Consumer Safety Complaints
Search 2,215,138 safety complaints filed by vehicle owners with NHTSA — including 138,663 crashes, 56,255 fires, and 8,561 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 2,215,138 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 42,495 complaints — component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Incident date: Dec 23, 2025
My father gave me his 2013 Cadillac SRX and I have noticed the headlights have dimmed significantly over the past few months. I replaced the lamps, but the same issue still exists. I spoke with my local Cadillac dealership and they told me of the known issue with the headlights. I did some research and see there was a class action lawsuit against Cadillac, but it does not seem to apply to vehicl... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2026
For years I did not drive at night because I could not see the road well enough to feel secure driving after dark. Fast forward when my daughter asked me if my headlights were on, I realized it was the dim headlights on low beam that was the issue all these years and not my eyesight at night. I have a 2014 Cadillac SRX. Never received a safety notice or recall from GM nor the dealership. This has ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 10, 2026
The headlight on my vehicle failed, and when I took it to the dealer, I was told this is a known and ongoing issue that they deal with constantly. Despite being aware of this widespread failure, Volkswagen continues to install the same defective headlight assemblies. These are not simple bulb replacements—the entire headlight assembly must be replaced at a cost of approximately $1,900 per side, ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 21, 2025
Getting error message that the "Front Right Side Marker Light Defective". The light appears to be operational. Searched for this issue and Audi recalled some models but many users outside the current recall report this same issue. Please expand the vin numbers for the recall action for safety.
Incident date: Apr 10, 2025
The Day Light Running Lights will not go off preventing the low beam light from lighting properly. 08/21/2025
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2024) — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jan 10, 2026
Incident date: Feb 17, 2025
I’ve had to replace the puddle lamp bulbs on my Honda Pilot three times so far, and I purchased it brand new less than a year ago. My local dealer would not cover this under the bumper to bumper warranty either. It would seem that this is a prevalent issue with Honda Pilots and other model Honda/Acura vehicles if this forum post is accurate: [XXX] You would think that after a few years Hond... Read more
Incident date: Jan 10, 2026
It is only the low beams, but every couple months, the passenger side goes out. Then within 3 weeks to 2 months later the driver's side goes out. This has been happening since a month after I bought the car in 2021. This does not matter if they are changed individually when one of them goes out or if they are both changed at the same time. Occasionally, they will both just go out at the same time.... Read more
Incident date: Nov 27, 2025
The interior of the front trunk (Frunk) does not have an emergency release button or the hardware to support it. In the event that a child or person is inside the front trunk with the hood closed, that person cannot escape the enclosed area without having an outside person finding a key or tool to open the front trunk. Also, there is no light in the front trunk so it is completely dark when closed... Read more
Incident date: Feb 9, 2025
The headlights are too bright and I get "brighted" not stop.
Incident date: Nov 13, 2025
BMW DRL (Daytime Running Light) module is is overheating causing damage to the internal fiber optic tube. Dealer said this is a common issue and requires module replacement to prevent requiring a whole headlight assembly as BMW does not sell the fiber optic cable separately. Lights should not be overheating and causing burning to cable in car.
Incident date: Nov 14, 2025
The lights on this vehicle are blindingly bright. It's dangerous for other drivers.
Incident date: Jan 9, 2026
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? While driving all of the lights in the car went off. Everything internal, and atleast the head lights externally. This lasted for a second or 2 before everything came back on. The screen said something about loss of something, but I don't remember what exactly. This has only happened once. Yes it can... Read more
Incident date: Jan 15, 2025
First, we took this vehicle to a dealer because the rear window buttons were not working. They wouldn't roll down. Second, the dome lamps inside only work part of the time, when we take the vehicle to the dealer or another Ford dealer that we decided to try, they say they can't do anything because they see no issue as the lights are working AT THAT TIME. Third, while connected to a trailer, an ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 19, 2025
The design of this and similar model vehicle headlights are excruciatingly painful when on during night and day to oncoming drivers and to those drivers where the vehicle approaches from behind. It is unbelievable that our own government agency, NHTSA, that is set up to protect the public allows such blatant harmful headlight designs on vehicles. You may thank you are accustomed to the high inte... Read more
Incident date: Dec 17, 2025
Low beam headlights are so dim it is very difficult to see at night.
