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: Nov 22, 2022
The lighting switch assembly has an issue that causes the headlights to turn off at random times. I have only seen it happen when the switch is on the auto setting, but that is the setting I most often use. When the lights go off, the instrument panel display shows that the switch has changed to the parking lights setting, but the physical switch has not been moved. The lights remain off for a few... Read more
Incident date: Nov 23, 2022
Speedometer light randomly goes off every time I drive the car and it is difficult to see the speed I am driving
Incident date: Feb 5, 2019
I bought my chevy Malibu in 2018 from a used car dealership. A couple months after I bought it the radio blew. I tried replacing fuses it would not work. The lights keep blowing. I keep replacing them and have had a new pigtail that's been grounded. That replacement happened last Thursday. Right light has blown again. Short in electrical system. Cause battery to go down. Windows will only work som... Read more
MITSUBISHI
LANCER
(2011) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Nov 22, 2022
Incident date: Nov 7, 2022
While driving the vehicle the headlights will turn off at random intervals. The passenger side rear tail light is out and remains out despite changing the bulb. Water leaks through a gap in the body into the light and the trunk. Headlights need to be reliable in order to ensure safety and visibility, especially at night and during inclement weather. My father is a retired auto mechanic and has be... Read more
Incident date: Nov 22, 2022
(driving at all times when it's not bright out and drivers use their headlights. Sometimes even in daylight LED's are excessively intense. Trucks, including aftermarket "light bars" and fog lights are often the worst, be even new cars (Teslas) and older passenger cars with aftermarket LED headlghts are to blame. These things should never have been allowed in the first place. The longer NHTSA/D... Read more
Incident date: Nov 19, 2022
Been almost rear ended twice, both drivers said my brake lights were out, after checking, brake lights were working but are so low on car they did not see them
Incident date: Nov 21, 2022
Automatic high beams on this vehicle are unreliable and constantly flash oncoming traffic. High beams will turn on and off in succession multiple times. The system is unusable and potentially dangerous for oncoming traffic.
Incident date: Nov 19, 2022
The car was changed for 2022 where the brake lights are no longed displayed with the tail lights and instead lower down in the bumper area on small lights. Cars following me do not notice these lights and end up almost hitting me. The dealer states that this is how GM has changed the lights from the prier year. Last year they would only go to the lower light if the tail gate was open for some reas... Read more
Incident date: Nov 21, 2022
Headlights (low beam) are so dim that driving at night is dangerous. Lines on roads are not visible. Problem is not rectified by replacing bulbs. Something else must be the cause, Car is at the dealership getting assessment and estimate. No warning messages appear. Vehicle was inherited from deceased family member.
Incident date: Nov 20, 2022
The automatic high beams randomly come on when cars are approaching and or cars are in front which has resulted in a few very upset drivers in the vehicles that end up getting the high beams in their eyes or rear view mirror.
Incident date: Sep 12, 2022
A Manufacture defect in the brake light housing cracks and causes water inside the light housing causing the light to be dim, eventually short out, and also flicker and shut off & on occasion. The end result is no brake lights or sometimes working depending on the water damage from the Manufacture defect of the light housing plastic.
Incident date: Nov 4, 2022
The whole back panel of tail, break, blinker, licenses plate lights do not work. The seal does not perform properly and causes water to build up in the lights and fries them. It causes the vehicle to be unsafe when driving due to no lights working. No warnings were given at all just completely quit working.
Incident date: Nov 1, 2019
headlamps fogging up inside , useless for Nite driving. can not see without high beams..
Incident date: May 21, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Acura RDX. The contact stated while driving at various speeds at night, the low beam headlights were significantly dim, affecting the visibility of the roadway and the side of the roadway. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed but no issues were found. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mile... Read more
Incident date: Oct 31, 2022
When driving in dark areas with low outdoor lighting, the instrument panel is reflected in the drivers window. Aside from being distracting, there is obstructed visibility where the reflection occurs. I have made repeated calls, that go ignored, to Hyndai Customer Care, brought it to my service dealer upon request for protocol, who could not react because it was daytime. The instrument panel ha... Read more
Incident date: Nov 21, 2022
Low beam lights lost their brightness, lenses have been polished even though that wasn’t the reason the lights are dim. Dealer looked at the problem and offered to replace the head light assembly for $2,000 plus. It’s very difficult to see the road ahead at night.
