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 11, 2026
dash board displays trailer not connected when it is then lights and brakes goes out and will not come back on. this happens every time I haul. I have to pull over on the side and disconnect and reconnect tailer and shut off the engine and restart to reset. sometimes this works most times not. Last time it happened at 12am doing 70mph on I 95 and almost caused a severe accident. I have called deal... Read more
Incident date: Apr 5, 2026
I purchase the car in December 2025. Lights were working fine then. Recently I noticed an issue on the right taillights. 2 of the 3 lights were working fine, then later in the day 1 of 3 were working. Until finally none on the right side worked. When pressing the car brakes, using the turn signals to enable the taillights to indicate a right turn, unlocking/locking the vehicle, the taillights on t... Read more
Incident date: Mar 23, 2026
The 2026 Toyota Prius illuminates a road distance on an unlight, rural road of 110 feet on low beam. Parked at the beginning of one white dashed center line, the low beams illuminate two additional white dashed lines. Road lines are a standard 12 ft painted line with a 37 ft interval between lines for a total of 110ft of illuminated road. The average stopping distance of the Toyota Prius trave... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Apr 14, 2026
Both LED headlights died within two months of each other on this relatively new vehicle. Outside the three year warranty, but only 27,000 miles (well within the 36,000 warranty period). As it's outside of the three years, the warranty already expired regardless of mileage. One headlight was grinding (fan) while the other's low beam simply died. Each headlight cost $2800 to replace. You can't simpl... Read more
Incident date: Apr 17, 2026
Vehicle: 2025 Chevrolet Traverse On [XXX] at approximately [XXX], while driving south on [XXX] , my vehicle suddenly shut off without warning resulting in a complete electrical failure. During this event, I lost the ability to accelerate, activate hazard lights, unlock doors, open or close windows, or use the OnStar system. The vehicle restarted briefly but then shut off two additional times befo... Read more
Incident date: Feb 6, 2026
Warning light for right side marker light comes on. Light seems to be working, but warning comes on. Cost to repair is thousands of dollars. It is a well known complaint of this car.
Incident date: Dec 23, 2025
The SUV has been experiencing electrical issues that started first one of the headlights stopped working, the white light around it, then it was the tailgate got a liftgate open error on the display even when the liftgate was closed, then we started to notice other electrical issues with the vehicle but the major problem that happened now is that while we were driving, all of the lights of the das... Read more
Incident date: Mar 4, 2026
Upon approaching my vehicle and unlocking it, the drivers side mirror courtesy light wire caught on fire and started smoking. My safety and the safety of others was put at risk because had I not been there my entire car could have caught on fire as well as any thing or anyone around or in my vehicle. No one has inspected the vehicle at this time. There were no warning lamps, messages or other symp... Read more
Fire
VOLKSWAGEN
ATLAS CROSS SPORT
(2020) — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Apr 18, 2026
Incident date: Mar 22, 2026
Fuel pump failed Daytime running light failure Broken hood latch
FORD
F-150 LIGHTNING BEV
(2023) — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Apr 18, 2026
Incident date: Oct 28, 2025
I own a 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning that is subject to an active safety recall involving electrical components and exterior lighting (potential water intrusion leading to lighting failure, including rear/reverse lamps). I was notified of the recall around October/2025 and contacted a Ford dealer shortly after. The dealer confirmed the recall is active but stated that no remedy is available. I have ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 21, 2025
Car Problems Purchased March of 2025 #1 First black out summer 2025-Driving at 10 PM and lost all electric driven items. Headlights turned off as well while driving 70 MPH in the dark Scheduled an appointment to get the car looked over. They said that there was a part that they were waiting on to help with electrical issues. #2 Next black out fall of 2025 Used the update part to see if that ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 14, 2026
My driver side headlight assembly stopped working. The headlight assembly includes the driving lights, high beams, and turn signals. I am open to having this product inspected upon request. This impacts the safety of me and others due to decreased visibility and the inability to appropriately indicate when I am turning. The dealer has not reviewed this yet, but I have a scheduled appointment on Fr... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2025
Recall has been out almost a year and no remedy. Does not seem like a timely manner for back up lights.
