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: Oct 3, 2024
During dusk and dawn conditions, the vehicle dims the dashboard lighting to the point that everything is very difficult to see. They are diming the displays when the exterior lighting conditions are still too bright for the very dim display. I have owned many GM vehicles with this type of automatic diming and this is the ONLY vehicle that has this problem. There is NO user fix available. This is a... Read more
Incident date: Oct 11, 2024
My tailgate lamp also known as the race track lamp it's collecting water every time I take it into the car wash which it now cost part of my life to burn out which can be a safety issue if all of it completely goes out
Incident date: Jun 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the headlights turned off independently. The contact was able to manually turn on and turn off the headlights to see the roadway. The contact stated that the failure was a recurring failure. The contact was using the high beam headlights instead of the low beam headlights. The contact stated that while swit... Read more
Incident date: Dec 11, 2024
The computer keeps showing that we have a malfunction in the side marker lights. They still work but we get the notice daily. Have taken it to the the dealer and they state that there is a recall but our vin number is not in the listing. There repair cost is over $4000. It's the same problem, my vehicle is in the 2017 Q7 range. Our number needs to be added to the recall of the same problem.
MERCEDES-BENZ
CLA 250
(2018) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Dec 11, 2024
Incident date: Dec 5, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Telluride. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V148000 (Exterior Lighting); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated when the vehicle was taken to the dealer, the contact was informed that the parts to perform the recall repair were on back order. The contact stated that the parts had not been made available... Read more
Incident date: Aug 11, 2014
I have a 2019 Ford escape. I’ve replaced the lightbulbs on both sides several times. The housing has burned out several times not just the bulbs. Twice they have burned out at the same time. The 2019 and the 2017 have the same light fixtures. The 2017 headlights were recalled. I contend that my car should be covered under the recall. I’ve called two local Ford dealers both are familiar with my... Read more
Incident date: Nov 21, 2024
Parking light flickers when key is in close proximity or truck is unlocked from the remote. Parking light continues to flicker when truck ignition is on and truck is stationary in park. Once the vehicle is put into drive the flickering stops.
Incident date: Dec 5, 2024
The buttons on the steering wheel stick and do not work. These include the turn signals and also bright lights and windshield wipers. They stick on my car, and I am renting a 2024 model 3 that they stick on as well. It’s not possible to signal a turn or wipe the windshield when this happens, which is a safety issue.
Incident date: Dec 11, 2024
After braking hard, skidding or going over a hard bump, brakes go to the floor and do not recover. This has ongoing since I purchased the car in 2012.
Incident date: Dec 11, 2024
Error code for right front side marker light faulty. Light seems to be working. I've had two mechanics look at the car. They can't figure out what's wrong. Error message appears randomly. Brakes are very squeaky. I took the car to Audi and they said it was normal and I should brake more aggressively.
Incident date: Dec 6, 2024
Headlights are not bright enough. In areas with no street lights it’s like driving with candles. The light is yellow and dim. This is a new car
Incident date: Nov 26, 2024
Second email and attempt Truck is sitting untouched after a major accident. Please reach back [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash
1 injured
MERCEDES-BENZ
GLC 300
(2023) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Dec 10, 2024
Incident date: Dec 3, 2024
June 7-8, 2024 driving in rain, the #17- 25 amp headlight fuse blew, leaving my family and me stranded without headlights in the dark on I-70 highway. When headlights quit during this drive and it became Very Very dangerous! After getting the 2015 Cayenne home, I inspected both headlights. Driver's side headlight had a lot of moisture on the inside of lens. The passenger side headlight had abou... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2008) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Dec 10, 2024
Incident date: Nov 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front headlights shutoff independently while turned on. No warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact who is an independent mechanic determined that the lighting control module (LCM) needed to be replaced. U... Read more
Incident date: Nov 10, 2024
Headlights are delaminating. They were replaced under warranty 2 years ago and now the replacements are delaminating. Ford has denied the claim for replacement
Incident date: Nov 26, 2024
WHILE DRIVING THE WRANGLER THE DASH WILL FREEZE GO BLACK AND RESET ITSELF WITHOUT WARING. YOU COULD BE PARKED OR DRIVING AND IT WILL HAPPEN. ACCORDING TO YOUR WEBSITE IT NOT INVOLVED IN THE RECALL FOR THE DASH YET IT IS DOING EXACTLY WHAT THE RECALL IS STATING IN THE BULLENTIN. IT'S QUITE NERVERACKING AND DANGEROUS WHEN IT HAPPENS WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. IT'S BEEN HAPPENING FOR MONTHS NOW A... Read more
Incident date: Oct 10, 2023
I’ve only owned this brand new vehicle for just two months. Had I known these issues, I would not have purchased the CX90! Having issue with I-stop causing vehicle to stop whenever and now the dash display just popped up yesterday 12/09/24 regarding “Headlight Malfunction contact dealership”. I contacted the dealership yesterday and was going to be charged for a diagnostic test on a two mont... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2019
The inner headlight lens are defective, and have progressively gotten worse year after year. I’m Unable to see at night due to poor lighting because of the haze covering the lens over the bulb. Research shows there are numerous complaints about this model/year car.
