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: May 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Telluride. The contact stated while attempting to have a vehicle inspected, it was discovered that there was an open recall on the VIN. The VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V148000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING); however, the part to do the recall repair was not available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonabl... Read more
Incident date: Jul 13, 2025
The passenger side daytime running light vertical led strip in the passenger side headlight assembly has quit working as of 7/11/2025. I noticed that there seemed to be a reduction in the lighting on the passenger side of my vehicle that night. When I checked my vehicle lighting, I noticed that the above mentioned part of the headlight assembly was not working. This seems to be an integral part of... Read more
Incident date: Jul 14, 2025
The obd reader on my 2003 Durango brings up code for central timing module and eeprm checksum error were the safety recall is in order but the vin number is not in the list of recall. It has all the specification of recall but vin number isn't in the list of recalls. I'm driving around in a unsafe vehicle due to manufacturing error that my vin number is the only thing why they won't fix it. Why do... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2025) — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jul 14, 2025
Incident date: Feb 21, 2025
Passenger side daytime running light LED strip out at 50k miles. LEDs have long life span and should not go out so soon. Concerned there is electrical issue as the vehicle has had multiple recalls including sensors and other electrical components.
POLESTAR
POLESTAR 2
(2023) — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jul 14, 2025
Incident date: Jul 11, 2025
Infotainment system crashing post most recent software update causing main dashboard to stop showing information and make critical information difficult to see because of washed out background. Malfunctioning Components: Infotainment system. Available for inspection. Safety Risk: Difficulty seeing speed, unable to see warnings Dealer: No Inspection: No Warnings: No
Incident date: Jun 13, 2025
The vehicle stopped playing interior sounds, including indicator “clicks”; alerts like collision avoidance, parking collision warning, etc; as well as radio. A hard reset of the infotainment system was required to restore functionality. The issue continued through multiple times “turning the vehicle off” and starting again. Malfunctioning Component: Infotainment system. Available for insp... Read more
Incident date: Feb 24, 2025
The rear light bar was replaced under warranty safety recall 23S30 on 10/19/2023. Subsequently the “new” light bar developed water in it and after a period of a month of flickering and partial illumination is fully out causing a safety issue with limited rear tail lights and reverse lights.
Incident date: Jun 18, 2025
The daytime running lights are already out on a vehicle with less than 50k miles. It is a commonly reported problems with these vehicles and an expensive fix.
Incident date: Jul 10, 2025
Flickering lights on off while driving at night turn signal triggers it and does it randomly
VOLKSWAGEN
PASSAT
(2013) — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jul 12, 2025
Incident date: Feb 5, 2024
nothing specific happened to cause one rear reverse light to not work anymore. changed light bulb and checked spark plugs nothing has fixed the issue. there is also an airbag recall i need taken care of.
Incident date: Jun 28, 2025
Humidity gets insiste headlights. This issue affects headlights performance making hard to see at night. Safety is at risk.
Incident date: Jun 26, 2025
Moisture in headlamps while driving in the rain. I see this is an issue with many owners of Genesis gv70 .
POLESTAR
POLESTAR 2
(2021) — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jul 12, 2025
Incident date: Jul 11, 2025
I have taken my 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L to the dealership twice for a known recall 12B/NHTSA 24V-130 and issue with the automatic high beam headlights not working properly. The dealership claimed it was fixed and ran a recall update, but the system still does not function as designed. I am now within 500 miles of my factory warranty expiring, and the dealership is no longer responding to my ca... Read more
POLESTAR
POLESTAR 2
(2022) — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jul 11, 2025
Incident date: Jul 11, 2025
Just purchased a certified used vehicle. 1) passenger DTRL is half way burnt out. Upon reading tons of forums online, I’m seeing this is a VERY COMMON issue. 2) the back up guide lines on the back up camera does not show. After master reset of the sync system , the lines appeared once. Since then it has not shown ever again.
Incident date: Jul 11, 2025
The passenger DRL is only lit at at the top strip and not the rest of the strip.
Incident date: Apr 15, 2025
High Beam Headlights not working on Auto mode. Was inches away from Hitting a deer due to the high beam headlights not working. This would have been a very serious accident and I had my toddler in the car with me..... Same vehicle models have a recall for this, Recall is --- NHTSA Recall 21V-797, also known as Recall Y66, involves Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) vehicles due to a potential issue with diff... Read more
Incident date: Apr 5, 2025
It started with third brake light out, then,tail wipers intermittenly work, then camera not working- had to have someone watch the back of car to see also right inside light out AND Tailgate wont lock with rest of doors After looking on YOUTUBE this has been going on since 2012
Incident date: Jul 10, 2025
Low beam daily headlights do not illuminate properly forcing you to use high beams constantly because you can't see the road at night. Dangerous for driver of vehicle and major hazard for cars you pass because you are using your high beam headlights all the time.
