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: Mar 22, 2025
Low beam headlights have begun to dim so much that they are unsafe and ineffective at night. I understand that there may be a reflector problem with the headlights.
Incident date: Apr 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC300. The contact stated that there was condensation inside the front passenger’s side headlight housing after it had rained. The contact then stated that while driving at night, the passenger’s side headlight failed to operate as needed. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was notified of the failure, and the contact was informed that the... Read more
Incident date: Nov 25, 2024
Rear right light got water in it after washing the car and the electrical wires shot out and car went on fire. Firefighters came and investigated and came to this conclusion. Car was totaled and insurance company took pictures and wrote report. Car will be towed by insurance company today. Car was in driveway next to house, we saw smoke from window and fire was extinguished quickly but it was fo... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Apr 1, 2025
Aftermarket headlights were purchased online. Manufactured by AKD Aokeding in China. The headlights were installed by a ASE certified tech. The left low beam light went out within minutes while driving. Headlights were removed and internals inspected. The construction of these lights are very unsafe and would not meet any manufacturer specs. Not sure how these headlights would pass any safety ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2025
Aftermarket headlights were purchased online. Manufactured by AKD Aokeding in China. The headlights were installed by a ASE certified tech. The left low beam light went out within minutes while driving. Headlights were removed and internals inspected. The construction of these lights are very unsafe and would not meet any manufacturer specs. Not sure how these headlights would pass any safety ... Read more
FORD
BRONCO SPORT
(2022) — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Apr 24, 2025
Incident date: Apr 24, 2025
Rear brake light got water in it and now the brake light is partially out.
Incident date: Mar 12, 2025
I own a 2011 Cadillac SRX and have experienced a serious issue with the headlights. Over time, the headlights became extremely dim, making it difficult and dangerous to drive at night. This was not due to the bulbs themselves, but rather an issue with the headlight housing or design, which many other Cadillac SRX owners have also reported. The visibility is so poor that it creates a major safety ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 BMW 528I. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front driver's side headlight flickered, and the contact pulled over to the side of the road and discovered that the headlight housing was full of water. The failure had occurred on several different occasions with both headlights. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer wh... Read more
Incident date: Apr 23, 2025
The contact owns a 2011 Porsche Cayenne S. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the headlights failed to illuminate properly. The contact stated that there was water intrusion in the headlight housings. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the headlamps needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Upon investigation, the contact di... Read more
Incident date: Jan 6, 2025
Had to replace headlight then it went back out shortly after. The following week the other side went out. I looked it up and it showed that there were recalls for this problem. But am being told there is no recall on my vehicle for this.
Incident date: Apr 5, 2025
Headlights have grown dim. The bulbs have been replaced multiple times to find a bright enough bulb, to no avail. Approximate visual distance at night in unlit areas is less than 25'. This is a safety hazard because this does not allow enough time to avoid impacts.
Incident date: Jun 30, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai SONATA. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at an unknown speed the contact was pulled over by local police due to their vehicles tail lights no longer functioning, no warning lights were illuminated. The contact attempted to replace the bulbs however the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was inspected, however the... Read more
Incident date: Apr 17, 2025
Center screen went black and is completely inoperational. Cannot utilize any center screen functions including headlights and rear backup camera. Took vehicle to dealer and they diagnosed as a bad display control unit, which is on backorder.
Incident date: Mar 24, 2025
I was pulling into the gas station to get some gas. I'm used to use a 2-ft drive so what I could not lift my left foot to put pressure on the brake I used my right foot. It slipped off the brake and after the accelerator and I hit a small Pole stopping me from going into the gas station front door. Just could have been raised up to a work accident I had a couple weeks prior.
