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
ALFA ROMEO
GIULIA
(2019) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jan 26, 2026
Incident date: Oct 15, 2025
The brights are not working properly, the light indicates they are on but there is no change in the light it projects.
Incident date: Jan 26, 2026
Yes there was a recall in a module control panel which still is messed up. It’s been replaced a couple x. Also the dim lights since I bought the car have a very low light were you can hardly see at night. And this SUV drinks gas on long/short trips. I’ve taken it in several times but they keep saying nothing’s wrong and I know there is I have driven my boyfriend vehicle which is a V6 and wen... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2020
On May 13, 2023, I was involved in a severe frontal collision on the passenger side while driving my 2021 Kia Forte. The impact caused significant damage, and my insurance company declared the vehicle a total loss. Despite the severity of the crash, none of the airbags deployed. I experienced body pain for several days following the accident. Given the nature of the collision and the damage susta... Read more
Crash
1 injured
VOLKSWAGEN
PASSAT
(2015) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jan 26, 2026
Incident date: Jan 22, 2026
To Whom It May Concern at General Motors, I am writing to express my profound concern, disappointment, and fear following a recent experience with my Cadillac Escalade that has caused me to seriously question the safety, reliability, and future of the Cadillac brand. For important context, the first Cadillac Escalade my family owned was a 2012 model that we purchased used in Ann Arbor. At the ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 27, 2025
Left driver side LED turn signal strip malfunctions
Incident date: Jan 16, 2026
When it rains, back up camera footage becomes hazy, unclear, blurred, unreadable- cause rain water falls on to the rear camera. So backing up becomes very difficult and unsafe, when it rains. Can’t see clearly what’s behind of the car. This is a serious safety issue.
Incident date: Jun 1, 2025
I am reporting a serious nighttime visibility and driver-assistance safety issue with my 2025 Honda Passport. During evening driving, approximately 60% or more of the upper portion of the windshield appears blacked out or severely dimmed, significantly impairing forward visibility. This condition worsens on downhill grades, where an even greater portion of the windshield darkens. Visibility improv... Read more
TOYOTA
HIGHLANDER
(2021) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jan 25, 2026
Incident date: Nov 3, 2025
The headlights still cannot be used on high beam as the lights strobe when used. This was complaint was previously submitted with the same Vin#. This is dangerous for driver and others, including oncoming traffic. The local Hyundai dealer said it is would be $200+ for them to diagnostic and if they fixed it, the diagnostic fee would be credited toward the repair. How can this not be coved under a ... Read more
NISSAN
PATHFINDER
(2025) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jan 25, 2026
Incident date: Jan 25, 2026
My 22 Ford Escape has 620000 miles on it most of them highway miles. The issue I'm having began approx. 5000 miles ago. While in motion my dash lights, radio, and entertainment screen will go completely black for long periods of time and the chime will begin randomly ringing. A message sometimes appears on screen that says system off to continue please start engine but the engine is running the wh... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2021) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jan 25, 2026
Incident date: Jan 20, 2026
The right headlight is very noisy. Like it is going to fail very soon. People say it's the problem with the cooling fan inside. A lot people have the same issues， Mazda should recall it ASAP
Incident date: Jan 24, 2026
The vehicle suffered a total, simultaneous failure of both low-beam and high-beam headlights due to a known manufacturer defect involving internal wiring and melted pigtail sockets. This matches the failure pattern described in Hyundai TSB 20-BE-004H and Service Campaign T5G (TSB 21-01-004H). On January 22, 2026, Robert Woodall Hyundai (Danville, VA) inspected the vehicle and confirmed on Invoi... Read more
Incident date: Dec 12, 2025
I bought a used 2015 subaru forester with 117,000 miles from an auto shop/used car dealer in March of 2024. In September of 2025, 11,000 miles of driving later, a bunch of lights came on my dash. Check engine, traction control, ABS, at oil temp, and incline assist. I took it to Autozone to get the codes read and the part it suggested was the transmission oil pressure sensor. I then took it to a t... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 2500
(2024) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jan 24, 2026
Incident date: Dec 13, 2025
While driving, the vehicle began experiencing repeated electrical failures including blown fuses, inoperative headlights and brake lights, and the transmission becoming locked in PARK. When the fuse blows, the gear shift cannot be moved out of PARK and the ignition key cannot be removed, leaving the vehicle stuck and unable to be driven or safely turned off. The brake lights and daytime running li... Read more
Incident date: Dec 5, 2025
No dummy lights show. Drivers low beam wiring connector melts and burns out headlight bulb. I have had it replaced by Ford dealer RT 2, Dixon Il on 12/20/24 but again the same thing occurred again 01/03/26. I believe bad wiring or module. When asked dealer what caused the melting was told "We fixed it, it's good now". The bulb burnt out while driving on a rain dark night. My visibility was extreme... Read more
Incident date: Jan 21, 2026
The car is generating a random left turn signal error stating the bulb is out. However, on inspection it appears that all bulbs are working. The car makes a fast blinker warning sound as well as notification. This has been happening for a couple of months but happened again yesterday.
