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: Oct 2, 2025
For starters, my lights go out every six months on queue. Cannot find a reason why. My car sputters or shutters when accelerating. I heard other Kia models have recalls due to the same thing. I have had my car in the shop multiple times and no one can figure out why it is doing it. It feels like the belts are slipping or the transmission is slipping or something, but no one can find a legit reason... Read more
Incident date: Sep 28, 2025
I bought the car before less than 3 months the car was good but before 10 days when I was driving it on highway , suddenly the car stopped without any light warnings I was In dangerous situations hard to got the car to right side way exit 19 A express highway when I opened the hood was smoking from engine and smile like plastic fire I brought the mechanic said starter I bought starter I replaced i... Read more
TOYOTA
HIGHLANDER
(2019) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Oct 7, 2025
Incident date: Oct 7, 2024
At a stop light vehicle will turn off and nothing electrical will work. It will have to be restarted, While turning at low speeds the electronic steering completely stops working and almost hit another car. All electrical power failure until modules reset then will start. This all happens randomly so it could happen at any point and cause serious injury. Ford can't seem to find a repair for the in... Read more
Incident date: Sep 27, 2025
1. The passenger side daytime fog light occasionally fails to operate, which could be a safety concern in certain driving conditions. 2. The one-pedal drive feature automatically switches off, even though it is saved in my profile. This may present a hazard if I accelerate as if one-pedal drive is still active. 3. The blind spot warning system does not provide an audible alert, and it sometimes ac... Read more
Incident date: Sep 29, 2025
1- ABS/Braking Issue The ABS system appears to be malfunctioning. On multiple occasions, typically once or twice a week, when I apply the brakes, the tires lock up and cause the vehicle to skid. This happens most often when descending hills or backing up on a sloped driveway. The wheels lock and slide until I release the brake pedal, posing a serious safety concern. 2- Severe Water Leak Interior... Read more
Incident date: Aug 20, 2023
Headlight DRL (daytime running light) and fog light burning out as an LED bulb.
Incident date: Oct 6, 2025
Base model Halogen headlights project unsafe low light after defects in the projection reflector assembly delaminate. Light output at night is completely unsafe to drive. Acura knows it’s a defective part and will not offer fix other than full replacement of entire headlight assemblies at a cost of approximately $3,000. Major safety issue making a car unsafe to drive at night, all due to a poo... Read more
Incident date: Sep 23, 2025
Electrical issues since 44K miles I’m at 50 K miles. I’ve complained multiple times and they kept saying electrician wasn’t available. Then they lie about it being a waitlist for a loaner car. All the lights on the dashboard goes on and all the dealership couldn’t diagnose the problem. The second time the check engine lights went out the back up camera. They said it was the back up camera ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 2, 2025
Auto Dimming function of interior lights and activation of headlights; This occurs very rapidly on/off in seconds, should be in minutes. When on, it completely darkens the center instrument cluster where it becomes unreadable in daylight conditions. This has occurred since the vehicle was new. On 15 October 2024 University Kia in Durham NC looked at the issue when the vehicle was in for reca... Read more
Incident date: Sep 30, 2025
The reverse lights are incredibly insufficient and pose a safety risk when backing up. The lights are so dim, they are virtually ineffective to the point that they illuminate nothing that may be behind the car. This is not a bulb issue as they came from the factory, new, in this condition and the service center said there is nothing they can do. Other owners I have spoken with report the same issu... Read more
HYUNDAI
TUCSON HYBRID
(2025) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Oct 4, 2025
Incident date: Oct 3, 2025
In a rain situation the wind shield wiper is not operating when it’s pouring rain outside or even a drizzle. The wiper never goes off. It has to be manually turned on for the windshield wiper to actually work. Also, the lighting on the vehicle is very dim because the vehicle pretty much only operates off of two tiny fog lights, and in a low visibility area there’s not enough lighting to actual... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
CLA 250
(2023) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Oct 3, 2025
Incident date: Oct 3, 2025
The third brake lights on this generation Raptor are very, very dim. There are three individual/small LED lights, and when the tail lights are on, which includes the third brake light on these vehicles since they act as marker lamps due to the vehicle's width), the third brake lights are not noticeable. This is especially bad in the daytime if the headlights are on, because there is almost no dif... Read more
Incident date: Oct 3, 2025
Driver side low beam has stopped working. Ford was unable to pinpoint the problem and wants to replace the entire head lamp to cover all possibilities.
Incident date: May 9, 2024
My 2015 Acura RDX has such dim headlights, that I feel that it is not safe to drive at night. The headlights have gotten so dim that I can't even tell if they are on, unless I drive by a building and see the lights in the reflection. The only way I can drive safely is to have my high beam headlights on, which is not safe for other drivers. Not to mention illegal in most areas. As I understand it, ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 2, 2025
The electronic instrument cluster and all gauges (speedometer etc.) goes blank while driving the vehicle. The instrument cluster comes back on in about a minute. This was a recall item on the 2024 Chevy Trax but apparently has not been recalled on the 2025 (same issue on the same car). This has happened multiple times on this vehicle.
