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 13, 2024
The audio suddenly stops and my turn signals also stop working. When this happens when I'm in traffic, this is very frightening because I cannot signal lane changes or turns. Turning off the ignition and restarting the car always fixes the turn signals but only sometimes fixes the audio. It usually takes several restarts before the audio works. When in the failed condition with no audio and no ... Read more
FORD
BRONCO SPORT
(2021) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Oct 5, 2024
Incident date: Sep 25, 2024
The audio suddenly stops and my turn signals also stop working. When this happens when I'm in traffic, this is very frightening because I cannot signal lane changes or turns. Turning off the ignition and restarting the car always fixes the turn signals but only sometimes fixes the audio. It usually takes several restarts before the audio works. When in the failed condition with no audio and no ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 22, 2024
when purchased from dealer . was told there were no recalls. Called Volkswagen america. said they would fix soon. no repair aviable. Car is unsafe.
Incident date: Oct 5, 2024
My 7 year old car now display the below error and Audi says it will cost $6000 to fix this. $6K to fix a broken light is unacceptable especially because it is a known issue. Audi recall campaign 97CB (NHTSA campaign ID 16V642000) addresses this exact issue.
Incident date: Jan 10, 2024
My 2017 Audi Q7 is reporting a "front right side marker light defective" message. This happened after the car was brought into the dealer. The light is functional according to the dealer and visual inspection but I was told this is a nuisance error message. The dealer said even though it is working fine, I can pay $4,000 to have the light replaced to make the message go away. Or the other option i... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
Vehicle only has 18000 mile, and is garaged. The third brake light has failed. In reviewing this on line, it appears to be a common problem. No reason for just a simple device to fail prematurely due a lack of durability testing that is available. This is a safety issue in a world of bad drivers out there.
VOLKSWAGEN
ID.4
(2021) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Oct 4, 2024
Incident date: May 15, 2024
The instrument panel suddenly went out without warning while driving for no known reason. I was unaware of my speed, gas gauge, oil level, etc. and had to return home. I took it to a mechanic who called the dealership. They said it would be $1700 just for the replacement instrument panel. A quick internet search shows that this is common among Honda HRVs and other similar models. Apparently t... Read more
Incident date: May 2, 2024
The low beam headlights are so dim and weak it is unsafe to drive. I have read where Acura rdx years 2012-2015 have a lot of reports of this problem. I understand Honda has recalled another style of Acura in same time years but not acknowledged this. I have used brand name headlight restoration kit and paid to replace the headlight bulbs(low beam) but there is no improvment This is very unsafe ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 16, 2024
The touchscreen started flashing off and on and the dash lights also turn off and on. The lane assist and fuel warning pop up even when there is ample fuel. The blinkers do not respond when it is glitching and the high beam/ low beam light disappears on the dash. I have taken it to the dealer twice and they said their were multiple codes triggered in the touch screen/radio and they cleared the cod... Read more
CASTLE ROCK
RADIAL ST RADIAL 226
(9999) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Oct 4, 2024
Incident date: Aug 28, 2024
Headlights staying dim to the point of not being able to see after dark even after replacing the headlights
Incident date: Apr 4, 2024
The headlights intermittently turn off when driving at night. Usually it’s related to using the turn signal, but sometimes it does it completely on its own. Puts others and self at risk as driving down remote roads in the dark and lights cutting out for several seconds can be deadly. Dealer claims they cannot replicate after having the car for nearly 13 weeks total. (7 weeks first time, did not ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 4, 2024
Luz de faros delanteros poca vicibilidad
Incident date: Sep 27, 2024
While driving at night in the rain. The front windshield wipers paused in an upright position for 3-5 seconds and all exterior illumination/lighting went out. They all came back momentarily.
Incident date: Oct 3, 2024
Vehicle is equipped with auto dimming headlights. The system is way too sensitive and dims headlights on reflected road signs and distant street lights. Honda says it is working properly. It is basically worthless and very distracting because when driving through a neighborhood with no other cars around it dims and brightens constantly. Honda says there is no way to adjust sensitivity! Previo... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2021) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Oct 3, 2024
Incident date: Sep 6, 2024
The DRL on the 2021 F150 Quad Beam headlights burn out continuously. Ford needs to step up and fix this issue. This issue is a safety matter.
Incident date: May 20, 2024
Headlight Daytime running lights burn out.
