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: Dec 10, 2025
Headlight is defective and is filled with condensation which has caused the entire light to fail. The problem has been confirmed by a independent service center. The light has not been inspected by a manufacturer however the manufacturer was contacted and denied that a recall exists however other purchasers have reported the same issue. There have been no apparent issues prior to this problem.
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
THE REAR LIGHT BAR DEVELOPS LEAKS AND CAN MAKE THE REAR LIGHING GO OUT. DEALER WAS MADE AWARE AND STATES IT'S NO LONGER A COVERED ITEM.
Incident date: Mar 6, 2026
The contact owns a 2024 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at night, the low beam headlights were very dim. The headlight control was set to automatic, but the dimness of the headlights was the same as when switched to manual control. The failure was not as noticeable while using the high beam headlights. The contact stated that the low beam headlights failed to properly illuminate in... Read more
Incident date: Feb 13, 2026
Automatic headlight sensor flashes lights on and off even during sunny days
Incident date: Jan 30, 2026
The vehicle has a recurring door handle/door lock malfunction associated with Volkswagen safety recall 57J9. Symptoms include the vehicle unlocking and immediately re-locking, auto-unlock failure, and difficulty entering the vehicle. All four door handles were previously replaced under the recall (Feb 2025), but the malfunction recurred. On 01/26/2026 I delivered the vehicle to a Volkswagen deale... Read more
Incident date: Feb 13, 2026
In April, 2025, my vehicle's engine power was significantly reduced while on the highway. I could not keep pace with traffic. My mechanic said there were recalls for the turbo engine but my car was not included. I paid forbthe part and repair. Less than a year later and the car began burning a lot of oil very fast. I add oil weekly. The car has again been losing power and there is still no recall ... Read more
FORD
F-150 HYBRID
(2023) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Mar 12, 2026
Incident date: Mar 4, 2026
The contact owns a 2025 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V059000 (Exterior Lighting, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that messages that the exterior lights on the trailer were inoperable were displayed while the exterior lights were operable. The dealer was notified of the failure and inf... Read more
Incident date: Jan 5, 2026
* Sudden shutdown while driving * Dash failure * “Vehicle not in park” message * RF hub failure * Recall references While driving at highway speeds and without warning the entire dashboard shut off and the vehicle lost power. The message “Vehicle Not in Park” appeared. My son was forced to coast off the highway to safety. Once the vehicle stopped, it shifted itself into park. The truck res... Read more
Incident date: Sep 18, 2025
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Mar 12, 2026
The contact owns a 2022 Ram 1500. While driving approximately 45 MPH, the contact was pulled over by the Local Police and was informed that the taillights were dark. The contact turned on the exterior lights using the automatic function on the light switch. The contact stated that there was no warning illuminated. The contact depressed the brake pedal and the brake lights operated as needed. The c... Read more
JAYCO
GRANITE RIDGE
(2025) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Mar 12, 2026
Incident date: Mar 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2025 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V059000 (Exterior Lighting, Electrical System). The local dealer was contacted to schedule an appointment; however, on the day of the appointment, the dealer called and informed the contact that parts were not available, and that the manufacturer was shipping a limited amount of parts to the dealers. Th... Read more
Incident date: Mar 2, 2026
The contact owns a 2014 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that for several years, the headlight bulbs were replaced several times. The contact used several different brands of headlight bulbs, but the bulbs failed prematurely. The contact stated that the headlight bulbs were dim while using the low beam or the high beam headlights. Additionally, the turn signals failed to properly operate while engag... Read more
Incident date: Mar 11, 2026
The passenger side day time running light is dimmed drastically and almost not visible anymore on the upright section. After doing research , this seems to be a very common issue and not a cheap repair. Some states day time running lights are mandatory to work to pass inspection. Ford has not acknowledged this issue and/or making profit from changing out the whole headlight assembly to fix. It se... Read more
Incident date: Mar 11, 2026
Collision with deer. The vehicle cannot be driven because Nissan cannot supply a bumper with no ETA.
Crash
Incident date: Mar 3, 2026
This vehicle does not recognize that the gear is on park. Due to the issue, it has left me stranded twice. The first time it was at a very remote area up in the mountains. I was stuck for hours due to battery dying. The second time being a very dangerous situation Because it was a very dangerous area late at night.
