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
LAND ROVER
DEFENDER
(2020) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jul 3, 2021
Incident date: Jul 1, 2021
I sell car parts and accessories online through my website powerfulUK.com and I have sold a quantity of smoked rear lights for the Defender 2021 models to the USA. These lights are fitted as an upgrade to the standard lights as they are smoked/tinted. These smoked lights are the subject of a recall N598 Land Rover has refused to notify or replace the lights sold to customers even though this is a... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
ARTEON
(2021) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jul 3, 2021
Incident date: Jul 3, 2021
I bought this car month and a half ago and at night I have people flashing me almost all the time, thinking I am driving with high beams on. When I drive with my normal lights on they will light all the traffic signs on and I can see on the highway dividers that reflection of the light is slightly going upwards. When I switch from normal to high beam I can barely see any difference on the road its... Read more
Incident date: Jun 28, 2021
Front turn signals, driver side headlight, passenger side fog light all went out at the same time. Tested bulbs and all are good. Message on dash said they were out and yes they were. Checked grounds all good. Found the big plug under fuse box moved it around and lights came back on. Connectors are very lose in the plug we will we need to change harness?
Incident date: Jun 29, 2021
Front headlamp burned out due to moisture in the assembly. There is an issue with the ballast in the headlamp assembly for the turbo model. The seal may be faulty due to the headlamp shorting out except for the daytime running lights. I realized that it had malfunctioned and there was moisture in the assembly itself. My repair shop quoted $1500.00 for the repair/replacement as the whole asseb... Read more
Incident date: Nov 15, 2020
The contact owns a 2016 Tesla Model S. The contact received a recall notice for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V035000 (Back Over Prevention, Visibility, Exterior Lighting) however, after diagnosing the vehicle, the dealer informed the contact that the recall repair would not be completed on the vehicle. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall rep... Read more
Incident date: Jun 20, 2021
1) Every used miz I test drove had a super hard jerk out of first gear including the one I purchased, I was told it was fine, went to another dealership and was told the transmission clutch was gone, repaired under warranty. 2) Gas tank door spring failed, saw its a common problem with Ford Lincoln vehicles, dealer replaced entire door housing sleeve, not covered under warranty, had to be installe... Read more
Incident date: Jun 30, 2021
My brake light went out and it must of caused a shirt cause it then melt a portion of the plastic from the light assembly.
Incident date: Jun 30, 2021
GM issues a specials service campaign N182180270 Tail lights Inoperative, goes to 72000 miles the subject vehicle has 75000. Both rear tail brake lights do not work and the third brake light.
Incident date: Jun 18, 2021
Noticed water damage on rear driver side pillar had mechanic look found water comming in from sunroof track. the drain hose was still attached and unclogged water began to leak behind the rear grab handle and light. This seems to be a defect by manufacturer and have seen alot of the same complaints.i was worried the water could cause a short maybe fir behind headliner.
Incident date: Jun 4, 2020
Head Light are very dim. I changed the light bulb to see if that would help but I can't see at night due to the dimness of the head lights
Incident date: Jun 29, 2020
The contact owns a 2015 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that the headlights were dim while activated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed that the headlight assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
Incident date: Jun 28, 2021
While driving with the headlights in the "Auto" position, when a turn blinker is used the headlights will randomly turn off for about 10-15 seconds. Not much of an issue during the daytime but certainly a major safety concern at night. This problem can be replicated during the daytime by watch the dash lights switch from "Auto" to "Off" on the driver's dash. Moving the switch from the Auto to O... Read more
Incident date: Jun 27, 2021
I have had people following me, and almost hit me when stopped at a stop sign, or waiting to turn left, because the brake lights go off while the car is still being held to some degree by electric motor braking. When driving the car in L mode, one pedal driving, the brake lights come on when decelerating, but when stopped they turn off. The issue is, there is some electrical braking applied when... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2020
The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that the headlight housing was cracked. The vehicle was diagnosed but not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that the Vin was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 53,000.
Incident date: Apr 13, 2021
Only happens when driving at night. When driving and keeping your foot on the gas pedal the lights go dim and when you remove your foot of the gas pedal the lights go back to bright. Also the engine is making a rattling noise. Was seen a couple times at the dealership for the lights but was told nothing wrong with it. Its not normal for lights to do that whole driving on the road. Especially for a... Read more
Incident date: Jun 16, 2021
CONDENSATION IN DRIVER SIDE HEADLIGHT NOW HEADLIGHT WILL NOT WORK BOUGHT A NEW 112.00 BULD AND STILL DOESNT WORK. LOOKED ISSUE UP ON INTERNET AND FOUND HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS
Incident date: Nov 2, 2020
The rack and pinion needs to be replaced at the speed of 65 the steering feels loose and I was told that the rack and pinion is out, so I am having to replace the entire thing, I dont have a receipt yet because it's going to the shop next week, it seems odd that a car with only 75k miles would need a new rack and pinion. Also the high mount brake light is out..which seems crazy on a car with low m... Read more
Incident date: Jun 25, 2021
Both headlight low beams are dangerously dim even after replacing the bulbs. Its not possible to see at night while driving unless using high beams to see. Took the vehicle to the dealership afterwards and it was determined the materials in the headlight assembly have deteriorated in both assemblies.