Incident date: Jul 9, 2024
For the second time in a week, the instrument panel went completely blank. This meant it was not possible to see speed, etc. The multimedia display panel in the center of the dash continued to work fine. The first time this happened last week, the problem resolved itself after the vehicle was turned off for 2 hours. Many others have reported this problem over the past month here: [XXX] I have ha... Read more
Incident date: Sep 3, 2024
At night, the light sensors cause the GPS map screen to flash from dark mode to bright white screen when passing under street lights. Car is available for inspection. This is a safety factor in that the bright white lights flashing in the driver's eyes in the dark is very dangerous and distracting. The safety of my passengers, myself and surrounding vehicles was put at risk when driving in the da... Read more
Incident date: Aug 31, 2023
The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Prius Prime. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH with the headlights activated, the low-beam headlights were not providing adequate illumination to light the sides of the roadway properly. The contact stated that shadows were projected to the side of the road from the headlights. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determin... Read more
Incident date: Jul 17, 2024
The daytime running lights started to begin to fail around August of 2023. As of today(10/3/2024) the passenger side has completely failed around the headlight assembly and the driver side has only failed along the vertical strip of the headlight assembly.
Incident date: Sep 15, 2024
Passenger Daytime Running Light went out on me. Happened to other 2021-2024 Ford F150’s too. Hazardous to others due to confusion of lighting. No warnings at all.
Incident date: Aug 15, 2024
While I was driving at night, my headlights would turn completely off. Sometimes it would happen when I turned my blinkers on, sometimes when switching from high to low beam, and sometimes totally randomly. Lights were set to AUTO at the time. It’s been extremely dangerous because most of the time I’ve been driving on dark county roads. Have not taken it to a shop yet was trying to self diagno... Read more
HONDA
ACCORD HYBRID
(2024) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Oct 3, 2024
Incident date: Sep 3, 2024
Factory LED day light running lamps on driver and passenger head lights went out and there is no way to replace them without changing out the entire headlight assembly.
Incident date: Oct 3, 2024
The vehicle was sold to me by “Buffalo Auto Sales 2 at 3012 Spencer Hwy Pasadena, TX 77504 on [XXX]. They violated the DTPA and all employees failed to disclose the vehicle had dozens of major safety issues with two open safety recalls. These safety issues include Major ABS issues and failures, Power Steering/drivetrain, front end passenger wheel & both rear end wheel failures within the mechani... Read more
Incident date: Sep 30, 2024
The car starts but within a few second, the dashboard starts flashing with all of the warning lights and sounds. The speedometer and RPM needles move up and down frantically. I can drive the car, but I cannot tell at what speed I am going and if I put a turning signal I am not always able to stop it from flashing. Mini service found that the fuse box part # Main Fuse Box – Mini (61-35-9-813-622)... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
I purchased my 2015 Acura RDX in October of 202o. At about 90K miles, two years later, the Low-Beam headlights started getting dimmer and it is now 4 years into owning the vehicle and literally impossible to see at night. It is not the lens clouding over, nor is it the bulbs which have been replaced a couple times now. Looking online I see that there is a problem with the reflective coating on the... Read more
HONDA
CIVIC HATCHBACK
(2018) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Oct 2, 2024
Incident date: Apr 2, 2024
The headlights dim and the cars can't be driven at night. It's a well documented issue.
Incident date: Oct 2, 2022
I have problem with rear window light water leak. This light has water leak and I have a lot of water after each rain. Many of my things were destroyed because of this. I know RAM has reacalls for this huge problem, but they denied to fix my car, because there is no this recall under my VIN. But I read a lot of comments on RAM forums and many people complaining about this issue. I also saw that so... Read more
HONDA
CLARITY PLUG-IN HYBRID
(2018) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Oct 2, 2024
Incident date: Apr 15, 2023
Right daytime running light went out around 60k miles.
MERCEDES-BENZ
GLS 450
(2023) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Oct 2, 2024
Incident date: Oct 2, 2024
Transmission failure along with over heating an also grounding wire issues dash lights flickering along with headlights, and truck shutting off while driving loosing power steering!!!!
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
Dear National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, I am writing to express my frustration with the ongoing issues with my Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport. Despite repeated repair efforts, the situation has become unsustainable. As a one-car household, visiting the dealership multiple times a month is both financially and personally stressful. While the service department has been excellent in try... Read more
Incident date: Jul 17, 2024
Several times I have experienced intermittent operation of the rear view camera system and rear brake light operation on my vehicle while reversing. The issue has occured about 10 times in the last year or so. The issue seems to be the same as symptoms as FCA US recall 77B, but my VIN number apparently does not fall under that recall despite being the same model, which I think is a mistake.
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
I keep getting a "Front right side marker light defective." error. There is nothing wrong with the lamp but Audi wants to charge $4,000 to fix. This appears to be happening to other Q7 owners so I am reporting.