Crash
Incident date: Apr 21, 2025
The component that failed is the driver side headlamp and blinker. It collected condensation from a manufacturer defect that Genesis will not take accountability for. They over tightened the screws which caused hairline cracks in the assembly, which then causes condensation in the housing. The condensation cause the headlight and blinker to stop working altogether. This is a major safety issue and... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2017) — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Apr 21, 2025
Incident date: Feb 5, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that on various occasions while driving at night, the front low-beam headlights failed to properly illuminate and was very dim. The headlight bulbs had been replaced approximately four times, but the failure returned after replacing the bulbs. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not under... Read more
Incident date: Sep 14, 2024
The contact owns a 2024 Ford Maverick. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicles driving behind contact were getting too close. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V095000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor rep... Read more
Incident date: Mar 17, 2025
The contact owns a 2004 BMW 325 CI. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver's side rear turn signal light became inoperable while attempting to make a turn. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the rear turn signal light failed to function properly. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the rear ta... Read more
Incident date: Apr 10, 2025
CAMPAIGN 97cb (nhtsa campaign ID 16v642000 Side Marker Lights Do Not Illuminate With Parking Lights Or Headlights On This poses a risk for my safety and others during night driving making the vehicle less visible at night. I paid Audi of Portland $285.00 to diagnose this issue, due to receiving the message on my car "front left" or "front right" "side marker light defective" and they said it wo... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2025
I continue to receive an error message to " check rear tail light " ... I have had the actual light and wiring assembly replaced. The error message continues. I have taken it to two VW dealerships - neither of which know how to fix the problem, and can only suggest days of a wild goose chase to find the problem. One dealership opined that the wiring was coroded, which was causing the error mess... Read more
Incident date: Apr 17, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Kia K900. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the headlights flickered intermittently and turned off occasionally without warning. The headlights eventually resumed normal operation while the contact continued driving. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V2100... Read more
Incident date: Feb 16, 2025
Head lights are very dim at night and can only see about 5 feet in front of me when driving at night
Incident date: Apr 19, 2025
There is a defect in the headlights. As you can see from the attached picture, the right side projects light further up the road than the left side. The left side has a large triangular black-out region which blocks my view of the next lane. I took the vehicle to Phil Long Hyundai in Colorado Springs Colorado for warranty repair. They refused to drive the car at night because that was outside of t... Read more
Incident date: Apr 18, 2025
This letter serves as formal notification of a persistent and unresolvable defect in my 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning. The defect concerns the tailgate light, which continues to leak water despite multiple repair attempts. I purchased/leased this vehicle on [XXX] from Galpin Ford on 15505 Roscoe Blvd, North Hills, CA 91343. The vehicle is currently under the original manufacturer's warranty. The tailg... Read more
Incident date: Jun 15, 2022
On several occasions, while driving at night, the Auto dimming headlights would not dim. Last evening, on 2 different occasions , on a rural road, no road signs, mailboxs . nothing that would cause a issues, the headlights would not go from high beam to regular (or Low beam.) 2 different times , vehicles coming at us, the lights would not dim. Time was apx 9pm , not a cloud in the sky. I ha... Read more
FORD
BRONCO SPORT
(2021) — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Apr 18, 2025
Incident date: Feb 10, 2025
Headlight lenses crazing inside lens surface, deminishing headlight brightness.
Incident date: Dec 31, 2020
Total loss of power while in motion on highway going 70 when first happened, got video of problem for shop while going lower speeds. Truck will loose all power the dash will turn off and then turn back on sometimes the engine will cut out completely.
Incident date: Mar 24, 2025
Rear tail light/bar was recalled a couple of years ago for small micro cracks that water got in. My truck tail light had water in it and was replaced under recall. Less than 2 years later it has happened again. Ford denied covering it under warranty per the dealer who replaced it originally. . Others have posted that their tail light has failed and the leds stay on. Mine as far as I know, has not ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 17, 2025
Front headlights are fogging up and blocking headlights. Dealership has looked at the issue and waiting for KIA to approve the replacement. No action yet, but if this is happening to my SUV, I'm sure others are having the same issue.
Incident date: Apr 5, 2025
Low beam projector bulb prematurely fails. Replaced under warranty and failed again. Due to dynamic bending feature dealer recommended replacing entire assembly at a cost of $1500. High beam and dynamic bending works, just low beam out of service. Seems like a less costly option to replace LED bulb. Online research lead to other owners reporting similar failures and replacement cost. Some owner... Read more
Incident date: Apr 4, 2025
My car powers off while driving and then cuts back home within a second. It also has electrical issues the lights so flash during the night when you’re driving and then the front and shakes so bad that it shakes you just about off the road when you hit the brakes
Incident date: Apr 14, 2025
Low beam headlights are very dim, making it difficult to see at night. I believe this puts me, as well as other drivers at serious risk of injury. I see many other reported issues with the low beam headlights being too dim, but evidently Honda/Acura has not recalled my car (yet).
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2024) — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Apr 17, 2025
Incident date: Feb 24, 2025
Under recall 23S30 in 2023 my rear light bar assembly which included brake light, back up camera, and white reverse lights for illumination the area behind the vehicle when backing up. There was a new rear lightbar part issued as part of that recall. After almost 2 years the same issue has occurred again to my vehicle. I'm concerned the new part # has not resolved this original issue and a new re... Read more
Incident date: Apr 14, 2025
My truck was "repaired" for recall 23S30. The light bar gets microcracks that leet water in and short out the lights. The "repair" was to replace the light bar with another light bar that does the exact same thing. It lasted just over a year before it went out. It didn't even last as long as the original that was recalled and replaced
Incident date: Mar 17, 2025
This is a widespread issue of these models leaving the factory with their headlights aimed too high which is leading other drivers to flash their brights thinking the bright lights in the Highlander are on. This needs to be sent to Toyota as a safety recall!!!! It is unsafe for oncoming traffic!!!!
