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: Mar 28, 2022
The contact owns a 2011 GMC Terrain. The contact received a notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V137000 (Exterior Lighting) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The dealer had been notified about the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer had been notified of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable a... Read more
Incident date: Apr 6, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Durango. The contact stated while driving at 15-20 MPH and making a left turn, the turn signal was engaged but the driver's side blinker failed to illuminate, causing the driver who was driving behind the contact to honk at her. A warning message indicating that the driver's side blinker had failed illuminated. The contact continued to drive. The contact stated that h... Read more
Incident date: Apr 9, 2022
Condensation in drivers headlight caused headlight malfunction. I have seen multiple posts regarding this issue that have not been addressed. Serious safety issue. No warning lights or indicators tell you light has malfunctioned either.
Incident date: Jan 1, 2020
The contact owns a 2017 Audi Q7. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the "front driver side marker defective" warning message was displayed. The dealer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware... Read more
Incident date: Mar 24, 2022
The headlights are really dim .. can barely see when driving at night .. I took it to the dealership and it says it failed inspection but im out of warranty extension .. there was a class action lawsuit for this problem and nissan replaced the headlamps for free instead of a 1,200 $ fix .. but I literally bought the car March 23rd of this year , not even a month ago and had no idea about any of t... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2022
Both rear running lights blew at the same time, so i bought New ones, plugged them jn for them to still not work. Heard there was a recall on other versions of my vehicle.
Incident date: Apr 2, 2022
Brake light not working.
Incident date: Aug 13, 2021
Water in 3rd brake light
Incident date: Mar 14, 2022
My bmw start smoking from the inside then caught on fire it was a electric fire on the light module
Fire
Incident date: Apr 7, 2022
My vehicle has automatic high beam headlights. They do not function properly - they will cycle on and off when there is no traffic ahead or oncoming, but most seriously they often fail to dim when there is oncoming traffic. This issue appears to be endemic with the 2022 Honda Ridgeline, many users report the same.
Incident date: Apr 8, 2022
WATER HAS LEAKED INTO THE "RACE TRACK LIGHTING" ON THE LIFT GATE. THIS IS FROM NORMAL, EVERYDAY DRIVING USE AND CARE. THE LIFT GATE TAIL LIGHTS, AS WELL AS LICENSE PLATE LIGHTING NO LONGER FUNCTION. THIS MAKES MY VEHICLE DANGEROUS, AND ILLEGAL TO DRIVE AT NIGHT. I HAVE READ ON MULTIPLE DODGE DURANGO FORUMS THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM, AND ONE DODGE DEALER I SPOKE TO SAID THEY SEE THIS ALL THE TI... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2019) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Apr 8, 2022
Incident date: Nov 1, 2019
The screen on radio is so bright in the cab when backing is blinding when backing up and dangerous. No way to turn down the brightness.
Incident date: Mar 19, 2022
The headlights on my 2018 Kia Optima have been turning off and on randomly by themselves while in motion. Each time it's happened has been in different areas at different times of the night. The headlight switch is kept in the auto position most of the time. When the headlights turn off, the screen in the dash for the headlight function switches from auto to off by itself. Sometimes if the tur... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2015) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Apr 8, 2022
Incident date: Dec 2, 2021
I’ve only owned my 2015 Chevy Silverado 1500 for 8 months now and I’ve been noticing my paint starting to bubble and I popped one and water came pouring out I have also had to change my left rear turn signal twice my top light socket keeps melting and you can just buy a pig tail you have to get all three light sockets and they are 136.89 and the sound in the truck don’t also work if the truc... Read more
Incident date: Apr 8, 2022
While driving this 2020 Buick Encore GX with around 7,000 miles on the odometer, the entire electrical/electronic system shut down. Windows were inoperative, the AC stopped, the radio failed, the flashers did not work, etc. The only things that worked were the engine and brakes. I have no idea if the brake lights worked. I was able to drive the car to the dealership - Van Buick GMC in Scottsd... Read more
Incident date: Apr 8, 2022
My 2015 Acura RDX headlights are so dim it is dangerous to drive at night, and changing the bulbs won't help. It seems to be a common problem for many other customers with this model.