Incident date: Sep 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2003 Infiniti G35. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 03V200000 (Exterior Lighting); 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. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact was informed that the parts needed for the recall... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
My headlights are dim and this started happening about 3 years ago when my car 7-years-old. I have to use my brights to drive at night. The Ron Tonkin Acura of Portland, OR told me the projectors are bad and that both headlights need to be placed for $2000. This is luxury vehicle and this situation is ridiculous. This needs to be a recall. Others have complained online about the same issue.
Incident date: Sep 17, 2024
The low beams on my 2014 Cadillac SRX are useless at night and dangerous. They are not bright enough to illuminate the road. The car cannot be driven at night unless using the high beams. The problem, as I understand it, is that the coating within the headlight assembly degrades over time due to heat. Hundreds of Cadillac owners have complained of this safety issue to Cadillac and the NHTSA, yet n... Read more
Incident date: Sep 2, 2024
Headlights are dim making driving unsafe after sunset. Even after replacing the bulb with OEM bulbs the headlight housing the fixture remains very dim forcing the driver to use high beams at after sunset.
Incident date: Sep 23, 2024
VIN: [XXX] NHTSA recall number: 23V41800 Manufacturer recall number: 23S30 My car has a current NHTSA, I have scheduled over 5 appointments to have Ford address the reverse lightbar replaced. And all 5 appointments have been unsuccessful at replacing the light since [XXX]. It is now October 2024, over 17 months since the NHTSA recall from June 2023. As of the date of this letter, my next app... Read more
Incident date: Jun 15, 2024
My brake lights are constantly needing replaced. Sometimes they stay on even when I'm not braking, other times they won't come on at all when I brake. I've gotten them replaced many times but it doesn't seem to fix the problem. I've almost gotten rear ended 3 times now bc my lights have failed to come on when hitting the brakes.
Incident date: Oct 4, 2021
Driving at night the headlights are dim and it's difficult to see. I have read online this is a very common issue with this make and model. Bulb replacement did not fix the issue, the low beam lights are dangerously low. When it is difficult to see it makes driving dangerous. The dealership confirmed this is a common complaint amongst customers. It has not yet been inspected by the dealership, tho... Read more
Incident date: Sep 29, 2024
I can not see at night. I have replaced the bulbs several times, and tried the most expensive bulbs. Nothing helps. You can only see with the high beams on, and that’s not safe for other drivers
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2020) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Sep 30, 2024
Incident date: Sep 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the headlights became inoperable. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that neither the VIN nor the vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V861000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 13,000.
Incident date: Sep 30, 2024
My 2014 RDX has defective headlights and Acura Honda will not address it. They say the headlight assembly is ok, but the lights are too dim to drive in darkness. Acura Honda customer service headquarters offers no solution. There is much online information about this defect. Acura Honda should be required to address this safety hazard expeditiously.
Incident date: Jun 17, 2024
The driver side seat belt wont click and stay in almost half the time i drive my car… after reading other complaints its looking like this is a common thing. Within the past year ive noticed lots of times that when im going to lock my car with my fob, it wont lock and its because the passenger side lock button on the inside of door is in a stuck between lock/unlock position… resulting in me ha... Read more
Incident date: Sep 27, 2024
The starter has been replaced 3 times in the last 2 years. I know this is a hyundai problem because talking to other Hyundai owners have the same issue.
FORD
BRONCO SPORT
(2021) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Sep 29, 2024
Incident date: Aug 8, 2024
The high and low beams quit working while driving at night. This caused safety issue for myself and other drivers. Fuses good and bulbs good. Have seen multiple listings online about the same thing happening to other owners.
Incident date: May 10, 2024
Vehicle enters "Deep Sleep" mode NEARY EVERY DAY and all 12 volt systems such as lighting are not useable. Vehicle will NOT START sometimes when Deep Sleep mode occurs. No matter how much we charge the 12v battery, this deep sleep issue will return within 1 day. Dealer has not fixed this issue after "supposedly" checking it out on a few visits to Livermore Ford Dealership. It has now been over 2 1... Read more
Incident date: Sep 26, 2024
The Sun roof is leaking into the cabin through the overhead control panel and the driver door.
Incident date: Jul 27, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Edge. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the exterior light housing assemblies were filled with water. The contact stated that the lights became inoperable. The vehicle was not taken to the local dealer nor independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified on the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 50,000.
Incident date: May 15, 2024
I am filing a complaint regarding an electrical fire in the junction box of my 2017 Chevy Silverado 1500. The issue began when the front passenger side marker light would not turn off. I disconnected the battery overnight to troubleshoot the problem. However, when I reconnected the battery the next morning, an electrical fire occurred in the fuse junction box under the hood. At the same time, the ... Read more
Fire