Incident date: Apr 14, 2025
The LED headlights are so dim that when other cars with normal LED headlights pass you on the left or on the right it appears as though the headlights on the 2026 Passport are not even turned on. This constitutes a safety hazard. This is a well known issue with Honda as I discovered when researching the matter online after the vehicle purchase.
Incident date: Apr 9, 2025
Interior lights stay on much too long after turning vehicle off, even several hours. Dash and bell indicators indicates doors are open when they are not. Door locks operate open while driving.
Incident date: Apr 15, 2025
The daytime running light has gone gout prematurely.
Incident date: Apr 15, 2025
The driver's side, daytime running light LED suddenly went off and stopped working
Incident date: Mar 1, 2025
The head lights don’t illuminate properly and the headlight assembly was never changed. You are more than welcome to inspect them please do. I can’t see at all if normal lights are on only if high beam are. I have been pulled over for riding with my high beams on citing it’s a hazard but when I put my normal lights on I was also pulled over because they couldn’t tell my headlights were on.... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Mar 27, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated there was rainwater leaking into the rear passenger’s side cabin of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who replaced the third brake light and applied sealant; however, the leak persisted. The contact was informed by the dealer that the leak failure may be caused by a faulty frame or window. No further information was avail... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
ATLAS
(2021) — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Apr 14, 2025
Incident date: Nov 4, 2024
Story: This happened to both of my children [XXX] Daughter [XXX] , [XXX] , was reaching into the back of dad’s Dodge Durango to try to get out the groceries She came out of the car, a piece of the tail light that is unnecessarily sharp & protruding , gouged her side and left her bleeding. Now she has a scar from the incident. Car info Lease start [XXX]. Colonial Dodge Hudson. 2023 Dodge Dura... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Apr 14, 2025
We rented the Vehicle from ACE Rent A Car JFK location. The turn signals were not working. Hazards worked as normal. When inspected it is suspected an electrical issue with the cable connections caused them not to work. Google searches revealed similar issues on other car models.
VOLKSWAGEN
JETTA
(2017) — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Apr 14, 2025
Incident date: Feb 5, 2025
Headlights- the passenger side headlight would come on then go off whenever it wants to and now the low beam does not work. I have tested the connection and replaced the bulb several times and still does not work. When driving at night it makes it difficult to see. And is also against the law to not having working headlights. Trailer lights- the drivers side brake light/blinker on any trailer tha... Read more
Incident date: Oct 12, 2023
I have a 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid AWD Sport model. On two occasions within the past 3 months, I have attempted to start the car, but when I did so, the dashboard lights, including all the error indicators lit up and flashed, the alarm went off, and I couldn't drive the car. In both cases, I called Roadside Assistance. While waiting for the tow truck, we were able to shut off the car and alarm by pu... Read more
Incident date: Apr 11, 2025
A common issue found in the Infiniti Q40/G37 lineage, the sunroof drain became clogged leading to an influx of moisture underneath the flooring and within the panels of the right half of the vehicle. Due to the fault, electrical components such as the BCM and ECM were exposed to moisture, leading to numerous issues.
Incident date: Apr 9, 2025
The headlights are dim. I have replaced them with brighter H11 bulbs but I still cannot see. Others who have driven my car have indicated that the headlights are noticeably dimmer than normal. I literally cannot see the roadway. Also, I started having problems with the CVT shortly before 60,000miles. The problem was diagnosed as rudder codes. I was not financially able to replace the CVT at... Read more
Incident date: Mar 27, 2025
Driver reading light flickers on and off while driving creating a night driving distraction hazard
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
My car has had an exterior lighting problem related to a bad FRM. This is causing my lights not to work. After seeking help, I saw that there was an actual recall on the FRM and I decided to take my car to International Mini dealership in Wisconsin. Once there, they proceeded to only fix the leak on sunroof. I then went back and explained that the leak had caused actual damage to the FRM and conne... Read more
Incident date: Apr 4, 2025
The headlights are either too bright or aimed poorly that it blinds oncoming traffic, who frequently flash their high beams at me. This occurs without any load in back and without me using the high beams. Can Toyota either adjust the bulbs or place a film on the headlights to prevent blinding oncoming traffic? Thank you!