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: Jun 1, 2021
The headlights were so dim that I basically could not see at night. Replacing the bulbs did not help. This is a significant safety issue.
Incident date: Jul 1, 2020
LED daytime running lights. 1 is sporadic/ flickering, and the other one is now out/ inoperable, soon the flickering one will go also. Making the vehicle harder to see by other drivers. Mazda has a recall # 4320A but my vin# is excluded? I have the same parts/ model #s as the recall! An extension of the recall, out to include my vin# would be appropriate.
Incident date: Aug 28, 2020
I purchased this vehicle for my 16 yr old daughter 1 yr ago. The car has a clean carfax and has had no accidents. Upon purchasing the car the headlights continue to burn out. Taking it to a Mazda dealership i learned the headlight assembly unit was melting. I had to purchase 2 used headlight assembly because new from the dealership are 1,000 a piece. 2 used but perfectly working headlights we... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2021
The fog light brackets are worn out, resulting in the light bouncing and blinding oncoming traffic.
Incident date: Mar 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Tesla Model S. The contact stated that the display screen had gone completely blank without warning while driving. The contact was unable to use certain electrical features. The contact then received a recall notice for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V035000 (Back Over Prevention, Visibility, Exterior Lighting). Despite multiple appointment being made to service the recall, the c... Read more
Incident date: Aug 24, 2021
There was no incident, but the halogen projector beam headlamps have become progressively more dim over time due to a manufacturing defect which caused delamination and degradation of the reflective surfaces within the headlamp assembly. The problem has gotten so severe that it is unsafe to drive the car at night because of reduced visibility due to the dim headlamps. This is NOT due to hazy or cl... Read more
Incident date: Apr 25, 2016
The headlights are very dim on my 2015 Kia Sorento, when compared to other vehicles. They only illuminate about 10 feet in front of the car. They need to be replaced with a stronger bulb as it is dangerous driving at night.
Incident date: Aug 24, 2021
The lights bulbs have burned out multiple times. The hole where the bulb fits is misshapen and is very hard to install new light bulbs (practically impossible). Reported to dealership. They said it is a known issue and that Hyundai will not fix it now. Told me to buy new lights. I did that and the bulbs are still burning out. The socket the bulb goes into is melted, the spot the light bulb goes in... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2014
When I bought the car the headlights were dim they driver side headlight keeps burning out they said it wasn't covered under the warranty whatsoever but yet you can't see at night to drive if it is dark I cannot drive my car never have been able to since about it but yet Nissan says nothing's wrong with it hit the repairs on me this is not the first time I've made a complaint about this but it doe... Read more
Incident date: Aug 20, 2021
We have a new 2021 CX5 and the two taillights (the ones that are on top of the backup lights) do not light up. The dealer, Napleton Mazda in Libertyville, IL, told us that that is normal and those lights are not meant to light up. The dealer said they have many customers bringing their car in for service for the same issue, but it is not something they can fix. At night the car is not as visib... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
CLK350
(2006) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Aug 23, 2021
Incident date: Aug 1, 2021
I've just bought the car and it has only 70k, the engine doesn't want to go, it stalls but there is no check engine light on, I'll be driving and the car will just die, or start to diminish, and gas consumption , now all my lights fail, high beams, low beams, turn signals, Brake lights one after another, so I go to auto zone to purchase lights and one of the associates comes to help me, he stares ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 21, 2021
Well my break lights keep burning out the whole harness and light part were the bulbs go burns and melted the harness completely on both sides I have had to replace them twice for both break lights The satellite antenna on the roof of the car is completely out and doesn’t get a signal The key keeps getting stuck in the ignition where the battery had to be disconnected to remove it
Incident date: Aug 1, 2019
The headlights on my 2015 RDX have become dimmer the past two years. At this point it is not safe to drive my vehilcle at night due to the lack of visibility.
Incident date: Aug 9, 2021
The contact's girlfriend owns a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving behind the vehicle he noticed that the brake light was illuminated even though the brakes was not applied. Additionally, while depressing the brake pedal, the brake light failed to illuminate. The ESC, and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was... Read more
Incident date: Jun 26, 2021
My low beam headlight started to intermittently go out for a while. Then it went out completely. I go to replace the bulb only to find that the bulb wasn’t the actual issue. The harness, wires, and socket to the bulb were blackened, burnt and melted. So now it all needs to be replaced. I’ve seen on several forums that has happened to so many people that have a car manufactured by GM. The origi... Read more
Incident date: Aug 22, 2021
1. In three occasions while using FSD I approached red lights but the vehicle did not initiate a stop. I took control to do so. 2. Yesterday the car seemed to reboot. It was about 9PM, quite dark at 70 or 80MPH on I80 in a construction area. The headlights stayed on and the car continued driving but the dash went black as it seemed to fail, and then seemed to reboot with the "T" coming back up bef... Read more
Incident date: May 10, 2021
I have notice several Cadillac SRX, the headlights on the passenger side are very dim. Have talk to several people that owns Cadillacs SRX and they are having the same problem. Very unsafe to drive at night. Have had the bulbs changes it didn't correct the problem. I'm very dissatisfied. Will you please help.
