Consumer Safety Complaints
Search 2,215,138 safety complaints filed by vehicle owners with NHTSA — including 138,663 crashes, 56,255 fires, and 8,561 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 2,215,138 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 42,495 complaints — component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Incident date: Dec 11, 2025
The backup camera on this vehicle is basically useless at night if there are no streetlights around. I don’t know if this is a combination of a poor camera and dim reverse lights or just a bad camera, but I think it’s a safety hazard. This is new vehicle using current technology, the camera should be able to see at night, or the reverse lights need to be brighter. What is the point of a revers... Read more
Incident date: Nov 13, 2025
This specific year and all models in 2021 Durango’s including SRT, GT, GT Plus , TnG , vehicle has a known issue with the driver side DRL ( Daytime Running Lights) completely going out and not working very early into its life . I believe this is a safety issue that the manufacturer should fix themselves as it’s a defect wiring / headlight issue that is affecting thousands of customers. SECON... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
GLA 250
(2025) — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Dec 11, 2025
Incident date: Jan 17, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds at night, the low beam headlights would independently dim. No warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired due to the cost. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to Service Campaign Number: PC861; however, the war... Read more
Incident date: Apr 11, 2021
The headlights on my car are very dim, impeding my ability to see the road at night. I sometimes resort to using my high beams when there is no oncoming traffic. I am afraid I will not see an obstacle in the road. I noticed this problem several years ago and told the service department at the dealership about it. They suggested that they clean a film off of the headlights, which they did and it te... Read more
Incident date: Sep 30, 2025
The headlights continously and irregularly flicker between high and low beam while driving at night. I have no control over it and cannot turn off the high beams when they activate. This is highly annoying to drivers ahead me, as they believe I am trying to get their attention (or be obnoxious). In these times and the legalization of open carry weapons in the state of Florida, this can be highly d... Read more
Incident date: Nov 27, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that water was entering the rear tail lamps, causing the amplifier and radio to fail to operate. The contact was concerned that the failure could cause an electrical fire. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the tail lamp gasket needed to be sealed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the f... Read more
GRAND DESIGN
MOMENTUM
(2022) — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Dec 11, 2025
Incident date: Apr 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2026 GMC Sierra 3500 used to haul a 2022 Grand Design Momentum RV. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the interior bedroom cabinets shifted and were rubbing against the wall. On another occasion while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact pulled over and noticed that the 8-inch gap between the RV and the bed of the vehicle was no longer there and the R... Read more
Incident date: Nov 27, 2025
The right rear taillight assembly fell out while driving on an interstate. No apparent reason
Incident date: Jul 15, 2025
This reports night-time driving experiences, during which the front left LED headlight projects/creates fixed black “shadow” images onto the roadway in front of the car, partially obscuring the driver’s far left field of view of the roadway. Despite adjustments of the front left headlight by dealer technicians, the left headlight “shadows”, while lessened, are still projected onto the r... Read more
Incident date: Oct 3, 2025
Vehicle battery drains significantly after being charged, passenger wiper will not work impairing visibility, back up camera blurs and fails, bright lights would not turn on, I was in a huge rain storm unable to see. Inability to use level 3 charger is disallowing me to be able to use vehicle due to amount of time to charge and battery drain has caused me to be broken down requiring a tow twice du... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2025) — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Dec 9, 2025
Incident date: Jun 22, 2025
My headlight are severely oxidized and are cracking. It makes it very hard to see at night. I took it to a repair shop and they could not get the headlight anywhere but from the dealer which are to expensive. I’m a student and can’t afford what they charge for new ones.
Incident date: Dec 9, 2023
The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Tundra. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V322000 (Exterior Lighting) and 25V767000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the parts to do the recall repair were not yet available. The contact stated that the vehicle registration was scheduled for renewal in January 2026; however, the renewal might not be approved with open recalls. The m... Read more
Incident date: Dec 6, 2025
I was driving my vehicle when all of a sudden my passenger side headlight went out. I initially thought it was a light bulb I needed to fix. I turned the vehicle on after a few hours and the light was working again, but on occasion the light randomly turns off while I am driving. I looked online how to fix it and found multiple people with same issue and condensation build up which mine has witho... Read more
Incident date: Nov 10, 2025
The driver's side Daylight Running Light (DRL) is out and there is not a bulb to repair this, it's a $2000+ repair per the dealership and it's 4 years old with 80,000 miles on it. This needs to be a recall. These lights should last way more than 4 years.
