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
VOLKSWAGEN
TIGUAN
(2022) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jul 10, 2025
Incident date: Mar 12, 2025
High Beam Headlights not working on Auto mode. Was inches away from Hitting a deer due to the high beam headlights not working. This would have been a very serious accident and I had my toddler in the car with me..... Same vehicle models have a recall for this, Recall is --- NHTSA Recall 21V-797, also known as Recall Y66, involves Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) vehicles due to a potential issue with diff... Read more
Incident date: Jul 10, 2025
It started with third brake light out, then,tail wipers intermittenly work, then camera not working- had to have someone watch the back of car to see also right inside light out AND Tailgate wont lock with rest of doors After looking on YOUTUBE this has been going on since 2012
BRITAX
E1C90-ONE4LIFE
(2022) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jul 10, 2025
Incident date: Jul 7, 2025
Low beam daily headlights do not illuminate properly forcing you to use high beams constantly because you can't see the road at night. Dangerous for driver of vehicle and major hazard for cars you pass because you are using your high beam headlights all the time.
VOLKSWAGEN
JETTA
(2019) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jul 10, 2025
Incident date: Jul 10, 2025
I have now replaced the headlight bulbs in my 2016 KIA Sorento 6 times and it's getting worse as it gets older. I believe it is a safety issue since the last time I was out of town, traveling in the middle of the night when it went out. I had to wait until morning to find an auto parts store to buy and replace the bulb. No inspections have been done by anyone. Yes, the warning lamp comes on an... Read more
Incident date: Jul 3, 2025
all lights on dash are on at the same time
POLESTAR
POLESTAR 2
(2022) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jul 10, 2025
Incident date: Jul 10, 2025
The engine quit running whenever the headlights, turn signals, or wipers were turned on. This was obviously a serious safety problem when driving! It began intermittently on 6/30/25, but it became a consistent problem by 7/7/25, so I took the car to the closest Toyota Dealership for evaluation. I can provide their service report to you if requested. It took them 6 hours and $1000 to diagnose t... Read more
Incident date: Mar 28, 2025
My lights turn on and off while the vehicle is turned off until I lock the car.
Incident date: May 8, 2025
The headlights and back lights turn off at random times when the headlights are on the automatic setting. This problem happens very frequently at night, putting my family at risk when the lights go off and cannot see what is ahead of us. In addition to a cop pulling me over for not having my lights on and he asked me if I was playing with the lights since they were going on and off and luckily th... Read more
Incident date: Jul 6, 2025
The back up camera has been showing a black screen while the vehicle is in reverse. This has been happening with my vehicle for a few months. Safety of others put at risk because this happens while vehicle s in motion Have not taken vehicle to dealership to have it inspected. My vehicle falls outside of scope of recall currently published No warning messages displayed
Incident date: Jul 8, 2025
The Instrument Panel Cluster has failed and is blank rendering the vehicle unsafe to drive as vital information is not being presented to the driver. Despite this Jeep Gladiator having been produced and sold in 2020, Stellantis Recall and Customer Service Departments are claiming that the VIN does not indicate there is Recall coverage despite the 2019-2024 NHTSA Safety Recall for this known fail... Read more
Incident date: Jun 5, 2025
⸻ Title: Loss of Power While Driving on Freeway – Dangerous Malfunction Similar to Recall 23V-116 Complaint Description: I am reporting a serious and dangerous malfunction with my 2021 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon EcoDiesel. While driving on a high-speed freeway (70–80 MPH), all warning lights on the dashboard illuminated—including the check engine light—and the vehicle suddenly went into li... Read more
Incident date: Jul 8, 2025
The high mounted stop lights and the cruise control do not work. A recall for this was issued (NHTSA 06V13900 and NHTSA 09V310000) but when I enter my VIN it says I'm not included in the recall. Also, a dealer said my vehicle was not in the recall. If I have the problem stated in the recall why am I not included? I am the original owner. First noticed problem about six months ago. Did not know abo... Read more
Incident date: Jul 3, 2025
My 2025 Acadia Denali's Main tablet sized screen is impossible to view in bright daylight. This screen has controls for most of the vehicle's settings. If I want to change something such as the temperature setting, I can't see the proper button. This is clearly a safety issue as taking eyes off the road for an extended period just to make a simple setting change is a recipe for disaster. My dealer... Read more