Incident date: Apr 17, 2026
The contact owns a 2025 Ram 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V059000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the part for the recall repair was available for brand new vehicles that were in inventory. The contact had not experienced a failure. T... Read more
Incident date: Apr 17, 2026
I received a compliance recall notice 26C10 from Ford. I just called Brondes Ford in Maumee, OH to schedule a “software repair” as described in the letter from FORD. The gentleman on the phone refused to schedule my appointment. He said because the vehicle has been “modified” (ie a box added to the bed) his dealership would not help me. When I asked him what I am supposed to do he said ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 31, 2026
Brake Light failure from water intrusion with less than 40k miles. Repair Invoice was $845.
Incident date: Apr 16, 2026
On Tuesday, April 14, 2026 I was looking for something in my rear seat and noticed the seat was damp. I couldn't figure out the cause so I goggled it and found out that Toyota had a limited service campaign called LSC21TD03 on my 2017 Tacoma because of the third brake light having a gasket issue causing water to enter the vehicle. I called a local Toyota dealer and was told that the fix for my v... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2024) — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Apr 17, 2026
Incident date: Apr 14, 2026
I am the owner of a 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee (WL) subject to Safety Recall 12B / NHTSA 24V-130, concerning high beam headlamps that fail to respond when the master lighting switch is set to the AUTO position. I contacted Flagship Chrysler to schedule the free recall repair. The dealer refused to perform the service, claiming my vehicle does not qualify because it lacks the Auto High Beam feature ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 15, 2026
Many modern trucks, SUVs, and cars use LED headlights that are excessively bright and create dangerous glare. When approaching these vehicles from the opposite direction, the headlights can be blinding — similar to having a flashlight shined directly into your eyes — causing temporary loss of visibility. The glare also affects drivers traveling in the same direction, as the intense light refl... Read more
Incident date: Apr 11, 2026
On Friday, April 11, 2026 I received an alert on my vehicle that there was a possible issue with the driver's side headlamps. After checking my headlamps I discovered that the driver's side headlamps were not on. It was night time when this happened and I was very concerned for my safety and the safety of others while driving without proper lighting. The issue has been confirmed by a Genesis Se... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
ID.4
(2023) — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Apr 16, 2026
Incident date: Apr 15, 2026
Car has been in and out of various VW dealers since purchase at the end of August 2023. Car was purchased new. Immediately began receiving emergency “stop driving vehicle” messages on driver display. VW on call service advised if the car drives, I can operate it and no further action is necessary. Various Electical errors including charge 12V battery, infotainment screen going black or res... Read more
Incident date: Mar 23, 2026
3rd brake light not working , they have had this issue over several years such as recall on 2025 (25C39) burnt diode in the LED Driver Modules and may cause other lighting failures
JEEP
GRAND WAGONEER
(2024) — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Apr 15, 2026
Incident date: Apr 15, 2026
NHTSA ODI COMPLAINT UPDATE — #XXX 2024 Jeep Grand Wagoneer L | VIN: [XXX] Date of Update: April 15, 2026 Current Odometer: 94,896 miles This is a formal update to my previously filed NHTSA complaint (ODI #XXX) to document new evidence, continued defect progression, dealer misconduct, and retaliatory conduct by an authorized Stellantis dealer following my complaint filing. DEFECT ORIGIN — 325 ... Read more
ALFA ROMEO
STELVIO
(2018) — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Apr 15, 2026
Incident date: Nov 1, 2024
I am reporting a safety issue with my 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio (VIN: [XXX] ). The vehicle has experienced repeated failures of critical lighting systems, including the headlights, brake lights, and turn signals, which have stopped working while driving. The issue began around 42,000 miles and occurred while the vehicle was covered under a Mopar Maximum Care warranty. There have been four repair at... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2025
The low beam headlights have degraded over time and are now barely providing any light, making driving at night unsafe. This appears to be due to the degradation of the low beam assembly reflector. Replacing the low beam headlights with higher quality lights did not make any noticeable difference. This issue has been reported in numerous online chats for the 2015 Acura RDX.
