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: Sep 8, 2021
WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE ALL FRONT HEADLAMPS FAILED SIMULTANEOUSLY LEAVING ME IN THE DARK. DEALER NEXT DAY FOUND BOTH FRONT HEADLAMP BULBS HAD BOTH LOW AND HIGH BEAM FILAMENTS BURNED OUT! THIS MAY HAVE BEEN A CATASTROPHIC ACCIDENT BUT FOR MY FOG LIGHTS. HOW CAN ANYONE FEEL SAFE IN A VEHICLE IN WHICH ALL LIGHTS MIGHT FAIL WHILE DRIVING UNLIT CURVY ROADWAYS?
Incident date: Sep 1, 2019
Portions of the rear LED taillight have shorted out due to water accumulation in the housing
Incident date: Sep 7, 2021
The dash lights on my 2010 Prius went all dark, lost all information on my dash. No lights on dash, no fuel gauge, no speedometer, nothing. This is very dangerous to suddenly have happened and I don't see a recall from Toyota to address this problem.
Incident date: Sep 8, 2021
Driving headlight output is so diminished that it is very difficult to safely drive in adverse conditions, ie., darkness, rain and oncoming vehicles. The projector lamp assembly used in this vehicle is old technology and is somewhat compounded by the use of a smoked acrylic outer lens cover assembly. I feel that safety was compromised for style and this is not acceptable. I have sent a letter to ... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
CC
(2014) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Sep 8, 2021
Incident date: Sep 5, 2021
Wiring harness 3C8-971-182-J yielded multiple wire breaks with exposed copper ends near harness couplers. Wiring is for rear lights and camera mounted on trunk hood. Some rear lights failed to light. Picture is available. Have noticed multiple issues of same on internet with identical breakage.
Incident date: Feb 21, 2019
This is related to NHTSA recall 21V-035. Tesla replaced the 8Gb memory card with a 64Gb memory card (so I'm told) but the main car display screen still does not function most of the time. This results in; -unavailability of the rearview camera display -defrost/defog control settings unavailable for purposes of ensuring visibility -and exterior turn signal lighting may increase the risk of a crash ... Read more
Incident date: May 11, 2021
Headlights turn off and on randomly when headlight switch is in auto mode. Dangerous in the dark when suddenly the light disappears.
Incident date: Aug 11, 2021
Driving in the early AM darkness went to turn on my bights and my headlights and every other light went out leaving me moving at 60+ miles an hour in complete darkness on a highway. Headlights also flickering intermittently and at times when I try use my turn signal. Baffled at how this has not been recalled. This is a deadly manufacturer defect.
Incident date: Sep 8, 2021
The headlights will flicker. Coming off a stop the parking break would flash as a failure and not available. Goes on and off along with a few lights on the dash.
Incident date: Aug 28, 2021
My dash told me I have a headlight out. The headlight seems to come on and off from time to time. Now it says both are out. Every now and again they both come back on. It seems as though I have an electrical issue going on all of a sudden. But could be due to the engine running poorly causing disconnections In the wiring harness. The engine is shaking pretty bad and awaiting my scheduled appointme... Read more
Incident date: Aug 28, 2021
Right headlight leveling motor failed causing headlight to point at the ground. I now have limited night time visibility on a 13,000 mi. vehicle. Toyota does not offer a replacement part nor do aftermarket sellers. A Youtube video of one of these dismantled motors shows a cheapest of the cheap device. Auto manufacturers should not be allowed to use cheaply made items to point headlights! Dealer re... Read more
Incident date: Mar 9, 2021
HEADLIGHTS STOP WORKING WHILE DRIVING BECAUSE JEEP KNOWS ABOUT A TIPM ISSUE BUT WILL NOT FIX IT. TIPM issue. This issue is common and described across the web but is a safety hazard! The headlights will flash 3-5 times then completely shut off. Restarting the Jeep and disconnecting the battery does not help. Jeep dealer says circuit in the TIPM is the issue and that this is common! Lordy have m... Read more
Incident date: Sep 6, 2021
Purchased vehicle used. Test drive prior to purchase was at daytime. The first time vehicle was driven at night the low beam lights were noticeably dim. Had to switch to high beams in order to adequately see enough to safely drive. Research indicates this is a know issue with this year model.
Incident date: Aug 15, 2021
The rear lights develop condensation which causes the brake lights/turn signals to fail. This failure could easily lead to accidents and appears to be a safety issue. Kia has known about this problem since at least December 1, 2014 as it issued a “Pit Stop” PS364 to dealers regarding remediation of the problem on that date, yet Kia has not issued a (safety or non-safety) recall. My left ligh... Read more
KTM
790 ADVENTURE R
(2021) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Sep 7, 2021
Incident date: Sep 1, 2021
The brake lights were not illuminated intermittently and ABS was not engaging intermittently
Incident date: Sep 5, 2021
When the light selection is set to AUTO the headlights will periodically shut off while driving at night. At other times, the light will turn on when the car is parked and no key or occupants are in the car.