Incident date: Jan 22, 2026
Both interior and exterior lighting keep coming on. The car is continually and significantly draining the battery from something. either the inability for the communication box to connect or from lighting coming on. My headlights and tails lights were on April 2, 2025 - Headlamps and Tail Lamps April 5, 2025 - Dash lights and rear passenger lamps September 28 - October 13 A friend was keeping... Read more
Incident date: Feb 2, 2025
Driver side LED DRL light has failed. This is a common problem occuring with many people with 2021+ year models of the Ford F-150. Truck is barely outside of warranty and with 51,000 miles and should not have a failing LED DRL. Additionally, Ford has made this part unrepairable and according to the dealership closest to me will require a full headlight assembly replacement.
VOLKSWAGEN
JETTA
(2019) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jan 24, 2026
Incident date: Nov 19, 2025
Dealer Information: Mac Haik Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM – Jackson 5395 Interstate 55 North Frontage Rd Jackson, MS 39206 Phone: (601) 633-4954 Manufacturer Case Reference: RAM Customer Care Case #[XXX] Description of Safety Concern: My vehicle is currently at the authorized RAM dealer listed above for warranty repair. During the repair, the dealer removed the hood scoop assembly. The hood scoop... Read more
Incident date: Nov 19, 2025
The LED Headline Assembly in the 2022+ CX-5 frequently malfunctions by itself causing the headlight to burn out and fail on a frequent basis. This is an unacceptable issue that is causing new car owners in lost time and money to get this poor headlight design repaired on a frequent basis. This is a known issue for this vehicle and has been frequently reported online that it really needs a recall... Read more
Incident date: Jan 9, 2026
LED low beam headlight failures. Our 1st headlight failure occurred in January 2025 at 51,248 miles (Passengers Side), our 2nd failure occurred in December 2025 at 64,356 miles (Drivers Side). My claim is Ford decided to embrace LED technology with out properly performance testing it. LED headlights are new on the explorer platform since 2020, the platinum & ST trims are the only ones that utilize... Read more
Incident date: Jan 2, 2026
IN THE EQUINOX LT, VIN [XXX] , THE TELEMETRY MODULE HAS AN ISSUE PER THE DEALERSHIP. THE VEHICLE LOSES POWER DUE TO THE TELEMETRY MODULE ISSUE. THE PART IS ON ORDER AND AS OF JANUARY 16, 2026. IT WILL TAKE 4 TO 6 WEEKS TO ARRIVE. IN THE MEAN TIME I HAVE HAD TO CALL ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE TWICE IN TWO WEEKS, AND THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN JUMPED 3 TIMES IN THE PAST TWO WEEKS. HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN T... Read more
Incident date: Oct 9, 2025
**Upon request, all failed components can be inspected anytime for any reason. From this date (01/23/26) forward. If any repairs or replacementa had been rectified by Ford, receipts of the repair(s) will be provided regardless. I cannot recall exactly when these issues started so my ball park is 5/11/22. That is literally 2 years of driving the car from the show room. I was getting some lights ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 22, 2026
The headlights on the vehicle are incredibly dim. I have tried replacing the bulbs; however, it does not fix the problem. When I ask Acura about it, they say, "you're just going to have to live with it." It is incredible dangerous driving when it is dark outside because you cannot see anything unless you utilize your high beams.
