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: Jul 18, 2021
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that the headlights were dim however, there was no fog or coating on the headlight assemblies that could have caused the failure. The contact stated that other vehicles would either flash their hi-beam lights or sound their horn to inform him that his lights were not on even while the headlights were activated. The contact took the vehicle ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 25, 2020
The visibility of my headlights are so bad that I am unable to drive my car at night. At first, I thought that I was imagining it and maybe my eye sight was going bad, but my husband noticed it too. This has been going on for about 8 months or so. I didn't notice it much at first because I was not driving as much with the pandemic. The only way that I can drive my car at night is if I keep my hea... Read more
Incident date: Oct 18, 2020
The contact owns a 2015 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that the low-beam headlights were significantly dim and were affecting her visibility of the road. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had caused her to drive with the high beam actuated at night. The contact also stated she had received an unknown recall notification related to the failure. The deal... Read more
CHEVROLET
TRAILBLAZER
(2006) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Oct 17, 2021
Incident date: Oct 16, 2021
While driving both low beam headlights turned off. This has now happened on more than one occasion.
Incident date: Jan 1, 2018
factory headlights are terrible. almost impossible to drive at night and really bad when its raining. talked with local dealer and they said there is no problem. start/stop does not work also.
MERCEDES-BENZ
GL450
(2014) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Oct 17, 2021
Incident date: Aug 25, 2021
' '['? /The right front headlight was replaced (after receiving a headlight warning) approximately about a year after the warranty expired. The dealership claimed this was due to moisture in the headlight. In August 2021, the left front headlight showed to be having issues with the same error message. Upon further inspection, the mechanic noticed that it was not moisture in the headlight that... Read more
Incident date: Sep 30, 2021
This one happend to my 18yrs brother in law . He using my car to get to his school i dont know what happend he said brake didnt went through . No injury got a car crash thats all . But the sad thing is my insurance went up and the car history gonna be under my safety driver record . Dmv said im a good driver thats why they email me a safety driver number to renew my license no waiting in line . Ma... Read more
Incident date: Oct 15, 2021
Lights are so dim cannot drive at night without brights. Have replaced lights to brightest and had lenses professionally refinished with no help.
Incident date: Jun 1, 2020
Both Headlights on low beam do not light up road infront of you although they used to no problem, the regular headlights are so dim it is almost impossible to see without having high beams on. However driving with high beams puts headlights directly in the eyes of oncoming traffic.. improper lighting is dangerous! When driving at night, I must use highbeams or you can not see far enough ahead to... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2020
The low beam headlights are so dim that it is near impossible to drive at night. There is no haze on the exterior part of the headlight. I have tried replacing the bulbs but it did not improve the visibility. I first noticed it summer of 2020, but it has gotten much worse over time.
Incident date: Oct 16, 2021
Low beams are too dim, even with replacing with new bulbs
Incident date: Oct 14, 2021
Both low beam headlights stopped working. Two days later the passenger side low beam headlight turned on again, but not the driver side. 2 months later both low beams again no longer working. I've replaced all 4 fuses (interior and exterior), headlight relay, and bulbs. None of that fixed the problem.
Incident date: Oct 15, 2021
I have a problem with the Headlights they are yellow and there is no way I have found to clean them. It makes it hard to get a bright view at night especially when travelling on secondary streets with low or limited lightning. I have also noticed that a lot GMC Terrains have the same issue. Is there are will there be a recall on my 2012 GMC Terrain it does create a very dangerous situation especia... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
C300
(2010) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Oct 15, 2021
Incident date: Oct 8, 2021
The contact owns a 2010 Mercedes Benz C300. The contact stated that the wiring in the left tail light had melted. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V177000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING) which he linked to the failure. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure and both informed him that the recall had been serviced prior to the contact owning the vehicle. ... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jul 24, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that his passenger side headlight housing had melted and become defective. While driving at 55 MPH, the contact stated that the windshield wipers failed to operate without warning during a rainstorm. Additionally, he stated that the turn signals would operate in the opposite directions of his intention. The dealer was notified of the failu... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Oct 15, 2021
I was driving to work with my son and sister in the car when the steering wheel suddenly got very tight and started jerking when I attempted to make a left or right turn. I then stopped at a gas station and as soon as I came to a complete stop the vehicle shut off before I could turn it off manually. I then attempted to turn the key on and start the vehicle but it would not turn over, it would onl... Read more
Incident date: Oct 15, 2021
Low-beam headlight bulb repeatedly fails in 2006 Honda CR-V, more often on the driver’s side, requiring replacement two to three times per year. This has occurred since the car was purchased in 2011 over ten years ago. Recall is needed for this common problem.
