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 24, 2021
* Taillights (Brake lights) * Bulbs are burning out continuously and I am afraid is going to cause a fire since they get so hot. I have replaced them on both sides at least 10 times over the last year * No * No
Incident date: Jul 31, 2021
Car transmission jumps when its starts moving at the beginning makes it feel like someone rear ended the car. This happens Every time. it does not feel safe.
Incident date: Jul 29, 2021
1. Low beam headlights failed - both at the same time, resulting in high beam only driving at night. Units available for inspection. 2. Yes. No low beam headlights. Upon inspection of wiring, during replacement of low beams, headlight wiring insulation found to be flaking off, exposing bare wiring. 3. Unknown. Found no information in Google search. Plenty of information on others having same issue... Read more
Incident date: Jul 30, 2021
My car has a « yoke » steering wheel that feels unsafe and should be illegal along with the touch turn signals and horn. I almost crashed today when I had to swerve to avoid a mother crossing the road with her child. I tapped on the honk, but unfortunately, it’s not in the middle of the steering wheel as one one would expect, but it’s a small touch button right next to the cruise control... Read more
Incident date: Jul 30, 2019
The contact owns a 2016 Mazda CX-5. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 20V063000 (Exterior Lighting) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact called the local dealer several times and it was confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2021
BRAND NEW CHRYSLER 300 W/<1100MI UCONNECT UPDATE ERROR CODE 20 VEHICLE INOPERABLE CONDITION VIN: [XXX] ATTEMPTED SERVICE CENTER TODAY (X3) AGAIN ... EXACT PART NUMBER OBTAINED FROM PREVIOUS SERVICE VISIT(S) USED PART SENT IN OPEN BOX WRONG DEVICE DELIVERED! (STOLEN OR INTERCEPTED) SO SAD COME BACK ANOTHER DAY? AUGUST MADE BE BETTER TIME FOR PARTS NEED NOW A FOURTH (4TH) VISIT TO DEALEARSHIP B... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2021
My 2017 Ford Escape began letting water inside of the tail light assembly, eventually filling up to the point that it shorted the brake light. When I went to replace the bulb, I found out that it is not replaceable unless you replace the ENTIRE tail light assembly, a $750 fix. Ford refuses to fix this for free, as they deem condensation not a reason. Upon doing research, it’s come to my attentio... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2021
The headlights have deteriorated so badly that I cannot see to drive at night. A quick search online reveals this is a very common problem with this model. I bought the car new and it has been very well maintained. The reflective internal coating on the headlight assembly deteriorates apparently due to the high heat of the halogen bulbs. This is a tremendous safety issue. Please due the right thin... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2021
The brake light LED panel stopped working on one side and goes out intermittently in the other side
Incident date: Jul 29, 2021
It appears the parking lamps stay on when car turned off while headlights are in AUTO. This leads to unintended battery drain leading to unoperational car. Per Owner's Guide: The system automatically turns off the parking lamp when the key is removed (remote key) or when the driver turns the engine off (smart key) and opens the driver-side door. This does not meet the Owner's Guide's language. ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 25, 2021
At this moment I have two issues. One being that the seat latch does not work on my scooter. I called the dealer and he said to put a lot of push on top of the seat where the latch assembly is located. I am a big fat slop. 225 lbs. I pushed as hard as I could to lock it and it clicked lock. Trouble is, it won't open now. I have my drivers license, cash, papers and a letter to my GF who is i... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2021
Brake lights are going out due to cracking in the LED strip. Slight jars to lights will make them work for a short time.
Incident date: Jul 27, 2021
I took my vehicle for the recall and it has not been fixed and it has been a long time. I was told that it has not yet been shipped yet but order placed.
