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: Feb 22, 2025
The component that failed is the left front driver side headlight of the vehicle, resulting in low visibility and inability to see or drive the vehicle in it's current condition at night. The only "warning" that could potentially have been a "warning", was the blinker began rapidly blinking the day before the headlight stopped functioning; the blinker no longer worked in the headlight but still w... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2025
2021 Dodg Durango Daytime Running Light (DRL-driver side) failure. Daytime safety lighting affected. Thousands of reported issues (forums, etc.). Happening within only a couple years of purchase/low miles. Light (bulb or LED) cannot be replaced, only $1300 entire headlight assembly.
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2024) — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jul 25, 2025
Incident date: Jul 25, 2025
My License Plate Lights fall down in front of the license plate. I have had them fixed 5 times by the dealer during the time I have owned the car- which is almost 3 years. My warranty will be expiring 13 August 2025. I have been told by the dealership if this happens after my warranty is up, I will be responsible for the cost of repair plus labor. I do not feel this is fair. The lights falling ou... Read more
Incident date: Jul 24, 2025
The headlight on the motorcycle is not fit for night riding. The factory setting provides an OK low beam, however, the high beam is pointed at the clouds. Adjusting the light to bring the high beam down to an acceptable level points the low beam so low that you can only see 10 feet in front of you. The options are driving blind or blinding others; neither is safe.
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2025) — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jul 24, 2025
Incident date: Jul 13, 2025
NO INCIDENT - HIGH BEAMS INOP.
MITSUBISHI
ECLIPSE CROSS
(2018) — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jul 24, 2025
Incident date: Jul 24, 2025
One of the daytime running lights has gone out with only 45,000 miles on my vehicle. Dealership says they need to replace the entire headlight assembly, instead of the bulb, at a cost of $1,500. No prior warning as to this issue. There are a number of cases with this same problem at low vehicle mileage.
Incident date: Jul 23, 2025
Failure of the Footwell Module failed due to corrosion by water intrusion as diagnosed by Mini Dealership. Windows, Turn signals and lights were inoperable as a result of failure. This matched the situation outlined in your recall notice Part 573 Safety Recall Report 23V-337. Car matched the model/years affected/listed in recall. However, Mini Dealer informed me my VIN was not listed in their re... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2025
Seems to be an electrical problem with the car. i have had it in for repairs 5xs now cant seem to fix it or cant find the problem. The entire ADAS system fails at different points. Sometimes i get warnings. One time entire car went black while driving on highway. Lincoln claims no faults were stored. Head lights light on their own while parked and locked or sometimes they don't work at all. ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 17, 2024
The rear driver side brake light, turn signal, and parking brake light, come and go as they please. Some days will work correctly and some days will not. I did read of a recall and my vin number is not on that list. But it has been acting like short in the wiring for over 6 months now.
Incident date: Jun 30, 2025
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Jul 23, 2025
Having done some research I discovered that my problem seems to be happening to a number of CRV owners. My signal lights are flickering while the car is turned off. I discovered that Honda had done a recall to fix this problem on several other models but not the CRV. From what I can determine is that this is a problem with the Body Control Module. I feel that there seems to be a lot of CRV with th... Read more
Incident date: Jul 23, 2025
Passenger side brake light assembly failed June 2025. I found it our at an oil change inspection. Ford discontinued manufacturing this LED brake light assembly, so it is difficult to replace this safety critical part. The part number is 9N7Z 13404 A.
Incident date: Jul 23, 2025
the hazard lights will turn on while driving, and or while the vehicle is parked, thus draining the battery. The button to turn them on and or off is a "pressure sensitive" button which fails from the swelling of heat and or moisture. This is a major issue as the vehicle can't be driven now since the hazards just turn on and off.
Incident date: Jul 22, 2025
LED headlight failure, driver's side, low beam.
