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 22, 2025
My check engine light has been on for some time . It will go off for a day and a half and then come back on . I was told by one garage that it was the catalytic converter. I have 99,339 miles on . It was tuned up and the light had gone off until the next day . Runs good and body is in great shape . I’m disappointed with this since it’s not covered ! And my lights are not working , the garage s... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
ID.4
(2023) — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jun 4, 2025
Incident date: May 23, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that when the vehicle was parked at a store front in the evening, both headlights were operational. The contact returned and restarted the vehicle; however, the driver's side headlight was inoperable. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the headlight and the electrical connectors an... Read more
Incident date: Jun 4, 2025
The rear marker lights which are LED have shorted and are now inoperative. So at night I no longer have any rear running lights. Also the license plate lights are out. Dealer charged me $254.00 to diagnose the failed complaint and and found that the rear racetrack light and passenger rear corner light needs replaced. The estimate of repair is $254.00 for diagnosis and $2746.26 for rear race track ... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2007) — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jun 4, 2025
Incident date: May 1, 2023
I was driving and wrecked into a sign because I was unable to stop and the vehicle caught on fire under the hood.
Fire
Incident date: Jun 3, 2024
It took 8 months to repair the Recall #SC299B HALOGEN HEADLAMP-BOTH. Repair was done 04/03/2025, which appears to have not last long as high beam is low again and I am afraid to drive in early morning, dusk, or evening due to the timid, low bearing high beams. This is very unsettling as we have made three complaints due to negligence and lack of efficiency for recall repair, being in an accident d... Read more
FORD
EXPEDITION
(2018) — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jun 3, 2025
Incident date: Feb 21, 2025
This is a proactive step to report that the headlights on Model Y Juniper 2026 are not projecting seamlessly onto the road. The low beam shows patchy lights and also has a blocked-out grey patch on the right-hand side of the car. This patch is not due to any wreckage of the headlights. The high beam is also not precise and feels as if it is a column of light, which is not very clear to drive in. ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 2, 2025
The rear light bar (race track bar) does not illuminate. Seems to be a common issue among Durango's. My rear light visibility is low now due to it being out for night driving. It also failed the two license plate lights to work which is required by MN Statute (law). I could be pulled over and issued a citation due to the issue.
Incident date: May 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that the vehicle was difficult to start. The contact stated that the failure recurred after a Volkswagen dealer had completed the vehicle inspection. The dealer shifted to neutral(N) and pushed the vehicle into the garage. The dealer diagnosed that the brake light switch had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the part... Read more
Incident date: Feb 3, 2023
The overhead console that controls the interior lights, sunroof, SOS button, etc. just popped off while driving and almost hit me in the head.
Incident date: Jun 2, 2025
There were recalls on this vehicle. I just purchased and trying to get assistance.
Incident date: Feb 1, 2021
I drive a 2017 Audi Q7 and recently I got a warning light and message on my dash telling me my front right marker was defective and to check my owners manual and contact Audi but when I reached out to Audi they said my car was not one of the cars affect by the recall but I know a lot of people who are not under the recall status who also have had this issue and it is very expensive to fix even if ... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
TIGUAN
(2019) — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jun 2, 2025
Incident date: Nov 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed at night, the headlights unexpectedly failed to illuminate until the vehicle passed over a bump in the road, and shortly afterwards the headlights became illuminated again. Additionally, the engine oil and TPMS warning lights remained illuminated after the vehicle had an oil change and the tire... Read more
Incident date: May 27, 2025
Left front side marker light defective.
