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 14, 2024
A CUSTOMER STATES CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON CAUSE: WIRE REPAIR 0000556 Performing vehicle test (with vehicle diagnosis system) 5270WPB94 61-13-8-353-748 CABLE CONNECTOR: 619900 61-13-5-A4F-528 SHRINKING HOSE: 619900 12-63-5-A55-720 INTEGRATED POWER SUPPLY Charging battery (at support point in 1299000 W/T GIVEN TO REPAIR ENGINE WIRING HARNESS 1263586 Replacing power distribution module (after vehicle d... Read more
Incident date: Nov 17, 2024
This was a rental truck and I am not the owner, just the operator. The headlights are too bright and I have almost been crashed onto when other drivers were blinded by the headlights. I am not sure but believe this is the first year this model truck has these bright led headlights.
CHRYSLER
PACIFICA PLUG-IN HYBRID
(2023) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Nov 16, 2024
Incident date: Nov 16, 2024
The vehicle is a 2018 Jeep Compass Limited with the VIN [XXX] ####. I purchased it used on [XXX]. On [XXX], I noticed a problem with the headlights. They have been flickering between both headlights almost daily since then. On [XXX], both headlights were out, and I needed to drive at night. After about half a mile, the passenger headlight turned on, and after another half mile, the driver’s hea... Read more
Incident date: Nov 4, 2024
All safety features and cameras on this vehicle are currently disabled. Specifically, the following functions are not operational: Forward and parking collision warnings, Blind spot warning, Lane departure and lane-keeping warnings, Rear cross-traffic warning, Self-driving capability, Adaptive cruise control, Navigation system, Location tracking, Sentry mode, Premium connectivity features, Reverse... Read more
Incident date: Sep 21, 2024
1) Turn signal indicator (right side) does not always activate signal. It doesn't have the feeling that it was being pushed in. Has happened at least a dozen times since taking delivery, some of the times I have documented. Tesla says they won't just repair/replace it unless it's happening when I bring it in. Happens at random times. Cars behind me not alerted to me turning. 2) Turn signal indica... Read more
Incident date: Nov 15, 2024
The low beam light is extremely dim, making it unsafe and dangerous to drive at night. I hope this issue can be considered for a recall.
MERCEDES-BENZ
S 580
(2021) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Nov 15, 2024
Incident date: Nov 14, 2024
While driving the Vehicle - the left turn signal stopped working. When dropping off at the dealership was informed it is a software issue. The issue went away for a couple of months and then the exact thing happened when using now the right turn signal. This provides no way of letting other people know who are headed towards my vehicle that i am turning lanes. The last incident was verified ... Read more
MAXI-COSI
MICO LUXE+
(9999) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Nov 15, 2024
Incident date: Feb 1, 2024
Low beam headlights are very dim, failing to illuminate the roadway, even with the brightest halogen bulbs available. creates a safety hazard as driver cannot sufficiently see the road ahead, especially when meeting an oncoming vehicle. In my vehicle it is worse on the driver's side, but both are extremely dim. Vehicle is unsafe to drive at night, creating hazardous situation for this vehicle as ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 15, 2024
Left Headlight fails to adequately illuminate left side, produced light appears shaded/obstructed, less than right side. night visibility is reduced. Dealer examined headlight, found uneven light distribution, shadows, referred to Manufacturer , Mazda stated this is Normal. Right Headlight was previously replaced under warranty, after excess headlight. noise detected . is available for examinat... Read more
Incident date: Nov 5, 2024
The wiring harness on this vehicle is made of a soy based material, I had a rodent chew through this coating and my wiring harness, it caused my rear turn signal to go out, I have a 3 year 36,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty on the vehicle but Ford does not cover this, you have to pay to have it fixed yourself and they replace it with the same material, I am worried that it will happen again and... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2024
The left rear blinker light has gone out 4 times in the last 2 years. The most recent replacement for the passenger rear blinker stopped working within 12 hours of replacement. No other lights have needed replacing until the last replacment blinker light had gone out and i became aware that both passenger running tail lights were out, my license plate light on the passenger side is out the white b... Read more
Incident date: Oct 28, 2024
The headlamp socket is melted. This is the same issue as other Toyota vehicles. There was a recall of the Toyota Tundra for the same problem in 2021.
