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: Feb 17, 2026
Daytime running light on passenger side has failed. Repair is complex and estimated at a minimum of $1200 for a part that should last for the lifetime of the car. Numerous other reports of this issue for 2021 VW Atlas model year.
Incident date: Feb 6, 2026
The contact owns a 2025 Ram 1500. The contact stated the display screen was blank. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V059000 (Exterior Lighting, Electrical System). The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were on back order. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approx... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2022) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Feb 16, 2026
Incident date: Jan 30, 2026
A drunk driver hit my car along with six others, and my car spun into the highway wall and totaled the car with an impact probably 40 or 50 mph and airbags did not go off
Crash
5 injured
Incident date: Nov 1, 2025
I have a 2022 Ford Maverick XL Hybrid and the system that failed is the rear lighting system, specifically the tail lamps, brake lamps, and rear turn signals. This appears to be related to the Body Control Module (BCM) software, which was the subject of Ford Recall 24S27 affecting many 2022–2024 Ford Mavericks. The failure began on my vehicle with the left rear tail lamp assembly (running light,... Read more
Incident date: Dec 31, 2025
My low beam heads both stopped working at the same time. Upon investigation I identified the problem came from corrosion of the relay in the battery junction box. This problem exactly matches a Ford recall for some 2013 Ford fiesta manufactured in Canada. My vehicle is not covered by this recall, but the problem and failure point is identical. The text of that recall is as follows: "Safety recal... Read more
Incident date: Jan 22, 2026
The automatic headlight dimmer feature at times doesn’t dim soon enough or at all for oncoming traffic. It will change to dim back to bright or the other way bright to dim for no apparent reason. On very dark roads they do not change to bright at all. It’s been to the dealer 3 times. On first visit they reported no error codes. On the next visit they said sensitivity was adjusted and said road... Read more
Incident date: Jan 14, 2026
I noticed that visibility at night was poor. I was pulled over by the police and give a warning that my headlight was out and told to get it fixed. I thought it may be as simple as a bulb but was told the entire left headlamp assembly had to be replaced at a cost of more than $2,000. Just days later my Dealership send me a service notice which also stated that the left headlamp should be inspected... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
The vehicle experienced repeated electrical wiring harness damage in the lighting, tire and connector areas due to exposed and insufficiently protected wiring near socket terminations. On two separate service visits, authorized dealership technicians confirmed that rodents chewed through multiple exposed wires. The affected wiring involves critical electrical systems. The connectors lack adequate... Read more
Incident date: Feb 10, 2026
If headlights are in auto position or were on prior to car starting (I.e. they were left in on position last time car was on), the headlights sometimes do not turn on even though the headlight icon is illuminated. Basically, headlights sometimes say they are on even though they are not.
Incident date: Feb 15, 2026
The passenger side low beam headlights failed at roughly 100k miles. The replacement part and labor quote from the dealership was roughly $1,500. I was able to find an OEM part online for $800 and install myself. Roughly 12,000 miles later the driver side low beam headlight has failed which will require a replacement as well.
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2024) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Feb 15, 2026
Incident date: Feb 13, 2026
Premature failure of headlight assembly unit, (buzzing sound, known issue) completely unacceptable for this to happen right out of warranty. I don't think I will touch another Mazda in the future.
Incident date: Feb 12, 2026
The Driver's side daytime running light white LED strip is inoperable. After internet research this complaint is very common and similar to the tail "racetrack" light recall. Because daytime running increases visibility of vehicles on the road, this is safety related. I have since observed several late year model Durangos with this exact fault. Stelantis/Dodge/Chrysler will not warranty the fault ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 5, 2023
in certain comditions when using the turn signal a yellow "turn light will pop up on the screen and the blinker fail to function properly. if that pops up all blinkers stop working
Incident date: Feb 13, 2026
Exactly at 50,000 miles, both Daytime Running Lights stopped working This is a very well known issue in the owners community and seems very o purpose, since to fix it, instead of just having to replace a bulb or small part, dealer requires to replace the whole headlight assembly
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2024) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Feb 13, 2026
Incident date: Feb 4, 2026
Faulty light switch that causes headlights to go on and off at night. Sometimes headlights will shut off completely and not come back on or vise versa staying on and draining the battery. Faulty switch cause complete loss of headlight control. Numerous others have reported the same issue online across all elantras in a certain year range as well as other models.
Incident date: Dec 30, 2025
Drivers DRL failed within 3 yrs. This is LED and supposed to last 10-15 yrs. Extended bumper to bumper warranty won’t cover. It’s nearly 2k to fix. Risk is less visibility during daytime to other drivers. Is this led bulb, electrical, fuse, ballast? No one seems to know. 2 dealerships say have to replace entire headlight system for nearly 2k!!!
