not able to be repaired or replaced. Entire headlight unit required replacement; estimated at ~$500, plus additional labor at Subaru dealership service center. There was no warning lamp, message, or other symptoms to indicate a problem with the headlight. It was... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
ID.4
(2023) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jan 12, 2023
Incident date: Dec 30, 2022
The turn indicators stop working suddenly and randomly giving inaccurate/false indication to the driver of the vehicle that indicators are turned on and no indication of turn signal to the other drivers that can be hazardous especially at the 4 way stop signs where other drivers are assuming that vehicle is going straight where as the vehicle is intending to turn left but it is doing it without th... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
ML550
(2014) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jan 12, 2023
Incident date: Jan 10, 2023
Halogen headlights are dangerously dim. You almost cannot tell they are even on. We’ve had this car for years and we won’t drive it at night. According to a lot of other owners - they have the same problem. Dealer confirmed it is a known problem but the only way to fix it is to replace the entire housing at $3,000.
Incident date: Jan 11, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH up an incline, the vehicle downshifted and stalled. The powertrain malfunction message was displayed. The headlamps had previously become inoperable. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle hesitated and was idling high while reversing. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and d... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2021) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jan 11, 2023
Incident date: Oct 1, 2021
The low-beam headlights are terrible, almost useless. I replaced both low-beam bulbs with high-quality bulbs and it did not help, at least not noticeably. The high beams work fine. The low beams are so bad that it is actually hard to see the road right in front of the car at night and the glare from oncoming headlights renders the low beams practically useless. This results with us doing most ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 10, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Tesla Model S. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V035000 (Back Over Prevention, Visibility, 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 contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 24, 2022
On this new Hyundai design the headlights and bright lights are put low, into the area where the bumper and turn signals normally are. They put halogen bulbs in 3 versions (including the version we own). We are older and don't have perfect vision. The lights in this location are unusually dim and can be unsafe at times. The bulbs, in this real location, from the hood, project unusually low, creat... Read more
Incident date: Jan 8, 2023
The tail light is collecting moisture out of nowhere. Went to the dealer to get the item looked at, was told that it was not covered under the warranty. The price to repair will be almost 1300 to replace, this is crazy. GM needs to do something about this. The moisture in the light is a potential for all the electrical wires to burnout.
Incident date: Jan 3, 2023
Low beam headlights are very dim, even after replacing the bulbs. This is a very obvious existing condition, that can be witnessed by looking at the low beam headlights when they are turned on for the vehicle. This appears to be a common problem for 2014 RDX models. It appears that the projector housing coating has disintegrated on the headlight assembly, causing the low beam headlight to appea... Read more
Incident date: Jun 15, 2022
this is 5 vehicle that i m working on for Cadillac SRX, now become a owner one, i m work on cars more then 15 years: I haven't seen low beam headlight very less brightness almost close to parking light the deem, its impossible to see with low beam on this Cadillac SRX SUV they most recall and replace it , it high risk to do accident and you may not able to see road. even this was in news some cha... Read more
Incident date: Jan 10, 2023
When I was driving in very dark areas I was trying to turn on my high beams. I have manual headlights so I have to push the lever back. I see the high beam logo on the dashboard, but no lights appearing higher than the low beams. I searched up that it’s a common recall for the 2019 Hyundai Elantra’s and I believe I have that problem with my car. I hope that this description helps out in makin... Read more
Incident date: Jan 7, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact stated that after pulling over to the shoulder the vehicle would not immediately restart. The contact stated that approximately five minutes later, the vehicle restarted without pressing the start button. The contact stated that the message "Network Ma... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2020
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the hood inadvertently opened. The contact lost control of the vehicle but was able to pull over, close the hood, and continued driving. There were no warning lights illuminated. Additionally, while driving, the headlights failed to produce adequate lighting. The contact used the high beam headlights... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
E350
(2015) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jan 9, 2023
Incident date: Jan 9, 2023
Water is entering my tail light without a crack or hole anywhere.
Incident date: Jan 7, 2023
The headlight lenses are hazing on the inside. I have turned this defect in for warranty repair and repair was denied. I contacted Jeep and I was told since it was denied there is nothing more they can do. The hazing on the inside of the lese is defusing the lights and visibility is drastically reduced at night. I have researched this issue and what I find out is the haze is caused by the heat of ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 15, 2022
Bright lights stopped working! Replaced bulbs and no change. I have read many stories of people having the same problem and the dealer charging them $1300 to &2000 to repair them and some did not fix the problem.