Incident date: Dec 27, 2018
The headlights on dim only project 5-10 feet, thereby forcing the driver to use bright lights at all times. This problem was first noted in December, 2018 and again the summer of 2019 when another driver used the car. I do not generally drive at night. However, other family members are now greatly concerned as the problem has only deteriorated. Headlights were restored this summer at the deale... Read more
Incident date: Oct 15, 2021
My 2011 Kia Sorento headlights blink on and off when I’m drinking it’s very scary driving at night because I don’t know when it may happen it’s been happening on and off
Incident date: Aug 1, 2019
Headlights are very dim. Sometimes need to use high beams to see at night. From what I read on line, it is a common problem with the headlight housing on 2013-2015 Acura RDX. This is a serious safety risk and Acura should repair. I purchased the car used about 2 years ago and the problem has gotten worse
Incident date: Jan 1, 2020
After owning my car for a few years, the front headlights began to dim. I've replaced them multiple times even with LED lights and now they are dim all the time. For example, the LED lights were installed in June and immediately there was no improvement. The car cannot be driven at night at all. It is extremely dangerous. I was told by the dealership that the 2015 base model is known to have ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 2, 2021
There have been 2 occasions while driving at night with the headlights on auto that the lights have gone off for no apparent reason. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. I was driving on a major highway and was not able to get to the side of the road. The entire dash went out. This was very dangerous as I could not see anything in front of me. After jiggling the turn signal swi... Read more
Incident date: Oct 14, 2021
Even after replacing bulbs in the headlights with the brightest bulbs available for the car, the headlights are too dim to see the road or anything while driving at night. This creates a safety hazard for the drivers and passengers in the car and other drivers on the road. Even the lines on roads are not clearly visible unless they are freshly painted. GM refuses to fix the problem and the replace... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2021
Headlight wiring seems to be coming loose. Replaced bulbs, no change. Lights will go out while driving on both sides. Cannot get them set back to remain on.
Incident date: Oct 13, 2019
The contact owns a 2007 GMC Envoy. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the headlamps became inoperable. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated she turned on the hi-beam and was able to continue to drive the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the dealer did not diagnose the vehicle. The dealer advised the contact to bring the vehicle in whenever the fa... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2021
Breaks are faulty, lights continue to go out in the rear after only a year after purchase. I’ve read other complaints about these issues. could be wiring or electrical issue with the breaks. Engine sounds like a plane is about to take off, has had starting problems. Overall horrible vehicle. There are a lot of problems with the vehicle, the lights are extremely dangerous as person behind would n... Read more
Incident date: Sep 13, 2021
The contact owns a 2017 Tesla Model S. The contact became aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V035000 (Back Over Prevention, Visibility, Exterior Lighting) however, an unknown dealer informed the contact that the parts for the recall repair were not yet available. The contact stated while driving 55-65 MPH, the navigation screen inadvertently turned blank. There were no warning lights illuminated. T... Read more
Incident date: Oct 6, 2021
The contact owns a 2005 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while driving at 20 MPH, the low beams of the vehicle went out inadvertently, almost causing the contact to crash into another vehicle that was coming from the opposite direction. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated she turned on her high beams and was able to continue to drive the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to th... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Oct 1, 2021
LCD Driver panel, fuel,odometer, speedometer, screen is completely black. Started flickering then went out. No warnings given. I have no idea how fast I am going nor how much gas/ battery power I have.
Incident date: Oct 6, 2021
instrument cluster panel goes completely out and blank, speedometer lost, and dash lights gone and causing other issues such as not being able to turn off vehicle, loss of cruise control, unable to open trunk, navigation screen unable to turn off, backup camera not functioning, front lights going on and off while driving at night.
Incident date: Oct 13, 2021
3 of my light lamps where burning and front headlight could have start a fire
Incident date: Aug 1, 2020
Vehicle is giving me a warning that the marker lights are not working. Dealership verifed that they are working, and have no issue. They are unable to clear warning unless they disabled the market lights. Warning keeps popping up ever so often on my dashboard becoming a distraction while driving.
Incident date: Sep 4, 2021
In the Winter of 2020, we stopped at Walmart to get a new light headlight for the Toyota 2015 Tacoma Truck and it was hard to put it in and THEN the Retainer Spring Clip fell out and was lost. No where to be found! Also the Gasket to the Headlight fell too and was lost. It stayed loose for a while and the Truck didn't pass its Annual Safety Inspection for 2021 because of the Headlight not sta... Read more
Incident date: Sep 19, 2021
The outside rear taillight was FULL of water. I discovered this when going to replace bulbs I thought were just burned out. In fact one of the bulbs was shattered I presume from the water reaching the hot light. The taillight is non functional and I will have to take it to be repaired/replaced. I should not have to pay for what is very clearly an manufacturer defect that compromises safe vehicle o... Read more
Incident date: Jul 19, 2021
When driving at highway speeds and applying brakes, the headlights will pulse bright to dim for the duration of braking. I have seen this problem reported online by several dealers and it has a known software update to fix the problem, but it is not listed under the recalls for this vehicle. A similar problem exists on the 2014 Mazda's and a recall does exist for that vehicle.