Incident date: Jun 1, 2025
A major electrical issue has occurred in this car since June 1, 2025. The Traction Control System dashboard indicator (the skidding car) comes on even though I am not using the TCS. When this happens, I get a message saying "Hill start assist not available," and am unable to manipulate my headlights, use turn signals, or lock/unlock my doors (I need to use the physical key to lock/unlock the drive... Read more
Incident date: Jun 27, 2025
The driver and infotainment center is so dim during the day that it is dangerous to drive the vehicle. I have taken the vehicle in to the dealer 3 times and each time the dealer indicates that there doesn't appear to be a problem, but at no time to my knowledge have they taken the vehicle out into the sunlight, There have been 2 Software updates at the dealer and one OTA update so far with no imp... Read more
Incident date: Jul 14, 2025
Rear driver's side brake light/turn signal is out. This is the second time in under a year. Local GMC dealer is not able to replace it within a reasonable amount of time causing a safety issue. This is a well known issue to GMC which is why the part is on back order. No other dealers in my area have the part in stock.
Incident date: Feb 21, 2025
The contact owns a 2025 Ram 1500. The contact stated that the side view mirrors remain illuminated for an extended time while operating the vehicle. The contact stated that the signal for the sensor to inform the driver of an approaching vehicle failed to illuminate intermittently. The contact stated that the side-view mirror was replaced. Additionally, the message “Tire Pressure Unavailable” ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 20, 2024
My Durango has been in and out the shop since May. It was the fuel pump and everything connected to it which is a pain in the rear. Also the design of the taillight should be assessed as well. It’s very pricy to fix when it gets the water and dark spots in it . All of us aren’t blessed with a house with a garage.
TOYOTA
HIGHLANDER
(2021) — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jul 20, 2025
Incident date: Jul 20, 2025
I am reporting an issue with the audio head unit/touchscreen system in my truck. The unit consistently malfunctions by producing loud static noise when I increase the volume. In many instances, the radio completely shuts off or freezes, and I have to repeatedly press the on/off knob to get it working again. Sometimes it takes several tries before it functions normally. This problem creates a majo... Read more
Incident date: Jun 20, 2025
Occasionally, from the time the vehicle is started to a while after shutdown the left front turn signal / DRL / parking light does not work. Upon turning on the left turn signal, the driver information center says check left front turn signal lamp. The rear turn signal flashes rapidly and the front doesn't illuminate. I've had the vehicle to the dealer 3 times and counting. Twice they confirme... Read more
TOYOTA
HIGHLANDER
(2023) — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jul 20, 2025
Incident date: Jul 1, 2025
The auto high beam system on my 2023 Honda Ridgeline frequently malfunctions. It prematurely dims the high beams when approaching reflective road signs or street lighting, even with no oncoming traffic present. More concerning, the system immediately reactivates high beams afterward — sometimes directly into the eyes of oncoming drivers, creating a blinding hazard. This behavior has occurred mul... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2020) — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jul 19, 2025
Incident date: May 3, 2025
The left turn signal not working properly. When I put my left turn signal the amber light front of the truck not working instead the high bean works as turn signal also amber running light not working. Is so frustrating getting pulled over by a cop for that reason!!!
Incident date: Jul 2, 2025
There is moisture and water droplets inside outer left taillight
Incident date: May 19, 2025
A grating/moaning noise started coming from the passenger-side headlight. After googling, it seems that it is a common issue that others have had which requires replacement of the headlight assembly. I took this to the dealership, and the tech told me this is common. They didn’t even have to take it back into the shop to make a diagnosis. He said that dirt gets into the bearings on the fan m... Read more
Incident date: Jul 18, 2025
A few days ago, when driving along the highway, I was caught in a massive rain storm. I'm talking deluge that made visibility difficult even with the wipers on max power. As I'm driving along, the one thing keeping me from playing bumper cars with anyone in front of me was the taillights cutting through the visual noise. However, I began to approach a vehicle whose taillights I did not see until... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
C 300
(2023) — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jul 18, 2025
Incident date: Jul 18, 2025
The brake pedal stopper pad broke and fell off which resulted in the brake lights remaining illuminated the entire time the car was driving, which is very hazardous. I am not sure how long it had been broken for before I realized that this dangerous condition was occurring. The brake lights remained on even after the car was turned off. I had to tape a piece of cardboard to the brake arm where it ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 14, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 Ford F-150. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V682000 (Exterior Lighting) and 25V455000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and requested to be removed from the recall distribution list. The local dealer and manufacturer were not contacted.