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
I have a 2017 Q7 with the "front right side marker light defective" warning THAT POP OUT ONLY WHEN THE LIGHT AUTOMATICALLY TURN ON but the lights are actually functional. Yet the local Audi still wants to charge me 5.3k to fix it. The warning only happens at night. I've asked the shop for clarification on how it was deemed inop. since it looks like it's working to me. I see a lot of posts in for... Read more
Incident date: Dec 9, 2024
📝 Complaint: 2014 Cadillac SRX Dim Headlights Subject: URGENT SAFETY HAZARD AND DEFECT: Severely Dim Headlights on 2014 Cadillac SRX (Affecting 2010-2016 Model Years) – Failure to Act Despite Class Action and NHTSA Complaints Vehicle Information: * Year: 2014 * Make: Cadillac * Model: SRX * VIN [XXX] 4 * Owner/Complainant [XXX] r * Contact [XXX] [XXX] m 1. The Defect and Safety Hazar... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Mar 1, 2025
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? -I have received a "Check Brake Light" warning several times now, even after replacing the bulbs. I have replaced them twice now in the past 6 months and the issue persists. I believe it to be a faulty sensor or something similar. Yes, it is available to inspect upon request. How was your safety or ... Read more
BENTLEY
FLYING SPUR
(2020) — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Dec 9, 2025
Incident date: Dec 9, 2025
I have had two 2016 Town & Country’s both of which have the same issue of the automatic high beam occasionally not turning off for oncoming vehicles. I have in fact been pulled over because they failed to turn off for a Michigan state police officer. The problem occurs most when on a large divided highway such as an interstate or in curves. This has been an issue ongoing with both of them and th... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
My issue is with the volume of the turn signal. when you are driving you cannot hear it.On the highway you have no idea that it is on. I almost was in an accident when I was unaware it was on and someone pulled out in front of me Talked with the dealer that stated all 2024 Escapes are they way. It is very unsafe
Incident date: Nov 8, 2025
The centered high mounted brake light overheated during normal vehicle operation. The plastic bulb socket and housing melted, causing the bulb to dislodge and fall into the interior of the vehicle. The bulb was extremely hot and burned holes through an interior fabric item that was stored in the rear cargo area for less than 15 minutes. There was no collision or modification involved. This created... Read more
Incident date: Dec 4, 2025
Notice significant rust or corrosion on my 2010 Subaru Legacy, especially on the subframe. Had it professional inspected and confirmed on December 6, 2025 because it was making a squeaky noise when I applied the brakes. I purchased this vehicle 02/15/20 used, was not told about corrosion. Bought vehicle at Maxon Buick GMC in Union, New Jersey. Also,my headlight bulbs keeps going out every year sin... Read more
Incident date: Oct 15, 2025
Automatic Headlamp Leveling System malfunction causing safety issues with nighttime driving.