Incident date: May 12, 2025
Recall number 25S08 for side mirror lighting, the disconnect remedy is unacceptable. These side lights provide safety measures for exiting and entering the vehicle. As older adults seeing the fold out step in the dark is necessary. If these lights are disconnected due to the recommended remedy from Ford then there is a fall hazard for owners who don't see well at night. The steps could be missed... Read more
Incident date: Dec 21, 2024
The 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe seems to be known for thermostat failure. My thermostat gauge while driving would drop from 210 to 160 and stay pinned on 160 and the fans would turn on. I was told by an auto body shop that it seemed to be electric issues. I also had a wire under the car catch fire and the auto body shop said that is why my standing lights would not work in the rear but my brake lights wo... Read more
Incident date: Jul 7, 2025
aste): The vehicle has a serious pulling issue while driving, which was not corrected with alignment and poses a safety risk. Additionally, the windshield was scratched by faulty wiper blades that impaired visibility — the dealer later reimbursed me. Lastly, the driver-side running light was not functioning, which creates a hazard and may violate federal lighting safety standards.
Incident date: Sep 17, 2015
Seals around both headlights appear to be improperly/weakly sealed. Water intrusion is coming in from light rain or even a car wash causing entire headlight system to shut off until the moisture dries up often while driving. This vehicle has matrix adaptive led headlights and there is no self service bulb to replace since they’re leds. Local Porsche dealer service advisors appear to know this is... Read more
Incident date: Jun 3, 2025
DTC 66-=13 and 66-11 found module failed function All warning lights are on suddenly including ABS
Incident date: Jul 4, 2025
I was stopped at a traffic light and was informed by another driver that my right tail lamp was not working. There were no warning lights indicating that there was a problem. When I arrived home, it began working after I tapped on it. A few days later, the left tail lamp stopped working. I began to realize that both tail lamps were only working intermittently. Upon inspection by the mechanic, I wa... Read more
Incident date: Jul 3, 2025
This is the 2nd time I am repairing the left rear light that controls the signal, brake and parking light. The wires are burnt to the bulb. There is condensation in the light. Not accident related. I note that there is a potential recall but not officially.
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2020) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jul 5, 2025
Incident date: Jun 27, 2025
The daytime running lights have gone out.
Incident date: Jul 2, 2025
After completing a right turn with a right turn signal, the vehicle will sometimes signal a left turn for 3 blinks. I can feel and hear a clicking from the turn signal switch when initiating the signal to turn right. GM issued TSB 24-NA-235 which was performed on my 2024 Colorado but it did not resolve the problem.
Incident date: May 4, 2025
Rainwater or going through a car wash leaks water into backend lighting compartment which leads to backend lights not working. You can see the water into the lights. Water leaks out the backend when you open or close the back door. No brake lights could cause accidents. Wiring also corrodes and needs replacement due to water corrosion.
Incident date: Jun 25, 2025
Passenger headlight dim. Grand Street Batteey and Electric replaced bulb and states voltage to connector is good.the vehicle is available for inspection. Headlight is not bright enough to utilize at night as it should be for owner or traffic. No warning lamps light up on instrument panel.
NISSAN
PATHFINDER
(2022) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jul 3, 2025
Incident date: Feb 10, 2025
The 2023+ Honda CRV hybrid model have paddles on the steering wheel that increase and decrease the strength of regenerative braking. I use this feature often on our 2024 hybrid model. The issue arises when increasing the strength to the second or third (highest) level. The braking force at these levels should trigger the brake lights to illuminate, but they do not. Often I see drivers brake late b... Read more
CONTINENTAL
EXTREMECONTACT SPORT
(9999) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jul 3, 2025
Incident date: Jun 12, 2025
●Vehicle tries to pull me into a completely different lanes I have no intentions of trying to go into while on the highway ●Vehicle completely shut off WHILE DRIVING. Electrical panel flashed with all the lights then said to start Vehicle manually. ●Vehicle's gas saving feature when stopped, works intermittently and RANDOMLY, even with same applied brake pressure.
