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: Apr 15, 2026
Brake Light failure from water intrusion with less than 40k miles. Repair Invoice was $845.
FORD
EXPEDITION
(2024) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Apr 17, 2026
Incident date: Mar 29, 2026
On Tuesday, April 14, 2026 I was looking for something in my rear seat and noticed the seat was damp. I couldn't figure out the cause so I goggled it and found out that Toyota had a limited service campaign called LSC21TD03 on my 2017 Tacoma because of the third brake light having a gasket issue causing water to enter the vehicle. I called a local Toyota dealer and was told that the fix for my v... Read more
Incident date: Apr 28, 2024
I am the owner of a 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee (WL) subject to Safety Recall 12B / NHTSA 24V-130, concerning high beam headlamps that fail to respond when the master lighting switch is set to the AUTO position. I contacted Flagship Chrysler to schedule the free recall repair. The dealer refused to perform the service, claiming my vehicle does not qualify because it lacks the Auto High Beam feature ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 14, 2026
Many modern trucks, SUVs, and cars use LED headlights that are excessively bright and create dangerous glare. When approaching these vehicles from the opposite direction, the headlights can be blinding — similar to having a flashlight shined directly into your eyes — causing temporary loss of visibility. The glare also affects drivers traveling in the same direction, as the intense light refl... Read more
Incident date: Apr 2, 2026
On Friday, April 11, 2026 I received an alert on my vehicle that there was a possible issue with the driver's side headlamps. After checking my headlamps I discovered that the driver's side headlamps were not on. It was night time when this happened and I was very concerned for my safety and the safety of others while driving without proper lighting. The issue has been confirmed by a Genesis Se... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2025
Car has been in and out of various VW dealers since purchase at the end of August 2023. Car was purchased new. Immediately began receiving emergency “stop driving vehicle” messages on driver display. VW on call service advised if the car drives, I can operate it and no further action is necessary. Various Electical errors including charge 12V battery, infotainment screen going black or res... Read more
Incident date: Apr 13, 2026
3rd brake light not working , they have had this issue over several years such as recall on 2025 (25C39) burnt diode in the LED Driver Modules and may cause other lighting failures
Incident date: Mar 23, 2024
NHTSA ODI COMPLAINT UPDATE — #XXX 2024 Jeep Grand Wagoneer L | VIN: [XXX] Date of Update: April 15, 2026 Current Odometer: 94,896 miles This is a formal update to my previously filed NHTSA complaint (ODI #XXX) to document new evidence, continued defect progression, dealer misconduct, and retaliatory conduct by an authorized Stellantis dealer following my complaint filing. DEFECT ORIGIN — 325 ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 8, 2026
I am reporting a safety issue with my 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio (VIN: [XXX] ). The vehicle has experienced repeated failures of critical lighting systems, including the headlights, brake lights, and turn signals, which have stopped working while driving. The issue began around 42,000 miles and occurred while the vehicle was covered under a Mopar Maximum Care warranty. There have been four repair at... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2026
The low beam headlights have degraded over time and are now barely providing any light, making driving at night unsafe. This appears to be due to the degradation of the low beam assembly reflector. Replacing the low beam headlights with higher quality lights did not make any noticeable difference. This issue has been reported in numerous online chats for the 2015 Acura RDX.
Incident date: Feb 27, 2026
During my state inspection it was noted that my high beams were not properly functioning. The garage tested my bulb and said it appeared to be a malfunction of the flap assembly in the headlamps. We checked online for information on how to proceed and noted a recall campaign T5G that was aimed at the exact problem we noted. I called our local Hyundai dealer (Woodall Hyundai; Danville,VA) to schedu... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2025
The console is reporting: "Front left side marker light is defective. See owner's manual". This is a lighting problem that Audi seems to have covered by a previous recall but this VIN was not included in said recall: Campaign 97CB/NHTSA #16V642000. I have had this defection confirmed by my local service center.
Incident date: Apr 3, 2026
Notice condensation building up in driver side headlamp, then I received LED lights failure warning ⚠️ as i was driving. Now i driver side signal is not working some times and now i have about 7 warnings on dash from headlamp failure to collision sensor going off. I know since car is a 2021 and i'm the second owner it's out of warranty, but i speculate that this problem probably known now look... Read more
Incident date: Apr 3, 2026
Low beam headlights are very dim and nighttime driving visibility is very low. Both headlights appear to have degraded over time and fail to produce adequate light for driving. This vehicle has been brought to the dealer for repair to address this issue, and has had two related repairs that did not solve the problem. The bulbs have been replaced with new low-beam lamps. The headlight lens has ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 14, 2026
The rear racetrack light on the lift gate, right side leaks when it rains, car wash, snow and has shorted out part of the light strip.
FORD
EXPEDITION
(2025) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Apr 14, 2026
Incident date: Apr 8, 2026
Premature failure of left drivers side LED Daytime Running Light.