Incident date: Jul 21, 2021
The contact owns a 2008 Honda Fit. The contact stated that while driving, the low-beam headlight and fog lamps became inoperable without warning. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and diagnosed with a defective connector switch that needed to be replaced. Additionally, the connector was melted. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated the failure was similar to NHTSA Campaign Numbe... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jul 23, 2021
The high mount rear stop lamp leaks water into the cab. The water channels in through a cheap gasket, down the inside of the frame, destroying the cushions and plastic through moisture and mildew. Toyota Corporation and Precision Toyota of Tucson (service) AZ, both say the problem is only covered by the regular 36,000 mileage, 3 year warranty. They want to charge me $575 to replace the light. H... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2020
** Occasional stalling, when stopped or when driving normal speeds, sometimes for a few seconds, sometimes longer. Fuel pump was replaced, problem continued, 2nd fuel pump installed, problem continues. Mechanic believes it is the TIPM, Totally Integrated Power Module. ** Headlights sometimes turn off while driving when totally dark. Not an issue of any ambient triggering headlight to turn off.... Read more
Incident date: Jul 27, 2021
The contact owns a 2007 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while depressing the brake pedal, the brake lights would not illuminate. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V113000 (Exterior Lighting) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was a... Read more
Incident date: Jun 18, 2021
Interior lights are not working. Took the car to the dealership under the manufacturer warranty and they are unable to solve the problem. The dealership replaced the body control module and this did not fix the problem. Service tech stated they need to contact Ford Engineering to resolve the problem.
Incident date: Jul 27, 2021
Low beam headlights intermittently go out. Work ok one minute, then go dark. Very dangerous. Known issue under GM recall # 14291. The national highway traffic safety administration campaign ID number 15V-519. Problem has been confirmed by West-Herr Dodge in Rochester NY. Per info I have found this does not appear to have been permanently fixed by GM. As such the repair should be done at no char... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2015) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jul 26, 2021
Incident date: Apr 1, 2016
The contact owns a 2015 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the transmission failed to operate as designed causing the vehicle to sputter and not properly accelerate. Also, the digital speedometer display would not display properly due to a faulty radio. Additionally, the driver’s side headlight failed to properly illuminate due to moisture build-up inside t... Read more
Incident date: Jul 19, 2021
The passenger side Headlight has stopped working - the electronic display shows headlight issue, show dealer. This is a 2 year old car with around 60,000 miles on it ( relatively new) - but the LED going out so fast is a concern especially when LED lights lasts for years. My Honda dealer has asked me to replace the entire units as the power to the unit is on but the headlight itself is not working... Read more
Incident date: Jul 25, 2021
The headlights when they are in low beam have shadows. They are a distraction and sometimes it seems like something is in front. They decrease visibility. No No
Incident date: Jul 25, 2021
WENT TO CHANGE THE REAR LEFT SIDE LIGHTS, (TAIL, TUNR SIGNAL AND BRAKE). Found that the circuit board holding the lights and the connector pin was burned. The connector pin was actually melted. Research this on-line and found that numerous complaints regarding these circuit boards and connectors have this same problem. Reached out to Jeep and no comments from them. The only place to find a replace... Read more
Incident date: Jul 24, 2021
LED Brake Lights fail due to design error typically on both side of the vehicle. I have found multiple reports of a failure on a circuit board that was poorly designed. A copper tracing is very narrow and fractures due to vibration resulting in Brake Light failure. Because the entire module must be replaced the repair costs $800-$900 per side.
NEWMAR
LONDON AIRE
(2017) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jul 24, 2021
Incident date: Jul 15, 2021
Please see attached NH_PDM.pdf
Incident date: Jul 22, 2021
I recently had my Tesla Model S serviced due to the touchscreen going blank (losing functionality of defrosting, temperature, sunroof, and a list of other issues). Driving with a fogged up window is dangerous. Thank you to the NHTSA for forcing Tesla to replace it free of charge. Unfortunately, it appears that Tesla is not replacing it with a new unit. Instead it is a refurbished unit. Just days a... Read more
Incident date: May 5, 2020
The Automatic High Beams on my 2020 rarely activate and when they do, they dim almost immediately after seeing their own reflection even on tiny road markers. Occasionally, they'll activate or flash oncoming traffic which creates a hazard to their visibility and my safety. I alerted my local Honda Dealership at a scheduled service but they stated their were no service bulletins in effect for the... Read more
Incident date: Jul 22, 2021
Headlights keep burning out. I've replaced the driver's side low-beam bulb seven times in the last year and the passenger side twice. Both are currently blown out again.
