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: Jun 27, 2026
The contact owns a 2024 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the trailer braking system failed to operate, slow the vehicle, or stop the trailer while the brake pedal was depressed. The contact stated that the trailer brake disconnected warning light was illuminated. The contact researched and was made aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V059000 (Exterior Lighting... Read more
Incident date: Jun 20, 2025
The passenger side light has the outer-most vertical LED segment out (not lit up). This appears to be common on this model truck after researching.
Incident date: Feb 1, 2026
The panoramic sunroof has a substantial leak, even though the 2023 vehicle only has 33,000 miles on it. The drain lines are clear but water continues to significantly leak out of the rear passenger seatbelt housing onto the seatbelt. There is also significant water drainage through the rear interior lights onto the upper legs of rear passengers (children in car seats), causing a severe electrical ... Read more
HYUNDAI
PALISADE HYBRID
(2026) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jun 28, 2026
Incident date: Jun 27, 2026
Toyota has not provided solutions to two of three recalls. This has been nearly a year and no solution.
Incident date: Feb 25, 2026
My first complaint is that headlights, low beam, would not work. Only high beams worked. The issue stopped, unexplainable, on its own, has not occurred again. The 2nd complaint is the radio volume would 'slip' as if there were a loose wire to the speakers, and loss of sound became more frequent and for longer periods of time, eventually all sound stopped, it has not been fixed, as of yet. 3rd co... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2025) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jun 28, 2026
Incident date: May 12, 2026
Headlight beams shake while driving causing strobe effect and causes me to feel ill and dizzy.
Incident date: Jun 25, 2026
Tesla Full Self-Driving (FSD) — control handover protocol. Vehicle is available for inspection upon request. WHAT HAPPENED: On June 25, 2026 at approximately 4:17 PM, the vehicle was operating under Full Self-Driving (FSD) navigating into a residential driveway. The driver pressed the gas pedal to take manual control. At the exact moment FSD transferred control, vehicle telemetry confirms the st... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jun 15, 2026
The wiring in my trunk harness was severed due to the repeated opening and closing of my trunk. This caused my reverse lights to fail and my trunk latch to stop working. This issue is part of a known recall: Campaign 21V-00D. Tesla attempted to fix the issue in 2023 but the poor repair did not work. I took my Tesla to the dealer and they refused to remedy the issue unless I would pay $1300. I pers... Read more
Incident date: Apr 6, 2026
UNKNOWN. There’s been chatter going around with the L and LE trim line of the Corolla Cross having bad lighting at night. I’ve been told by multiple people to “turn on my lights” meaning my tail end of the car has only two small red LED lights and license plate lights. the 3rd break light only comes on to break then off. there are no other lights in the back. In the rain a few weeks ago I... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2026
When going over a bump or anything that makes the car bounce (however slight) causes the light beam to oscillate which is not only distracting but makes it hard to see things at night consistently.
JEEP
WAGONEER S
(2025) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jun 26, 2026
Incident date: Jun 20, 2026
The daylight LED lights have gone out. There is no replacement aside from replacing the whole headlight. LED’s shouldn’t go out and the cost of the replacement is high.
Incident date: Oct 4, 2025
Hello, I have a 2022 VW Atlas with 54,250 miles. I noticed today when I started up by car that the DRL (daytime running lights) was dimmed to the point where I didn't even notice it on. This seems to be an issue with Volkswagen Atlas's years 2021-2023. It is currently out and anyone can come look at it at anytime. This seems to be a larger issue, many people complaining about this online and t... Read more
Incident date: Oct 4, 2025
Rear racetrack style taillight assembly had faulty gaskets when purchased, allowing for water intrusion of the taillight assembly, causing water damage to the electrical components in the light assembly and shorting the LED Lights.
