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: Sep 25, 2025
While driving at approximately 15–20 mph, my vehicle suddenly started beeping and displayed a quick warning message on the dashboard before the brakes locked up on their own. The incident lasted only a few seconds, but it was extremely alarming. This same issue has now happened twice, both times in the exact same location on the same road, driving at about the same speed. The first incident was ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 15, 2025
Backup camera is not usable at night, you cannot see anything on the camera unless it is a brightly it area. This causes safety concern for people and property. Dealer confirmed no issues with the camera and that is how it is. Had to add external light to ensure I could see at night.
Incident date: Oct 11, 2025
Headlights work intermittently. Driver side comes on but passenger side doesn’t or vise versa. Also sometimes neither come on. No warning messages or anything. Yes the jeep dealership saw the issue with the lights and so did an independent mechanic.
Incident date: Sep 19, 2025
Both left and right front vertical LEDs which surround the headlights failed. Ford dealer advised both entire headlight assemblies would have to be replaced at a cost of approximately $3600.00
TOYOTA
HIGHLANDER
(2024) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Oct 15, 2025
Incident date: Oct 13, 2025
Can not see when driving in reverse in the dark. Camera image appears as a red fog and I can't see a thing. I tried using the rear view mirrors and again could not see anything. Totally driving in reverse in the blind. Absolute safety issue that needs to be addressed. I don't know if this is a camera issue, a lighting issue or both. I have an appointment with the dealership I purchased the vehicle... Read more
Incident date: Jun 16, 2025
Headlights have become very dim, to the point where it is dangerous to drive at night and high beams need to be used for most of my nighttime driving. Exterior of the headlights have been cleaned, but the issue is with the lights themselves. It is a hazard, as I cannot see properly at night while driving. This has been a problem for at least one year.
Incident date: Oct 13, 2025
The drivers side headlight does not work. If it does work initially upon turning on, when the car brakes, the light flickers and then goes out. I have replaced the light bulb three times and it doesn't fix the problem. My mechanic said there is no way to fix it and sometimes this happens with the type of light bulbs this car uses. It seems to be electrical that the brake or motion of the stopping ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Ram Promaster 2500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the headlights were not producing adequate lighting while driving at night. There was no warning light illuminated. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact called Mopar and was referred to the dealer for assistance. The manufacturer was not contacted. ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 15, 2025
We were notified of a recall in Nov 2024 with a first quarter of 2025 fix. We are now 1 year later and still no fix, clearly a safety issue and I cannot trade in or sell legally without the fix. I am stuck with a vehicle with known safety issues and Chrysler is being allowed to just ignore it.
Incident date: Aug 4, 2025
I find that the headlights on my 2025 Subaru Forester pose a safety concern. When on dims there is a distinct black line above which you have no light and cannot see. There is also some black shadows in the line of sight that bounce up and down as the car moves causing a major distraction. I complained to the dealer who said there wasn’t much they could do, however they adjusted the lights on... Read more
Incident date: Sep 29, 2025
I recently purchased, 9/12/2025, a 2025 Harley FLTRX. The turn signals operate erratically. When approaching a turn I energize the appropriate turn signal and it may or may not stay on for more than 3-4 seconds before reaching the turn. I am trying to concentrate on the traffic and not looking to see if my turn signal is still energized. I recently had a near miss with another vehicle due to this ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 3, 2025
Parking lights are illuminated and not head lamps for daytime running lights. Was sold by Ford Certified Dealership. Also has no interior lighting for security. BCM replaced, and still has same issue, along with the 3rd row seats not functioning, interior overhead lights not functioning, trailer socket not functioning.
Incident date: Oct 2, 2025
Defective rear light bar allowing water intrusion causing some reverse lights and brake lights to malfunction including a running rear white light shining into the face of drivers causing a safety hazard
Incident date: Apr 14, 2022
Daytime Running Lights- the drivers side daytime running light has stopped working-like many other people have reported repair under warranty is being denied by Dodge FCA as a wear item, it is an integrated system and not a bulb as they are saying. It creates a safely issue that they refuse to repair under warranty.