Incident date: Jan 1, 2021
Low beams dim. Reflective material in headlight assembly delaminated. Common issue. Tried to remedy by installing LED bulb, no improvement. Dangerous for night driving.
Incident date: Jul 1, 2021
1: the back-up camera display may suddenly go dark while you’re in the middle of reversing 2: the vehicle would not start and something stalls when driving with with a boost off and had the vehicle serviced twice for this issue, but to no availability answer. The Nissan Dealership can’t find any problems .
Incident date: Aug 21, 2021
While driving down the road both headlights just turn off. I can turn the light switch off and on and they come back on.
Incident date: Jul 13, 2021
The entire electrical system shuts down including lights while driving down the road. No driving light or display at night for about 30 seconds then come back on. System also loses all displays on dash during the day as well.
Incident date: Oct 23, 2020
The low beam headlights are VERY dim, like driving with night light bulbs. Cannot see in dark, MUST drive with high beams on. Apparently there was a class action suit filed and settled on this matter already, but there was a time limit which we were unaware of.
Incident date: Jun 1, 2021
I've been experiencing an electrical issue. I have lost power to my break lights completely. There was no warning lights or signs at all. I was pulled over and made aware by a police officer that my break light were out. I proceeded to try to replace the light itself which did not work, it only continues to blow the dust when I try. I had a mechanic inspect it and he told me there seems to be a sh... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2020
Low beam headlights have diminished to the point where it is absolutely unsafe to drive while dark. This is a widespread problem which has resulted in many complaints with the NHTSA and other online reporting agencies. Acura has not acknowledged the issue for this make or model while other models have been recalled in the past.
Incident date: Aug 15, 2021
We had the 2006 Suburban parked with the engine running while our family was just starting to get in. A couple of them noticed a slight smoke smell which we followed and we trailed it to the rear of the vehicle. While I was pulling off a left rear column trim piece to locate where the smoke was coming from, the far rear dome light fixture started dripping melted and burning plastic close by my hea... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Oct 30, 2020
The lighting and small system computer or FRM module. This module controls any features including safety features on the car. My turn signals, hazard lights, dash lights, courtesy lights, tail lights, windows, horn, high beam headlights and possibly airbags don’t work. Mini will fix the problem if the car is ten years old or less, but any car that is older doesn’t qualify. My car is a 2011 but... Read more
Incident date: Aug 20, 2021
Passenger side headlight went out while driving. Went to replace bulb and found connector melted. Quick internet search shows this is not uncommon and even a YouTube tutorial on how to replace the pigtail. Question remains what caused the overheating in the first place? While it's a major inconvenience at this point as we can't drive the vehicle without fear of getting a ticket or repair order unt... Read more
Incident date: Feb 7, 2019
During the winter of 2019 I was driving during a heavy wet snow storm. I had to stop every 5 -10 minutes to wipe off my headlights as they were covered in heavy wet snow. This was a safety issue as I needed to get out of my car on the side of the interstate near Hardin MT, where often many vehicles would pass near the car. For an all weather SUV, this is a safety issue. The lights did not prod... Read more
Incident date: Aug 19, 2021
The headlights are not bright which causes it to be difficult to see. Also headlights keeps going out with constant replacement of bulbs. The headlights ballast are not durable
Incident date: May 1, 2021
Tail lights continually kept burning out. Eventually, after a few installs, tht last one melted requiring they full assembly to be replaced. The first side went out on the right a couple of years prior, this year the left side did the same thing. The smell of burning was noticed, and found the cause from the tail light.