Incident date: Jul 15, 2020
Water was leaking in somehow through the drivers side. I had windshield replaced as well as moonroof motor (because the moonroof stopped working after leak also) . The water does not seem to get in anymore but Now my headlights randomly work. I have had the headlights replaced but it did not fix the problem. The mechanic has seen the problem but is stumped so now its a process of elimination I g... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2019 Nissan Sentra. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 21V135000 (Exterior Lighting) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufac... Read more
Incident date: Jul 22, 2021
The headlights are so dim that it is extremely dangerous to drive at night. I went and bought the $50 bulbs and it still looked like I didn’t turn my lights on. It looks like I drive with candlelight. Also the bulbs burn out about 3-4 months.
Incident date: Aug 20, 2020
The contact owns a 2015 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that the rear exterior taillights failed to operate as designed. There was no warning light illuminated. Upon investigation, the contact discovered corrosion on both taillight assemblies and on the rear license plate lights. The contact discovered that the failure was caused by excessive moisture build-up in the rear taillight assemblies. T... Read more
Incident date: Jul 22, 2021
Nothing happened...yet. Has the NHTSA noticed how several new Hyundai vehicles, as well as a few Infiniti and Toyota vehicles, have turn signals mounted on the rear bumper? This is ridiculous and should be UNACCEPTABLE. There's absolutely no reason turn signals and reverse lamps can't be mounted where the stop and tail lamps are mounted. It's nearly impossible to see turn signals on the bumper. P... Read more
CHEVROLET
TRAILBLAZER
(2008) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jul 22, 2021
Incident date: Jul 20, 2021
While driving home at approximately 9:30pm, my eighteen year old daughter experienced the headlights failing to come on after dark with the automatic headlight-on feature. She turned on the headlights manually, and the low beams still were not working, but all driving lights and high beam headlights were working. I assumed that the bulbs were burned out, so replaced both the driver and passenger s... Read more
Incident date: Jul 21, 2021
Tail lights are not functioning properly. N182180270 was issued due to very common issue but no recall. The special adjustment only covers up to 72,000 miles. I now have 106,000 so not covered? Serious safety issue if brake lights are malfunctioning and GM aware of issue. If technician checking lights and they are intermittently working, then I drive away from dealer and they intermittently no... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
ROUTAN
(2010) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jul 21, 2021
Incident date: Jul 18, 2021
Hi - I have a 2010 VW Volkswagen that has an issue with headlights intermittently working, which is very hazardous and also the windshield wipers randomly turn on and the car was intermittently starting (now won’t start at all since 7/18/2021) among other things. Car appears to not be starting due to fuel relay with TIPM. The intermittent headlights is very dangerous but corrects itself in a fe... Read more
Incident date: Apr 15, 2020
The contact owns a 2016 Tesla Model S. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the instrument screen inadvertently went black. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact pulled to the side of the road and then drove the vehicle to his destination. The contact stated that the failure recurred while driving. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The contact receive... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2021
BRAND NEW CHRYSLER 300 W/<1100MI "UCONNECT UPDATE ERROR CODE 20" VEHICLE INOPERABLE CONDITION VIN: [XXX] ATTEMPTED SERVICE CENTER TODAY (X2) NO REPAIR PARTS AVAILABLE REPLACED AUTO BATTERY PULLED RADIO FUSES (DEALER PERFORMED) "NO BACKUP CAMERA" "NO A/C & HEAT CONTROLS" - A/C FULL ON/OFF ONLY "NO RADIO / NO NAVIGATION / NO EMERGENCY" DEAD FOR A WEEK NO ONBOARD SCREEN NO OPERATIONAL MENUS THANK... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2020
Headlight assemblies have developed film on inside surfaces, causing the headlights on low beam to be extremely dim, significantly reducing normal night vision to a dangerously low level. Low beam light output is less than that of the fog lights!! Only driving with high beams resolves the issue. Will not drive the vehicle at night! Have discussed with dealership and was told it is a KNOWN pro... Read more
