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
AUDI
A4 ALLROAD
(2020) — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
May 21, 2025
Incident date: Mar 12, 2025
I have taken my car to the dealership of three separate occasions with respect to the Automatic High Beam Option which at best works inconsistently on the back rural roads where I live. They adjusted this option on two occasions, and the service advisor took my vehicle home - driving it at night. In his words, he indicated, "Given the technology within this vehicle, we did the best we could." I ... Read more
Incident date: May 20, 2025
While vehicle was driving on FSD at approximately 75 mph on freeway, the vehicle in front of me kicked up a small piece of tire trend. the piece of tire hit the headlight and shattered the glass on the headlight assembly, while not damaging any other part of the car. I have owned quiet a few cars from all makes including another Tesla however it seems this cannot be normal for the headlight assemb... Read more
Incident date: Apr 16, 2025
Steering linkage and tie rod issues. Steering not working properly. I see that my vehicle is not listed in the recalls. Although. I am having steering issues. Constant tail light replacing.
Incident date: May 20, 2025
Total 12v battery drain/failure which is a known problem with the Ford Maverick Hybrid, could not even put hazards on to avoid getting hit on the side of the road. Ford tests battery and says battery is good, but the problem is the Maverick Hybrid is not adequately charging the battery when it is driven.
Incident date: May 20, 2025
Driving 60mph in 8th gear while raining, 40 deg F, in Minnesota. The truck shut off (I did not press the Start/Stop button) and dash said "Vehicle Not in Park." Went to pull over, put on turn signals, but they didn't work (it acted like the vehicle was completely shut off but was still rolling at 50+ mph in 8th gear - there was no indication on the dash that showed green light indicating turn sign... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2024
Footwell module failure. No longer have turn signals, brake lights, power windows, dash lights, etc. When it rains, all warning lights go off and on continuously until it dries out.
Incident date: May 20, 2025
While driving to work both digital screens turned off, I have no data, no speedometer, nothing. I pulled over and turned off the car and it did not reset nor come back on.
Incident date: Mar 24, 2025
My rear reverse lights and light bar are full of water, there was a recall on this model vehicle to address this issue but my vehicle wasn't part of that recall even though the light bar is the same part number. The reverse lights are full of water and cause the reverse lights to flicker or not turn on at all.
Incident date: May 19, 2025
I have had my 2023 RZ450e for two years and at 53,000 miles, the driver side daytime running light went out. Another owner on a Facebook Lexus RZ450e group reported the same identical thing happening to them in October 2024. With the headlight assembly being LED, these should not fail early on in ownership and should last quite a while. My vehicle has been inspected by Lexus dealership at the serv... Read more
Incident date: Feb 6, 2025
I am upset that the led headlamps on my vehicle are not covered. LED lights are meant to have long lives, well beyond my 4 year old SUV. My complaint is that either Ford or the manufacturer of the headlamp should warranty their product to a standard of every other LED product sold. Thank you.
Incident date: May 19, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the headlights became inoperable. The contact stated that the headlights failed to function properly, and the lights were dim. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the headlight assembly had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. ... Read more
Incident date: May 16, 2025
Often after signaling and completing a right turn, the momentum of the turn signal stalk automatically returning to the off position carries it slightly past center, causing the left turn signal to flash 3 times. This can lead to confusion for other drivers. For example, when I am turning onto a multi-lane roadway, they may mistakenly believe that I intend to immediately merge into their lane an... Read more
Incident date: Apr 2, 2025
Side markers lights are failing at an abnormally high rate. The pop up error and chime is incredibly distracting as it pops up every 20 to 30 seconds blocking most of the information on the instrument cluster. The side marker lights still function even when the error pops up. Audi will only replace the entire headlight housing to fix the problem, but that seems extreme to fix what appears to be a ... Read more
FORD
MAVERICK HYBRID
(2023) — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
May 18, 2025
Incident date: Apr 22, 2025
Purchased this vehicle used from a dealership and a few months later the racetrack light malfunctioned and stopped working which is also connected to my license plate light. The dealership refused to cover the expense of the light which to my surprise was over two thousand dollars, an expense I was not prepared for and now I am at a loss. They tried to negotiate that I should pay for half the cost... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2025
Rear driver-side blinker light failed due to microscopic breaks in the light. It eventually allowed moisture to occur in the light causing a failure in the lights. It has been a known issue on the F150 Lightning vehicle with the rear lamp bar and based on many other vehicle owner accounts it is also an issue with the rear taillights.