Incident date: Sep 1, 2022
There was a recall on my car maybe a year ago for an issue with the turn signals. The driver might turn on the right turn signal but the car would show the left turn signal to other drivers. I had the recall work (software update) done at my local Hyundai dealership several months ago. Since then, I have a new issue with the turn signals/headlights. When the headlights are in "auto" mode at night,... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2016) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Nov 21, 2022
Incident date: Nov 21, 2022
I put in a complaint in back in July and haven’t heard anything back. I was wondering what the status was? The complaint was about My stabilitrak and my trailer brake system repeatedly comes on and off
Incident date: Nov 11, 2022
Auto high beams do not work properly. When using they do not work as intended and cause an extreme danger for visibility. I nearly hit a deer at highway speeds due to failure to operate when should have been in high beam. Also they go on and off causing blinding to oncoming traffic. This is a well known problem documented by numerous honda Ridgeline owners. It needs to be fixed before more people ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 21, 2022
When I activate the auto high beam feature on my Ridgeline, it does not ever work properly. The high beams will go off almost immediately once a road sign reflects on the sensor. This feature is totally unreliable and is actually a safety hazard because of how often it deactivates when on the roadway even though there is no traffic coming in either direction. It rarely reactivates when travelin... Read more
Incident date: Nov 19, 2022
I just recently got my 2023 BoltEUV and I have discovered that the configuration of the rear end brake lights is dangerous because people expect the lights on the hatch to be the brake lights, but they are actually only running lights at nights. The brake lights and turn signals are actually much lower down in the cars bumper - this is not where people expect them to be. As such, a few people hav... Read more
Incident date: Nov 17, 2022
My ABS lights come on saying Chassis Control System Error and AWD Error. I took it to Nissan Dealership and they said it was find. Warning signals popping up on my dash board. I took pictures on my phone.
Incident date: Dec 3, 2018
The first time I started to have issue was rear ABS sensor started going in and out got repaired and they said the wires going down the frame rail are getting pinched by the fuel tank in the frame rail then my backup camera went and same issue I was told by dealer and now my drivers side rear blinker is doing the same where starting to not work and from what I found the wires are being broke betwe... Read more
Incident date: Oct 15, 2022
Several hazard lights have come on and I've been told to reset it and tried but the lights stay on there are more than 5 on the main one that scares me is the malfunction warning light. The car used to warn me when you close to a vehicle or someone too close behind it does none of that anymore the steering wheel has also shifted... Please HELP!
Incident date: Nov 19, 2022
The low beam (driving) lights are incredibly poor, almost non-existant. In order to actually see the road at night you need to use high beams, which is a problem for the drivers in front of you and on the other side of the road. It seems this is a widely know issue with this vehicle as I find multiple postings about it online. This has been going on for some time, and replacing the bulb does no go... Read more
Incident date: Nov 17, 2022
Notification on dashboard that driver tail light, blinker, and brake lights were not on and need to be serviced. Took the vehicle to dealership. Bulbs were replaced and still not working. Was quoted that the connector and pigtail would need to be replaced with an estimate of $700. It is safety concern to try and switch lanes without a working indicator. There was a software update issued for t... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
ATLAS
(2021) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Nov 18, 2022
Incident date: Nov 1, 2022
We have an open case with Volkswagen, but the remedy part is on back order, in the meantime we have to use this unsafe car. The dealership where car was purchased from is not providing a loaner/rental despite being told by our Volkswagen care team specialist that he is obligated to. The car emergency brake comes on at every stop(I’m shook at every stop, knots in my stomach every single stop I ma... Read more
Incident date: Nov 18, 2022
Above mentioned Honda Fit Vin number JHMGD38678S043570 had same issue with low beam headlight recall (TSB 10-082 low beam headlight recall) Low beam headlight do not work. Car was sent to Pohanka dealership for repair. "Found a break in wire where connector was installed." I have documentation attesting to this. I am not denying that switch was bad, but Honda is charging labor for the obv... Read more
Incident date: Nov 18, 2022
Sunroof exploded, just driving down the road, and BOOM! Most of the glass exploded outward, but it was definitely a hazard. The sunroof cover was open about 8-10 inches to let light in, but the glass sunroof was closed.
1 injured
Incident date: May 18, 2022
when driving randomly the cars engine will rev really high while pressing the gas pedal but the car doesn't move. After a little while the car eventually makes a loud clunking noise which shakes the car and typically causes the tires to spin. It seems to happen when the car is trying to decide whether to switch the gas engine or back to EV mode. This has been happening for a long time an even afte... Read more
Incident date: Nov 17, 2022
The contact owned a 2014 GMC Terrain. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 22V165000 (Visibility) and 22V137000 (Exterior Lighting) and would like to be removed from the recall distribution. The local dealer and manufacturer were not contacted.
