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
VOLKSWAGEN
PASSAT
(2013) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Oct 28, 2022
Incident date: Oct 4, 2022
Driver side low beam headlights failed. Bulb works. Bulb Holder works. Confirmed by moving bulb and bulb holder assembly to passenger side where it operates fine. Search on-line finds many people with same problem. It appears to be an electrical connection problem within the headlight assembly. There was a reportedly recall for this problem that did not cover all VINs. This is definitely a ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 27, 2022
Repeated failure of passenger side low beam headlight bulb. The bulb has burned out 3 times within less than one year. No visible issues were found with the headlamp assembly. All new bulbs purchased to replace the previous, without defect, but have continued to fail. The first failure occurred in October 2021. Second failure in January 2022 and currently, the third failure October 2022.
MAZDA
B-SERIES TRUCK
(1998) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Oct 28, 2022
Incident date: Sep 26, 2020
Mazdaspeed 3 turbo Vin:[XXX] ************************* Fuel pump EfI 400hp @ idel Turbo propultion not installed Cricket wireless broadband internet Connection.....? Swiage leakage: [XXX] [XXX] West covina sheriff dept. West covina ca INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Crash
Fire
4 injured
4 deaths
Incident date: Apr 13, 2022
Side Marker lights stopped working. Audi had a recall on the A4 and a few other models. Not the Q7. Dealer said it would cost between $4,000 to $5,000 to fix. The Audi forum has around 28 pages of owners complaining about this same issue. The warning light comes on with a chime about every 10 minutes and can drive you crazy. The warning states that the light is defective but Audi does not care. In... Read more
Incident date: Mar 22, 2021
Intermittently, while driving, day or night, the headlights will turn on or off for about 30 seconds despite the called for sensor setting. For example, if it is dark outside, the sensors will trigger to turn on the headlight and running lights and vise a versa, when the sensors detect sufficient light, the running and headlights will turn off. I have only noticed this happens when the headlights ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2022
When driving at night, sometimes the headlights and taillights will shut off leaving the car totally in the dark. This is a SEVERE SAFETY ISSUE as you can no longer see the road and other cars cannot see you. The problem appears to possibly be associated with the light switch, as you can jiggle it and get the lights back on. Also related to this problem of the lights shutting off is the fact that... Read more
Incident date: Feb 12, 2022
Headlight Failure. Light flickers on and off intermittently and triggers " low beam headlamp malfunction" on dashboard. No vehicle accidents or other trauma to the affected headlight. Only remedy is to replace headlight at a cost of $3,400.
Incident date: Feb 24, 2020
on Feb 24, 2020 Cadillac sent letters notifying owners of Cadilla 2010-2015 SRX that they will replace the headlamps or reimburse any out of pocket payments for headlamp replacement or service. I had headlamp bulb replaced and sent the invoice to GM for reimbursement I had to resubmit my claim with the proper invoice and information from the repair shop who tried replacing my head lamp bulbs. I di... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2022
The low beam headlights are so dim that night time driving is dangerous. The car has approximately 150K miles on it. I have tried changing bulbs thinking they were just getting old and it did not improve visibility. I have seen other complaints about this for the RDX 2013, '14, & '15 online so it is definitely a known issue. Acura needs to recall these vehicles and replace the headlight assemb... Read more
Incident date: Oct 19, 2022
I was stopped, and given a warning by a police officer for having no tail lights whatsoever. All other lights were functioning, and they had been fine the day before. These vehicles have four identical stop and tail lamp bulbs. I tested with my multimeter, and found that there was current at the socket. I replaced all four bulbs. Upon inspection, I determined that a SINGLE bulb of the four had a ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 4, 2022
The auto headlights have not worked at all since we have owned this vehicle. I have followed the instructions to the letter to setup the auto headlight function up. Frustrated, vehicle was taken to dealer and they acknowledge a problem as they cannot fix it until Honda issues a repair solution. The truck has 560 miles on it. Problematic headlights are a real concern at night
Incident date: Mar 12, 2022
This vehicle was purchased on 03/09/3022. After the purchased I start noticing the following. The light indicator on, vehicle stopped while driving, the motor idling, the radio data compromised, the horn blowing by itself, the tire indicator constantly comes on, and the mileage rotates while vehicle is sits. I’ve taken the truck to the dealership which malware was abstracted from the vehicle; w... Read more
Incident date: Oct 25, 2022
the headlights on this vehicle are so dim that i ran over a large deer carcass in the middle of the highway at night. by the time i saw the carcass in the middle of the road, i was already on top of it!!!!!!!!!!! i couldn't use my brights because i was meeting another vehicle. anyway, the headlights on this vehicle are pure garbage and there needs to be a recall on these lights. this is a major... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Oct 26, 2022
I brought my 2015 Nissan Altima SL additions on local Nissan dealership back in March and I was told nothing was wrong with my last driver side headlamp, and I am experiencing delamination where it’s not so bright, I believe my vehicle has been affected by the recall but now it’s past the recall deadline date
Incident date: Oct 24, 2022
I purchased my 2015 buick in May of 2015. At about December of 2017 the drivers HID head light was breached and moisture crept in creating an inner fog and eventually a puddle of water. In the falloff 2018 the same thing happened on the passengers side. I've removed both head assemblies and tried to fix the problem with very little success. Now I am looking at replacing both lamp assemblies at a c... Read more
Incident date: Oct 25, 2020
The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Caravan. The contact stated that the headlights appeared hazy and clogged. Additionally, the contact stated that the headlight failed to illuminate and provide proper illumination while driving. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
Incident date: Oct 25, 2022
For the last few years, the reverse lights would intermittently work when the six-speed manual transmission was put into reverse. Lately, the lights fail to work more often than actually work. I have read other Subarus have a common reverse light switch failure and I think more of the older cars use a similar switch and design to recalled models.