Incident date: Feb 24, 2024
During my state inspection it was noted that my high beams were not properly functioning. The garage tested my bulb and said it appeared to be a malfunction of the flap assembly in the headlamps. We checked online for information on how to proceed and noted a recall campaign T5G that was aimed at the exact problem we noted. I called our local Hyundai dealer (Woodall Hyundai; Danville,VA) to schedu... Read more
Incident date: Oct 31, 2025
The console is reporting: "Front left side marker light is defective. See owner's manual". This is a lighting problem that Audi seems to have covered by a previous recall but this VIN was not included in said recall: Campaign 97CB/NHTSA #16V642000. I have had this defection confirmed by my local service center.
Incident date: Apr 7, 2026
Notice condensation building up in driver side headlamp, then I received LED lights failure warning ⚠️ as i was driving. Now i driver side signal is not working some times and now i have about 7 warnings on dash from headlamp failure to collision sensor going off. I know since car is a 2021 and i'm the second owner it's out of warranty, but i speculate that this problem probably known now look... Read more
Incident date: Apr 15, 2026
Low beam headlights are very dim and nighttime driving visibility is very low. Both headlights appear to have degraded over time and fail to produce adequate light for driving. This vehicle has been brought to the dealer for repair to address this issue, and has had two related repairs that did not solve the problem. The bulbs have been replaced with new low-beam lamps. The headlight lens has ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 10, 2022
The rear racetrack light on the lift gate, right side leaks when it rains, car wash, snow and has shorted out part of the light strip.
VOLKSWAGEN
ATLAS CROSS SPORT
(2020) — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Apr 15, 2026
Incident date: Dec 31, 1969
Premature failure of left drivers side LED Daytime Running Light.
VOLKSWAGEN
ATLAS
(2018) — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Apr 14, 2026
Incident date: Apr 13, 2026
Both my low beam headlamps went out WHILE DRIVING. This is a major safety concern. It is also not an easy or inexpensive fix. The entire assembly must be replaced and not just a bulb. It is a $3000 replacement cost. The LED lamp should NEVER go out. Isn't that why LED was put in these lights? Why did VW make a headlamp that must be completely replaced and why are they charging $1000 for eac... Read more
Incident date: Feb 12, 2026
Head lamp on Driver side collect moisture (condensation) for no apparent reason. This vehicle was inspected at a local Nissan Dealership on 4/13/26. No exterior or interior damage noted. The moisture in the lamp causes the light from the lamp to be dim. Notice that the passenger head lamp is much brighter. I don't drive at night ....not sure if the on coming traffic can tell that I am driving a S... Read more
Incident date: Mar 15, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that while parked for 5-10 minutes, the contact noticed a burning plastic odor, and upon looking up moments later, the contact noticed flames coming from the driver's side headlight, and the flames were 6 inches above the headlight. The contact started extinguishing the fire with water bottles. The contact drove to a water hose, which the c... Read more
Fire
1 injured
Incident date: Mar 15, 2026
I am submitting a vehicle safety complaint regarding a vehicle purchased on March 5, 2026. Within days of purchase, the vehicle exhibited multiple safety-related issues despite reportedly passing a Virginia safety inspection on February 27, 2026. The safety concerns identified include: - Driver-side headlight partially inoperable, which resulted in a traffic stop on March 15, 2026 - Front hood not... Read more
Incident date: Feb 2, 2026
The contact owns a 2025 Ram 3500. The contact received a recall notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V059000 (Exterior Lighting, Electrical System); however, when the local dealer was contacted, the contact was informed that the manufacturer was shipping a very limited number of parts to dealers for the repair. The manufacturer was contacted, and the contact was informed that the dealer should... Read more
Incident date: Apr 10, 2026
RH LED headlight cooling fan failure. Diagnosed by Mazda dealer and quoted $2450 cost. Vehicle is just outside warranty coverage by 2900 miles. This is a very well known and documented problem that Mazda is not standing behind. Owners are removing the relay for their daytime running lights, rendering them inoperable in order to save wear and tear on the headlight cooling fans. This is a safet... Read more
Incident date: Apr 10, 2026
My KIA Soul 2018 caught on file while driving. The whole engine was in flames. I didn't want to die because my car has a manufacturing issue that KIA was not aware about. The dealership I've purchased the car from denied to give me a copy of the mechanical inspection done at the dealership Stonebriar Chevrolet in Frisco, TX. The flames started under the car and made its way to the engine, smoke wa... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Apr 3, 2026
My 2021 dodge durango rt have issues with front turn signal light on the driver side I have read dodge forums and other owners are experiencing the same problems how isn't this a safety issue or a recall from dodge
Incident date: Mar 4, 2026
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Jan 1, 2026
Headlight cooling fan is faulty and causing headlight outage prematurely.