TESLA
CYBERTRUCK
(2024) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Apr 14, 2026
Incident date: Apr 12, 2026
Both my low beam headlamps went out WHILE DRIVING. This is a major safety concern. It is also not an easy or inexpensive fix. The entire assembly must be replaced and not just a bulb. It is a $3000 replacement cost. The LED lamp should NEVER go out. Isn't that why LED was put in these lights? Why did VW make a headlamp that must be completely replaced and why are they charging $1000 for eac... Read more
Incident date: Apr 13, 2026
Head lamp on Driver side collect moisture (condensation) for no apparent reason. This vehicle was inspected at a local Nissan Dealership on 4/13/26. No exterior or interior damage noted. The moisture in the lamp causes the light from the lamp to be dim. Notice that the passenger head lamp is much brighter. I don't drive at night ....not sure if the on coming traffic can tell that I am driving a S... Read more
Incident date: Mar 15, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that while parked for 5-10 minutes, the contact noticed a burning plastic odor, and upon looking up moments later, the contact noticed flames coming from the driver's side headlight, and the flames were 6 inches above the headlight. The contact started extinguishing the fire with water bottles. The contact drove to a water hose, which the c... Read more
Fire
1 injured
Incident date: Jan 15, 2021
I am submitting a vehicle safety complaint regarding a vehicle purchased on March 5, 2026. Within days of purchase, the vehicle exhibited multiple safety-related issues despite reportedly passing a Virginia safety inspection on February 27, 2026. The safety concerns identified include: - Driver-side headlight partially inoperable, which resulted in a traffic stop on March 15, 2026 - Front hood not... Read more
Incident date: Apr 14, 2026
The contact owns a 2025 Ram 3500. The contact received a recall notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V059000 (Exterior Lighting, Electrical System); however, when the local dealer was contacted, the contact was informed that the manufacturer was shipping a very limited number of parts to dealers for the repair. The manufacturer was contacted, and the contact was informed that the dealer should... Read more
Incident date: Apr 14, 2026
RH LED headlight cooling fan failure. Diagnosed by Mazda dealer and quoted $2450 cost. Vehicle is just outside warranty coverage by 2900 miles. This is a very well known and documented problem that Mazda is not standing behind. Owners are removing the relay for their daytime running lights, rendering them inoperable in order to save wear and tear on the headlight cooling fans. This is a safet... Read more
CADILLAC
ESCALADE IQ
(2025) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Apr 13, 2026
Incident date: Nov 1, 2025
My KIA Soul 2018 caught on file while driving. The whole engine was in flames. I didn't want to die because my car has a manufacturing issue that KIA was not aware about. The dealership I've purchased the car from denied to give me a copy of the mechanical inspection done at the dealership Stonebriar Chevrolet in Frisco, TX. The flames started under the car and made its way to the engine, smoke wa... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jun 13, 2025
My 2021 dodge durango rt have issues with front turn signal light on the driver side I have read dodge forums and other owners are experiencing the same problems how isn't this a safety issue or a recall from dodge
Incident date: Jun 11, 2025
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Apr 12, 2026
Headlight cooling fan is faulty and causing headlight outage prematurely.
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2019) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Apr 13, 2026
Incident date: Nov 24, 2025
Exterior lighting - HID low beams have become extremely dim and very difficult to see at night. Reading other complaints, seems like this is a very common problem with this vehicle. The manufacturer should address as this is a safety issue.
Incident date: Feb 28, 2026
Submitted the vehicle for recall repairs under recalls 25v315, 25v455, 25v104 and 25v517. Maintenance was scheduled to last less than a day. When I returned for the vehicle, I was informed the update had caused several module components to "brick." They informed me they had to receive authority from form to order new components and attempts another repair. I called March 17 for an update and wa... Read more
Incident date: Nov 13, 2025
Passenger low-beam headlight failure. Dealer replaced headlight module but did not resolve. Next suggestion is replacing headlight for more than $2,000. Quite common issue on the Platinum model.
Incident date: Apr 5, 2026
The daytime running light on the passenger side is out. The entire headlight assembly and bumper have to be removed to repair this. It will cost $1400 to repair. This is a safety issue and should be covered by Volkswagen.
Incident date: Apr 4, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal to park the vehicle, the brake lights failed to illuminate as designed. While returning to the vehicle after the vehicle was parked and attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start due to a safety feature that disabled the starter when the brake lights failed to operate as designed. An ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 19, 2026
The vehicle is a 2025 Ram 1500 with an active safety recall related to the trailer light connection/wiring system. The issue causes warnings indicating trailer light malfunction and affects proper trailer light operation. This is a significant safety concern because I regularly tow trailers, and improper trailer lighting creates a risk for accidents, especially at night or during braking and sign... Read more
Incident date: Apr 12, 2026
REAR BUMPER BRAKE & TAIL LIGHTS OPERATE INTERMITTENTLY. UNINSTALLING AND REINSTALLING BUMPER LIGHT ASSEMBLY AND BULBS MAY TEMPORARILY SOLVE THE ISSUE. LIGHT ASSEMBLY IS UNDAMAGED AND WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR IS CLEAN. POWER AND GROUND ARE TESTED OK. VEHICLE HAS 50,000 MILES AND IS PARKED IN A COVERED AREA. NEVER DRIVEN IN SNOW OR SALTED ROADS.