Incident date: Aug 28, 2025
Condensation has appeared in the driver side headlight. It has caused the headlight and blinker to stop working. In addition, several warning lights have appeared on the dash indicating the following operations are no longer working.... Driver Attention Warning System, Forward Safety System, Lane Change Assist system, Lane Departure Warning System and High Beam Assist. While the driving assist sys... Read more
Incident date: Oct 14, 2025
Problem (repeat failure / prior warranty replacement): This vehicle has a recurring headlamp defect involving moisture ingress into the headlamp housing/connectors, causing electrical shorting and warning messages, with risk of headlight failure. Mercedes-Benz replaced this same headlamp under warranty in 2021 for the identical issue (moisture/shorting). The defect has recurred on the same vehicle... Read more
Incident date: Oct 14, 2025
My car shuts off Battery drains, burning smell Rear camera gives out Clicking noises
Incident date: Sep 16, 2025
During an early season wet snow storm within minutes of driving the lights had become covered with snow and deflected the light in such a way that created a very unsafe driving environment. There was zero snow on the road because of it not being cold enough to stick but the deflection of the light and limited light on the road it was nearly impossible to see the road markings and lines to stay in... Read more
Incident date: Oct 13, 2025
Headlamp Multi-Function Switch Service Campaign Hazwewdiouse may cause colition or vision impairment. from ongoing traffic and or insufficient illumination While driving lights will flicker, causing drivers to high beam you, it does not matter if the high beams are on or not, the light will randomly flicker and turn off, very dangerous in southern and eastern areas, there is limited to no street/... Read more
Incident date: Oct 9, 2025
2021 Dodge Durango with 40K miles on it. Like many other drivers of this specific SUV and year the front driver side LED Daylight Running Lights have suddenly stopped working. The same applies to the rear 3rd brake light. Based on discussion boards this seems to be a common issue.
TOYOTA
HIGHLANDER
(2019) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Oct 13, 2025
Incident date: Aug 1, 2025
Left front headlight is so dim I cannot drive my car in the dark. I have spent money replacing the bulbs, cleaning the lenses through professional shop(s) and still goes dim and unsafe. After researching this I see this is a ongoing problem with this vehicle. I am now having to spend over $1,000 to replace the entire headlight assembly and I don't even know how long that will last. From resea... Read more
Incident date: Sep 3, 2025
Kept getting a Check Headlamp System See Manual for a couple days then the headlight went out
Incident date: Aug 1, 2025
The push type turn signals for the model 3 almost caused when accident when I had to enter and exit a roundabout. The orientation wasn’t clear and I was trying to signal to not exit instead - another car misunderstood my intent. this miscommunication lead to a close call. I’ve been driving for over 20 years - this is an unsafe implementation of something basic.
VOLKSWAGEN
TIGUAN
(2022) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Oct 12, 2025
Incident date: Oct 9, 2025
LED LIGHT ISSUE. PASSENGER SIDE LOW BEAM. LIFETIME OF LED SHOULD BE 45,000 HOURS OR 12-15 YEARS. IT IS NOT WORKING. FORD NEEDS TO GENERATE A REPAIR ALSO CURRENT WARRANTEE WORK NEEDS TO BE COMPLETED INCLUDING THE REAR CAMERA.
Incident date: Oct 1, 2025
Initially, the component that was failing was the rear wiper blade. The wiper blade would not perform a proper rotation. It wouldn’t move at all when I would turn the switch, but anytime the car was unlocked or locked. The door was open or closed the blade would move. A few days later, one reverse light was out. The rear wiper doesn’t really pose any risks but with my reverse lights, failing a... Read more
Incident date: Oct 10, 2025
Humming or moaning noise from the passenger side headlamp. Inspected by dealer mechanic and mentioned the TSB 09-015-23B bulletin. Dealership replaced headlamp covered under warranty.
