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 14, 2022
Dim headlamps that are non fixable by installing new lights.. headlamp assemblies in the 2016 Cadillac SRX suffer from defective seals that allow moisture to accumulate and condense, therefore damaging and dimming the headlight bulbs.
Incident date: Oct 10, 2022
Loss of touchscreen functionality only works initially and then freezes completely making it unusable and making the most part of the internal features and climate control completely unavailable and increasing the risk of safety of the driver, Dealer stating to replace whole touch screen unit which is extremely expensive to replace, It should be standard and lot of functionality is used from the t... Read more
Incident date: Nov 7, 2022
The headlight bulb was recently replaced and the driver side headlight it still dim. My mechanic thinks there is an issue with the lense in front of the bulb. I see online that some 2015 Acuras have been recalled for headlight issues. This recall needs to be expanded.
Incident date: Nov 14, 2022
Low beam headlights unacceptably dim/dangerous. Despite a significant amount of discussions about this issue on the internet, I spoke with service department McGrath Acura in Morton Grove Illinois and they denied being aware of the issue. Have just ordered aftermarket replacement headlight assemblies for approximately $710.
Incident date: Nov 11, 2022
Low beam headlights to dim to drive...very dangerous and gm is aware of the defective headlights
VOLKSWAGEN
TIGUAN
(2019) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Nov 13, 2022
Incident date: Oct 10, 2022
While driving at night the cars IP displayed a warning "ignition system shutdown please check your start system", the Instrument panel and information display then went dark with no symbiology speed, revs or turn signals. The head lights and tail lights shut off and cabin fan and side windows stopped working. The engine continued to run so I was able to safely exit the highway but was a stressful ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 13, 2022
i’ve been reading about the issues regarding the lights exterior/interior-so many customer complaints about how over the past few decades problems with the interior (dash) and exterior lights blinking, dimming & “ completely going out” while of course driving-how hasn’t this major issue been addressed & recalled, this is a VERY DANGEROUS & SERIOUS PROBLEM, I am currently experiencing this ... Read more
DODGE
GRAND CARAVAN
(2020) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Nov 13, 2022
Incident date: Nov 12, 2022
The vehicle display lights on the interior dash board fail to fully shut off after driving and waiting an appropriate amount of time, causing a drain on the battery over time which results in a failure to start. There may be other drains on the battery, as this is not an isolated incidence and has been happening since May 2022 approximately every two weeks or less.
Incident date: Nov 13, 2022
This recall was issued Aug 12 2022 and 3 months later still no parts available to fix the lighting issue? I reported this headlight issue at the first scheduled service that I thought the headlights were dim and did not shine far enough. Dealer service sept said they are all like that. Yes they are …. When will they have the parts?
Incident date: Oct 31, 2022
I have noticed that on my 2018 Nissan Armada, has roughly 82,456 miles on it , an I noticed the RPM between 7/8 don't light up like the other numbers ! And I noticed while driving on the speedometer between 0-20mph on the dash will blink in an out while driving , it does it pretty often, it will stay off quit a bit an then light back up.
Incident date: Nov 10, 2022
I have had to replace my brake lights, sometimes, every few months. My third brake light only works intermittently. Recently, my brake lights and my door lights failed to shut off after I turned the engine off. Also, my abs light came on on the dash, but after turning the engine off and back on, that light went out. After re-starting my car and repeatedly, stepping on the brake, my lights finally... Read more
Incident date: Oct 10, 2022
Kia Optima Hybrids from 2014-2016 and most likely the two previous model years all have defective taillights. I know this because I've had two Optimas and I've had to replace 9 taillights in 4 years. The Kia dealer service department told me that that was quite typical of these cars. The light assemblies are not water tight and they fill with moisture on rainy days. This eventually causes the... Read more
Incident date: Nov 11, 2022
The headlights are extremely dim resulting in poor visibility while driving at night.
Incident date: Oct 2, 2022
The car's battery is draining fast and the car's electric system stopped working after I replaced the battery three times. The car is currently inoperable.
Incident date: Nov 11, 2022
Please investigate the 2020 Audi Q3 and issue a recall - this is a major driver safety issue. I purchased this vehicle new from the Audi Crown Clearwater, FL dealership in late 2019. I am taking it for repair a THIRD time because after it rains, the interior gets flooded with water which pours into the car from the rear-view mirror area which affects driver visibility, lights, electrical componen... Read more
Incident date: Nov 9, 2022
The left headlight projects three dark shadows on the road surface along the left edge and middle of the road in front of the vehicle Someone walking or standing on the side might not be visible and when the vehicle is turning to the right the shadows flow along the very edge of the roadway obscuring anything in its path. The car has been to the dealership twice and they verified that the shado... Read more
Incident date: Oct 12, 2022
Headlights suddenly stopped working.