Incident date: Dec 1, 2019
The low beam headlights have become very dim and it is difficult to see at night. I have replaced the bulbs and it did not help.
Incident date: Sep 6, 2021
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? While traveling at night I attempted to turn on the high beams to better illuminated the highway but the high beams failed to turn on. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? This resulted in limited visibility of the road and any potential hazards. Has the problem been reproduce... Read more
Incident date: Sep 4, 2021
The left headlight went our or so I thought until I tried to change it then it worked until I put the cover back on. Also the car beeps a warning but I never know what the warning is for. The mass airflow system sensor has been replaced 5 times as of today since 5-2021. It stalled and died leaving me scared as I tried to enter the road luckily o wasn't injured.inhave no info as far as mileage, fue... Read more
Incident date: Aug 31, 2021
The racetrack light strip on the trunk isn’t water tight. Rain water, melting snow, car washes, etc, cause water and condensation to build up inside the light. This builds up and fries the LEDs in the rear taillights. This then caused an electrical problem that caused a headlight to malfunction. Dodge/Chrysler refused to help me with this. I had to replace it out of pocket and 2 months later my ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2017
The low beam headlights provide extremely low visibility at night. It's like driving with a flashlight to light the road. The problem has progressively gotten worse over the past several years. My 25 year old son drove my car at night and told me he doesn't know how I can even see to drive at night. Last evening I had problems even seeing the road driving in an area where I was not used to drivin... Read more
Incident date: Aug 20, 2021
We purchased the car with an option package the specifically included fog lights. Because of local weather conditions and reduced driving related to the pandemic, we never had the need to use the fog lights. Recently, we were driving in the Finger Lake region of New York at night when fog started to form. That's when we realized the car was built with no fog light switch. Since returning home,... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2021
When driving my dash lights quit for days and then sometimes come back on. I am not aware of what speed I am going when driving. I am not able to accurately drive the speed limit that I am suppose to. I don’t know how much gas I have or if I am about to run out of gas. If my check engine light is on or not, and can’t see my turn signals. How can you obey the laws of driving when you can’t te... Read more
Incident date: Sep 4, 2021
Front right side marker light defective. This recall shows up for Audi Q7, 2017, however, when I run my VIN it does not come up as an affected vehicle. This is a safety issue, when the light does not illuminate the vehicle is less visible at night and increases risk of crash. My vehicle is: 2017 Audi Q7.
Incident date: Sep 4, 2021
We bought this car new and since then we have replaced the right low beam headlight at least four times. At least twice it has failed while driving at night.
Incident date: Aug 5, 2021
My dash lights would flash bright and dim randomly while driving at first. A few weeks later my headlights would flicker from high beam to low beam and dash lights would still flicker. Now about a month into this my headlights still flicker but they have even turned off all while driving and I was told my brake lights go off as well ,dash lights still flicker and my a/c will not work/blow randomly... Read more
Incident date: Aug 31, 2021
2007 Dodge Ram 1500 Quad Cab 4WD - No interior lighting, No dashboard lighting. The interior lighting and dashboard illumination affects day and evening driving for different reasons. No ability to drive vehicle during evening hours or when there is no natural day lighting. Unable to see the speedometer, gas level indicator and temperature gauges. Exterior lights work, but inside the vehicle i... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2016
Lowlight beams are very dim. Poor visibility. NHTSA ratings are poor. I’m concerned as to why Kia will not fix the issue. There was no accident but for years I’ve been afraid to drive at night or avoid it. I’ve looked online and see I’m not the only Kia Sorento owner with these concerns. This does make me regret purchasing Kia and I tell everyone I know don’t buy this car.
Incident date: Sep 1, 2021
Low-beams will not turn on in any position, while the high-beams continue to function. I was able to use the high-beams to get me home but not having access to low-beams is dangerous.
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2014) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Sep 2, 2021
Incident date: Sep 2, 2021
THE HEADLIGHTS ON MY PICK-UP ARE ABSOLUTELY HORRIBLE AND DANGEROUS TO DRIVE WITH. I HAVE EVEN GONE TO THE EXPENSE OF HAVING BRAND NEW ONES INTALLED AND THEY ARE NO DIFFERENT IN THE LIGHTING. I CAN BARELY SEE ONE CAR LENGTH AHEAD OF ME WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT, WHICH IS PROHIBITING ME FROM USING MY PICK-UP FOR NIGHT TIME DRIVING. THIS IS RIDICULOUS TO HAVE SPENT SUCH A LARGE SUM OF MONEY FOR A VEHI... Read more
Incident date: Jul 2, 2018
Even though I've just replaced my headlight bulbs with brand new ones it is impossible to drive the car at night! If I drive with high beams on you can see but obviously you blind everyone else. I can no longer drive it to work at night. It is unsafe!!!!!!! It's seriously like trying to drive with a super dim flashlight. This problem started a few years ago and has slowly gotten to this point. You... Read more
Incident date: Aug 26, 2021
The rear tail lights have a sharp edge that is beak shaped and if you brush up against it on accident it slices into your skin or clothes. I was loading groceries and my arm skimmed over it and sliced a whole piece of skin off. I have researched the incident to see if others have had the same experience looking for a recall or solution after it happened to me and my husband multiple times most rec... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Sep 1, 2021
While driving, the housing for the light switches, microphone and sunglasses holder fell down and was swinging in the drivers line of vision.
