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: Apr 17, 2025
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: Mar 19, 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: Feb 26, 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
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2019) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
May 30, 2025
Incident date: Nov 1, 2023
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 15, 2025
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: Jan 22, 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
Incident date: Feb 5, 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
Incident date: May 23, 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
Incident date: Jun 6, 2024
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: May 23, 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: May 27, 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: May 27, 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: May 25, 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
HONDA
ACCORD HYBRID
(2020) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
May 28, 2025
Incident date: Dec 1, 2024
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
Incident date: May 17, 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: May 26, 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: May 27, 2025
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
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2018) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
May 27, 2025
Incident date: Sep 10, 2024
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.
Incident date: May 16, 2025
I looked up my recall on my vehicle about my headlights being recall. Never received any information there was a recall.
Incident date: May 25, 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: May 13, 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: Mar 3, 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 23, 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.
Incident date: May 7, 2023
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: May 2, 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 23, 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
MERCEDES-BENZ
E350
(2012) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
May 23, 2025
Incident date: May 23, 2025
Daytime running lights stopped working at 40,000 miles. Only fix would be to get an entirely new headlight.
Incident date: May 1, 2025
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 20, 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: May 4, 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: Nov 15, 2024
"front left" or "front right" "side marker light defective" message Rear brakes loud squeal when reversing.
Incident date: Apr 9, 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
Incident date: Feb 6, 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: Nov 22, 2024
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.
TOYOTA
REDUNDANT SIENNA
(2022) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
May 20, 2025
Incident date: May 18, 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: Apr 16, 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: May 9, 2025
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 2, 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: Jul 12, 2024
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: Apr 27, 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, 2025
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 19, 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: Jan 1, 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
ALFA ROMEO
GIULIA
(2017) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
May 18, 2025
Incident date: May 17, 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: Apr 18, 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 1500
(2019) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
May 16, 2025
Incident date: May 7, 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