Consumer Safety Complaints
Search 2,215,138 safety complaints filed by vehicle owners with NHTSA — including 138,663 crashes, 56,255 fires, and 8,561 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 2,215,138 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 42,495 complaints — component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2018) — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jan 29, 2026
Incident date: Jun 1, 2024
its going to cost me $2,120+ in parts PLUS LABOR at the dealer to replace my front left turn signal. unless I come up with close to $3,000 I am forced to drive around without a functioning front left turn signal. this is dangerous and very concerning to me. the headlights on the 2021+ Dodge Durango are a totally integrated unit. each headlamp contains the DRL and Turn Signal units as LED's. o... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2025
Yes, my car caught fire. It's at an impound currently. My clothes caught fire when I tried putting it out. The car could have been parked in my garage or been in NYC, with a full tank of gas, that would have caused serious damage. My insurance company is sending an investigator to look into it today. No, warning lamps, messages or symptoms.
Fire
Incident date: May 10, 2025
I believe something is wrong with the electrical system tied into the infotainment system of the car, which displays the radio, heating, cooling, shows the rear camera controllers, as well as some fo the lighting in the sport L is not fully lit, for example where the shift gears is there a light that goes across the front, mines if red, only 1 side is actively turninig on, but the other side is of... Read more
Incident date: Jan 26, 2026
The automatic transmission shift cable, has malfunctioned. The center piece that connects to the gear shift has melted, and prevents the car from starting and shifting gears. The damage was created due to high temperatures from the motor, being that it is very close to it. This should be replaced by the manufacturer.
HYUNDAI
SANTA CRUZ
(2023) — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jan 28, 2026
Incident date: Mar 7, 2025
At least two separate wiring harnesses have failed on my vehicle, affecting the tail lights. My vehicle cannot pass New York State safety inspection because of this issue. Safety of myself and other drivers is at risk, especially at night, since my vehicle is not properly illuminated. Occasionally, one tail light will go out or flicker. I had one trailer harness removed under a safety recall, but... Read more
Incident date: Mar 27, 2024
My 2020 Nissan Murano SV driver side headlight failed. This headlight is suppose to be a “sealed for life” unit. This failure created an immediate driving hazard. There was heavy moisture intrusion on with the driver side, the headlight stopped working, creating a visibility hazard. The moisture intrusion / headlight outage triggered a “Headlight System Error “ on the dash. My 2020 Nissan... Read more
Incident date: Jan 27, 2026
LED Headlight assembly failure. Loss of headlight is a safety concern because by law you need both headlights working. It allows cars to see you. The malfunction of the headlight has been confirmed by a Ford Dealership. There are several reports online of this happening to the 2020 Explorer LED headlamps. The only warning was the message system.
Incident date: Feb 15, 2025
LED Headlight and DRL burned out and bulbs cannot be replaced, the entire headlight assembly needs to be replaced costing upwards of $1500. Commonly known problem with VW Atlas, occurring right after the car falls out of manufacturer warranty. Dealership refuse to replace at their expense.
Incident date: Jan 27, 2026
Battery is constantly in battery saving mode. It use to do it only when I was on vacation for a week or so. Now it has been doing this every single day for about the last two month.
Incident date: Jan 27, 2026
The rear tail lights are not properly sealed. It allows rain, snow or car wash water to accumulate inside the assembly. The lights then short out and do not work.
Incident date: Jan 26, 2026
The dealer refused to perform the required FRM recall inspection and denied the recall without providing any of the federally required documentation. I was forced to pay out‑of‑pocket for the FRM module replacement even though my VIN is listed under the safety recall. MINI of Murray stated my FRM “failed,” but admitted they never opened the module, which is required to determine internal m... Read more
Incident date: Jan 27, 2026
The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Tundra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V322000 (Exterior Lighting); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted; however, the contact was informed that the part was not yet available for the recall repair. The contact stated that the parts were supposed to be available in October 2025; howev... Read more
Incident date: Jan 20, 2026
Back up camera failure cutting off and on. Could cause wreck. Dull headlights. Could cause a wreck.Leak in firewall driver floor wet. Could short out electrical system, cause shock, cause a wreck. No accident to report. This is ongoing since purchase in 2023.
