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
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2014) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Nov 28, 2021
Incident date: Nov 28, 2021
My vehicle's headlamps are so dull I can't see at night. I contacted GM and they offered to replace them if I would pay half the cost , which I was going to do , but I had a heart attack and surgery & was in intensive care for almost a month. When I became able to come home , after I missed my appointment due to this situation , I contacted GM and they said they were not going to help me because I... Read more
Incident date: Sep 30, 2021
The seals around headlights are failing and causing moisture infiltration. Limiting distance of visibility during night driving. I have found through forums that this is a common occurrence.
Incident date: Nov 23, 2021
My 2013 Nissan Altima has serious electrical problems and continues to drain my battery, leaving me seeking alternative transportation to and from home, work, etc. The headlight low and high beams are dangerously dim! I have replaced the bulbs several times and the problems continues to get worse. I have seen litigation online with numerous people involved. I thought NTSB would have acted by now?... Read more
Incident date: Nov 27, 2021
I don’t know if this question qualifies in this section but I’m just trying to find out why my 12v outlets in my truck are not working and also the plug-in for my trailer hitch, neither of them are working. To the best of my knowledge I’ve checked fuses and couldn’t see anything blown. Thank you
Incident date: Nov 25, 2021
Lights are very dimmed at night even the high beam. Can barely see at night when driving. Lights need to be changed to a brighter set ASAP before an accident or death happens.
Incident date: Nov 26, 2020
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed with the exterior lights in auto mode, the exterior lights inadvertently turned off when the right turn signal switch was engaged. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring whenever the exterior light switch was in auto mode and the right tu... Read more
Incident date: Sep 18, 2021
We purchased a set of headlights and taillights via Amazon from Perde on 12/8/20 after verifying they would fit the vehicle-confirmed with the description provided online. The product that was delivered is defective and presents a fire/electrical safety concern. We installed them, which we had issues initially with the turn signals. While we worked to figure that piece out, we left in the new o... Read more
PERDE
MAZDA HEADLIGHTS
(9999) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Nov 26, 2021
Incident date: Sep 18, 2021
We purchased a set of headlights and taillights via Amazon from Perde on 12/8/20 after verifying they would fit the vehicle-confirmed with the description provided online. The product that was delivered is defective and presents a fire/electrical safety concern. We installed them, which we had issues initially with the turn signals. While we worked to figure that piece out, we left in the new o... Read more
Incident date: Nov 2, 2020
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while stopped at a red light waiting for the light to turn green, the turn signal was activated to make a right turn however, the turn signal was switched in the opposite direction. The contact stated the failure recurred intermittingly. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V749000 (Exterior Lighting, Electrical Sy... Read more
Incident date: Apr 15, 2021
The headlights on my vehicle don’t project adequate light to see while driving at night. I’ve reported this issue to the dealership on multiple occasions and the only solution they’ve suggested is replacing the entire headlight assembly. In my research of other vehicles of the same make, model, and year, shows that there are numerous customer complaints and issues with the functioning of the... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
TOUAREG
(2004) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Nov 25, 2021
Incident date: Apr 1, 2021
Leaking gas caught on fire put it out but now I have no head lights no high beams replaced everything still nothing. All lights on dash go crazy kills battery all the time and had to replace something in the rear end. Overall it has cost me $2500 and I still have no headlights at all and leaking gas. It’s my only vehicle I hope next time it doesn’t catch back on fire could have been worse and... Read more
Fire
1 injured
TOYOTA
COROLLA IM
(2018) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Nov 25, 2021
Incident date: Oct 26, 2021
ok so what had happen is the cars so call foward collision of the speific car did nit work steering wheel lock when i made a left turn and i hit a curve lane departure did not work or anything i just hit the curve and not too long ago on sept 2021 i had a fender bender and i stepped on the brakes and car still slid without even going fast
Incident date: Nov 24, 2021
These headlights have turn so dim its dangerous to drive at night. Its the lens inside that s deteriorating and nothing to do with the bulb. The dealer wants around 1500 to replace. This is a common problem with this vehicle. Cadillac offered only 50% of the repair but when i took it back to the dealer for service I got the run around again even though I had a reference number. Many people... Read more
Incident date: Nov 16, 2021
The driver's side low beam headlight wiring harness melts and seems to be continuing problem. Even after replacing stock, (which melted,) with a better wiring harness it still began to melt and loose circuit, but like I said it was doing this before ever being replaced. Happens every couple months are so depending on amount of night driving. I have read several complaints about this happening to s... Read more
Incident date: Jun 9, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that she was informed that the driver’s side rear taillights were not illuminating properly while turning. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the bulbs were replaced; however, the failure had been recurring every 3 weeks. There were no warning lights illuminated. The dealer and the manufacturer w... Read more
Incident date: Nov 23, 2021
Both low beams stopped working. High beams and all other lights work I replaced the bulbs and the low beams don't work at all and there's no relay or fuse and I can't find the problem
Incident date: May 19, 2018
Headlights are excessively dim and do not effectively light the roadway. Replacing the bulbs does not remedy the situation.
