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: Nov 5, 2025
DRLs have partially failed on both headlights, vehicle is available for inspection. This seems to be a common problem for similary F-150 according forums and personal observations of other vehicles. The DRLs are a safety feature and not functions DRLs create a safety issue, as on coming drivers are not able to see the vehicle as clearly. Has not been reproduced or confirmed by dealer. Has not b... Read more
Incident date: Nov 16, 2025
I have not had an accident. The headlights on the vehicle are extremely dim. I drive with my bright lights on and they still are not very bright. I have changed the headlights out 3x since I bought the vehicle, in may 2025. They have been balanced by a repair shop owner and changed. I can not see more than 10ft ahead of me. I’m scared I will get into an accident is how dim they are. I read it ha... Read more
Incident date: Nov 17, 2025
HEADLIGHTS WITH LOTS OF CONDENSATION. APPARENTLY GENESIS HAS BEEN HAVING ISSUES WITH THEIR HEADLIGHTS. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE ESPECIALLY AT NIGHT. HEADLIGHTS GOING OUT DURING THE DAY IS A MINOR CONCERN BUT CAUSING MORE ELECTRICAL ISSUE IN THE VEHICLE IS A MAJOR CONCERN, ALONG WITH HEADLIGHTS GOING OUT AT NIGHT. THERE SHOULD BE A SAFETY RECALL FOR GENESIS HEADLIGHTS.
Incident date: Oct 18, 2025
Headlights and parking lights shut completely off while driving. Not just a flash. They turn off and come back on while slowing down. Not only are we driving in total darkness but other drivers think we are blinking lights and turn or pull in front of us. Truck was bought new in April 2025. Has been at dealership for over 120 days. They don't seem to be able to fix and won't give us a replacement... Read more
Incident date: Nov 17, 2025
Headlight wiring harness connector has melted multiple times leaving me without low beam headlights while driving at night with my children in the car. This has left me having to use my high beams to drive and this poses as a safety hazard for not only me and my family but other people on the road. This also poses a fire hazard if the plastic connector is getting hot enoughto melt. I have requeste... Read more
Incident date: Nov 10, 2025
Since purchasing over a year ago Recurring failure of the rear-view backup camera system, resulting in a black and white image, coupled with dangerous malfunctions of the integrated Rear Cross Traffic Monitor (RCTM) system. Detailed Description of Safety Hazard The backup camera image repeatedly reverts from color to black and white, making it significantly harder to distinguish critical objects l... Read more
Incident date: Sep 22, 2023
Mechanical failure of the headlight assembly system. Sensors for the headlight assembly is sending false failure alerts.
Incident date: May 1, 2025
Fog lights go off and on by themselves at times. Forward collision warning continues to trigger and have to be reset. Automatic braking has engaged several times without reason.
Incident date: Jul 1, 2025
Tail lights sensors / control are defective in some way. To be clear the tail lights at the rear of the vechile work perfectly fine and are very bright. They light up during lock and unlock. Also if you set headlight to on when parked. Also note brake lights still work in all situations. However. When they are set to auto at times they don’t light at all even at night. Also if in auto e... Read more
Incident date: Nov 6, 2025
The low-beam projector headlights in our 2014 Acura RDX have become extremely dim over time, which is making the car very unsafe to drive at night because we cannot see well enough. The dealer inspected them in 2024, and stated the dim lighting is due to oxidation of the interior projector lenses. This sounds similar to other complaints that the internal reflective material in the low-beam headlig... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2018) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Nov 16, 2025
Incident date: Nov 12, 2025
We noticed the passenger side taillight was out. It’s not a simple bulb replacement but an entire assembly. It was put back in place and it lit up again. A few weeks later it wasn’t working. Pounded and tapped on it and it works again. We're guessing there is some sort of short so we asked for an estimate on getting an assembly replacement when it was in for a regular oil change. Shocked that... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2014) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Nov 16, 2025
Incident date: Nov 13, 2025
This applies to ALL vehicles not just this one. The bulbs should be designed and able to be changed in the lot of a store not only by a dealer. I will be forwarding this to my rep and the White House. This BS has been going on for decades and this department has allowed this extreme safety concern to continue. Lights can burn out anywhere and anytime and to make this dealer maintenance is BS since... Read more
Incident date: Nov 8, 2025
The low beam is very dim at night regardless what bulb I've installed. The reflective material inside the projector housing is no longer working.
Incident date: Apr 2, 2025
Flickering parking lights (fog lights); this is the same issue as recall # 22V686 for 2022 F-150, this should be extended to 2023 F-150 year as well. Ford service dept. stated the LED driver module needs to be replaced; they quoted me a $700 repair cost.
