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 9, 2024
Electrical- my windows do not roll up, when using the window switches the windows will go down if they are already down a little. I will have a window half down and try to roll it up and it goes down. -I have also had several occurrences of my screens becoming in responsive or not even displaying. -My doors: my doors do not open on the initial attempt to exit or enter the vehicle and my passenger ... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
TIGUAN
(2016) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Oct 15, 2024
Incident date: Oct 14, 2024
Car starting giving an error that the “Front right side parking light is defective”.
Incident date: Sep 2, 2024
Because my instrument panel is alway illuminated, I was unaware that I was driving one night without my lights on. Now I know why I see more cars at night without their lights. Manufacturers need to fix this problem. Older cars would not turn on the panel lights if the headlights weren't on. You would think this would be an easy technology fix with since we have self driving cars now.
Incident date: Oct 12, 2024
My car has a problem with the FRM or foot control module the turn signal don’t work right, when putting the car in reverse the bulb will not work but it’s a brand new bulb, I know there is a recall for them 23V-337 but since my car has always been in Texas the recall doesn’t apply to it
NISSAN
PATHFINDER
(2010) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Oct 15, 2024
Incident date: Oct 15, 2024
Drivers side LED running light died - this issue has been all over the internet on 2021 Durango SXT Plus, and other Durango vehicles with LED bulbs. Bulbs themselves cannot be replaced - the entire housing must be, and the price is extreme for the product. This is a Dodge safety issue, not a personal one!
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
The digital dashboard lights automatically dim instead of brighten at night so I'm unable to see the speedometer and other instrumentation on the dashboard. I had my vehicle serviced during a recall for this and it fixed it but the problem has reoccurred. This is extremely dangerous because I cannot see the dashboard at night.
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
My 2018 Ram rear turn signals intermittently work. They can be working and the in the middle of a turn stop working. They may not work at all on any given day. They may work all day. Has been looked at. Not short in wiring, has good solid connection, just intermittent working
VOLKSWAGEN
ID.4
(2021) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Oct 14, 2024
Incident date: Oct 14, 2024
The steering wheel makes clicking and grinding noise. Steering wheel coupling may be broken. And sometimes head and interior lights turn on and off when I make turns
Incident date: Aug 21, 2024
After I engage the right turn signal and complete a right turn, it occasionally bounces the turn signal back too hard and then the "soft" (not fully clicked in) and lights up my left signal about three times. This has happened multiple times since we leased it in early September.
Incident date: Oct 12, 2024
Multiple problems since purchasing brand new 2024 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy Edition last November. Within the first 2 weeks we experienced electrical problems and the entire dashboard add monitor had to be replaced. 2nd- recall on the engine and was replaced, recall issued in February and was never notified, only found out in August when taken in for complimentary service oil change. 3rd- eng... Read more
Incident date: Jul 18, 2024
Vehicle have been parked for 5days and no power when returned to open door or start vehicle.No power on dash.Installed new battery,had it programmed to vehicle and started.1 month later and same issue again.No power,remote won't work either.
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2020) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Oct 13, 2024
Incident date: Jul 3, 2024
1. Both right and left headlights have a defect with visible obstructions to the naked eye. This issue causes a portion of the road to be blacked out while driving. I took the car back to the dealership and they claim the lights are designed as intended. The lights are obstructed or improperly installed from the manufacturer and are not responding properly. 2. When the high beams are activated, a... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
file:///var/mobile/Library/SMS/Attachments/00/00/8030235A-F1B0-40D7-BDF6-CAB347299F91/MC-10235412-0001.pdf Recall on lights should be added. Mine did this. Had it fixed
Incident date: Sep 17, 2024
Almost all cars next to me are unable to interpret my signal lights due to I) rear signal lights being so low and not at brake lint level, and ii) from signal lights being near the grill and not the corners. This is a huge problem when changing lanes. Same with the reverse light being only on the rear bumper level - it is common for pedestrians and cars to not notice that the car is about to reve... Read more
FORD
BRONCO SPORT
(2023) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Oct 12, 2024
Incident date: May 12, 2024
Left and right turn signal buttons located on the steering wheel intermittently does not work when pressed. I have taken my car to a Tesla service appointment on 10/11/24. There diagnostic system did not show an error and Tesla choose not to offer a repair or help of any kind. I feel unsafe driving my vehicle. Upon a google search, it appears I am not the only 2024 model 3 customer with this issue... Read more
Incident date: Sep 22, 2022
My license plate light has stopped working. It was replaced and still isn’t working. This reduces visibility and increases risk of a crash. This is in addition to the legal requirement to have an operating license plate light.
