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: Sep 4, 2025
I am writing to express my significant concerns regarding the recurring issues with my 2024 Denali 6.2, which has been subject to multiple service visits since reaching 7,000 miles. Despite these visits, the underlying problem remains undiagnosed and reoccurs shortly after I retrieve the vehicle. Following the second oil change, the engine developed a persistent ticking noise. Over the past 13 mo... Read more
Incident date: Dec 8, 2025
The Daytime Running Headlights have gone out once again. This is such a common issue with the Land Rover Defenders yet, the manufactures force the customers to pay $3000 to $5000 to replace. Police will pull you over for this issue ask they think you headlight is completely out.
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2022) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Dec 17, 2025
Incident date: Dec 14, 2025
1. failure appears to involve the vehicle’s electrical control and communication systems, specifically (BCM), (TIPM), and/or CAN bus network. The malfunction caused multiple vehicle systems to activate or fail simultaneously, including windshield wipers, warning indicators, and the transmission shift interlock. The vehicle has been at a repair facility since the incident and remains available f... Read more
Incident date: Dec 15, 2025
Adaptive Headlamps keep going out causing a safety issue.
Incident date: Dec 10, 2025
After the latest software update, the icons to show your headlights are on and high beams are active are now blocked in the top left corner of the dash. There's no seating position possible that the steering wheel doesn't block this critical information.
MERCEDES-BENZ
GLC 300
(2022) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Dec 17, 2025
Incident date: Nov 20, 2025
Vehicle: 2015 Hyundai Genesis sedan (3.8L) Issue Type: Exterior Lighting / Electrical System Description of the Problem: I am reporting an intermittent electrical failure affecting the rear lighting and backup safety systems on my 2015 Hyundai Genesis. The vehicle’s reverse lights, tail lights, and backup camera intermittently fail and flicker, especially when the trunk is opened or moved. T... Read more
Incident date: Dec 5, 2025
I am the current owner of a 2014 Tesla Model S equipped with MCU1. While driving, including at freeway speeds, the center touchscreen has rebooted unexpectedly, showing only the Tesla logo before recovering. During these reboots, critical vehicle functions are unavailable, including the rearview camera, HVAC/defrost controls, and other essential features. This failure matches the exact safety def... Read more
Incident date: Jun 5, 2025
The contact owns a 2024 Toyota Tundra. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V767000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) and 25V322000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The message "Engine Stopped" was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact was able... Read more
Incident date: Dec 13, 2025
The reverse lights are inadequate. If its very low light conditions you can barely see anything.
Incident date: Aug 6, 2025
DLRs faulty and went out around 77k miles. I cannot burn lights in Daytime. Yes, has been confirmed by Leith VW of Raleigh There were no warning lights of the light going out.
Incident date: Nov 29, 2025
Component/System Involved: The vehicle experienced a brief electrical failure affecting multiple systems simultaneously: exterior headlights, infotainment system, and dashboard indicators (seatbelt warning). All components recovered automatically within approximately 0.5–1 second. The issue appears electrical in nature (possible power interruption, grounding issue, BCM/TCM-related event). The ve... Read more
Incident date: Dec 13, 2025
Repeatedly disply reduce engine warning, , stabiliTrak / traction warnings, loss of power while driving, and dashing board goes dark.
Incident date: Dec 16, 2025
When I’m driving my high beams automatically come on and blind the drivets ahead of me. They come on by themselves and it’s not even dark enough for them to be on. It happens when I’m on the freeway going to work. This has happened more than once. It’s happened four times already and it worries me cause I don’t want someone to think I’m flicking my high beams at them!!!
Incident date: Dec 16, 2025
I purchased a vehicle August 2, 2024 from Kingdom auto sales. The car was inspected July 2024 in which it passed shortly after the car wouldn’t go over 40 mph. It would say it’s an over speed. The car runs hot and the parking assist light won’t go off May 25, 2025 I was driving on the highway in the car lost power and the speed was reduced after getting off the highway lost control of the st... Read more
Incident date: Dec 16, 2025
When driving after dark without warning head lights will suddenly go out and then go back on for no reason especially when you use the heater, almost caused a wreck a few times,and my parking break did release on it's own 1 time and rolled backwards and bent the spare tire stopper that swings open when tail gate is open.
Incident date: Oct 14, 2025
he freeway I notified future ford of concord and I was told I would receive a call back but as I recall I didn’t receive a call back. The car started acting as if nothing was wrong about a week or so later then two days ago December 13,2025 first my head lights went out and a message saying there’s a bulb outage or electrical issue appeared and also the hill assist unavailable warning light ap... Read more
Crash
FORD
EXPEDITION
(2018) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Dec 16, 2025
Incident date: Oct 8, 2025
Auto high beams redesigned from g2 to g3 models (mine is a 2022).. They do not work correctly. I know Honda had them working on my 2017 ridegeline, but engineering changes have made they inoperative. There is a multitude of complaints by almost every owner as there were none shipped that worked as designed. Honda support simply ask the owner to adjust the light sensitivity setting (low, med,hi... Read more
Incident date: Dec 16, 2025
The vehicle was purchased new from the dealer in June of 2022. Since the purchase the vehicle has had multiple issues that are safety concerns. The backup camera cuts out on average 1 out of every 10 times the vehicle is placed in reverse always in low light situations like parking garages, night time driving or overcast/rainy weather. The vehicle has been in to GM on multiple occassions to have i... Read more
Incident date: Dec 16, 2025
Cherokee County Toyota sold me a truck that has consistently had recalls. Brake lights not working, back up camera not working, media console not working, evaportating coolant. I took it to Cherokee County Toyota several times with zero issues resolved. I then left them a negative review on google due to their lack of professionalism and honesty. They then sent me a text stating they refused to fi... Read more
Incident date: Dec 15, 2025
When I first got the car I didn’t notice the problem until one day it rained very hard and I didn’t care that much to drive I sat that night out and waited until the next day I go out to my car and my rear light bar the race track taillight completely out like it wasn’t on where my truck is the outside lights where the break lights are was on but the truck area is out I’m receiving citatio... Read more
Incident date: Nov 10, 2025
Vehicle has severe condensation on both headlights (Driver and Passenger) sides. This issue was addressed before and light were replaced by dealership. This is definitely a design defect that allows condensation to accumulate. This has affected proper light projection which would not be adequate for reasonable visibility during dark hours. The amount of liquid(condensation) could potentially cause... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2025
The Day Time Running light on the left side of the car just stopped working. The DRL is not damage. I checked for impact marks.
