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 5, 2025
Water had accumulated in the racetrack led light in the center of the trunk. Causing light to short circuit and lose taillight, license plate light, and back up lights as well.
Incident date: Jan 17, 2026
Passenger side headlight quit working, except on high beams. Also, dashboard warning came on about headlamp not working. Tried to get new bulbs and was told that the whole headlight assembly had to be replaced and dealership charges $1500+
Incident date: Jan 8, 2026
I’ve gotten my vehicle fixed four times now thinking it was an electrical issue, not aware of the recall. Did my research this fifth time when my brake lights completely went out and smoke at some point in times come through my air-conditioning. I’ve spent more money trying to fix the vehicle with no idea that there were issues already about it.
Incident date: Jan 14, 2026
Drivers side LED headlight cooling fan is making a loud buzzing noise 100% of the time when the headlight is turned on which indicates that the fan is failing. If fan fails, it will lead to overheating and failure of the headlight. Vehicle was inspected by Mazda to confirm the issue. Mazda issues Service Alert SA-013/23 and Technical Service Bulletin 09-015/23 have been issued for this problem.... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2026
Alt/Gen failure stopped the truck in the middle of an intersection No transmission power steering lights. Had to walk back home to charge the battery in a driving rain storm leaving the truck in the intersection.
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2018) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jan 16, 2026
Incident date: Aug 15, 2025
My vehicle has experienced repeated and unresolved software/firmware failures that cause loss of essential vehicle functionality and repeated vehicle immobilization. Since purchase, the vehicle has been taken out of service multiple times for software-related repairs, including firmware updates and system resets, yet the problems persist and the vehicle cannot be relied upon to operate normally. ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 10, 2026
This is to bring attention to the hazards associated with the LED car lights in new cars. You must be aware of complaints that these car headlights are beyond too bright and pose risk to drivers at night. I specifically try not to drive at night because of this hazard. These light are blinding when viewed from oncoming traffic. This is a hazard and must be addressed.
Incident date: Jan 7, 2025
Water condensation within the driver side headlight which caused the complete headlight unit, control unit, and module to fail. This is a huge safety issue due to unable to operate vehicle safely during the when it comes to making left turns due to no signal indicator and a safety issue/hazard when driving at night. The issue has been inspected with a local dealer and with corporate being aware of... Read more
Incident date: Sep 15, 2025
When using the headlights there is a shadow across the top half of our windshield. The dealership was not able to fix, they acknowledged they could see what we are referring to. They are going to file a report with BMW. I do not know what to do in the meantime. This is our main transportation. This definitely needs a safety recall.
Incident date: Jan 8, 2026
Headlights will appear to flicker during lite rain. Light reflected off of objects flicker. On coming traffic interpret the flickering as flashing lights trying to signal an emergency. This is caused by the location of the projector headlight light path being directly under the seam where the hood meets the fenders. During rain water is directed right in the path of the narrow beam beam thrown by ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 14, 2026
LIGHTING--DTR warning light stays on an they don't work but then I was pulled over 1 morning on the way to work because the both taillights stopped working. Checked everything no idea what it could be but the wiring. Because if you piggy back off a hot wire they will work. SUSPENSION-- there is a constant popping noise coming from the front, it's either ball joints, stabilizer bar, or could be t... Read more
Incident date: Jan 2, 2026
2014 Honda pilot touring--ENGINE-is running through oil faster than it should. The spark plugs/coil packs have all been replaced now. Starting with 1 an 3.I was driving down the road and it started stalling out while I was in traffic about 8 mo.ago . The vehicle didn't want to go anywhere an when it would get some power to go it was slow an the engine was shaking so hard the whole time even at idl... Read more
Incident date: Nov 17, 2025
I'm not exactly sure on what happened but when using the lane stay assist it doesn't read the lines correctly causing the car to abruptly jerk in a unexpected direction! doing this during certain scenarios would cause an accident for sure. also the headlight auto switching for high beams malfunctions often causing the lights to flicker
Incident date: Jan 6, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS450. The contact heard an abnormal humming sound when the vehicle was started, and the humming sound grew louder over time. The contact believed that the humming sound was coming from the driver's side headlamp. The contact stated that the headlamp was equipped with a small internal fan to dissipate heat. Additionally, other electrical failures were occurri... Read more
Incident date: Jan 2, 2026
While driving in the dark this morning with my eight year old in the backseat, my headlights shut off, my entire dash including my speedometer, warning lights, radio, heat, heated seat and steering wheel, lost electricity.
