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: Jul 23, 2024
Head lights dim; can barely see at night.
Incident date: Aug 10, 2024
On multiple occasions the electrical system of my car has gone completely haywire. Various error messages display on the dash referencing problems with almost all car systems including: high voltage battery warning, reduced acceleration, power steering failure, and others. These error message occur in conjunction with the display screens flickering, all the fixed dash warning lights coming on, and... Read more
Incident date: Jul 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2024 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the headlights were flickering. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V673000 (Exterior Lighting); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 17, 2024
The low beam lights on the vehicle are almost non-existent. You have to use high beams for visibility which of course comes with the risk of blinding other drivers. I’ve replaced the headlight housing and still the lighting is poor. I don’t understand why these vehicles weren’t part of a recall after the class action lawsuit showed the lighting to be faulty. This is a serious safety hazard.
Incident date: Aug 24, 2024
7 years after buying the car, the headlights went out with no warning. They were replaced at the dealership. 2 years after replacing the bulbs, the headlights became dim and create a major safety risk driving on roads at night, as brights must be used to see. No warnings have been received through the car and the dealership is able to reproduce the issue.
Incident date: Sep 24, 2024
The turn signal is activating in the opposite direction. After completing a 90 degree right hand turn, when the turn signal deactivates it will turn on the left turn indicator for 3-5 seconds. This only happens when making right hand turns and I have been able to replicate it on multiple occasions. My concern is that other people will see the indicator and assume that I intend to change lanes ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 22, 2024
The main display of the vehicle which shows Speed, Range, Blind Spot Cameras, etc - essentally all the critical vehicle information needed to drive - goes blank randomly. While the vehicle is driveable during this time, the driver does not know their speed, range, any other alerts/warnings that would typically be shown on the guage screen (including seatbelt warnings, mechanical failure warnings ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 25, 2024
The component of the vehicle is the passenger headlight. The vehicle is available for inspection at any time.I was unable to see at night clearly with the use of only one headlight because the other headlight went out. At the time that the headlight went out I was on a 2 Lane Rd. with no street lights and it became very dark and difficult to see.The defect has been confirmed at a Nissan dealershi... Read more
Incident date: Sep 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at night, the front passenger’s side low-beam headlight failed to illuminate as needed. The contact stated that while activating the high-beam headlights, the driver’s side high-beam headlight failed to illuminate as needed. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who determined that the driver’s and passenger’s si... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
I went to replace my low beam and high beam bulbs on the passenger side and found that the wiring for the low beam had 0 insulation on it and I installed the new high beam bulb and the wires starting arcing causing the car to turn off the high beams and start smoking from the headlight assembly.
Incident date: Jun 24, 2024
2019 Volvo S60 headlamp system malfunction alert headlights/foglights to blink or turn off when turning the vehicle at night. I keep my headlights on auto so they are on during the day and I have only seen the error at night
Incident date: Jun 1, 2017
The contact owns a 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis. The contact stated while attempting to pull out of the parking lot, the headlights and the taillights became inoperable. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V861000 (Exterior Lighting). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000.
Incident date: Sep 1, 2024
On 06/13/24, milage 61023, I experienced a failure in Left Tail Light. There was no damage to the housing unit, ie a crack in the lighting unit, but I was advised that the entire housing unit needed to be replaced as there was water in the housing unit that corroded the light socket for the led light. The repair was $470.00 for parts and $100 in labor subtotal $570.00 before tax and a dealer dis... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2019) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Sep 23, 2024
Incident date: Sep 21, 2024
On September 20, 2024, both low beam headlights stopped working while driving at night. High beams continued to work. This same problem happened about a year ago. At that time, a heavier duty wiring harness was changed to correct the problem. The problem has returned. We are in the process of getting this issue looked at.
Incident date: Sep 23, 2016
Rear high mount brake light is loose allowing water to leak I. And around the electrical connections, rear speakers in vehicle have moisture around them, potentially causingin a short and fire hazard
Incident date: Aug 23, 2024
On Friday, September 13, 2024, without warning, the instrument panel that shows the speed of the car (and left and right turn signals), turned off and went black (blank), while I was driving my brand new Buick, Envista. It was less than three months old at the time. The car’s mileage was at about 1,000 miles. I did not know what speed my car was going, other than by watching cars around me. I di... Read more
Incident date: Sep 23, 2024
Front head light flickering
Incident date: Sep 20, 2024
Light bars are blinding drivers. There needs to be some regulation. Drivers are already blinded by headlights but the light bars are exponentially more dangerous. Please consider making these illegal. Please help drivers navigate roads without being blinded. Review on Facebook to find comments by drivers who have been placed in the dangerous position of not being able to see while driving. Thank y... Read more
Incident date: Sep 16, 2024
My safety & the safety of others was at great risk while driving my 2018 dodge charger sxt. While driving my dashboard lights went completely dark and the steering wheel locked. I was unable to move out of lanes threatening my life and the life of others around me. Independent mechanic put scanner in my car days later and code that appeared was “U0100 Lost Communication With ECM/PCM” I looked ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 11, 2023
Experiencing an issue with rear turn signal not functioning properly. Replaced bulb but problem not resolved. Checked internet to find others are experiencing issue with part melting causing bulb socket to loose connectivity causing the problem. Serious safety concern by my standards. Wife’s vehicle and she is constantly getting the finger and angry drivers behind honking and screaming at her.