GMC
SIERRA 3500
(2020) — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
May 16, 2025
Incident date: May 16, 2025
My IntelliBeam function stops working sometimes, I can still use the lights as normal but the IntelliBeam function stops every so often and starts working after about 2 to 10 mins. Lane departure warning stops every so often and will start working after 1 to 10 mins, I have noticed that when it stops working at night time then the IntelliBeam function stops working also. When I press the on/off b... Read more
Incident date: May 11, 2025
The left turn signal is intermittent, it works most of the time, but many times the button on the yoke will not turn on the turn signal. Tesla wants $265 to fix it even though I still am under the factory warranty. After a quick internet search this appears to be a known problem. Because there is no turn yoke (which is a very poor design and that should be recalled) I have to rest my finger on ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 BMW X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); 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 manufacturer was made aware of the issue. Additionally, the contact stated that th... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2025
I cannot use put my windows up/down, cannot open the trunk, cannot use interior lights, cannot unlock my gas lid. Due to a broke. Electronic part called the GM5
Incident date: Apr 24, 2025
My Fisker Ocean ICC infotainment screen and the lower climate and sound control panel have stopped functioning. Initially it was restarting on its own once in a while. Once it was able to get booted up, all eletronics, vents and sound controls were still working. However, ICC has now been blacked out and stays in start loop every 5 mins. I have fully lost the climate control and sound system. ... Read more
CADILLAC
ESCALADE ESV
(2022) — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
May 15, 2025
Incident date: May 15, 2025
Passenger side DRL burn out
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2020) — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
May 15, 2025
Incident date: Mar 28, 2025
Entire front right headlight assembly and module failed with no headlight, turn signal, park light etc. There is no visible external damage to the assembly although there is some moisture inside assembly. From internet search, it appears that this is a very common failure. Cost is over $2500 for replacement from local mechanics and over $3300 from Mercedes dealerships with little to no warranty fo... Read more
TESLA
CYBERTRUCK
(2024) — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
May 15, 2025
Incident date: May 15, 2025
Drl is half burnt out. The led is not replacable and drl is a part of a safety item that is required to be road legal. Not only has my 2022 f150 lariat with the quad led headlights have this drl led burnt out, many on the f150 forums and facebook groups for 2021-2023 are having the same exact issue. A safety item like drl should be recalled if it is not repairable.
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE L
(2025) — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
May 14, 2025
Incident date: Apr 14, 2025
Daytime running lights have burned out separately but does not have a bulb replacement solution. The entire headlight has to be replaced causing a safety issue in daytime visibility and price gouging from Ford Motor Company.
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE L
(2025) — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
May 14, 2025
Incident date: Apr 14, 2025
The headlight module failed in the middle of driving at night and caused me to pull over and get the vehicle towed. Took to the dealership and apparently it’s been an issue with these trucks and the headlight module fails and then burns out both headlights. There is no recall and is not covered by my factory warranty.
Incident date: May 9, 2025
Headlight on passenger side is no longer working causing unsafe visibility issues. While under warranty, the car was taken in for service at a Kia dealership twice for the same problem but during this time frame, the headlight issue was only occurring intermittently. Both times no repair or replacement was made and I was told the headlight was fine. The headlight ended up experiencing complete fa... Read more
Incident date: May 9, 2025
The running lights went out on the front passenger side. These are LED lights and should last longer than 60k miles. These can’t be repaired and have to be replaced. I got quoted $1,650 without labor for one.
Incident date: Nov 1, 2023
I attempted to get a safety recall (headlamp assembly defect) addressed at my local Subaru dealership. The vehicle is still under warranty, and I was told I may be able to get a loaner or rental. However, when I arrived, I was informed that the dealership only has 9 loaners and does not offer rental coverage at all, even for warranty customers. I had already spoken to someone about my need for a ... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2025
1. Headlight low/high beam keeps going out and comes back on. It seems like the wiring harness overheating, bulb is fine but continues to go out and on. 2. Transmission, does a very aggressive down shift at gear 6 it makes the car jump and if it happens too much, my car won't accelerate..I got it repaired once and it took dealer almost 30 days but it did not fix the problem..I could not afford to ... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
ATLAS
(2022) — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
May 14, 2025
Incident date: May 13, 2025
OnStar Module factory defaults/Malfunctioning - Power button don’t turn on so there’s no internet connection. This effect all the safety features in the car. Please recall. There has been numerous incidents reported online to this particular default.
Incident date: Oct 5, 2024
Headlamps went out at low mileage (36000 @ 2 years old). Not full headlamp just a portion. Cant see as good at night on passenger side.