Incident date: May 5, 1969
problem since day 1. Instrument cluster goes dark frequently. no speedometer or gauges are illuminated. may stay dark for long periods of time and other times it is shorter periods. sometimes smacking it will bring it back up. sometimes not. cluster changed 2 times by dealer. problem continues. code read problem with harness connector showed up once but they cleared it and it hasn't come back. pan... Read more
Incident date: Jan 5, 2026
The contact owns a 2024 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 repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that intermittently, the engine was running rough. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle failed to start occasionally. The cont... Read more
CHEVROLET
SUBURBAN 1500
(2025) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jan 13, 2026
Incident date: Sep 26, 2025
Right turn signal auto cancel activates the left lane change signal resulting in oncoming traffic assuming a left turn to be performed but this vehicle continues straight resulting in a collision hazard. This has been happening since the purchase of the vehicle 2.5 years ago but dealer is unwilling to fix.
Incident date: Oct 27, 2025
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 repairs were unavailable. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 8, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC300. The contact stated that the passenger’s side headlight was developing fog, causing the light to be dim. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the headlight needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact learned of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V261000 (Exterior Lighting); however, the VIN was ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 19, 2024
Passenger daytime running lights stop working. Vehicle has low mileage but beyond warranty due to years owned.
Incident date: Dec 19, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that the headlights suddenly illuminated without the vehicle being turned on, causing the battery to be drained. The contact recharged the battery to start the vehicle. The contact stated that the light switch failed to turn off the high beam headlights; however, the headlights and the indicators were no longer illuminated. The veh... Read more
Incident date: Dec 8, 2025
I experienced the brakes squeaking on and off for a few weeks this past summer. When at the dealership for an oil change, I was told the brakes pads were still good and the squeaking is common, especially during hot humid weather. Since then, I have lost the brakes twice. Both times, the pedal went all the way to the floor without resistance and after a few seconds, they came back like nothing hap... Read more
Incident date: Jan 12, 2026
The exterior lights such as head lights and brake lights aswell as all interior electronics shut off at random intervals while driving posing a serious danger early in the morning and at night.
Incident date: Jan 8, 2026
These lights are TOO bright! Outlaw them before MF like me just simply start breaking or shooting them out. Get off your ass government, you're allowing automakers to cause uneeded accidents.
Crash
Incident date: Jan 7, 2026
Around a two years ago the headlight brights failed and have yet to come back. Kia refuses to fix the issue stating normal wear. This is an incredible hazard to safety in night operation of the vehicle. We are told it is due to a motor in the headlight assembly failing. There are many forum post about this issue and the only known fix is to replace both headlight assemblies at a cost of upward of ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 12, 2026
The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Tundra. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V657000 (Back Over Prevention), 25V322000 (Exterior Lighting), and 25V767000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The contact stated that whi... Read more
Incident date: Jan 11, 2026
Auto dimming headlights, regardless of any changes settings will only engage the high beams a few seconds at a time regardless of current lighting conditions or light on the road. Even in the total lack of any extension light source the lights will change to high beams and a few seconds later revert to low beams
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2020) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jan 12, 2026
Incident date: Dec 15, 2025
Headlights are incredibly blinding, causing other drivers to struggle with driving. This has put both me and other drivers in danger.
Crash
Incident date: Nov 8, 2025
Low beam Headlights degrading from reflector delamination. Car is unsafe to drive at night. Changing lightbulbs does not improve light quality. Issue has been getting progressively worst each year to a point where the car is not drivable at night
Incident date: Nov 24, 2025
The low beam headlights on my 2015 Acura RDX have become dangerously dim, to the point where nighttime driving is unsafe. The issue is not related to the bulbs. I replaced the bulbs with new, higher output units, but the light output did not improve. The problem appears to be caused by deterioration of the internal reflector bowls inside the projector housing. The reflective coating has degraded, ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 10, 2026
The supernovas you use as headlights are ridiculously blinding. Stop designing vehicles on flat roads. Real roads have cuuurves and hills. It's a matter of public safety
Incident date: May 9, 2025
Headlights are way too bright. They blind other drivers and make it difficult for other driver to see at night. This causes a dangerous situation in which a crash is possible.