Incident date: Jan 27, 2026
Water intrusion occurred inside the rear taillight assembly, resulting in visible moisture/condensation within the housing and subsequent taillight malfunction/failure. The affected taillight performs critical rear lighting functions, including brake and signaling illumination. The presence of water inside the sealed taillight assembly indicates a failure of the lens or housing seal. Over time, m... Read more
Incident date: Jul 21, 2025
The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake lights and taillights failed to function as intended. The neighbor who was driving behind the contact's vehicle, informed the contact that the brake lights and taillights were inoperable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a failed BCM. The contact... Read more
Incident date: Jan 4, 2026
The brights are not working properly, the light indicates they are on but there is no change in the light it projects.
Incident date: Aug 24, 2020
Yes there was a recall in a module control panel which still is messed up. It’s been replaced a couple x. Also the dim lights since I bought the car have a very low light were you can hardly see at night. And this SUV drinks gas on long/short trips. I’ve taken it in several times but they keep saying nothing’s wrong and I know there is I have driven my boyfriend vehicle which is a V6 and wen... Read more
Incident date: May 13, 2023
On May 13, 2023, I was involved in a severe frontal collision on the passenger side while driving my 2021 Kia Forte. The impact caused significant damage, and my insurance company declared the vehicle a total loss. Despite the severity of the crash, none of the airbags deployed. I experienced body pain for several days following the accident. Given the nature of the collision and the damage susta... Read more
Crash
1 injured
CADILLAC
ESCALADE ESV
(2023) — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jan 26, 2026
Incident date: Dec 11, 2025
To Whom It May Concern at General Motors, I am writing to express my profound concern, disappointment, and fear following a recent experience with my Cadillac Escalade that has caused me to seriously question the safety, reliability, and future of the Cadillac brand. For important context, the first Cadillac Escalade my family owned was a 2012 model that we purchased used in Ann Arbor. At the ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 25, 2026
Left driver side LED turn signal strip malfunctions
Incident date: Jan 23, 2026
When it rains, back up camera footage becomes hazy, unclear, blurred, unreadable- cause rain water falls on to the rear camera. So backing up becomes very difficult and unsafe, when it rains. Can’t see clearly what’s behind of the car. This is a serious safety issue.
Incident date: May 29, 2025
I am reporting a serious nighttime visibility and driver-assistance safety issue with my 2025 Honda Passport. During evening driving, approximately 60% or more of the upper portion of the windshield appears blacked out or severely dimmed, significantly impairing forward visibility. This condition worsens on downhill grades, where an even greater portion of the windshield darkens. Visibility improv... Read more
Incident date: Jan 13, 2026
The headlights still cannot be used on high beam as the lights strobe when used. This was complaint was previously submitted with the same Vin#. This is dangerous for driver and others, including oncoming traffic. The local Hyundai dealer said it is would be $200+ for them to diagnostic and if they fixed it, the diagnostic fee would be credited toward the repair. How can this not be coved under a ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 24, 2026
My 22 Ford Escape has 620000 miles on it most of them highway miles. The issue I'm having began approx. 5000 miles ago. While in motion my dash lights, radio, and entertainment screen will go completely black for long periods of time and the chime will begin randomly ringing. A message sometimes appears on screen that says system off to continue please start engine but the engine is running the wh... Read more
Incident date: Dec 11, 2025
The right headlight is very noisy. Like it is going to fail very soon. People say it's the problem with the cooling fan inside. A lot people have the same issues， Mazda should recall it ASAP
Incident date: Oct 15, 2025
The vehicle suffered a total, simultaneous failure of both low-beam and high-beam headlights due to a known manufacturer defect involving internal wiring and melted pigtail sockets. This matches the failure pattern described in Hyundai TSB 20-BE-004H and Service Campaign T5G (TSB 21-01-004H). On January 22, 2026, Robert Woodall Hyundai (Danville, VA) inspected the vehicle and confirmed on Invoi... Read more
Incident date: Jan 15, 2026
I bought a used 2015 subaru forester with 117,000 miles from an auto shop/used car dealer in March of 2024. In September of 2025, 11,000 miles of driving later, a bunch of lights came on my dash. Check engine, traction control, ABS, at oil temp, and incline assist. I took it to Autozone to get the codes read and the part it suggested was the transmission oil pressure sensor. I then took it to a t... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2025
