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 19, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, headlights failed to produce adequate lighting. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was unable to drive the vehicle at night due to the failure. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and diagnosed that the headlight assemblies needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufa... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
ML350
(2009) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jul 19, 2021
Incident date: Jul 16, 2021
The contact owned a 2009 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact stated while driving 35 mph, she detected a smoke odor inside the vehicle and pulled over. The contact saw that there was smoke coming from the trunk before the vehicle caught on fire. The SRS and battery warning lights were illuminated. The fire department was able to extinguish the fire. A fire report was not filed. No medical attention w... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jul 1, 2020
Headlights (low beams only) are very dim to the point where it is dangerous to drive at night. Can only see a few feet in front of me. Original headlights, both passenger and driver side have the same problem. Changing bulbs does not improve the brightness at all. Problem started about a year ago, and has quickly become much worse. Checking online, I found hundreds of posts from other owners of 20... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
ML350
(2009) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jul 19, 2021
Incident date: Jul 15, 2021
THIS COMPLAINT IS BEING MARKED FOR DELETION BECAUSE IT IS AN INADVERTENT DUPLICATE OF ODI# 11425551*DJR The contact owned a 2009 Mercedes-Benz ML 350. The contact stated while at the stop light, the warning message "SRX Malfunction, Service Required" appeared and the battery warning light illuminated. The contact stated as she smelled a burning odor, she veered to the side of the road an... Read more
Fire
TRIUMPH
ROCKET 3 GT
(2020) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jul 18, 2021
Incident date: Jul 18, 2021
The turn indicators on my motorcycle will randomly fail and the display will read “ left front indicator failure” etc. This has happened on all four indicators and the fault will continue until the motorcycle is shut off. This happens almost daily on one of the four indicators. There is a very real danger of other drivers not knowing of your turning because of an indicator malfunction. Through... Read more
Incident date: Jul 16, 2021
The contact owns a 2018 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 1, 2021
Smoke started coming from the passenger side visor as I was driving. There was no indication of an issue with warning messages of any kind. Of course I panicked, ran from the car and called the fire department who stated it smelled electrical when they arrived. After a week of being at the dealership, they couldn't find anything; however, 30 seconds after I got into my vehicle, I noticed the cabin... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jul 10, 2021
Out of no where it cought on fire
Fire
CHRYSLER
TOWN AND COUNTRY
(2009) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jul 16, 2021
Incident date: Jul 14, 2021
Our 2009 chrysler town and country is having major issues. The dashboard lights keep going on and off the speedometer won't work when this is happening also the windshield wipers go on automatically with me putting them on and won't stop. Sometimes while this occurs our automatic door won't operate or radio. We got a new alternator a new battery a new iod fuse and it's still happening i wasn't su... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2020
dash light not working at night. can't see speedometer at night
Incident date: Jun 11, 2021
1) LED tail-lights fail intermittently - this is a known problem GM does not proactively address unless customers complain repeatedly. Puts driver and passenger in danger. this began happening at 25K miles. 2) AC condenser fails - GM will not address as part of a broader recall despite extensive late model customer complaints. This put passengers in danger on any road trip across desert terrain... Read more
Incident date: Jul 13, 2021
led lights are malfunctioning on my 2017 Yukon xl. causing my brake lights to flicker and then go out completely. I've been pulled over and almost hit from behind due to these lights not working correctly. they have to be replaced by completely removing and replacing the entire light fixture for the high cost of 800+. they are not built to be fixed, just replaced. What's worse is that replacing th... Read more
Incident date: Feb 6, 2018
My headlight assemblies would get condensation and cause the bulb to become dim or burn out. Had to replace bulbs several times but still difficult to see 20 ft in front of me when driving the dark roads in north west New Jersey. Was told it was a known issue and to drill holes in the back of the headlight, which I did not do since I didn't want to damage the assemblies. The cost to replace both a... Read more
LAND ROVER
DEFENDER
(2020) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jul 14, 2021
Incident date: Jul 14, 2021
The rear lights of the 2020 Defender 110 go out when hit with a bright light from behind. The issue can be duplicated with a flashlight as well. Lights from a following car will extinguish all the rear lights on the Defender, including brake lights (the slender brake light on the top of the vehicle, above the rear window still works, but none of the other lights work, including running lights, b... Read more
Incident date: Jun 12, 2021
There is a very sharp side on the back rear taillight that connects with the lift gate. This razor sharp edge has cut myself, husband, and almost my son. The only thing that saved him from getting cut was the sleeve on his shirt. I have reported this issue to Chrysler. An investigation is in process. The man came out to take pictures he also agreed this was a safety issue. Both my husband and I ha... Read more
2 injured
Incident date: Jul 14, 2021
Had this car since 2016,only 39,289miles,no problems whatsoever,and then I did this recall thing the 12th of July 2021,and today the 14th of July 2021 I have an engine light on,I have this horrible noise when I turn it on,I am so pissed and mad!!!really mad!!!Techs should not touch anything else than whats is called for to be fixed!!!i feel that when we take the cars they mess things out so we,the... Read more
Incident date: Jul 12, 2021
Front right light keeps going out, if I turn it off and turn it back on it works. Had the bulb replaced, still having issues.
