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: Sep 16, 2025
Headlight condensation because of improper seal causing damage and blown headlamp
Incident date: Aug 30, 2025
Check engine light continues to come on after repair, lack of power and transmission skip at times. Reverse light dark, unable to see at all.
Incident date: Sep 16, 2025
All rear and side marker lights stop functioning without notice. The FCCC Motorhome Chassis rear PDMs is at fault, again (reference NHTSA #20V-404 with at least 2 notices). FCCC provided a work around for PDMs that took care of potential loss of brake and turn signal lights that stop functioning. Unfortunately the marker lights potential issues has not been addressed. Marker lights that do not fun... Read more
Incident date: Sep 15, 2025
I am writing to you today regarding a persistent issue I'm experiencing with my 2017 Kia Forte. On several occasions, while driving at various speeds and coming to a stop, the vehicle has stalled. Each time, I was able to restart the vehicle after the stall. I took the car to an independent mechanic, who discovered debris from the skirt in the oil and informed me that the engine would need to be ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 11, 2025
The wiring harness connector for both lights has had water accumulate in the connector which causes the rear tail lights to fail. Both of my tail lights have failed, and the cause was corrosion inside the wiring harness connector. I had to replace the wiring harness and connectors on both sides, driver, and passenger And I had to pay out-of-pocket. The dealer said that this problem is common on 22... Read more
Incident date: Jun 26, 2025
The auto headlights do not come on and if they do they almost always turn off immediately. The will not come on at speeds under 25 and this is too slow. To cap all of this they randomly come on when cars are driving towards you even though I have tried to disable this feature totally. They are a safety hazard and used to work on older models flawlessly.
Incident date: Jul 25, 2025
The LED headlight on my 2019 Land Rover Velar is no longer working properly. The built-in Daytime Running Light (DRL) has stopped working completely. This is an important safety feature that helps other drivers see my vehicle during the day. I've already been pulled over three times because of this issue, so it's something that really needs to be fixed. The dealership in Maryland told me the only ... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2025
Using the Automatic High Beam system, the high beam may come on even if a car is coming toward me. Sometimes, the high beam will not transition to low beam until the incoming car is real close to me. The incoming car would put his high beam on to warn me. As well, the high bean can randomly transition to low beam for no reason. And a second after, come back to high beam. Really dangerous. I had ot... Read more
Incident date: Sep 11, 2025
I hit a deer going roughly 65mph on my way to work. The hit crushed the radiator into the engine, destroyed the airbox, folded the hood, and practically vaporized the headlight. The airbag, however, did not deploy- not in the wheel or in the side curtain. I wasn't injured but thought it was strange the because the crash totalled the car (~$16k of damage) and was at a high speed. The car had one a... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Sep 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 BMW 328I. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver’s side taillight became inoperable. The taillight intermittently illuminated, creating an inconsistent lighting condition. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the wiring harness and bulb socket in the driver’s side taillight had failed and needed to be replac... Read more
Incident date: Sep 4, 2024
The Driver Side Rear View when I started the Car back in January of 2024 after car had been running for 30 Seconds smoke and Fire flames were seen coming through that rear view mirror immediately contacted Subaru of America and was called back with urgency and they fixed this issue but since then I haves a few other issues I believe relate to the wiring inside the vehicle and due to the wiring, wh... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Sep 1, 2025
problems with low beam headlights, which often resulted in dimness, fogging, or premature burnout due to faulty weather seals that allowed moisture into the headlight housings I’ve owned more than 5 cadillac srx different models from 2010-2016 and they all have this problem. I can’t see anything after changing the headlights low beam bulbs and the dealer told me to change the headlights assem... Read more
Incident date: Sep 13, 2025
Car steers to tilting directions. Doesn't drive straight especially on the highway. Headlights are horrible.
Incident date: Dec 31, 1969
Tonight, shortly after dusk, on a lightly traveled road near my home, the high-beams failed to function as described in the manual, or according to any alternative way to activate them. Traffic is 30 MPH with a single lanes divided by a double yellow center line with cat-eyes. This area frequently has deer and other wildlife. Accordingly, whenever possible, high beams should be activated. Conditio... Read more
Incident date: Sep 4, 2025
Daytime running lights are both inoperable. This is a known issue with these vehicles. Both went out at the same time and are $2000 to replace. It’s a robbery.