Incident date: Jun 1, 2026
In the past year, I have already had to replace the bulb for the "daytime running light" on the front passenger side of my Renegade. Now, the light has just popped back onto my dashboard for the 3rd time stating that the light is out again for the 3rd time in a year. I have also noticed several other Renegades in my area driving with the same exact light out on their vehicle as well. The first 2 t... Read more
Incident date: Feb 20, 2026
Vehicle is not even 5 years old , and passenger headlight - low beam failed. Ford Dealership quote is around $3000. Online forums show that this is a defect for the platinum models. I feel I should be protected as I am still paying for this vehicle and plan to keep it for many years. This is a major safety component as without a trusted lighting system, this vehicle can be dangerous and lacks peac... Read more
Incident date: May 27, 2026
2021 SUBURBAN LT. Driver side headlamp adjuster failed while driving. Wife struggles to see at night so when the adjuster failed the driver side headlamp faced right to the ground causing no projected illuminating light. We attempted to adjust the light when she arrived home but it would not adjust due to the leveler failing and breaking. Looking into the matter we found out that numerous people w... Read more
Incident date: Jan 28, 2026
For years FORD vehicles, especially pickup trucks, have blinded drivers with their improperly adjusted headlights; because FORD gives incorrect instructions to adjust them. I refer to page 474 of the 2025 Superduty owners manual as evidence. The instructions FORD gives are to set the low-beam LEVEL, shinning the beam onto a vertical surface 25 feet from the vehicle with the beam at the same hei... Read more
Incident date: Jun 21, 2026
Nothing happened - YET. I'm reporting a manufacturing error. Refer to my upload. I wouldn't be suprised that this defect has been the root cause of some accidents though.
TESLA
CYBERTRUCK
(2024) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jun 24, 2026
Incident date: Jun 11, 2026
Flashing through brightness settings by itself, low through dark and runs in loop whenever sunlight hits it directly. It looks like the auto dimming is getting crazy when sunlight hits directly. Reported issue with Honda. They issued a service bulletin (19-066) to the dealers to update the radio software if cars are still on warranty. However no recall was issued and customers have to pay dealers... Read more
Incident date: Jun 13, 2026
There was as turn signal malfunction. It is not clear if the issue was purely internal or external, or confirned to the sound versus also impacting the lights. The turn signal sound was slow / irregular, missing beats, and appeared to slow down and catch up. it is unlclear if safety was at risk as I can't see the outside of the vehicle to verify whether this was just an audio issue or a signal i... Read more
NISSAN
PATHFINDER
(2014) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jun 23, 2026
Incident date: May 7, 2026
I own a 2020 Land Rover Defender and have experienced a failure of the LED halo ring/daytime running light within the headlight assembly. The LED ring stopped functioning even though the headlight assembly has not been damaged, modified, or involved in any accident. This failure affects the vehicle's visibility and appearance and may create a safety concern because the daytime running light is no ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2026
When I push the turn signal stockforward to initiate the highbeams, the highbeam function does not work. The lever clicks into position as it should, but it does not initiate the high beam mode. It will work first thing in the morning when I start my car, but after three or four minutes, the highbeams disengage and goes back to low beam.When I use the flash-to-pass mode by pulling the lever toward... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2026
Daytime running lights on my car gave out. This has been an issue with 2020+ Defenders as the LED module burns out overtime due to a lack of sufficient cooling. Land Rover quoted over 5000 dollars for headlight replacements just for a simple LED bulb. This needs to be addressed.
Incident date: May 31, 2026
passenger side day time running light went out right at 60,000. called dealer not covered under warranty on a 21 atlas even though i purchased a 4 year 80,000 mile warranty.. the extended warranty started the day i bought the car.