Incident date: Nov 22, 2021
Halogen headlights (9005) are extremely dim which is a known safety issue. Customers are upgrading from halogen to led and xenon. I believe newer explorers upgraded headlights to led. I want Ford to recommend Led headlight alternative at my cost or fix this problem with recall. Drivers are flashing their headlights at nighttime because they think my lights are not on? Many hits on the i... Read more
Incident date: Nov 18, 2015
When using the turn signal to indicate turning direction at night, all lights shut off randomly, leaving you with no way to see where you're going. This includes all cabin lights so you can't find the switch to turn the lights back on. This happen regularly. This has been detailed here: https://www.tundras.com/threads/auto-headlights-shut-off-with-turn-signal.22968 It seems Toyota knows about t... Read more
CHRYSLER
TOWN AND COUNTRY
(2010) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Nov 22, 2021
Incident date: Nov 22, 2021
Several weeks ago while driving at night the headlights suddenly went out creating a very dangerous situation. When I tried to turn the lights back on they blinked a couple of times and then remained off. Over the next several days the lights would come on sometimes and other times they would not. I changed the light switch but that did not help. I sent the TIPM in to a repair center but they... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2021
The headlights are extremely dim cannot drive the vehicle at night. If I do use at night I have to use the high beams. Seems to be a know problem with Cadillac SRX. I was told by dealer they would have to replace both headlight assemblies to fix this problem at a cost of over 2000 dollars.
Incident date: Nov 21, 2021
The sixth time the car has failed to start due to dead battery. 3 of the 6 were times when the car was driven less than 5 miles and only turned off for a short duration.
Incident date: Nov 17, 2021
I had rear brake driver side light change on Tuesday November 16, 2021 at the Hondas dealer Downtown Los Angeles. On Wednesday November 17, 2021 the 3rd rear brake light started a fire in my truck. The light bult overheated melted the cover, burned the fuse and my dress and suit in the trunk started to burn. It smelled horrible. I immediately called the dealer and Honda. The dealer made a diagnosi... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Nov 21, 2021
Headlight wiring loom insulation on both passenger and driver sides degrading heavily to the point of disintegration on touch. My driver side headlights have stopped working despite best attempts at isolating wires. I have received multiple headlight(low/DRL) warnings and errors because of this issue. It has been verified by countless independent mechanics and hobbyists on this generation of car w... Read more
Incident date: Dec 27, 2019
Bought this car used, first time after dark realized headlights were not shining well enough to drive. We parked the vehicle until we could purchase and replace complete headlamp assembly. Multiple internet sites were found where other owners had same issue. We paid $300 for a set of replacement assembly and installed ourselves, otherwise it would have cost $1000 at the dealer. We went with this o... Read more
Incident date: Oct 23, 2020
My fog light has now caught fire and burned twice. The entire assembly has melted to pieces. This is a safety concern and can result in someone's vehicle burning to the ground and possible injury to someone. This is not ok that my fog lights are catching fire like they are doing that is from the manufacturer. I'm being held responsible for repairs also that's not ok as I'm not at fault for this oc... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Oct 11, 2021
My 2021 Acadia just stooped working as COMPLETLY SHUT OFF. I had no power to contact OnStar or more importantly to put my 4 ways(Hazard lights) on to signal or warn other motorists that there is a problem ahead. I could not push the vehicle as it is locked in gear because of the termination of power. I have had this exact problem happen 3 times leaving me and my family stranded on a busy road with... Read more
Incident date: Nov 19, 2021
The main halogen headlights are dim and do not project, making it very unsafe to drive at night. This has been an ongoing issue over the last five years with my car but now it is worse to where I can't even drive at night. The high beams work fine. Yes, the car is available for inspection. It is not an issue with the plastic cover over the headlights or the light bulbs. In multiple conversations ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2021
Vehicle headlights are very dim and night visibility is extremely limited and very dangerous. Driving in rain proves impossible. Seems to be a known issue that Cadillac owners are repairing themselves to the tune of between $1400-3000. Models SRX, years 2010-2016 After reading many user/enthusiasts web forums, I see this issue being reported by hundreds of owners.
MERCURY
GRAND MARQUIS
(2008) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Nov 18, 2021
Incident date: Nov 18, 2021
The contact owns a 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis. The contact stated that the wiring harness for the brake pedal sensor was faulty, causing the exterior brake lights to fail to illuminate. The failure almost caused a collision. The dealer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact to bring the vehicle in to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechani... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2021
Low beam headlights work fine. When engaging the high beam selector the high beams on both the left and right side do not work. There seems to be a lens that does not actuate to enable the high beams to shine.
Incident date: Oct 18, 2021
My front right turn signal suddenly stopped working. It lights up but won't flash. Due to this problem I have had numerous near crashes because other cars cannot tell that I am signaling to turn or change lanes. It was only because I double check where surrounding cars are that I have been able to avoid a crash. I have taken it to the dealers service center but they were not able to fix it in the ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 18, 2021
Both of my headlights went out as I was driving down the road. I did not have any type of warning light on my dash come on.