Incident date: Jan 8, 2023
At irregular intervals and at the most random of times my headlights will cut out (including dash lights & radio). It happened this morning driving to the airport but it has been months since it last happened. The road was smooth with no bumps that I recall. This has happened to me in the past while stopped at a stop sign as well.
Incident date: Sep 5, 2022
Low Beam headlight are very dim at night and very unsafe to drive. I have to drive with high beams so I can see which makes it unsafe for other cars. I replaced bulb with no improvement. I read many cases of this online. Acura needs to have this recalled to replace headlight assembly.
Incident date: Jan 6, 2022
The lighting system on the front and back lights, tail lights and brake lights are shortaged and melts the housings thst the bulbs go in. I have had two of these cars with the same identical problems and my son has had two sonatas and I have more people that’s having the issue as well. It’s very dangerous because the tail lights work whenever and me as the driver can’t see behind me nor the ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 7, 2023
The lighting system on the front and back lights, tail lights and brake lights has shortages and melts the housings that the bulbs go in. I have had two of these cars with the same identical problem.It’s very dangerous because the tail lights work whenever and me as the driver can’t see behind me nor the person driving behind me will know that I’m stopping. I can’t drive my vehicles at al... Read more
Incident date: Jan 2, 2023
In September 2021, the driver side headlight failed, creating a hazard driving at night. In January 2023, the passenger side headlight failed, creating the same hazard. The dealer reviewed both issues and confirmed the ENTIRE headlight assembly has failed in both cases, requiring a full replacement of the assembly (not just a single headlight bulb). There were no warning signals - the car warnin... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
GOLF
(2018) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jan 7, 2023
Incident date: Sep 1, 2022
Headlights don't turn on immediately upon ignition start. Error message appears on infotainment and dashboard. The temporary fix, Turned off the vehicle and locked the car, and tried again and it worked just fine. I took the car for regular service when I had mentioned to them that my headlights were acting up. they told me they found no fault codes and could not do anything about it. I spoke to... Read more
Incident date: Jan 7, 2023
The vehicle brake lamps, both left/right and center continually burn out. The bulbs burn out every few months. The tail lamps remain lit, but the stop lamps burn out regularly. There seems to be a recurring problems with this make and model. Hyundai must be aware as this safety issue presents a crash hazards. Non functioning brake lamps.
Incident date: Nov 17, 2022
Front left side marker defective
Incident date: Jan 6, 2023
The Right Rear Light underneath the brake light caught fire and exploded.
Fire
Incident date: Jan 6, 2023
Headlights continually need replacing. We must replace headlights every few months. We have tried several brands of lights and regardless they go out. We have had all the lights go out at once while driving at night. Cruise control no longer works. I had the clock spring replaced but this did not fix the cruise. Seat warmer Driver side seat warmer no longer engages. When the button is pressed, th... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2022
The high beams have stopped working. I have brought the car to the dealer and they report the related lighting systems are fine and working as they should. I have replaced the bulbs and the high beams still don't work. There are multiple reports of this same issue in other Kia Tellurides ( 2020) on the web. I am left with out a solution and need my high beams.
Incident date: Jan 5, 2023
When driving at night and low-beams are on, there is a black void (looks like a black bar horizontally across the headlight projected area on roadway). Black void is eye level with driver’s view of the roadway. With the black void present, driver is unable to see the roadway clearly at night, which inhibits the drivers visibility and ability to see road hazards or animals crossing the road. Low-... Read more
FORD
F-150 LIGHTNING BEV
(2022) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jan 6, 2023
Incident date: Jan 5, 2023
After recent rain storms, my 2 month old F-150 Lightning’s rear reversing lamps on the tailgate have accumulated water, and they now flicker constantly whether or not I’m in reverse.
Incident date: Jan 6, 2023
The paint is peeling super bad bad it to several dealerships & Maaco and was told this is a defect and to report the problem
Incident date: Jan 5, 2023
While driving at night, when I engage my turn signal to make a turn and my headlights go off. The headlights stay off until I play with the turn signal leaver moving it up, down, forward, and backward until the headlights come back on. I see this as a major safety issue. Driving a night without headlights impairs my ability to see and for other vehicles to see me. A search on the internet dis... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2022
I'm trying to have my daytime running lights enabled for my vehicle, which is a simple request that is done by sending a code to my vehicle. This is a safety feature that can be quickly enabled and I'm having trouble finding a dealership that will enable this, guarantee the work, and get me safely back on the road without charging me $500 for a few minutes of work.