Incident date: Oct 15, 2023
This vehicle has an electrical issue from time to time seemingly out of nowhere. There is no power steering it just shuts off sometimes it’ll stay off for an hour sometimes it’ll stay off for weeks and I can’t figure out how to fix it. It randomly fixes itself same can be said for the air conditioning And the driver side, headlight all of these electrical functions, seemingly turn themselves... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
ID.4
(2025) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Nov 15, 2025
Incident date: Nov 13, 2025
“I rented vehicle VIN [XXX] from Budget Rental Car in Panama City Beach, FL (Reservation #XXX, Rental Agreement XXX). I later discovered the vehicle had an unrepaired federal safety recall (NHTSA Recall 25V543 / Manufacturer Recall 25C42) involving the Body Control Module. Budget never informed me of the recall at any time. On November 11, 2025, when I attempted to extend my rental, the repres... Read more
CADILLAC
ESCALADE ESV
(2019) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Nov 15, 2025
Incident date: Apr 21, 2025
Started receiving error message intermittently regarding front right marker light being defective on the dashboard even though the lights are working. From a brief search online, this appears to be an known issue for this make and year as many others are facing a similar issue. There has been a limited recall for only certain VINs for a similar issue. The recall should be expanded as it's impact ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 14, 2025
My headlights and turn signals continue to go out and come back on. Multiple people with this exact same model explorer are also having this same issue. I truly think this should be a recall with the 2020 ford explorer platinum as this is a huge safety concern. Please see linked Reddit post for proof of multiple people reporting the exact same issue. This issue has been addressed by the dealership... Read more
Incident date: Nov 15, 2024
Left lowlight headlight stops working intermittently and then completely. Both front axles cracked. Right rear shock busted. Gas purge valve malfunctioned
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
Footwell module (FRM) module went out after negative battery disconnect to change fuse. Module being inoperable is causing windows to not operate,interior lighting not working, headlights stay dim (not good for nightime driving), blinkers inoperable (not good for driving with windows not working- no arm signals), dash light also inoperable.
NISSAN
PATHFINDER
(2023) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Nov 14, 2025
Incident date: Nov 14, 2025
My daylight running headlights are out, went out before 40k miles. They said they would have to replace the whole assembly for over 1000 each. I have read many people’s complaints with the same issue. How can a car company not provide safe headlights that last more than 40k miles. I cannot afford to fix it and with all these atlas on the road with people in the same financial situation it is dan... Read more
Incident date: Nov 10, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that the vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V135000 (Exterior Lighting), and the recall repair was performed. Approximately 4 years after having the recall repair completed, the traction control warning light was illuminated, and the brake lights failed to illuminate while the brake pedal was depressed. The dealer was contacte... Read more
Incident date: Nov 11, 2025
right running light has went out. yes, it will be available for inspection. lack of lighting causes trouble seeing at night while driving. brought to the dealership was told they would need to change the entire headlight. that woul cost around $2000.00. (both sides are now out). from research the 2021 ford f150 running lights are known for going off. $2000.00 all the time get to be big. the ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 28, 2025
First cold day of the year and the heater stopped working. With the heater not available the windshield couldn’t be cleared it would always fog and cover the windshield blocking the view infront of the vehicle. Next couple days it was even cooler and the windshield was frozen with no way of heating and clearing the view. Yes the issue was reproduced by the service center upon taking the vehicle ... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2019) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Nov 13, 2025
Incident date: Nov 7, 2025
The rear race track light and license plate lights failed to work due to a faulty gasket or seal on the light. Faulty in the manufacturing process and now to repair this issue is $1500 or more. The vehicle can not be inspected and used do to the lights not working.
Incident date: Oct 24, 2025
This car was purchased certified pre-owned from a Kia Dealership with 46,227 miles in October 2024. Within a month (Nov 2024), the electrical system would die overnight and we would require a jump start. This seemed to align with colder temperatures. After the first or second jump start, a headlight blew out. We replaced it. Then a tail light blew out and we replaced that one too. It seemed that t... Read more
Incident date: Nov 10, 2025
daytime running light feature is out on drivers side seems to be a consistent problem is not covered under max care warranty
Incident date: Nov 9, 2025
The tail lights on the SE version are way too small. We have had numerous instances on near rear end collisions due to the size and placement of the SE model tail lights. They are tiny and they only offer much larger, safe taillights on the XSE model. Really do not even understand how the SE taillight configuration is legal.
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2021) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Nov 12, 2025
Incident date: Oct 11, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that the headlights were dull. The contact cleaned the lens, but there was no improvement, and the driver was unable to see the roadway properly while driving at night. The contact had to drive with the high beams activated. Additionally, the information center was frozen. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who replaced the bul... Read more
Incident date: Nov 11, 2025
2021 Dodge Durango failing headlight assembly, specifically the driver side turn signal. Numerous Durango owners are experiencing the same issue with the Dodge Durango headlight malfunction, I've have more than one close accident incident due to the failed turn signal. It's like Dodge don't want to stand behind their product and address the concern of millions of Dodge Durango owners who are havi... Read more
TOYOTA
HIGHLANDER
(2005) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Nov 12, 2025
Incident date: Nov 12, 2025
headlights and taillights went out while driving and a few seconds and then came back on and everything on the dash also went out and came back on. i was driving at night time when this happened it put me and my child at risk. i called the dealership and they refused to fix saying that my kia is not impacted by this recall. But that i could schedule an appointment to have my headlights checked,... Read more
HYUNDAI
SANTA FE SPORT
(2017) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Nov 11, 2025
Incident date: Nov 10, 2025
The console displays side marker light defective warning, but both the side marker lights are working
Incident date: Sep 12, 2025
Moisture and water got into the front head light causing it to go out . The blinker , low light and bright light on front driver went out while I was on the highway.
