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: Dec 6, 2021
The contact owns a 2014 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that the front windshield lining was cracked which caused water to seep into the glove compartment. Additionally, the exterior tailgate door lights were inoperable. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The manufacturer informed ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 5, 2021
The diminished light output of the low beam headlights began to diminish visibility so significantly that it was reported to the dealer at 89,000 miles, in March 2020. The dealer response was "normal operation of the headlights compared to other RDX." The driver's visibility is now decreased to the point the visibility is like only the lo output driving lights are on. Hi beams have to be used whe... Read more
FOREST RIVER
WILDWOOD
(2021) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Dec 6, 2021
Incident date: Oct 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2021 Forest River Wildwood trailer. The contact stated that multiple failures had occurred with the trailer upon purchase. First, he stated that the front strip exterior light located in the front of the trailer would not turn off while driving or while turned off. He also mentioned that the water pump would bypass the check valve and fill up the water tank; due to the failure, ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 20, 2021
Low beams are so dim as to be dangerous, not only for passengers, but also for people, animals and property outside the vehicle. Visibility is so incredibly poor as to not illuminate a pedestrian in a crosswalk early enough to facilitate a safe stop. Nothing in writing from the dealer, but agent aware of the problem with no fix. The problem is constant, not intermittent. Became most apparent appro... Read more
Incident date: Oct 20, 2020
I bought the car a year ago from a used car lot. Replaced the cam shaft positioning sensor as per diagnostic reading for check engine light. Since then, svc air bag light has stayed on. Traction control light stays on and is disengaged. When braking ESC warning goes on and off and sliding occurs. The low beam headlights go on and off intermittently and no way of knowing when it will happen. When t... Read more
Incident date: Dec 6, 2021
1st when got car from local dealer cruise control worked next day still hasn't, interior lights not working with new bulb, brake light on, leaking oil from pan, front end drifting, than at station no power steering, didn't know wtf, wheels didn't turn, shut off he later was there ignition switch will keep turning. Rins battery dead. I'm scared power steering will go out while driving. It's a scary... Read more
Incident date: Oct 20, 2021
The vehicle automatically turns the headlights off automatically (at night). While driving and not touching the multi function switch, the vehicle indicate that the headlights were switched manually to the "off" position from the "auto" position on the multi function switch. This happens randomly at random intervals and most noticeable at night when the car is driving and the lights are turned of... Read more
Incident date: Nov 23, 2021
Low beam headlights are so dim as to be useable.
Incident date: Dec 4, 2021
Front right headlight on a brand new car no longer functions, safety was put at risk by the fact that it is illegal to drive on 1 working light in the dark and rain; and this happened thankfully before leaving home on a dark morning so it was detectable and actionable. Problem was confirmed by remote diagnostic from dealer. No warnings or messages before failure which was confirmed by Tesla repr... Read more
Incident date: Dec 6, 2021
THIS IS ONGOING CONDITION FROM DELIVERY OF VEHICLE. BASED ON CAR COMPLAINTS ALREADY FILED ON CAR COMPLAINTS.COM WE BELIEVE KIA KNOWS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. THERE IS SOME SORT OF RELATIONSHIP OF NIGHT DRIVING AND LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS THAT CAUSES VERY DARK SHADOW ON WINDSHIELD THAT ABSTRUCTS DRIVER VISION. WE FURTHER ASSERT THAT KNOWING THIS KIA WILLFULLY ADJUSTS HEADLIGHTS TOO HIGH TO TRY TO CONCEAL PR... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2018
RIGHT TURN SIGNAL ALWAYS FLICKERS DURING USE. I CHANGE THE TURN SIGNAL BULB MONTHLY BUT IT NEVER LAST MORE THAN A FEW DAYS WORKING IF NOT AT ALL. I HAVE CONFIRMED THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE BULBS AS I HAVE CHECKED THE BULB WITH THE LEFT SIDE.
