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: Aug 8, 2025
The drivers side headlight fuse melts continuously causing the headlights to go out specifically use 15 and few 16 for the HID headlights.
Incident date: Jun 2, 2025
The dashboard lights, HUD and exterior lights all have been turning off for 4-5 seconds every 6-8 weeks for the last 14-15 months. The brake and accelerometer remain active but because of the situation it presents every time, all that can be done is stray straight and try to look for a safe lane change.
Incident date: Sep 27, 2025
The headlights were on after I replaced the battery. Did a little bit of research and found that the body control module or (BCM) would be going out. Got a new one sent and tried replacing it and the part didn't end up working. Took it to a non honda dealer. Got it taken care of, but the new BCM wouldn't work. All warning lights came on and now I have to deal with the BCM going out again and not a... Read more
Incident date: Aug 28, 2025
I was driving and my Kia started over heating and smoking and smelled like plastic burning I got it towed to the Hendricks of Kia and it sat there for 2weeks and I contacted them about giving me a lender until they fix my engine problem and they told me that my engine is not under warranty but is a recall I didn’t blow my engine I recently bought it about 6 months ago
Fire
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2015) — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Sep 27, 2025
Incident date: Sep 11, 2025
Both running light modules failed due to overheating because there was no heatsink thermal compound installed on either unit. They had to be replaced. Repair was successful.
Incident date: Sep 17, 2025
Check Engine and transmission alerts appeared in the app; vehicle showed “Check 4x4” while driving, cleared next day •Engine not sounding normal •Paint peeling •Fading plastic trim •Front bumper misaligned •Rear bumper misaligned •Loose front door frames •Marker lights collecting bugs •Plastic becoming loose at the rear hatch •Plastic near auto steps: one side has gaps, the o... Read more
Incident date: Aug 29, 2025
2021 Mercedes GLC 43 headlight is inoperable. Same as reported in campaign 22V261000: "Headlight failure can decrease visibility for both the driver and surrounding traffic, increasing the risk of a crash." Although our car was produced before the dates reported in campaign 22V261000, I believe this is the same defect and the recall should apply to all MY 2021 cars as this is a serious safety is... Read more
Incident date: Oct 3, 2024
Cluster info not working as it should
Incident date: Sep 21, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated that there was moisture inside driver's side headlight housing. The contact took the headlight assembly apart and blew out the moisture. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. Th... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2025
During rain events, headlight housings are becoming inundated with moisture (L and R sides). A quick search on multiple forums shows this is a known issue with all Porsche models. During night driving this issue reduces visibility significantly. Yes, this puts my occupants and other drivers at risk. Porsche is famous for not acknowledging and addressing out of warranty manufacturing defects, even ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 25, 2025
The Driver's Side headlight Daytime Driving Light and Blinker stopped working at around 40k miles. We currently have have about 85k miles on it. The dealership stated is till cost over $1,000 to replace the headlight as the LED DRL and Blinker is not replaceable and the entire unit must be replaced.
Incident date: Sep 24, 2025
My lights are very dim as if they aren’t on.
Incident date: Nov 4, 2024
There is water filtration in the upper stop lamp. This happens while driving under heavy raining conditions.
Incident date: Sep 17, 2025
Driving down the road all tire sensors went into default – started flickering on and off headlights kept flickering on and off AC kept working and then stopped working.
Incident date: Sep 24, 2025
Condensation build up in my passenger headlamp has caused the led rope lighting to stop working.This shows a recall but one not offered at this time.I have never received any recalls through the mail form.I recently moved and my address is as follows: [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Incident date: Sep 24, 2022
Tesla has removed the turn signal stalks on some of their vehicles in favor of buttons on the steering wheel. While Tesla may argue that these buttons work fine, they are unsafe and they do not work in all driving situations (roads with multiple tight turns, roundabouts, etc). The buttons are also prone to sticking, which renders them inoperable. I have been pulled over due to failure to signal on... Read more
Incident date: Apr 18, 2025
My 2021 Dodge Durango drivers side daytime running light went out around 55000 miles. I do have an extended warranty through the manufacturer, but was informed that this is not a covered part despite it being a known issue and a “max care warranty”. The reason being that it is considered a “bulb” however to replace it requires the entire new left headlamp assembly to be replaced, per the d... Read more
Incident date: Jul 3, 2025
The drivers side DRL has a "J" Blade that its lit while driving day or night (DRL) This "J" Blade on the driver's side is dim, and it effects the turn signal causing in my and several thousand owners with the same issue a very safety issue. JLR Jaguar Land Rover North America will NOT address this safety issue and refuses to correct the problem. To replace the light assembly will cost in excess o... Read more
FORD
BRONCO SPORT
(2021) — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Sep 24, 2025
Incident date: Aug 25, 2025
We have a fleet of 2023-2025 Nissan Frontiers. Starting in December of 2024 we began having problems with the vehicles electrical system going wild and shutting the trucks down. It causes all of the lights to come on and the truck to stall and not restart, We did not realize that we had a problem until it happened to multiple vehicles over the last several months. A few of them were brought to... Read more
Incident date: Sep 24, 2025
There is an issue with the turn signal and apparently all models 2021-beyond have this recall. The right turn signal will not turn on at all, and the left is always on when in neutral. This issue has come and gone but it’s been the case for the last few weeks again.