Incident date: Jul 9, 2021
Tail lights/brakes light/blinkers The light kit cover seals break allowing water into the light kit. Water collects and shorts out the bulbs causing a dangerous hazard when rear lights fail to work in the proper manner. I have called to several places and am being told, yes, GMC has a defect on their rear tail lights. Seals were not done very well and supply cannot keep up with demand. The ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2021
Passenger side low beam headlight socket continues to burn out. This is a persistent problem with several general motor vehicles! I am amazed how many people mention when I google it. GM has a service bulletin on it. This IS a SAFETY issue! Obviously this is one of the two main lights used 90% of driving at night. Apparently there is a voltage drop according to owners who have checked this out. B... Read more
Incident date: Mar 13, 2020
The contact owns a 2015 Tesla Model S. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the main center display failed not allowing the contact to use the rearview camera, the turn signals, and all the electrical functions. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with the eMMC flash memory device needing to be replaced. The vehicle ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 8, 2021
Because of the poor design of the headlights on the Cadillac SRX, I was afraid to drive at night because the lights are too dim to see the road ahead. After being pulled over by a police officer for driving with my headlights on bright, I made the financial sacrifice to pay for replacement headlight units. I'm glad I did because it makes a world of difference and I may have saved my life.
Incident date: Apr 8, 2020
The headlights on my Rav4 are dangerous. When driving at night there is a dark line with no visibility. There is no reaction time if objects are in the roadway. I live in a rural area, on my way to work there was a pine tree that fell across the road way,I crashed straight into it. I did not even see it until I hit it.
Crash
Incident date: Jul 12, 2021
While driving home one night the following items failed to work: Head lights; turn signals, front windows (so no hand signals); Hazard lights; interior lights; and speedometer dash light. This occurred shortly after a battery change. I am not sure if tail of brake lights function at this time. Driving the vehicle in this condition presents a unacceptable safety concern. During daily light ho... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2021
This car is very dangerous to drive at night particularly when making turns. There is a total blackout when turning on darker roads. Obviously test drives are done during the day so you wouldn't notice this problem. After reviewing a Telluride Forum this was apparently a problem on the 2020 vehicles that has not been addressed by Kia. Some members of forum have suggested switching front headlig... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2015) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jul 20, 2021
Incident date: May 16, 2021
unknown When driving vehicle will randomly and often lose power -- the radio and dash lights go out, the steering wheel locks up -- sometimes the vehicle will have to be restarted
MERCEDES-BENZ
C300
(2011) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jul 20, 2021
Incident date: May 1, 2021
The rear tail light housing harness melted due to an electrical issue. This caused my rear tail light & break lights not to function.
Incident date: Jul 20, 2021
The contact owns a 2011 Buick Regal. The contact stated that after a rainstorm, moisture entered the driver’s side headlight housing causing the bulb to blow. The contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V484000 (Exterior Lighting) which he linked to the failure however, the Vin was not included. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mil... Read more
Incident date: Jun 15, 2021
I was driving at night time and my left side lowbeam headlight went out. Then briefly after the right side. I put my highbeams on to finish my trip home and then right before I made it home they both went out. Upon having the vehicle diagnosed it would be a $1000 part plus labor known as the TIPM. My friend has his own garage and he jumped power from my foglights. My headlights now work but he sai... Read more