CHRYSLER
PACIFICA PLUG-IN HYBRID
(2022) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Sep 22, 2024
Incident date: Sep 22, 2024
Without any previous warning signs or issues, the dashboard screen went blank. I was unable to see my speed, or use my signals and wipers. I tried turning the car on and off and it still wasn’t fixed. I was able to drive the car home and my infotainment system still operated but the screen with the important info is broken.
Incident date: Feb 13, 2024
Within last two years I've been dealing with random and intermittent headlight flickering/turning off when the light stalk switch is in AUTO mode. Also, the cabin lights flicker and turn off at the same time when headlights do. It is very dangerous when it happens during night driving. Luckily problem can be overridden by switching the stalk to ON modes and the interior cluster lights and headligh... Read more
Incident date: Nov 8, 2023
When headlights are in auto mode, use of the turn signal can result in the headlights flickering or shutting off completely. This is not the result of hitting the light mode switch but rather an electrical short occurring in the stalk. The problem is particularly dangerous at night when signaling for an upcoming turn and loss of all vehicle lighting occurs. The problem has not been reproduced by ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 20, 2024
We purchased the vehicle used showing 102,445 Miles on 5/24/24 and did not drive it at night until a few days ago. At that time we noticed the low bean projector headlights were bearly visible. Upon further research we found that this is a common safety defect on virtually all RDX models from 2006 on using Halogen Projector lighting & relates to bad reflector design. Upon contacting Acura / Honda... Read more
Incident date: Aug 17, 2024
The rear brake lights allow moisture inside the brake lenses.
Incident date: Sep 21, 2024
Headlights fill with condensation and cause short circuit and headlight and turn signal malfunction. Headlights fill with condensation and moisture even on sunny summer days. No warnings prior to headlights and turn signals malfunctioning. BMW says to drive with headlights on to dispel condensation but the headlights produce no heat to do so and do not illuminate because circuits are damp and no... Read more
Incident date: Sep 21, 2024
My headlights become unseeable at times, its difficult to see the road. My cruise control has got stuck and at one point accelerated on its own, and my 3rd row seats have no seat belt buckles. No one has confirmed my vehicle. There has been some recalls.
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2012) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Sep 20, 2024
Incident date: Sep 12, 2024
"front left" or "front right" "side marker light defective" message
PIRELLI
SCORPION VERDE AT
(9999) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Sep 20, 2024
Incident date: Sep 18, 2024
It’s not a one time experience, it’s all the time. But I feel, and many, many other people (owners of the same car and other car enthusiasts agree) that the rear turn signals on the 2024 BMW X5 are not sufficient enough. I do not feel the illuminate properly and it seems as though they are malfunctioning when in use. BMW started using the sequential fading turn signals, which I don’t like, b... Read more
Incident date: Sep 20, 2024
See attached document for complaint.
TOYOTA
COROLLA MATRIX
(2005) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Sep 20, 2024
Incident date: Feb 11, 2023
The brakes fight and lock from time to time. The steering will get a tug like a car is in front of me. The engine has a weird tug before pulling of and switching gears.when I pull off while turning the car feels like it completely losses power!?
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2020) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Sep 19, 2024
Incident date: Sep 19, 2024
Headlight Flicker when they are on
Incident date: Sep 4, 2024
What system component failed or malfunctioned? Is it available for inspection upon request? The car boards are left inoperative. If the entire car loses power Don't grab the car How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? I'm driving down the road and suddenly the car no longer works. It doesn't start and the drivers behind me have to avoid me. On many occasions I have had to leave... Read more
Incident date: Sep 9, 2024
Low visibility and dark (shadowy) spots on road surface when low beam LED lights are on, and you’re driving on a dark rural road. The cutoff of the visual field is uneven, with a shorter visual field and dark spots on driver side. Got the car on August 17th. I didn’t drive it at night until the morning of September 5th. That’s when I noticed the problem with the lights. Took car to Subaru d... Read more
Incident date: Feb 15, 2024
The EATON Power Distribution Modual P\N A66-05172-00 (S\N 18108065) in my motorhome was in a recall associated with the failed rear tail lights, rear turn signals, brack lights, running lights and failure of towed vehicle lights plug. The modual was repaired as a result of the recall and was working properly. The repaired Modual failed again in less than 1000 miles driven resulting in no passenge... Read more
Incident date: Sep 16, 2024
I have had ongoing electrical issues with my 2017 Kia Niro. First, the back passenger (driver side window) was working intermittently. The back windows from the day I bought the car brand new are rarely used, but when it was used for the 3rd or 4th time I had already gone over the miles where it would have been covered. The dealership was going to charge me almost $300, so I never fixed it. I ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 18, 2024
In 2020 my RDX headlights seemed to be losing it's ability to illuminate the roadway. It continued to become worse until today, it has become so dim that it does not provide the illumination required to be street legal. No matter what I did, replacing the headlamp bulbs to polishing the oxidation from the lens, the illumination become better. I finally was told by a Acura dealership that the pr... Read more
HYUNDAI
SANTA FE HYBRID
(2024) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Sep 16, 2024
Incident date: Aug 29, 2024
The front exterior low beam bulbs / wiring harness keeps burning out. I have replaced them twice already and they have blown again. What is going on already a headache just to even get to the headlights, now have to spend MORE money to repair.