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
Subject: RECALL VIOLATION: Kia on the Boulevard (Philadelphia) - Refused Remedy, Charged $199, Returned Unsafe Vehicle Vehicle Information: [Year] Kia Optima Hybrid Dealership Name: Kia on the Boulevard Dealership Address: 11295 Roosevelt Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19154 Complaint Description: 1. The Safety Incident: While operating the vehicle, I experienced a catastrophic engine failure. Thick sm... Read more
Incident date: Dec 5, 2025
While driving on the interstate in light snow and mostly clear and semi dry roads, ice accumulates on both the head lights and the foglights to a degree that they no longer project enough light to see far enough ahead at even moderate speeds. When I pulled over to inspect them, the surface was coated with a mix of ice and dirt rendering them useless. Ambient temperatures were between 24 and 30 d... Read more
Incident date: Dec 3, 2024
The problem is with the Infotainment system. It was replaced once under warranty but is again malfunctioning. The infotainment system controls some critical features of the vehicle. One instance is when trying to calibrate tpms after a low condition, it is impossible to get control of the display as it makes "Ghost" selections or is hung up. Resets both hard and soft do not work. Removing the nega... Read more
Incident date: Dec 6, 2025
On multiple occasions, the vehicle’s infotainment system has malfunctioned, and when this occurs, the turn signals stop working entirely. This failure has happened while the vehicle was in active use, including during a long trip, leaving us without functioning turn signals for an extended period. This creates a serious and immediate safety hazard for both the occupants of the vehicle and other ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 6, 2025
I am writing to respectfully request that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) consider adopting a Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard requiring vehicles to provide a clear driver alert when headlights and tail lamps are not illuminated in low-light conditions. Although many vehicles offer automatic headlights, these systems can be disabled without the driver’s knowledge... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2024) — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Dec 7, 2025
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
The backup camera in the dark on this vehicle is unusable. Someone will eventually run someone over. I have added brighter lights everywhere on the back of the vehicle and the camera is still useless at night. The dealer told me it looked fine to them (they checked it in a lit garage). There are hundreds of complaints across all forums.
LAND ROVER
LR2
(2008) — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Dec 7, 2025
Incident date: Dec 4, 2025
Headlights will completely go out at night just at random, sometimes it's only one and sometimes it both completely. Yet the High beams and fog lights will work when activated even when the regular lights will not. Has been an ongoing issue for a while now, and upon talking to other Jeep Grand Cherokee owners of around the same year model they complain that there's do it randomly as well, and I've... Read more
Incident date: Dec 6, 2025
The vision. Are no good and the ears
VOLKSWAGEN
ID.4
(2022) — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Dec 7, 2025
Incident date: Mar 14, 2025
Electrical gremlins present at time of purchase (3/14/2025). Entered service and repair on 3/17/2025 and remained for 30-45 days. Upon coming to retrieve vehicle electrical malfunctions still present upon entering vehicle in the service bay, alerted advisor. Car was checked back into service immediately and remained for 60-90 days. Between March and December I have had continuous electrical gremli... Read more
Incident date: Nov 20, 2025
My vehicle originally showed more than 10 open safety recalls in the FordPass app and at the servicing dealer. I saved screenshots of each recall. After Ford performed a remote over-the-air software update, all but one recall suddenly disappeared from the app even though no physical repairs were done and no documentation was provided. NHTSA still shows Recall 25V543 as incomplete, involving BCM s... Read more
Incident date: Dec 5, 2025
The headlights on my RAV4 do not shine far enough in front of the vehicle and have a straight line cut off at top of beam. While driving in rural areas of the California foothills this issue is dangerous. As you go up and down and wind around rural roads you cannot see far enough ahead to see what might be lurking in the dark. We've had this car Since August 2nd 2025, 3500 miles to date and don't... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2017) — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Dec 6, 2025
Incident date: Dec 6, 2025
Trailer brake warning
Incident date: Nov 19, 2025
I got this car right at the beginning of 2020, I didn’t even KNOW HOW to use my high beams until 2-3 years in. I used them all of 4-6 times and they magically stopped working. I don’t need them often so I didn’t notice right away. I’ve known for a while now but didn’t know I could submit a form like this. And no way in hell am I paying that much money for something that broke after a few... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
AMG GLS63
(2026) — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Dec 5, 2025
Incident date: Dec 3, 2025
I get ads for Sirius XM that occupy navigation while the vehicle is moving. The ad does not go away on its own, i have to manually dismiss the ad. I've owned the car for one year and i've gotten about 5 of these ads for SiriusXM. I even made a Sirius account and opted out of all in-vehicle messaging and continue to get the ad. It is always while im driving. Nobody can make it stop. I never used Si... Read more
Incident date: Aug 28, 2025
Headlight humming / headlight unit failure. Known issue with Mazda but they refuse to repair unless I pay $2k for a new headlight. Vehicle has less than 50k miles and this is a know issue for 2019-2023 CX5s.