Incident date: Mar 13, 2024
I have now replaced the headlight bulbs in my 2016 KIA Sorento 6 times and it's getting worse as it gets older. I believe it is a safety issue since the last time I was out of town, traveling in the middle of the night when it went out. I had to wait until morning to find an auto parts store to buy and replace the bulb. No inspections have been done by anyone. Yes, the warning lamp comes on an... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2025
all lights on dash are on at the same time
Incident date: Apr 10, 2025
The engine quit running whenever the headlights, turn signals, or wipers were turned on. This was obviously a serious safety problem when driving! It began intermittently on 6/30/25, but it became a consistent problem by 7/7/25, so I took the car to the closest Toyota Dealership for evaluation. I can provide their service report to you if requested. It took them 6 hours and $1000 to diagnose t... Read more
Incident date: Jun 19, 2025
My lights turn on and off while the vehicle is turned off until I lock the car.
Incident date: Jul 8, 2025
The headlights and back lights turn off at random times when the headlights are on the automatic setting. This problem happens very frequently at night, putting my family at risk when the lights go off and cannot see what is ahead of us. In addition to a cop pulling me over for not having my lights on and he asked me if I was playing with the lights since they were going on and off and luckily th... Read more
NISSAN
PATHFINDER
(2017) — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jul 9, 2025
Incident date: Jul 1, 2025
The back up camera has been showing a black screen while the vehicle is in reverse. This has been happening with my vehicle for a few months. Safety of others put at risk because this happens while vehicle s in motion Have not taken vehicle to dealership to have it inspected. My vehicle falls outside of scope of recall currently published No warning messages displayed
Incident date: Jul 8, 2025
The Instrument Panel Cluster has failed and is blank rendering the vehicle unsafe to drive as vital information is not being presented to the driver. Despite this Jeep Gladiator having been produced and sold in 2020, Stellantis Recall and Customer Service Departments are claiming that the VIN does not indicate there is Recall coverage despite the 2019-2024 NHTSA Safety Recall for this known fail... Read more
Incident date: Jun 26, 2025
⸻ Title: Loss of Power While Driving on Freeway – Dangerous Malfunction Similar to Recall 23V-116 Complaint Description: I am reporting a serious and dangerous malfunction with my 2021 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon EcoDiesel. While driving on a high-speed freeway (70–80 MPH), all warning lights on the dashboard illuminated—including the check engine light—and the vehicle suddenly went into li... Read more
Incident date: Jul 8, 2025
The high mounted stop lights and the cruise control do not work. A recall for this was issued (NHTSA 06V13900 and NHTSA 09V310000) but when I enter my VIN it says I'm not included in the recall. Also, a dealer said my vehicle was not in the recall. If I have the problem stated in the recall why am I not included? I am the original owner. First noticed problem about six months ago. Did not know abo... Read more
Incident date: Jul 5, 2025
My 2025 Acadia Denali's Main tablet sized screen is impossible to view in bright daylight. This screen has controls for most of the vehicle's settings. If I want to change something such as the temperature setting, I can't see the proper button. This is clearly a safety issue as taking eyes off the road for an extended period just to make a simple setting change is a recipe for disaster. My dealer... Read more
Incident date: Jul 7, 2025
Recall number 25S08 for side mirror lighting, the disconnect remedy is unacceptable. These side lights provide safety measures for exiting and entering the vehicle. As older adults seeing the fold out step in the dark is necessary. If these lights are disconnected due to the recommended remedy from Ford then there is a fall hazard for owners who don't see well at night. The steps could be missed... Read more
Incident date: May 12, 2025
The 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe seems to be known for thermostat failure. My thermostat gauge while driving would drop from 210 to 160 and stay pinned on 160 and the fans would turn on. I was told by an auto body shop that it seemed to be electric issues. I also had a wire under the car catch fire and the auto body shop said that is why my standing lights would not work in the rear but my brake lights wo... Read more
Incident date: Jun 14, 2025
aste): The vehicle has a serious pulling issue while driving, which was not corrected with alignment and poses a safety risk. Additionally, the windshield was scratched by faulty wiper blades that impaired visibility — the dealer later reimbursed me. Lastly, the driver-side running light was not functioning, which creates a hazard and may violate federal lighting safety standards.
Incident date: Jun 14, 2025
Seals around both headlights appear to be improperly/weakly sealed. Water intrusion is coming in from light rain or even a car wash causing entire headlight system to shut off until the moisture dries up often while driving. This vehicle has matrix adaptive led headlights and there is no self service bulb to replace since they’re leds. Local Porsche dealer service advisors appear to know this is... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2025
DTC 66-=13 and 66-11 found module failed function All warning lights are on suddenly including ABS
Incident date: Jun 3, 2022
I was stopped at a traffic light and was informed by another driver that my right tail lamp was not working. There were no warning lights indicating that there was a problem. When I arrived home, it began working after I tapped on it. A few days later, the left tail lamp stopped working. I began to realize that both tail lamps were only working intermittently. Upon inspection by the mechanic, I wa... Read more
Incident date: Jun 30, 2025
This is the 2nd time I am repairing the left rear light that controls the signal, brake and parking light. The wires are burnt to the bulb. There is condensation in the light. Not accident related. I note that there is a potential recall but not officially.