Incident date: Jul 3, 2021
LED Taillight failure REAR DRIVERS SIDE. This seems to be a common occurance amongst GMC Yukon Denali XL, where the circuit housing for the LED board begins failure with fissure within the electrical contact points. The fissure soon erupts causing a shunt within the LED semiconductor and causing the brake lights to cease functioning.
Incident date: May 17, 2021
After work I got in my renegade Trailhawk and turned it on as usual to go home. Upon starting up the vehicle, warning lights came on telling me the headlights, tail lights, blinkers, daytime lights, tag lights, parking lights and back up lights were not working or out. I got out and inspected them only to see they were in fact all still functioning as should be. I got someone from the dealership t... Read more
Incident date: Oct 11, 2021
PROBLEM: LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS ON 2014 CADILLAC SRX: With age, the low beam headlights become too dim to drive at night even though there is nothing wrong with the actual headlight bulb. The problem is related to the materials and design of the Cadillac SRX headlight assemblies. The reflector of the low beam headlight is made of plastic with a chrome coating. The heat of the OEM bulb deteriorates ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 11, 2021
When the headlights are on they randomly flicker/shut off and flash back on. When using turn signal the headlights flash off and back on.
Incident date: Oct 9, 2021
While driving I my head lights will automatically turn off and takes a while to come back on or may come back on a few seconds after they shut off on their own. I only notice due to it being dark outside that this was happening, due to hardly driving at night I don't know how long it's been happening until recently.
Incident date: Oct 8, 2021
The low beam headlights do not illuminate the road sufficiently when there are dips in the road or going up hill. The dealer says the lights are fine but relative to the other cars, there is clearly a problem with low beams on undulating roads. On undulating roads or going up hills, the low beams often only illuminate about 20 ft in front of the car. The problem appears to be BMW has drastically l... Read more
GENUINE SCOOTER
BRIO
(2021) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Oct 9, 2021
Incident date: Oct 3, 2021
The scooter is 2 months old. At first the brake light switch failed which prevented the rear brake light from activating. Shortly after that failed the tail light stopped working. This could cause a crash.
Incident date: Oct 8, 2021
Headlights have excessive water and moisture internally causing extremely poor night visibility to the point you can't see the road without turning on your brights which is also extremely dangerous with oncoming traffic. So dangerous try not to drive at night.
Incident date: Oct 8, 2021
The headlights are incredibly dim, I've replaced the actual bulb and that's not the problem there's something wrong with the housing and reading online it's a common problem , they are so bad the car can not be driven at night.
Incident date: Oct 1, 2021
I have a blank instrument cluster, my lights are on and wipers run constantly. No warning before this happened. I cannot turn wipers off or control lights. No safety at night with no interior lights and not to mention. I cannot know how much fuel I have. I have found from research that many Jeep Wrangler owners have the same issue from reading forums. I can disconnect the negative battery cable an... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
JETTA
(2019) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Oct 8, 2021
Incident date: Apr 1, 2021
The contact's wife owns a 2019 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact's wife started noticing that the passenger’s side headlight had started to dim while driving. His wife took the vehicle to a dealer where she was informed that the passenger’s side headlamp needed to be replaced. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V671000 (Exterior Lighting) which he linked to the fai... Read more
Incident date: Oct 5, 2021
The lowbeam headlights have gotten extremely dim. I have not driven this car at night for some time, and on October 5th, 2021 I did drive at night. When I switched my lights to lowbeam for oncoming traffic and could not believe how dim they were!! My lowbeam headlights barely projected 50 feet. There is no way in the world I can safely drive this car at night anymore!!!! I changed the halogen bulb... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2018) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Oct 8, 2021
Incident date: Oct 8, 2021
The car computer screen was malfunctioning and then failed. All internal system lights warning lamps and service messages appeared and continued flashing until the battery died. I am attempting to get a dealer to inspect the vehicle. Vehicle has intermittently run; concern there could be a fire. Vehicle has left me stranded. Symptoms of the problem were failures with the vehicle entertainment s... Read more
Incident date: Oct 8, 2021
Passenger low beam kept burning out. I kept replacing. This morning, on my way home from work (I work nights on an ambulance) I could smell burning, and saw that the light was out once again. Got home, and the entire connector/wiring to the bulb was completely melted and sizzling, with a small flame at the base of the plastic connector. This is outrageous. There were recalls for this EXACT issue f... Read more
Fire
1 injured
Incident date: Oct 6, 2021
After 4.5 years of owning and operating this vehicle I have noticed some major issues with headlights. Positioning of headlights is very awkward. I avoid driving at night because of this. Even when headlight setting is on the last position I can hardly see a thing in front of me. I have had other drivers flash their lights on me when approaching from the opposite direction because my lights are ap... Read more