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: Oct 16, 2021
While driving on the highway "SRS urgent" text came on, also hear clicking sounds under dash on driver side, then dashboard indicator lights completely disappear (speed, fuel, temperature, etc) . Extremely hot under driver side dash. Fortunately, still able to steer and brake. This has happened twice now. Mechanic believes most likely CEM failure or DIM failure. My vehicle also has a wet A-pillar... Read more
Incident date: May 12, 2020
The contact owns a 2016 Tesla Model S. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, the center display inadvertently went blank and froze, causing the contact to have to restart the center display. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring while driving. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V035000 (Back Over P... Read more
Incident date: Nov 8, 2021
you can not see the highway at night.one has to slow down or stop to see.the only way to see is with the high beams on,which is unsafe for other drivers coming toward you.on other ocassions,i simply had to pull over to the side of the road.
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2021) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Nov 12, 2021
Incident date: Nov 11, 2021
The high beams do not light when turned on by pushing the left stalk forward. They do function if the left stalk is pulled back. But after about a minute they turn off again. I experienced this on a dark highway with no traffic or other lighting outside.
Incident date: Nov 12, 2021
Low beam headlight are so dim, that it creates a safety hazard driving at night. The reflector material on the inside of the light bulb housing assembly has deteriorated to the point that the light bulbs light cannot project out the front of the light assembly. This makes driving at night very dangerous. We have not experienced an incident or accident concerning this problem, but I will not have ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 11, 2018
2017 GMC Yukon Denali 4WD. Rear passenger brake light intermittently fails while driving Confusing and causing motorists behind my vehicle to receive inconsistent intermittent brake warning lights to alarm other motorists I have stopped. Someone is going to end up slamming into me because of this. It’s a dangerous common failure that needs to be address ASAP. I’m not waiting but GM’s e... Read more
Incident date: Nov 11, 2021
The lighting and small system computer or FRM module. This module controls any features including safety features on the car. Also known as the footwell module. After having AAA install a new battery within days the widows would not go down my turn signals, hazard lights, dash lights, courtesy lights, tail lights, horn, high beam headlights and possibly airbags don’t work. Mini will fix the prob... Read more
Incident date: Nov 10, 2021
While driving all dashboard warning lights came on and the headlights and directional lights stopped functioning causing a dangerous driving condition in the dark. I immediately pulled over the 2017 wrangler and attempted to turn off the vehicle to reset the computer system. The Jeep would not turn off with ignition turned off and the key removed. The Jeep began overheating. I disconnected the bat... Read more
Incident date: Jul 4, 2021
Low beam headlights are so dim I cannot drive when dark out. This is a big safety issue. Please advise.
Incident date: Sep 18, 2013
Low beam headlights burn out every 6 months, no matter the quality of bulb. Casings are discolored on the inside and light doesn't project beyond about 4 feet, doesn't reach the car bumper in front of me. Cannot be corrected with lens cleaning kits or improved with brighter bulbs. Very dangerous. I cannot see in low light or dark at all. I've had this car since 2013 and it gets progressively worse... Read more
Incident date: Nov 9, 2021
There is a safety recall on this vehicle but there is no remedy available. I am trying to list this car through a rental platform but because of the recall, they won’t let me. I need this recall resolved or have the VIN pulled from the list of recalls.
Incident date: Nov 1, 2020
Condensation inside both headlights. We didn't notice the problem until we moved from the warm west coast weathe to the midwest where the climate is colder.
Incident date: Jan 1, 2019
The headlights have become so dim that driving at night is unsafe. Replacing bulbs does not fix the problem. This is a design defect and is very unsafe.
Incident date: Nov 2, 2021
The contact owns a 1996 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving at night with the high beam on, a strong burning odor was detected inside the cabin of the vehicle. The contact stated that he thought the burning odor was coming from outside not the vehicle as no warning lights were illuminated and the vehicle was functioning normally. The contact stated that the next morning the headl... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Nov 8, 2021
UNKNOWN Passenger side headlight will not come on Not a bad bulb
Incident date: Nov 8, 2021
Front lights very dim, cracked light covers
Incident date: Sep 10, 2018
The headlights on my 2015 Altima are so very dim. It is as if they are not even on. All passengers that ride in my car ask if my headlights are on when they are in the car. I started to notice this dimming about 2018/2019. I took my car to the dealership where I was told (the first time) that I must have put too bright of headlights in the unit. (Which is not the case as I know it takes H-11). The... Read more
Incident date: Oct 14, 2021
I can not see a dark road in the night if there is no additional lighting, such as street lights. I have been to the dealership and there is no brighter bulbs approved by Ford; they have repositioned the lights and it does not help. I have missed a right turn several times and understeered. Twice I have missed the road completely and ran into a ditch that was not made visable when using the d... Read more
Incident date: Nov 3, 2021
while driving, all lights (headlights, instrument, etc) would randomly go dark. Lighting usually restored after toggling the instrument control arm from on-to-off-on. Obviously super dangerous as driver can't see roadway and other drivers can't see the car.