Incident date: Oct 30, 2025
The contact owned a 2021 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the passenger’s side taillight became inoperable. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the wiring harness for the passenger’s side taillight had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Th... Read more
GREENPOWER
EV STAR BUS
(2019) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Feb 12, 2026
Incident date: Dec 9, 2025
[XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Incident date: Jan 20, 2026
The passenger side daytime running light no longer illuminates or illuminates poorly. During daytime inclement weather, low beams must be manually turned on to ensure there's some form of lighting illuminated during snow, fog, etc. Problem is well known by the dealer and extremely wide spread in the 2021 to 2023 F-150. The component has not been inspected. There is no warning lamp to indicate dayt... Read more
Incident date: Feb 12, 2025
ALERT " Left Front side marker light defective" see owner manual. That is the message
Incident date: Jan 19, 2026
Contacted local Dodge dealer for repair of the below known part issue. They stated they are only receiving 1 unit/week to be able to replace and the repair could be weeks out. I use my truck for towing frequently and am not comfortable doing so with the upcoming recall known. Manufacturer Recall Number03D NHTSA Recall Number26V-059 Recall StatusRecall Incomplete
Incident date: Dec 31, 1969
As we drove toward the highway to begin our journey home in our 2024 RWD Ioniq 5 with our entire family and luggage in the vehicle, we received a "Check Electric Vehicle System" warning and immediately pulled over and called Hyundai Roadside Assistance. They initially were going to send someone to jump the car, assuming it was an ICE, but once we said it was an EV, they said they didn't have the ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 9, 2026
The center high mounted tail light (CHMTL) has failed. It makes it a little harder to see the vehicle is braking. The fuses are fine. It is a very common failure on Jeep Gladiators. Many times people don't know it has failed. There are no warning lamps or indicators to tell you it has failed.
Incident date: Feb 10, 2026
The rear tail lights and the rear “race track” running light have allowed water to enter causing premature failure of a large portion of the light(s). These are not user serviceable parts and should be completely sealed from the elements. Eventually, the entire ‘marker light’ portion of the the taillights and race track with be completely non-functioning causing the vehicle to have no re... Read more
KIA
SORENTO HYBRID
(2025) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Feb 11, 2026
Incident date: Jan 16, 2026
Onstar Module failed causing battery to drain and no ETA on part -- from Chevy - To drive the vehicle the module is disconnected by the dealer as parasitic battery drain causes all other safety systems to fail - with module disconnected hazard lights will not work - so if situation happens where hazards are necessary to save occupants life they are not working and functioning due to care to able t... Read more
Incident date: Feb 9, 2026
Vehicle has excessive condensation in driver headlight. Garage kept only. Problem discovered because of parking vehicle outside on driveway while the garage hosted moving boxes. This was the only time this vehicle has spent the night outside.
Incident date: Feb 10, 2026
The low beam headlights have degraded over time and are now barely providing any light, making driving at night unsafe. This appears to be due to the degradation of the low beam assembly reflector. Replacing the low beam headlights with higher quality lights did not make any noticeable difference. This issue has been reported in numerous online chats for the 2015 Acura RDX.
Incident date: Feb 11, 2026
The Durango seems to have a defect that should be a recall. If you look up the issues online everyone has the same issue. It puts yourself and others at risk because you may be unaware that your light is not working properly. Please see description below that is right online: Symptoms: Water inside the housing, dimming, flickering, or total failure of the light bar. Causes: Defective sealing a... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 3500
(2024) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Feb 11, 2026
Incident date: Jan 5, 2026
I'm reporting that my driving/fog lights aren't working and haven't for some time. My truck only has 58,000 miles on it and is only 5 years old, I have been guided to report this issue to the NHTSA. I drive allot in the early morning and am NOT getting the lighting I should, it's agravating that you pay so much for a vehicle and the lights don't work properly. I have read 100's of post/emails and ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2008 Pontiac G6. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V252000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC); however, the failure recurred after the recall repair. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not repaired. The manufacturer declined to provide additional repair... Read more
Incident date: Mar 4, 2024
I HAVE HAD THIS TRUCK TO kIA IN cLEARWATER 4 X FOR PANEL GOING BLACK. NO LIGHTS, AIR COMES ON AND OFF BY ITSELF. nO BACK UP CAMERA. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING ON THIS TRUCK SINCE I BOUGHT IT. THE MGR. WADE THINKS I AM CRAZY. THERE IS A RECALL FOR THE PANEL BUT NOT FOR MY TRUCK, WHY? NO ONE WILL FIX THIS TRUCK. I AM VERY DISAPOINTED WITH KIA. I HAD A SOUL AND TRADED UP FOR THESE SAME REASONS. 3 BATTEI... Read more
Incident date: Dec 31, 2025
The contact owns a 2024 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode and failed to accelerate. The contact stated that the messages “Engine Power Reduced” and “Support Brake Malfunction” were displayed. The vehicle was able to restart. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, the message “Malfunction with Th... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2021) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Feb 10, 2026
Incident date: Dec 28, 2023
The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that there was moisture accumulated in the taillight housings. While shifted into reverse, the camera image was not properly displayed. There were six unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V322000 (Exterior Lighting). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, but the vehicle was ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 8, 2026
The rear brake lights intermittently do not work, but at the same time the middle third light brake light works fine. also the turn signals work fine. People will rear end me if they don’t see my brake lights. I am a retired, master mechanic, and my son is also a mechanic. We have both looked into this problem and it possibly could be either a module or the turn signal switch. I had no warning o... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2024
Vertical part of passenger day time running light failing. The purpose of DRL is safety and being seen. This isn’t happening.
