Consumer Safety Complaints

Search 2,215,138 safety complaints filed by vehicle owners with NHTSA — including 138,663 crashes, 56,255 fires, and 8,561 deaths.

2,215,138 Total Complaints

138,663 Reported Crashes

56,255 Reported Fires

8,561 Reported 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 2,215,138 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

How to Read NHTSA Consumer Complaints › How NHTSA Investigations Work › Used Car: 7 Recall Checks to Run First › The Takata Airbag Recall: Full Story › OBD-II Codes Explained › All Articles ›

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Showing 42,495 complaints — component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Incident date: Apr 2, 2026

The contact owns a 2025 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V059000 (Exterior Lighting, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the dealer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The ... Read more

Incident date: Mar 16, 2026

2026 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy, VIN [XXX] , purchased March 6, 2026 with under 2,200 miles at time of incident. SAFETY INCIDENT: While operating under adaptive cruise control at highway speed, the vehicle experienced sudden unintended acceleration followed by severely delayed braking response. At least three trailing vehicles were forced into emergency evasive action to avoid a multi-vehicle co... Read more

Incident date: Mar 19, 2026

The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that the rear brake lights failed to illuminate when the vehicle was parked. The contact depressed the brake pedal to disengage the brake lights. While driving at various speeds, the brake lights illuminated without the brake pedal being depressed. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that there were recalls associated with the VIN re... Read more

Incident date: Feb 26, 2026

If you turn the air or heat off it turns itself back on. Sometimes none of the botton on the dash responds to any command including turning the radio air or anything off or on.

Incident date: Mar 22, 2026

several recalls but dealer my did not have any

Incident date: Mar 31, 2026

The contact owns a 2023 Ford F-150. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers : 25V512000 (Power Train) and 26V104000 (Electrical System, Exterior Lighting); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the rear axle shaft assemblies had failed and needed to be replaced. The ve... Read more

Incident date: Nov 17, 2025

There is a recall on the towing control module that prevents me from towing with the vehicle, which is the reason I purchased the vehicle. They are unable to get the parts required to complete the repair. The recall started in february, it is now april with no parts ordered , avaliable, or repair scheduled. If I dont tow my boat it a few weeks, I will start incurring fees for storage. I called d... Read more

Incident date: Dec 1, 2025

See attached document for complaint.

Incident date: Nov 19, 2025

The contact owns a 2020 Kia Telluride. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the high beam headlights failed to illuminate as intended, and the vehicle shuddered before losing automotive power. No warning light was illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that the warning lights failed to illuminate as designed when the engine oil level was low. The vehicle was taken to a lo... Read more

Incident date: Mar 28, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V104000 (Electrical System, Exterior Lighting); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted but the vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer wa... Read more

Incident date: Mar 15, 2026

A little scary, it just got released from my hospital.From having cancer just wanna have my recalls repaired

Incident date: Jul 3, 2025

Trailer brakes and lights come and go. I start with having everything then loose brakes and lights when I’m driving. This is apparently a known issue that they have a fix for but I have never received anything about a recall.

Incident date: Mar 6, 2026

The contact owns a 2025 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V059000 (Exterior Lighting, Electrical System). The local dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed that the dealer was only receiving one part for a recall repair every 90 days. The contact was placed on a waiting list. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contac... Read more

Incident date: Mar 29, 2026

I saw previous warning when I pulled my credit report on Experian, but I am not seeing any recalls currently. My driver side taillight is malfunctioning. It appears there is a problem with the seal which is allowing water to get inside the assembly, causing it to short out. I realize this vehicle is a 2015 but thought I would mention in case this is still an issue under recall.

Incident date: Mar 30, 2026

Low beam headlights extremely dim. Feels like driving with parking lights only. Very difficult to see. While checking different positions of the headlight switch discovered that in the parking light position ALL lights go off.

Incident date: Mar 29, 2026

There are 2 recalls on my 2023 Toyota Tunda, one was filed on 5/25/25 (approaching a year ago) and the other was filed on 11/6/25 and there is no remedy yet on either one of these issues. The 11/6/25 recall, on my notice they stated the remedy would be ready at the end of January or early February and there is no remedy yet. The other one from May is approaching a year from the notice. I am co... Read more

Incident date: Jan 4, 2025

While driving the car looses all dashboard lights, brake lights, blinkers. The motor stays running and it has a check starter system message. Has done it several times in the 2 weeks we have owned it. Seems to only occur when it is hot outside. It is very unsafe to loose break lights, blinkers, and all info on dash while driving with no warning. It gives a pull over immediately message right... Read more