Incident date: Jun 5, 2021
The headlights are very dim. i cannot see at night without using my bright lights. This a safety issues because I cannot see and other cars cannot see me. On 12-28-21 I took the car to Jim Hudson dealership. The diagnose was both headlights are very dim. Reflective silver coating within headlamp assemblies has faded. Will require 2 new assemblies. This is my second 2016 SRX and I had the exact s... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2022
My headlights are very dim (very dangerous) to the point I can’t see 10 feet when the sun goes down. I never got a recall notice for Nissan 2013-2018 dim headlights. I need Nissan to remedy my car and have the headlamps replaced ASAP since I use the car to drive my elderly parents to their appts because I am their caregiver.
Incident date: Nov 8, 2022
Auto high beam feature fails to go to dim quickly enough when on coming traffic appears. Yet it will dim for white or yellow road sign reflections. The system is very unpredictable and causes people to flash me often. Recurring problem since new.
Incident date: Nov 5, 2022
I purchased my Forester Wilderness on 11/5/22 - this problem is with the headlights. I have a serious safety concern 1. There are two large shaded dark spots directly in my field of vision. These are approximately fifteen to twenty feet directly in front of the vehicle and never go away - because the headlights are steering responsive, they are always moving which is distracting and dangerous. 2.... Read more
Incident date: Nov 9, 2022
Headlights remain dim even with new bulbs and cleaning the lens covers. They are so dim, it is a safety issue.
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2021) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Nov 9, 2022
Incident date: Aug 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 unavailable. The contact stated that the rear taillights failed to function as needed while driving at night. The contact stated that the taillights operated while depressing the brake pedal. The contact stated that the... Read more
Incident date: Apr 14, 2021
I'm reporting a safety issue with the head lights on this vehicle, 2021 Chevrolet Colorado LT. The low beam head lights are woefully insufficient for night driving. The light emitted is non-existent with any light from oncoming vehicles. This is well known buy other owners of this model truck, and immediately noticeable to anyone who has driven my own vehicle. I have tried 2 different types of bul... Read more
NISSAN
ROGUE SPORT
(2019) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Nov 9, 2022
Incident date: Oct 15, 2022
My vehicle's alarm comes on by itself at night and I have to get up and hit the key fob in order to stop the alarm from sounding off. Is that unusual and on the dash board a Red Triangle pops up and this has been going on for about 1 month. Also the lights inside of the car keep coming on when I am driving.
Incident date: Nov 8, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, the brake pedal failed to return to the normal upright position. The contact stated that the taillights remained illuminated as if the brake pedal was still depressed. The contact stated that the stabili-trak warning light illuminated intermittently. The contact had not tak... Read more
Incident date: Sep 14, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Porsche Macan S. 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 called various local dealers who confirmed that parts were not yet available for the recall r... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2017) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Nov 9, 2022
Incident date: Nov 8, 2022
While making a quick left hand turn at low speed, steering wheel suddenly locked, all lights and electrical went out and engine died. This left me stuck in a busy intersection with no lights. I was able to restart engine after a minute or so. Error message appeared "roll driver side window up, etc." Needless to say, no longer have confidence driving my truck not knowing when this situation may re-... Read more
LUMINATOR
HORIZON LED
(9999) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Nov 9, 2022
Incident date: Nov 9, 2022
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? - After market headlamps, they can be purchased online at various retailers. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? - These bulbs are being installed in headlamp assemblies that were not designed for LED bulbs thus light is scattered everywhere and coupled with their intense brigh... Read more
Incident date: Nov 9, 2022
The unit present for 2 time a fog head lamp.first was the pasenger side.now the driver side.
Incident date: Oct 1, 2022
While headlights are set to "Auto" mode, they will automatically shut off wile driving on multiple occasions. Also, while on "Auto" mode, parked, and vehicle turned off, head lights will turn on. This is a safety issue as driving without headlights is illegal and can cause an accident. Also, if vehicle has headlights on while vehicle is parked and turned off, this can cause the battery to drain an... Read more
Incident date: Nov 9, 2022
Both headlights failed at same time during night driving resulting in very low visibility with only the daytime running lights working. My safety as well as others driving on the road were put at risk as my visibility of the road was impacted and my vehicles visibility to other drivers was impaired. This problem has occurred twice within in the last year making the vehicle unsafe to drive. The fir... Read more
Incident date: Nov 9, 2022
The Tesla uses “auto high beam” when in autopilot. The pros of this can allow drivers to utilize the light so the cameras can detect anything to avoid any possible wrecks, but it does not have an option to be turned off. Along with other people online, my brights have flashed at people on the interstate and highways or haven’t turned off at all. This is irritating and limits the way I am co... Read more
Incident date: Nov 5, 2022
Recently purchased this 2018 Jeep Compass. Screen display brightness is blinding at night. Asked dealer about NHTSA Safety Recall T70/NHTSA 17V-740. Dealer said recall had been performed and only option was to replace instrument cluster at over $1000 parts & labor. This is not acceptable for an issue clearly described in the NHTSA Recall. There needs to be a reflash or software or sensor update. I... Read more
Incident date: Nov 8, 2022
My headlights started getting dim about a year ago. I took my car to Firestone and they replaced them. Just a month or so later, I found out that there was a recall in the works. I finally received notification of the recall. I took my car to Nissan of Rockwall and had it tested and was advised that it did meet the qualifications for headlight replacement. This was in June 2022. I was told t... Read more
Incident date: Aug 25, 2020
The headlight area had condensation in it that resulted in water in the headlight. This caused the headlight to go dark. This is a safety issue as one of my headlights is not working. I can’t see that section of the road or adjacent sidelines. Very dangerous particularly at this time of year with deer running into road from the side. There are many other regal owners with this problem whic... Read more
Incident date: Nov 2, 2021
The automatic highbeams do not work as intended. They sometimes blind oncoming traffic and other times not switch to high for better driver visibility.
