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
HYUNDAI
SANTA CRUZ
(2022) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Apr 26, 2022
Incident date: Apr 23, 2022
The low beam headlight position creates a "shadow shelf" in the middle of the windshield making visibility poor while using only the low beams. This is made worse in inclement weather. This is a hazard as the illuminated area distance is drastically less than that of most other vehicles.
VOLKSWAGEN
JETTA
(2019) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Apr 26, 2022
Incident date: Apr 25, 2022
Issue: 2019 VW Jetta, the problem first occurred at 46,000 miles and has occurred approximately 8 times while in operation both when at a full stop and in motion at speeds from 10 to 50mph. When this happens all electronics shut off, dashboard goes blank, to include turn signals, side and front warning indicators, head lights and brake lights. This appears to happen in elevated outside temperatur... Read more
Incident date: Apr 22, 2022
The contact owns a 2006 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that the brake lights failed to illuminate as needed. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact became aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V130000 (Exterior Lighting) and associated the recall with the failure. The contact contacted an unknown dealer and was awaiting a call back. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and inform... Read more
Incident date: Apr 23, 2022
The contact owns a 2011 Ford F-150. The contact was parked in the residence driveway and had moved the shift lever into "drive" and depressed the accelerator pedal to begin to move forward down the driveway. The contact stated that the vehicle was in "reverse" and not in "drive" and the vehicle backed into the garage door at approximately 2 MPH, hitting the door with the trailer hitch. The contact... Read more
Incident date: Feb 21, 2022
My 2012 Dodge Durango has been experiencing reaccering issues associated with the tipm and fuel pump relay. The truck will stall, hard crank or simply not crank at all; leaving me stranded sometimes. This electrical issue also affects the fog lights, front lights, brake lights and turn signals; causing them to not work; putting me in danger of a collision on the highway or city street. This tipm... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2022
HEAD LIGHTS ARE VERY DIM
Incident date: Apr 25, 2022
NO INCIDENT...AVOIDING USING CAR AT NIGHT...HEADLIGHTS DANGEROUS...YOUNG GRANDDAUGHTER WITH GOOD EYESIGHT HAS COMPLAINED ALSO OF POOR HEADLIGHT NIGHT DRIVING...THIS DEFINITELY IS A SAFETY ISSUE...MANY DRIVERS WHO CANNOT AFFORD TO REPAIR WILL BE DRIVING WITH POOR LIGHTING
GMC
SIERRA 2500
(2019) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Apr 25, 2022
Incident date: Apr 14, 2022
The sockets in the rear brake lights had excessive corrosion and was causing the terminals on the bulbs to deteriorate. The lights were malfunctioning in all situations from braking, turn indicator and running lights. I was notified by the system that there was a problem. After trying to resolve the problem and replacing the bulbs the condition only worsened. I was then pulled over by law enforcem... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLSTFB
(2012) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Apr 25, 2022
Incident date: Nov 15, 2020
MY BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH DOESN'T WORK ON THE FOOT BRAKE AND IT STAYS ON, ON THE HAND BRAKE. I HEARD THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THIS ON HARLEYS.
Incident date: May 1, 2020
HEADLIGHTS ARE PLASTIC AND THEY ARE DISCOLORED ON THE INSIDE. I HAD ONE REPLACED 1 YEAR AGO AT "SURPRISE FORD" IN SURPRISE ARIZONA, BUT BOTH ARE DISCOLORED OR FOGGED UP. WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT THE LIGHTING IS GREATLY DIMINISHED. THE HEADLIGHT HAVE BEEN THIS WAY SINCE I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE.
MERCEDES-BENZ
GLE 450
(2021) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Apr 23, 2022
Incident date: Apr 20, 2022
2021 MB GLE 450 bought in April 2021, now approximately 8000 miles with two separate events of not starting. Cannot jump. Once 48V battery system updated (3 months ago), required tow to dealer. Now again at dealer with the same issue and recommended for battery change (last time was software update). Very unsafe, happened first time in public garage at night with no start, and second time in t... Read more
POLESTAR
POLESTAR 2
(2022) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Apr 22, 2022
Incident date: Dec 27, 2021
On 12/27, I was on I-5 North driving up during daytime. Auto-headlight and daytime running lights stopped working. I noticed from the reflection that I don’t have ANY headlight (even the DRL) when the lights were on AUTO mode. Also, when I look at my driver display, I noticed the green headlights icon was completely gone! My wife and I were able to capture this on video: https://youtu.be/z9H... Read more
Incident date: Apr 22, 2022
The Headlights are so dim and cause me to be unable to see the road and makes it non driveable at night time.
