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
FREIGHTLINER
CASCADIA
(2020) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Oct 24, 2024
Incident date: Aug 9, 2024
The headlights have gone very dim do to the reflective coating degrading in the headlight housing. This makes the vehicle unsafe to drive at night.
Incident date: Oct 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 Ram 1500. The contact stated that there was condensation accumulating in the rear taillights. The contact stated that the vehicle recently experienced electrical failures with the power window switch not raising or lowering the windows as needed. The contact stated that the radio and several other electrical gauges were inoperable. The contact stated that the 115-Volt Cargo... Read more
Incident date: Jul 23, 2024
- Auto light not functioning correctly - Glare of the dashboard in the windshield - Emergency brakes strikes even when there isn't any obstacles on the way ( middle of the road or even Parkinglot )
Incident date: Oct 7, 2024
Headlights cycle on and off. Does this frequently. Checked on BMW site Bimmerpost and other people have had the same problem. Google 2019 BMW x3 headlights tuning off and on after shut down.
VOLKSWAGEN
TOUAREG
(2005) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Oct 23, 2024
Incident date: Oct 20, 2024
I am writing this claim to report a headlight assembly passenger side has failed at 22,000 miles in a Tesla model three 2020 year
Incident date: Sep 16, 2024
The car is kept at a dealership in Savannah. The recall 251 caused the damage of the ABS. The dealership says it is not possible to fix, the manufacturer does not assume any responsiility
HYUNDAI
GENESIS COUPE
(2013) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Oct 23, 2024
Incident date: Aug 30, 2024
Kia Optima headlights turn off randomly while on automatic. This dangerous issue has been investigated on other Kia models by the NTSB, which them prompted Kia to issue a recall. I have found many, many posts on car and Kia forums about headlights shutting off while driving at night with the Kia Optima (as well as other Kia items). It's very scary and very hazardous. This is a widespread issue.
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2017) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Oct 23, 2024
Incident date: Oct 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the rear driver’s side and rear passenger’s side brake lights and taillights failed to illuminate. The contact discovered water and condensation inside the rear taillight assemblies. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who informed the contact that the rear brake light and taillight assemblies neede... Read more
Incident date: Oct 23, 2024
I just purchased as 2021 Toyota Venza Limited. The headlight on low beam cast a odd shaped shadow. It is very distracting and often makes you think something is in front of the car. The issue dissappears when headlight are switched to high beam. This is very unsafe and deserves a recall.
Incident date: Sep 24, 2024
While driving the vehicle, the break lights are on, when you stop, or press the break peddle, the break lights go out, therefore giving no warning to the vehicles behind you.
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2017) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Oct 23, 2024
Incident date: Oct 23, 2024
I am having an issue with my Kia headlights when on dim. The lights are so dim I am afraid to drive the car at night because I am scared I will hit a person, animal or object. I am replacing light bulbs frequently. Cars are flashing their lights at me (when I need to drive at night) because of the dimness. I took my car to a Kia dealer and they could not diagnosis the problem. They advised to rep... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2024
On 10/28/2024 I was driving on a highway at 60 mph with light traffic. All of a sudden the radio display panel went blank and all the warning lights on dashboard lit up. The car started to slow down and did not gain speed even when gas pedal is pressed. Car speed went down to 40 mph. I put on hazard lights and looking for safe spot to park the car. I drove for 2 to 3 minutes and then dashboard... Read more
Incident date: Oct 18, 2024
While driving around I suddenly got an alert from the car that the driver's side back up light, left turn signal light/rear tail light was no longer functioning. I had to drive around without people driving behind me knowing of any intent to turn left, which was a safety issue. I took it to an independent mechanic who replaced the bulbs and everything was back to normal, but only for 30 minutes. ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 18, 2024
Tail light fall off the car while driving, catching it dangling from the car holding by only one wire. Upon inspection, they came off due to a broken plastic lug that was holding the taillights together. It appears that Porsche changed the taillight mounting design in the 991 after the 2013 model year, adding a metal piece to keep it together even after the plastic cracks, melts, or fails. Mine i... Read more
Incident date: Feb 2, 2024
Auto headlight high beam extremely errati on dark country roads I live on. Highbeams come on with oncoming traffic blinding them. VERY DANGEROUS!