While driving, the vehicle began experiencing repeated electrical failures including blown fuses, inoperative headlights and brake lights, and the transmission becoming locked in PARK. When the fuse blows, the gear shift cannot be moved out of PARK and the ignition key cannot be removed, leaving the vehicle stuck and unable to be driven or safely turned off. The brake lights and daytime running li... Read more
Incident date: Jan 3, 2026
No dummy lights show. Drivers low beam wiring connector melts and burns out headlight bulb. I have had it replaced by Ford dealer RT 2, Dixon Il on 12/20/24 but again the same thing occurred again 01/03/26. I believe bad wiring or module. When asked dealer what caused the melting was told "We fixed it, it's good now". The bulb burnt out while driving on a rain dark night. My visibility was extreme... Read more
Incident date: Jan 23, 2026
The car is generating a random left turn signal error stating the bulb is out. However, on inspection it appears that all bulbs are working. The car makes a fast blinker warning sound as well as notification. This has been happening for a couple of months but happened again yesterday.
Incident date: Jan 24, 2026
Both interior and exterior lighting keep coming on. The car is continually and significantly draining the battery from something. either the inability for the communication box to connect or from lighting coming on. My headlights and tails lights were on April 2, 2025 - Headlamps and Tail Lamps April 5, 2025 - Dash lights and rear passenger lamps September 28 - October 13 A friend was keeping... Read more
Incident date: Jan 22, 2026
Driver side LED DRL light has failed. This is a common problem occuring with many people with 2021+ year models of the Ford F-150. Truck is barely outside of warranty and with 51,000 miles and should not have a failing LED DRL. Additionally, Ford has made this part unrepairable and according to the dealership closest to me will require a full headlight assembly replacement.
Incident date: Jan 17, 2026
Dealer Information: Mac Haik Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM – Jackson 5395 Interstate 55 North Frontage Rd Jackson, MS 39206 Phone: (601) 633-4954 Manufacturer Case Reference: RAM Customer Care Case #[XXX] Description of Safety Concern: My vehicle is currently at the authorized RAM dealer listed above for warranty repair. During the repair, the dealer removed the hood scoop assembly. The hood scoop... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2017) — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jan 23, 2026
Incident date: Jan 20, 2026
The LED Headline Assembly in the 2022+ CX-5 frequently malfunctions by itself causing the headlight to burn out and fail on a frequent basis. This is an unacceptable issue that is causing new car owners in lost time and money to get this poor headlight design repaired on a frequent basis. This is a known issue for this vehicle and has been frequently reported online that it really needs a recall... Read more
Incident date: Dec 29, 2025
LED low beam headlight failures. Our 1st headlight failure occurred in January 2025 at 51,248 miles (Passengers Side), our 2nd failure occurred in December 2025 at 64,356 miles (Drivers Side). My claim is Ford decided to embrace LED technology with out properly performance testing it. LED headlights are new on the explorer platform since 2020, the platinum & ST trims are the only ones that utilize... Read more
Incident date: Jan 16, 2026
IN THE EQUINOX LT, VIN [XXX] , THE TELEMETRY MODULE HAS AN ISSUE PER THE DEALERSHIP. THE VEHICLE LOSES POWER DUE TO THE TELEMETRY MODULE ISSUE. THE PART IS ON ORDER AND AS OF JANUARY 16, 2026. IT WILL TAKE 4 TO 6 WEEKS TO ARRIVE. IN THE MEAN TIME I HAVE HAD TO CALL ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE TWICE IN TWO WEEKS, AND THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN JUMPED 3 TIMES IN THE PAST TWO WEEKS. HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN T... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
**Upon request, all failed components can be inspected anytime for any reason. From this date (01/23/26) forward. If any repairs or replacementa had been rectified by Ford, receipts of the repair(s) will be provided regardless. I cannot recall exactly when these issues started so my ball park is 5/11/22. That is literally 2 years of driving the car from the show room. I was getting some lights ... Read more
LAND ROVER
RANGE ROVER
(2024) — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jan 23, 2026
Incident date: Mar 30, 2025
The headlights on the vehicle are incredibly dim. I have tried replacing the bulbs; however, it does not fix the problem. When I ask Acura about it, they say, "you're just going to have to live with it." It is incredible dangerous driving when it is dark outside because you cannot see anything unless you utilize your high beams.