Incident date: Sep 20, 2025
Vehicle did over the air software update overnight. First drive the vehicle after approximately half a mile engine stalled out electronics went off. Vehicle lost communication with key would not restart. MIL light showing many codes on reader. Several power cycles vehicle run, but cut out further three times once on a freeway underpass. The hazard flashing lights would not work dead on key. Restar... Read more
Incident date: Aug 25, 2025
The information center on my 2020 Jeep gladiator will go out and will stay off for months at a time, as well as all warning lights. I consider this to be a serious safety hazard.
Incident date: Sep 20, 2025
Since purchasing the vehicle, I have experienced a serious and recurring safety issue: when towing, the trailer lights work for approximately five minutes before a portion of them blackout. This failure renders towing both unsafe and illegal, as it compromises visibility and compliance with traffic laws. To date, my vehicle has been into the dealership three separate times for the same issue: 1.... Read more
Incident date: Oct 10, 2025
The daytime running led lights on the headlights stopped working on my vehicle. First it was the passenger side and a few weeks later the driver’s side. As that happened to my vehicle, I noticed that many other Ford F150s have the same issue. When I took my vehicle for service, I was told by Ford Maxwell here in Austin Texas that this issue is not covered by my warranty. This is a safety issue b... Read more
DUNLOP
GRANDTREK PT20
(9999) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Oct 9, 2025
Incident date: Oct 9, 2025
I custom ordered a rear fender with LED lights included to GR Customs tel. (949) 395-8888. However, the turning lights are barely visible. Contacted the Company and sales person Aaron rebutted that they has sold hundreds of those without a problem. I send pictures and videos. He says “they are clearly visible”. When motorcycle is running, rear tail lights are On (running lights). Even when the... Read more
DUNLOP
GRANDTREK PT20
(9999) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Oct 9, 2025
Incident date: Oct 9, 2025
I custom ordered a rear fender with LED lights included to GR Customs tel. (949) 395-8888. However, the turning lights are barely visible. Contacted the Company and sales person Aaron rebutted that they has sold hundreds of those without a problem. I send pictures and videos. He says “they are clearly visible”. When motorcycle is running, rear tail lights are On (running lights). Even when the... Read more
Incident date: Nov 14, 2023
When I was driving on the highway I was going about 65 mph in 6th gear and then without warning my 2012 Ford f150 3.5 truck shifted all the way down to 1st gear which almost caused me to wreck on the highway and other cars to almost slam into me. Now when I try to drive the truck it keeps throwing a wrench and the wrench blinks and my truck will not shift hardly at all between the gears. After I h... Read more
Incident date: Oct 9, 2025
The 2020 (and possibly 2019) Porsche Macan passenger (right) side headlight (low beam only) is failing. About four months ago the right headlight on my Macan went out and after taking to the dealer, I was informed that the critical headlight failed (the car was less than five years old. Taking the problem to the internet, I found the EXACT problem has occurred to many 2020 Porsche Macans, and se... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2023) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Oct 9, 2025
Incident date: Jun 18, 2025
My Mini Cooper has been showing repeated warnings stating “Start-off assistance inactive. Caution: vehicle may roll back!” for some time. This issue appears to relate to an existing recall involving potential electrical and starter/rollaway defects. The vehicle also has a persistent front parking light malfunction and intermittent electrical issues with the windows, which stop mid-way and roll... Read more
Incident date: Sep 4, 2025
The halo headlight went out, and I have an extended warranty that supposedly doesn't cover it. After researching, this seems to be a national event. The headlights need to be recalled and the manufacturer needs to be held accountable.