Incident date: Nov 25, 2025
The driver side headlamp did not work. I noticed both left and right headlamps had moisture inside. I took my truck to the dealership and they told me I would have to get an appointment for them to take digital images of the headlamps to send to Ford Motor. So they sent me home with only one headlamp in working order. I made the appointment. It took 2hrs to get the digital images. A crack app... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2025
Headlights burn out within weeks to months after replacing them, overheat, flicker when driving. Has been a recurring problem since being bought in 2019.
Incident date: Dec 2, 2025
The headlights on this truck are fogging up every time it rains. Ford says it’s “normal”. Fogging of headlights seems like a no brainer safety issue. These are LED headlights so the lights don’t get warm/don’t reduce fogging with heat. Fords technical service bulletin says this is acceptable fogging. I know of no other vehicle that has fogging headlights. This is a known issue f... Read more
Incident date: Dec 5, 2025
Don't really know the truck was running fine doing great and then all of a sudden started acting up they run a diagnostic on it and said it was the EMC was bad and I don't understand why because everything was fine on it
Incident date: Nov 10, 2025
Driver side DRL (daytime running light) quit functioning. This a known issue with the LED lamps. The attached photos are: 1. Rockauto description 2. Email showing order # and total for both Headlamp assemblies. 3. The removed, old OEM Headlamp assemblies. 4. Rockauto shipping bill.
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
While driving at speed, vehicle electrical went haywire. Headlights went on and off. Horn sounding on and off, Wipers and washers going on and off, HVAC blower on and off. Pulled over vehicle and turned off and removed key and it still remained running, all horn, lights, and wipers still going on and off. Opened hood, removed negative battery terminal, and with that, car still ran! Was sever... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
TIGUAN
(2025) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Dec 13, 2025
Incident date: Dec 13, 2025
While on low beam, the headlights are WAY too dim. Apparently, this is a common and well known problem. I just purchased this car, have replaced the bulbs, checked the voltage and cleaned the lens. I cannot see to drive at night on low beam.
Incident date: Dec 10, 2025
On [XXX], my 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL R-Line AWD (VIN: [XXX] ) was damaged in a deer collision, requiring replacement of the right headlight assembly (P/N 5NL941114D/E, adaptive IQ.Light matrix with turning signal). The part was ordered June 9, 2025, via New Motors VW (Erie, PA) but remains on national backorder with no ETA (dealer confirms not even "top 25" priority). The vehicle has been undr... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Dec 12, 2025
The reverse (or backup) lighting on my 2025 Honda Prologue Elite is so useless it may as well not even exist. During the daytime, the reverse camera view is helpful and detailed. At night, or without bright ambient light, you can't even see beyond the rear bumper. Stepping on the brakes gives brief added light, though still not adequate. And you can't continue to press on the brake while backi... Read more
Incident date: Dec 11, 2025
The head lights will not go into high beam mode. When the high beams are turned on, they initiate and then flicker back and forth from on and off and will not remain on. This happens simultaneously with both lights. It appears to be a electrically issue with the high beam setting and the current not remaining constant. I have taken it to two different shops and they said it is a common with th... Read more
Incident date: Nov 24, 2025
The passenger day time running light quit working randomly. This also is part of the lamp that provides cornering light. Without this, it decreases visibility early morning or evening driving. The issue has been confirmed with a mechanic and is a huge impact for this vehicle model. There were no warning lights or alerts about an issue prior to the failure of the part.
Incident date: Dec 8, 2025
On [XXX], multiple electrical systems on my 2024 Ford Mustang suddenly failed while the vehicle was in normal operation. The following systems stopped functioning: HVAC/climate control, heated seats, outside temperature display, rear turn signals, and blind spot monitoring. No prior warning lights were displayed before the failure. These failures significantly compromised safety because the rear... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2023) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Dec 12, 2025
Incident date: Dec 11, 2025
The headlights will turn on and off irregularly without any drastic changes in outside lighting conditions while set in the Auto setting. No controls will be touched and the lights will turn on and off completely by themselves. It appears something is wrong with the lights switch assembly, as if something is shorting / wire is pinched. Other owners online forums have experienced similar issues as ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 12, 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: Oct 24, 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
Incident date: Oct 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: Oct 1, 2023
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: Dec 10, 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 30, 2023
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
ALFA ROMEO
GIULIA
(2020) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Dec 11, 2025
Incident date: Nov 26, 2025
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 4, 2025
The right rear taillight assembly fell out while driving on an interstate. No apparent reason
Incident date: Oct 3, 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: Jun 1, 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
Incident date: Oct 15, 2024
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 4, 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 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: Apr 1, 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: Dec 7, 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: Jun 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