Incident date: Dec 18, 2023
I have exhaust coming into the car through the vent when thermostat is in use, my back seats are not in the clip and flip up with no problem and I have a 8 year old son who sits back there, my break pedal will lock and I cannot apply pressure, my dash lights just stopped working I believe the ECM is bad, my headlights go from bright to dim, car does not seem to keep acceleration power very well
Incident date: Nov 1, 2023
This is a 2020 Land Rover Defender 110. The daytime running lights on the headlamp need replaced. I had replaced the passenger side a few months ago at the Land Rover dealership while the car was still under warranty at 49,500 miles. Now, the Land Rover has 55k miles and the driver side has gone out and the Land Rover Dealer has quoted me 3K to fix this. This is a common problem and many owners ... Read more
LAND ROVER
DEFENDER
(2020) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Nov 14, 2024
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
Due to "supply chain" issues, Audi downgraded headlights for certain vehicle models / years to the older standard LED headlights instead of the Matrix Design / Matrix Laser lights originally intended; such as the SQ7. Integrated within the headlights, there are 'all-weather lights' that can be manually turned on or off with the main low beam switch turned on or in auto mode (and lights activated d... Read more
Incident date: Oct 29, 2024
There is an interment issue with my passenger, rear turn signal. Once activated, it will flash three times, and then display a "Check Right Rear Turn Lamp" message. My front and mirror light still flash, but flash rapidly to indicate an issue with the rear signal. The rear signal does not flash, but periodically will flash quickly for 2-3 flashes and go out again. The dealership stated it "...coul... Read more
Incident date: Feb 29, 2024
On [XXX] I was traveling across Wyoming west from Laramie Wy to Cokeville Wy. It had been snowing all day with temperatures fluctuating between 28 and 31 degrees. I had my headlights on all day when the sun went down I was on [XXX] and I couldn't see anything. I had to pull over on the side of the snow covered road to find my headlights totally covered with about a half inch of snow and ice. I ask... Read more
Incident date: Oct 30, 2024
The low front light is so dim that we need to turn on the high light to see at night. Having to use high lights also creates a glare problem for other motorists, but we need the high light as the low light is so dim that it creates a safety hazard for driving at night in urban areas with low lights. We changed the front low halogen bulb lights for LED lights but it was not enough. People suggest ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2024 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated while driving at approximately 10 MPH, the headlights failed to properly illuminate the road above the hood level, nearly causing the vehicle to strike a pedestrian on the passenger's side of the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed t... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Sep 21, 2024
The backup lights are no where near bright enough to safely backup at night. There is no easy way to upgrade the bulbs. This is a well know issue in the Jeep community with Wranglers. There are aftermarket solutions but I shouldn't have to spend 100's of dollars to remedy a design defect.
Incident date: Nov 5, 2024
When the headlights are on the "auto" setting they will sometimes turn off when driving. Speed or driving conditions do not seem to be a factor. There have also been 2 separate incidents where the headlights are on in the morning. This occurred when Noone had been in the car for hours and the keys were inside my home.
Incident date: Nov 12, 2024
When the right hand turn signal is cancelled following a right hand turn, the left turn signal flashes to indicate a lane change. This would falsely indicate intention of changing lanes.
Incident date: Nov 10, 2024
The frm module failed. Now the indicators don't work, no high beams, the windows won't work. It has a warning that says the driver side door is open. I called the dealership. They said that it has a 10 year, 156,000 mile warranty. It has 137,000 miles but the warranty expired in September of 2024. So it will cost me $921to fix a very known safety issue. I don't have that right now and this is... Read more
Incident date: Nov 4, 2024
Headlights have been too dim to see at night for many years - I was pulled over by a police office because of this. I want to sell my vehicle but cannot in my right mind do this until there has been a recall to fix the situation that will not cost me a ton of money.