Incident date: Oct 9, 2024
Bought a used 17 durangoGT on July 29th 2024 notice a crack in tail light and told the used car manager about it and brushed it off now there is an issue with racetrack light and water is getting in and is now half lite the dealer said there isn’t a problem so took it to dodge and had a 2nd option and they said it was the crack and on top of that there is a class action lawsuit against dodge for... Read more
Incident date: Oct 4, 2024
Matrix adaptive headlights are not working. Night driving with increased adoption of LED headlights become challenging due to high glare level and associated temporary vision sensitivity reduction, I was hoping that matrix adaptive headlights will improve this (especially in states like Michigan where extra side light appreciates due to high amount of deers) but they are not working. Also, It puts... Read more
Incident date: Sep 25, 2024
i have had this truck 3 months and already had software problems and now I had to drive to Hammond LA after dark and the headlights were blinking, going up and down. I was passing an 18 wheeler and the light beam went up and i almost went under the 18 wheeler. God was with me for sure.. i have not received any info on the recall and went by the dealership where I bought it and they sAid I would ha... Read more
Incident date: Sep 6, 2024
Loss of dash display engine shuts down and no control of anything including steering very dangerous
MERCEDES-BENZ
E350
(2016) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Oct 11, 2024
Incident date: Oct 8, 2024
The closed recall of the brake light failing to illuminate has returned and I’m not sure of my future steps in getting it fixed. The Hyundai repair website mentions it as completed in 2014, when I did not have the car. At random, my driver tail light will not illuminate whilst braking. It has recurred repeatedly, so I’ve put the incident as the most recent time it happened.
Incident date: Oct 9, 2024
My car is always hesitating to go , sometimes it will slow considerably down and won’t go , and my engine lights pops on and starts flashing. I have to turn my car off and turn it back on. That’s very dangerous Ive almost been hit like that AND I HAVE TWO KIDS!!!!!
ENEL X
JUICEBOX LEVEL 2 CHARGER
(9999) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Oct 10, 2024
Incident date: Oct 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Subaru WRX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V522000 (Exterior Lighting). The contact stated that while reversing, the backup lights intermittently failed to illuminate. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact was informed that he had to pay the labor cost to have the recall repair performed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufa... Read more
CHEVROLET
TRAILBLAZER
(2022) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Oct 10, 2024
Incident date: Sep 16, 2024
The headlights on my 2015 Acura RDX have degraded so much that it is difficult to get proper visibility at night, and therefore, dangerous to drive at dark. The safety of myself and my passengers, as well as other drivers on the road, is at risk. New bulbs were installed within the last year, so it certainly isn't a bulb issue. The dealer has confirmed the issue of the housing/reflection degrad... Read more
Incident date: Oct 7, 2024
Front right side marker light defective warning on dash - request to include in Audi recall campaign 97CB (NHTSA campaign ID 16V642000)
Incident date: Oct 3, 2024
All exterior lights and interior lights are turned off while driving. Exterior “running” lights turn on by themself.
Incident date: Oct 3, 2024
Both of my tail lights have the water leaking problem that other 2017 Fortes were recalled for. My VIN was not on the list, but both of them have to be fixed at my expense and are burning out my tail light and turn signal bulbs prematurely because of the water condensed in them.
Incident date: Aug 9, 2024
When I make a right turn, after completing it, my left turn signal flashes three times. This is very confusing to other drivers around me and I’m concerned could cause an accident. This has been occurring since I purchased the vehicle. The dealership advised that the headlight flicker repair would likely fix it, but it did not.
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2024 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed at night, he observed the headlights flickering. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V673000 (Exterior Lighting... Read more
Incident date: May 29, 2024
[XXX] 2015 Honda CRV would not start, called AAA who determined battery needed to be replaced. AAA replaced battery on the spot upon purchase. [XXX] 2015 Honda CRV would not start, called AAA who determined battery was bad, needed to be replaced, AAA replaced with a AAA battery. Battery drain continued, exhausted the AAA road side allotment. 10/2023 Local Service Center checked battery and determ... Read more
CHEVROLET
TRAILBLAZER
(2024) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Oct 9, 2024
Incident date: Oct 5, 2024
The controls on the Windshield Wiper/Headlight Control Stalk are not visible when driving at night. The setting markings on the Control Stalk are completely dark at night. This creates a safety hazard when driving at night in the rain and turning on your windshield wipers or changing your headlight settings is needed.
Incident date: Oct 9, 2024
The backup camera malfunctioning, showing purple, blue and bright green colors on the screen that distorted the rear view when backing up the car. Thus, it is unsafe to trust the backup camera completely.
Incident date: Aug 19, 2023
The reverse lights are way too dim. You can barely see when backing up at night. Even the back up camera is so dim obstacles and pedestrians can not be seen. Common complain with other owners. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Incident date: Oct 8, 2024
My headlights are preventing me from passing motor vehicle inspection low beam are on doesn't look like their on so I have to drive with high beams and with that no one flashes me. Because all four are on but u can't tell if the low ones on it looks like I just have my parking lights on.
