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 8, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Camaro. The contact stated that the passenger’s side daytime running light bulb was blown. The contact called two dealers and an independent mechanic and was informed that the passenger’s side headlight module had to be replaced to repair the failure. The contact stated that the cost of repair was too expensive for a single light bulb. Due to the failure, the ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 7, 2025
This issue relates to NHTSA Recall 24V344 / VW Recall 919A as the repair for this recall has already been applied to my vehicle. Despite that, while driving, my vehicle experienced a complete electronics shutdown, including loss of the instrument cluster, center display, and rearview camera. This occurred after the recall 919A software update was applied. As such, I believe the safety of my self a... Read more
Incident date: Sep 5, 2025
Driving at night , headlights low beam were weak and did not project far enough for me to see objects, the headlights cut off with complete darkness above a certain height I feel the car is unsafe to drive at night in low light situations , also raining conditions make the weak headlights worse
Incident date: Sep 7, 2025
I was driving along and got a warning to pull over due to low power. This is the third time this has occurred and is a well--documented failure point for this vehicle. I go in for "repair", things are checked and sometimes software is updated and then within months the problem returns. Very unsafe being stranded on a high speed, two land rural road at night. It has been flat bedded to the de... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2019) — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Sep 7, 2025
Incident date: Sep 6, 2025
My low beam headlights have diminished in their effectiveness / intensity over time such that I fear driving at night due to possible danger of an accident. If I do have to drive at night, I have to use my high beams...which is also totally unacceptable, and illegal in post places. I have taken the car to the Acura dealership to explain the problem and determine the proper fix. I felt like this... Read more
Incident date: Aug 11, 2025
The right headlight has stopped working as of 1 week ago. The car was returned to the KIA dealership for this issue as well as a hesitation while driving and a chronic bumping sound in the car while driving. The car was kept at the dealership for 3 days Sept 3,4 & 5 2025 and the headlights per the dealership were realigned. The Right headlight was on at the dealership but on Sept 6 2025 is back ou... Read more
Incident date: Sep 4, 2025
I've replaced the headlights 4 times and the daytime running lights 20 times! Bought and installed 2 entire headlight assemblies... 5 days later right headlight blew out. Ive entered many complaints about this 1 vehicle and conveniently for Hyundai NO recalls!!!! Continuous oil level issue reported the very first time I put the car in the shop.
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE L
(2023) — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Sep 6, 2025
Incident date: Sep 5, 2025
2021 gv80. Drivers side headlight failed while on vacation. Had newly formed condensation in headlight and must have shorted it had to drive back home with no turning signal and no headlight. Had the shop look at it when I got home and confirmed the unit was bad. Dealer is charging around 2,500-3,000.00 for headlight replacement
Incident date: Aug 15, 2025
Headlight does not provide adequate illumination at night, making riding extremely dangerous.
CUMMINS
ONAN QG 2800I
(9999) — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Sep 4, 2025
Incident date: Sep 2, 2025
The racetrack lighting on the tailgate had water in it and dodge refused to repair or replace...now I have no racetrack lighting and no tag light and they still will not help.
Incident date: Jun 18, 2025
When I signal a lane change, the lights flicker or turn off completely. Happens often.
Incident date: Sep 4, 2025
The headlights on my 2018 Altima SL are INCREDIBLY dim. I have tried two different LED manufacturer's bulbs with the same result. It is beyond dangerous to drive my car at night. Sadly, my floodlights are FAR brighter than my low beams. There are countless complaints for this issue over the past few years. It sounds like their solution was less than desirable for most customers. This should ... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
METRIS
(2021) — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Sep 4, 2025
Incident date: Jul 11, 2025
I can not drive at night because I can see at all and I am afraid I am going to crash..The lights are so dim that it seems that they are not even on..I have to turn my high beams on just to see and I was warned that I can recieve a ticket for driving with high beams on..I went to the Nissan company and they said there was nothing they could because they didn't honor the recall on the headlight as... Read more
Incident date: Nov 6, 2024
Acura recalled 2014 vehicles for delamination of reflector film within headlights that results in decreased light output. The RDX was not included, but many - like mine - have experienced this issue. I purchased the RDX in 2017 from an Acura dealer as a certified, lease return vehicle. I began to notice dimming of the low beams within the first year. I had the plastic outside of the headlights ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 4, 2025
Regarding the Safety Recall mentioned below, I reached out to Rivian Service Center. They are not giving me an ETA to fix this and no alternate is given. Is there anyways NHTSA help me by making Rivian Automotive LLC take responsibility and address the issue sooner than later ? They dont have a fix for below safety recall and no ETA on when they can fix it. Its really disappointing to see the lac... Read more
Incident date: Aug 3, 2025
On August 3rd, while driving on the freeway at 55mph, my vehicle's brakes became extremely stiff, and I could not press them down to engage the braking system. I was about to collide with the vehicle in front of me, so I quickly veered right without looking because I had no time. After moving to the right, the brakes finally slowed the vehicle to around 40mph. Luckily, the traffic light turned gre... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2025
The adaptive headlight system and motor in 2023 Mazda CX-5 has defect and it makes buzzing noise and vibration. It was recognized by Mazda and its known defect. They should replace the defective headlight system even after the warranty period since this is not normal wear and tear part.