Incident date: Jun 5, 2020
The headlights seals have failed and it’s is very hard to drive at night. Dangerous They new the headlight seals were faulty from the very beginning yet they still installed them in the car. They voluntarily replaced the headlights on many of the cars but refuse to replace my headlights. I cannot afford approximately 1400.00 to replace headlights that they should be held responsible for. I know... Read more
Incident date: Sep 9, 2021
2015, GMC, Acadia SLT. Rear brake calipers had to be replaced out of my pocket after rear brake calipers froze and locked the brakes in the middle of traffic. This almost caused a major accident in which lives may have been lost or severe injury sustained. The rear brake calipers were inspected by a mechanic. ABS, Traction Control and Stabiltrak warning lights illuminated. Had to have the vehicle ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 3, 2021
Low beam headlights on passenger side burn out at a rate of 1 to 2 per year. I am the original owner and the vehicle has never been in an accident. Dealer replaced headlight wiring and high beam switch on steering column under warranty because plug at headlamp melted and switch seemed faulty. This repair was approximately 4 years ago. Headlights burning out has been a problem since new. Seems to h... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2020
The vehicle randomly loses or gains power while driving. All of the auto locks go up and down, while the cluster goes in and out with very high rpms and then completely loses power in the middle of the road. Or this happens and the steering gets very tough. It is very dangerous because there are times where it happens on the highway while doing up to 80mph. It also happens when sitting at line... Read more
LAND ROVER
DEFENDER
(2022) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Nov 4, 2021
Incident date: Nov 4, 2021
1. Both rear taillights extinguish when a bright light if flashed at them. The taillights will not come back on until you power cycle the vehicle. I am able to replicate this issue with a handheld flashlight. 2. At night if my taillights are not visible, then this can be hazardous to the safety of others on the road and myself. 3. I have not had an authorized repair facility inspect the issue bu... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2021
I am concerned with the lack of visibility that my low-beams provide. I live in a semi-rural area, where the streets are not well-lit, there are no curbs, and people walk along the edge of the street after dark. I contacted both Cadillac AND my dealer, and they both told me that it’s possible that the deal has eroded and caused dimming. I was told there was a class action suit that addressed t... Read more
Incident date: Nov 2, 2021
The rear lights on my vehicle - including brake lights - intermittently stop working. I was unaware of this issue until I had someone follow me to my destination to make me aware. This is extremely dangerous that could lead to a wreck with the potential of bodily injury. GMC has issued a service bulletin (admitting to using faulty parts) related to this problem, however, they have limited the cove... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2021
Low beam headlights are dangerously dim. Drivers side is so bad, I thought the headlight was burnt out however its not. Passengers side is very dim. It is so bad that this car is only driven during daylight hours, it is too dangerous to drive at night and during inclement weather due to the dim low beams, visibility is horrific. After replacing the headlight bulbs there was no improvement. Im told... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2021
My rear lights are not working properly. I had a malfunction warning and for the right rear light. Which is making all the lights not functioning. It almost had me rear ended.
Incident date: Jul 30, 2021
Tony Divino Toyota, a Toyota Motor Company dealership, sold me this vehicle sight unseen knowing I would immediately be towing a boat trailer 350 miles at highway speeds through construction zones on I-80 with children and our dog onboard. I was told it had passed a "160 point inspection" and was "in great condition". However, when delivered to me the dealership knew it was not road worthy and i... Read more
Incident date: Oct 18, 2021
driving vehicle and a torrential down pour of water came out of the front interior light which is located at the windshield . The water fell onto the entire entire of the car onto me driving and almost caused an accident as I was shocked and surprised. I have a sunroof in this vehicle and in researching it find that prior lawsuits have been filed and won. Jeep is aware of this and does not inform ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 7, 2021
It is a common complaint on the 4runner forums, the low beam head lights don't generate enough light to see at night. One video i saw measured the out put at less then 250lumns. The average halogen bulb put out 700lumns of light. I am constantly having to use high beams to see down the road. Consumers are forced to purchase and install after market head lights. It posses a safety risk not o... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2008) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Nov 3, 2021
Incident date: Oct 8, 2021
I have owned this Jeep since approximately 2010 and is in great condition. This has been a great vehicle and has recently began to give us these issues. 1. Something is definitely wrong with the electrical system. It is available for inspection upon request. 2. Temperature gauge not reading, drivers side rear tail light and front passenger side marker lights do not work. Directional and brake ligh... Read more
CHRYSLER
TOWN AND COUNTRY
(2011) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Nov 3, 2021
Incident date: Nov 2, 2021
Vehicle would lose power. First problem was while at the gas station with my children (age 4 and 1) and with the key in the cup holder, the doors locked on their own. I had to call my husband to bring spare key. The next issue was the vehicle battery drained and had to get jumped. The last issue was the vehicle would not turn on. All of the lights turned on but would not crank over.Took it to my l... Read more
Incident date: Oct 30, 2021
Passenger rear tail lamp/brake lamp failure. This is a known issue with GMC Yukon vehicles MY 2015-2019 with LED tail lamps. Metal within the lamp vibrates loose and cause the brake lamp to fail - thus resulting in no BRAKE Lamps illuminating at braking. This would be the second time this issue has occurred in 4 months, with the previous repair occurring rear drivers side and logged with NHTSA for... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2006) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Nov 2, 2021
Incident date: Nov 1, 2021
While driving all dashboard and exterior lighting goes off and engine and brakes seem to be impacted. Possibly an ignition switch failure.