Incident date: Nov 7, 2022
There was recall for N182180270 Tail Lamps Inoperative, for some reason my vehicle being a 2015 was not included. This issue is ongoing with my 2015 Yukon Denali and is dangerous while operating, it recently started and is intermittent. Also my vehicle has issues with hard shifting and jerking intermittently when taking off.... also a known issue for this year and make/ model of vehicle
Incident date: Oct 1, 2022
The low beam headlights are very dim. Researching on the internet this is a known issue with this model from 2013-2015, but there is no recall for this obvious safety issue. My dealer states they cannot do anything about it without recall, and it is very expensive to replace the entire headlight assembly. Apparently the low beam reflector oxidizes over time. I am afraid to drive this vehicle at ni... Read more
Incident date: Nov 7, 2022
Headlights have condensation. Vehicle purchased in May 2019 and in November 2022 condensation is inside headlight. Mileage is 38,000
Incident date: Mar 22, 2017
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V252000 (Electrical System, Exterior Lighting, Vehicle Speed Control, Electronic Stability Control). The contact stated that after the repair, the failure persisted. The contact took the vehicle back to the dealer where the starter and PCV hose were repl... Read more
Incident date: Mar 17, 2022
REAR LED TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLIES filling with water ! which could cause a short or electrical fire that could effect the driving of vehicle
Incident date: Oct 1, 2022
Day time running lights have a very short life of 1-2 years before failing. The bulbs are not replaceable and require replacement of entire headlight unit which costs over $1,000.
Incident date: Nov 6, 2022
Driver's side taillight & reverse light fills with water. This unsealed light issue has caused electrical wire corrosion.
Incident date: Nov 6, 2022
I’ve been having a problem with my 2014 Acura RDX for dim low-beam headlights for some time now. I took my Acura to my dealership approximately 5-6 months ago, for regular service and reported the problem of the dim low-beam headlights, which at the time also seemed uncentered. At that time, the dealership said there was no problem found with the headlights. No warning alerts from the dashbo... Read more
Incident date: Oct 28, 2022
Rear passenger running lights just stopped working. I have seen several people with the same issue. I think there should be a recall for GM to fix the issue they are clearly aware of.
Incident date: Nov 5, 2022
On several occasions at various speeds, both driving straight and turning, my 2015 Chevy Tahoe has turned off. During higher speeds the SUV will turn back on, instantly, by itself but during lower speeds and turning the car has to be manual turned back on by switching into neutral, pressing the break, and pushing the start button. The most recent time this has happened, it was dark outside and I ... Read more
TOYOTA
REDUNDANT SIENNA
(2022) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Nov 6, 2022
Incident date: Oct 14, 2022
Question 1 Auto Headlight continues to malfunction and it has been inspected 3 times by Randy Wise Toyota (Grand Blanc, MI). Yes, it is available for inspection (video & list of incidents provided to Randy Wise Toyota - as requested by Tech/[XXX] but no action taken). Question 2 High Beams have come on when oncoming vehicle is between 300 to 500 feet - potentially temporarily blinding the person ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 5, 2022
Faulty lights: flickering off and on while driving at night, park light fail to come on but break lights work, unable to use the lights in “auto” mode or else they flicker. Flickering with left front turn signal. There are multiple complaints about this issue on YouTube and when you Google the car and check reviews. This issue puts my life, my children’s lives, and so many others lives in... Read more
Incident date: Nov 4, 2022
Purchased a used 2015 Nissan Altima 2.5S and discovered that low-beam headlights are very dim. We almost hit a deer due to low visibility. Internet search reveals this is a known problem. We are too late to benefit from the class action lawsuit. A safety recall should be issued.