Incident date: Nov 7, 2024
We were driving on Rt. 32 north of Canaan Valley State Park in West Virginia. Suddenly the dashboard display began flickering on and off, displaying numerous multiple warning errors and alarms, and the windshield wipers began working and would not shut off. Turn signals would not function. Warning messages included instructions not to shift gears, lane keeping assist and automatic braking disab... Read more
Incident date: Oct 18, 2024
The LED daytime running lights in both of my headlights are going out. The vertical portion is out on each the driver's side, and passenger side headlights. This started on the passenger side headlight about 6 months ago and has progressed to both lights. The diminishes the visibility of my vehicle to other vehicles. Puts all at risk. The headlights are still attached to my truck and availabl... Read more
Incident date: Nov 12, 2024
Rear drivers side tail light occasionally pops out at highway speed
Incident date: May 30, 2024
The headlamps are defective and unexpectedly break causing them to aim basically straight down towards the pavement making it unsafe to drive at night. In February of this year I took the vehicle to Cox Chevrolet in Bradenton and they said the headlamps would need to be replaced and it would cost several thousand dollars. I rarely need to drive at night and have been taking our son's car since t... Read more
Incident date: May 30, 2024
My 2013 Acura RDX headlights are so dim and it is very dangerous for me to drive at night. This is worse when raining or street lights aren't available. It seems to be a known issue that these cars are equipped with unsafe low-beam headlights that gradually dim over time. This is a huge safety risk, even more so for families with young kids. Why were these not raised earlier and why are these cars... Read more
Incident date: May 31, 2024
Near dusk, the driver display (speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge , etc.) automatically dimes to night mode and becomes unreadable. Turning the rheostat controlling display brightness does nothing. Very dangerous. Display should only go to night mode when conditions are actually dark.
Incident date: Nov 11, 2024
Car indicated "Front left side marker light defective" Upon further research, some VIN's were included in a recall for this problem, but some were left off. My vehicle was left off, despite the warning coming on while driving. The marker light being defective increases likelihood of a crash or other incident.
Incident date: Nov 7, 2024
Vehicle began intermittently turning lights on and off while parked and driving. Upon dealer inspection, sunroof frame failed causing water to leak and corrode the VDP module which controls items like the headlights and suspension. Dealer did confirm, vehicle is being repaired at this moment. There were no warning lights about the headlight malfunction, noticed it while driving and while parked. T... Read more
Incident date: Nov 3, 2024
I have been trying since day one of my brand new 2023 Sierra Denali pickup truck hence I spent a $100 K plus OEM accessories at the dealer ! This complaint is in reference to the safety part of the brake trailing that disconnect and lose light and brakes ! I have Spent insane times at the dealers and have complained to the GMC Executive offices with Nothing but excuses and Absolutely Zero Help fr... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2024
The third break light above the rear windshield doesn't have proper rubber seals which cause water to leak into the housing and the break light to short out, and also water to leak throughout the upper interior and into the truck causing rust and mold.
Incident date: Nov 8, 2024
XLT model with quad LED headlight. The Daytime Running Lamp failed 3000 miles past factory 36k mile warranty. Very common failure, Ford won’t acknowledge. Safety issue for other drivers in daytime as well as distracting to other drivers looking to see why the lights are not symmetrical. I have polled 14 people randomly and 13-14 said that it would distract them, while others have acknowledged... Read more
FORD
EXPEDITION
(2020) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Nov 10, 2024
Incident date: Oct 26, 2024
Daytime running lights have partially gone out. I am concerned that others may not see me as well without these lights. If the manufacturer felt they were important enough to put on the truck, then I feel it's important to for them to keep working. This happened without warning and seems to be an issue with a lot of these trucks. So many failures indicates a manufacturing issue which has now ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
The turn signal stem assembly randomly begins failing after several years (approx 5 years). Issues will be noticed while driving in the dark. When turn signal is applied in both directions, occasionally headlights will turn off or flash causing interior lighting to change to brighter daylight settings at the same time. This can be disorienting for the driver as well as others on the road. To remed... Read more
Incident date: Nov 8, 2024
Rear right light not working, then works, then it randomly stops working, complained to Cadillac but they keep saying nothing is wrong. I feel unsafe so to my light constantly going off especially dangerous driving at night or changing lanes on the road.