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2014) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Oct 3, 2025
Incident date: Sep 22, 2025
Both headlamps in vehicle stopped working within a month of each other. Vehicle has less than 50,000 miles on it. Volkswagen claims lights should last longer than this. Online forums are riddled with this issue, and headlamp price is unreasonably high for a family vehicle ($700-1100 per headlamp). Headlamps are also backordered, making driving the vehicle unsafe at night and under certain weather ... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2014) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Oct 3, 2025
Incident date: Sep 22, 2025
My suv dies while im driving it. The engine stalls the lights go off. Its very dangerous I had a semi truck behind me last night and my encore basically became invisible. No lights no power, nothing. He almost hit me. Ive had this encore to several mechanics and none of them knows what the problem is. There are no warning lights on and it does not show any codes when hooked up to a diagnostic ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 25, 2025
Can’t see to drive at night with low beams on. Miss turns at night.
Incident date: Sep 2, 2025
Vehicle lost all internal communications while driving. During this incident propulsion was lost, turn signals, hazards, power brakes, power steering, all electronics except speedometer failed. I was unable to put indicators on during this incident outting others at risk. It appears hazards and turn signals are CAN communication which is absolutely insane and a severe design flaw.
Incident date: Aug 1, 2022
Both daytime running lights are defective. One is all the way out and the other one is partially out. This started early 2024. I'm concerned over visibility.
Incident date: Aug 22, 2025
Upon purchasing the vehicle on September 26th, 2024, my brand new Dodge hornet started experiencing critical failures between the gas engine, the hybrid electrical system, and various safety features in the vehicle. At just 1,800 miles, the vehicles auxiliary coolant pump needed to be replaced along with several other components within that system. The vehicle was at the dealership for 2 months fo... Read more
Incident date: May 24, 2025
Vehicle: 2021 Ford F-150 Component: Exterior Lighting – Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) / Headlights (High Beams) Safety Concern: Vehicle visibility and forward illumination Both daytime running lights (DRLs) on my 2021 Ford F-150 have failed completely. After the DRLs stopped working, the high beams also became inoperative, leaving only the low beams working. The Ford dealer attempted a repair... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2025
I am filing a complaint under the NC Unfair and Deceptive Trade Practices Act (N.C. Gen. Stat. § 75-1.1) regarding Hyundai’s handling of my 2018 Hyundai Tucson (purchased new May 2018). Since 2019, the vehicle has had repeated headlight failures (at least 12 bulb replacements), persistent “bulb out” warnings, and eventually melted wiring requiring headlamp assembly replacement in 2025. The... Read more
Incident date: Mar 17, 2025
OTA update GM N25-250380 caused significant problems. Blinker tone and other safety tones are erratic. Infotainment system is erratic. Constant reboots while driving causing distractions. Camera screens will freeze on screen while driving down interstate. It may be affecting other systems as well since everything is erratic and buggy now.
Incident date: Sep 16, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Renegade. The contact stated that while driving 75 MPH, the driver’s side brake light became inoperable. The contact stated that the brake light bulb was blown. No warning light was illuminated. An independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the taillight needed to be replaced. The v... Read more
Incident date: Sep 26, 2025
While under warranty the passenger side headlamp unit was replaced. This was about one year ago- now the drive side has gone out on a car that is less than 3 years old. The dealership quoted me $1792.33 for this repair. There is no reason why these should be going out when they are LED. I am part of a facebook group for ATLAS owners and this a known issue. I see the daylight running light on multi... Read more
Incident date: Aug 17, 2025
The high beam lights are not working. Dealer said the shutter door internal to headlamp assemblies are unresponsive. BOTH headlamps went out at the same time. Dealer said they haven't seen any issues before with the high beams.
Incident date: Sep 10, 2025
19 Sep 2025. The headlights turn off at night while driving. With the switch in the "auto" position, I turned the switch to "off" then back to "auto" and they came back on for a short period of time. They turned off again, I turned them to "on", they came back on for a brief period. I had to keep switching the headlight switch from "on" to "off" and back to "on" every 20 to 30 seconds (estimat... Read more
Incident date: Sep 30, 2025
Bought this 2019 dodge journey in Aug 2020. Immediately noticed the headlight condensation. Brought it to the dealership to investigate and they told me it would require a whole new headlight part that would be chargeable and not covered under any warranty.