Incident date: Sep 1, 2021
There is a lighting bolt that repeatedly pops up on dashboard and the car cuts off immediately in mid drive !! I have been to the dealership spent $3200 plus and it just keeps coming back on . Also all the lights flicker on and off while driving or when you hit the turning signals this is ridiculous!! It’s 2022, these issues should had been recalled !!! This is horrible and unsafe especially w... Read more
DODGE
CHALLENGER
(2018) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Apr 7, 2022
Incident date: Apr 6, 2022
On April 6, 2022 at approximately 2300 I was driving 65 mph on an old two lane highway when all lighting on the instrument cluster, steering wheel, touchscreen, kick panels, and both headlights went out causing me to drive off the road momentarily as I was in a curve. For several moments all of these components would light up and off erratically. During this event, my windows also began rolling up... Read more
Incident date: Apr 7, 2019
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Corvette. The contact stated upon purchasing the vehicle and driving at 25 MPH, the headlights flickered on and off. The contact was able to continue to drive. The contact later received an unknown recall notification from the manufacturer regarding the headlight failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who completed the recall repair; however, the failure reo... Read more
Incident date: Jul 10, 2019
I purchased this car second hand and the headlamps have been very dim since purchasing the vehicle. These are available for inspection. I cannot see without my bright lights on, even on moderately lit roadways. Driving with dim headlights is dangerous for me (as well as others) and driving with my brights on is dangerous to others. I received a letter regarding a class action on the headlamps and ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 2, 2022
Water collects in my racetrack light and not part of the light is out.
Incident date: Nov 25, 2018
Dome light leaking water when rain or snow, leaving seats, car floor mats drenched. Had to replace radio three times and it smells like something burning
Incident date: Feb 7, 2022
In 2020 I was sent a recall notice for my headlights. I took my car into Foothills Lincoln Mazda in Spokane, WA for the repair. They stated that my headlights were the wrong production dates so they did nothing for the recall yet marked the repair as "completed" according to Mazda. Now both my headlights are having issues with the daylight running lights with one light flickering and the other not... Read more
Incident date: Apr 4, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Audi Q7. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) fault warning light illuminated, and the passenger’s side marker light defective message was displayed. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 15, 2022
Back light malfunction numerous repairs
Incident date: Mar 20, 2022
On three occasions the headlight assembly became unsealed allowing moisture to enter the sealed headlight assembly, thus short circuiting the HID bulb and ballast. This affected both the drivers and passenger headlight assembly the first time and just last week the driver's side light, again. We have seen other JX35, as well as QX60 models having moisture in the headlight assembly (light not funct... Read more
Incident date: Apr 4, 2022
I had just purchased this vehicle from Dans dealers auto sales about a week ago and was brought to my attention that the headlights are filled with condensation and a good amount of water that burnt out my left turn signal and could possibly end up burning out my other lights. This could cause an accident if I didn't find out sooner because I was unaware my left signal was out.
Incident date: Mar 1, 2022
About three years ago; there was a recall for the headlights. Subaru did replace the headlights, but I have replaced the headlights two additional times since then. And I currently have a headlight out a marker light out. I also last year had all of my marker lights burn out.
Incident date: Mar 31, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Tesla Model S. The vehicle had previously been serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V035000 (Back Over Prevention, Visibility, Exterior Lightning) however, the failure occurred after the recall was repaired. The contact stated that while driving at an 60 mph, the center display screen went black and then rebooted, causing the defroster, the rearview camera display, and t... Read more
Incident date: Apr 4, 2022
Front left tower rod is going thru the wheel well from rust. This can cause major damage to myself, occupants, and the lives of others outside of the vehicle. The front left seatbelt light continuously alarms as if it is not connected. Is it? The back lights are always out not sure to replacement repeatedly. I'd the seatbelt good enough in an accident, I am not trying to find that it either. The l... Read more
Incident date: Mar 23, 2022
WARNING LIGHT CONSISTENTLY COMES ON: RIGHT FRONT SIDE MARKER LIGHT INOPERATIVE.
MERCEDES-BENZ
E320
(2001) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Apr 2, 2022
Incident date: Apr 2, 2022
Unknown, the car filled with smoke from within the dashboard on driver side.
Fire
Incident date: Apr 1, 2022
Vehicle Headlamps (dim beams). Yes, it is available for inspection. The Cadillac SRX SUV state inspection was rejected for defective headlamps on 4-1-2022( both low beam headlights not bright enough). Prior to purchase the state inspection was conducted by the dealership (Wells Auto Group in Mckinney, Texas). I was not aware of any problems with headlights (Dim). I notice while driving those dim b... Read more
Incident date: Jan 27, 2021
Headlights Malfunctioning. Red triangle light has been present since the week after purchase. 2006 Prius was inspected by Toyota and a private technician. Headlights and 2 Relay fuses have been replaced and is still malfunctioning. This is a safety risk having headlights not working properly can cause accidents on dark roads at night. This should not be at owners expense when it is clearly a manuf... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 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 had been notified of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer had been notified of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had... Read more
Incident date: Apr 7, 2010
The headlight assembly is defective and gets very dim. Replacing the bulb does not fix the issue. Lights are so dim it is not drivable at night.