Incident date: Jul 7, 2021
The headlights in my Ford Explorer 2014 are extremely dim. The road is poorly lit in front and cannot see anything on the sides. This has been a problem since I purchased the vehicle. I just missed hitting a pedestrian on the side of the road. I was in a residential area and only going 20 mph. It is extremely dangerous and a large safety concern.
Incident date: Mar 22, 2021
Vehicle has low visibility on low beam, even with aftermarket LEDS there is still low visibility with the low beams, car need to be driven on high beam and it is illegal to drive with high beams as you blind cars driving on opposite direction, and a fine could be impose as well.
Incident date: Apr 15, 2021
The contact owns a 2017 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that the headlights would turn off inadvertently after driving for 30 minutes. The contact was made aware of the headlight failure when she was pulled over by the police. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and diagnosed that the headlight assemblies were faulty, but only the light bulbs were replaced. The failure recurred. The... Read more
Incident date: Jul 9, 2021
Passenger side brake light not working. Bulb replacement not available to purchase and you have to take to dealership for $800 plus repair. 72k miles on vehicle.
LAND ROVER
DEFENDER
(2021) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jul 12, 2021
Incident date: Jul 5, 2021
We have two 2021 Defender 110 SE North American Specification models and these do not have the smoked tail lights as are on another recall. When subjected to a bright light, the entire assembly of tail, brake and turn signals fails on one side of the vehicle. This is also repeatable on the rear lights on both left and right sides of both vehicles. Since the current recall only appears to cover tho... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2021
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FLICKERS AND FADES. IMPACTS SENSORS - AIR PRESSURE MONITORS ALARMS COME ON EVEN THOUGH THERE IS NO ISSUE WITH THE AIR PRESSURE MONITORS, HAVING 2 DIFFERENT SHOPS CHECK ON THEM AND ADVISING THAT THEY DONT NEED REPLACING AND THAT THE SENSORS ARE GOOD. ALSO TRIGGERED AN ALERT THAT THE CAR WAS NOT IN DRIVE - EVEN THOUGH IT WAS IN DRIVE. THE TRUCK WOULD NO GO - I HAD TO ASHIFT BA... Read more
Incident date: Jul 10, 2021
I was at a stop light and when the light changed I stepped on the gas. The car suddenly turned completely off. I had no steering, no braking no ability to turn the hazard lights on. I was in the middle of the street with traffic behind me and my child was in the back seat with me. The car completely died. There were no warning signs at all Cars started to go around me and I exited the car wi... Read more
Incident date: Jul 10, 2021
The headlights are failing due to wiring rotting and falling aaprt inside the headlight units similar to the wiring failure in the blower motor
Incident date: May 1, 2020
My concern is the headlights when driving at night. I have been stopped twice because od dim headlights.
CHRYSLER
TOWN AND COUNTRY
(2004) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jul 10, 2021
Incident date: Jul 9, 2021
I went to turn on my headlights, and they didn't come on. All the other lights work. Parking, dash, tail, and the high beam indicator. But no headlights. Also l read that people complained about windshield washer' not working. I tried mine and they also didn't work. I see there is a recall on same problem with the 2005 - 2007 Chrysler town and country limited and they are under a recall. Mine is a... Read more
Incident date: Jul 10, 2021
The backup camera cannot see see at nighttime, a real safety issue.
ASTON MARTIN
DB9
(2015) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jul 10, 2021
Incident date: Jul 10, 2021
Both rear tail light covers are fogging and holding moisture droplets. Right side break light fails intermittently and before long may lead to electrical problems or loss of break light function. Car is just recently out of warranty so I don't anticipate any help from the dealer. The problem is consistent with other owners. Thank you.
Incident date: Jan 1, 2016
Low beams are extremely dim, truly making this vehicle unsafe to drive at night and at night while raining and seems the only way to correct is to replace with the same projector lights which are still defective.
Incident date: Oct 8, 2020
Break lights repeatingly burn out on both sides. Replace it and a few weeks later, need replacing again. It is an ongoing problem and a known defect, but hasn't been recalled yet. This is a safety hazard as you are at risk of being rear ended.
Incident date: Nov 15, 2018
When I purchased it 3 years ago, the driver side white tail light would work, then it wouldn't. Bulb & fuse are fine. Now it doesn't work at all. Radio turns off & on with a pop sound through the speakers while driving at random times.