Incident date: Sep 1, 2025
Back up camera delay in lighting up when car is started
Incident date: Sep 1, 2025
Their is an issue with the headlight assembly where condensation gets in obscuring headlight clarity and potentially damaging the head light assembly electrical components. My vehicle is only 3 years old, never been in a front end accident, and out of warranty and the dealer quoted $1,655.86 to replace it.
Incident date: Sep 12, 2025
I am the owner of a 2024 GMC Yukon (VIN: [XXX] ), purchased from Hatchett Buick GMC on [XXX]. This vehicle was purchased at a high price with the expectation that it would provide reliability and keep my family safe. Unfortunately, that is clearly not happening. The Yukon continues to suffer from severe power loss that neither the dealership nor GM technicians have been able to diagnose or repair... Read more
Incident date: Sep 11, 2025
The fuel gauge in the gauge cluster turns on and off unexpectedly and without reason for extended periods of time. The gauge will also do what I like to call hieroglyphic numbers, essentially unreadable lettering clearly due to an electrical malfunction. This is very distracting as a driver and has put me in a very near death experience from the fault. This problem makes it impossible to read the ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 4, 2025
Drl is only half on seems that this is a common problem and a safety problem for it is a lighting issue
Incident date: Sep 12, 2025
The right headlight is filling up with condensation which is shorting out the battery. Replaced it more condensation is back in it. Mechanic says seals are no good says its a common problem in all lincolns. Lights and adaptive module cost well over 5K for one light not including the labor. This is a potential for a fire hazard.
Incident date: Sep 12, 2025
The design of the backup light is awful. There is a single light that is about two inches long and an inch high under the license plate. When you back up in a parking lot like at Walmart, other drivers cannot see the light and keep driving by like you are not moving. We have had several close calls because of this. Kia should be forced to change the design
MERCEDES-BENZ
CLA 250
(2020) — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Sep 12, 2025
Incident date: Apr 9, 2025
Auto High Beam. Very sensitive. Sometimes they don't go on when they should and sometimes, they stay on blinding oncoming traffic. I have researched this problem and also have been told this is a known problem with this particular model and year - not just my vehicle.
Incident date: Sep 9, 2025
Water intrusion severe in both taillight assemblies with normal rain. Safety issue due to water dimming or completely blocking out the bottom light Car has less than 40k miles.
Incident date: Sep 4, 2025
Daytime Running Light failure at 36K Miles on one side. Entire assembly requires warranty replacement with ACC sensor calibration. Appears to be a common issue.
Incident date: Oct 1, 2021
Drivers left front daytime running lights failed after <4 years from warranty replacement. 3rd set of lights in under 7 years on this vehicle.
Incident date: Oct 6, 2023
Front headlights were replaced under warranty after daytime running lights both stopped working in Oct. 2021. Similar problem now on 9/4/25 approximately 4 years later, and BMW is leaving me to foot the bill on a barely 7 year old vehicle, forcing me to have 3 sets of lights on a car that is 7 years old.
Incident date: Aug 2, 2023
I bought this car used from Honda Dealership. It had 84,000 mileage on it and since then. The headlights are so dim and I can’t see you have to drive with high beam on every time I go at night I’ve changed almost we like 56 different types light bulb, but still nothing still worst. If I used one for the manufacturer one it’s nothing it’s literally dark outside. I can’t see nothing and an... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jul 30, 2025
Left turn signal stopped working. I learned to find out that it’s not replaceable. The whole headlight assembly needs to be replaced the cost of it over $1000. My vehicle is only four years old. Why isn’t it on a recall or replaceable by the manufacturer on the warranty?
Incident date: Sep 11, 2025
I am writing to formally escalate a serious safety issue with my 2014 Nissan Altima. My vehicle is affected by the known halogen headlamp delamination defect, which Nissan has previously acknowledged in a warranty extension and service campaign. Recently, because of the dangerously dim headlights, I struck a speed bump and damaged my vehicle. More importantly, I nearly hit pedestrians crossing th... Read more
FORTUNE
TORMENTA M/T FSR310
(9999) — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Sep 11, 2025
Incident date: Sep 18, 2024
I’ve had entertainment issues. This morning I was driving on a 65 MPH highway when the LED screens on the dashboard went completely black, including the driver side with the speedometer. After approximately 10 seconds the driver’s side came back on, but all of them are warning lights were illuminated. At the same time the LED screen with the entertainment system performed a restart which took ... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
TIGUAN
(2024) — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Sep 11, 2025
Incident date: Mar 28, 2025
Passenger side headlight which is a sealed headlight has moisture creating dimmed visibility a night -how does a sealed headlight get moisture in it unless it’s defective - the car only had 23,000 miles when problem started
Incident date: Sep 10, 2025
Headlights does not display full visibility. It seems as if the headlights are cut off with blind spots. Headlights doesn't have full visibility. Headlight projection is not 100 percent. Dealership technician have said Kia doesn't have a fix for it. When its very dark outside their are blind spots. Vehicle smokes from the exhaust. Upon acceleration it feels rough with trembling effect.