Incident date: Mar 31, 2022
Audio System, Navigation. Cannot enter and use set up Menu for Radio, CD. The Panel continuously displays the screen of the software, hardware, Entune starting and restarting.
VOLKSWAGEN
PASSAT
(2013) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Mar 31, 2022
Incident date: Mar 23, 2022
The Air Bag Inoperative Light illuminated in the dashboard display. All steering wheel electrical functions including horn, display control for items such as speed display stopped working, radio control, and phone control eased to function. There was a grinding noise coming from inside the steering wheel when I turned the wheel. I took the car to the dealer. The dealer said it is a known issue co... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
JETTA
(2009) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Mar 31, 2022
Incident date: Mar 20, 2022
The contact owns a 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that the headlights and the turn signal lights had failed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the wiring was damaged. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but did not provide any assistance. The approximate failure mileage... Read more
Incident date: Feb 28, 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 manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had stated that the exterior lights were dim. ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 28, 2022
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Footwell module. Computer system that controls turn signals, headlights, highbeams, windows, door locks etc. Yes it is available for inspection. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? I can't use my turn signals, highbeams, headlights, Windows. I can't signal my cars lane change... Read more
Incident date: May 29, 2021
There is excessive moisture in both of my head lights due to this issue unfortunately while driving at night I have to leave my high beam lights on so I can see the road my low beam lights are entirely to dim to see to drive at night due to the water build up in my head lights! Due to this safety issue i am afraid to drive at night in fear of blinding on coming traffic or hurting myself while dri... Read more
Incident date: Jan 31, 2020
Headlights do not have a true low beam. When low beam is selected it partially blocks the top of the high beam. OK if on a dead flat road. On one that undulates at all at some point cars coming the other way are blinded by the full brightness of the headlight. Often because of this oncoming cars are flashing their high beams at me thinking that I haven't dimmed mine. If a driver is blinded by the... Read more
Incident date: Mar 25, 2022
My headlight assembly have been taking in water for about a year. Last year I had to replace the ballast on one side. Last week we had a lot of rain and while driving home both of my headlights went out. I’ve looked up the problem online and found out I’m not alone. Cadillac did send me a notice last year about a settlement they made for similar issue but the notice they sent me stated it was ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 15, 2022
The transmission has went out twice on this car, this will be the second time. It is dangerous and a major safety issue for me to drive my car especially with children in it. I can be at a red light and on the highway etc. it’s very slow to accelerate that can cause an accident and other things. It drives very slowly on highways and on the road. It jerks and everything that causes me to have anx... Read more
Incident date: Mar 15, 2022
The transmission has went out twice on this car within 2 1/2 years. I don’t drive it excessively. It is dangerous and a major safety issue for me to drive my car especially with children in it. I can be at a red light and on the highway etc. it’s very slow to accelerate that can cause an accident and other things, at the red light it takes a long time to start moving, it’s very sluggish. It ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 4, 2022
The head lights are very dim and are melting so they can’t be just replaced. I can not hardly see at night because of this but I don’t hardly drive at night but if I have an emergency I need to be able to see at night. I have two children a baby and a 8 year old. Thank you for your time. Have a wonderful day and please be safe.
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2015) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Mar 28, 2022
Incident date: Mar 2, 2022
The license plate LED lights went out. Pulled over by trooper to get them replaced, as they are a safety concern for troopers to identify the license plate number. After a few trips to a couple auto parts store, I learned that none of them carry lights. One of the parts stores representative said I would need to get in touch with Jeep. Jeep confirmed, that they need to replace the wiring harn... Read more
Incident date: Mar 27, 2022
Which vehicles this affects: 2011-2016 Hyundai Equus. All trim levels. This affects every Hyundai Equus, as all headlights are identical throughout all model years and trims. I am the administrator for the Facebook group of this car, and am part of the automotive lighting industry. I can confirm that everyone I’ve asked (several hundred people) have experienced this issue. I have owned 3 of t... Read more
Incident date: Mar 27, 2022
Headlight provides inadequate lighting, car not in compliance with FMVSS 108. Caused by the reflector bowl in the low beam HID projector losing its reflective coating. Heat/UV emitted by the bulbs burns it off. Visibility reduced to 38 feet. Happens on all years/trims. No known repair. Replacement headlight assemblies also affected.