LAND ROVER
RANGE ROVER
(2024) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jan 23, 2026
Incident date: Sep 11, 2025
I am filing a complaint regarding a known defect with the rear racetrack taillight assembly on the 2017 Dodge Durango GT. The rear racetrack taillight allows water and moisture to enter the sealed housing. Over time, this causes condensation buildup, corrosion, and partial or complete failure of the LED lighting. In my case, the racetrack light has gone out and shows visible water inside the asse... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
Ever since the purchase of the car I been bringing this attention to the dealership but they always turn down and avoiding the situation at first electrical issues like turning signals goes in and out window stop rolling up sometimes had to try for hours just rolls up fog light check light headlight and turn signal all together went out in the beginning started to work in and out and now window tu... Read more
Incident date: Feb 10, 2025
I purchased this vehicle new in June 2020. Since January 2022, it has experienced recurring water intrusion into the passenger cabin during heavy rain. Water leaks from the ceiling around the overhead console near the front reading/map lights. During heavy rain, water pools and causes the interior lights to turn on unexpectedly while driving. Generally, the lights cannot be turned off or immediate... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2025
The car is displaying "Right front marker light defective". This lessens the visibility when turning. This problem is a VIN specific recall of the 2017 Q7 and my VIN is not included, even though I am experiencing the exact same problem as the recall on the other VINs from the same year.
Incident date: Nov 16, 2025
The low beam headlights do not illuminate the highway sufficiently to drive safely. I lowered the aim of my high beam to be able to drive at night and not blind approaching drivers. This is unacceptable for a modern vehicle to be permitted to be sold in this condition.
Incident date: Dec 20, 2024
Headlights are dangerously dim, even with original equipment replacement bulbs.
Incident date: Jan 18, 2026
The turn signal buttons intermittently fail to work. Many presses of the tuen signal buttons do nothing. When it stops working it stops for several minutes and then will start to work again. The problem is happening more and more frequently. The yoke has been replaced 3 times already for the same issue and after about a year just started happening again.
TOYOTA
HIGHLANDER
(2014) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jan 21, 2026
Incident date: Jan 15, 2026
There were no warning or check engine lights prior to the incidents below. Car was just serviced Nov 3rd 2025 for safety recall 25v-472 and 25v-576. 1st incident Dec 21, 2025: Driving 70mph on major busy interstate in MA and all of a sudden vehicle lost ALL power. It shut off completely. No lights, No warning. Had to coast over to R shoulder and wait several min before power restored. This was Ve... Read more
Incident date: Nov 5, 2025
Headlight motor created a loud noise while it's on distracting driving and indicating an impending failure .This happened when the vehicle just got out of warranty (38000 miles approximately). Mazda refused to replace the headlight assembly for free. They charged for replacing it.
Incident date: Jan 21, 2026
A faulty tail light connection to ground can cause a fire hazard, potentially affecting the circuit board. I noticed a burning plastic smell emanating from the back tail light one day, which I believe originated from this connection. If left unrepaired, this could potentially start a fire.
Incident date: Oct 30, 2025
Rear taillights can fall off the vehicle. This component is available for inspection and causes issues when other motorists are unable to see turn signals, brake lights, fog lights, and reverse lights. Mine fell off while driving on the highway and then through the city. There were no warning lights or indicating of the issue.
Incident date: Jan 21, 2026
We took our Nissan for repair of recalled Headlights and was told they had no more headlight assemblies, they have to reorder. I got on waiting list. I called a couple of times to check on headlight shipment. Theni finally went back and they told me they stopped repairing headlight assemblies. I kept getting the run around! NOW MY HEADLIGHTS ARE SO DIM I CAN NOT SEE ROAD AND I WORK NIGHTS. I HA... Read more
Incident date: Oct 8, 2025
Got a post card stating that the headlamp covers were recalled I called Nissan to make an appointment and Nissan has fought me every step of the way. I am unable to see at night with my headlights on and I have to turn on high beams at night just to see. It's very frustrating to not being able to see and very expensive to pay tickets for driving with high beams on.