Incident date: Dec 17, 2018
I purchased this vehicle used with 6000-ish miles on it, the front passenger brake system had started making a slight noise, somewhat scraping or dragging. When I brought in the car for a tire change or balance, the issue was brought up to me at BIG O Tires in Aurora CO, that an issue of the brake system has a scraping or wear that usually found in a much older vehicle or one with much more mileag... Read more
Incident date: Mar 22, 2017
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that in 2017 the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V252000 (Electrical System, Exterior Lighting, Vehicle Speed Control, Electronic Stability Control) however, the brake lights would illuminate randomly without the brake pedal being depressed. The contact stated that the brake lights would fail to illuminate whenever th... Read more
Incident date: Oct 25, 2022
This is a general complaint, not specific to this VIN Headlights on many modern cards are becoming increasingly brighter, causing major safety issues in the ability to see facing oncoming traffic. I find myself often blinded by an oncoming vehicle that does not even have its brights on. Is there anything being done to address the issue of manufacturers installing headlights that are a safety iss... Read more
Incident date: Jun 15, 2021
The automatic high beam does not go from high to low automaticly.
Incident date: Sep 10, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Porsche Panamera. The contact received a phone call and was notified of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V656000 (Exterior Lighting) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer notified the contact of the recall and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and referred him to several dealers for assist... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2022
I have already contacted the dealer and Lexus corporate. If you drive this car with polarized sunglasses all of your gauges disappear and you have no idea of anything with respect to the automobile such as speed or any of the other indications. I was told that they agree that this is a design defect but they will not do anything about it and if they do do something in the future then I should keep... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2020
The headlights are bad. Water gets in. A class action suit dismissed this defect that was also in previous years. This should be a recall. We are going to have to replace the headlights on our car because we can barely see at night.
Incident date: Oct 24, 2022
Both low headlights went out while driving at night. I have changed the bulbs out multiple times and the continue to blow out.
Incident date: Sep 29, 2022
Car has an electrical problem battery keeps draining changed alternator fuel pump starter and battery and still something draining the battery
Incident date: Oct 11, 2022
In 2020 my headlights just went out one day. All the fuses were good the bulbs were good and Ford replaced the BCM (Body Control Module). Luckily it was under the warranty because I only had approximately 28,000 miles. Fast forward to 2022 with approximately 49,000 miles, I was driving home late one night and the same issue happened while I was driving. Since the replacement in 2020 I have had t... Read more
Incident date: Jul 24, 2022
The instrument panel one day a few months prior began to go dark and cease to function intermittently. Specifically the digital sections. It has since progressed to never working. This has created a risk as I can no longer receive system information or warnings as a result. Specifically I was unaware that an object in the road severely punctured one of my tires and I had lost all pressure until a ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 21, 2022
2017 Kia Sorrento burns excessive amounts of oil between oil changes, more than 4 quarts. Eyebrow and rear parking lights come on their own, even after the car has been off for several hours without touching Kia or keys.
VOLKSWAGEN
TIGUAN
(2022) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Oct 22, 2022
Incident date: Oct 21, 2022
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER AND INFOTAINMENT DISPLAY WERE BLACKED OUT IN DAY TIME FROM START UP AND FOR DURATION OF DRIVE APROXIMATE 2 HOURS. RESTARTING HAD NO EFFECT, TURNING LIGHTS ON AND OFF HAD NO EFFECT ON DASH DISPLAY. BRIGHTNESS OF DISPLAY IS CONTROLLED THROUGH INFOTAINMENT DISPLAY WHICH WAS NOT VISIBLE. AFTER 20 MINUTE SHUTDOWN AND RESTART DISPLAY WAS NORMAL AGAIN. CHECKING DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS SETT... Read more
Incident date: Apr 11, 2022
why hasn't nissan replaced these headlight parts.we can't use the car at night as there isn't enough light to see safely,.NO EXCUSE fo0r this.