Incident date: Jun 30, 2025
The LED daytime running light failed on my vehicle and the dealer needed to replace the entire headlight unit. The manufacturer wanted to charge $2,500 for the replacement. There must be something faulty in the design of these headlights as out of 156 people I surveyed with Defenders, I’ve heard of 55 who have had this same issue, 7 who have had their daytime running light and headlight fail, 87... Read more
Incident date: Jun 29, 2025
Auto lights stopped working. Tail lights will not come on
Incident date: Jul 2, 2025
> I purchased a 2023 Nissan Rogue brand new and it now has only 32,000 miles. It has a major water leak—flooding the interior through the lights, vents, and floor—yet Nissan won’t cover it under warranty and State Farm denied my comprehensive claim. The vehicle has sat exposed for 3 weeks at the body shop during constant rain, worsening the damage. The car is now unsafe to drive. Nissan fail... Read more
TOYOTA
HIGHLANDER
(2021) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jul 2, 2025
Incident date: Mar 11, 2025
I am the original owner since purchased new on the dealer lot in 2013. Within the first year, the drivers side headlight prematurely burned out (low beam). I have had to replace four bulbs (so far) since owning vehicle. The first two incidents I payed over $100 to have the bulb changed/replaced by a local mechanic. Since then, I have figured out how to replace the bulbs myself; but unfortunate... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2019) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jul 2, 2025
Incident date: Jul 2, 2025
After purchasing this vehicle I took the car in for PA state inspection at Joel Confer BMW in State College, PA to find out that he passenger side front headlight needs to be replaced. The reason for the replacement is because the LED running light has burnt out. Not only has the daytime running light burnt out but it was has burned out the module for the light. Because the module is also burned t... Read more
KAWASAKI
NINJA ZX-14R
(2022) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jul 2, 2025
Incident date: Apr 6, 2023
I left my car at Ford to do the recalls, they just called me telling me they won’t fix the brake light on because in Florida it doesn’t cover the repair, something about the humidity here. It doesn’t make sense for me, they were trying to charge me around 400 bucks to fix it. They will give me my car back without fixing the problem. My car is at Matthews-Currie Ford in Venice.
Incident date: Jul 2, 2025
Driver side headlight stopped working after a little over 4 years but less than 50,000 miles. On coming drivers from other side of road are distracted by only one light working and tend to serve toward my car. No warning signs or messages appear in the car. Unfortunately, outside of warranty and the entire light console needs to be replaced. Appears to be a common problem on the Atlas Cross Sport... Read more
Incident date: Jun 25, 2025
The rear turn signal on the 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee is very small. Following vehicles seem to have difficulty in seeing a signaled turn. This condition is exacerbated when driving into the sun. On several occasions, when attempting a left-hand turn and stopped for oncoming traffic, following vehicles have had to brake hard to avoid a rear end collision. This puts the occupants of both vehicles a... Read more
HYUNDAI
SANTA FE SPORT
(2016) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jul 1, 2025
Incident date: Jun 22, 2025
The daytime running lights went out at 45,500 miles. Called dealership and I am one week out of warranty. The cost to fix one is $2000 and requires complete new assembly and reprogram cruise control. Absolutely ridiculous for a daytime running light that burned out. Should be able to replace or offer assistance from VW.