Incident date: Apr 12, 2026
Exterior lighting - HID low beams have become extremely dim and very difficult to see at night. Reading other complaints, seems like this is a very common problem with this vehicle. The manufacturer should address as this is a safety issue.
Incident date: Mar 12, 2026
Submitted the vehicle for recall repairs under recalls 25v315, 25v455, 25v104 and 25v517. Maintenance was scheduled to last less than a day. When I returned for the vehicle, I was informed the update had caused several module components to "brick." They informed me they had to receive authority from form to order new components and attempts another repair. I called March 17 for an update and wa... Read more
Incident date: Mar 25, 2026
Passenger low-beam headlight failure. Dealer replaced headlight module but did not resolve. Next suggestion is replacing headlight for more than $2,000. Quite common issue on the Platinum model.
VOLKSWAGEN
ATLAS CROSS SPORT
(2022) — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Apr 13, 2026
Incident date: Apr 13, 2026
The daytime running light on the passenger side is out. The entire headlight assembly and bumper have to be removed to repair this. It will cost $1400 to repair. This is a safety issue and should be covered by Volkswagen.
Incident date: Apr 12, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal to park the vehicle, the brake lights failed to illuminate as designed. While returning to the vehicle after the vehicle was parked and attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start due to a safety feature that disabled the starter when the brake lights failed to operate as designed. An ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 6, 2026
The vehicle is a 2025 Ram 1500 with an active safety recall related to the trailer light connection/wiring system. The issue causes warnings indicating trailer light malfunction and affects proper trailer light operation. This is a significant safety concern because I regularly tow trailers, and improper trailer lighting creates a risk for accidents, especially at night or during braking and sign... Read more
Incident date: Feb 10, 2026
REAR BUMPER BRAKE & TAIL LIGHTS OPERATE INTERMITTENTLY. UNINSTALLING AND REINSTALLING BUMPER LIGHT ASSEMBLY AND BULBS MAY TEMPORARILY SOLVE THE ISSUE. LIGHT ASSEMBLY IS UNDAMAGED AND WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR IS CLEAN. POWER AND GROUND ARE TESTED OK. VEHICLE HAS 50,000 MILES AND IS PARKED IN A COVERED AREA. NEVER DRIVEN IN SNOW OR SALTED ROADS.
Incident date: Apr 10, 2026
- While driving, everything electrical turned off (engine stayed on) for approximately 3 seconds including headlights, navigation, dashboard containing speed, music, etc. - This occurrence happened during the daytime, so there was no danger; however this has also happened to me at night a year ago, causing me to lose all vision at 40 MPH which was a major safety risk. - This problem has occurred w... Read more
Incident date: Apr 14, 2023
the auto high beam system is overly sensitive. lights flicker when a street sign is detected. dealer checked this issue and said the door switch was bad and replaced it. problem still exists. this makes night driving distracting and dangerous. no warning lamps or messages are shown on instrument panel.