Incident date: Jan 7, 2026
DRL partially out on the truck seems to be an ongoing problem with these models that cause a safety issue similar to the flicker. My lights went into a hyper flash and when they stopped the DRL went partially out.
Incident date: Jan 1, 2016
Headlights are too bright. I've seen reports that headlights are at a minimum, twice as bright as they were a decade ago, up to 10 times as bright directly from the manufacturer. While it may be your opinion that it is within regulations, makes roadways brighter, etc., the fact remains that it increases driver fatigue. Staring at headlights 10 times brighter then they were 10 years ago, for hours ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 8, 2025
Wiring for headlights, and break lights has been malfunctioning. It is not a fuse and i have tried changing them to the point i keep extra in my trunk and still won't work. yes, available for inspection, I have been pulled over multiple times and was written a citation yesterday.
Incident date: Nov 3, 2025
The contact owned a 2016 Kia Sedona. The contact stated that while her nephew was driving, the nephew made a left-hand turn, and the vehicle was hit on the front right quarter panel. The contact stated that her nephew had turned on the left-hand signal and was halfway through making the left turn when the accident occurred. The other vehicle drove on the opposite side and stated that the left-hand... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
The rare brake light is working fine but the car dashboard computer keeps on saying „Check rare brake light“ intermittently. It either needs a repair (although brake lights are working) or a replacement. Please resolve this issue because other Elantra owner have reported the same.
MERCEDES-BENZ
C 300
(2024) — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jan 8, 2026
Incident date: Jan 5, 2026
headlights are too bright
Incident date: Oct 3, 2025
Left Front side marker light faulty. is the warning on the dashboard - I have noticed there is a recall I believe 2017 2018 for the same part and this is on a 2019 so it's obviously the part it actually says if there's a software fix
Incident date: Dec 31, 1969
Headlights are blinding and are unsafe. Caused me to stop in middle of road for vehicle to pass before I could see again.
Crash
Incident date: Jan 7, 2026
This vehicles headlights are too bright and too high up on the vehicle. I am blinded anytime one is in oncoming traffic or behind me. It is a hazard while they are around because I can not see in my mirrors and have lingering spots in my eye sight long after I am away from these vehicles.
Incident date: Dec 26, 2025
I recently purchased this vehicle from a dealer in FL, but unknown to me at the time was the headlight adjuster on driver side was broken, causing the aim to drop to the bottom limit. This causes only the passenger side light to illuminate the road. I discovered this problem about a week after purchase. The dealer does not seem to be willing to correct this issue. This is a common problem for thes... Read more
Incident date: Nov 30, 2025
LED Headlights are too bright and cause temporary blindness from being dazzled.
Incident date: Jan 5, 2026
The headlights are blinding every driver on the road! These headlights do not belong on the road! Where is the regulation for headlights blinding people and making it difficult to drive at night?
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
The rear 3rd brake light above the back glass started leaking because the seal/gasket went bad. Water leaked into the cab and now the headliner has to be replace as well as that seal. I works for a glass company and this is a known problem for this year. There should be a recall or service campaign put out for this. I'm not the only one with this issue.
Incident date: Oct 11, 2025
Rear tail light not working filled with water and burned out led
Incident date: Nov 24, 2025
Tesla removed the lighted emergency frunk (front trunk) release button and its wiring from this vehicle and other similar newer builds. The elimination of this key safety feature is a clear violation of the U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard FMVSS 401 for Interior Trunk Release; requiring all new passenger cars with trunk compartments (rear and front) to have a way for someone trapped insi... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2022) — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jan 7, 2026
Incident date: Dec 31, 2025
Unit used as a rental from Avis. Night time driving will cause on-coming traffic to flash high beams while my lights are in low beam mode. This is a daily problem with a multitude of on-coming drivers as the LED headlights are perceived to be extra bright / blinding.
Incident date: Jan 7, 2026
on coming lighting blinded me which caused the vehicle to go off the road onto the shoulder since I could not see the roadway
Incident date: Jan 4, 2026
The LED lights are dangerously, blindingly bright, causing oncoming traffic to lose sight of the road.