Incident date: Dec 1, 2024
The front left side marker lighting is defective. This was a recall but only on certain VIN numbers, although it appears the recall should’ve covered more VINs.
Incident date: Nov 21, 2024
The display for the instrument cluster is completely blank, or shows unrelated information after starting the car and shows none of the vital information about the car's operation or status. After leaving the car off for 30 minutes, the instrument cluster display began functioning normally. This was the subject of a 2024 October recall which we got dealer service for but the issue is not resolved.
HONDA
CIVIC HATCHBACK
(2022) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Dec 9, 2024
Incident date: Dec 9, 2024
The rear brake light switch failed. Yes it is available for inspection - I’ll hold onto the part after repair. My safety was put at risk when the switch failed causing a leak in brake fluid and a loss of pressure in the pedal. Losing my rear break functionality entirely. Then the leaking brake fluid went into the electrical connections on the switch and caught on fire. Not confirmed by a dea... Read more
Fire
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 2500
(2016) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Dec 9, 2024
Incident date: Dec 9, 2020
Lyriq display not bright enough prematurely dim the display and dusk/dawn - making it very hard to see at those times - even with max dimmer setting
Incident date: Dec 6, 2024
When driving during a snow storm, the headlights of the Cyberteuck become covered in snow and ice. The main headlights that produce most of the light are just under the frunk in an inset groove. Because of the nature of the design it catches snow it collects in that location. Because of the LED headlights there’s not enough heat to melt away the snow. At night your lights slowly fade away until ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 17, 2024
October 10, 2024 at about 1200 hours, the entire dashboard display and the upper center console display unexpectedly went black with no visible readout after having drivin 1-1/2 hours on the highway. Pulling off the road, we were able to reset the brightness to maximum and just able to see the readout. This event continued to be repeated several times during the course of the day. We had less ... Read more
HONDA
CR-V HYBRID
(2024) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Dec 9, 2024
Incident date: Oct 10, 2024
Front Windshields of the vehicle has more tinting to be within compliance. The same vehicle has tendency to follow certain vehicles all the time as per what I have experienced or see.
GRAND DESIGN
MOMENTUM
(2022) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Dec 9, 2024
Incident date: Jun 1, 2024
The low-beam headlight system has deteriorated, and the reflective component makes the low beams unusable at night. This component poses a safety hazard. The dim headlights make nighttime driving extremely hazardous, forcing me to rely on high beams, creating visibility risks for other drivers. Reduced visibility has endangered my safety and the safety of others, particularly on unlit or busy road... Read more
Incident date: Dec 7, 2024
Attention Assist System Suspended notification comes on randomly on vehicle while driving, rendering driver defenseless with regard to safety warnings that would otherwise be in effect, such as blind spot assist, attention assist, which are vital components for safe driving. This has happened on numerous occasions, most recently on 12/06/2024 while driving under destination route guidance. It has... Read more
Incident date: Dec 3, 2024
Running light led strip in both headlights has gone out before 40k miles. Numerous issues with these all over the road having the same problem. Causes an issue with visibility and is unsafe. Manufacturer wants 1700 per headlight to fix.
Incident date: Jan 6, 2018
Horn stopped working, and I got in an accident because of it. Also my interior lights will not turn off
Crash
Incident date: Oct 16, 2024
The reverse or backup lights do not properly illuminate, as the angle does not allow for viewing dangers behind at night. The lights are angled to aim way too high, and the lights are aealed. No way to adjuat. An adult standing just three to five feet behind truck, the lights illuminate at chest level, meaning a small child could not be seen at all, even with the rear view camera. Speaking of the... Read more
Incident date: Dec 7, 2024
While driving the doors unlock & lock. The inside lights blink on & off
Incident date: Jun 14, 2024
Shifter isn't releasing from park. They state the Body Control Module (BCM) I been reading on this and it goes out with higher mileage Kia Sorento SUV. This is a safety hazard.
Incident date: Nov 23, 2024
The right and left turn indicator buttons freeze up, and will not operate for indefinite periods. The problem is intermittent, however, the buttons may be frozen for several minutes before the problem clears. I believe the manufacturer is already aware of this problem affecting numerous 2024 model 3 vehicles. I believe this appears as a definite manufacturer design flaw, and does not appear as rea... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE 4XE
(2024) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Dec 7, 2024
Incident date: Dec 4, 2024
My car shows a warning message that says, right front side marker light issue. I understand Audi issued a recall for this issue but only for certain VINs which did not include my car.
