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: Nov 22, 2020
Infotainment center glitching while driving, Restarting as if the car was just started. Attempted to resolve with KIA after ongoing issues but they do not feel that this is a safety concern or feel it needs to be investigated appropriately. This occurs when driving typically on the highway because most of my travel is highway. When this occurs it is a distraction for the driver. It interferes w... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 2500
(2021) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jul 16, 2024
Incident date: Sep 1, 2023
Steering column module is intermittently not working as intended, therefore the blinkers will sometimes not work causing it to be a safety concern if I can not signal where I am going. When looking this issue up online I have seen numerous different forums and posts where people have had the same issue. When I took my vehicle to the dealership they had told me that this is very common with the veh... Read more
FORD
BRONCO SPORT
(2021) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jul 16, 2024
Incident date: Jul 16, 2024
DRL on headlamp vertical line shutoff on passenger side headlight assembly.
Incident date: May 24, 2024
I am dealing with ford on two brand new mustangs. That are both failing electrically and they claim they have fixed yet haven’t and still exhibiting gross safety concerns. This is simply large scale negligence. Both Mustangs screens have and are randomly blacking out creating massive safety concern when no guages or functions are present. I’ve contacted them and a.... Read more
Incident date: Mar 6, 2024
Automatic high beams do not dim consistently when approaching oncoming traffic. Honda has tried twice to fix the problem but it persists. They said they have no fix and I just have to turn off that feature. I have video that is available on YouTube. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2018) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jul 15, 2024
Incident date: Jan 2, 2023
Running lights (under headlight) went out before 60k Multiple vehicle report same problem
Incident date: Sep 1, 2023
The dim lights prevent clear visibility when driving. I inquired with my local Acura dealership about a solution. I was told that dim headlights on this model are a known issue. They stated that it relates back to the reflectivity inside the the light assembly and the only solution would be to replace the entire assembly on both sides. The only effective remedy I have found to see at night is to k... Read more
Incident date: May 25, 2024
When the vehicle light position is on Off at night the daytime running lights on the front of the vehicle come on which appear to be the same as the normal headlights, but the back lights are completely out. The brake lights work, but the back tail lights and licence plate light are out. The car's light switch is on the turn signal arm and can be moved inadvertently when using the turn signal. ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 13, 2024
Brake lights keep failing after three months, have gone through multiple bulbs and harnesses. Right side will blow and then it switches to the left side.
CHRYSLER
TOWN AND COUNTRY
(2016) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jul 13, 2024
Incident date: Nov 21, 2022
The top brake light bar on the wing over the trunk consistently fails. I have had to replace almost yearly. Water gets into the light bar causing the LEDs to short out and fail. This makes my brake activity difficult to see for truckers and other tall cars. This is certainly a design defect that water should get in do easily. In regards to dates, the lamp fails annually.
Incident date: Jul 8, 2024
Electrical problem causing the passenger side low beam to keep burning out. Fourth time in one year. Vehicle is available for inspection upon request. This issue causes a safety concern because you can be driving down the highway at night and all of a sudden you have no headlight.
Incident date: Jul 7, 2024
A flash from the right headlight had occured. I thought it was the bulb, but turns out the ballist was shorted out. I removed the assembly from the vehicle to change the ballist and because I want to also change the lens on the assembly. When I got the old lens off, I found most of the wiring has heat distress, causing the casings to flake off. I have photos of this issue. The headlights are ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2024
Low beam headlights have become so dim that they are unsafe at night and provide insufficient lighting. Bulbs have been replaced but am now told by the dealership this is a potential defect with this model where the reflective housing deteriorates and requires a full replacement of the headlight assembly.
Incident date: Jun 16, 2024
This is on a motorcycle: The right hand turn signal/License plate vibrated off. July 5, 2024 I had just got back from my girlfriend’s house and I had planned on riding the bike to her house on Sunday. But, now the bike is un-rideable because the left side turn single and plate are precariously hanging towards the rear tire and drive area.
Incident date: Apr 1, 2024
Interior Lights Activation: During nighttime driving, the interior lights of the vehicle come on unexpectedly. Interior Light Activation is distracting and can be perceived as improper vehicle operation, potentially leading to a risk of being pulled over by law enforcement. Power Loss and Vehicle Shutdown: On July 2, 2024, while driving, the vehicle experienced a sudden loss of power and stopped ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 11, 2024
The headlights keep burning out, alternating from driver’s side to passenger’s side. The bulbs burn out about every three months but have burnt out in as little as 1 month (same bulbs). A search on the Internet shows numerous persons having the same problem with their Ford Escapes.