Incident date: Sep 25, 2024
This report pertains to the lighting system of the vehicle, specifically the parking light mode of the lighting system. When stopped at a dark, unlight turn out, with the engine turned off, I turned the head light control switch from "automatic" to the parking light position to ensure visibility of the vehicle to other drivers approaching/entering the turn out. I confirmed via reflection that the... Read more
Incident date: Oct 6, 2024
Headlights and wipers stopped simultaneously for 1 second
Incident date: Aug 1, 2020
HIGH BEAM LIGHTS FAILED ON, THE HI-LO BEAM SWITCH IN TURN, HAZARD, WIPER COMBO SWITCH LATER OVERHEATED, BURN UP, SMOKE IN CABIN CAUSING COMPLETE LOSS OF LAMPS, WIPERS AT NIGHT IN RAIN. CLEARLY A COMMON ISSUE BASED ON WEB. IF YOU ARE GOING TO SEND FULL LOAD CURRENT WITH NO CONTROL RELAYS FORCE A HIGHER STANDARD ON DESIGN MARGINS AND AND MTTF. YOU HAVE (4) HEAD LAMPS ON A CAR NO REASON A DESIGN SHOU... Read more
Incident date: Oct 7, 2024
When in auto-mode, the headlights randomly just turn off while driving which is a huge safety risk. This has been happening randomly every once in a while since at least 2021. It seems to be happening more often now. Also, the taillights are randomly turning on at night when the car is off.
Incident date: May 15, 2022
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Maverick. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V293000 (Exterior Lighting, Electrical System), and the software update was completed. After receiving the update, the contact stated that the instrument panel failed to display the starting messages and displayed the vehicles in many different systems. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who had c... Read more
Incident date: Oct 6, 2024
When car is locked the orange blinkers on front and red lights on rear bumper, orange color mirror indicators staying on/dimmed or flickering. This is lasting roughly 5.20 minutes. This is also happening when car is on charge and locked. Duration of the entire charge, these lights are staying on. While driving the car, blinkers do not work and relay sound clicking faster and message displays both... Read more
HYUNDAI
SANTA FE SPORT
(2017) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Oct 7, 2024
Incident date: Nov 1, 2018
Center overhead console had a catastrophic failure of the brackets holding it in place on the ceiling of the car. This resulted in the full console dangling from the ceiling of the car by wires only. This blocks driver view, the rear view mirror, and swings into driver and passenger headspace. Contacted the dealership and was told this is a common problem. There was no warning before this occu... Read more
Incident date: Oct 7, 2024
My family has 2 Ford SUVs. A 2017 ford escape and a 2018 Ford Flex. The 2017 Ford Escape started having an issue a couple years ago regarding moisture/water seeping into the tail lights/brake lights panels. Our cars have never had rear damage or hit anything that would cause them to be susceptible to water leaking in. It has to be something that happened over time. When you lift up the trunk gate,... Read more
Incident date: Aug 16, 2024
I bought a 2019 Lexus ES350 F Sport in October 2023 with 41,000 miles. Almost a year later to the day I went to a touchless car wash and now have excessive condensation in both headlights. Lexus shows these lights at $2500 a piece, plus labor to install. With modest investigating for a remedy I see I’m not alone in this predicament. Due to high cost of replacement I believe this warrants looking... Read more
Incident date: Sep 28, 2024
Daytime running lights burn out with no remedy with the exception of replacing entire headlight assembly. Safety is impacted as DRL's are needed in places that my work is conducted.
Incident date: Aug 8, 2024
Headlights blinking on and off all the time. supposedly parts or on back order with no time line.
VOLKSWAGEN
TIGUAN
(2016) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Oct 6, 2024
Incident date: Jan 1, 2023
I JUST BOUGHT THIS USED 2020 JEEP COMPASS 2 OCTOBER 2024. LOTS OF WATER IN PASSENGER SIDE REAR REVERSE LIGHT ASSEMBLY, PART NUMBER 68517558AA. IT DOES NOT EVAPORATE OR DISAPPEAR, THE WATER IS ALWAYS INSIDE THE LIGHT ASSEMBLY PART NUMBER 68517558AA.
Incident date: Apr 16, 2021
The auto dimming feature on headlights fails to function. When the high beams are in use, they will not dim when approaching an oncoming vehicle. Conversely, when they are on low beam, they do not switch to high beam setting when it is totally dark outside and no cars are approaching. This fault was not disclosed during initial test drive and the dealerships only explanation is that they are so... Read more
TOYOTA
HIGHLANDER
(2018) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Oct 6, 2024
Incident date: Aug 20, 2024
Low beam headlamps becoming to dim to safely see at night resulting in having to replace entire headlamp Replacing bulb made no difference
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
When regenerative braking is active brake lights do not turn on causing vehicles behind you to come extremely close. The vehicle has extremely strong regenerative breaking. That should activate the brake lights.
Crash
Incident date: Oct 4, 2024
Headlights flicker on and off