Incident date: Nov 18, 2021
Water leaking into both front headlights results in dimming of headlights making it hard to see during nighttime driving and a real concern that the HID ballast wiring will short out causing complete loss of headlight operational function. There are many reports online of customers complaining that their HID headlights blew out due to water leakage and they were unable to see properly during night... Read more
CHRYSLER
TOWN AND COUNTRY
(2012) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Dec 5, 2021
Incident date: Dec 1, 2021
It's the timp the big black box with all the fuses in it I have had so much problems with it it messed up the alternator and the battery and the doors and the fule pump now I have to get a new box and a fused pump because it won't start at all now it have quite on me while I was driving before it broke all the way down I don't know why they ain't a recall on it yet
Incident date: Dec 5, 2021
The lights on the car are very dim it had halogens at first so I put leds and saw that it did not a make a difference at all. I’ve been pulled over 1 once for them being very dim. I feel like it could put me and someone else at risk at night. I have to use my high beams to see all the time because the low beams are extremely dim. Me and a lot of people are at danger because of the headlight hous... Read more
Incident date: Apr 4, 2019
My headlights are so dim, they look as though they are not even on! I cannot drive at night anymore. I was informed that there was a recall in 2019 for this issue, however I never saw one.This should indeed be a safety issue, because these headlights don’t light up sh*t. GM should be ashamed of themselves!
Incident date: Dec 3, 2021
While driving the car cut off on us. Started the car and the dash lights were on. Also Navigation stopped working. Took the car to bellamy Strickland and they said no issues was found. Got the car back 12/02_2021 Car seems to be ok at the moment. Melissa at bellamy stated it could have been a computer glitch. Car only has 20k miles on it.
Incident date: Nov 25, 2021
There are several complaints regarding the headlights that the headlights continue to get moisture in them and it requires a new headlight assembly. There were 16 cases regarding the JX35 model and several for the QX60 model that replaced it.
Incident date: Dec 3, 2021
I believe that something within brake light assembly has caught fire at one time. The plastic I. Which holds the brake light bulb is melted to the point that I had to purchase a new brake light assembly because I can no longer replace the bulb because it is melted beyond repair.
Fire
Incident date: Jul 3, 2019
About a year or two after purchasing the car new in 2016, we noticed that the instrument panel right side which has fuel gauge, odometer, trip information and other key operating vehicle information would go blank or the digital readout would go haywire and turn into gibberish. This generally happened on cold mornings and the display would revert to normal within 10 minutes to one hour. We took i... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
ATLAS
(2021) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Dec 3, 2021
Incident date: Dec 2, 2021
When on level ground, head lights aim towards the ground at about 10-15 yards from vehicle. When this happens you can’t see the upcoming road or side of the road. It appears as if you’re doing too fast and over running the head lights. In the attached picture, there’s light from another source but on a dark road you can imagine how difficult it is to see.
Incident date: Dec 3, 2021
My car was accelerating slowly and making rough sound. The power steering goes out too often without any warning
CHEVROLET
TRAILBLAZER
(2007) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Dec 3, 2021
Incident date: Nov 1, 2021
My headlights turn off bybthemselves while driving, other times they wont turn off at all after car is turned off even while in park, and other times they turn on while switched to off position randomly in the middle of te night resulting in a dead battery come morning. My driver window no longer works as well as driver power locks. Happening since 2020 random at first now permentant removal of fu... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2021
the radio screen at night will not dim/switch to night mode and it's a bright spotlight in your face while driving. This is blinding and dangerous. I believe this is a software glitch and I don’t believe Lincoln is in a hurry to fix it unless the NHTSA steps in like they did for the back up camera issue. In my photos I’m including you can see it is night with the headlights on yet the screen i... Read more
Incident date: Nov 28, 2021
Low beam LED headlights have shadows and dark spots projecting on to the road. Very distracting and looks very similar to animals or people as they come into view in the dark. Have had to swerve several times only to realize it’s the shadows in the headlight units. I have read many other owners complaining of identical issue on Toyotanation Venza forum. Really need a fix for this. It is not an i... Read more
Incident date: Dec 2, 2021
component: headlight covers, fogged risk: significantly reduced headlight illumination confirmed: Fields BMW service Winter Park Florida inspected by Fields BMW service Winter Park Florida No warning lamps/messages/other symptoms Message sent to email: [email protected] -- "2014 BMV X1 headlight covers are fogged. "This safety concern has no solution besides buying $2,000 new headlight covers.... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
PASSAT
(2021) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Dec 2, 2021
Incident date: Oct 20, 2021
The contact owns a 2021 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that while driving in the rain at an undisclosed speed, the Lane Departure Assist malfunctioned, causing the steering wheel to inadvertently move to the right or left. Additionally, the high-beam headlights were aimed too high upwards, making it difficult for the contact to see the road ahead. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but th... Read more
Incident date: Dec 2, 2021
Passenger side low beam headlight keeps burning out. Had bulb replaced one month ago, burnt out again. Had it replaced several times. One time recently the mechanic had to also replace the wiring connections because it melted.
