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: Jan 13, 2025
"Front left side marker light failure" notification. Appears to be a common issue with 2017 Audi Q7's as there was a recall with limited vin support. Audi Recall Campaign Number 97CB NHTSA Campaign ID 16V642000
HONDA
ACCORD HYBRID
(2018) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jan 12, 2025
Incident date: Dec 2, 2024
Failure of defective and dangerous head and tail lights - total of six. Luckily, I identified the problem before a serious accident. This was previously reported without details or supporting documentation under NHTSA Complaint 11600823 by a family member. The uploaded documents show the actions of the dealership (Art Hill Ford) and Ford Motor Company.
Incident date: Jan 2, 2024
I'm having to replace the low beam headlight in my car more times than a lil bit! I hate that I'm constantly spending $60+ everytime on headlights cause of i replace one side imma replace the other! I have brought the replacement harness for the lights and the low beam still blows!
Incident date: Feb 20, 2024
FAILURE BREAK SYSTEMS, FAILURE BREAK SYSTEMS
Incident date: Jan 11, 2025
A cable going to the driver's side headlamp assembly was intermittently shorting and causing the headlight to turn off while driving. The cable and entire headlamp assembly had to be replaced to fix the issue. There are other reports of this issue on [XXX] . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Incident date: Dec 6, 2024
Instrument panel failure when driving over any small bumps. Randomly turns off while driving. Complete loss of electrical system.
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
Low Head Lights do not work. High beams and fog lights work. This seams to be a KIA problem across makes and models. Why has a recall not been issued?
Incident date: Jan 6, 2025
In the beginning of December 2024, the low headlight warning light started coming on for the right light, intermittently. I took the car to the dealership to get the light fixed, I was told there were some loose wires and they fixed it. 2 weeks later it started happening again, I returned with the car and got another appointment, before the appointment date, the left low headlight warning light ca... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
GTI
(2017) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jan 10, 2025
Incident date: Jan 9, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Telluride. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V148000( EXTERIOR LIGHTING) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconn... Read more
Incident date: Dec 13, 2024
The contact's son-in-law owns a 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander. The contact stated that the vehicle had been gifted to her grandson by his father, however when the vehicle was being inspected the contact noticed that the rear tail lights had not illuminated when the brake pedal was depressed. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 2, 2025
The headlight and tail light went out unexpectedly. I brought my vehicle to a shop and they told me that my headlight got water inside of it. The shop informed me that this is a known issue with multiple BMW models. The headlight seal will slowly fail allowing moisture inside the housing which damages the electronics. The taillights have to have their electronics replaced due to some defect form t... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2019) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jan 9, 2025
Incident date: Nov 27, 2024
Right turn signal in front and rear went out
Incident date: Jan 9, 2025
An alert often shows up on the dashboard "check headlamp system. See manual". This is occasionally associated with one headlamp not working. This happens on and off. The alert spontaneously turns on, may stay for days or weeks and then spontaneously turns off. Ford dealership service were unable to fix this problem. This has happened multiple times since we purchased the car
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2020) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jan 9, 2025
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
Front right side marker light defective error shows up on console. No fix available but Audi seems to be aware of the issue but not willing to fix. Many 2017 Q7's seem to have the same problem.
Incident date: Dec 29, 2024
Front left side marker defective fault code. Same issue was part of an existing recall but did not include this VIN. Fault first occurred on January 3rd, 2025. Was taken to Audi dealer who assessed there was in fact an error code in effect. The result is a $6,200 replacement of the entire left headlight. Related recall: Manufacturer's Report Date: September 06, 2016 NHTSA Campaign ID Number: 16... Read more
Incident date: Dec 19, 2024
Headlight performance on this vehicle is extremely dangerous when driving at nighttime. Unless you keep your high beams on constantly, these headlights offer only extremely limited visibility during night driving. From the top of the windshield down about16 inches it's totally black. You can only see out of the bottom half of the windshield. The road in front of you is only lit up for about 60 ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 28, 2024
The vehicles turn signal inductors did not work. After I left my home and began to signal a lane change, I discovered that moving the turn signal stalk did not activate the signal indicator. Additionally, the instrument cluster shows 0 mph even while the vehicle was moving. Video: [XXX] Later while on the freeway, received a warning that front radar unit was not working: [XXX] INFORMATION R... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2024
both fog lights have cracked due to placement and cheap plastic covers on the outta fog light.
TOYOTA
RAV4 PRIME
(2021) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jan 8, 2025
Incident date: Dec 9, 2024
The passenger side headlight assembly has a led daytime running light strip that has burnt out and is a common issue with this model car
Incident date: Apr 10, 2024
Both screens suddenly turned black while I was driving. I had no way to restart the screen, even after shutting off the car and turning back off. The two black screen remain on, but no way to see charging status, speed, control lights, etc.