Incident date: Jun 30, 2020
Steering locks up at lower speeds or when turning into a parking lot all the ligths shut off at the same time the steering does it has happened more at night lights flicker both interior lights and exterior lights a/c shuts off radio shuts off i have went to different dealers and have not been able to fix this problem even doh i show them videos of what it does both my wife and i have almost had a... Read more
Incident date: Oct 20, 2021
Headlights are so dim that it makes driving difficult and unsafe, particularly in rain and on rural, unlit roadways. Virtually unnoticeable change in lights when changing from dim to bright, and no side lighting whatsoever to allow visibility of deer/wildlife, etc. in ditches. Even turning from a highway onto a side road in rural areas is difficult and dangerous. I have found numerous complaint... Read more
Incident date: Oct 28, 2021
I've had issues with my headlights going dim, and when I take it in there is nothing, that can be done about it. This has occurred more than once.
Incident date: Nov 2, 2021
Head lamps are to dim to drive vehicle after dark
Incident date: Jan 1, 2021
The front headlights have failed and now hardly illuminate the roadway at night. I brought the vehicle to the dealer and they polished the outside housing of the headlamp assembly, but that failed to remedy the problem. I brought the vehicle to a local repair shop, and they report this is a common problem with Acuras and they state that the entire headlight assembly needs to be replaced. The headl... Read more
Incident date: Nov 2, 2021
Drove home, while attempting to park, (car was in motion) vehicle stalled & steering locked, lights on dash flicked off, radio went off then came back on. This happened 4 times while I attempted to park. Finally parked vehicle successfully & turned car off. This happened several times in recent months but only for a few seconds also on another occasion was unable to turn steering wheel once vehicl... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2021
Headlights are so dim I have to use highbeams to see properly so both the dim lighting and having to use highbeams is very dangerous. This is a ongoing problem I have had since I bought the vehicle new - seems to be getting worse and I find that I try not to drive at night because of it. I believe a recall by GM should be immediately initiated.
MITSUBISHI
MONTERO
(2002) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Nov 1, 2021
Incident date: Nov 1, 2021
My car has 2 recalls and my local Mitsubishi dealer refused to fix the recalls.
Incident date: Aug 15, 2021
Third rear brake light on my Chevy Cruze hatchback broke off from its mount, and is now dangling against the rear window glass, obstructing the view, obstructing the rear windshield wiper from being able to operate, and held on by nothing but the wiring. It is at risk of falling off into the road, makes the car less visible to drivers while braking, and obscures my view out of the back window, esp... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2021
I purchased my Hyundai Tuscon Limited Saturday 10/30/21 and during the day its perfect at night the headlights produce a black shawdow on the driver side headlight. I am now nervous to drive my vehicle at night due to causing an accident. The visibility in the road from the blind spot has mimicked something black crossing the road and slammed my breaks on thinking I was going to hit an animal or s... Read more
Incident date: Oct 30, 2021
Dash lights flickering in and out and I can’t see my speed but the car still runs n has blinkers. Eventually it will flicker and go all the way black. Also the radio still worked fine n reverse camera did too it don’t stall or anything tho I’m just scared to drive At night cause i goes totally black
Incident date: Jul 15, 2020
Headlights are very dim to the point it's a safety issue. Only getting worse over time and it looks like I have no headlights on . Have to drive with brights on to see road and other cars can see me .
Incident date: Oct 30, 2021
Headlights suddenly went out while driving. Only the fog lights worked. Very dangerous! I am appalled that Cadillac hasn’t recalled these vehicles and even more appalled that there is thousands of complaints regarding this same issue! Complaints recorded and sent to Cadillac and yet no recall? Why? I cannot drive my vehicle at night now. Replacing the headlights is a temporary fix because as soo... Read more
Incident date: Sep 30, 2021
2019 Outback Premium bought Bought May 2019. When I bought the car and for at least 6 months or more the headlight produced nice white light and I could see the road clearly. During this period the car was driven before sunrise and no issues with light emission. Driving the car today on the same roads at same time in morning road visibility is extremely poor. After the first 6 months I only dro... Read more
Incident date: May 30, 2014
The lights on this car have always had an issue ever since I bought it off the lot in 2014 new with 35 miles on the car. The first couple of years I continued to return to the dealer where I bought the car to have them replace the lights but I got tired of dealing with returning to not get favorable results. It for sure is a Nissan issue. The cosmetic light strips on the rearview mirrors on both... Read more