Incident date: Dec 2, 2020
The contact owns a 2015 Dodge Durango. The contact stated upon inspection it was discovered that the brake light strip was dim on the rear passenger’s side of the vehicle. The contact indicated that water had accumulated inside the taillight assembly housing. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the rear taillight assembly was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle... Read more
Incident date: Nov 24, 2021
In the past week, my Pilot has stalled for no known reason. Both times the vehicle was stopped and the feature that idles the car down to conserve energy was activated. When I let off the brake instead of the car restarting or gearing up and accelerating, the car just died. Warning lights went off on the dash, but the car wouldn't restart for at least a minute both times. No warning lights were on... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2021
There is no incident. I am writing about the safety hazards of the oncoming blue bright lights coming from the oncoming cars/trucks SUV's etc. I own a Sedan and on a highway these blue lights ( in all new vehicles) blind you. The trucks and SUV's are having so bright light that it is difficult to drive. The adaptive lights are no good on a dark two lane road, specially on a road with snow. This ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2019
Headlight low beam do not project can’t see at night I have 2 Acura RDX one is 2015 and 2013 both have the same issue I can only drive with high beams low beams is like driving with them off I drive down 206 to Fort Dix lots of deer I can’t drive with the high beam all the time it will effect the other driver.
Incident date: Dec 1, 2021
Front headlamps, Low visibility driving at night, high safety hazard I cannot see the road to drive safely The headlights have been inspected and confirmed that projector headlamps are delaminating and need replaced There is a known defect in headlamps assembly reported to GM for this issue I am seeking to receive reimbursement for this repair from GM
Incident date: Apr 30, 2019
Component Failure: Unsafe headlights, refusal of KIA corporate to address problem since vehicle was new. Component Failure: Unsafe headlights, cause Advance Driver Assistance Systems to malfunction. Failures include: Automatic Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keeping Assistance, and Pedestrian Avoidance. Safety risks: 1) Multiple near collisions wi... Read more
Incident date: Oct 13, 2021
LED tail light unit continues to crack (metal inside) and not work. Each replacement is over $500. You have to replace or you’ll be ticketed because it is a safety hazard. It is not a bulb replacement it is a faulty design that is costing people thousands to fix and it’s not right. GMC is aware of this defect and they aren’t doing anything about it. Please help and recall these taillights to... Read more
Incident date: Jun 16, 2021
4 times within 16 months, my passenger side headlamps low and high beam burned out with a melted headlamp connector plug. My 2015 Kia Soul was purchased in June 2016 and now has less than 38,000 miles. I have seen that there was previously (2016) a safety Recall SC149 Halogen Headlamp Low Beam Connector for 2015 Kia Soul but Danbury Connecticut Kia dealership denies this. I am concerned about a... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2021
headlights faulty module no longer sealed and taking water water making all components in the headlights malfunction to repair this issue costing me 2,800.00 for ONE HEADLIGHT
Incident date: Jan 1, 2021
High beams stopped working. Lights are terrible at night. No warning, just stopped working all of a sudden.