Incident date: May 12, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Audi Q7. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the message "Side Marker light Fault Detected" was displayed. The contact stated that after a visual inspection, the contact became aware that both side marker lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the side marker light assembly. The vehicle was not r... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis. The contact that the headlights were intermittently inoperable. Additionally, the contact stated that the instrument panel lights, the brake lights, and the turn signal lights were inoperable. The contact who is a mechanic, had inspected the fuses, the fuse box, and other unknown parts, but found no failures. The dealer was notified of the failure. Th... Read more
HYUNDAI
SANTA FE SPORT
(2017) — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
May 13, 2025
Incident date: May 5, 2025
Over time, I noticed the low beam headlights seemed dimmer and attributed it to my older eyes and night driving. (the high beams work great) Yes, it's available for inspection Currently it's nearly impossible to drive at night without using the high beams. This is only an option when there's no oncoming traffic. There have been times when I've had to use the high beams with an oncoming car (safety... Read more
Incident date: Jan 24, 2025
The contact owns a 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and at night, the headlights independently turned off. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the lighting control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The mechanic advised the contact of NHTSA Campaign Number... Read more
Incident date: Feb 21, 2025
The contact owns a 2012 Ram 1500. The contact stated that the check engine, air bag, and the fuel pump relay failure warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the exterior lights failed to operate as needed, and the vehicle occasionally failed to start. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle stalled while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagn... Read more
NISSAN
PATHFINDER
(2019) — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
May 12, 2025
Incident date: Apr 7, 2025
Electrical system is currently failing. I was informed that I need a PDC wiring kit to replace the fuse box and the entire vehicle must be rewired. USB Charging ports DO NOT WORK. Cigarette lighter ports to charge cellular devices do not work. Every time the service department at the dealership fixed a component to repair the radio a fuse was blown in another area of the vehicle in 2024. Currentl... Read more
Incident date: May 11, 2025
The Fisker Ocean was delivered with door handles that have major physical defects, including entrapment inside the vehicle in the case of 12V power loss and users unable to enter the vehicle. In my case, I have installed an emergency door hatch release myself in the trunk of the car to prevent entrapment. I have also ordered the new Gen2A door handles manufactured by Chevalier. These Gen2A door ha... Read more
Incident date: May 11, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving at night, the headlights were significantly dim. The contact stated that the VIN was previously included in Nissan Campaign Number: PC807. The dealer was contacted and informed the contact that an appointment could not be scheduled due to the pandemic. The contact stated that upon contacting the dealer later, the dealer i... Read more
Incident date: Mar 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 Freightliner XC-S. The contact stated that while attempting to make a turn, the contact was informed by another driver that the turn signals and the high beam headlights were inoperable. The contact was informed that the exterior lighting failed to function properly, making it difficult to identify that the contact was attempting to turn. The dealer was contacted. The vehic... Read more
MITSUBISHI
MIRAGE
(2020) — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
May 12, 2025
Incident date: Feb 15, 2024
The rear LED tail light assembly does not function. There appears to be moisture causing the LED lights to not function. Vehicle was recently serviced and was quoted $1800 for repairing the assembly. I'm concerned from a safety perspective as the tail lights will not be visible when driving at night. In addition, I see a lot of Dodge Durangos on the road where the rear tail light assembly has ... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
TIGUAN
(2019) — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
May 12, 2025
Incident date: May 11, 2025
The contact owns a 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed at night, the contact became aware that the front headlamps had intermittently failed to provide proper illumination, greatly reducing nighttime visibility. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After... Read more
Incident date: May 11, 2025
The car first does not respond to the key fob and when you look inside the dash is on despite not using push-to-start and you have to use the manual key to open the door. Then the car alarm will go off and continue not to repond to the KeyFob until you, once again, use the manual key to unlock and silence th e car. The only solution I have gotten is t... Read more
Incident date: Mar 22, 2025
The following recall was supposedly corrected by my Dodge dealer in Watertown, CT: NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V723000 Manufacturer Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) Components EXTERIOR LIGHTING The headlight lenses were replaced and in 2 years time, the driver side lense is always fogged up and as a result I cannot see at night due to the dimness. I have brought my car to the dealer, and they said to contac... Read more
Incident date: May 9, 2025
DISPLAY PANEL FREEZES AND IT ALSO DISPLAYS AS BLANK AND I DON'T HAVE ACCESS TO THE RADIO OR THERMASTAT CONTROLS REVERSE BRAKING SYSTEM FAIL FOR PARKING
Incident date: May 10, 2025
First battery needed replaced every year then few weeks ago with no warning light or messages that battery was dieing the battery died again it was replaced then it started reving up and down on its own while driving so it goes faster then slower on its own when it feels like it.. TPS wont show tire pressure cant relearn tire positions now dash lights works usually then don't bright lights don't w... Read more
Incident date: May 8, 2025
Excessive oil consumption, shudder in motor while driving . Check engine light cam on. Visibility in headlights very low and high beams only working sometimes.
Incident date: May 9, 2025
The passenger side rear tail light assembly (with built in blind spot unit) has noticeable condensation in the unit. This has intermittently caused a hyper blink situation with use of hazards and directionals, as well as causing the lamp assembly to not function at all creating a lighting and safety hazard. I have had this evaluated by the dealer, and was quoted $2,453 for a new light assembly t... Read more
Incident date: Apr 21, 2025
My left blinker randomly comes on but if I turn on the right signal the left goes off and right doesn't work and will eventually work normally again