Incident date: Jul 17, 2025
On several occasions the automatic brights have turned on when there were cars at crossroads, and when cars were within sight. The regular lights of the car are repeatedly interfering with visibility of other drivers, as the lights are much too bright and angled right in other driver's eyes. We avoid driving at night due to blinding other vehicles and preventing crashes. We are flashed constantly... Read more
Incident date: Jun 18, 2025
This has been an ongoing problem since I last reported this on February 16, 2025. There’s a clicking noise under my tires and then I can’t stop, my brakes grind and my pedal grinds… all my ABS lights then come on… this has been going on too long!! Since April 20, 2025…. My brakes are GRINDING SERIOUSLY and PROHIBITING me to fully stop at times. I’ve had several near misses… I ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 18, 2025
Have been getting condensate inside vehicle headlights inwhich have cause the headlight to completely not work anymore.. There is no damage to headlight which means to be cause due to a problem with the seal. Checked with local and also statewide Mercedes advisors which was told there isn’t a recall for my vehicle inwhich I looked online and found an recall for vehicles just like the one I have.... Read more
Incident date: Jun 3, 2025
Every time I turn my left turn signal on my headlights high beams come on weather headlights are turned on or not even if I have my headlights on on low beam, it does not do it when I turn my right turn signal on. It does it whether I have my auto headlights on or off. I'm sure it's been happening longer than that that's just the first time I was informed by someone I was following on the highway
Incident date: Apr 14, 2025
The right back up light is defective. This light is in the right rear light housing that sits in the rear bumper. The defective light indicator came on before the 5 year/40k mile warranty had expired. The lamp bulb was changed as I believed this was the cause of the defect error. Took vehicle to Audi dealership where the car was purchased and the service advisor mentioned this happens "all the tim... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2025
I was driving and my odometer light and dash lights went dim on me. I changed the bulbs it didn't make a difference. I had to replace the instrument cluster. Other complaint is drivers seat keeps loosening from the floor
Incident date: Jul 17, 2024
The contact owns a 2024 Honda Civic. The contact stated that the front driver’s side headlight assembly had experienced water intrusion, and the headlight failed to illuminate as needed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who replaced the headlight assembly, and the vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the due to the water intrusion into the headlight assembly, the body control m... Read more
Incident date: Jul 16, 2025
Day Time Running Lights Burn out too quickly. They are LED lights and should last longer than 50,000 miles of the cars life span. Volkswagen does not see it covered under their extended warranty either. It is a costly repair and should be further investigated as Volkswagen has not fixed the issues.
Incident date: Jul 16, 2025
1: HEADLIGHT : vertical sealed beam went out. 2: yes it sure ready for inspection. 3: reduced lighting in the front driver side at night. 4 : yes, was brought to the dealership. was told the whole headlight needs to be replaced in order to fix the issue. 5: only warning was the day before it was dim. the next day it was completely out. last week of May 2025.
