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 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact became aware that the rear lights on the vehicle were inoperable. The contact stated that the rear lights failed to function properly while attempting to reverse. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the rear light bar had failed and needed to be replaced... Read more
Incident date: May 5, 2025
Have replaced low beam headlight bulbs multiple times within weeks/months of each time for months now. Low beam is so dim that vehicle is unsafe to drive at night without turning on high beams. Something is more wrong than just the bulb. Taken to repair shop each time. Changing bulbs works for a few days then no light happens again. What do I do???
Incident date: May 6, 2025
The Lighting Control Module has failed and my brake lights and dash board lights turn off after couple minutes while driving with the lights on. I took my vehicle in to dealer already once for problem to be fixed a year ago. They did repair but now same problem is occurring again. I went back to dealer Sunrise Ford in Fontana and they said recall work is only warranty for 1 year or 12k miles. The ... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
EQB 300 4MATIC
(2023) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
May 6, 2025
Incident date: May 6, 2025
All lights on dash board on and would not cut off. We were told it was the battery that was bad. The battery in the vehicle was not a year old. We purchased the new battery and within a couple weeks it happened again with all of the lights on. This is a safety matter because this can cause problem with the heads to the motors or can just stop running. We took the car back to the dealer and then th... Read more
Incident date: Apr 30, 2025
The sunroof in the Audi Q3 leaks and the water drops from the ceiling INTO the cabin. Water also comes through the passenger side panel and drips onto the floor causing flooding of the floorboards. This is a KNOWN issue and Audi has released a TSB (technical service bulletin) to attempt to fix these, but it’s just a band aid. It keeps coming back over and over. Water intrudes into the center lig... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2025
I have a 2023 Honda Ridgeline RTE excellent condition! Driver side headlight has moisture in it. There is a bulletin from Honda TSB23–024 titled moisture in headlight with a date of 3/3/2023. It involves the ridgeline 2017–2023. The summary says “moisture in the headlights. The headlight seal may become damaged from a miss adjusted Hood. Damage to the headlight seal may lead to moisture cond... Read more
Incident date: Apr 10, 2025
Rear liftgate taillight assembly seal has failed allowing water to get in. As a result, the led lighting element has failed which dramatically reduces rear visibility by other vehicles.
Incident date: Nov 5, 2024
Part DG9Z13A018E (Ambient Light Sensor) fails to properly read Daylight during warm months. Inverted value (reading of VERY DARK) persists for at least 10 minutes. Appears to be temperature dependent; meaning, the temperature of the sensor/dash/housing is very hot and skewing the reading. Instrument panel dim. 12" screen dim. Reverse image (parking assist) dim as 12" screen is dim. When occurs, ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 11, 2025
When driving with automatic brights, occasionally when it automatically switches to dim, the dim lights will shine only about 10 feet in front of the car. When it does this, it shines so bright directly in front of the car, the brights won't come back on. It is also a very harsh demarcation so that it is completely dark beyond 10 feet and to the sides. You can shut the car off and back on and i... Read more
Incident date: Mar 30, 2025
When in a dark area with little to no lights the backup camera is unusable. The taillights/reverse lights do not put off enough light to provide the camera with the lighting it needs to see behind the vehicle in dark situations. If I am in an urban area with a lot of light pollution the camera works fine, but not when I am in a rural are with no lights.
Incident date: Feb 21, 2022
As reported by many other drivers on this website and all over the internet that 2019 having ignition switch problem in 2019 Volkswagen jettas. I started having the same problem aswell. This has happened several time already and now I am scared to drive this car on the highways. It is clearly mentioned that 2019 and 2020 ignition systems are faulty than why vw is not helping people who have those ... Read more
Incident date: May 4, 2025
I bought this car and it started making a tick sound and when I got it home the drive train was hanging
Incident date: Mar 22, 2025
The speedometer is faded and the lense is cloudy and the driver is unable to see the speed of the vehicle during the day at all.
Incident date: May 2, 2025
Unknown: Headlights will dim/flicker making it harder to see at night and digital display on dashboard will go completely off causing driver to not be able to see current speed, fuel gauge, etc.
Incident date: May 1, 2025
The left head light has failed. As a result, these are the functionality issues I am experiencing: 1. Loss of power to power mirrors. This causes issues because the mirrors do not retract, and have to be manually adjusted before each drive session. They have folded in while driving, causing hazardous driving conditions without use of the mirrors. 2. Windshield wiper fluid dispenser has lost functi... Read more
Incident date: Mar 10, 2025
Lights became so dim it was impossible to see at night. I replaced the bulbs multiple times with no remedy. I also had the outer shell cleaned which still did not help. I had to finally have the whole assembly replaced.
Incident date: May 1, 2025
We were pulled over yesterday for having a headlight out, but it ended up not being a headlight, it was the LED runner light on the passenger-side headlight assembly. Our vehicle is only at 68,214 miles. The Volkswagen dealership quoted me about $1,800.00 to have it replaced, which I thought was exorbitant. In doing research on this issue, most 2021 Atlas have the identical issue, the LED runner l... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2025
Audi MMI system randomly reboots during which time basic information is unavailable such as vehicle speed, fuel levels, etc. and requires user intervention to reactivate which distracts the driver from their primary functions. While this happens both screens available to the driver go blank.