Incident date: Jun 13, 2026
I am retired and have always bought GM vehicles which are taken care of with required oil changes etc. This one I have only owned 25,000 mi each year (I have owned two years). So, when purchased it has high 50,000 miles not sure of exact, and it has only been driven 2 years. When calling escalation at GM, they act as though it doesn't matter and too bad. 110,000 miles and the truck needs a new... Read more
Incident date: Jun 12, 2026
The driver's side rear light is full of moisture and some water. It is available for inspection. The Ford dealership in Beeville Texas Coastal Bend Ford inspected it already and informed me that it would cost $1,400 to replace and that it was only going to get worse. They also informed me that Ford allows a certain percentage of moisture and water to be in there safely. When you see the pictures t... Read more
Incident date: Jun 19, 2026
Humming sound coming from driver’s side headlight as soon as unlock bottom pressed in key fob. This sound comes from a faulty cooling fan inside the headlight and is a known defect. Humming sound progressed to very slow pitch indicating that fan function is diminishing over time. Mazda will replace the headlight but required me to pay $200 toward it. This should be a recall with replacement at n... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
SPRINTER 2500
(2022) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jun 23, 2026
Incident date: May 23, 2026
My 2012 MINI Countryman (R60) experienced a complete electrical shutdown and engine failure while operating due to a severe manufacturing defect. Authorized dealership Jackie Cooper MINI of Edmond diagnosed the vehicle under RO# [XXX] and confirmed in writing that the "JBE electronic connectors are heavily corroded" and "The FRM has water/corrosion damage," providing a repair estimate of $4,700 (i... Read more
Incident date: Feb 14, 2026
Component/System Failed: The driver-side daytime running light (DRL) failed unexpectedly. The failed LED lighting component is available for inspection upon request. Safety Risk: This failure created a significant safety concern because daytime running lights are designed to improve vehicle visibility to other drivers during daylight and low-visibility conditions. DRLs are an important safety feat... Read more
LAND ROVER
RANGE ROVER SPORT
(2016) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jun 22, 2026
Incident date: Jun 10, 2025
When driving over bumps in the road, the headlights visibly shake/vibrate, which is distracting to the driver - and potentially to drivers of other vehicles - while driving at night. I've seen others on forums that have discussed the same problem with their Uncharted cars.
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE L
(2024) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jun 22, 2026
Incident date: May 15, 2026
THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER RESET, FLASHES AND THE TURN SIGNALS WILL STOP WORKING WHILE THE SYSTEM IS CYCLING OR RESTTING, WHILW CHANGING LANES OR IN A MIDDLE OF A TURN
Incident date: Jun 20, 2026
Infotainment system has been rebooting and disabling the cars ADAS momentarily. Most recently, this resulted in the car turning itself off while making a turn. Happened a second time while pulling into the dealership on the same day.
Incident date: May 4, 2026
-Upon research, it appears my Nissan has an issue with the headlight lamps that have caused the low beams to diminish over time. This is a recorded defect (class action lawsuit [XXX], et al. v. Nissan North America, Inc.) of Nissan Altimas years 2013-2018. -There is a Nissan Dealership in my city I can take the vehicle to for further inspection and subsequent replacement. I would like documentat... Read more
Incident date: Jun 22, 2026
The contact owns a 2024 Toyota Tundra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V322000 (Exterior Lighting); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer... Read more
Incident date: Sep 23, 2024
The interior of both headlights have the interior coating peeling in the first 20k miles
Incident date: Sep 8, 2025
Front headlights went out also rear brake lights now I have a problem with brake light and tailgate lamp staying on when car and lights are off. The suspension has had a issue ever since I bought it it makes awful loud noises when driving and especially hitting bumps in road. Passenger front and rear windows won't roll down. Had to replace battery as well. Inside door handles fell off as well as o... Read more
Incident date: Oct 16, 2025
Daytime running lights have failed on both headlight assemblies. Both failed at just outside the warranty period. High and low beams work fine and the repair is $2000 for a headlight which is outrageous.
Incident date: Jun 1, 2026
BCM module failure. Keyless entry error. Vehicle dashboard lit up with many errors. Car alarm went on and off. Car will not start . Disconnect battery toe reset. Drove home and the car doesn’t want to stop running or idling. Disconnect battery till it turns off.