Incident date: Apr 22, 2022
Oil consumption, electrical problems like lights flickering, fuel odor, brake light olways on
Incident date: Jan 11, 2022
Lights go off and on not sure if can drive at night. dealer said that they thought it is the control module but also stated that car could turn shut down at any unknown time. Did not offer a replacement vehicle and was told to just keep driving until part comes in. This problem has been going on sense january . was told today 04/21/2022 that it would now be june
Incident date: Apr 5, 2022
Headlights are terrible. Driving at night is treacherous because the headlights are not very bright unless I can use brights which seems like they could be low beam instead of high beam. With oncoming traffic it is hard to see the road and I get scared it may cause an accident, either hitting an oncoming car or going off the road myself. It's terrible. Others have commented on the headlights also... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2020
This is a request for the NTSB to investigate the number vehicles on the road today that operate with daytime running lights. I’ve witnessed on an almost nightly basis automobiles driving with only daytime running lights displayed. Minimal headlights with No Rear lights on. Most of these cars are coming from car rental areas near the airport I work at. This is an extreme hazard and it puts eve... Read more
Incident date: Apr 13, 2022
1. For two different occasions the high beams wouldn't turn on at night on a dark road and rainy day. Took the vehicle to Toyota but mechanic reported that he couldn't reproduce event. I had to drive very slowly with normal lights as I could. 2. For two different occasions the vehicle wouldn't start I almost had the vehicle towed but using the toyota app and the key fob was able to remote start a... Read more
Incident date: Apr 20, 2022
My paint has been chipping really bad. Also I had a few recalls taken care of at modesto Kia once I got my vehicle back and drove it back home (about an hour and a half away) I started smelling something burning, I looked under the hood and couldn't find anything wrong so then a few days later I smelled the same thing but this time I heard a loud pop I got out and noticed my fog light had shattere... Read more
Incident date: Mar 8, 2022
The center light on the truck has to be replaced many times due to the light going out due to water intrusion. This is a causes the light to go out and be a safety hazard
Incident date: Apr 20, 2022
Lowbeams on car are dangerous hen driven at night. Can hardly see 10 feet in front of car
Incident date: Mar 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2011 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated that the headlights and fog lights were blinking then became inoperable. The air bags, oil, and fuel warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the tires were losing air. The contact had to plug an item into the aux for the glitch to stop. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer w... Read more
Incident date: Apr 2, 2022
The lighting on the shift lever that shows what mode the transmission is being selected is missing. Apparently Ford stopped installing the lighting that lights the "Park, Reverse, Neutral, Drive" in the shifter beginning in 2021. This is a serious safety issue because at night, the driver cannot look down at determine what mode is being selected. The dealer stated to me the selected mode is in the... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2015) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Apr 19, 2022
Incident date: Apr 5, 2022
2015 Chevy Silverado 1500 LT/LTZ Double Cab 5.3 liter v8. Electrical short to power in underhood fuse block part number 84303175. Passenger side brake/tail light stay on constantly even when vehicle is shut off and key is out of ignition. Driver side brake/tail light works fine, customer had to disconnect harness to prevent battery from going dead. Hare Chevrolet Dealership, Noblesville Indiana, ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 4, 2022
Side detection module malfunction. Causing electrical issues and error codes. When happening Headlights Turn on and off without control. Huge safety problem when driving at night!
Incident date: Apr 19, 2022
Brake lights stay on when the car is in drive. Cruise control will not work. There are other intermittent electrical issues that are not safety related. With the brake lights always on, other drivers don't know when I'm stopping. The problem is ongoing and has been confirmed by an independent mechanic. there were no warning lights or messages. the problem started several years ago before I owned... Read more
Incident date: Jan 31, 2022
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Venza. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V033000 (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 dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact had not experienced ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 11, 2022
There have been ongoing complaints about the headlights on this car. I avoid driving my car at night due to the fact that visibility is compromised. I had a SERIOUS near miss while driving at night. I was driving on a residential street and did not see a bicyclist going the same direction. The bicyclist veered slightly into my lane and I literally DID NOT see them. Causing me to clip their re... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Apr 1, 2016
The contact owns a 2015 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that the windshield wipers intermittently failed to operate without warning. The contact purchased a new wiper transmission assembly which she replaced herself; however, the failure persisted despite the repair. The contact then received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V165000 (Visibility) however, the part to do the recall repair wa... Read more
Incident date: May 30, 2019
Headlight goes out after rain. Fogging and condensation can be seen, when headlight doesn't work. Takes several days to dry out and come on again. Headlight will cut off will driving if raining.
Incident date: Feb 28, 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 unavailable. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer had been made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2021
High beams do not switch on from low beams. Safety is put at risk due to not being able to have visual on roads with no street lights in rural areas. The problem has been reproduced even with new bulbs. No warring messages have appeared.