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2014) — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Sep 3, 2025
Incident date: Sep 2, 2025
Tesla vehicles include an “ambient light” feature called Sync with Music. When enabled, the cabin lights pulsate, flash, and change intensity in rhythm with the audio being played. While marketed as a visual enhancement, this mode is extremely distracting when the vehicle is in motion. The constantly strobing and pulsating lights inside the cabin draw the driver’s attention away from the roa... Read more
Incident date: Aug 30, 2025
Failed low beam bulb makes it unsafe to drive at night. The LED bulb is designed to last “life of the vehicle” and failed in less than 5 years. Replacing the bulb means replacing the entire assembly, >$1500. The bulb failed in significantly less than the typical lifespan.
Incident date: Aug 31, 2025
The headlights and brake lights have been VERY dim for a while. I've had to replace both headlights and brake lights an excessive amount in the last several years. This year alone since December 2024, I've had to replace my headlights 3 separate times. I do not drive more than 10,000 miles per year, or use my vehicle on roads that would lead me to believe the issue is from road conditions.
Incident date: Jun 10, 2025
vehicle failed to signal on left hand turn
Incident date: Aug 28, 2025
I own a 2017 Kia Optima. My vehicle was brought in for the tail light recall at Lupient Kia, but the dealership only replaced a bulb and refused to replace the harnesses. I was told by the service advisor (Brad Baranowski) that my tail lights had “nothing to do with the recall” and that I would need to pay $210 for a diagnosis, even though I am still experiencing the exact defect described in ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
Condensation in headlight assembly impeding forward visibility at night.
CUMMINS
C GAS PLUS ENGINE
(2001) — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Sep 3, 2025
Incident date: Aug 18, 2025
Passenger side LED daytime running light is out at 67,000 and is going to cost over $2k to get replaced. LED lights should not be going out that quickly. I have also found LOTS of the same complaints online for the same year, make and model.
Incident date: Jun 5, 2025
My tail light S and brake lights is not working the components was burnt and bulbs was burnt and we put all new bulbs and put in new components and there still not working.and I've been pulled over about 4 times cause of it thankfully I didn't get a ticket so please put a recall on this so it can be fixed I love my SUV
Incident date: Sep 2, 2025
Vehicle Fire Summary – Arvada, CO On [XXX] at approximately [XXX], the Arvada Fire Department responded to a report of a vehicle fire on [XXX] . The vehicle involved was a 2013 gray Subaru Impreza WRX. The driver reported noticing smoke coming from the engine compartment before pulling over to the shoulder. Within minutes, flames became visible. Fire crews arrived promptly and extinguished the... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Aug 22, 2025
I have had recalls on my vehicle since I purchased it and have taken it back to dealer and they state they are unable to fix them. I still have no brights still have a check engine light for the code on transfer case clutch and there is one that my tire could fall off. I drive 60 miles a day and have 3 small children this is very unsafe and they refuse to do anything about it
Incident date: Aug 21, 2025
On my 2021 Ford F-150, the passenger-side LED daytime running light (DRL) has become noticeably dim compared to the driver’s side. This issue is widely reported by other owners of 2021-23 F-150 trucks. The problem is not electrical. Owners who have disassembled the headlight assemblies have found that the fiber-optic style light tube that distributes the LED’s light becomes heat-damaged over ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 31, 2025
When I went to change out the headlight bulb, I found the wiring to both headlights were cracked, sheathing missing, bare wires exposed. This poses a fire hazard to the vehicle and occupants.
Incident date: Jul 30, 2025
I own a 2016 Kia Forte LX and have been experiencing repeated and dangerous electrical failures with the headlight and lighting system. When I turn on the headlights, they sometimes do not come on at all, or they shut off unexpectedly while driving. In some cases, using the turn signal causes the headlights to cut out completely. The interior dash lights flicker between dim and bright, and the tai... Read more
Incident date: May 2, 2025
Vehicle: 2023 Volvo V60 T8. Turn signal failure. About once a week the infotainment system goes black and completely dies while driving, causing the audio in the car to stop working. When this occurs the turn signal is silent when activated. The vehicle uses the speakers to produce the blinker "clicking" noise when actuated, but there is no sound when the infotainment system fails. This caus... Read more
Incident date: Aug 4, 2025
LED Daytime Running Light on passenger side headlight is fading and has purple hue at times. This presents poor visibility to other vehicles and can create confusion due to inconsistent appearance for oncoming traffic.
Incident date: Jun 1, 2025
Excessive rain condensation is blocking the front drivers headlights. This is a known issue which BMW refuses to repair under my OEM warranty. This is a known issue with many BMW’s leading to safety issues and electrical issues. The water is pooling in my headlight.
Incident date: Apr 5, 2025
The daytime running light strip in the headlight fails. Identical failure to the Honda Accord - which had a recall/warranty extension issued.
