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 7, 2021
My head lights keep shutting off and stop working, they have replace it twice already and again today Oct 7th 2021ir stopped working again, now I just replaced the bulbs on Sept 15th 2021 there shouldn't be any reason to change it out this soon. I keep calling the dealership about it and nothing back from them. Today I ended up not seeing and hit into a curb and smashed up the side by my tire on ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Sep 7, 2021
I have a 2016 HR-V A large amount of water gets trapped inside the rear tail light which can short out the lights if not repaired. I noticed it after hearing water sloshing around every time I opened the rear trunk. This is a manufacturing defect and a definite safety issue for Honda. Problem has been an issue since at least 2017 but nothing has been done. Others have reported this as well. Took ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 6, 2021
My 2016 Rogue is now needing its 4th passenger side headlight replaced in 5 years. Each time it is due to a broken seal around the headlight, which allowed water to come in and short circuit the headlight & making the non-bright function null. Brights still work. After taking it to 2 separate local Nissan dealerships, they both concluded it was indeed a faulty headlight / design and both indicate... Read more
Incident date: Oct 7, 2021
The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Optra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V261000 (Exterior Lightning). The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the headlights inadvertently dimmed then went back to bright. The dealer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that parts were not available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacture... Read more
Incident date: Oct 7, 2021
Parking/Daylight continually goes out after repeated replacement of the bulb. I will have the vehicle available upon request. I have had it inspected by the dealer and third party services each and every time all they do is replace the bulb. It's only been 1 month since I last had the bulb replaced (But I've had it replaced 3 times this year). Additionally, I found a forum of people also complaini... Read more
Incident date: Oct 5, 2021
As the car drains the battery pretty quickly, I have turned on energy saving mode. In this mode the car enters a deeper sleep, consuming less power. Sometimes in this mode when starting the vehicle, the turn signals will not work (this appears to happen when the car sits for a while and the miles left on the battery is under 120 or so). After a quick stop (2 minutes out of the car), the turn si... Read more
Incident date: Oct 6, 2021
For the past two years I have been experiencing dim headlights. I have had them change twice and still cannot see 5 feet ahead of me. I was unaware that this could be a common problem with this model. Also, the passenger air light stays on even when no one is sitting in the seat. this problem started about six months ago. Now I think the transmission maybe starting to slip.
Incident date: Oct 5, 2021
Recently had to replace a failed bulb in my 2008 BMW 328i, during the replacement i noticed crumbling insulation within the plastic headlight compartment - basically all i had to do was touch the headlight wires lightly and insulation would crumble and flake off - this insulation is badly degraded, probably made out of improper materials and could potentially pose a hazard if the wires inside were... Read more
Incident date: Sep 27, 2021
All of the light wither short out or burn out all the time. I always have an out tail light . I’ve bought replacements at the dealer as well as auto zone. I have noticed many people also have this problem. We get tickets in California for this and half time I don’t even know it’s our because I just changed it 2 months ago. This is not normal and I have all of me receipts and could potential... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2021
On many cars including mine, and a family members 2021 8 series, BMW uses a light sensor on the instrument cluster to set the daytime dimming of the digital cluster and backup cameras. However, Florida-legal window tint confuses the system, and causes the screens to dim in a way that cannot be overridden or adjusted. There is a setting for screen brightness, however it is only active for night. ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2021
The headlights get water inside and at times enough water to cause the headlight to fail. I have had both headlights fail as a result of this. Cadillac is aware of this design flaw and was only willing to reimburse customers who were able to pay for the replacement lights up front. This is not fair to people who have purchased Cadillacs who were not able to pay, especially considering that it is a... Read more
Incident date: Oct 4, 2021
Turn signal sometimes does not work or causes opposite side to activate leading to increased risk of crash, no remedy provided currently from current recall on vehicle. There's no warning as to when this can happen which leads to driving the vehicle a risky bet.
Incident date: Sep 24, 2021
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 21V749000 (Exterior Lighting, Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact called the local dealer who stated that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The m... Read more
Incident date: Sep 29, 2021
- I have replaced the passenger head light bulb several times, starting summer or 2019, early 2020, fall 2020 and 2021. I recently learned it is not the bulb, it is the wiring connector which this time is damaged I believe by heat. The vehicle is available for inspection. - It is very dangerous driving this vehicle as a single low beam does not adequately illuminate the roadway. This is my wife... Read more
Incident date: Oct 4, 2021
I am having a major electrical short in my trunk area affecting my critical tail lights functionalities and common trunk function. I cannot use my turning signals or brake lights or lights in general when driving my vehicle from the rear my lights are not operable. This is a huge safety concern and risk that’s need to be recalled affecting millions I'm for certain. Along with that I am having st... Read more
Incident date: Oct 3, 2021
The low beam headlights are not bright enough to see clearly at night. Replaced both low beam bulbs with HID bulbs and they are still too dim to drive safely at night.