Incident date: Jul 1, 2024
One of my daytime running lights is out at 50k miles, thinking it was a simple solution I reached out to dealership and have been informed that the entire headlight needs to be replaced at a cost of $2k. Sound unreasonable considering this car is not old, and the way it has been built in makes it impossible to DIY. More than anything from research online it sounds like it is a common issue in Atla... Read more
Incident date: May 30, 2024
This has happened a few times the first time i was driving and the headlights flicked on and off on the dash it showed it switched from auto to off by its self it has done that a few times. The time that i was driving on the highway and the lights when out during the night i was driving 65mph over a pass with no warning I had to turn them on because they did not come back on by them self. I co... Read more
Incident date: Apr 20, 2024
This is a long term rental truck, 2024 Isuzu FTR, and not owned by me. The headlights are too bright. Other drivers flash me thinking I have the brights on but they are the regular headlights. My wife was driving in front of me in a car and almost crashed because she said my headlights are too bright and blinded her. The dealer said they are aimed correct and are just bright. The truck is bra... Read more
HYUNDAI
SANTA FE SPORT
(2013) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jul 10, 2024
Incident date: Jul 10, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds at night, the headlight illumination was inadequate. The contact used the high-beam headlights while driving at night. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V137000 (Exterior Lighting). The vehicle was repai... Read more
Incident date: Jun 14, 2024
Headlights are flickering and blinking intermittently along with the green headlight indicator blinking in gauge cluster. Seems like the automatic headlight sensor is unable to detect outer darkness level and fails to keep headlights on or off. Issue happens in sunny and partially cloudy days after the car exposed to sun for 5-10 minutes depending on the strenght of sunlight. This seriously confus... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
TIGUAN
(2022) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jul 10, 2024
Incident date: Apr 11, 2022
The turn signals rapidly flicker on & off when the CRV is parked, engine off and continued off for hours. The turn signals flicker intermittently all night every night. I informed American Honda and Headquarter Honda in Clermont, FL the symptoms exactly mirrored the symptoms of a known questionable Body Control Module that is used throughout their product line up and involved in a huge existing ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 15, 2024
The wiring for the headlights is too thin from the factory and often burns out the socket that holds the bulbs.
Incident date: Apr 18, 2024
Repeated warning messages that the daytime running lights are unavailable
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
Turn signal is not cancelling after turning. Brough vehicle back to dealership and they did not have the part to fix it and never called me back. Looked in the NHTSA recall listing and saw that issues with turn signals have been previously reported under 23V799000. What can I do?
Incident date: Jul 6, 2024
The infotainment screen goes out randomly while driving and can stay off for the entirety of the trip. That includes the speedometer, check engine light, fuel gauge, etc.
Incident date: Jul 5, 2024
Extremely poor rear camera quality at night. Common complaint on GMC and Chevy 2023/2024 models. Unsafe to reverse at night due to poor camera image quality. Cadillac has already issued a recall on their units which are identical to the GMC and Chevy. Many posts on Facebook gmc at4 and Chevy zr2 owners groups about the safety issue
KUAT
TRANSFER V2
(9999) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jul 9, 2024
Incident date: May 30, 2024
This is an issue, not an incident. When using the regenerative braking paddles on the steering wheel, the vehicle can decelerate at a rapid pace. When this happens, the brake lights do no light up even though it’s slowing down at a rapid pace. This could cause an accident if cars behind do not notice the deceleration.
Incident date: Feb 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while his wife was driving 25 MPH, the Hill Assist warning light illuminated, prompting the driver to return to the residence. After a visual inspection, the contact became aware that the rear brake lights failed to turn off and remained illuminated continuously even without the brake pedal being depressed. There were no warning lights i... Read more
Incident date: Jul 6, 2024
The alarm system and hazards will randomly go on and will not turn off until you start vehicle and hit the hazard light button. If you hit the hazard button while the vehicle is off, it does not turn the hazards off. They will often remain flashing even if the horn/alarm system isn't blaring. At times hitting the hazard button has made the horn go off. The truck has started locking itself and keyp... Read more
Incident date: Jul 9, 2024
I had the vehicle wrapped on July 5, 2024. The vehicle has never been in a collision. The shop whom did the work did a video of the install showing it was a manufacturer defect. Took the vehicle to Tesla and they denied my warranty even when showing them proof. Both left and right side headlights have the mounting issue which could cause undesired beam to incoming traffic. Bumper is the only thing... Read more
Incident date: Jul 6, 2024
The driver's side Daytime Running Light (DRL) suddenly went and stayed dim. It's an amber color now, while the front passenger side is still lit up very brightly. My car had 35,000 miles when this occurred.
GRAND DESIGN
MOMENTUM
(2022) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jul 8, 2024
Incident date: May 4, 2023
I like to report that this vehicle developed moisture inside the head lamps and it has inside a silver/ look like tent foil spread all over. At nigh we can’t see the road. We replaced the light 💡 and bought the most brighter once $109.@ and we still can’t see at night. It is a safety issue since we can see. I’m not the only one you have1000s of customers with the same issues but they ... Read more
HYUNDAI
SANTA CRUZ
(2022) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jul 8, 2024
Incident date: Jul 7, 2024
Headlights in on position, every few minutes both left and right headlights along with DRLs flicker off and back on very quickly.