Incident date: Aug 24, 2025
Around Aug. 3, I noticed that when I drove, the interior lights would not turn off. When the car was off, they went out as they should. But every time I started the car they came on and would not turn off. It made it very difficult to drive went it was getting dark. The dealership confirmed that it wasn't the knobs inside the car that were causing this problem. Later, I took it in for them to fin... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2025
Because they have not sealed the screws on the interior side of the roof that hold the rails on top of the Jeep it now leaks since we have attached a kayak rack to those Jeep factory placed rails. Jeep is not willing to repair it and it requires tearing out the complete interior headliner to repair. After it rains the water sits in the door frame and leaks into the floor of the backseat causing mo... Read more
Incident date: Nov 21, 2023
On 08/31/2025, I was involved in an accident while driving my 2025 Hyundai Tucson. While attempting to change lanes at highway speed, the driver behind me failed to see my turn signal and collided with my vehicle. I believe the cause was the unusually low placement of the rear bumper-mounted turn signals, which creates a direct visibility flaw. The Tucson’s turn signals are mounted low on the r... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jun 1, 2025
MY HEADLIGHT WENT OUT. IT HAS WATER CONDENSATION IN IT DECEMBER 2023 NEEDS TO BE RECALLED
LINCOLN
CONTINENTAL
(2019) — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Aug 31, 2025
Incident date: Jul 21, 2025
Left Side Day Time Driving Light went out on top half on my 2021 F150 Ford Truck. Ford has many complaints of this happening to the Day Time Driving Lights from 2021 to 2024. The light is a complete replacement of the entire head light assembly for $ 2000 at the dealer. Day Time Driving Lights are a Safety Feature of Automobiles and should be part of warranties. This is a major problem with the F... Read more
Incident date: Aug 31, 2025
Safety Concern Regarding Left Rear Brake and Turn Light Malfunction in a BMW 328i I want to outline a significant safety concern related to the electrical system. specifically involving the left rear brake and turn signal lights. For several months, intermittent warnings indicated a malfunction in these lights. On New Years, the warnings ceased to be intermittent, and the lights failed completel... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2025
Okay so my car had 2 recalls but the they were not repaired the same problem reoccurred . Which was the car engine not turning on and electrical problems etc. I don’t really know how to explain it but yes it’s having the same problems .
Incident date: Aug 20, 2025
The rear light bar in the tailgate that also includes my back up lights is defective. The light bar was defective at delivery of vehicle and this is the second time this light bar has been deemed defective by a Ford Dealership Service Department. The first repair on this defect was covered under a recall. This issue is a safety concern as it causes the rear light bar to flicker on and off and... Read more
Incident date: Aug 26, 2025
Tonight starting at 7:15pm to 8:00pm vehicle switched from all lights +foglights on to daytime driving lights or parking lights. It did this three times. I live in rural setting with hardly any public lighting and a lot of wildlife. I have contacted Rivian regarding this issue multiple times, they tell me the auto high beam selector must be on, auto high beam is not on, they tell me it must be a ... Read more
FIRESTONE
DESTINATION A/T 2
(9999) — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Aug 29, 2025
Incident date: Apr 17, 2025
I bought this Jeep brand new on 7/5/2025 at a dealership with 342 miles on it. The night of purchase, I noticed the fog lights did not work. The dealership had to replace all the wires to the fog lights. On the morning of 8/29/2025, while driving my vehicle between the speeds of 25 - 55 mph to work, the vehicle would shimmy for unknown reasons. Later that afternoon, while driving home from work on... Read more
Incident date: Mar 13, 2025
1. Driving on the highway with adaptive cruise control feels like taming a wild horse. Pulls side to side, even after alignment and total check up from Toyota. 2. Engine Maintenace required now warning light. This came on at 106,458 miles on Toyota Camry 21 LE. Randomly turned on. Off when air con was turned off, light came back on when air con was turned on. Took to Toyota dealership, repaired a... Read more
Incident date: Aug 26, 2025
Water formed from condensation caused the Lariat Light bar to no longer function
Incident date: Aug 3, 2025
There is a problem with the car's headlights. They are having to be replaced every couple months. I have taken it to the dealership and they told me it would be several hundreds of dollars to diagnose, but cannot tell me anything upon inspection other than needs replacement. We are having to purchase new bulbs every 2-3 months. One side goes out, then the other. We are being careful when replacing... Read more
Incident date: Jul 24, 2025
Back up lights. The lights constantly burn out causing the harness light holder to burn out. The lights will not come on even after replacing fuse and lights There are not back lights to warn patrons on the road for turning or stopping Yes it was taken to a dealership No it has not been inspected my either , but there is a recall on models of the same car but years 2011-2014 No there were no... Read more
Incident date: Aug 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis. The contact received NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V861000 (Exterior Lighting). The contact stated that while driving at night, the headlights were flickering and became inoperable. Occasionally, the headlights operated as designed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that the parts were not yet av... Read more
Incident date: Aug 28, 2025
While driving the instrument panel, headlights and infotainment screen all went black. Has happened multiple times but difficult to replicate. Vehicles head lights turned off while driving in the early morning (dark) but turned back on within a second or two. No warnings, no lights, no errors.