Incident date: Oct 1, 2021
Brake/taillight on driver side keeps burning out, not as quick as the headlight on the driver side does but I have replaced the taillight on the driver side 4 times already this year
Incident date: Aug 19, 2021
The component that has malfunctioned or failed is the pigtail for the low beam headlight on the driver side. The safety issue is that I am driving with one headlight reducing the visibility of the road. The problem has been reproduced because this is the second time that I had to change the headlights. The vehicle was not inspected by the manufacturer, police, or Insurance representative because t... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2021
When carrying cargo, the cutoff of the LED low beam headlamps is shifted upward blinding on coming traffic and dazzling other drivers. This requires the driver to manually adjust the angle of headlight projection under the hood of the vehicle, as there is not automatic system to do so, or even a manual system inside the vehicle. As a result, it’s likely few drivers will do this. Also, it is not ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 10, 2021
On a dark or dimly lit road the low beam headlights create a sharp boundary looking through the windshield with headlight illumination on the lower area and darkness on two thirds down from the top of the viewing area. It is as if the windshield has a line horizontally across it two thirds down in the field of view. The line bounces when the car bounces and dark upper portion can not be properly v... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2017) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Oct 2, 2021
Incident date: Oct 2, 2021
On October 02, 2021, While driving at highway speeds the engine stopped running and the tachometer went to zero RPM. I was able to shift to neutral and cruise downhill until I could safely pull to the side of the road. I was able to shift back to park. The vehicle would not restart for approximately 20 minutes. During this time the electric windows would not roll up or down, the electric tailg... Read more
Incident date: Aug 2, 2021
Since august 2021 passenger side headlight bulb has been replaced 3 times and has blown again only this time it has melted the headlight wiring harness
Incident date: Oct 2, 2021
Most of my exterior bulbs burn out out constantly. Headlights at least once a year, most of the time twice a year. Brake lights/ rear license plate bulbs burn out multiple times a year. Fog lights and high beams affected too. Apart from the annoyance of constantly being pulled over and given verbal warnings, or people yelling at me, trying to help me out by letting me know that yet another bulb ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2021
Gear shift got stuck in park one day at grocery store. When trying to shift out of park the gear shift will not shift. We had to engage the shift override button using a screwdriver. This is dangerous because having the shift override button exposed makes it easy for anyone to shift the car out of park accidentally. We plan to take the vehicle to a dealer on 10/1/2021 to have it inspected. Seco... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2015
The low beams are so dim, the vehicle cannot be driven at night. Even after replacing both bulbs there was no change. Vehicle can only be driven with high beams on. The dealer knows of the issue and said replacement would be the same system with the same problem. GMC offered a partial reimbursement, but has not corrected the defective system. If their offer was accepted, you would have to sign an ... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2021) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Oct 1, 2021
Incident date: Sep 15, 2021
High Beam headlights don't work when the headlight switch is in AUTO mode. Problem has been confirmed with Bozak Motors in Merrillville and they advised that there is a bulletin out advising them not to attempt repair as engineers are working on issue. Further research on my own reveled that they have 3 other of the same vehicles on lot with same issue. Seems like a safety issue when driving at ni... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2020
WATER COLLECTS IN THE RACETRACK TAILIGHT.
Incident date: Sep 23, 2021
After the light housing recall, the lights are even worse at illuminating the road ahead, I only feel safe to see when the bights are on.
Incident date: Sep 15, 2021
I received a notice from NHTSA (Campaign No. 20V-063) in May 2020 regarding a recall on daytime running lights due a problem with flickering or not lighting at all. A local dealership changed the lights in September 2020 at no charge to me. Now in September 2021 I see that the passenger side DRL is flickering constantly.
Incident date: Jan 6, 2020
The headlights have become dim. The bulbs have been changed several times LED and HID and casing cleaned. In order to see at night we have to drive with high beams on. This has become dangerous for driving. We tried switching the light order but the high beams are too powerful and can cause danger to other drivers. The dealers says we have to replace the headlight assembly kit $2k. This is an i... Read more
Incident date: Sep 30, 2021
My wipers stop in the middle of the windshield when it’s pouring outside. Now my horn won’t turn off! I was told that it’s the TIPM and it’s a known issue with my car.