Incident date: Dec 18, 2023
I am writing to report a serious safety concern regarding my Volkswagen Tiguan 2020. The dome light in my vehicle has completely broken off, melting the plastic from the screws, and was hanging by the electrical wires. This issue poses multiple safety hazards: 1.Injury Risk: While driving, the dome light unlatched and fell and struck me on the side of my head, causing a distraction and injury. 2.... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Apr 19, 2024
Both front headlights flicker every few seconds
Incident date: Jun 30, 2024
Front low beam headlights will flicker on and off for a second while driving or sitting at a stop in auto or constant on mode. They will flicker every 2-3 minutes causing cars to flash and brake check you as they thing you are flashing your lights at them.
FORD
EXPEDITION
(2016) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jul 8, 2024
Incident date: Sep 8, 2023
Since buying this truck new in june of 24 the headlights will flicker. Randomly as you drive or when parked the headlights will turn off for a second then come back on. Often at night the lights flicker numerous times
Incident date: Jun 10, 2023
The headlights on this vehicle are completely inadequate for driving at night. I believe this is a manufacturing defect, as the only solution is to replace the entire headlamp assemblies. The vehicle is equipped with HID headlamps. The bulbs work, but no light is projected from the lamps.
Incident date: Jul 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 GMC Terrain. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V137000 (Exterior Lighting) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. Several local dealers were contacted; however, the parts for the recall repair were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. ... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
TAOS
(2024) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jul 8, 2024
Incident date: Jul 8, 2024
I am leasing the ACURA RDX 2023 . Currently mileage in 11444. This car start has oxidized on right side of headlight 4 months ago. I came to service in NIELLO ACURA. They called Acura factory service . It is not under warranty. They can’t do anything for my car. I only had this car 1 years . This is total defective .
Incident date: Jun 10, 2024
In early 2023, I discovered micro-fractures in the side of the left headlamp assembly on my 2020 Ford Explorer ST. As the 3/36 warranty was still in effect, Ford replaced the defective headlamp. However, just a few months later, after the warranty had expired, I discovered much more severe micro-fractures in the right headlamp lens assembly. This time however, the micro-fractures are located in ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 6, 2023
The blinker buttons get stuck and stop working temporarily. This happens repeatedly and a lot of people online are reporting the same issue. This prevents the blinkers from being turned on and is dangerous!
Incident date: Jul 6, 2024
Getting a warning on my dash. "Front left side marker light defective. See owner's manual." Appears to be an open recall from research online, but does not cover my VIN apparently. That's shady, it's a known issue and dealership wants $4,000 to replace. Heck no, this is a manufacturing defect. Audi recall campaign 97CB (NHTSA campaign ID 16V642000
Incident date: Jul 4, 2024
1. Since owning the 2014 SRX the headlights are so dim to the point of not being able to use the vehicle at night or storms for fear of a crash. Now the Driver side HID Has failed along with the headlights housing to be cloudy on the inside. 2.Rear Door Hatch malfunction. Will not open or close with door switch , key fob or button on rear hatch door. I can open manually and close manually however... Read more
Incident date: Jul 5, 2024
All four of the tail lights, on the hatch and on the sides of the car are leaking and retaining water which has caused the brake/tail lights on the rear to fail. This is an obvious safety hazard and a quick Google search reveals that it is a widespread problem. There has always been some water in the light, starting with condensation about a year ago, but as of the last few weeks, the lights are i... Read more
Incident date: Mar 27, 2024
About 6 months ago I believe I file a complaint about this same issue and here I am again. A few nights ago driving home from the movies with my kids out of nowhere my headlights go out so I had to use my fog lights to make it home. I can't understand how isn't this a safety issue and why hasn't anyone done anything about it or why isn't there a recall. What is the wait? Are we waiting for a trage... Read more
Incident date: Jan 15, 2019
Multiple other issues
Incident date: Jul 2, 2024
I experienced a loss in power while driving and not driving, as well as locking my keys in the vehicle once It would not unlock. The gear shifting knob stopped due to what seemed like resistance an the damaged caused by sales man to the top plunger cap just after i paid. Recently the battery and the alternator are not working and when power is ran through the vehicle, an obvious sound of a live c... Read more
Incident date: Jun 24, 2024
The brake lights illuminate too early and often under [even very] gentle deceleration. My '23 EV6 GT is driven primarily in Level 1 (minimal) regenerative braking mode and the threshold for brake light activation clearly is far too low. The appearance of "riding the brakes" is dangerous because those who follow are not alerted when the driver transitions from [essentially] coasting to actually hi... Read more