Incident date: Nov 9, 2021
I was pulled over for my BRAKE LIGHT being out. I went to the dealer and was charged $600 for a brake light assembly. My car has 35,636 miles on it, like new vehicle. Even though it is know defect Ford would not reimburse me for part. I was told it was out of warranty and NOT a saftey issue. I certainly believe that a brake light is a safety issue- especially since they have not replaced my ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2021
Condensation in headlights.
CHRYSLER
TOWN AND COUNTRY
(2010) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Nov 17, 2021
Incident date: Nov 17, 2021
The headlights will go off and stay off unexpectedly while driving at night in the dark. Lights will not go back on for days. Then they will work for a random amount of time, then stop working again while driving in the dark again. You may examine this vehicle if you would like. I think that driving in the dark and the lights unexpectedly going off definitely puts my life and the lives of my f... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2019
At night, I noticed the low beams were very dim. Not sure of the issue I replaced with brand new bulbs, then later with brand new led bulbs. Both did not make an improvement on lighting at night. It is very difficult to see at night, crash likely is greatly increased. High beams are needed to see properly at night. 10/29/21- Told the dealer I replaced new bulbs and headlights were still dim. The... Read more
Incident date: Nov 16, 2021
Headlights are so dim at night that I have to use highbeams to see properly which is extremely dangerous. This is a ongoing problem I have had since I bought the vehicle and it is getting worse. I try not to drive at night because of this issue. A recall by GM should be immediately initiated. The estimate I received to replace is more than $1,600! Why would there be such a high cost to replace wh... Read more
Incident date: Nov 16, 2021
Tailgate light keeps getting moisture and burning out light . 3rd time I have replaced it
Incident date: Nov 1, 2021
Deteriorated low beam lighting, so bad that you almost cannot drive at night. Bulbs are new and lens isn’t fogged. It seems on other models in the same year there was a recall due to deterioration of the headlights yet no recalls are open on my RDX.
Incident date: Nov 15, 2021
The headlights at night are so dim that I can barely see to drive. I know this to be an ongoing problem due to research. Nissan has never once recalled for this problem on my vehicle. It’s dangerous and prevents me from getting full use of a vehicle I paid for. Brights work fine
Incident date: Mar 1, 2015
None of the recalls were ever done to my vehicle. Mailing problems didn’t receive notification in mail. Door handle fell off and window handles coming off. Tag light glitching and in car press light doing the same. Crack plastic parts of car cracked years ago. Strange engine leak. Door panels coming off and panel around gear broke a year after I got the car. I sent complaint two years ago. I hav... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2021
The factory design of the low beam headlights seems to have a feature that prevents up-shining into oncoming traffic. However, this design results in a dark shadow-line across the field of vision. This dark shadow-line results in poor visibility especially when driving in areas that are very dark. The shadow-line makes it look like I'm driving into the bat-cave. I have observed on some online ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2021
There was a reimbursement program for 2010-2015 Cadillac SRX's due to dim headlights. I didn't have mine fixed during the reimbursement program 1) because the timeline for reimbursement fell during the pandemic and shelter in place orders in my area; 2) I am a high-risk for getting COVID due to preexisting health conditions and 3) my headlights were not that bad. Fast forward to a year later, an... Read more
Incident date: Oct 10, 2021
WITH HEADLIGHTS ON DIM IT LOOKS AS IF THE LIGHTS ARE NOT ON AT ALL VERY DIM TO NO VISIBILTY. HAVE TO DRIVE WITH LIGHTS ON BRIGHT.
Incident date: Nov 14, 2021
Break like when out and only solution iam being given is to replace the whole housing at 800$ and it seems this a faulty component.
Incident date: Nov 1, 2019
Dim lights housing burned out. Diagnosed by local mechanic and confirmed by Cadillac dealership in Smyrna, Ga. Service dept. says all SRX are having this problem, but he also stated that the recall was already done. The actual recall I received was about condensation in the lights which does not seem to be a problem for my vehicle, so if people are taking their vehicles in and being told the recal... Read more
Incident date: Nov 13, 2020
When headlights switch is in the auto position and you use the right turn signal the headlights go off then come back on. I've had this car for 4 years and noticed this a lot. Left signal is starting to do the same. Very dangerous especially when I do a lot of traveling on interstates. I think this needs to be addressed immediately
Incident date: Nov 11, 2021
As I was driving down the road , my light start flickering. Then immediately go out and wont come back on. No warning light came on. My light stating my trunk was open came on but my trunk was not open and the tire pressure light came on but normally it states which tire and that didn't happen either. Nothing was wrong with the tires either. I had them check.
Incident date: Nov 12, 2021
have to jump car if sits over 3 days. then cruise control, no signal lights and menu instrument panel stays on trac.. mode bought vehicle in May 2021 this has happened 4 times and 2 new batteries later