Incident date: Mar 22, 2012
The Contact owns a 2015 Tesla Model S. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V035000 (Back Over Prevention, Visibility, Exterior Lighting) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part was not yet av... Read more
Incident date: Sep 29, 2021
Turn signal light fogged up when washing vehicle. Must be moisture getting in somehow. On a 2 month old car. Not good
Incident date: Sep 1, 2021
headlamps are very dim unable to see clearly at night and when raining
Incident date: Jul 1, 2017
the headlights are extremely dim, making it dangerous to drive at night. The bulbs have been replaced multiple times, but the lights remain dim. I literally am afraid to drive it at night. You can see in online forums that this is apparently common for the 2014 RDX, yet my car (and other) have not been included in any recall. This is a safety issue.
Incident date: Sep 1, 2021
Daytime Running Lights (DRL) are no longer operating as designed. LF Drivers is partially lighting, and RF Passengers has completely failed and no longer lighting.
Incident date: Sep 28, 2021
I recently purchased this vehicle and have discovered that you cannot see the road at night with dim beam, the cause is the reflector compartment on the light modules burns up from the heat generated by the light and takes away the reflector capabilities that give out light to the road. I am forced to currently drive with main beam everywhere which is a big safety issue. I investigated to see if t... Read more
Incident date: Sep 24, 2021
A few days ago I picked up my new 2022 Kia K5 GT-Line AWD Sedan. The car has LED projector headlights. On the drivers side headlight it casts a "V" shaped void onto the opposite side of the road, presumably to prevent the bright light from hitting oncoming drivers. However, when going around a left curve this void is directly in front of the car in my lane preventing me from seeing what is in fron... Read more
Incident date: Sep 28, 2021
Recommended lights for brakes keep burning, causing the brake light sockets to melt. I have replaced them twice and replaced the complete tail lights and wiring. Purchasing stock tail lights, bulbs as well as after market. The bulbs continue to blow or get so hot that they are melting the plastic. My car was smoking today from the rear and upon poping my trunk it was filled with smoke from the t... Read more
Incident date: Sep 30, 2020
There is currently a recall (TSB 19-042) for 2016 to 2017 Honda Accord DRL LED's malfunctioning due to high voltage on the lower LED strip. Both headlights have experienced this failure. I took the vehicle in for a 100,000 (end of Certified Warranty Safety Inspection) and when I picked up the vehicle, I was informed all the Recalls that applied to my vehicle had been completed. When noted that... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
E300
(2017) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Sep 27, 2021
Incident date: Sep 26, 2021
Vehicle instrument cluster has gone completely off while driving, will not display. Everything else in car works fine. Fuses are not blown. Shows recall in 2017 for this make and model but VIN does not show as any active recalls related to this for this vehicle.
Incident date: Sep 20, 2021
Exact same symptoms as NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 15V759000 (Hyundai recall 136 - described below). The car was previously repaired for this issue. The brake lights come on without any pressure applied to the brake petal, both when the car is off or running. Besides the critical issues stated below, it also causes the brake light bulbs to burn out prematurely, and drains the car battery. Hyundai ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2015
Headlights are extremely Dull, making night time driving dangerous. Headlight projector reflector is defective in all 2013 Hologen Bulb headlight assembly's. Driving at night or on wet roads, vision is extremely impaired, a danger to driver and pedestrians. I have contacted the Dealership, and they have no knowledge of any recalls in progress.
Incident date: Sep 19, 2021
While driving at night (appro 9:00 PM) the headlights went out for several seconds the came back on. When I got home I googled the year and make to find a few entries with people reporting the same occurrences. KIA dealership found multifunction switch to be defective
Incident date: Aug 3, 2020
dangerously low headlight visibility. replaced headlight at Nissan a month ago and still dim headlight.
Incident date: Sep 26, 2021
Head lights are not visible when on low beam at night
Incident date: Jul 16, 2021
Periodically one headlight starts flashing and my front turn signal won’t work. This typically happens in the middle of driving so I’m at risk of getting home safely.
Incident date: Sep 24, 2021
Low beam headlights are dim. The vehicle is unsafe to drive at night or in low light conditions There has not been an incident at this time. Because of the dim light condition I am afraid to drive the vehicle at night
Incident date: Sep 24, 2021
In a heavy Florida rain this afternoon about 3:30pm EDT I noticed my automatic headlight with windshield wiper function was inop. The lights normally go on with windshield wipers in the past. Upon investigation Tesla has removed this function at least on Model 3 and Y cars for some regulatory reason. It is unsafe to have to go to the touch screen to turn on headlights in this situation. Owners are... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
C250
(2014) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Sep 23, 2021
Incident date: Sep 17, 2021
The contact owns 2014 Mercedes-Benz CL250. The contact stated while driving at night the driver’s side headlight became inoperable. Additionally, while using the left turn signal there was an abnormal clicking noise detected. The check left turn signal, driver’s side low beam, running lights and driver’s side parking light message was displayed. Additionally, while driving at night on anothe... Read more