Incident date: Jun 1, 2025
Our Alante's front reading lights and dome light over the bunk quit working. We found a blown fuse, new fuse blows immediately. Repair shop found wires crimped, chafed, some cut clean through by rubbing on fiberglass structure. Problem is a manufacturing defect. The installer routed the wires improperly and the inspector never caught it. These wires were shorting-out behind an enclosed area. In th... Read more
POLESTAR
POLESTAR 2
(2023) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jul 1, 2025
Incident date: Jul 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 Ford F-150. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the rear light bar failed to function as intended. The contact stated the lights were inoperable and there was water inside the rear light bar. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact stated the rear light bar was rep... Read more
LINCOLN
CONTINENTAL
(2019) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jul 1, 2025
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the taillights became inoperable. In addition, the contact stated that the brake lights remained illuminated. The contact stated that the failure occurred while the contact was driving at night. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not made... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V861000 (Exterior Lighting). The contact stated that the headlights activated without driver input. The contact removed the circuit wires. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The failure mileage was a... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2022) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jul 1, 2025
Incident date: Jun 26, 2025
My 2020 Dodge Journey has a persistent issue with the passenger-side headlight. Despite multiple bulb replacements, the problem continues, leading to failure of vehicle inspections. Three independent mechanics have examined the vehicle, consistently identifying the problem as originating within the headlight socket or wiring harness, yet no warning light indicates a malfunction. This recurring fai... Read more
Incident date: May 16, 2025
While driving, the hood prop rod dislodged from its securing clip and fell onto the positive terminal of the battery. This caused an electrical short, which led to the rod heating up rapidly and igniting a fire under the hood. The fire damaged the headlight assembly and the surrounding trim panel, though the wiring fortunately did not catch fire. A nearby police officer was able to extinguish the ... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jun 17, 2025
Rain water continually collects in both brakelight/taillight assemblies at the rear of the van. This causes the bulbs for the turn signal and brake light to burn out. This has been an issue since we purchased the vehicle in 2016. Initially, we could change the bulb(s) and they would last a while but now the passenger side bulb(s) can be replaced and burn out immediately! We have burned through doz... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2010
I have a 2019 Kia Sorento that is available upon request for any inspection needed. I replaced the passenger headlight bulb for the low beams 4 times. Each time the bulb go out after a few days. Now, both headlights are out and I can only use my high beams which can cause a safety concern to other drivers as well as myself and family. Vehicle has been inspected by a licensed mechanic. The mechanic... Read more
Incident date: Jun 16, 2025
Tire pressure light did not illuminate. Tire was apparently low, and tire blew out at stop. Inside sidewall of tire had large gash once tire was removed and spare installed. See picture.
FORD
BRONCO SPORT
(2023) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jun 30, 2025
Incident date: May 15, 2025
Head light assembly quit working, i.e no headlight in Decemeber 2024. I had the unit replaced, paid $1448.40 for part, 299.92 for labor to replace the complete headlight assembly. It is now June 2025, and it has failed again. It is unsafe to drive when the headlights don't work, and Stelantis and the dealer seem unable to fix the problem, and I do not feel that I should have to pay another cent o... Read more
Incident date: Jun 26, 2025
5 minutes into my drive my the whole dashboard (speedometer and music screen) all went black, & my headlights went out. this lasted for about 3 seconds. not sure what happened or why but not something that should happen with such a new car.
Incident date: May 6, 2025
UNKNOWN - bought vehicle last year. The right passenger headlight LED strip went out which ended up costing $1600. The drivers side headlight LED strip just went out, which is going to cost me another $1600. Looking online, it looks like many other VW Atlas owners are experiencing the same issues, all within 20-60k miles of having their vehicles. There needs to be a safety recall for these headlig... Read more
Incident date: Jun 24, 2025
The interior lights do not come on. We can manually turn on the light switch but it won’t come on when the doors open. We have to wiggle the front switch (middle, ceiling, between the driver and passenger) nor the rear interior light.
Incident date: Jun 27, 2025
The contact owns a 2024 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V729000 (Steering, 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 exper... Read more
FORD
MUSTANG MACH E
(2024) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jun 27, 2025
Incident date: Apr 27, 2025
Turned on ignition and wipers and headlights turned on with no control, car ignition beeped constantly, all dash lights illuminated, all gauges stopped working (speedometer, fuel, tachometer, temperature) and there was a clicking noise on the transmission. Had to drive home hoping my electrical system wouldn’t shut down while driving home. Narrowed down to faulty TIPM.