Incident date: Jun 25, 2021
Rear center track light gaskets/seals leak causing lighting failure. This is commonly known, particularly among late model Dodge Durango community. So many can't be wrong.
Incident date: Jun 20, 2021
Car will not start. Unexplained battery depletion. Trunk will not close when car is not on. Awful customer service at ORR Nissan in Shreveport Louisiana Address: 1240 E Bert Kouns, Shreveport Louisiana, 71105 Their entire operations need to be shut down. Bunch of incompetent druggies.
Incident date: Jun 26, 2021
NOTICE: THIS CONCERN IS NOT THE RESULT OF AN ACCIDENT, IT IS AN ATTEMPT TO BRING ATTENTION TO WHAT I FEEL IS POOR ENGINEERING/DESIGN OF THE TURN SIGNAL INDICATORS ON THE BACK END OF THE 2021 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. We recently purchased this vehicle and just noticed, after owning the vehicle for about a week, that the only turn signal indicators on the back of the vehicle are located down low in the b... Read more
Incident date: Jun 26, 2021
The Rear Gate Harness wires that are in the grommet wear and break from the rear gate going up and down. This issue has many issues. Rear lighting and break light, rear wiper, also rear locking mechanism and other unknown issues.
Incident date: Jun 7, 2021
The vehicle had a strange smell ever since we got it a few years back. Earlier in the month, the headlight and dashlight would flicker with the turn signal. We looked it up and set up an apppointment with a local Kia dealership for recall on this issue. Then this week, the engine suddenly quit while the car was parked. The vehicle wouldn't start at all. Kia was notified and they said that there wa... Read more
Incident date: Jun 23, 2021
Service Bulletin Number: 14311B, Date: June 2015, Service Bulletin: SB-10057574-8899 CONDITION On certain 2011–2015 model year Chevrolet Cruze vehicles, the negative battery cable terminal clamp may have an insufficient crimp at the battery negative terminal. Over time, the internal resistance increases and vehicle electrical systems do not receive adequate power. With this condition, the follo... Read more
Incident date: Jun 17, 2021
GMC has a bulletin “recall” that stated that the tail lights of their vehicles were not illuminating on vehicles. In 2019 we took our vehicle in to have the defect covered because our passenger tail light stopped working. We are now having the same issue with our driver light but they are stating that the recall only covered one light with knowledge that both lights are defective. Only one lig... Read more
Incident date: Feb 9, 2021
1 of my headlights is currently displaying an adaptative headlamp malfunction warning error. I took my vehicle to the dealer and the resolution offered seemed more trial and error. The dealer offered to dry out my headlight assembly which was holding condensation but could not guarantee this will resolve the issue. If the dry out method did not work the only other option was to replace the entire ... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
BEETLE
(2009) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jun 24, 2021
Incident date: Jun 24, 2021
headlamp connecters fail to connect at this time passenger side headlamp is not working, headlamp assy, fall out of their buckets in fenders.
Incident date: Jun 16, 2021
Headlights do not point far enough down the road, making it difficult to see while driving at night especially on country roads or when raining.
Incident date: Aug 9, 2019
Headlights are very dim at night on low beam, I have to drive with my high beams because I can't see the road or signs or cars , I have almost gotten into accidents because of this, I have taken it to the dealer and they will not replace them , I contacted Nissan North America Consumer Affairs and they won't replace them they say that I'm outside my manufacturers warranty I told them that I under... Read more
Incident date: Jun 4, 2018
The contact owns a 2006 GMC Envoy. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the headlights would fail not allowing them to see anything while driving. The contact stated that the headlights would only engage using the high beams. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with the headlight driver module needing to... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2021
The daytime running lights fail to illuminate which is a safety hazard. A message to check the headlights is displayed on the dashboard ONLY when the car is started with the remote start feature. This is a known problem as confirmed by technical service bulletin (TSB #SSM 46508)
Incident date: Jun 7, 2021
1. Rattling noise. Front driver door rattle around the window switch area (happens in some temperature like early morning, late night time, and driving on rough road). Center dash near the ac vent and hazard light area (happens driving on rough road at night time when the car cools down). Front passenger door rattles happen driving on all rough road. I think I hear something from the sun roof too ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2016
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds the headlights were dim and failed to produce adequate lighting. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was approximately 16,000.