Incident date: Oct 25, 2024
Some of the interior door light switches don't light @ night. I can probably take the door panel off & fix it... (buy bulbs)...? Door hinge on the gas cap breaks way to easily. Could fly off & hit someone\thing... Clunking sound coming from the rear end & I can't find where it's coming from... Gas cap gets loose & throws a p0333 code knock sensor bank 1 or 2 or both. Who put them under the manifo... Read more
Incident date: Feb 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving at night, the low-beam head light illumination was extremely dim, creating a visibility hazard for the driver. The contact stated that the headlight bulbs were replaced; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The cause of the failure was yet not determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no... Read more
Incident date: Aug 9, 2024
My Jeep wrangler required the instrument panel to be replaced due to failure. The entire console lighting went dark while I was driving. I had not information on my speed and it made me take my eyes off the road when I tried to figure out what happened I did not have an accident but my fear Jeep is not issuing a recall to all the vehicles affected. Notified them of the safety concern by in January... Read more
FORD
MAVERICK HYBRID
(2024) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Nov 8, 2024
Incident date: Nov 8, 2024
The key fob drains batteries within 24 hours limiting the functionally of the key fob to NFC only. The door handles have further deteriorated and the NFC module in the for opening the vehicle is no longer responding and the light in the driver door no longer illuminates. I am no longer able to unlock my vehicle reliably. Currently, I am unable to unlock my vehicle without an internet connection ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 6, 2024
I noticed that changing out my headlight bulbs on my vehicle that I still could not see at night. I also bought a very good brand / new led lights for my 2014 srx. I have done research and noticed the headlights itself seems to be an issue on a lot of these specific vehicles . It makes it very hard at night to see and honestly makes it very dangerous to drive it darker areas without keeping my br... Read more
CHEVROLET
EQUINOX EV
(2024) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Nov 7, 2024
Incident date: Nov 4, 2024
The front headlights on this car are dangerously dim. We have replaced bulbs, cleaned lenses, but the lights eventually dim. Night driving is treacherous because we have to use high beams constantly which don't light the road immediately in front of the car. The dimming has been going on for the past 5-7 years, and it is a design flaw of this car. Acura is not offering any sort of recall/replaceme... Read more
Incident date: Oct 29, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Audi Q7. The contact stated that a message indicating that the side markers were inoperable was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who confirmed that the side markers were inoperable. The dealer confirmed that the failure was related to the NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V642000 (Exterior Lighting); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The ... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
ID.4
(2023) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Nov 7, 2024
Incident date: Nov 7, 2024
Driving Incident with Auto High Beam: I was driving on the freeway early in the morning with the auto high beam feature activated. However, due to heavy fog, I wanted to turn it off. I asked my passenger to help me find the option on the screen. Unfortunately, she clicked the wrong button, which completely turned off all the lights while we were driving. This caused a moment of panic, and I had t... Read more
Incident date: Nov 2, 2024
1. CHMSL Requirement: FMVSS No. 108 mandates a center high-mounted stop lamp (CHMSL) on passenger vehicles, typically a single lamp centered and positioned above the rear stop lamps. In cases where design constraints prevent a single CHMSL, two identical lamps are permissible, provided they are symmetrically mounted above the other stop lamps. 2. Cybertruck's Rear Light Bar: The Cybertruck’s r... Read more
Incident date: Oct 23, 2024
I am constantly shown "deep sleep" to conserve the battery in my FORD app on my phone. I also do not have interior lights when I open the door or unlock the vehicle after sitting several hours or overnight. I have the vehicle back to the dealer multiple times to resolve this issue and am currently waiting on a BCM replacement to be completed. There were no warning lamps or messages on the truck it... Read more
Incident date: Nov 5, 2024
There is no lights at all on the brake lights but the brake light in the back window stays on all the time the dim head light only lets one side work
Incident date: Jul 22, 2024
"Front Right Side Marker Light Defective" Error Audi recall campaign 97CB (NHTSA campaign ID 16V642000) addresses this exact issue and applies to some affected VIN numbers but not all. My VIN is not included in the recall.