Incident date: Sep 20, 2025
My case has only 40k miles on it and the Body Control Module failed costing me $1k+
Incident date: Sep 22, 2025
I have documented examples of 3 total incidents now where a Tesla OTA "Update" on my vehicle caused a safety issue. Event 1: Nov 27, 2025. Tesla OTA Update renders my left turn light non-functional for ~24 hours. Resolution per forums only was to not touch the card for 24 hours to allow it to shift into "sleep" mode which would resolve the issue. Instructions were that only a service center coul... Read more
FORD
MUSTANG MACH E
(2021) — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Sep 23, 2025
Incident date: Sep 20, 2025
Daytime LED running light (Front passenger side) stopped working and has not come back on. I am told the whole lighting assembly has to be replaced at a cost of $800 to $1,000. I have seen many other complaints online from owners of the same vehicle that are experiencing the same issue with one of the front LED daytime driving lights.
Incident date: Sep 23, 2025
SAFETY HAZARD! TAILLIGHTS ARE POORLY DESIGNED: NOT CLEARLY VISABLE AT NIGHT(BAD WEATHER) FOR THE VEHICLES BEHIND. I WAS ALMOST REARENDED AT NIGHT BECAUSE OF THIS; AS THE PERSON BEHIND ME, TOLD ME. THEY NEED TO BE ON THE BACK OF VEHICLE FOR PROPER VISUALIZATION FOR VEHICLE BEHIND. YOU CAN ONLY SEE THE BACK TAILIGHTS AT NIGHT IF YOUR ON THE SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THAT IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION FOR... Read more
Incident date: Sep 22, 2025
The factory headlights are not capable of safely illuminating the roadway while operating the motorcycle at night.
Incident date: Jul 25, 2024
The rear brake lights and turn signals on my 2025 Hyundai Tucson are not visible to following drivers due to their low placement and design. Multiple drivers have nearly rear-ended us because they could not see when I was braking or signaling. The lights function electrically, but their position makes them obstructed and not noticeable from normal following distances. This is a serious safety haza... Read more
Incident date: Sep 23, 2023
I was taking a box out of my trear trunk liftgate . I turned around and secluded my hand on th dreary tail light that is close to the side of the liftgate I required 7 stitches
1 injured
Incident date: Sep 18, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Dodge Charger. The contact stated that the driver's side headlight persistently failed to operate as needed, and the headlight bulb was replaced several times. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, a Police Officer pulled the contact over because the headlight was inoperable. The contact stated that upon returning to the residence, the contact and h... Read more
Incident date: Sep 11, 2025
The indicator controls on the steering wheel are unreliable. Soon after purchasing the car, I returned it for warranty repair because sometimes the right indicator fails. When pressing the indicator area in the steering wheel, one can usually feel a button click, but at times it’s like pressing a brick wall, no give and no click. It seemed ok after the repair, but now it’s back to doing exact... Read more
Incident date: Jul 7, 2025
The instrument cluster has went completely out. There is a currently open recall for 2018 - 2024 Jeep Wranglers (Recall #24V-652), but my VIN is not included. According to FMVSS No. 571.101 (Controls and Displays), you are required to remedy this situation as it is now a safety and hazard for the driver.
Incident date: Sep 19, 2025
I am unable to see at night because my headlights are dim but keep passing inspection, and I am afraid I am going to crash... I have complained to my Nissan dealership since the recall was in effect but it has expired and I continuously pass inspection but when I drive at night I have to use high beams and can not see a thing. This is my 4th attempt for help. I almost hit a deer the other night. T... Read more
Incident date: Sep 7, 2025
Lighting and/ or electrical. When using the auto headlight switch, all lights will come on randomly and periodically and stay on until you notice them or they ware down your battery. This is something that could be checked out by dealer and I will ask about it. So, for now, I do not use the auto headlight switch. My other problem is a glass issue. For no apparent reason, when I shut my driver s... Read more
Incident date: Aug 30, 2025
Drivers side daytime/nighttime running lights failed after 35789 miles.
Incident date: Sep 14, 2025
The auto dimming feature for the headlights is ineffective & dangerous. It goes off & on constantly without oncoming vehicles or headlights & also the bright headlights remain on at times with on coming headlights. This happens with ALL sensitivity setting. The delayed turning off even causes drivers in the other direction to flash their high beams headlights back or even turn their high beams ... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2024
To whom ot may concern my 2019 dodge charger headlight went out on driver side after replacement light it still didn't work and replacement of box during the process of taking bub out bulb silver housing box was extremely hot…so hot it burned his hand and then he ask me to feel the light and also it was extremely hot after inspection of the car for hour in a half the hornest was melting I looked... Read more
TOYOTA
HIGHLANDER
(2021) — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Sep 20, 2025
Incident date: Jul 12, 2025
The rubber stopper for the brake light switch on the brake pedal deteriorated and fell apart. This resulted in the brake lights remaining on constantly, cruise control being disabled, and low battery voltage.