Incident date: Nov 17, 2022
I have extremely dim headlights. I have to drive with my high beams on but they are dim as well. I had the dealership look at the lights and was told that the bulbs are fine but there is a known issue with the seal and water getting in and corroding the lens so the light can't pass thru. I was told Cadillac won't recall it but know about it and it will cost me $2600 to replace the entire assembly.... Read more
Incident date: Sep 14, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Porsche Cayenne. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V656000 (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 contact stated that the headlamps illumination had started to become dull. The manufacturer was made ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 14, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Porsche Panamera. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V656000 (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 not made aware of the issue. The contact had ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 17, 2022
Hello, problem is with the headlights being too dim for nighttime driving. Cannot travel safely most roads at night without turning on the highbeams. Reported issue to the local Cadillac dealer service center and was advised headlights would need total replacement as it is a known issue.
Incident date: Oct 15, 2022
The first is the drivers side headlight not properly projecting light. The light projected a shadow across the center of the light preventing proper illumination in front of my vehicle. This is causing a safety issue. Brought car to dealer who confirmed that the left headlight was deformed preventing proper projection of the light. This deformity was not covered nor are there any recalls even thou... Read more
Incident date: Nov 15, 2022
The low beam exterior lights are simply totally ineffective and provide little illumination at night. This is an ongoing issue and has yet to be corrected by Nissan. Car is not able to be driven safely at night.
Incident date: Jan 1, 2018
Fatally flawed Nissan headlight assembly. The dim low-beam headlights of my 2015 Nissan Altima have been the subject of a class action lawsuit against Nissan. They may or may not have been the subject of a proposed or actual recall. My dealer is now telling me that I missed some deadline under an “inspection recall.” Apparently to confirm whether my headlights are dim or not. My vehicle was i... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2019) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Nov 16, 2022
Incident date: Aug 1, 2022
Outstanding recall Z-48. This recall was first identified in June 2022. The dealers cannot fix the problem because Chrysler Corp. has not provided a solution. This is affecting the operation of the vehicle and probably reducing the resale value. Five months seems to me too long a time not to have a solution. Can the government give them an ultimatum of either provide the fix in the next 30 / ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 31, 2022
The Low Beam headlight do not project properly. The problem is delamination of the headlight assembly. See "Suarez vs. Nissan North America Inc. Nissan will not replace the headlights in a timely manner. A claim was filed on 1/31/22. Assemblies must be replaced by 9/23/22. Nissan is delaying the repair because of "supply Chain Issues". Numerous owners haven't had the replacement occur by t... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2021
THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS ON THIS VEHICLE ARE EXTREMELY DIM. IT IS DANGEROUS TO DRIVE AT NIGHT. THE ONLY SAFE WAY TO DRIVE IS WITH THE HIGH BEAMS WHICH ENDANGERS OTHER DRIVERS ON THE ROAD. THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF OTHER KIA OPTIMA DRIVERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM BUT KIA WON'T ACKNOWLEDGE OR FIX THE ISSUE. THIS CAR IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE AT NIGHT.
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2021) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Nov 16, 2022
Incident date: Sep 7, 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 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 taillights failed to illumin... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2019
We bought this car brand new and for the past two or so year it has started to consuming oil like crazy at least 3 to 4 quarts every thousand miles and they wont do anything to see what is causing the issue its not leaking anything at all. Secondly with the head light turned to auto we will be driving down the road and all of a sudden the lights shut off and you have to flip the light to on to get... Read more
Incident date: Aug 10, 2021
At 1st, my tail light went out on my passenger side of the car. I tired to fix the problem with replacing the bulb. This went on for several times. It got to the point that the bulb wouldn’t fix the problem. I then replaced the wiring harness. That worked for a day or two then the light was back out. I even went back to the dealership and had then replace the wiring harness, I was thinking perha... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2022
Both the driver and passenger side rear turning signals accumulate condensation (if conditions permit, liquid water). When the automatic lights are engaged the rear turning signal will blink rapidly (as if the bulb was out). This problem does not occur when the day-time running lights are on. Estimated repair costs are $600 per light, as the entire housing must be replaced rather than just repl... Read more
Incident date: Oct 9, 2022
Drive side brake light keeps burning out, even after several replacements. The bulb becomes black each time. Not sure if it's related, but headlight will intermittently turn off when in Auto light mode, even at night.
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2020) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Nov 15, 2022
Incident date: Jan 20, 2020
This is a huge vehicle. Side indicators were required back in 1968, and yet this monster truck doesn’t have any definitive side markers. Also, the standard package does not have any turn indicators on its side mirrors. Even compact cars have this safety item.
Incident date: Nov 11, 2022
The high beams stopped working which is very dangerous & sounds like several others have had same issue.
Incident date: Nov 14, 2022
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 local dealer was contacted twice. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated upon activating the high beam headlights, both the internal and external lights failed to operate as needed. The contact stated that the lights had to be manually turned off before returning to normal operation. The contact also mentioned that his wife had driven into a ditch and scratched the passenger’s side of the vehicle due to the fail... Read more