Incident date: Jan 6, 2025
Headlights go out randomly usually when using turn signal. Because this happens at night all visibility is lost temporarily. This also confuses other drivers. I haven’t taken the vehicle to the dealer because the symptom is very sporadic and difficult to duplicate. Dealerships will not fix anything unless they can witness the issue. No warning lights or messages were displayed. This problem h... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
SPRINTER 2500
(2015) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jan 7, 2025
Incident date: Jan 7, 2025
Headlights are so dim, it is dangerous to drive in the dark. The only solution is to purchase new headlight assemblies. $1,000+. This is a known problem amongst owners of the same vehicle. Driving with the dim lights is equally as dangerous as driving without lights on.
TOYOTA
SIENNA HYBRID
(2025) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jan 7, 2025
Incident date: Nov 23, 2024
Passenger and or driver side low beam headlight continues to go out. Mechanic has found connector keeps burning out the socket. Light is fine but connector is shorting out. Fire and safety issue. This issue is on a lot of chevrolet malibu and needs a recall fix.
Fire
Incident date: Jan 4, 2025
I purchased a 2015 Acura RDX used for my kids to drive. A year after owning it, I noticed the headlight output was poor. Things came to a head when my 16 year old son came home and told me he felt unsafe driving. The car currently has 120,000 miles on it. I tried multiple headlight restoration kits and several replacement bulbs but nothing helped. After digging deep into various forums, I learned... Read more
Incident date: Dec 24, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 BMW R1200 RS Motorcycle. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed that the rear reflex reflectors were inoperable. The contact was informed by another motorist that the reflector lights were not illuminating as needed. The motorcycle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the rear reflex reflectors had failed and needed to b... Read more
Incident date: Jan 7, 2025
Car seems to be having issues with its brake function, especially in traffic or when coming to a complete stop from a distance. Also I am in fear that the issue will emerge while I am driving and I will not use the car with my 10 month old daughter.
Incident date: Dec 24, 2024
The headlights on this vehicle are very dim. It's very hard to see when traveling at night in dark areas and even much worse when in inclement weather. Calls to the dealer have all ended with them saying they have had no complaints but many consumers across the country have filed similar complaints online. Please assist in any way you can. **The date entered below relates to the date I first leas... Read more
Incident date: Jan 7, 2025
This is not about my Harley. This is about the Tesla cyber truck. The bumper extends out past the hood and creates a shelf that collects snow or other debris and blocks the headlights. How is this allowed on the road? It’s stainless steel too so if it hits someone, it’ll obliterate them. It’s a death machine.
Incident date: Dec 5, 2024
Headlights are super dim, not lighting the road properly. My halogen headlights on my old 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander are much brighter than these Honda LEDs. To make matters worse, headlights are aimed a bit high. I took it to Honda service and complained and they acknowledged that the lights are aid a bit high and that they are weak, but cannot do anything about it. Honda should recall these headl... Read more
FORD
BRONCO SPORT
(2021) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jan 6, 2025
Incident date: Jan 6, 2025
DRIVER-SIDE DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS ARE OUT. THEY'RE LED, YOU HAVE TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE HEADLIGHT/DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHT MODULE BECAUSE IT'S SEALED AND THERE ARE NO BULBS TO REPLACE. I HAVE RESEARCHED THIS ONLINE AND IT APPEARS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM. A NEW ASSEMBLY IS REPORTED TO BE $9,000, WHICH IS RIDICULOUS. THIS SHOULD HAVE A FACTORY RECALL. THIS CAR ONLY HAS ABOT 40,000 MILES ON IT.
Incident date: Jan 6, 2025
The tail lights won’t stay on even with new bulbs in it. This was a recall and the recall disappeared. This is not safe for my car to be missing a tail light every night. Please help
Incident date: Dec 2, 2024
I've read a bunch of complaints about the drivers side daytime running lights having an electrical issue and the lights stop working. It's a common theme that it's only the drivers side which indicates faulty wiring which could possibly lead to a fire sometime. Ours is now not functioning. It just stopped working yesterday and I started to investigate it on my own.
Incident date: Jan 3, 2025
My car is undriveable at night due to headlights malfunctioning. They are so dim they barely illuminate a foot in front of the car.
TOYOTA
GRAND HIGHLANDER
(2024) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jan 6, 2025
Incident date: Dec 18, 2024
The headlight assembly failed and manufacturer accepts no responsibility and quoted astronomical repair cost. This should not have been an issue with such new components. I've seen many vehicles like mine with the same problem.
Incident date: Jan 3, 2025
Check Right Tail and Brake Lamps warning light will not go off for months. They are working fine but the light won't go off. Googling on MB World, it shows Mercedes is aware of this problem and a recall is needed to get it corrected being safety issue with warning lights not working properly. See all info. below from owners, conversations and work done by dealers, etc. People note it is a middle s... Read more
Incident date: Oct 17, 2024
I WAS TOLD BY TESLA THAT A COMPUTER SYSTEM UPDATE INSTALLED BY TESLA BURNED OUT THE AP4 COMPUTER ON THE CAR. THIS AFFECTS ALL CAMERAS, NAVIGATION, AUTOMATIC LIGHTS AND MUCH MORE
Incident date: Nov 22, 2024
The day time running light on the driver side is out and is a known problem for the 2021+ F-150’s with LED headlights that I have seen. It would be in everyones best interest if we could have this recalled and have Ford fix this issue that is not covered by warranty and without having to scavenge $2100 to replace one side of a headlight which is a safety feature for the truck.