Incident date: Nov 26, 2021
All rear lights, rear hatch lock, brake lights all failed due to wiring going from the body to the hatch getting cut from the action of opening and closing the hatch door. This seems to be a pretty common thing with at least the 2005-2007 models years.
Incident date: Nov 10, 2021
The wiring inside of the headlights has dried up and fallen off, leaving bare electrical wire. The resulting was both of the headlights became non operational at night. To replace the headlights in the car with all the factory features is about 3200.00 for parts alone. I know of others who have had this happen, and everyone i know who owns one, has the same exact problem. The vehicle in question b... Read more
Incident date: Nov 20, 2021
Right rear turn signals and break lights occasionally fail to work. Turning the car off and on 3-4 times temporarily resolved the issue but eventually this temporary fix failed and I was told the entire rear tail light assembly would need to be replaced. An alternative to this total replacement might be found in Ford Special Service Message 47429 where Ford will reprogram the body control module... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2019) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Nov 30, 2021
Incident date: Nov 24, 2021
Both head lamps went out on a 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Manufacture say it is maintenance issue, but both going out at the same time is too much of coincidence. There must be a electrical issue (Which is covered under warrantee) that cause this.
Incident date: Jan 1, 2020
The contact owns a 2011 Buick Regal. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions the headlights became inoperable. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed the contact that the wiring in the bumper was hot at the base. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where the engine was diagnosed. The vehicle was not re... Read more
Incident date: Aug 9, 2021
The headlights are very dim causing safety driving issues at night. I first noticed driving at night returning from a trip to Arkansas driving on poorly lit highways
HYUNDAI
SONATA HYBRID
(2017) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Nov 29, 2021
Incident date: Nov 29, 2021
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V749000 (Exterior Lighting, Electrical System) however, the dealer informed the contact that they would be able to perform the recall repair in approximately five months. The manufacturer was notified of the issue and advised the contact that they could assist with scheduling an e... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
JETTA
(2019) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Nov 29, 2021
Incident date: Jun 10, 2021
dash goes dark a check engine start system comes up. I have no lights inside or outside no turn signals or brake lights no heat, the engine still runs and drives but with the windows not working I cannot use hand signals. I took it to a dealer in Bend Or they did not fix the problem. It happened again in Boise Id. that was fun.I called the dealer in Bend and have an Appointment the end of December... Read more
Incident date: Oct 6, 2021
Since the car was purchased, the electrical system seems to have an issue that no dealership has been able to diagnose or fix. The forward collision warning system will intermittently turn itself off upon starting or even while driving. The car also frequently blows passenger side lights. More recently at about 67,000 miles, the check engine and transmission warning lights came on while highway d... Read more
Incident date: Nov 29, 2021
The headlights are too dim for safe night driving. Bulbs also fail yearly. This is a common problem reported with 2012 MAZDA CX7
Incident date: Oct 12, 2021
I bought a new 2021 Jeep Gladiator at Larry H Dealer in Albuquerque NM , after a month and haft more or less I took the car for second time to the Dealer the car was there for 80 days because mirrors, blind spot asist not working , door conector dint click correctly , etc, Dealer told me after 80 days I have to pick up the car unfinish until part will arrive saying the car was safe to driv... Read more
Incident date: Nov 28, 2021
The headlight reflector material has deteriorated causing headlight brightness to dim so much that they are not much brighter than the running lights. Makes night driving EXTREMELY dangerous. No warning lights. Has not cause me to crash yet, but have come close several times. At this point the car is essentially unusable at night. New bulbs don’t make a difference. Entire headlight assemblies m... Read more
Incident date: Nov 22, 2021
Water gets in the rear middle racetrack tailgate light and caused the partial burnout of the LED tailgate lights. This is a 2019 Dodge Durango VIN [XXX] with only 17,000 miles. This is a safety issue and from what I read online it will lead to other lighting/electrical issue in the future. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).