Incident date: Jan 7, 2026
The vehicle is experiencing repeated failure of the Footwell module (FRM), a known defect acknowledged by MINI/BMW. During the two years I have owned the vehicle, the FRM has required four separate reflashes due to recurring malfunctions. The failure causes loss of proper power window operation, including the passenger window reversing or rolling down unexpectedly, and loss or malfunction of other... Read more
Incident date: Jan 7, 2025
The contact owns a 2024 Toyota Tundra. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V322000 (Exterior Lighting) and 25V767000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 6, 2026
The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that under previous vehicle ownership, the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V252000 (Electrical System, Exterior Lighting, Vehicle Speed Control, Electronic Stability Control (ESC); however, the recall repair failed to prevent a failure. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal, the rear brake light fai... Read more
TOYOTA
RAV4 PRIME
(2023) — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jan 6, 2026
Incident date: Aug 15, 2025
I am reporting an unresolved safety defect involving the 12.3-inch instrument panel display on my Toyota RAV4 Prime, which is the subject of NHTSA Recall 25V595 (Manufacturer Recall 25TB08). The defect affects the LED digital display that provides critical driver information, including vehicle speed, warning indicators, and operating status. Initially, the display would intermittently go blank at... Read more
Incident date: Dec 19, 2025
I have a 2016 MDX. The big red light on my tailgate on the passenger side stopped working. I had been driving at night and only found out when a friend mentioned it to me. I al concerned driving due to safety issues with being less visible to other drivers. I tried changing the bulb with two new ones (correct size 7440) and it still does not work. I noticed online that there is a safety recall fo... Read more
Incident date: Dec 2, 2025
My right headlamp/ turn signal assembly began flashing at random intervals. The high beam would come on and off randomly. The entire assembly would randomly flash along with the turn signal. The headlamp would go on and off randomly. This included switching between setting. High beam, low beam, daytime running light, and completely off with no warning. This causes blinding conditions for oncoming ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 5, 2025
1)I purchased my car during daylight hours. A few days later I drove my car in the evening and could not see street signs or the road 1/3 of the way up through my windshield. There is a definitive line where the windshield turns black. It is extremely dangerous. The Toyota engagement center told me to take my car to the dealership where it was purchased. I also took photos of what I could not see ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 6, 2026
The headlights on this car are pointed too high. When driving on the road at night vehicles coming the other way often assume you have your bright lights on and flash you with their bright lights which can temporarily blind you - obviously a big safety problem! If this only happened once in a while I'd say no big deal but it happens EVERY SINGLE TIME YOU DRIVE THE CAR! I've spoken with other 20... Read more
Incident date: Mar 27, 2024
known issue with Driver side DRL going out and whole headlight unit has to be replaced according to dealer.
Incident date: Nov 18, 2025
Daytime running light fails to illuminate.
Incident date: Dec 15, 2025
Passenger side head light stop working little over when car is out of the factory warranty at approximately 55,000 miles, to fix is very expensive, over $4000.00 because you cannot just change the bulb the entire unit need to be replaced. This seems to be a common problem with this model.
Incident date: Jan 5, 2026
Brake lights, hazard lights, and turn signals in the back of the car stopped working. Took vehicle into Glenbrook Hyundai dealer in Fort Wayne, Indiana and the dealer confirmed the problem is caused by the open safety recall. No remedy exists yet, so dealer charged me diagnostic fees for recall-related work.
Incident date: Mar 7, 2025
The impact on the car is we no longer have cruse control (basic feature) and every time we turn on the car we see many warning lights turn on. Some other feature that does not work is lane assist does not work. According to what shows up to on the dashboard there are problems for "road departure mitigation system Problem", "Auto high-beam problem", "Adaptive cruse control problem", "Lane keeping ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 15, 2023
The OEM projector halogen headlights on the 2022 Kia Forte provide insufficient illumination for safe nighttime operation. On unlit or poorly lit roads, the low-beam distance is inadequate to identify road hazards, pedestrians, or signage in time to react at standard posted speeds (45+ mph). This creates a "dead zone" where the driver is effectively over-driving their headlights. This is a known ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
Car would randomly die while I was driving, causing my children and I to be in severe danger in the middle of a busy road multiple times