Incident date: Jul 8, 2021
The contact owns a 2015 Tesla Model S. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V035000 (Back Over Prevention, Visibility, Exterior Lighting) however, the dealer informed the contact that the vehicle had to experience the failure for the recall repair to be completed. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall rep... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2021
Third brake leaks into the cab under the seat through the sound proofing causing mold in the cab. Vehicle has approximately 29k miles and I would not have notice if I did not lift the seat up where I found some of my items with moldy and wet. If not notice if could cause respiratory issues to occupants. The manufacturer and dealer does not want to cover the repairs. Upon further inquiries, many ol... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2021
Under hard braking (over 50% of the pedal) the front passenger wheel applies all the force to stop the car to that one tire causing it to lose traction and skid. Brakes are insufficient to properly stop the vehicle and no warning lights are illuminated on the dash. Actually more than half of the time the whole dash does nothing, no MPH, no gas gauge, nothing but a blacked out information less pa... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jun 29, 2021
Vehicle was on & operating for 20 minutes and after traveling 1-2 miles all of the sudden smoke came from engine compartment. Pulled over immediately, and turned vehicle off when a full fledged fire began in the engine block on passenger side. Ran into gas station and used a fire extinguisher to get fire under control. 911/Fire Dept was contacted and hosed down hood, engine compartment. Analysis s... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jul 7, 2021
Headlights on the dim projector failed internally where you can't see at night on dim setting. Several forums online with same complaint.
Incident date: Jul 7, 2021
My 2017 Prius is having headlight failure. I was told by my neighbor that my headlight was out. I bought a new one and went to replace it but they were both working. Thought it was a defective bulb so waited to replace it. I check both headlights when I come to a stop behind a car so I can check the reflection of the headlights. Sometimes they are both on sometimes only one is on, Occasionally ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 11, 2018
The headlights on my car would get very dim and would burnout within 4 to 6 months. As time has past the time between bulb replacement would get shorter and shorter. At this point when I plug replacement bulbs into my car the burnout instantly. Without low beam headlights I am required to drive with my high beams on at all times. The dealer and the manufacture know about the problem and there w... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2019
Since 2019, my headlights began to dim and have gradually worsened. Now they are defective and ineffective. I have had close close calls when trying to drive at night. It is almost impossible to drive at night without high beams. I have been pulled over twice and given warnings about my headlights. It is very hard to navigate driving especially when other drivers can barely see my car. I have dri... Read more
Incident date: Jun 15, 2021
The passenger front light stops working no matter his w many times I fix it. Replaced bulb 3 times within two weeks. Works for 1-2 days then stops. Everyone I know who has a Malibu is having the same problem. The right wheel rubs and makes noise. No matter how many times I have it fixed, no matter how many times I replace the noise continues. Mechanic cannot figure out why.
Incident date: Aug 12, 2019
The contact owns a 2013 Tesla Model S. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the Vinyl Chloride Monomer (VCM) unit became inoperable causing the vehicle to stall. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with the VCM unit needing to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact then stated 18 months later, he received... Read more
Incident date: Jul 6, 2021
Since delivery in December 2020 the computer MCU has shut down for two minutes while driving over a dozen times. The computer reboots after a couple of minutes but during this time it disables all instrumentation, turn signals and other driver information. I brought it in to the Tesla Service Center in Highland Park, Illinois with a list of dates and times that it shut down and they told me it was... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2021
light assembly has became compromised with moisture , casued a total light failure ! repair cost is $4000.00
Incident date: May 19, 2021
Within 2-3 weeks of owning the vehicle, my main two screens on the dashboard intermittently changed colors with important information not being visible or the screen went black completely while driving. I took it back to the dealership where I was informed another car of the same make & model was doing the same thing. My car was kept for a week and a half while they were in touch with Volvo. Vol... Read more
Incident date: Jun 5, 2021
The drivers side low beam headlight did not come on....Replaced the light bulb and it worked, so reinstalled the light assy into its housing,,checked it and it did work.... 5 hours later as i was leaving home the drivers side low beam was not lite again.....The next day, replaced the bulb with a new one thinking I got a bad bulb....Same thing happened...I have a lite headlight on the passenger s... Read more
Incident date: Jul 3, 2021
The brake lights fail. First the left light failed, and two days later the right light failed. After researching, this is a common problem with GM and these models. The fix is not just a bulb- the whole rear light assemblies (each side) needs replacing with GM price quotes of $900 a side. We were over 1000 miles away from home.
Incident date: Jul 16, 2020
I BOUGHT A USED 2015 ACURA RDX AT AN ACURA DEALERSHIP JUNE 2020 WITH LESS THAN 48K MILES. I BOUGHT IT IN AS IS CONDITION. I THOUGHT SINCE IT WAS FROM A DEALERSHIP, I THOUGHT EVERYTHING THAT NEEDED REPAIR WOULD HAVE BEEN FIXED. IT WAS DURING THE DAY WHEN I BOUGHT AND DIDN'T HAVE TO DRIVE AT NIGHT SEVERAL DAYS. WHEN I DROVE IT AT NIGHT I COULD BARELY SEE THE STREET, THE PASSENGER SIDE, I THOUGH... Read more
Incident date: Jul 4, 2021
The car was not in an incident it has a lot of recalls I would like fixed
Incident date: May 4, 2021
My rear tail lights are filling with water due to the fact the Dodge Durango tail lights are not fully sealed. Inevitably there will be a short and the lights will no longer work. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS COMMON PROBLEM thanks