Incident date: Apr 26, 2024
Passenger side headlamp burned out took off bumper to inspect and the wiring pigtail to the headlight has melted causing it to malfunction so now in order to make it work you have to disconnect the daytime running lights so that the melting stops this is supposedly happened to a lot of Malibu's why there isn't a recall on this fire hazard is beyond me and it is a safety issue cuz you can't use you... Read more
Incident date: May 25, 2025
The MDPS power steering coupler became worn out causing erratic steering issues.the coupler part its self is not even listed on the vehicle so the dealership would only recommend replacing the entire MDPS. i replaced the coupler myself due to lack of affordability for entire motor. steering is now fixed. additional ongoing issue with left turn signal bulbs have burned out repeatedly within days of... Read more
CASTLE ROCK
RADIAL ST
(9999) — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
May 31, 2025
Incident date: May 26, 2025
There is an issue with the front, right turn signal light flickering uncontrollably. This flickering is occurring during the vehicle’s operation, posing a significant safety risk as the amber light is incorrectly signaling to other vehicles on the road. The flickering also occurs while the vehicle is parked and off—draining the battery. It has been occurring intermittently with my vehicle fo... Read more
Incident date: Jan 2, 2024
Per Ford, the headlights are supposed to last the life of my vehicle. My drivers side headlight is now out. You can’t just change the bulb. You have the change the whole assembly which is $1500+. The extended warranty doesn’t cover it either. It’s a MAJOR safety issue and most people (like myself) can’t afford it out of pocket
Incident date: Jul 5, 2023
Both headlights have a shadow of the light bulb at the top center of both headlights causing a distraction/confusion under certain conditions at night. I have never had a shadow show up in my line of sight in all the many vehicles I have owned in the past from my headlights. I previously owned a 2019 Subaru Forester and there was no shadow appear from the headlights beam of light. I talked to th... Read more
Incident date: Jan 31, 2025
Both headlights have a shadow of the light bulb at the top center of both headlights causing a distraction/confusion under certain conditions at night. I have never had a shadow show up in my line of sight in all the many vehicles I have owned in the past from my headlights. I previously owned a 2019 Subaru Forester and there was no shadow appear from the headlights beam of light. I talked to th... Read more
Incident date: May 30, 2025
Im again reporting the racetrack tail lights. Im seeing a lot more water intrusion in dodge durangos of many years. We want answers! This needs to be investigated stat! Consumers should not have to pay $1800 for failure on dodges part! They know this is an issue with many years of these durangos. There is already a class action lawsuit against them for this issue. Please investigate this! We want ... Read more
Incident date: May 12, 2022
Vehicle: 2019 Dodge Journey Issue: Rearview Camera Failure / Malfunction I am reporting an ongoing issue with the factory-installed backup camera in my 2019 Dodge Journey. The camera has been malfunctioning for several years. The camera intermittently displayed a blank screen, glitching image, or the image would appear upside down when shifting into reverse. Over time, the issue worsened, and the... Read more
Incident date: May 30, 2025
I am writing to formally report a safety concern related to a recent maintenance issue on my Honda vehicle. Approximately one month ago, I had my vehicle serviced to address an issue with the rear tailgate lighting. Although the issue was supposedly repaired, I discovered during nighttime driving that the tailgate lights were still not functioning properly. Despite the headlights being on, the re... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
E350
(2006) — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
May 30, 2025
Incident date: May 30, 2025
The passenger side daylight running light stopped functioning. I called BMW dealership while it was still under warranty and was told that if it was simply a light needing replacement it would be $500. At the next oil change I had a diagnostic test done and was told that the modules for both daylight running lights had overheated and melted and that a headlight also would need replacement. The cos... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
TAOS
(2023) — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
May 30, 2025
Incident date: May 30, 2025
A considerable amount of water intrusion has occurred in the rear light bar which is for braking and reverse lights. After taking it to my dealer, Ford has stated that unless water is "pooled" inside the unit this is normal, and that some condensation inside the assembly is "normal". I don't believe a sealed unit is supposed to have any water inside it, and this is the exact issue that lead to t... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2021) — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
May 29, 2025
Incident date: Apr 15, 2025
After a simple battery replacement, the entire infotainment system and computer for the vehicle crashed. Safety systems and other safety systems for the vehicle connected to the main computer can no longer be controlled, including parking sensors and other equipment and the battery continues to go dead. Many other owners are having the same issue.
Incident date: Apr 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Can-Am Spyder RT. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V175000 (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 dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experie... Read more
Incident date: Mar 5, 2025
By the dome light, it leaks water when it is pouring rain very heavily. It also drips water by the passenger side shade visor. The dome lights will dim and get brighter consistently as it is dripping. the driver side headlight also gets foggy when it rains, which causes the one side of the vehicle not being able to see out from. The rain in the inside goes near the electrical outlets and sometimes... Read more
Incident date: Apr 24, 2025
Racetrack light bar has failed twice since purchasing this car. The same bulb has went out and in order to pass inspection I need to replace the whole thing. I've had this vehicle for 2 years.
Incident date: Apr 28, 2025
We were driving our 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe (purchased Dec 2020; odometer currently right under 40,000 miles) out of town this past weekend and I noticed the headlights were not illuminating the road ahead very well once the sun went down. They seemed like they were pointed down and when i turned on the high beams, those were also lower than how the low beams are usually pointed. We were stuck in t... Read more
Incident date: May 26, 2025
The headlights are a safety hazzard. The dealership that I purchased the car from, did not inform me of the extremely low headlights. They insist it passes PA guidelines. But they are in fact too low to drive safely at night. It's as if there are no headlights on at all. I found out there WAS a recall on these headlights. But only until 2019. Cadillac is no longer under any obligation to fix th... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2015) — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
May 27, 2025
Incident date: May 22, 2025
The 12" infotainment screen flickers and turns off. The screen is most unresponsive. The screen never works with the headlights on. The screen flashes at night causing safety issues. Backup camera doesn't work. Multiple complaints found on redit regarding the same issue. I took to the dealer and they said I needed a replacement screen and it would cost $1200+. This is a practically new car.