Incident date: Nov 6, 2025
Passenger side headlight failed and malfunctioned partially, DLR works properly but low beam light failed without notice. there is no warning lamp or message displayed to warn driver the headlight is failed
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2006) — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Dec 5, 2025
Incident date: Sep 8, 2025
Vehicle will all of a sudden shut off with out warning while driving. It has shut off while in motion going about 25miles per hour . I hurry and put it in park and restart it. It has restarted every time. Sometime the lights on the dash will flash for a moment but has only done that 2 times out of the 10 that it has shut off while driving
Incident date: Dec 5, 2025
Headlights flicker off and then back on at random times while driving. I've been unable to reproduce the issue on command in any way. No warning lamps or anything by the truck. The first couple times while driving at night I thought it was my eyes because it happened when I was looking away like when turning around a neighborhood corner and checking for traffic. Now, I've noticed it happening ... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2021) — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Dec 5, 2025
Incident date: Nov 21, 2025
The contact owns a 2024 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that while driving in inclement weather, the rearview camera became inoperable, and moisture was visible in the displayed image. The contact also stated that while driving at 50 MPH, the vehicle stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle did not need to be restarted. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numb... Read more
Incident date: Nov 22, 2025
Previous recall 05V505 has been completed but the issue has returned the issue has been intermittent for a fee months but the tail light has been non op for a few months, i have tried different sockets and bulbs to no avail. The issue has not caused any incidents but i have no brake light on the drivers side due to melting on the lamp itself aswell as the pins on the connector are warped
Incident date: Dec 5, 2025
Headlight shut off when truck slows down
POLESTAR
POLESTAR 2
(2022) — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Dec 4, 2025
Incident date: Nov 1, 2025
What failed? There have been a couple instances of the screen (IHU) rebooting while just driving down the road. This temporarily disables the HVAC (including defroster) and turn signal sounds. It is unclear which ADAS functions are impacted. It is available for inspection upon request, if you visit me in NC. How was safety put at risk? Disabling the defroster could cause the windshield to fog u... Read more
Incident date: Nov 26, 2025
The headlights are fogging up on the inside of headlight with condensation. This problem will lead to two issues. The ability to see at night and I believe the plastic lens will become damaged over time. My friend who has the same type of vehicle including year has the same issue. His vehicle was in a accident. The part for the headlight was $1500. I looked inside the headlight and their ar... Read more
Incident date: Dec 3, 2025
Auto high beams constantly tun on and off due to reflections from road signs. Other times when cars are coming at you, and they should turn off, they stay on blinding the oncoming drivers.
Incident date: Nov 20, 2025
I own a new manual 2024 Ford Mustang GT now with 800 miles. When turning on the unit on 2 occasions, one on November 20 and another on December 3, documented with photographs and videos, the unit presents a black screen with no image. Either in reverse or drive without the possibility of viewing any image. The agency was notified and commented that these failures had never occurred.
HYUNDAI
SANTA FE SPORT
(2016) — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Dec 3, 2025
Incident date: Nov 26, 2025
Six weeks ago the alternator and battery had also been replaced. My Hyundai Santa Fe Sport turbo engine, exhibited a persistent rubber-like odor for approximately three weeks after the latest maintenance. During this period, the push-start button intermittently failed, requiring multiple attempts to engage, and the vehicle experienced noticeable shaking. After being parked, smoke began to emerge f... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Dec 3, 2025
The low beam headlights lights on my 2013 Acura RDX are very dim, and replacing the bulbs does not make any difference. I have read multiple reports that this is a common problem where the reflective material inside the projector style housing breaks down over time, and that the only fix is to replace the entire headlight assembly on both sides. Due to the poor lighting, I have had several near ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 17, 2025
At night when I am driving, the headlight goes off. The light switch does not work on some settings. I never know when or where this dangerous situation is going to happen. Therefore, I try to avoid driving at night, as much as possible. This problem was addressed to Kia more than a year ago. They keep saying that they don't see a problem.