Incident date: Oct 14, 2024
Front right side marker light is showing defective on 2017 Audi Q7. Light appears to be on but is still throwing error message. Safety issue as I have no visibility when driving to determine whether or not the light is properly working - anything regarding light faults should be considered a safety issue. Problem has not been reproduced or confirmed by an independent service center, but a quick on... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2014) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Sep 30, 2025
Incident date: Sep 27, 2025
MmI screen malfunction, cuts out and goes black/blank. Red lines, dims by itself to black/blank. MMI screen replaced by Audi once, now problem continues. Antenna malfunction error message constantly. No addressment by Audi. Initializing error message on car, gets stuck in loop showing this message and will not go away. This is on display screen below steering wheel. SOS module failure at time of ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 9, 2025
Passenger daytime running light has stopped working at 61,952 miles. This light is not able to be replaced by itself which is the issue. The entire lighting assembly has to be replaced costing $1400 for single, passenger side assembly, not including labor. At this cost, it is unrealistic and unreasonable to replace this safety feature every time it goes out. This is an unsafe design due to the fac... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2023
To whom it may concern, I am reporting an incident regarding my Tesla Model 3 (2024) that occurred on June 30th around midnight. My partner was using FSD (full self driving) and driving down i5 towards Vancouver, WA and I was attempting to turn on Bluetooth to listen to music when the exterior lights completely shut off. The section of the freeway we were on had no lights, so it was completely d... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Sep 29, 2025
The indoor cloth paneling is peeling off due to cheap adhesive materials used by Jeep manufacturers. The filament inside the cloth paneling is falling out and getting in the air I am breathing in the car. I looked online and it seems this is a problem with many 2015-2017 Jeep Renegades and is said to be a design/material defect. This should be a recall. The head lights and right side parking ligh... Read more
Incident date: Sep 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Tundra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V322000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). The contact became aware that water was entering into the vehicle through the taillight assembly. Whenever water entered the vehicle, the taillights and turn signals failed to function as intended. No warning lights were illuminated. The turn signal were blinking quickl... Read more
Incident date: Jun 2, 2025
The drivers side headlight fuse melts continuously causing the headlights to go out specifically use 15 and few 16 for the HID headlights.
Incident date: Sep 27, 2025
The dashboard lights, HUD and exterior lights all have been turning off for 4-5 seconds every 6-8 weeks for the last 14-15 months. The brake and accelerometer remain active but because of the situation it presents every time, all that can be done is stray straight and try to look for a safe lane change.
Incident date: Sep 26, 2025
The headlights were on after I replaced the battery. Did a little bit of research and found that the body control module or (BCM) would be going out. Got a new one sent and tried replacing it and the part didn't end up working. Took it to a non honda dealer. Got it taken care of, but the new BCM wouldn't work. All warning lights came on and now I have to deal with the BCM going out again and not a... Read more
Incident date: Sep 12, 2025
I was driving and my Kia started over heating and smoking and smelled like plastic burning I got it towed to the Hendricks of Kia and it sat there for 2weeks and I contacted them about giving me a lender until they fix my engine problem and they told me that my engine is not under warranty but is a recall I didn’t blow my engine I recently bought it about 6 months ago
Fire
Incident date: Aug 14, 2024
Both running light modules failed due to overheating because there was no heatsink thermal compound installed on either unit. They had to be replaced. Repair was successful.
Incident date: Jul 16, 2025
Check Engine and transmission alerts appeared in the app; vehicle showed “Check 4x4” while driving, cleared next day •Engine not sounding normal •Paint peeling •Fading plastic trim •Front bumper misaligned •Rear bumper misaligned •Loose front door frames •Marker lights collecting bugs •Plastic becoming loose at the rear hatch •Plastic near auto steps: one side has gaps, the o... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2019) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Sep 26, 2025
Incident date: Sep 5, 2025
2021 Mercedes GLC 43 headlight is inoperable. Same as reported in campaign 22V261000: "Headlight failure can decrease visibility for both the driver and surrounding traffic, increasing the risk of a crash." Although our car was produced before the dates reported in campaign 22V261000, I believe this is the same defect and the recall should apply to all MY 2021 cars as this is a serious safety is... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
E350
(2011) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Sep 26, 2025
Incident date: Sep 18, 2025
Cluster info not working as it should
MITSUBISHI
OUTLANDER
(2019) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Sep 26, 2025
Incident date: Sep 26, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated that there was moisture inside driver's side headlight housing. The contact took the headlight assembly apart and blew out the moisture. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. Th... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2025
During rain events, headlight housings are becoming inundated with moisture (L and R sides). A quick search on multiple forums shows this is a known issue with all Porsche models. During night driving this issue reduces visibility significantly. Yes, this puts my occupants and other drivers at risk. Porsche is famous for not acknowledging and addressing out of warranty manufacturing defects, even ... Read more
Incident date: May 28, 2025
The Driver's Side headlight Daytime Driving Light and Blinker stopped working at around 40k miles. We currently have have about 85k miles on it. The dealership stated is till cost over $1,000 to replace the headlight as the LED DRL and Blinker is not replaceable and the entire unit must be replaced.
VOLKSWAGEN
TAOS
(2024) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Sep 25, 2025
Incident date: Sep 25, 2025
My lights are very dim as if they aren’t on.
DODGE
CHARGER EV
(2025) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Sep 25, 2025
Incident date: Sep 2, 2025
There is water filtration in the upper stop lamp. This happens while driving under heavy raining conditions.
Incident date: May 1, 2025
Driving down the road all tire sensors went into default – started flickering on and off headlights kept flickering on and off AC kept working and then stopped working.
HONDA
ACCORD HYBRID
(2025) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Sep 25, 2025
Incident date: Aug 4, 2025
Condensation build up in my passenger headlamp has caused the led rope lighting to stop working.This shows a recall but one not offered at this time.I have never received any recalls through the mail form.I recently moved and my address is as follows: [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)