Incident date: Jan 2, 2026
There is a very common problem with the passenger side headlight daytime running lights on the 2018-2023 Ford Expedition. The daytime running lights go dim, completely fail, or turn purple, as has happened on my 2020 Ford Expedition Platinum. This has created a safety issue due to the DRLs no longer functioning as intended. There is no fix for the consumer aside from replacing the entire headli... Read more
FORD
EXPEDITION
(2020) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jun 18, 2026
Incident date: Jun 15, 2026
Subject: Safety Complaint and Request for Assistance – 2023 Chevrolet Malibu Backup Camera Recall To Whom It May Concern, I am the owner of a 2023 Chevrolet Malibu that has been affected by the backup camera recall. The malfunctioning backup camera creates a serious safety hazard for me, my passengers, pedestrians, and other drivers. The backup camera intermittently fails to display properly ... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2019) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jun 18, 2026
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
The tail lights on the Toyota Corolla Cross LE 2026 are not as bright as one would think they should be. I've been informed of this by a few passerbys and other drivers. The tail lights on the Cross are very dim and there only two. Very hard to see on a late night. Been told by other Cross drivers of this issue as well, and believe Toyota should make them tighter for the evening hours.
Incident date: Jun 18, 2026
The computer screen has an issue where there is bubbling in the lamination causing the screen to go nuts and become a distracting hazard that you can not shut off. It's a known Subaru Legacy issue and should be a recall. A new screen is $2000 plus, which is not feasable for the average person to pay and it's become a safety hazard, ect.
Incident date: Jun 14, 2026
The problem and or issue on my 2021 Ford F150 is the Day Running light on the Upper Passenger side went out and does not work anymore. I reported it to the Dealer. I believe it to be a safety issue if all Day Running lights are not fully operational. This happened with about 66,026 miles on my vehicle.
FORD
TRANSIT CONNECT
(2018) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jun 18, 2026
Incident date: Apr 24, 2026
2023 Ford F-150 Lightning, VIN [XXX], 42,370 mi. The rear light bar has microcracks allowing moisture intrusion. Water droplets are visible inside the red lens across the tailgate and inside the white reverse lamp (photos attached, taken 5/30/2026). This is the warning condition named in recall 25SB6 (NHTSA 25V731) and predecessor 23S30 (NHTSA 23V418): water droplets in the lightbar outer lens, wh... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2020) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jun 18, 2026
Incident date: Jun 4, 2026
There was a fire in the trunk on the way to work. Fire department was called to inspect the car and make sure that the fire was out. Fire melted fuse box located in the trunk along with wiring harness and wires, also causing all electrical items to stop working. Claim was attempted to be made, but insurance did not cover this particular issue. After hours of reading as well as watching videos, thi... Read more
Fire
Incident date: May 19, 2026
SC299 (high‑beam headlight failure) is actually a safety defect tied to visibility and part of a recall which my telluride falls just outside of
Incident date: Aug 15, 2025
Component Affected: Exterior Lighting (Tail Lamps) / Electrical System. Description of Defect and Safety Hazard:The rear tail lamp assemblies on this 2024 Toyota Sequoia have suffered a major sealing and adhesive compromise, permitting road dirt and fine debris to bypass internal filters and permanently accumulate inside the housing. This is a progressive design defect identical to the one that t... Read more
Incident date: Jun 6, 2026
When I turn my steering wheel left or right there is a very large margin before the tires turn it rattles back and forth back and forth as I'm driving down the street no control for at least three degrees and either direction, also my front of the vehicle turn signals pop out and fall out to the road and I would drive with no turn signals on the front of my vehicle?
FORD
EXPEDITION
(2019) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jun 17, 2026
Incident date: Apr 29, 2026
2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. When the right turn signal is activated and the steering wheel is turned right, the windshield wipers activate unexpectedly. Diagnostic codes B230015 and B230615 are stored, indicating windshield wiper switch and wipe/wash malfunction. Concern appears related to the steering column multifunction switch/module. This affects driver visibility and steering-column control ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 17, 2026
The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Tundra. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V322000 (Exterior Lighting) and 25V767000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The local dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed that an engine was ordered. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that the remedy for the recall repairs... Read more