Incident date: Jan 4, 2023
The bright lights on both headlights stopped working instantly.. the design is flawed as it operates on a shutter using one bulb.. the malfunction is cause by premature failure of the gears in the shutter. The dealerships are aware of this problem as the shutter is also used in their Telluride vehicles as well… it causes safety issues when driving at night. Kia also knows the problem also the ge... Read more
Incident date: Nov 11, 2024
The turn signals to not function correctly and give inaccurate signals to other drivers. Most (perhaps all) times, when signaling a right turn, after the right turn signal deactivates, the switch "overcorrects" and signals a left lane change (three blinks to the left). This no doubt leads to confusion to other drivers and could cause a accident. Turn signal must work flawlessly! This problem h... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
GLK350
(2013) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jan 5, 2025
Incident date: Apr 2, 2023
Just purchased a new 2025 GMC Sierra. The backup camera system is useless at night if not in a well lit parking lot. This make the system unsafe as you cannot detect people or objects in the field of view. I've had many GMC vehicles over the years and this is the first one with this concern.
Incident date: Jan 4, 2025
I NEED TO REPORT FAILURE FIXING MY CAR RECALL NAMED *Faulty door Latch HARVARD FORD TEXTED ME TO RAKE MY CAR TO GET DONE BUT THEY DID A BAD JOB REPAIR INSTEAD OF REPLACE RECALL PART THEY DIDNT THEY DID CUT OUT WIRE HARNESS INSTEAD .Therefore THAT DAMAGED TYE AUTO NOW REVERSE CAM SCREEN IS NOT WORKING .TYE DOORS OPEN ITSELF WHILE IM DRIVING IT .DASH Board IS NOT ALSO WORKING IM FILLING A COMPLAIN... Read more
HONDA
CR-V HYBRID
(2022) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jan 4, 2025
Incident date: Dec 10, 2024
The headlights has a recall but the dealership told me if the previous owner didn't fix it, it didn't do me any justice. I have to drive with bright lights on at night because the headlights are pointed at the ground but not up ahead to see what's in front of me. It's very hard to see. I haven't had the car a year and I really love my car. The $1,600 to fix, is what the Nissian dealership in my t... Read more
Incident date: Mar 5, 2020
Moisture in the rear driver side taillight ( factory issue involving faulty seal). The moisture shorts out the indicator light, and the entire unit must be replaced.
Incident date: Jan 3, 2025
Recently bought this car. Headlights are problematic and dangerous. For one, there are unusual dark spots in the SRH headlights. Even if you turn off SRH, they are still there. Very distracting and feel unsafe driving at night. Also, headlights are dim and do not sufficiently illuminate road. . When driving at night with low beams, I get a distinct demarcation line which I have to look under to se... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2024
Pressing the gas pedal from a full stop resulted in no car accleration (aside from normal car rolling forward from taking foot off of brake) and no engine 'acceleration'. Only when I pressed hard enough did the car suddenly lurch forward/accelerate. This is very risky, as I had been making a turn I would potentially be blocking the incoming lane. In addition, after parking in a parking lot, and t... Read more
Incident date: Nov 15, 2024
My headlights are not working properly. This is an ongoing issue with Kia model vehicles- check online forums
Incident date: Dec 25, 2024
The f16 fuse in the engine bay that connects power to multiple exterior lights as well as the abs brake system melts and melts part of the fuse tray. This is the same thing that happens with the vw Tiguan in campaign am97. Look into am97 as this can ruin your abs brake system. This should be recalled and fixed. This picture is not mine but is exactly what happened.
Incident date: Feb 1, 2024
The third brake light on the Gladiator is a known issue. When it goes out, there is no warning on the dash or error code. The entire light has to be replaced (LED) vs just a bulb. This is a hazard as the third brake light can go out and no one will know until the vehicle is in an accident. Wasn't the third brake light mandatory equipment since 1985?
Incident date: Jan 2, 2025
Headlights and turn signals failed. Flickering of various lights (Daytime running lamp, low beam, high beam, turn signals) followed by total failure. 3700 dollar repair at dealer to replace both headlamp assemblies. Barely over miles of warranty, but still in the 3 year warranty time period. Not having forward lighting is of course a major safety issue. Vehicle should be recalled. Many other... Read more
CHEVROLET
EQUINOX EV
(2025) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jan 3, 2025
Incident date: Jan 2, 2025
The turn signal stalk, when self-canceling from a right turn, will drop too hard, and will turn on the left turn signal after the turn, causing confusion to not only the vehicle operator, but other drivers on the road. This has happened on multiple occasions.