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: Aug 30, 2022
The same issue that caused recall of these vehicles for several models years, such as this campaign: 2013-2014 Hyundai Elantra (MD/UD, JK, GD) Brake Pedal Stopper Replacement (Recall Campaign 170), is occurring in this 2012 vehicle, which does NOT yet have this recall. The Brake Pedal stopper Pad has deteriorated. I am reprinting the language of the above referenced recall as it exactly explains... Read more
Incident date: Aug 29, 2022
While driving with headlights in “Auto” switch mode, the lights turned off. This occurred during dark goes while driving in a dark area at around 55mph. Switching from “Auto” to “On” turned the headlights and tail lights back on. This seems to be a more common problem when I read about similar issues at https://sorentoforums.com/threads/lights-shutting-off-in-auto-mode.16/ Currently t... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 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 dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount ... Read more
NISSAN
PATHFINDER
(2020) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Aug 29, 2022
Incident date: Aug 15, 2022
Moisture ingression into the passenger side front lighting assembly (head light). Visable water droplets and some accumulartion . 1st indication was an errror message along with reduced visibility. 2nd indication was failue of that headlight.
Incident date: Aug 15, 2022
My headlights flicker or shut off intermittently when driving at night. Sometimes it seems to be associated with using my turn signal. Sometimes it seems to be associated with going from dim to bright headlights. I took my car to the dealer who said that KIA has an extended warranty to cover this repair. But when the dealer's service department could not reproduce the situation in the shop, then s... Read more
Incident date: Aug 24, 2022
Head Lights Go Out Completely at Highway Speed Headlight dimmer switch fails to switch between high and low beam. Lights can go completely out with zero viability during nighttime driving conditions. Speed of vehicle seems not to be a factor in the headlamp failures. May also fail to dim from high-beam to low-beam in the instant of oncoming traffic. Causes a great deal of distraction to safe ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 25, 2022
WE WERE TRAVELING THE FREEWAY AND AS WE DROVE DOWN THE ROAD THE LOW BEAMS TURNED OFF. FORTUNATELY HIGH BEAMS WERE STILL FUNCTIONAL.
Incident date: Aug 2, 2022
Projector headlight failure. Replaced bulbs and cleaned lens and low beam is still almost non existent The reflector in the back of both projectors are disintegrated and will not reflect enough to pass inspection. New headlight assembly are in backorder which means this a reoccurring problem with the 2013, 2014, and 2015 model with the halogen bulbs.
Incident date: Sep 5, 2020
The low beam headlight is very dim and I can’t drive at night. I found out there was a recall sent out to owners to repair/replace the low-beam headlights. We didn’t own the vehicle at that time. Apparently the previous owner didn’t take care of. I reached out to Cadillac and GM.. I was told the cutoff for the repairs were May 28,2020. We purchased the vehicle September 3, 2020. It wasn’... Read more
Incident date: Jul 25, 2022
Purchased vehicle used. Halogen headlight assemblies are so dim at night that vision is impaired. This is a safety hazard for night driving. Known issue on this car model, that seems to be due to failure of reflective material over time. Will replace headlight assembly.
Incident date: Aug 26, 2022
My headlights are randomly going off and back on while driving. It was just happening under the auto setting while turning, then on auto only at anytime. Remained on in the “on” mode. Last night went off on the highway under the ON mode so getting worse.
Incident date: Oct 25, 2021
The headlights are too dim to pass safety inspection there has been no recall but there has been s sort of class action lawsuits Why no recall to get the headlights replaced The entire headlight assembly is bad
Incident date: Jun 19, 2022
Hello, I wasn't notified of the recall on my vehicle. The steering wheel is extremely hard to turn and all of the system lights are on.
Incident date: Aug 26, 2022
My vehicle does have an outstanding recall on the headlight. The dealership that was servicing my vehicle closed and said they had completed the recall but had not gotten to it before they closed up. Mazda says it's my problem they did the recall. My light does not work.
Incident date: Jun 18, 2022
Last year my headlights melted & had to be ordered & replace because the melted in their encasements. I have problems with headlights again & have reported it to my Kia dealership. I’ve been driving sometimes with one headlight or none or using my brights to drive at night. I currently have no headlights again & dealership has had to order parts for them again. It’s been more than two months a... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2020
When I make a left-hand turn, the right-hand signal light will come on as I'm making the turn. My vehicle is available for inspection. This puts me and the drivers around me in immediate danger of an auto accident. I have not taken the vehicle to a dealer for this problem. The vehicle has not been inspected. There were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to it first ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 24, 2022
When driving at night the headlights have gone off several times when the turn single is used. The headlights will come back on when the turn single returns to the neutral position.
Incident date: Aug 25, 2022
Low beam headlights on 2015 Nissan Altima are defective and Nissan or dealer are not replacing as needed. This is a safety issue.