Incident date: Jan 23, 2026
I am filing a complaint regarding a known defect with the rear racetrack taillight assembly on the 2017 Dodge Durango GT. The rear racetrack taillight allows water and moisture to enter the sealed housing. Over time, this causes condensation buildup, corrosion, and partial or complete failure of the LED lighting. In my case, the racetrack light has gone out and shows visible water inside the asse... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2019
Ever since the purchase of the car I been bringing this attention to the dealership but they always turn down and avoiding the situation at first electrical issues like turning signals goes in and out window stop rolling up sometimes had to try for hours just rolls up fog light check light headlight and turn signal all together went out in the beginning started to work in and out and now window tu... Read more
Incident date: Dec 19, 2025
I purchased this vehicle new in June 2020. Since January 2022, it has experienced recurring water intrusion into the passenger cabin during heavy rain. Water leaks from the ceiling around the overhead console near the front reading/map lights. During heavy rain, water pools and causes the interior lights to turn on unexpectedly while driving. Generally, the lights cannot be turned off or immediate... Read more
Incident date: Jan 22, 2026
The car is displaying "Right front marker light defective". This lessens the visibility when turning. This problem is a VIN specific recall of the 2017 Q7 and my VIN is not included, even though I am experiencing the exact same problem as the recall on the other VINs from the same year.
KIA
CARNIVAL HYBRID
(2026) — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jan 22, 2026
Incident date: Jan 22, 2026
The low beam headlights do not illuminate the highway sufficiently to drive safely. I lowered the aim of my high beam to be able to drive at night and not blind approaching drivers. This is unacceptable for a modern vehicle to be permitted to be sold in this condition.
Incident date: Jan 19, 2026
Headlights are dangerously dim, even with original equipment replacement bulbs.
Incident date: Dec 24, 2025
The turn signal buttons intermittently fail to work. Many presses of the tuen signal buttons do nothing. When it stops working it stops for several minutes and then will start to work again. The problem is happening more and more frequently. The yoke has been replaced 3 times already for the same issue and after about a year just started happening again.
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2023) — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jan 21, 2026
Incident date: Jan 19, 2026
There were no warning or check engine lights prior to the incidents below. Car was just serviced Nov 3rd 2025 for safety recall 25v-472 and 25v-576. 1st incident Dec 21, 2025: Driving 70mph on major busy interstate in MA and all of a sudden vehicle lost ALL power. It shut off completely. No lights, No warning. Had to coast over to R shoulder and wait several min before power restored. This was Ve... Read more
TOYOTA
HIGHLANDER
(2025) — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jan 21, 2026
Incident date: Apr 8, 2025
Headlight motor created a loud noise while it's on distracting driving and indicating an impending failure .This happened when the vehicle just got out of warranty (38000 miles approximately). Mazda refused to replace the headlight assembly for free. They charged for replacing it.
Incident date: Jan 8, 2026
A faulty tail light connection to ground can cause a fire hazard, potentially affecting the circuit board. I noticed a burning plastic smell emanating from the back tail light one day, which I believe originated from this connection. If left unrepaired, this could potentially start a fire.
Incident date: May 21, 2025
Rear taillights can fall off the vehicle. This component is available for inspection and causes issues when other motorists are unable to see turn signals, brake lights, fog lights, and reverse lights. Mine fell off while driving on the highway and then through the city. There were no warning lights or indicating of the issue.