Incident date: Sep 13, 2024
These low beam headlights have been becoming dimmer and dimmer over the last couple of years. I have had it in for service and had bulbs replaced ... I requested LEDS but they said it could not be done. From online forums I understand there may be a delaminating problem inside the light unit as a result of heat from the bulb ... or perhaps damage to bulb housing for the same reason. I CANNOT drive... Read more
Incident date: Aug 15, 2024
When in "auto" mode for headlights, the lights occasionally turn off while driving. I have to switch to "on" to get them to work again. Very dangerous obviously. Also, sometime the lights do not turn off, or turn on in the middle of the night when the vehicle is parked. Again, this is while in "auto" mode.
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2017) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Sep 16, 2024
Incident date: Sep 12, 2024
Back in March 2024 I had a tow beam stock replaced to the car. Couple of months after this check engine light started coming on until it stayed on. Took SUV to mechanic shop in July 2024, and they informed of a r&r knock senor needing to be replace. A couple days after this had to go back as check engine light was back on. they informed of needing to replace a wire harness. It wasn't a week after ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 16, 2024
Car is not starting when sitting over night or parked at a lot. Windows will not roll down. Blinkers will not work. Difficulty when transporting my special needs child places as it is difficulty when car will not function as it should. Near accidents have almost occurred due to blinkers not working. I have been told by two different mechanics after diagnostic that the Foot Wheel Module is th... Read more
FORD
F-150 LIGHTNING BEV
(2023) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Sep 15, 2024
Incident date: Sep 14, 2024
The daytime running light on the drivers side went out mind you the car only has 65000 miles on it and appears to be an ongoing issue with this vehicle upon research.
Incident date: Jul 6, 2024
The SRH headlight system has a Dark square at the top of each side light pattern that is extremely distracting to the driver. As the vehicle is in motion and the headlights are moving back and forth due to steering inputs the dark spots appear almost as if an animal or object is running out in front of you. This constantly moving distraction is an accident waiting to happen
EVENFLO
GOLD REVOLVE360 EXTEND
(9999) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Sep 15, 2024
Incident date: Aug 7, 2024
When the daytime running lights are on in normal conditions, the instrument panel little green headlight indicator does not illuminate. But in low light conditions such as the thunderstorms we get here in Florida very often, or at dusk as the ambient light starts to lessen, the instrument panel headlight indicator will illuminate if the daytime running lights are on and only they are on. So, I hav... Read more
Incident date: Aug 23, 2024
After getting HECU recall done , it has caused issues with the HECU module to where the brake lights no longer work and the ESC light comes on the cluster panel. Up on reading the code C2130, it says Brake lamp relay error. Mind you that my car was in working order before this recall was even done. This a huge safety issue not having your brake lights work. I can get rear-ended and i have kids in ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 22, 2024
1) The valve body-electrical 2) my car stopped in the middle of the road the while driving with my kids. When I placed car in park it would not go back in drive, but the dash kept blinking that the car was in drive. The issue prevented me from turning the car off so i had to unplug the battery to ensure the battery wouldnt die. 3)The problem has been confirmed by a dealer 4) Vehicle hasnt been ... Read more
CHRYSLER
TOWN AND COUNTRY
(2016) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Sep 14, 2024
Incident date: Sep 14, 2024
My 2015 Acura RDX headlights are so dim that I can barely see the road ahead of me. Also, when using the low beams only, cars are flashing at me thinking I don't have my headlights on. I always use the "auto" setting on the headlight control pendant. Then I'm forced to drive with my brights on which causes other cars to flash their brights at me and may be presenting a safety issue for them to see... Read more
Incident date: Sep 14, 2024
Unknown. Stress cracks on my tail light started to appear. I have asked others in the Mustang community and quite a few have reported the same cracks except they’ve had water getting inside the tail light. I have taken it to the dealer but have been told I caused it with no visible impact and even the service advisors stating there isn’t any sign of damage from myself or someone else. I have c... Read more
Incident date: Sep 12, 2024
Overnight my electrical system went from working perfectly to not at all. I couldn’t unlock my car using the fob or the unlock button on the driver door and had to manually access the inside of the vehicle. When inside, no lights of any kind were on, the welcome screen was black, and no dinging that typically happens when the driver door is open. When I attempted to start my vehicle (I have a ph... Read more