Incident date: Aug 23, 2022
THE VEHICLE WILL NOT ACCELERATE WHEN PRESSING THE GAS THE TRACTION LIGHT IS ON AND THE TAILIGHTS STAY ON EVEN WHEN THE CAR IS OFF FOUND BRAKE LIGHTS STAYING ON DUE TO FAILED BRAKE PEDAL STOPPER. REPLACED BRAKE PEDAL STOPPER PER TSB 18-BE-010
Incident date: Jan 10, 2022
side detection module has falled... yes it is available for inspection... my wife got locked in the car on a 80 plus degree day and could not get out,doors would not open,trunk release would not open trunk so she could crawl there the back seat,sunroof would not open,power steering periodically feels like there is no power stearing, dash lights periodically shut off when driving.. Yes, morries for... Read more
Incident date: Aug 24, 2022
Low beam headlamps cast a shadow that seriously impedes vision of the roadway. Hyundai dealer informed me that other Sonata owners have complained of the same issue, but they have been instructed by the factory to claim that the defect is "normal". By the way, I have seen many similar complaints on internet sites lodged by Sonata owners across the country. * Please be advised: the attached ... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
TIGUAN
(2020) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Aug 24, 2022
Incident date: Aug 23, 2022
The car was parked outside during the summer. Opened the car door and noticed the entire overhead console above the driver had detached, and was broken, hanging head high by the wire connections. The plastic is broken around the screws that usually hold it into place, so it cannot be reattached without getting a replacement part installed. Driving is dangerous when this occurs as the entire consol... Read more
Incident date: Aug 8, 2021
the tail lights get moisture in them and then do not work properly. there is a service recall on them from the Nissan versa manufacturer. since there is a service recall on his issue, why is this agency not requiring a recall. obviously there is a manufacturing safety defect present here. Nissan Versa Forums banner Nissan Versa Forums Search Community Login / Join Home Forums Front Desk Nis... Read more
Incident date: Aug 22, 2022
The gas pedal has come disconnected or stuck continuing to accelerate and I miraculously stopped the car with the emergency brake before it nearly Crashed into a crowded bus stop! The car only has 65k miles but regardless a car should never put anyone in this danger! It is giving me a nervous breakdown almost running people over!
Incident date: Aug 23, 2022
The headlights are very dim. It is available for inspection upon request. It is a safety hazard at night time due to low visibility. The problem has not been reproduced by a dealer or independent service center. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacurer, police, insurance or others. There were no warnings, it seemed to happen gradually. I discovered there was a class action settl... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
C300
(2011) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Aug 23, 2022
Incident date: Jul 1, 2022
The driver side rear tail light wiring melted the tailight housing. This component was already replaced as part of a previous recall, but apparently Mercedes is not properly fixing the issue. They refuse to fix it for free, because they already "addressed" the recall. Looks like they are putting cars back on the street that could catch fire.
Incident date: Feb 1, 2020
Acura RDX 2014 headlights - Yes available for inspection. The headlights are extremely dim and I have difficulty seeing the road due to the lack of light. They are so dim that passengers tell me I don't have my headlights on when I do. Upon researching this problem I found many Acura RDX 2014 with this problem. The dealership service department told me that the vehicle is known for headlight assem... Read more
Incident date: Aug 23, 2022
Low beam headlights are extremely dim. Have replaced the bulbs, trying different brands and still very dim. This is a very dangerous car to drive at night. We drive with the high beams on in order to see the road. Started about 2 years ago with around 60K miles.
Incident date: Aug 23, 2022
Headlights are too dim. Dangerously dim. Apparently the entire assembly is defective and needs to be replaced.
Incident date: Aug 18, 2022
After looking through Google reviews I see that so many have the same situation that we are having. The headlights keep blowing randomly about every 3-4 months. We were out West on back roads when ours blew this last time and had to drive with only one headlight, which was dangerous. I feel someone should look into all the numerous complaints showing up online regarding the headlights of the 20... Read more
Incident date: Jul 20, 2022
2014 CHEVY TRAVERSE LT. Randomly driving on the freeway @ 60-65mph going uphill it started losing power. It started stuttering/coughing. The TRACTION CONTROL OFF and SERVICE STABILITRAK lights flashed. I finally got it home and shut it off. The next morning it drove fine. Then it happened agai a few days later. I replaced the throttle body after it was diagnosed as the problem. On the way home it ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2021
My 2017 KIA Sportage was purchased in 2016 and does not have any recalls showing under my VIN number for this issue but I have all of the signs of a serious malfunction and the dealer won't respond. My car has less than 23k miles on it, I barely drive it because I work from home and all of the ABS warning lights are on including the ABS, Hill Descent, Tire Pressure, Traction/Stability Control, Eme... Read more
Incident date: Aug 2, 2022
The electrical system of my car malfunctioned intermittently causing lights, ac, and the engine itself to go off and on in the middle of the freeway. There was a recall on the 2010 Jeep Commander (same as my car) for faulty electrical system, yet my VIN was excluded. I believe it should have been included in the recall and this faulty electrical system was the cause of multiple repairs done at my ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 9, 2020
My car also has the ongoing issue of the panel located between my speedometer and odometer the screen will randomly flicker and go out and then come back on I have notice the temperature when it's hot affects it worse that the winter but it happens all the time which scares me as I don't k ow when my car has issues as this is the only area that it will tell me my car is overheating amongst other n... Read more
Incident date: Aug 18, 2022
Lights in dash blink back and forth between bright and dim. When this happens headlights turn off. This happens frequently. Did not realize until recently that headlights were also affected.