Incident date: Jan 1, 2021
The rear center tail light, or track light, was poorly designed and it allows water to get trapped inside and sit, resulting in the lights burning out. This single light assembly consists of a brake light that is the width of the rear hatch, a backup camera, and reverse lights. The only way to fix this problem is to replace the entire light assembly which costs over $1,000. This is a very widespre... Read more
Incident date: Jun 20, 2021
Some how from one day to another the Signal doesn’t works for any dirección, horn, high lighting doesn’t work, only works the posición light but doesn’t respond if I use the control to turn off or change the option.
Incident date: Dec 23, 2019
During the past 3 years I have had to replace the battery 3 times, my daytime running lamps keep turning off, I have had to replace the ignition coil and now my car has been at the dealership for a week because there is an electrical problem they cannot figure out. The chassis control module was replaced but did not fix the problem. My personal mechanic advised the TCM was coding, but dealership s... Read more
Incident date: May 14, 2021
Vehicle loses power while driving. Sometimes it will not start being stranded with kids as this vehicle was produced as a family car. Had battery, alternator, starter replaced. Have read numerous reports from google about vehicle not starting due to safety security features, problems with the fuse box, needing a yellow wire grounded that is located under the hood, and so on. If this is a know i... Read more
Incident date: Mar 5, 2019
I have owned my 2013 kia forte for over 7 years. Within the last 3 years I have had significant issues with my tail lights and break lights burning out. To the point that the socket completely melted and shattered the light bulb.upon attempting to fix and remove the melted socket I sliced my hand open. I have been pulled over multiple times for my lights flickering or even just being out. It's to ... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Aug 6, 2020
Issue with the condensation/water getting inside our HID headlights. Have replaced once and now they are both full of water again. Dealer refuses to cover as a defect. VERY expensive to repair. Huge safety issue because lights can fail at any time going down a dark road! Safety to thers as they may not see me coming.
Incident date: Jun 1, 2021
No Recall Sent For My Air-Bags. Indicator Light On For Passenger Air Bags While Driving SUV I Am Concerned.
Incident date: Jan 5, 2020
Drivers side tail light intermittently works, doesn't work all the time. Passenger side brake light stays on continuously, never changes.
DODGE
GRAND CARAVAN
(2006) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jun 19, 2021
Incident date: Jun 19, 2021
The headlights and taillights come on randomly throughout the day and night while the car is parked and off. The warning dings for accidentally leaving your lights on happens every time you open the doors even though the lights are off. This has been going on since we got the vehicle.
Incident date: Apr 16, 2021
When driving my car will shut off by its self and it has done this the whole time I have had the car... When it shuts off the car gets reads stuck in park because the key gets stuck in ignition... When nights are on and I turn right my height lights come on... And my passenger air bag light came on and won't go off
Incident date: Feb 4, 2021
Noticed that my 2013 Nissan Altima headlights are very dim. Researched on the internet and quickly realized this is an issue with many 2013-2018 Altimas and that the reflective material in the assembly breaks down over time. This is a serious safety issue and Nissan does not have a recall and they definitely should be forced to recall cars with this issue before it's too late. Very serious safe... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2021
the front low beam headlights are extremely dim. Can typically only see approximately 30 feet in front while driving. Any speed in excess of 25mph is dangerous. High beams work fine. there are no fog lights on this vehicle.
Incident date: Jun 18, 2021
Driving at night is very dangerous as my headlights are extremely dim (even with new bulbs). The high beams are no better as they don't illuminate the road far enough or bright enough to see objects at night more than 100 feet away. I get anxiety driving at night because I can't see much and this is a problem with Ford Edges of various years with halogen bulbs. Many have had to buy conversion kits... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2021
My 2016 Yukon Denali passenger brake light has stopped working. I see there are many other complaints identifying the same issue - question why hasn't GMC issued a recall for a known problem. With the circuit board breaking this is obviously a manufacturing issue that needs to be addressed and is most definitely a safety issue and increases the odds of being rear-ended as a result of inoperative b... Read more
SUBARU
XV CROSSTREK
(2014) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jun 17, 2021
Incident date: Jun 16, 2021
Break lights are on, but do not light up when breaking. Changed break lights with many different bulbs, but same problem occurs. Not lighting up when breaking.
Incident date: Jun 17, 2021
The reflective surface inside the headlight assemblies has delaminated. This effectively makes the headlights useless and creates a very unsafe driving condition at night. I reported the issue to Acura's national customer service number but they did nothing but record the call. This is a known issue with Acura as they have done recalls on other year and model combinations. This is clearly a very s... Read more
FOREST RIVER
SURVEYOR
(2018) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jun 16, 2021
Incident date: Apr 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2018 Forest River Surveyor. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the headlights became inoperable. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.