VOLKSWAGEN
JETTA
(2024) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jan 21, 2026
Incident date: Jan 20, 2026
When the automatic dimming headlamp is turned on, the headlamps do not perform as expected. When the bright lights finally did turn on, they didn't dim with an approaching vehicle. I reported it to the dealer, and they told me of a fix but that was for turning the headlamps on at dusk not dimming the headlamps
Incident date: Nov 7, 2025
Vehicle has ongoing issues with headlights prior to purchasing, they claim to have repaired & satisfied recall, however, they replaced headlights with the same faulty part the replacement lights are the same, with same issues, no high beams they have a steel rod operating a plastic gear that operates a shutter to dim & operates high beam. The problem is with the heat of halogens the rod gets hot ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 25, 2025
LED Low beam headlights failed while driving at night from a long distance trip. This presented a major safety issue for my family since we could not see the road. This is a common problem facing many VW Atlas owners with low milage too Also, VW will not cover the costs involved since each headlamp costs $1200 and is not covered under their highest tier warranty plan (Platinum Warranty) that we p... Read more
Incident date: May 23, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that while driving at night, the headlights failed to properly illuminate the roadway, limiting the driver’s vision while driving. The contact stated that the passenger’s side headlight was inoperable, and the driver’s side headlight was very dim. Due to the failure, the contact was forced to use the high-beam headlights while driving ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 13, 2026
The taillights on this vehicle are defective. I have already had one taillight replaced and now the other side needs to be replaced. These taillights are $300 each for parts only.
Incident date: Jan 18, 2026
DRL on the passenger side of my truck is half burnt out. I have seen many of the same style headlight with the same daytime running light halo burnt out or partially burnt out on at least 1 side of the truck.
Incident date: Jan 4, 2026
In mid-trip as we were going down the highway went to change lanes and the turn signals were no longer functioning. No errors, no alerts, no warnings they just stopped working. After pulling over and turning off the vehicle and turning back on they work for a time then stop working again. After researching with other owners of these and similar model Mercedes Benz vehicles this is a prevalent and ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 31, 2025
Vehicle: 2022 Ford F-250 Super Duty Component: Door latch / door ajar sensor system This complaint concerns a latent manufacturing defect involving the door latch / door ajar sensor system on a 2022 Ford F-250. The defect causes the vehicle to falsely indicate that doors are open when they are fully closed, triggering alarms and safety warnings and impairing normal vehicle operation. This failur... Read more
Incident date: Sep 6, 2025
Light from recessed LED headlights becomes obscured by packed snow when traveling in a snowstorm. LED lamp does not emit enough heat to keep clear. Loss of light is gradual and can reach an unsafe level almost without notice.
Incident date: Nov 3, 2025
Headlights were brushed clear of snow prior to driving. While driving in snow conditions, the headlights became covered in snow and would not provide illumination to the road ahead. This put me at safety risk making road visibility extremely poor at night. While driving I couldn’t understand why the road was so difficult to see. Upon arriving home, I inspected the headlights to see the snow had ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 19, 2026
This complaint is for the tail light center light, race track light. Water has built up inside the lens after multiple times draining. The water has cased the racetrack light to completely burn out.
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2022) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jan 18, 2026
Incident date: Jan 9, 2026
The daytime running lamp assemblies on both headlights are failing. On the driver's side, the entire LED array around the outside of the headlight has failed. On the passenger's side, the vertical LED array is extremely dim and will probably fail soon. The topmost horizontal LED array on the passenger's side is currently the only array still working. Obviously this poses a safety risk as these lig... Read more
Incident date: Jan 12, 2026
The problem is when the weather turns cold my car a Volvo 2003 S 60 turn signals do not operate, or if they do turn on sometimes the turn signals won't stop flashing until you turn the ignition off. The head lights also will not turn on at any setting during this time. When the weather turns warm again everything works until the weather turns cold again. It appears to be related to the CENTRAL EL... Read more