Incident date: Nov 10, 2025
The headlight system is critically deficient when operating the vehicle at night whenever the roads are wet, especially during active precipitation, and especially in poorly lit areas when there is oncoming traffic. The headlights cannot penetrate the water on the roadway and fail to reflect back lane markings most likely due to inferior strength and poor choice of color since White and Blue wave... Read more
NISSAN
ROGUE SPORT
(2022) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jan 11, 2026
Incident date: Jan 10, 2026
12/16/25 I almost was hit by a Mac truck the car kept saying my blind spot was temporarily unavailable and also states auto high beam unavailable service required, in which my screen went black, and the car completely turned off. I took the car into have services on 12/19/25. My car was kept for a week and the service department stated they were unable to created it. My car kept having the servic... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
ATLAS
(2021) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jan 11, 2026
Incident date: Jan 6, 2026
My father gave me his 2013 Cadillac SRX and I have noticed the headlights have dimmed significantly over the past few months. I replaced the lamps, but the same issue still exists. I spoke with my local Cadillac dealership and they told me of the known issue with the headlights. I did some research and see there was a class action lawsuit against Cadillac, but it does not seem to apply to vehicl... Read more
Incident date: Jan 10, 2026
For years I did not drive at night because I could not see the road well enough to feel secure driving after dark. Fast forward when my daughter asked me if my headlights were on, I realized it was the dim headlights on low beam that was the issue all these years and not my eyesight at night. I have a 2014 Cadillac SRX. Never received a safety notice or recall from GM nor the dealership. This has ... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2021) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jan 11, 2026
Incident date: Dec 5, 2025
The headlight on my vehicle failed, and when I took it to the dealer, I was told this is a known and ongoing issue that they deal with constantly. Despite being aware of this widespread failure, Volkswagen continues to install the same defective headlight assemblies. These are not simple bulb replacements—the entire headlight assembly must be replaced at a cost of approximately $1,900 per side, ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 9, 2026
Getting error message that the "Front Right Side Marker Light Defective". The light appears to be operational. Searched for this issue and Audi recalled some models but many users outside the current recall report this same issue. Please expand the vin numbers for the recall action for safety.
Incident date: Jan 9, 2026
The Day Light Running Lights will not go off preventing the low beam light from lighting properly. 08/21/2025
Incident date: Jan 2, 2026
I’ve had to replace the puddle lamp bulbs on my Honda Pilot three times so far, and I purchased it brand new less than a year ago. My local dealer would not cover this under the bumper to bumper warranty either. It would seem that this is a prevalent issue with Honda Pilots and other model Honda/Acura vehicles if this forum post is accurate: [XXX] You would think that after a few years Hond... Read more
Incident date: Jan 10, 2026
It is only the low beams, but every couple months, the passenger side goes out. Then within 3 weeks to 2 months later the driver's side goes out. This has been happening since a month after I bought the car in 2021. This does not matter if they are changed individually when one of them goes out or if they are both changed at the same time. Occasionally, they will both just go out at the same time.... Read more
Incident date: Jan 6, 2026
The interior of the front trunk (Frunk) does not have an emergency release button or the hardware to support it. In the event that a child or person is inside the front trunk with the hood closed, that person cannot escape the enclosed area without having an outside person finding a key or tool to open the front trunk. Also, there is no light in the front trunk so it is completely dark when closed... Read more
Incident date: Dec 30, 2025
The headlights are too bright and I get "brighted" not stop.
Incident date: Dec 25, 2025
BMW DRL (Daytime Running Light) module is is overheating causing damage to the internal fiber optic tube. Dealer said this is a common issue and requires module replacement to prevent requiring a whole headlight assembly as BMW does not sell the fiber optic cable separately. Lights should not be overheating and causing burning to cable in car.
Incident date: Dec 9, 2025
The lights on this vehicle are blindingly bright. It's dangerous for other drivers.
Incident date: Nov 22, 2025
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? While driving all of the lights in the car went off. Everything internal, and atleast the head lights externally. This lasted for a second or 2 before everything came back on. The screen said something about loss of something, but I don't remember what exactly. This has only happened once. Yes it can... Read more
Incident date: Jan 8, 2026
First, we took this vehicle to a dealer because the rear window buttons were not working. They wouldn't roll down. Second, the dome lamps inside only work part of the time, when we take the vehicle to the dealer or another Ford dealer that we decided to try, they say they can't do anything because they see no issue as the lights are working AT THAT TIME. Third, while connected to a trailer, an ... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2020) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jan 9, 2026
Incident date: Jan 6, 2026
The design of this and similar model vehicle headlights are excruciatingly painful when on during night and day to oncoming drivers and to those drivers where the vehicle approaches from behind. It is unbelievable that our own government agency, NHTSA, that is set up to protect the public allows such blatant harmful headlight designs on vehicles. You may thank you are accustomed to the high inte... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
ATLAS
(2021) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jan 9, 2026
Incident date: Nov 30, 2025
Low beam headlights are so dim it is very difficult to see at night.