Incident date: Sep 10, 2025
Headlamp light came on in vehicle in December of 2024 and dealership replaced module which I had to pay for. 4 months later light came on again and dealership replaced module again at their cost, light came back on again right after the 2nd replacement of module. Dealership is not sure what to do but recommends replacing Headlamp at my cost but not sure that will fix the problem. I have been drivi... Read more
Incident date: Aug 31, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that the high beam headlights failed to illuminate as designed. The contact researched and learned of an undisclosed Technical Service Bulletin concerning the failure with the halogen bulbs on the 2020 Kia Telluride. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed. The dealer confirmed that the VIN was not under recall or covered u... Read more
Incident date: Aug 13, 2025
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Aug 13, 2025
While driving at night in a poorly lit area, I could barely see. I turned on the high beam but it blinded on coming traffic. I checked into this and found out Nissan was sued for this and had a short (approximately 3 months) period when you could get it fixed for free from the dealership. No recall issued even though Nissan was well aware of this. But when I tried to get it fixed, the dealership ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2022
When opening driver side door the interior lights do not turn on! This is a hazardous situation at night entering the truck and turning on the ignition.
Incident date: May 5, 2025
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Sep 5, 2025
The passenger side daytime running lamp has burned out in one section. Ford says in order to replace this the whole headlight must be replaced at a cost of $1,400. Daytime running lamps are a requirement for safety and the inability to repair the running lamp without replacing the entire headlight poses a safety risk to both the driver and other vehicles on the road.
Incident date: Aug 1, 2022
Automatic headlight dimming system malfunctioning. Headlights randomly activate to high beams and dim under all low light conditions. The system is unsafe as it blinds oncoming traffic under all conditions and the driver in particular in fog. It continually intermittently cycles up and down between low and high beam while driving. The Honda dealer replaced the system sensor but the problem has ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2025
3 Years of a recall with no remedy by the manufacturer. Repeated inquiries with the same answer. Electronic Stability Control, Cruise Control, and Keyless Entry all disabled. Check Engine Light on continuously. Brake lights stay on for extended periods of time.
VOLKSWAGEN
JETTA
(2024) — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Sep 9, 2025
Incident date: Aug 13, 2025
Low beam headlight won't work. Dealer advises that the whole assembly has to be replaced at a cost of over $1,500. It doesn't make sense to me that, for safety's sake, replacing a light bulb (cost = $120) translates into a full dismantling of the front grill and fender to replace the entire headlight assembly. This is a serious safety issue
Incident date: Aug 31, 2025
Both Headlights suddenly became very dim WHILE I WAS DRIVING. On normal lights there is almost no light beam coming out at all, and on bright lights there is slightly more lighting, but there is also what looks to be a large shadow across the light beams. I’ve had it checked and there are NO bulbs burnt out.
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2023) — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Sep 9, 2025
Incident date: Dec 1, 2024
Rear light bar was replaced under Recall 23S30 on April 30, 2024. At the time, light bar had moisture inside and was no longer functioning. Now same issue has presented itself with the new part. Rear lightbar works sporadically or not at all. This means that the red part of the light bar flashes randomly while driving, probably confusing other drivers. This also means the reverse lights do not... Read more
Incident date: Aug 20, 2025
When one of my back up lights went out it shorted out the back up video camera. After replacement, found out from Ford that the wiring of the lighting is tied also into the video camera system. After replacement the camera shorts out and is not replaceable.
Incident date: Sep 8, 2025
Rear overhead break light ripped off while driving down the road.
Incident date: Dec 23, 2024
Low beam headlights would work and some times not work and then one day they stopped working completely. We've had everything checked out and there is no explanation as to why this is happening. Replaced headlights, relays, and checked wiring.
Incident date: Aug 10, 2025
My problem is with the headlights, in that the condenser lens for the low beam lights has clouded so badly that driving at night has become so dangerous. I have changed the bulbs twice in an effort to correct the problem to no avail. And with the sealed unit not able to be disassembled to clean the lens, my only option is to replace the units at approximately $800 each. This condition in my opinio... Read more