Incident date: Jan 27, 2022
Back light panel had to be replaced because light keep blowing. Engine is burning oil and have to put oil in often
Incident date: Aug 5, 2022
THE BRAKES ARE DOING THE SAME THING THAT WAS RECALLED AND REPAIRED BACK IN 2014. THEY ARE ILLUMINATING WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND TURN OFF WHILE I HIT THE BRAKES. I HAVE BEEN PULLED OVER SEVERAL TIMES AND CANNOT GET MY CAR INSPECTED WITHOUT GETTING THIS CORRECTED. I HAVE BOUGHT SEVERAL PARTS TRYING TO REPAIR THIS BUT THE PARTS ARE NOT CORRECTING THE PROBLEM. CRUISE CONTROL, STABILITY CONTROL ... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2022
OEM Xenon headlight do not turn on at all while vehicle is running at times, other times they will turn on a few minutes after vehicle has been running and stay on until it is turned off, makes no difference if switch is on the headlight on position or auto. Turned on high beams turns off the fog light and does not turn on either low beam or high beam. No solution has been found with 2 master mech... Read more
Incident date: Apr 12, 2022
The tail lights continue to stay on even when the car is parked and no one is pressing the brakes. The driver needs to press multiple times the brake pedal to turn them off. I constantly have to buy light bulbs for the rear-end brake lights because of this issue. The Kia Dealership Service Center check the issue and couldn't find anything other than the light bulb was out. This safety issue confus... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Tesla Model X. The contact stated that his vehicle was previously included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V035000 (Back Over Prevention, Visibility, Exterior Lighting). The contact stated that the main computer screen would intermittently fail to operate as needed. The contact had taken the vehicle to a service center where it remained in their possession. The contact was info... Read more
Incident date: Aug 19, 2022
The headlights are not bright enough to see the road when on regular setting> The only way to see the roads at night is to drive wit lights on high beam. I have replaced the bulbs, and they are still weaker than the turn signals.
Incident date: Feb 24, 2021
The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Sentra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V135000 (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: May 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2007 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the electronic stability control (ESC) warning light illuminated causing the brakes to lock-up and the vehicle to not accelerate as needed. The contact stated that she waited until the vehicle cooled down for the vehicle to operate normally. The contact was then able to drive the vehicle home safely. The vehicle was t... Read more
Incident date: Dec 10, 2021
VEHICLE HEADLIGHTS -LOW BEAM OR HIGH BEAM ARE INADIQUATE AND DANGERIOUS. AN AUTOMOTIVE TECH CONFIRMED THE OEM HEADLIGHTS FAIL SAFE DRIVING AT NIGHT EVEN ON LIGHTED CITY STREETS. THE PLASTIC HEADLIGHT ASSMS DO NOT ALLOW LIGHT TO SAFELY SHOW THRU. EVEN AFTER NEW LED BULBS INSTALLED THE ASSEMBLYS DEFUSE LIGHTING. MY WIFE AND I NO LONGER CAN SAFELY DRIVE AT NIGHT WITH THIS VEHICLE. THIS SAFETY PROBLE... Read more
Incident date: Jun 28, 2022
Altima Headlight Class Action Lawsuit, issue did not begin to occur until after the deadline of 4/25/22 and did not receive a notice. Headlights are so dim and I have to drive in the dark that this puts myself and others at risk. The Nissan dealership will not look at the headlights until my VIN has been included in the NHTSA database they refer to.
Incident date: Dec 25, 2021
My 2014 Jeep has been experiencing intermittent shut downs, the dash goes dead at random times for a few seconds and then comes back on the issue continues. This issue started in December 2021 during that time I was driving at night and the dash, exterior lights and interior lights started flickering. Now this issue occurs 90% of the time when I drive, sometimes when the dash goes off different wa... Read more
Incident date: Mar 17, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 GMC Terrain. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V165000 (Visibility) and 22V137000 (Exterior Lighting) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had excee... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2015
The contact owns a 2015 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that the high beam headlights would operate independently. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that she was stopped by oncoming drivers and informed that the high beams were flashing while driving. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 18, 2022
I can’t drive my car in the dark. This has been on going since I bought the car and has just gotten worse. Everytime I turn my lights on all of my rear lights stop working and if I’m driving and the back light stop working my gas peddle also will not let me accelerate until I let my foot off and go back on to it but at this point I have no tail lights or brake lights.. I’ve tried so many thi... Read more
Incident date: Aug 17, 2022
My KIA has issues with the headlights -- they randomly go off as you drive down the street. I thought I was hitting something but last night I had both hands on the wheel -- and the lights went off going down a busy highway -- thankfully I was familiar with area and it was well lit. They were out 5-10 seconds and they came back on. This also happened to me travelling to Syracuse New York in the... Read more