Incident date: Nov 27, 2024
I am writing to formally document my experience with the service performed at Nissan Heights following a recall repair on my vehicle. My vehicle was brought to Nissan Heights on Monday, March 2, for recall service related to NHTSA Recall #22V-024 (Nissan Recall #R21B9) involving the wiring harness. I dropped off the vehicle early that morning with the expectation that the recall work would be comp... Read more
Incident date: Mar 6, 2026
My main headlights became DIM after 7 years of ownership. I have gone to the Dealership and had BOTH bulbs Replaced with No Visible Improvement in the Brightness. Given the age of my car, I've also had the Lenses Polished to ensure there's no significant Film on the Outside. Again... No Improvement in the Brightness of the lights. I asked the techs at the Shop about the problem and they said... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2020) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Mar 11, 2026
Incident date: Mar 9, 2026
Vehicle produced symptoms over time: Loss of Ford Pass connectivity, Inconsistent turn signal function, occasional dashboard alarm for Open Driver Door while driving, unwarranted security alarm triggers when still at home. Second to last incident was an unwarranted security alarm that triggered, and was unable to be stopped by use of the security controls (lock/unlock, alarm key button). Horn "w... Read more
Incident date: Jan 10, 2026
Paint on car is coming off from hood and doors headlights are not bright had to change to aftermarket to make it brighter
Incident date: Mar 11, 2026
This is a leased vehicle through Enterprise. We have had a recall on the reverse lamps since 7-17-2025. Every time our driver take the vehicle in for service they say the parts haven't arrived or they cant get them to replace. There was no wreck or damage to the vehicle its just a simple recall we are trying to get fixed.
Incident date: Mar 3, 2026
Race light tail lights went out. Water can get in around light . Known issue in class action lawsuit
Incident date: Mar 11, 2026
Trailer lights operate intermittently (basis of Manufacturer Recall Number 03D NHTSA Recall Number26V-059). Manufacturer states that the repair parts are available, but they are not allowing dealerships to make the repair for some undisclosed reason. The Manufacturer is misrepresenting that a repair is available when it is not and is not able to provide any more information on when this will be r... Read more
Incident date: Mar 3, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that the headlights failed to properly illuminate the roadway while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact was informed that the fog covering the headlights could not be removed and that the vehicle was not covered under recall. The dealer informed the contact that the headlight assemblies needed to be replaced. The ve... Read more
TOYOTA
GRAND HIGHLANDER
(2024) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Mar 10, 2026
Incident date: Mar 6, 2026
Driver side Daytime Running Light (DLR) went out without warning. Another motorist notified me. Fixing requires the entire headlamp assembly to be replaced and the part, alone, is over $1,100.
Incident date: Mar 10, 2026
When it is too windy or rains my blindspot warning light will indicate there is something there when there isn't. I'm unsure of when I really started to notice it and watch for it to occur
Incident date: Apr 24, 2023
I previously had this same issue August 2024 (associated complaint 11608428). My rear drivers side tail light is out completely-no brake light, reverse, turn signal, or nighttime tail light is working. I spent nearly $800 to replace part 68599920AA, as the entire motherboard was fried, as were the connectors from overheating. I’ve located several other complaints with similar issues: 11585014; 1... Read more
Incident date: Mar 6, 2026
Daytime running light just went out one side.
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
Spontaneous headlight cracking and chipping.
Incident date: Mar 9, 2026
The contact owns a 2025 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving out of the driveway of the residence at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights illuminated related to the trailer control module; however, a trailer was not attached to the vehicle during the failure. The warning lights were continuously illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, an... Read more
Incident date: Jan 14, 2026
The low beam headlights are very dim and this causes reduced / no visibility while driving at night. While driving in the dark, it is impossible to see anything on the road ahead
Incident date: Nov 20, 2025
Basically, the instrument cluster lighting is very, very poor. Very difficult to read when driving, especially in a day break. You must turn off your daylight running lights to make it a little bit brighter. This is a problem.