Incident date: Feb 9, 2026
I have 2016 BMW 5 series car, for past two to three years headlights are getting condensation inside on colder months. Dealer is not able to fix the condensation, they are advising to replace the headlights. Some of my friends replaced OEM headlights, but after few years they are started condensation, it’s looked like defect from manufacturer, I had few Honda vehicles older than my BMW car, they... Read more
FORD
BRONCO SPORT
(2022) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Feb 9, 2026
Incident date: Jan 9, 2026
Vehicle: 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid Sport Touring (OEM headlights; no aftermarket lighting modifications) Issue Type: Exterior Lighting – Headlights (low-beam performance/visibility) Description of Problem: I am submitting a safety complaint regarding the low-beam headlights on my 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid Sport Touring. The low beams provide poor foreground illumination and create a distinct dark are... Read more
Incident date: Feb 9, 2025
Instrument cluster panel and all warning lights, fuel gage, speedometer, tire pressure, temperature sensor, etc. as well as all info on app unable to access. no warning lights which could cause crash without prior warning. controls and displays failed to illuminate and were not visible. unable to see in daylight or at night. Dealer verified internal failure in IPC, would not repair under recall, s... Read more
Incident date: Feb 7, 2026
Low beam headlight projector reflectors deteriorate making the low beam headlights unusable for safe driving. Entire assembly has to be replaced to remedy. Extremely common in this generation of Acura RDX based on internet searches.
Crash
VOLKSWAGEN
TIGUAN
(2020) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Feb 9, 2026
Incident date: Jan 14, 2026
NHTSA 25V322 indicates potential issue with reverse lamp assemblies as well as the remedy. Recall Status indicates "remedy not yet available". It has been over 6 months (5/15/25 to 2/9/26) since this safety recall was filed. This has been an unreasonably long time and Toyota should be compelled to initiate the remedy immediately and provide a detailed explanation as to why it is failing to meet it... Read more
Incident date: Jan 22, 2026
Low beam headlights degrading. Car is unsafe to drive at night! Tried changing light bulbs but does not improve light quality. Dealer said it was an Acura issue. The problem has been getting progressively worse.
Incident date: Dec 5, 2025
The Auto High Beam features turns on and off indiscriminately, often going off on a dark section of road or staying on with oncoming traffic. This is dangerous as I lose clear vision of the road or the oncoming driver could be blinded by the light. The dealer admits that the feature, which is listed on the car sticker and in the manual, effectively does not work. Honda will say that it works as d... Read more
Incident date: Feb 6, 2026
Bought this used on February 5th 2026 Low beam headlights so dim barely illuminating driving surface
Incident date: Feb 2, 2026
Daytime Running light bulb and housing failure. Some 2012 Acadia models recalled under now expired recall for bulbs and deformation of surrounding housing. Apparently the above recall was excluded from this recall and should have been included. Both DRL on this vehicle have failed and surrounding housing has been damaged . Subsequently replacing just bulbs is not possible. The housing melted on ... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 3500
(2021) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Feb 8, 2026
Incident date: Feb 3, 2026
... Read more
Incident date: Feb 7, 2026
The vehicle slowed down on the highway and had to pull over and get off the freeway. Brake lights stayed o On. was able to drive the car at max n No more then 40 mph. A part had broken off in the brake pedal area. Not sure where. But had to unplug the brake switch so my battery would not die. With out the brake switch connected the car will not shift into gear or drive. .
Incident date: Jul 1, 2024
While scheduling service for NHTSA recall No. 25V-387/FSAM-1693 (Front Turn Signal Lamps malfunction that leads to no fulfillment of FMVSS 108 requirements) I was refused correction of the recall by the Rivian Miami Service Center rep (Service Advisor Joel). I was informed that Rivian has informed the Service Advisors that this recall will only be performed on already malfunctioning lamps or in co... Read more
Incident date: Feb 7, 2026
Front headlights dim. Amount of light reflected/projected totally insufficient to drive safely at night. Amount of light reflected fails to illuminate area immediately in front of car. The amount of light actually approximates running lights. I replaced the headlight bulbs but did not solve or even affect the problem. Online research indicates it is not a bulb problem but the reflective coating ar... Read more
Incident date: Nov 10, 2025
My headlights have a motor (or motors) in them. This feature is to adjust headlights in accordance with the steering wheel. I think it's referred to as AFS (Adaptive Front-lighting System). The left headlight's motor makes a noise. I do not always hear it when driving but when stopped or parking and exiting the vehicle, I can hear it until the lights turn off. The car has about 37,000 - 38,000 mil... Read more
CHEVROLET
TRAILBLAZER
(2023) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Feb 7, 2026
Incident date: May 20, 2025
Car has 28k miles. It is driven by a [XX] year old. It is a Jeep GC Summit which is top of the line for Jeep. Both headlights were blown and the dash warning system never alerted that the lights were out. Car is equipped with the headlight monitoring system. She never drives at night so I cannot give you an exact date but we think it has been out since 2024 which is the last Texas inspection ... Read more