Incident date: Sep 1, 2021
The plastic lenses that cover the headlights have fogged up in less than 4 years the lights are no longer bright enough to provide proper driving conditions at night. I spoke with volvo and they said that lenses are not covered even though the cat is still under warranty. This is very car but refuse to fix the problem. This is a major safety issue and I would hope that your department can help ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2019
The contact's wife owns a 2019 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would experience a delayed upshift upon the depression of the accelerator without warning. Additionally, the contact stated that the stop lamps would fail to illuminate upon depression of the brake pedal without warning. The contact then received a recall notice for NHTSA Campaign Num... Read more
Incident date: Aug 23, 2021
LED daytime running lights (DRLs) failing while driving. Recall don for similar vehicles (4320A recall). This could impact the ability for pedestrians or nearby vehicles to see the SUV, particularly in low-light conditions when the low- or high-beam headlights aren't in use.
Incident date: Aug 25, 2021
On a recent 9hr drive to home the headlights got so dim that I needed to turn on the fog lights to be able to cautiously continue the drive to home. The low voltage and low headlight output makes driving at night a very dangerous situation and can come on quickly. The voltage on the cars digital display varied between 12.2 and 12.3 volts. The halogen headlights are designed for 13.8 volts. The veh... Read more
Incident date: Aug 25, 2021
Brake lights quit working
CHEVROLET
CAPTIVA SPORT
(2012) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Aug 30, 2021
Incident date: Aug 30, 2021
Numerous complaints have been filed on the internet and to the NHTSA concerning the electrical system on this vehicle. Include engine not starting when turn key, car starts to have flashing instrument panel light and then dying, failure to be able to remove the key when turning off the ignition, most dangerous issue is the electrical system failing when on the highway, dealers seem to be aware of... Read more
Incident date: Aug 26, 2021
One day the climate control cluster was inoperable. The lights didn't come on with the vehicle and was unable to change temperature/AC or turn on the blower motor. Took vehicle into Larry H. Miller Toyota Dealership and they told me it was the ECM (wasn't communicating properly with the LAN system) and that the heated seats were affected as well. This is as 2018 with only 30k miles on it and says... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2007) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Aug 30, 2021
Incident date: Jul 28, 2021
went in for inspection and found out my vehicle has a small gas leak and turn signal and stomp lamps not working brake lights not working and emission system -obdii system faults
MERCURY
GRAND MARQUIS
(2003) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Aug 29, 2021
Incident date: Jun 15, 2020
The headlights are still not working properly, as before the recall. It is hit or miss if they decide to come on, or stay on. Also, the rear running lights may or may not come on when I turn the headlights on.
Incident date: Aug 28, 2021
Right brake light and tail light quit working for a few days, then returned to normal operation, both worked fine for a week then the left side went out and also returns for a few days. Now both are out except for one led per side per cluster. No brake lights except for the one over the gate. And turn signals work as they should.
DODGE
GRAND CARAVAN
(2014) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Aug 28, 2021
Incident date: Aug 13, 2021
Gas pedal stuck on acceleration until van hit 108mph and shut of and turned back on and was fine again Rear hatch light dose not stay in place
Incident date: Jun 1, 2021
The Dim headlights are too dim to drive in evenings and cloudy, foggy, or any time lights are needed
Incident date: Aug 27, 2021
In the dark, low beam headlights are too dim. I have to use high beams all the time, causing other drivers to have limited visibility due to high beams being on.
Incident date: Aug 27, 2021
The Low Beam head lights put out only enough light to see 10 feet in front of the vehicle at night. Therefore the car can not be driven at night. Neither the driver nor the passenger can see forward enough to prevent any accident. My research has found that this particular model has had many complaints about the issue with little to no resolutions from the manufacturer. Installing new OEM bulbs ha... Read more
Incident date: Aug 27, 2021
Tail Lights don't work. Have seen several complaints about this problem. There is currently a lawsuit concerning this. GMC will only cover replacement if car has less than 72,000 miles. The replacement lights cost about $800 each. Having it looked at now. Fear that I will have to pay replacement costs.
Incident date: Aug 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that the headlamps failed to illuminate while using the low-beam headlamps. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed but was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and the contact was awaiting a response. The failure mileage was approximately 48,000.
Incident date: Feb 15, 2021
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated while driving at night the low-beam headlights would turn off and on and eventually remained permanently inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the headlight relay was faulty due to excessive corrosion. The relay was replaced, and the failure was remedied. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The fai... Read more