Incident date: Aug 2, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while pressing the START/STOP button, the brake pedal seized, and the vehicle failed to start as needed. The contact continuously pressed the START/STOP button while depressing the brake pedal, and the vehicle eventually started. The contact stated that the stop lamp switch had previously been replaced; however, the failure persisted. ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 BMW 528i. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. Additionally, the contact stated that the headlights failed to illuminate while it w... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2024
Electrical system going out only at night because headlights and inside lights are turning off for a few seconds only while driving at night this has happened multiple times since august and is becoming a safety concern while driving at night it's a safety concern because this has happened incoming traffic on roads and highways. The vehicle hasn't been inspected by dealership I tried calling to ge... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2024
I take my wife's Nissan Altima (2015) to dealer (Jackie Cooper, Tulsa) regularly and (in 2020) asked them why the headlights were so dim. Told me there was a class action suit ongoing and that we could fix it and wait for the settlement to submit receipts, or we could wait and that they would call when the suit was settled. Was never notified by dealership that we could bring it in to get replaced... Read more
Incident date: Oct 22, 2024
All lights including dash lights turned off while driving at night on the interstate at 82mph. Not sure if my knees hit the light switch or not but not sure why even dash lights went out. Brought vehicle to local Chevy garage, there was no code and they couldn’t duplicate the incident.
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
My headlights will not turn on, and will not stay on. No I have not taken it to dealer as of yet. I do not feel safe driving at night. Roads are too dark, not enough illumination coming from the car. There was no warning. Member of my family pointed out headlight not working.
Incident date: Oct 10, 2024
The headlight assembly DRL (Daytime Running Lights) LEDs are burnt out and have melted due to daytime lights running too hot. These are a complete sealed assembly and need to be replaced as a unit due to mechanical failure from manufacture defect.
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2016) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Oct 21, 2024
Incident date: Oct 18, 2024
The daytime running light is dim in on one side of the headlight, this is a very common issue with these trucks and ford needs to do the right think and fix and recall this issue.
Incident date: Oct 16, 2024
Three weeks ago, I exited my running truck and saw that the left front driving light wasn't working. Turned the turn signal on and it would not function either. At first the rear light was blinking normally. Then after about a minute it began to flash rapidly and the display showed, check left front turn signal. Shut it off and unit worked after restart. Two weeks later, did the same thing. This t... Read more
Incident date: Oct 21, 2024
Day time running lights burned out at 32,000 miles. The trucks Visibility during daylight has significantly been altered due to the DRLs malfunctioning so soon in a new vehicle. No warning or alerts.
CHRYSLER
PACIFICA PLUG-IN HYBRID
(2021) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Oct 21, 2024
Incident date: Oct 7, 2024
Headlight /DRL out - no alerts or messages
Incident date: Oct 21, 2024
The issue has been observed repeatedly and confirmed by my service center during each replacement. It has occurred in different environments and driving conditions, and despite repairs, the problem persists. Honda refuses to replace headlamps after multiple faliures The vehicle has been inspected multiple times by my service center, but the manufacturer has not directly inspected it. No police or... Read more
Incident date: Oct 10, 2011
LF DRL not working only on this side. Vehicle was taken to dealership, I have an extended warranty but was told this was not covered. There are 4 other Durangos in my town with the same problem. I have also been online and found numerous forums with other people having the same issue. I would like have this noted so that Dodge can acknowledge this issue and fix it.
DODGE
CHALLENGER
(2019) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Oct 21, 2024
Incident date: Jan 14, 2021
Rear light has known issue of water protruding into housing causing a short circuit to occur, therefore causing tail light to quit working including license plate lights to quit working causing me to be pulled over when for equipment not operating to find out then my lights had shorted out. Then to find out to get my license plate light in working order i need to spend 1500+ dollars for a design f... Read more
Incident date: Oct 21, 2024
While driving at night if the headlights will randomly turn completely off
Incident date: Sep 30, 2024
Headlights not bright enough too dark to drive at night
Incident date: Oct 19, 2024
On October 17th. The vehicle exhibited serious electrical issues when I attempted to start it in my school parking lot. Upon pressing the start button, the car would not start, and all electrical items began malfunctioning. The lights inside and outside the vehicle were flashing, the windshield wipers activated on their own, the horn was beeping intermittently, and the car was emitting alarming no... Read more
Incident date: Oct 19, 2024
The LED parking light stopped working and we can change the entire headlight. About 1500$
Incident date: Oct 14, 2024
Low and high beams. Come on at intermediate times sometimes the passenger side will be on and there will be no driver side. Sometimes they will not come on at all. No matter how many turns you turn the light or flick. The switch I've replaced both headlights and the ballasters. Still to no Avail. They do not work all the time.