Incident date: Sep 18, 2025
I bought this car before less than 3 months when. When I was drive the car on [XXX] the car just stop stopped no power without any warning when the car stop I just came from home. It’s far it’s like the distance between my home and the place the car stop in the highway. It’s like 5 miles. when I park the car to the side road right side road I open the hood. I see some smoke coming from the ... Read more
Fire
1 injured
PONTIAC
GRAND PRIX
(2002) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Oct 9, 2025
Incident date: Oct 9, 2025
My car has a problem whith the break lamps, the sockets that hold the bulbs are melting and they have deformed making it hard to replace the fused bulbs. Also the brake light stay on even after the engine is off draining the Battery and causing a short circuit.
Incident date: Oct 3, 2025
Rear light bar housing brake lights and backup lights have water inside the assembly. Water is causing shorting of the lights. It puts me and others at risk if it doesn't activate or activate at a bad time.
TOYOTA
SIENNA HYBRID
(2024) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Oct 9, 2025
Incident date: Oct 8, 2025
The LED left turn signal and blind spot detection ( safety feature) on the left outside rear view mirror suddenly stopped working. The is a TSB for warranty for 2016-2018 GM YUKON (#10-08-64-002D) and it states that the bulletin has been revised to include 2016-2018 year models for this defect. I am starting this claim because I am told by GM that my VIN is not covered under this warranty, yet I ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 12, 2025
Reverse light not working properly unable to clear see while reversing
Incident date: Aug 8, 2025
Front lights gets foggy when it gets hand wash, contacted the dealership and they are willing to replace the “Gasket” because the headlights must have “ventilation”. While driving with nobody in front the collision warning went off non stop, the road was completely clear.
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2018) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Oct 8, 2025
Incident date: Sep 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2026 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while driving at night, the headlights were activated, and the contact became aware of a blind spot on the roadway. The contact stated that there were dark spots coming from the driver’s side headlight. The contact stated that it was difficult to see the roadway while driving at night. There were no warning lights illuminated. The loc... Read more
Incident date: Sep 8, 2025
I purchased the vehicle on 8/30/2025 in the early afternoon and later in the evening once it was getting dark I noticed the low beam headlights on my vehicle only provide a range of approximately 50 ft. ahead, making it very difficult to drive at night to observe anything in which could be in the roadway. I took the car into the Toyota dealer on 9/27/2025 which they adjusted the headlights slightl... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2025
The "right side marker light" error message comes on when headlights are on, but the marker light is operating fine. I understand that this is part of a recall on other Audi Q7 models, but my 2017 does not appear to be within that recall. I request that the recall be expanded to include my auto. It appears from online information that other owners outside of the recall are having the issue that... Read more
Incident date: Sep 15, 2025
This vehicle is not equipped with an Auto High Beam feature. The result of this is that when the Headlights are in Auto Mode, the Manual control of the High Beams is disabled. Most people leave their headlights in Auto mode to ensure that they dont forget to turn them on or off, but then the high beams are inoperable. This can pose a significant safety concern when you consider that when someone i... Read more
Incident date: Sep 27, 2025
I noticed one of my daytime running lights on the driver’s side laser headlight had turned yellow, instead of white like the others. I took the vehicle to the dealership and they said that the LED module that powers that daytime running light has overheated and caused the light tube to burn and melt. The dealership advised that the passenger side is also slowly starting to do the same thing. The... Read more
Incident date: Oct 6, 2025
I have taken the vehicle to my local dealership six times. The tailgate started opening and the headlights were blinking on and off. This happened 3 months after I bought it. The dealership told me they changed the tailgate switch and they said there wasn’t anything wrong with my lights. Two weeks after the dealership said they changed the tailgate switch, the tailgate started opening and closin... Read more
Incident date: Oct 7, 2025
If you search the internet, you'll see that there's a large problem with the sunroof drainage in this car dumping water into the cabin, into the glove box and down the right kick panel, which is where the bcm unit sits, and then dumps down the rocker panel where all the electrical wiring runs.
Incident date: Sep 29, 2025
Headlights seem to flicker off and on while using turn signals. Dash lights will brighten during the incident as well.