VOLKSWAGEN
ID.4
(2021) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Apr 18, 2022
Incident date: Jan 9, 2022
I bought my ID4 new at the end of May 2021. When it started to get cold my car started losing Mileage Very Rapidly and I kept getting an Error for 12Volt power supply. Carnet would not work and car could not be opened without pushing unlock "key". Car was serviced Jan 24 and still had a problem. Next time the individual who works on EVs talked to VW and ordered a new battery, Feb 9. Battery repl... Read more
Incident date: Apr 15, 2022
Rear tail / break light no longer works .
Incident date: Apr 18, 2022
The 3rd brake light leaks water into the cab and the water pools up on the floor where electrical modules are located. Which could potentially cause an electrical short and mold forming on and under the carpet liner.This problem has been talked about online on numerous Ram trucks starting around 2012.
Incident date: Mar 21, 2022
The reflector plate inside the sealed front headlamps has deteriorated. The headlamps no longer project enough light to drive the Acura RDX safely at night. The Acura dealership inspected the vehicle, acknowledged the problem, and will replace the two lamps for a little over $2K. It’s my understanding this occurs on model years 2013 and 2014 as well. Deterioration of the reflector plate occu... Read more
Incident date: Apr 17, 2022
The drivers side fog light reflector was melted and charred like it was nearly on fire. There was no silver coating on the plastic reflector and it looks like the plastic was absorbing all the heat of the bulb.
Incident date: Mar 28, 2022
Low beam lights very dim driving at night, safety hazard. Unknown to be when I purchased this vehicle. Research uncovered issues with SRX models 2010-2016..
CHEVROLET
TRAILBLAZER
(2006) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Apr 16, 2022
Incident date: Apr 4, 2022
LOW BEAMS SOMETIMES FLICKER ON AND OFF AND THEN AT NIGHT WHILE IM DRIVING THEY WILL JUST GO OUT AND STAY OUT.
Incident date: Apr 14, 2022
Water leaking in the race light and now for the third time water is in there again and now the right side is burnt out!
Incident date: Dec 1, 2021
Very poor visibility. Head lights turn on but the lens is so cloudy it has severely reduced visibility for night driving. I have been calling GM/Cadillac routinely for at least a month but I feel like I’m getting a run around. On 4/4/22 I was told the problem has been resolved and I would be getting a call to set up an appointment to have the lenses replaced. But I still haven’t heard back. Th... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2022
I was told to come to service department on 2/22/2022 to change my indicator light because it was not working and had to be ordered in advance and for RECALL on TRUNK LATCH. The invoice said bulb was replaced and trunk lock and did Multi Point Inspection. I asked her if everything was Ok with my car she said yes but the next day I realized it indicator light was still not working. I got another R... Read more
Incident date: Apr 15, 2022
Daylight running lights are not operating, a warning in the instrument cluster of not operating lights is not give. So the driver is not aware of the issue! Repair is not possible the entire light unit needs to be replaced ! This is a come issue with the Manufacture Tesla as I found a lot of complains on the internet with this specific issues
Incident date: Apr 12, 2022
Positive battery cable heat up cause fire above battery. Blow off wire worked blowing off. Distribution box and power pole connection sparking heating up causing arc fire. No recalls for my specific Vin but 2008 through 2012 recalls this part but not for my vehicle. 2009 335 convertible. ? $1132 to fix. 9 months ago 2021 BMW could not find problem recommended changing my a... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jan 15, 2019
Wipers do not work and the tractor lights turn off ALL of the lights the trailer lights go out as well the fuse for these electrical components gets very hot, this makes it very dangerous when driving at night and when it's raining. The driver has to pull over till he can get the lights to come back on
Incident date: Apr 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2004 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated and the fog lights were inoperable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who referred the contact to the dealer. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but did not provide any assistance. The failu... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2019
2013 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS low beam very dim ( having to use High beams contentiously)dealership states can not find problem, checked wiring harness ohms out correctly(12 volts )have replaced bulbs many time manufactured recommended. have researched internet and Hyundai form many owners are having similar issues on other modals as well. This has become a serious safety issues as well as cost, T... Read more
Incident date: Apr 13, 2022
The low-beam headlights on this Nissan Altima are so dim that it is dangerous to operate the vehicle at night. I have to use high-beams at all times. The reason is the coating inside the assembly de-laminated. This was litigated against Nissan in a class action suit, Suarez v. Nissan. The suit was settled earlier this year. As part of the settlement, I filed a claim and was authorized to take... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2017
Over the past 4-5 years, 2015 scion tc has had numerous electrical issues. Both driver and passenger electric door locks do not work. Head and tail lamp lights burn out frequently. Seems like a grounding issue? Car failed to start August 2021 due to electrical problems. 3rd party mechanic fixed the issue. Toyota Dealer-installed automatic start fails multiple times before starting car. Basi... Read more