Incident date: Jan 15, 2016
The contact owns a 2014 Nissan Altima. The contact reviewed Case No.3:21-cv-00393-WLC-AN (Halogen Headlamps “Class Vehicles”) a settlement; however, the part to do the 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 repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact experienc... Read more
Incident date: Jan 2, 2023
The entire lamp needs replaced for the front passenger running light. Continues to blow lights and sockets. Estimated cost to fix is $600 and is NOT covered by factory warranty or most extended warranties. I see this issue with MANY jeep son the road. Car will alert driver that running light is out, replace light, will blow new light within hours. Replace socket - will blow new socket. Car will ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 4, 2023
As I'm driving in my car the normal/regular headlights on the GMC Sierra were so bright that I could not see the road in front of me. I could include the Subaru lineup and the Toyota Rav4 in this. I have not seen such bright lights other than when others have had their high-beams on. Please do something. Thank you.
Incident date: Jan 5, 2023
My low beam headlights barely put out any light.
Incident date: Jan 5, 2023
Ive always have problems with headlights low beam, they simply dont illuminates the road at night, I have to use high beam making others to flash their high beams at me. I have change bulbs but no matter what I instal they dont illuminate enough.
Incident date: Jul 29, 2022
No Low Beam Headlights illuminate now but one low beam headlight had been installed recently and BCM and/or harness was adjusted after which both low beam headlights had been working
Incident date: Jan 5, 2023
This car has factory HID Xenon projector headlights. Over time the reflector bowls burned and melted from the heat of the light bulbs, causing some wire insulation to melt, and a brown film to cover all surfaces inside the headlight assembly. The brown coating makes the headlights dangerously dim. From various online searches, it appears this is a common failing of these headlights. BMW has not re... Read more
Incident date: Jan 4, 2023
Due to the door latch issue and my interior light staying on I am unable to see at night when driving. It has caused issues with my battery and I have had to replace it a few times. Why isn't Ford recalling this?
DODGE
GRAND CARAVAN
(2010) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jan 4, 2023
Incident date: May 1, 2022
Interior panel lights will dim and flicker, headlights dim, radio will lose power, cabin fans for air conditioning will slow then the engine dies. This can happen while idling or driving at highway speeds without warning. When the engine dies all power steering is lost and braking and control is extremely difficult. After stopping the gear shift will not move into park and the key will not move to... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
GOLF
(2013) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jan 4, 2023
Incident date: Dec 1, 2022
The low beam headlamp burned out. I replaced the bulb successfully, but then the headlamp needed adjustment to be aimed properly with the new bulb. I found instructions online to aim the headlamp. There are three adjustment points, covering both low and high beams, according to the online document. I will try to attach photo of this document. The three adjustments are labeled as: L1, L2H2, an... Read more
Incident date: Jan 4, 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 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 ha... Read more
Incident date: Aug 17, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Impreza. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V624000 (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 repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 2, 2017
I have 2014 Acura RDX with VIN: 5J8TB4H32EL008430. I'm facing with headlight issue since many years where my headlight with low beam is very dim and the roads are not visible in the dark. It is a major safety issue and my family was recently almost met with an accident. After the incident, I have changed the bulbs too but it didn't resolve the issue. I have searched online and found that many cust... Read more
Incident date: Jan 4, 2023
MY COMPLAINT IS INVOLVING BOTH DRIVERS AND PASSENGER SIDE HEADLIGHTS. WHILE DRIVING FROM THE EVENING ON INTO NIGHT TIME AND WHILE HAVING MY LIGHTS ON I CAN NOT SEE THE LIGHT IN FRONT OF ME THEY ARE VERY,VERY DIM. SO I HAVE TO RESORT ON PUTTING ON MY HIGH BEAMS WHICH CAUSES ONCOMING MOTORISTS TO BE BLINDED BY MY HIGH BEAM LIGHTS WHICH CAN CAUSE THEM TO LOSE CONTROL OF THIER VEHICLE AND CRASH INTO M... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2022
The brake lights keep blowing every time I replace them & have read other cases where light casing may melt when the bulb blows
Incident date: Dec 15, 2022
I recently bought the Kia used at approximately 75000 miles. The high beams do not work and the only way to repair them is an expensive complete headlight assembly replacement. Headlights should not become defective so soon and I have read forum after forum of those with the Telluride who have experienced the same problem.
Incident date: Jan 5, 2021
I bought a 2007 ford Taurus SEL from a dealership Oct ,2020 3 months after having we pulling up to a stop light and it was like the car wanted to take off by it's self and then when the light turned green we started to drive and it just shut off in the middle of traffic we had to get out and push it to the side almost got hit by the car behind us and the on coming cars I've had it serviced for tun... Read more
Incident date: Dec 27, 2022
Water pump failed inside lights sometimes work and signal lights aren’t accurate