VOLKSWAGEN
TIGUAN
(2019) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Mar 9, 2026
Incident date: Mar 9, 2026
Major electrical issues causing problems with the wipers, cruise control, break lights, sensor issues and much more
Incident date: Mar 6, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked with the headlight switch set to the Automatic Off/On position, the headlights blinked continuously, the bulb became red, and then the headlights became inoperable. While the headlight switch was in the on position, the headlights operated as designed. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehic... Read more
Incident date: Mar 9, 2026
Both front headlights are making an abnormal loud whining noise which started intermittently about 6 months ago and became continuous January 2026. Took vehicle to dealership where the dealership reported that the noise may be due to contamination by a foreign matter during the manufacturing process getting inside the adaptive headlight system causing the fan motor bearings inside the headlight to... Read more
Incident date: Mar 8, 2026
The contact owns a 2025 Ram 3500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V059000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). The contact noticed the failure on the drive back after the vehicle was purchased. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake lights and turn signals failed to function as intended. The contact lived in... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2026
Getting error message that the "Front Left Side Marker Light Defective". The light appears to be operational. Service shop looked to read the errors with ODB2 and both light modules (left and right) are not communicating any info. In same time the warning in dashboard is continuous and can impede gauges visibility during night. Audible warning noise can also activate at random times. Searched for ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 9, 2026
The brakes, turn signals, and hazards do not trigger the associated components and the controls for these do not work. The check engine light intermittently comes on and off with these symptoms. The front clutch cable has work through the protective housing at the front of the motorcycle against the electrical components.
Incident date: Mar 7, 2025
Low beam headlights so dim is impossible to drive at night.
Incident date: Feb 23, 2026
Randomly when the truck is turned on, the turn signals will stop working, no noise, nothing. When this happens, the infotainment system also stops working. It is unsafe to be driving and not knowing if your signals are working or not. This has been happening since the truck was purchased from the dealer.
Incident date: Mar 7, 2026
Low beam lights are extremely dim pretty sure it’s caused by the projector screen infront on the bulbs not allowing enough light to come thru. Can not see the road infront of you or around the side or your car when needing to make a turn, extremely dangerous
Incident date: Oct 9, 2025
UConnect screen is out. Started glitching but now it is completely black yet the touch part of it is responsive?? Now if only i could remember EXACTLY where everything is located and in what order.. haha. Not. Also I have no backup camera view, not being able to see what temp my ac/heat is at or which mode it is on. What time is it even? How do i turn on the passenger heated seat for my daughte... Read more
Incident date: Aug 10, 2025
Check Engine light POO14 , indicates shake , stall and loss of power. Appointment is scheduled with Jaguar, this is a known problem and recall however my specific model has no yet been placed on recall , definitely a safety problem that shall not be noticed only until an accident occurs to me myself or others.
Incident date: Feb 1, 2025
Head lamp warning alerted (refers driver to drivers manual, only to say see a dealer) but no issues, both lamps were working. Took vehicle to Ford service center and they could not find a problem, we figured this could be an electronic issue with the warning, but Head lamp warning became more frequent again no issues. Then while driving in the dark with headlights on the automatic function, head... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2018) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Mar 6, 2026
Incident date: Mar 6, 2026
I have several different things going on. First of all my rear turn signals do not work, nor do my rear hazard lights. I've taken it to a mechanic who has extensively looked at this and has determined that it's the body control modular and is suggested replacement. I have been waiting for several months for this part to come in but he keeps telling me it's on back order. Also, my radiator fan/asse... Read more
TESLA
CYBERTRUCK
(2024) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Mar 6, 2026
Incident date: Dec 26, 2025
Painting chipping on front top car... Seatbelt don't fasten all the time...Lights are dim.
Incident date: Mar 6, 2026
Tesla sent me a Recall notice on the Lightbar, but in the notice, Tesla says it will not connect the lightbar to the electrical system and make the lightbar operable when Tesla repairs the defective lightbar. I paid $300.00 to have the original lightbar connected to the electrical system, and now, due to Tesla's improper installation, I am going to have to pay to have the new lightbar connected as... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
TIGUAN
(2023) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Mar 6, 2026
Incident date: Mar 6, 2026
Tailgate control module damaged by water leaking from faulty rear body seam seals on left top of vehicle Doors would lock and unlock on their own while driving and tailgate signaled it was open but never unlatched Manual tailgate opening/closing did not work at all Constantly beeped when unlocked and alarm went off randomly All electrical activity drained battery and made vehicle undriveable; tow ... Read more
TOYOTA
SIENNA HYBRID
(2025) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Mar 6, 2026
Incident date: Mar 6, 2026
Water enters headlamp assembly causing a he assembly to fail. Failed assembly ruins control module. Ruined control module disables multiple safety features (7 errors code show upon failure). Root cause is a faulty seal from original manufacturing. Manufacturer has corrected the faulty seal but did not issue safety recall leaving owners with defective and unsafe equipment as well as hefty repair bi... Read more
Incident date: Feb 28, 2026
When reversing in a dark or low light area I can't see behind the vehicle on the backup camera display. It seems like there is no night vision and the reverse lights don't illuminate behind the vehicle enough to see in the display or the rearview mirror. I've almost backed into objects because you cannot see behind the vehcle.