TOYOTA
COROLLA CROSS
(2023) — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Sep 20, 2025
Incident date: Aug 29, 2025
Thank you for your response and for acknowledging the difficulties I have experienced with my Audi Q6 e-tron. I appreciate your willingness to escalate my concerns and ensure they are properly reviewed. I had originally sent this to you on 9/10/2025 for escalation. As requested, here is the information: •Vehicle VIN: [XXX] •Current Mileage: 1,204 •Date Vehicle Went in for Service (current... Read more
Incident date: Jul 22, 2024
Adaptive High Beam Assist function on vehicle with Multibeam LED headlights with Digital Light System fail to detect ambient lighting properly. Consequently hi-beam lights operate erratically and unpredictably, switching between high and low beams too frequently. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Incident date: Sep 20, 2025
The Daytime Running Lights (DRL) stopped working. The biggest hazard of DRL failure in a 2020 Defender is reduced daytime visibility to other drivers, which increases accident risk, especially in marginal light conditions. Also, in the Defender, DRLs are LED-based and integrated into the front lighting assembly. A failure could point to wiring, control module, or fuse issues. If ignored, these c... Read more
Incident date: Sep 19, 2025
The daylight lamps fall apart causing poor lighting at night and continuous alarms while driving. Also, impacting the quality of light and lack of lighting at night. The alarms are continuous and block ALL other alerts from the vehicle, including cruise control, temperature, overheating, engine, and other notices.
Incident date: Sep 17, 2025
The vehicle now has 130K miles on it and the dash instrument lights are getting so dim that I can not see the speedometer on a sunny day. The dealership says the adjustment is all the way up for dash light brightness, but the lights are just not bright enough anymore. This affects all the dash cluster instruments, both the digital speedometer and the analog speedometer.
Incident date: Sep 19, 2025
Blinker arm often bounces back to the opposite direction when the blinker automatically cancels once you have made your turn. As an example if I have left blinker on after I complete my turn it often bounces back over to the right side turning the right blinker for a few flashes.
Incident date: Apr 10, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Winnebago Tour. The contact stated that the turn signals were dim and not bright enough while driving at night. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V733000 (Exterior Lighting). The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and confirmed that part... Read more
Incident date: Jun 10, 2025
I wish you to consider requiring vehicle manufacturers to add a U-Turn signal to the rear of all vehicles. This will help other drivers to understand that the vehicle in question is attempting a U-Turn as opposed to making a left as indicated by their turn signal.
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2021) — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Sep 18, 2025
Incident date: Aug 14, 2025
The contact owns a 2025 Triumph Speed Twin 900. The contact researched online and became aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V141000 (Exterior Lighting). The recall was for motorcycles with red rear signal lights and not amber lights. Additionally, the lights were too close to the rear brake light. The contact performed a VIN check; however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact had ca... Read more
Incident date: Sep 12, 2025
All at once the windows, moon roof, blinkers, reverse lights, running lights and brake lights stopped working - also the automatic headlight function stopped working and we must turn on and off the headlights or risk draining the battery. It's interesting to note that the flashers work, but the blinkers do not. The wipers, radio, cruise control, etc. are all fine. It appears all fuses associated w... Read more
Incident date: Jun 6, 2025
My high beam lights have malfunctioned and no longer work. The light on the dash states that my headlights are on but they just flick on for one second and discontinue to work. I live in a rural area and can not see at all when leaving home in the early am hours or when returning home in the evening. I've had to stop on the side of the road at certain times, because I have no visibility. My car i... Read more
Incident date: Jul 21, 2025
The LED strip on my headlights overheated and failed, they are no longer operating. I am unable to use this safety feature on my car.
Incident date: Sep 10, 2025
1. Component/System Failed, Available for Inspection? Failed passenger side LED daytime running light (DRL) strip in headlight assembly, likely due to LED burnout or wiring issue. Entire headlight unit needs replacement ($1K+ quote). Available for inspection upon request. 2. Safety Risk? Non-working DRLs reduce vehicle visibility in daylight, increasing collision risk by 10–20% (per NHTSA). Pose... Read more
Incident date: Sep 16, 2025
The headlight adjustment screw is broken. Was never used or adjusted and now the headlights point to the ground. GM does not offer a replacement part for the adjustment screw, the only fix is to purchase a whole new headlight assembly which is roughly $1,000 before installation costs. This causes a dangerous situation since the drivers side headlight points to the ground and it is hard to see in f... Read more