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
There is a bad hlear on radio when sunroof is opened gery blinding can’t see display
Incident date: Jul 5, 2024
The headlights perform poorly when fully functional, one is out and when I replaced the light it still is not working and now that one is out I am scared to drive at night for fear of hitting a child or pet in my complex. And i will not allow my son to drive because he may get seriously hurt as well. This issue needs to be resolved as to why the headlights just go out and are not fixable with a bu... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2024
The Freightliner chassis under this motorhome uses a Power Distribution Module (PDM) that is a fuse panel "block" that powers several coach items, from taillights, brake lights, engine cooling, air conditioning and several other components. The PDM intermittently fails as it can't support the amount of power it must distribute without overheating and shutting off several components as you drive. E... Read more
TOYOTA
LAND CRUISER HYBRID
(2024) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Oct 18, 2024
Incident date: Aug 8, 2024
I have had to get 3 new keys made for this car due to the security light coming on, sometimes it will not crank or start, so I have replaced the starter twice, have replaced relays and fuses, and the security light will come on while drive down the road and all gauges drop to zero, even the gas light says empty and every light on the dash comes on. But the car will still drive. But once you turn i... Read more
Incident date: Oct 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the headlights flickered after approximately a minute. The headlights continued to turn on and off independently. The headlights eventually became inoperable. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V861000 (Exterior Lighting); ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 7, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, unknown service lights illuminated. Additionally, on several occasions the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that there was moisture inside the driver's side rear taillight assembly. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was ... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
GLE 350
(2021) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Oct 18, 2024
Incident date: Oct 18, 2024
The center overhead light compartment falling out of interior roof
Incident date: Sep 10, 2024
The headlights are very dim It is like driving your vehicle with a flashlight as the lighting. When you turn on bright lights you can see good but your then endangering drivers going the opposite directions It is very dangerous. If you reserch this issue on the internet it is a well lnown problem. How can people drive their cars like this. I did inquire with GM and they said they did at one time... Read more
Incident date: Mar 15, 2023
Steering wheel clock spring is not working. Controls wipers, turn signals, speed control, voice commands, lane aware and allows to toggle thru control settings do not work. Ford doesn’t have part available or an ETA. This part covers vehicles from 2013 thru 2024 so currently vehicles coming down assembly line are using. My car is unusable like this. Aftermarket part is also unavailable. Please... Read more
Incident date: Apr 17, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Newmar Ventana 3715 RV built on a 2019 Freightliner XC-R Chassis. The contact stated that the tail lights, the driver's side brake light, and the driver's side turn signal light had failed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the secondary fuse harness was installed under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V00H000(Electrical System, Exterior Lighting); however, the failure pe... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
I reported the instrument panel failure to jeep cares and my vehicle was not listed in the recall. I completed this repair 1/28/2022. I am concerned that all the jeeps affected were not included in the recall. I am not sure how fast I was going because there were no lights on the dash to allow me to see the MPH. Mileage was 52423. The instrument panel went dark several minutes while I was driving ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 17, 2024
After dark, the headlights will randomly switch from auto to parking lights to headlights on or completely off. When using the selector sometimes takes a few seconds to switch from auto to off and sometimes won’t switch off. This just started three days ago. It happens while it’s parked and while driving the lights will shut off. You can use the switch to turn them on but both auto and off tak... Read more
Incident date: Oct 16, 2024
There is an existing recall for certain Audi Q7 front side marker lights (Audi recall campaign 97CB, NHTSA campaign ID 16V642000) but this recall is too narrow. It does not include my vehicle but I have the same problem. Many other Q7 owners do as well. The Audi dealership will not honor repair or replacement, not even under warranty. The only way to fix this problem according to Audi is to purcha... Read more
Incident date: Oct 16, 2024
I picked up my new lease on 9/23/24. I don't understand why the rear taillights at the hatch level don't also work as turn indicators/brake lights. I learned that there is a set of lights on the lower half of the rear end, closer to the fascia. Once I was following another Buick Envista and I was amazed at how low those lights are. On another occasion when I was using the adaptive cruise control, ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
Since delivery of my new Tesla Model 3, the haptic turn signal buttons intermittently fail to register inputs despite repeated presses. This issue began immediately and occurs without any warning lamps or error messages. I am requesting the NHTSA to investigate this matter promptly due to the significant safety risks posed by the malfunctioning turn signal system in the Tesla Model 3. The inabili... Read more
Incident date: Mar 23, 2024
The radio/HVAC screen is malfunctioning. It still works but the screen is delaminating and the screen thinks that someone is touching the screen and there is no control over what it touches or controls. Radio is working but the channels change so fast by themselves that you cannot listen to anything. Cannot change any vehicle settings - such as lighting. Same with the HVAC system. When i click int... Read more