Incident date: Mar 31, 2025
When I went to the garage, I noticed my brake lights were on, but the ignition was not. I tested the car, it started without me stepping on the brake. I could also move the car out of park without stepping on the brakes. I thought the switch on the brake pedal had failed and so I took it to my mechanic for replacement. The mechanic tested the switch and found it okay. However, he had seen the same... Read more
Incident date: Dec 20, 2024
This is a problem from an old recall. The rear tail gate light was recalled and replace because it was leaking in Jan 2024. The exact same problem has happened again in March 2025. Ford refuses to replace the defective part. After research in forums online I have noticed many other people having the same issue. This is a safety issue as it is part of the exterior lighitng system. It is either co... Read more
Incident date: May 26, 2025
The brake lights for this vehicle are located low in the bumper, not in the main taillights, posing a safety hazard. Because the brake lights are not located where other drivers naturally expect to see brake lights, the risk of a reared collision are unnecessarily increased.
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2018) — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
May 25, 2025
Incident date: May 5, 2021
I looked up my recall on my vehicle about my headlights being recall. Never received any information there was a recall.
Incident date: May 23, 2025
Head lights very dem and I have replaced with new and still can not see far with lights on
Incident date: May 24, 2025
My right front headlamp is getting moisture inside the headlamp assembly. It can be inspected any time. Chance that headlamp will not work. Did not take to a dealer.
Incident date: Apr 11, 2025
My lights come on when the car is parked and the engine is off,mostly during the night its happened twice in 2months.
Incident date: May 23, 2025
This specific vehicle has an issue with the starter and flywheel breaking up for no reason. After being replaced twice, they were broken again in three months. The suspension has also been broken many times, and even after replacing the entire four sides, it still did not fix the problem. It also produces a rubber smell when driven over than 1 hour non stop
Incident date: May 16, 2025
Daytime running lamp burnt out on passenger side. Coincidentally, right after the vehicle was in for a parking lamp recall. There are 34,900 miles and I’m just shy of a month out of my 3 year warranty. $1700 for a new headlight at owners expense is ridiculous and this is a common issue on these trucks.
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2020) — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
May 23, 2025
Incident date: May 23, 2025
The headlights will suddenly shut off. I have to turn the dial to make them come back on. We have replaced every bulb in the headlight assembly with OEM recommended bulbs which are $75 a piece for the main headlight and this still happens. There is no cause we can find and I have read about other cases in my area. With the same year as my navigator. I almost recieved a ticket until I showed the of... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
ID.4
(2021) — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
May 23, 2025
Incident date: May 21, 2025
The power on the dashboard goes out and I have no way of knowing my speed, the milage, or any other information on how the vehicle is operating. The radio and other dashboard instruments are off the screens are black and I can't receive any information on how the vehicle is operating. Our safety is at risk since when this happens, we don't know if it would stop abruptly and cause an accident. We h... Read more
Incident date: Mar 12, 2025
The vehicle's low beam headlights are getting progressively weaker. They are now dangerous, because they do not illuminate the road ahead at night. I have replaced the bulbs and it does not help. This is a safety issue. I am the original owner and have owned 10 cars in my life and have never had this issue. There is something wrong with the headlights.
Incident date: May 22, 2025
When turning right, with the turn signal active, the turn signal will over-correct back to neutral and activate the left turn signal. This happens almost every time a sharp right turn is made, such as leaving a parking lot. The signal stalk must then by manually moved back to neutral. This is repeatable and occurs multiple times a week. This creates risk by presenting a false left turn signal... Read more
FORD
MAVERICK HYBRID
(2022) — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
May 23, 2025
Incident date: Nov 18, 2024
Daytime running lights stopped working at 40,000 miles. Only fix would be to get an entirely new headlight.
Incident date: May 1, 2023
Driver side rear tail light assembly ground wire burned up and caused the tail light assembly to stop working. Replaced tail light assembly and wiring harness. This is a common failure on the jeep renegades and should be recalled due to safety.
Incident date: May 22, 2025
Low beams are too bright and aimed too high, constantly blinding other drivers. Automatic high beams are always turning on and will not automatically turn off when another vehicle is detected.
Incident date: Apr 25, 2025
All the lights came on on the car, took it to get looked at they stated it was the turbocharger I spent $2500 to get it replaced and yet all the lights are still on-automatic headlights don’t work and the infotainment system keeps cutting out-like glitching. According to the Honda representative at the dealership, this year model has had alot of issues and several cars in the last month alone ha... Read more
Incident date: Apr 28, 2025
"front left" or "front right" "side marker light defective" message Rear brakes loud squeal when reversing.
Incident date: May 16, 2025
Please reference tracking numbers 11655582 and 11659441. This is an update to those reports. On May 13 I spoke with Deb from Hyundai National Consumer Affairs. Here is what she communicated to me. 1) The headlights are designed this way. 2) She believes it is a standard design used by other companies as well. 3) This closes out my complaint with Hyundai. I have entered [XXX] as the incident date ... Read more