Incident date: Jul 17, 2025
The entire instrument panel is blacked out. I can not see the speed, how much fuel and no waring lights etc. The screen flashes between black and dark blue and there is a repetative "ding" that I have no idea what is caused from since I can not see any warning lights, etc.This puts me and others at risk due to not being able to see any functions for operation of the vehicle, the speed or any ind... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
A 220
(2020) — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jul 16, 2025
Incident date: May 12, 2020
Mileage at time of failure: ~27,500 miles The signature LED headlamp assembly on my 2020 Land Rover Defender 110 X has experienced a failure of the integrated Daytime Running Light (DRL) module. The DRL has gone completely dark and is no longer functioning. This failure occurred shortly after the expiration of the factory warranty and affects a key visibility and safety feature of the vehicle. T... Read more
Incident date: Jul 16, 2025
Newly purchased 10 months ago and both right and left headlight inner lenses are covered in condensation. Blurs the LED light illumination. Reduced night illumination for maximum distance of road hazards. Increased chance of premature bulb failure due to direct exposure of moisture/water vapors. Unreliability of critical lighting safety requirements.
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Tundra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V566000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 25V322000 (Exterior Lighting); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair and the vehicle was inspected. The contact was informed that the parts needed to b... Read more
Incident date: Jul 13, 2025
Purchased a 2011 toyota venza almost 28 days ago. I haven't even made my first payment for my car loan. The rain here in florida has shown that it is raining inside my vehicle. I have contacted the dealer, I have contacted my insurance company. I have done research and it's a known issue with this vehicle. I need help in correcting this. I am not driving the vehicle because it was shorting out the... Read more
Incident date: Nov 15, 2024
The vehicle was recalled in October 2023 for water getting into the tailgate lens that could cause the reverse lights to malfunction. The vehicle was brought in for repairs on Jan 24, 2024. I notice that the tailgate lens has water in it now.
Incident date: Jul 7, 2025
Our 2017 Honda CRV EX Body Control Module has to be replaced due to the alarm system coming on and the car trying to start itself along with a parasitic drain. I have driven Honda's my entire life because they are suppose to be reliable and I guess this is no longer the case. Very disappointed with this vehicle.
Incident date: Jul 15, 2025
SRS LIGHT CAME ON 2 MONTHS AGO. FEAR FOR MY SAFETY. RECALL PLEASE. ELECTRICAL. BACK RT WINDOW AND RT FRONT DOOR LOCK CANNOT BE OPERATED FROM FRONT DRIVER DOOR. LIGHTING. BACK INTERIOR LIGHT DOES NOT TURN OFF AUTOMATICALLY. Paint is peeling from all over the car, especially on the front of it. Looks ghastly.
Incident date: Jun 3, 2025
I bought my truck less than a year ago. I found out that the recall (23530) repair on my truck had been completed about 2 months prior to me buying it from another dealership. I took it to a local dealership last week (July 3rd) for the diagnostic and the findings were obvious. Water/moisture in the light that shorted out the right side lights and causes the camera to flicker like a strobe light. ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 14, 2025
The high beams do not activate under any circumstance. Have taken to dealership twice and they can’t figure it out. Allegedly they have a “hot ticket” with Ford engineering but no call to resolve or bring in for further diagnosis. Dash indicator light shows the high beams are active, and the fog lights turn off as designed when activated, but the lights themselves do not turn on. It was happ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 25, 2025
We purchased a Forest River fifth wheel trailer that arrived with serious manufacturing defects across multiple systems. The electrical wiring system was dangerously faulty—exhibiting loose connections, voltage irregularities, and safety risks confirmed by technicians. The furnace system has remained nonfunctional since delivery, making the unit uninhabitable in colder temperatures. Additional i... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2021) — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jul 14, 2025
Incident date: Jul 9, 2025
The front daytime running lights are out and not replacable. Ford said they cannot repair the led and need to replace the entire headlight. This is a safety issue for me and my passengers as other cars might not see us especially in certain weather or lighting. Two Rivers Ford inspected the vehicle and said they can't fix it. Would cost $4000 for new headlights plus labor. No warning lights. Ther... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
I was driving down the road and all the sudden I hear a loud bang/shatter noise. I look over and see that my passenger side mirror is hanging down and shattered. Didn’t notice any impact or anything when it happened. The mechanism that works the mirror broke. No damage to the plastic casing or nothing.