Incident date: Dec 3, 2024
The rear race track light assembly lights went out. I know there is a known issue with this light assembly.
Incident date: Dec 7, 2024
After completing a right turn with a right turn signal, the vehicle will sometimes signal a left turn for 3 blinks. I believe this is because the turn signal stalk 'bounces' down to the left turn signal area when returning back to normal position from a right turn. This is a safety issue because the vehicle is signaling a left turn when no turn is intended. This could cause confusion to oth... Read more
Incident date: Nov 26, 2024
Attached is a report from the Florida Attorney General's project office. Vehicle front headlight bulbs burn out prematurely and frequently and without warning causing reduced visibility at night on dark roads. This is a common and on-going problem for Toyota and other manufacturers and me. Toyota recognized this and issued its own recall ending in 2019, but my car was missed. The 'fix' for me ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 6, 2024
Headlight will stop working and turn off and then turn back on and start working again hours later.
Incident date: Dec 4, 2024
2017 Q7 owner. "front left side marker light defective" message on my car. Audi recall campaign 97CB (NHTSA campaign ID 16V642000) addresses this exact issue and applies to some affected VIN numbers but not all. My car is not included. It is available for inspection. I've taken the car to the dealer and a private auto repair who both diagnosed the problem and the repair cost of $5,000.
Incident date: Oct 31, 2024
The high beam shutter that switches from high to low is not working. The car has 68,000 and I don't think this is something that should not work at that low mileage considering it is not in use all the time. I just dont see how it stops working all of a sudden when most of the time drivers do not use their high beams everyday. I just got inspected because its required in our state and both mechani... Read more
Incident date: Nov 2, 2024
This car completely shut off while on the highway. Computer change out. Seals on the hatch leaking water. Should be recalled -this was problem before and sold me the vehicle. Glitches in the drive- pauses or jumps speed. Now issues with radiator. It’s crap.
Incident date: Sep 1, 2024
October 30th 6pm, parked car at home and exterior lights (headlights, fog lights, rear lights) would not turn off. Car was not running. Lights finally went off when battery was completely drained. Had to jump battery to get car to dealership on October 31st. There were no previous warning lamps or messages. Dealership did a complete reinspect and were able to reproduce issue. Dealership determine... Read more
Incident date: Dec 5, 2024
Unable to get display lighting bright enough to adequately read instrumentation when coming out of garage into low atmospheric lighting. Have instrument display lighting rheostat turned up to maximum but sensors don't allow the display to brighten. The vehicle lighting sensor is not blocked. The rheostat should be able to turn the display to full bright, but isn't designed that way. Definitely a s... Read more
Incident date: Dec 3, 2024
The low beam left headlight (matrix LED) has had a dark spot in the drivers view since the vehicle was purchased in new in March 2024. This dark spot limits visibility at night and I feel is a serious safety issue. It has almost caused me to hit a pedestrian on more than one occasion. I raised this issue with Tesla service immediately after taking delivery of the vehicle. It's still not fixed. ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes Benz C300. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the rear lights became inoperable and failed to illuminate as needed. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed that rear lighting wires were burned, causing an electrical failure within the rear light assemblies. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2024
Infortainment center shuts down and loses connection. Which means there is no communication with the backup camera or navigation. Popping noises from the front speakers start static and pop then the screen states connection lost then goes black. Turns back on in about 5-10 minutes depending. Also the lighting for the buttons around the center are not working as well. Idk if this is related or is a... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2019) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Dec 4, 2024
Incident date: Nov 14, 2024
My headlights only work on random occasions. The bulbs don’t need replacing so it seems electrical. I can’t drive at night now because I never know if I’ll be able to see or not with this issue.
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2017) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Dec 4, 2024
Incident date: Nov 27, 2024
When the rear doors are opened on the truck, the interior lights do not come on which is a hassle when securing an infant in a car seat. Further to this, the door ajar symbol on the dash does not come on for either rear door, it does come on for the front doors. I talked to GM about this and they said that since it's a WT model with the base lighting there are no rear door lights or sensors. ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 27, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V113000 (Exterior Lighting); however, the part to do the recall repair was on a national back order. The contact stated that the manufacturer had 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. P... Read more
Incident date: Nov 30, 2024
The 2020 et seq Honda Ridgeline includes a flawed and wholly unsafe Automatic High Beam function. This has been well documented for years by owners across various mediums. The issue was not previously present (2017-2019) but appears to align with camera and/or software related changes. It remains unaddressed. I'm providing additional context below. I just traded my 2017 Ridgeline RTL-E for a 2025... Read more