Incident date: Mar 22, 2026
- While driving, everything electrical turned off (engine stayed on) for approximately 3 seconds including headlights, navigation, dashboard containing speed, music, etc. - This occurrence happened during the daytime, so there was no danger; however this has also happened to me at night a year ago, causing me to lose all vision at 40 MPH which was a major safety risk. - This problem has occurred w... Read more
Incident date: Aug 26, 2025
the auto high beam system is overly sensitive. lights flicker when a street sign is detected. dealer checked this issue and said the door switch was bad and replaced it. problem still exists. this makes night driving distracting and dangerous. no warning lamps or messages are shown on instrument panel.
Incident date: Apr 11, 2026
The integrated LED Daytime Running Light (DRL) strip within the passenger-side headlight assembly failed prematurely at 79,136 miles and remains available for inspection on the vehicle. This failure directly compromises road safety by reducing the vehicle's visibility to oncoming traffic during dawn, dusk, and inclement weather, increasing the risk of a head-on or intersection collision. While I h... Read more
Incident date: Apr 19, 2025
Passenger side headlamp failure. DRL and HB working. low beam failure. Seems to be a common issue with 2020 model headlamp control module. Safety issue with astronomical repair costs from dealer. Request safety recall.
Incident date: Feb 1, 2022
Manufacturer Recall Number25TB06 NHTSA Recall Number25V322 Date of recall May 15,2025 It has been almost one year since this safety recall and there is still no fix. The manufacturer has failed or is unable to remedy this safety recall for the vehicle in a timely manner. The driver’s view to the rear can be limited when backing during low ambient light conditions, and there may be no indicatio... Read more
Incident date: Dec 6, 2023
The daytime running lights are know to fail within 30-50k miles and the only option is to replace the whole housing unit. This is an unreasonable expectation that customers are purchasing a vehicle at 40-60k and then having to set aside 2k for a headlight replacement.
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
The turn signal flasher sound is so low that it is practically inaudible while driving and sometimes left on without notice. This confuses the cars from behind. Even worse, it confuses cars at the opposite direction in city driving. I have had a couple of incidents at busy intersection that the opposite direction car drivers thought I want to make a left turn but really not. The situation is get... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2026) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Apr 10, 2026
Incident date: Mar 8, 2026
Problem Description: The low beam on the passenger side headlight has completely stopped working. Daytime running lights (DRLs) and high beams continue to function normally on the affected side. There are no dashboard warning lights other than the expected “check low beam” message. The vehicle was taken to Valley Imports Porsche in Fargo, ND, on 4/10/2026, where they diagnosed an internal fai... Read more
Incident date: Apr 11, 2024
no power for trailer park lights tried to attach a trailer and no power. same issue as current recall for a year newer vehicle. the recall should be expanded. I have power to fuse but none going back to the plug. I searched internet for fixes and found the recall
Incident date: Apr 1, 2025
While driving, the vehicle experiences intermittent electrical malfunctions affecting multiple systems. The door locks cycle repeatedly, windows roll down on their own, and when attempting to roll the windows back up, they immediately roll back down. The dashboard lights flicker, become extremely bright, and at times go out completely. The central display (including Apple CarPlay) also shuts off e... Read more
Incident date: Apr 6, 2026
The contact owns a 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds at night, the low beam and high beam headlights were extremely dim, reducing the roadway visibility while driving during the rain. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact was informed that the headlights were functional. The vehicle was not repai... Read more
Incident date: Apr 10, 2025
The instrument panel with the fuel and mileage on it would go black or keep going back and forth to the original car code while I am driving. Next, the screen for my radio would shut down on me and restart itself while I am on the highway. Lastly, when I turn on my exterior lights at night, my interior lights that come on for me to see all the buttons went out for some of the buttons. The safety o... Read more
CHEVROLET
TRAILBLAZER
(2026) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Apr 10, 2026
Incident date: Mar 29, 2026
My 2023 Mazda CX-5 (48,000 miles) is experiencing a loud mechanical whirring/grinding from the driver-side headlight assembly, a documented manufacturing defect involving foreign matter contamination of the internal LED cooling fan bearings (TSB 09-029/25). Despite the manufacturer acknowledging this factory-installed defect, Mazda has refused to proactively remedy the issue because the vehicle is... Read more
Incident date: Oct 10, 2025
Water in racetrack tailgate taillights
Incident date: Dec 10, 2025
I bought this car new and it does not have a FRUNK emergency release or a FRUNK light.
Incident date: Apr 9, 2026
While driving the entire car goes black kind of like you just turned it off. It has only happened at night time. The dash screen completely turns off and the headlights will go off. When it comes back on the dash has several lights on it such as the seatbelt is unbuckled (when I’m buckled), and other warning lights. This has been happening since September 2025. I take it to the dealership and th... Read more
Incident date: Dec 24, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 Lincoln Corsair. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, another driver informed the contact that the rear exterior lights were inoperable. Additionally, the contact later became aware that the rear taillights were flashing continuously. Upon investigating the failure online, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V688000 (Exterio... Read more