Incident date: Mar 31, 2025
3 days after purchasing the vehicle the forward collision warning light and rear cross traffic light came on. The forward collision light warning also came and and deactivated my cruise controls. It was taken back to the dealer for a diagnostic which was unsuccessful and did not show any errors. The car was given back to us and 3 days later while my wife was taking the kids to school, the same... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2016) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Apr 30, 2025
Incident date: Feb 24, 2024
The headlight adjustment screws fail causing the projector adjustment to bottom out leaving limited visibility when driving in the dark. The headlights then do not raise back up any longer.
Incident date: Apr 2, 2025
Automatic headlights malfunction causing the high beams to activate when cars are ahead or deactivate when lights reflect off of street signs. This causes road rage by other Drivers who think the Owner is deliberately blinding them with the high beams. Also with the constant changing between low and high it causes hazards when driving due to inconsistent lighting on the roadway ahead. This cond... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2020) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Apr 30, 2025
Incident date: Apr 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Acura MDX. The contact stated that the driver's side rear taillight bulb had burned out. The contact replaced the bulb, but the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that the driver's side rear taillight failure was intermittent but was a persistent failure. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the failure and determined that there was... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2022) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Apr 29, 2025
Incident date: Apr 28, 2025
The daytime running light on the drivers side stopped working. Appears to be a very common problem on 2021 durangos. After inspection of the headlight assembly, it appears the DRL are 2 separate strips which makes it highly unlikely that both LED strips failed at the exact same time. This leads me to believe the issue is electrical. I dont want to replace the headlight assembly with an underlying ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while approaching the vehicle after the vehicle had been started, the contact noticed that the taillights were inoperable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the taillights assemblies needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred approximately two mo... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2023 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the driveway turned off and unattended, the contact became aware that all the interior and exterior lights were flashing. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V682000 (Exterior Lighting). The contact called the local dealer and... Read more
Incident date: Dec 29, 2023
My regular headlights are not bright and cannot see 10 feet in front of my car without my high beams on. I have had my headlights "restored" by professionals and I can still not see in front of my car with my regular running headlights. This has now been an on-going issue and I am unable to drive at night because I cannot see in front of my car and I feel VERY unsafe in doing so. I feel like I am ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2003 Ford Crown Victoria. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact became aware that both headlights were inoperable. The contact stated that the headlights failed to function properly and had become inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the lighting control module had failed and needed to be... Read more
Incident date: Apr 29, 2023
Cluster screen was black. Lasted for 30 minutes the initial time. Happened again, lasted for 3 days before turning back on. No turn signal sound when using turn signals. No speedometer or any of the main screen shows. No blind spot indicator lights or sounds either. No engine lights or any other lights visible before this occures. Safety was absolutely at risk. Couldn't even tell the speed I was... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2024) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Apr 28, 2025
Incident date: Apr 18, 2025
I seen a recall for certain 2021 GLC 300 vehicles for moisture in right side headlamp, causing headlamp to blow (go out). This happened on my 2021 GLC 300. Same moisture issue, same year, same model, however, my vin number does not show that it has a recall. I believe this safety issue needs to be expanded to include my vehicle. Same issue, same year, same make and same model
Incident date: Mar 17, 2025
As of Feb after a over the air update from OS 2.0 to a partial 2.2 software update, 2.2 ICC390047-APK-1.1.47, on my Fisker Ocean One I am having the following issues: 12v drain, most days when I go to start the car I am getting the 12v battery low, turning off climate control message incomplete home charging -The vehicle has stopped charging multiple times after only adding about 30% when there w... Read more
Incident date: Apr 24, 2025
My TRANSMISSION AND ELECTRICAL.. HOW'S A VEHICLE MADE WITH "NO DIP STICK"🤔 AND MY "ONLY GOES TO A FORD CAR SERVICE CENTER..👎🏿👎🏿👎🏿👎🏿👎🏿
Incident date: Apr 26, 2025
Issues with headlight housing unit getting moisture in it causing lights to malfunction. Driver headlight won't work and passenger headlight will turn off while driving then back on and off again. It does this continously at random making it dangerous for myself and other drivers at night. I've spoke with Ford explaining there is a recall for some 2016 models but not one under my VIN so they won't... Read more
Incident date: Feb 24, 2024
In April 2025, my 2013 Volkswagen Passat developed serious issues: the steering wheel cover is lifted, horn and steering wheel controls stopped working, lights malfunctioned, and now the vehicle will not start. It also has an open Takata airbag recall with no parts available until “after june” I contacted the dealership by phone and Spoke to Lykoto at Molle dealership in Kansas City. they have... Read more
Incident date: Apr 19, 2025
Turn signal will not turn on when button on steering wheel is depressed.
Incident date: Apr 1, 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 13, 2021
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: Apr 17, 2025
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: Feb 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 11, 2024
Rear brake light got water in it and now the brake light is partially out.
Incident date: Apr 23, 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: Mar 7, 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
MERCEDES-BENZ
SPRINTER 3500
(2020) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Apr 23, 2025
Incident date: Apr 2, 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 21, 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: Mar 20, 2025
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 20, 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: Apr 20, 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: Mar 1, 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
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE L
(2022) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Apr 21, 2025
Incident date: Jun 2, 2023
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