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
The daytime running lights have gone out.
Incident date: May 1, 2025
After completing a right turn with a right turn signal, the vehicle will sometimes signal a left turn for 3 blinks. I can feel and hear a clicking from the turn signal switch when initiating the signal to turn right. GM issued TSB 24-NA-235 which was performed on my 2024 Colorado but it did not resolve the problem.
Incident date: Jul 3, 2025
Rainwater or going through a car wash leaks water into backend lighting compartment which leads to backend lights not working. You can see the water into the lights. Water leaks out the backend when you open or close the back door. No brake lights could cause accidents. Wiring also corrodes and needs replacement due to water corrosion.
Incident date: Jul 3, 2025
Passenger headlight dim. Grand Street Batteey and Electric replaced bulb and states voltage to connector is good.the vehicle is available for inspection. Headlight is not bright enough to utilize at night as it should be for owner or traffic. No warning lamps light up on instrument panel.
Incident date: Mar 29, 2025
The 2023+ Honda CRV hybrid model have paddles on the steering wheel that increase and decrease the strength of regenerative braking. I use this feature often on our 2024 hybrid model. The issue arises when increasing the strength to the second or third (highest) level. The braking force at these levels should trigger the brake lights to illuminate, but they do not. Often I see drivers brake late b... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2023
●Vehicle tries to pull me into a completely different lanes I have no intentions of trying to go into while on the highway ●Vehicle completely shut off WHILE DRIVING. Electrical panel flashed with all the lights then said to start Vehicle manually. ●Vehicle's gas saving feature when stopped, works intermittently and RANDOMLY, even with same applied brake pressure.
Incident date: Jun 27, 2025
The LED daytime running light failed on my vehicle and the dealer needed to replace the entire headlight unit. The manufacturer wanted to charge $2,500 for the replacement. There must be something faulty in the design of these headlights as out of 156 people I surveyed with Defenders, I’ve heard of 55 who have had this same issue, 7 who have had their daytime running light and headlight fail, 87... Read more
Incident date: Jun 29, 2025
Auto lights stopped working. Tail lights will not come on
DUCATI
MULTISTRADA
(2019) — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jul 2, 2025
Incident date: Jul 2, 2025
> I purchased a 2023 Nissan Rogue brand new and it now has only 32,000 miles. It has a major water leak—flooding the interior through the lights, vents, and floor—yet Nissan won’t cover it under warranty and State Farm denied my comprehensive claim. The vehicle has sat exposed for 3 weeks at the body shop during constant rain, worsening the damage. The car is now unsafe to drive. Nissan fail... Read more
Incident date: Jun 20, 2025
I am the original owner since purchased new on the dealer lot in 2013. Within the first year, the drivers side headlight prematurely burned out (low beam). I have had to replace four bulbs (so far) since owning vehicle. The first two incidents I payed over $100 to have the bulb changed/replaced by a local mechanic. Since then, I have figured out how to replace the bulbs myself; but unfortunate... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2018) — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jul 2, 2025
Incident date: Jun 29, 2025
After purchasing this vehicle I took the car in for PA state inspection at Joel Confer BMW in State College, PA to find out that he passenger side front headlight needs to be replaced. The reason for the replacement is because the LED running light has burnt out. Not only has the daytime running light burnt out but it was has burned out the module for the light. Because the module is also burned t... Read more
Incident date: May 29, 2025
I left my car at Ford to do the recalls, they just called me telling me they won’t fix the brake light on because in Florida it doesn’t cover the repair, something about the humidity here. It doesn’t make sense for me, they were trying to charge me around 400 bucks to fix it. They will give me my car back without fixing the problem. My car is at Matthews-Currie Ford in Venice.
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2018) — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jul 2, 2025
Incident date: Jul 1, 2025
Driver side headlight stopped working after a little over 4 years but less than 50,000 miles. On coming drivers from other side of road are distracted by only one light working and tend to serve toward my car. No warning signs or messages appear in the car. Unfortunately, outside of warranty and the entire light console needs to be replaced. Appears to be a common problem on the Atlas Cross Sport... Read more
Incident date: Jun 12, 2025
The rear turn signal on the 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee is very small. Following vehicles seem to have difficulty in seeing a signaled turn. This condition is exacerbated when driving into the sun. On several occasions, when attempting a left-hand turn and stopped for oncoming traffic, following vehicles have had to brake hard to avoid a rear end collision. This puts the occupants of both vehicles a... Read more
KAWASAKI
NINJA ZX-6R
(2025) — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jul 1, 2025
Incident date: May 1, 2025
The daytime running lights went out at 45,500 miles. Called dealership and I am one week out of warranty. The cost to fix one is $2000 and requires complete new assembly and reprogram cruise control. Absolutely ridiculous for a daytime running light that burned out. Should be able to replace or offer assistance from VW.