TESLA
CYBERTRUCK
(2025) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Nov 10, 2025
Incident date: Sep 1, 2025
Description of Problem: The 2026 Tesla Model Y does not include an interior emergency release button inside the front trunk (commonly referred to as the “frunk”). Under Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 401 (49 C.F.R. § 571.401), all passenger vehicles with a front- or rear-opening trunk compartment are required to have an interior emergency trunk release mechanism that allows a perso... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2025
lighting is not sufficient for seeing far enough ahead on low beam and high beam is more like regular, when turning there is hardly any lighting within the turn making it dangerous in my opinion. i recommend slowing almost to stop before making a turn especially to the right.also i have had to get my right headlight repaired by nissan within the first 2 months of purchase in july and august of 20... Read more
Incident date: Nov 10, 2025
Loud fan noise coming from the passenger side headlight. Noise continues when car has been turned off and stops when the light shuts off. Dealer said that replacement of the passenger headlamp assembly needed but would charge because it was not longer under warrant due to mileage. No warning lamps, messages nor other items appeared. The symptoms began around 40,000 miles.
Incident date: Nov 1, 2025
I have been having issues with headlights on my vehicle for awhile. We have changed the bulbs several times to try to make it easier to see. The headlights barely light up the street in front of you and is very dangerous to drive like this. I looked up online and apparently I am not the only one that is complaining of the issue. This is extremely unsafe and I'm afraid to drive anywhere at nigh... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2020) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Nov 10, 2025
Incident date: Oct 10, 2025
Driver side headlights and high beam have gone dim, reduced to a yellow haze. This creates a hazard by reducing visibility when driving. This increases risk of accidents due to dimly let roadway. I have had the lens professional cleaned and there is no oxidation which may reduce light output. I have checked the headlight alignment and it is good.
Incident date: Oct 1, 2025
- The core component that failed is the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM). The failure was initiated by a fault in the external fuel pump relay (V62 Safety Recall remedy part), which caused improper power delivery. This improper power delivery subsequently damaged the fuel pump motor, requiring replacement of both components. This failure has cascaded, also disabling the circuits for the Eng... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2024
Moisture issues in headlight assemblies from the factory. That buildup of moisture inside the assemblies is causing visibility issues when the lights are needed.
Incident date: Oct 19, 2025
I am reporting dangerously bright LED and HID headlights from oncoming vehicles, especially SUVs and trucks. These lights cause severe glare and temporary blindness, making it difficult to stay in lane or see pedestrians at night. Even when headlights are properly functioning, their brightness and height appear unsafe for other drivers. The glare is significantly worse than older halogen systems,... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2025
Front right & left side marker light defective. See owner's manual However my lights are not blown or out.
Incident date: Oct 28, 2025
On October 31, 2025, I brought my vehicle to the dealer for several issues, including an Auto Engine Idle Stop System problem, a memory seat malfunction, and other concerns that were discussed with the service advisor and are listed in the invoice. I was charged almost $1,000, including a new battery. Initially, some of the problems appeared to be resolved, but shortly after the service, the Auto... Read more
Incident date: Feb 14, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the headlights became inoperable. The contact stated that the fuses were in good condition. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that a diagnostic test was needed; however, the vehicle... Read more
Incident date: Oct 7, 2025
We have a continuing issue with the Pacifica of showing a dashboard warning of "STOP SAFELY VEHICLE WILL SHUT OFF SOON''. The power becomes diminished and with a few minutes, all power is lost, including lights, engine, all dash warnings are gone. After sitting on the side of the road for a few minutes, the vehicle will restart like nothing happened. Occurrences shown in order by date, location an... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2025
My vehicle’s camera system, including the backup camera, is experiencing an issue where the passenger-side camera fails to display properly, showing only a blank black area. I have reported this issue to my dealership for future inspection. It is not yet clear whether the problem persists during daylight hours; however, it poses a significant safety risk at night when visibility is already limit... Read more
Incident date: Oct 29, 2025
Last year I notice water in my tail lights. I removed the bolt to help drain the water. Part of my tail lights is now burned out. Now at 77,000+ my start/stop light came on, then the check engine. Scan code was P0304. Misfire on cylinder 4. I changed ignition coil 4, set of spark plugs. It was still misfiring on 4. I had spark plugs on 4 changed. This still did not fix it. The person who changed... Read more
Incident date: Nov 6, 2025
The contact owns a 2024 Ford Mustang. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V546000 ( EXTERIOR LIGHTING); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Incident date: Nov 6, 2025
FSD was unable to avoid object in road, may be due to how the adaptive headlights work as I was unable to see the object as well FSD/adaptive headlights may may it hard or impossible to see objects on road at night No In the process of a insurance claim No
Crash
Incident date: Dec 6, 2024
I find replacing the light bulbs for head lights and brake lights and flood lights more often than any other cars I have owned. The steering wheel makes a noise when turning left. And a noise is getting louder not sure what it’s related to.