Incident date: Oct 17, 2022
There was an instance where I was driving in heavy rain and the windshield wipers just stopped working. I had to drive about 5 more miles without them working. They worked the next time it rained a couple of days later. There has been 2 instances in the last week where I have had my car parked in my driveway off and locked. In the middle of the night, the headlights and taillights come on on there... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2013
I have been having problems with the electrical system in this car since I had it. The lighting is so dim that you can even see anything while driving at night. I have gone back and forth with Hyundai and the dealership to get a resolution but they keep telling me that nothing is wrong and that I need to replace all of the housings. I don't feel that I should have to do this because they have even... Read more
Incident date: Oct 21, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Sentra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V135000 (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 had... Read more
TOYOTA
HIGHLANDER
(2015) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Oct 20, 2022
Incident date: Oct 15, 2019
Rear tail lamps on lift gate both sides have failed seals that allow moisture to condense inside the lens. This occurs to the point the water collects inside the lens and obstructs the emission of light when the brake pedal is depressed. Several reports of this happening can be found with a simple online search for the issue. The Manufacturer (Toyota) has to be aware of the defect in manufactu... Read more
Incident date: Sep 10, 2022
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the headlamps became dim, the bulbs then blew out and headlamps became inoperable. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 139,78... Read more
Incident date: Oct 13, 2022
Vehicle was in for an oil change and safety system upgrade/fix(?) and now the high beams no longer work on our vehicle. The blue indicator light shows up but neither on of our high beams turn on. I have contacted the dealership and they claim they've never heard of such a thing happening, but I have seen many complaints online about it. We do not feel it is safe to drive out in the country, at nig... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2022
The low beams are nearly impossible to see with while driving at night. Have heard countless other people complaining of same issue.
Incident date: Sep 19, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Journey. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V723000 (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 manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confi... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2022
1.I found the same issues the same as the NHTSA posted the recall number 20V094000 for my car. The 3rd brake lights starting lose and I bring my car to BMW dealership and they told me my car is not flag on it. The same year and the same model has the same problem but My car is not under the recall list. I have the BMW Invoice and Identify the problem is the 3rd brake lights screws lose and need re... Read more
Incident date: Oct 18, 2022
Automatic high beam lights system is terribly dangerous! Not even close to working as advertised. They do not drop to low beam with virtually all oncoming traffic. They are constantly tricked and flicker when looking at reflective signage. They create confusion and very dangerous distraction. This is a well known design flaw with these late model Ridgelines and the dealers can’t do anything to c... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2021) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Oct 19, 2022
Incident date: Jul 28, 2022
No incident. Manufacturer and local dealers have no remedy available currently or in the foreseeable future outside of purchasing a new vehicle. Retract the recall until a valid remedy is available or impose requirements on the manufacturer to provide a remedy immediately.
Incident date: Sep 28, 2022
The contact owns a 2008 Kia Sorento. The contact stated upon reversing out of his garage, the brake pedal was depressed and emitted an abnormal sound. The ABS and the electronic stability control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the recall repair of NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V114000 (Exterior Lighting) was completed; however, the dealer informed the contact... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2021
Headlights The normal beam headlights are extremely dim, unable to operate the vehicle on the roadway at night. I had the bulbs replaced at an expense of $300 for parts and labor, which did not rectify the issue. The beams remain extremely dim, which is due to the faulty headlight assembly. GM has never acknowledge this issue after 1000's of complaints. GM did refund some owners of SRX 2010-2... Read more
Incident date: Aug 6, 2022
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Bronco. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked and not driven for more than 30 minutes, the headlights turned on independently. The contact stated that the failure had been intermittent however, the frequency of the failure had increased. The contact stated that the headlights warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the four-position headlight d... Read more
CHRYSLER
PACIFICA PLUG-IN HYBRID
(2018) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Oct 19, 2022
Incident date: Jan 1, 2019
Many Pacifica vans have issues with the LED running light strips on at least one headlight. Ours acted up under warranty, but the dealer was unable to reproduce it and later quoted us over $600 to replace it. I looked in other Pacifica forums and numerous others are having the same issue, some are being quoted over $1000 for a replacement. This affects the ability to be seen during the daytime,... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2022
The LED strip/portion of my driver-side headlight has stopped functioning. It is all inside a closed headlight unit. When starting the vehicle, the LED strip will pulse about 11 times quickly, then remain off. This has been an unsafe defect, because if I am in a lane that is for "Left Turn OR Keep Straight", a vehicle in the intersection across from me could look briefly, see my left LED strip ou... Read more
Incident date: Oct 15, 2022
Failure of headlights turning on puts fellow drivers in danger. The lights work but turn on and off at random times. I do have the fog lights that work but I still need my headlights to work especially in the dark and rain.
Incident date: Oct 15, 2022
While I was driving on the interstate my head lights and dashboard lights went out. My lights were in auto mode. The next morning my park lights were on with the light switch in auto mode.