Incident date: Mar 24, 2026

The contact owns a 2025 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V059000 (Exterior Lightning, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed that the part was not yet available. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that the part was not yet available. In addition... Read more

Incident date: Mar 30, 2026

The contact owns a 2025 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V059000 (Exterior Lighting, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that several dealers were contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealers confirmed that parts were unavailable. The dealer informed the contact that the ... Read more

Incident date: Mar 25, 2026

the rear lights do not function they quit working and there is no parking lights tail lights brake lights

Incident date: Feb 28, 2026

Cluster went black when driving the truck. It came back a few minutes later after re-starting the engine. It seems there is a recall issued in Dec/2025, but my truck is not included on the list of suspect VIN numbers.

Incident date: Feb 28, 2026

The contact owns a 2025 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V059000 (Exterior Lighting, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed that parts for the recall repair were on back order. The contact was then placed on a waiting list. The contact stated that the ma... Read more

Incident date: Mar 26, 2026

I am reporting a safety concern involving a 2019 Chevrolet Malibu. The vehicle was previously involved in accidents prior to my purchase and had known mechanical issues, including a gear shifting problem that was not properly repaired. In February 2024, while the vehicle was insured under Ocean Harbor Casualty Insurance Company, it sustained a significant front-end collision impacting the driver ... Read more

Crash

Incident date: Mar 29, 2026

Vehicle runs low of engine oil quickly. I've gotten oil changes by dealer and always explain i have to purchase oil every 3 weeks to top off. Was told its a leak but I never see oil on the ground where I park.Its been like this since I've purchased the vehicle. The headlights are not bright no matter if i change the bulb or the actual headlight

Incident date: Feb 15, 2026

It appears to be the Body Control Module that gave out. While driving home in the evening from work, the vehicle stopped accelerating beyond 20 mph. Further, the passenger windows stopped working, as did exterior tail, emergency, and turn signal lights. The dealer was unable to directly confirm that the BCM was the problem, however, it was confirmed the problem was not fuse, battery, or engine r... Read more

Incident date: Feb 12, 2026

There are two issues with the headlights as it relates to the instrument panel and controls. First, the symbol on the instrument panel is the same for both headlights and running lights. This means at dusk, I cannot know whether my auto-headlights have turned or if I need to override the auto-feature to turn them on manually. Second, the headlight controls are buried in a menu, hidden behind the... Read more

Incident date: Mar 28, 2026

On November 28, 2025, my 2025 Volvo EX90 displayed a headlight warning message on the dashboard and the headlights failed to function properly while parked and after starting the engine. The defect temporarily resolved but recurred on December 5, 2025. A headlight defect that is not immediately apparent to the driver poses a serious safety risk before or during nighttime driving. The symptoms are ... Read more

Incident date: Mar 28, 2026

Vehicle is subject to two active safety recalls, both listed as “remedy not available.” One recall involves a potential engine defect related to manufacturing debris, which may result in engine damage and sudden loss of motive power. Manufacturer recall documentation indicates this condition may increase the risk of a stall, particularly under sustained load such as towing or highway operatio... Read more

Incident date: Dec 31, 1969

Tesla designs a single piece headlight with no serviceable parts. This includes headlights, high beams, and namely daytime running lights. All of these components are on an LED strip that overheats and un-solders due to this high heat, which causes premature failure. Some owners have reported as little as 3 months of life before failing. The daytime running lights are essential for safety driving ... Read more

Incident date: Mar 28, 2026

Vehicle lights turned off while driving home with my family. Pulling over and turning off and on the car reset the problem. When lights turned off I received a warning light identifying a faulty right headlight and faulty left headlight. No accident and vehicle is currently outside manufacture warranty.

Incident date: Apr 1, 2025

Auto high beams are not working

Incident date: Oct 9, 2015

Both Front headlamp assemblies broken hi beam mechanism. My cars headlights burn out every couple months and the bright lights will not work. I took to a Hyundai dealership on 03/28/2026 who told me it would be $5,333.30 to fix. I have done nothing to cause this electrical problem on both headlamps and when searching the internet; this issue seems to be a big problem on this vehicle year. This is ... Read more

Incident date: Mar 27, 2026

Daytime running lights are failing.

Incident date: Mar 21, 2026

I'm having problems with the lighting control module my high beam lights stop working. I see this year (2003) Ford crown Victoria has a recall for the lighting control module but mines isn't listed when I put in my VIN number and I wanted to see if mines can be listed. Also I would like to know why wasn't it listed on the recall list because this is a safety issue and very dangerous.