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2014) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Aug 19, 2021
Incident date: Jul 8, 2021
HID headlight bulbs were replaced by dealer. Upon return of the vehicle I tested the light pattern at night on an unlit road and the results were not stellar. There are 2 noticeable dark areas on the roadway imparting vision and clarity of the roadway. Returned to dealer and let them drive the car at night. They told me that there are two dark areas in the light pattern and that they are caused by... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2020
The contact owns a 2009 Pontiac G6. The contact stated that a friend had alerted him that his brake lights remained illuminated while driving. The contact also stated that the brake lights would go out upon the depression of the brake pedal without warning. The contact then placed some dielectric grease on the brake wiring harness which repaired the brake light connection. The contact also stated ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 19, 2020
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, he noticed that the low beam headlights were significantly dim. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated he was able to continue to drive the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring while driving.... Read more
Incident date: Aug 19, 2021
The electrical harness going to the drivers door doesn't function properly in any way shape or form. My locks blow a fuse every time you hit the button my trunk pop works with my key fob but not the actual button. My passenger window only goes down if you open the door completely but then only goes up with the pass. Switch and my car radio stays on even if I shut the car off take the keys out and ... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
EOS
(2012) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Aug 19, 2021
Incident date: Aug 1, 2021
00927 - Terminal 30 (Right) 011 - Open Circuit 01516 - Terminal 30; Left 011 - Open Circuit - Intermittent I believe this is a major fire hazard and also will leave you stranded. Based on the codes and physical condition of the issue apparently many other people have had the same problem. http://wiki.ross-tech.com/wiki/index.php/00927_-_Termina... Read more
DODGE
SPRINTER 2500
(2006) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Aug 19, 2021
Incident date: Jun 7, 2021
Steering wheel is not too good and interior lighting lamp I have issues
Incident date: Aug 19, 2021
Headlights are very dim even after replacing bulbs with led bulbs.
Incident date: Jul 16, 2021
The lights flickered and I lost both head lights. Head light bulbs keep going out randomly. Sometimes both at the same time. I have replaced them 4 times this year.
Incident date: Aug 15, 2021
Low beam headlights are NOT safe to drive with at night. EVEN after replaced by dealership upon being recalled. This is a disaster waiting to happen.
Incident date: Aug 18, 2021
There needs to be a recall on the third brake light on the Chevy Malibu. Everyone that I speak with that has a Malibu has had to replace the third brake light because of it breaking and when it rains water leaks into the car.
Incident date: Aug 18, 2021
About 3 weeks ago my headlight Auto dash notification would flash on and off for probably 8 times. It was day time so I didn't think anything of it. Last week I was driving in the dark and my head lights turned off completely. I was able to get them back on. I started doing research and other people have had the same issue stating that it is the multifunction switch. Again this morning driving in ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 6, 2021
The contact owns a 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and depressing the brake pedal, the driver’s side front wheel felt wobbling. The contact stated that the TPMS warning light was illuminated. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V113000 (Exterior Lighting) however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle... Read more
Incident date: Aug 18, 2021
Tail lights are CONSTANTLY going out. This is the second time over a 20 day period that I replaced them. It’s not normal. I’m afraid to drive at night due to this matter, as I do not want another vehicle colliding with my rear end. The bulbs are brand new but yet it’s still goes out. This matter should be looked into immediately as it is a safety hazard for nighttime drivers.
Incident date: Jan 1, 2016
The contact owns a 2010 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated while driving 50 mph in the rain, due to the dim lighting on the headlights he failed to see a sofa in the middle of the freeway and crashed into it. The contact stated he did not sustain any injuries nor sought medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to the local dealer and r... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Aug 3, 2021
Rear brake light failure due to faulty wiring. Identical to the details located in this article (https://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/01/bmw-recalling-241-000-3-series-models-over-faulty-tail-lights/) for which the NHTSA had issued a recall for older BMW models in the past. This issue is common and wide-spread amongst bmw models produced between 2014 - mid 2016. After which BMW modified the wiring har... Read more
Incident date: Aug 12, 2021
Re: Complaint, rear turn signals Purchase new Toyota Venza on 8/12/21. Several complaints with the vehicle after a couple of days after driving. Programming and setting up all of the features is very complicated and the instructional manual does not match the vehicle. The dealership was unable to set several parameters and is in contact with the manufacturer for information. One in particular t... Read more
Incident date: Jan 20, 2020
Water gets into the headlight assembly causing the lights to dim and create a safety hazard, Caddilac knows of this problem but did not issue a recall only a reimbursement offer that has expired.
Incident date: Oct 15, 2020
Headlights so dim can't see to drive after dusk. contacted Cadillac inquired about recall, they're aware of this issue with this model and year no recall even with safety issues. I researched this and numerous srx with same problem some resulting in accidents with injury. Cadillac told me to take it to dealer and pay about $1000. Per side to replace with same defective lights and housings plus lab... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2016
The contact owns a 2014 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that while driving at an undetermined speed in inclement weather, the headlights failed to produce adequate lighting for safe driving. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact replaced the headlight housing. The contact called the local dealer, but vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failu... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2020
Advance lighting system the headlights stick up in the air when they should be leveled out. It’s a danger when driving at night.