Incident date: Mar 27, 2026

Component: Exterior Lighting / Headlamps Vehicle: 2021 Genesis GV80 VIN: [XXX] Mileage at Failure: 77,000 Complaint: The front left headlamp on my 2021 Genesis GV80 failed completely after visible moisture and condensation accumulated inside the lamp housing for approximately one week. There was no impact, damage, or tampering. The Genesis service center inspected the vehicle and confirmed the... Read more

Incident date: Mar 1, 2026

The contact owns a 2023 Ford F-150. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V896000 (Power Train) and 26V104000 (Electrical System, Exterior Lighting); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact was informed that parts needed to be ordered and was later informed that... Read more

Incident date: Mar 26, 2026

The engine. I’m told my engine is not part of the recall but makes an extremely loud sound on start up. Been to dealer just for them to say the vehicle is not part of the recall. Recently called roadside assistance because the vehicle shut off in the middle of traffic. Took it back to dealer, Nothing they can do, just keep bringing it back! Now warranty has expired & sound is getting worse

Incident date: Feb 1, 2026

Headlights are extremely dim even when replaced with new bulbs. Issue has progressively worsened over years. Vehicle is unsafe to drive in the dark. Was informed I need new headlights housings from my local mechanic due to internal reflector failure.

Incident date: Mar 25, 2026

Hazard lights are inoperable this will be the second time going in for repair but 4th time it has occured. It also makes SOS inoperable and the roof lights. This is a safety concern that has not caused an accident but is a big issue since hazard lights are used when accident or emergencies occur and they are inoperable and this has been a frequent issue

Incident date: Mar 26, 2026

The low beam headlights are useless for night driving. The operator is required to run high beam during any night time or low light operation. This creates a safety issue for both the operator and any incoming vehicles.

Incident date: Mar 26, 2026

Digital Dash went Black when I started my vehicle, remained black even when I turned off the vehicle and restarted.

Incident date: Mar 22, 2026

The contact owns a 2026 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V059000 (Exterior Lighting, 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. The contact stated that a 24-foot trailer was identified as a 48-foot trailer, which caused ... Read more

Incident date: Mar 4, 2026

headlight fan motor went out in both lights in under 3 years

Incident date: Mar 12, 2026

I was driving at night when I got a headlight system error message on my instrument panel and I noticed my driver side headlight was not on. A few seconds later the light came back on and a minute or so later it went off again and came back on and I got the error message again. It came back on and has worked pretty much since but I have seen it flickering at night on a few occasions. The next da... Read more

Incident date: Mar 25, 2026

Yes, that case number would be 91762225 (With GM). You are most welcome. Thank you for contacting Chevrolet Customer Assistance and have a nice day! Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need anything else. VIN1GKS2HKC8FR165487 Special Coverage Adjustment N182180270 Tail Lamps Inoperative Having issues described by NTSA and vehicle has 62,000 miles but falls after the expiration date. I con... Read more

Incident date: Mar 25, 2026

The contact owns a 2025 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V059000 (Exterior Lighting, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The ... Read more

Incident date: Feb 4, 2026

I have an accident-free 2019 Macan S with 40k miles. Recently my passenger side headlight went out, so I took it to the auto repair shop I use (they specialize in German cars). The passenger side light assembly has been deemed faulty, and I am still driving without a headlight -- concerning for safety reasons as well as for possible ticketing. After reading online, I see many Macan/Cayenne owner... Read more

Incident date: Nov 20, 2025

Daytime and night time running lights turn off and on randomly with brights engaging random as well. Turn signals not operating but intermittently and wipers not turning on intermittently. This Started in Nov 2025. First time dealership could get it in was Jan 2026, stated Multifunction switch was bad and covered under warranty, now not covered after getting it in 3.5 months later. Due to the this... Read more

Incident date: Feb 2, 2026

I am contacting you regarding my 2025 Ram 1500 with an open safety recall (Manufacturer Recall #03D, NHTSA #26V-059). Case Number [XXX] This recall has been active since February 2, 2026, and my dealer has informed me that parts are still not available. It has now been over a month with no clear timeline for repair. I need clarification on the following: I keep calling the manufacture they told... Read more

Incident date: Mar 25, 2026

The contact owns a 2024 Ford F-150. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V512000 (Power Train) and 26V104000 (Electrical System, Exterior Lighting); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made a... Read more

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Consumer Safety Complaints

What is a NHTSA consumer complaint?

How to interpret what you read

If you've experienced a defect

Read more from our blog