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 20, 2024
The contact owns a 2000 Mercedes-Benz SLK230 The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 05V505000 (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 had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the vehicle was started; however, the b... Read more
Incident date: Jun 29, 2024
All bulbs in vehicle do not work. No matter how many times I have them replaced they continue to blow or not work. Without headlights I cannot drive, without brake lights other drivers cannot see me. This is a HUGE SAFTY ISSUE. I cannot drive my vehicle because lights are malfunctioning.
FORD
F-150 HYBRID
(2022) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jul 3, 2024
Incident date: Jul 3, 2024
RDX headlights become dim after 6 years and important safety issue when driving at night ; dealership initially blamed sun damaging outside plastic however despite repeated buffing nothing improved spending almost a one thousand in cost for buffing without any improvement in dim light ; now they are stating it is an issue with reflective surface inside ; the acura RLX was recalled for this issue... Read more
Incident date: Jul 3, 2024
Vehicle: 2024 Subaru Forester Touring Date of Report: [July 3, 2024] What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? On June 19th, 2024 I noticed the side mirror of my 2024 Subaru Forester Touring has melted. This component is available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The melting of the s... Read more
Incident date: May 4, 2024
electronic functions of vehicle was unresponsive. unable to turn off radio. unable to change volume. unable to control A/C. unable to answer calls. all buttons unresponsive Dealership called on date with no answer. message left. Dealership informed at next in person visit and dealership said there was nothing that could be done because it was not occuring at that time. Video was obtained ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 6, 2020
ongoing headlight malfunction since 2022, ongoing electrical issues with vehicle. vehicle headlight does not work on multple occasions despite being serviced at the dealership and replaced 4 times in 2 years. this occurs to both headlights. it is currently random for the right but constant for the left cover (backing) of headlight looks like it exploded. plastic is puffed out. Dealership had ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 21, 2024
I am writing to express my serious concerns regarding a critical safety defect in my 2015 Cadillac SRX. The low beam headlights are dangerously dim, rendering night driving extremely hazardous. Despite GM's awareness of this defect, as evidenced by technical service bulletins and customer satisfaction campaigns, no adequate solution has been provided. My warranty has expired, but this defect is n... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
C300
(2017) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jul 2, 2024
Incident date: Jul 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2023 Chevrolet Blazer. The contact stated that there was a dark shadow and circle on the headlight while driving at various speeds. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 14,000.
Incident date: May 23, 2024
Multiple times the interior lights will not turn on or the turn on by themselves and flash even after turning the car off and on again. Brought it to the dealership with the complaint a few times, and dealer told me nothing they could do even with the video of it happening. When this is not working, the emergency call and other features do not work either.
Incident date: Jun 22, 2024
I took my car into the dealership for a recall repair and the following day, I started having situations where the I push the pedal down and the car would not initially move but then would "catch" and begin driving again. What is happening now however is that while I am driving, the car appears to shut off (headlights turn off and all of the lights come on the dash) and then all of the lights on t... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2022
I am writing to formally notify the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration of a significant concern regarding Fisker Automotive’s failure to meet the deadline for a mandated recall and their neglect in providing me with a recall notice. As an owner of a Fisker Ocen One, I was made aware through Facebook that my vehicle was subject to a recall due to Incorrectly Displayed Warning Lights/... Read more
FORD
ESCAPE HYBRID
(2009) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jul 1, 2024
Incident date: Jun 17, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Telluride. The contact stated while driving at approximately 40 MPH, the contact attempted to activate the high beam headlights; however, the high-beam headlights failed to function. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the high beam headlights warning light illuminated but failed to function as intended. The contact received notification of NHTSA... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2024
While transitioning to day to night, the instrument panel dims prematurely making the content very hard to see. This includes all indicators such as speed, turn signals, and other gauges and possible fault indications. This happens prior to dusk, when there is still plenty of daylight remaining. The headlights come on (this is fine), but the display dims to full night mode at the same time also... Read more
DODGE
GRAND CARAVAN
(2016) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jun 30, 2024
Incident date: Jun 30, 2024
Placing the turn signal 'buttons' on the steering wheel makes them impossible to use when the wheel is not centered. While driving parking lots and roads with immediate left/right turns and or intersections it is impossible properly signal while driving this vehicle in it's current condition. By not being able to signal, it increases the likelihood of a collision.
Incident date: Jun 11, 2024
Back passenger door will not lock /unlock unless you do it manually..Daytime running lights on drivers side out and you have limited area of light at dusk/dawn.car is available for inspection
LINCOLN
CONTINENTAL
(2017) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jun 29, 2024
Incident date: Jan 15, 2024
The electrical system: truck will make clicking noises after I turn it off and the keys are out of ignition. Radio won’t go off when it’s supposed to. I have fan on in my truck for the heat/ac and it blows out of the wrong vent or if I have dial on high there is nothing coming out. When I’m walking away from the truck it will start making noises. Head lights are dim inside lights are dim. I... Read more
Incident date: Jun 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the passenger’s side rear taillight was inoperable. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired since the VIN nor the model year was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V177000 (Exterior Lighting). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mil... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
SPRINTER 3500
(2022) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jun 28, 2024
Incident date: Sep 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while his grandson was driving, another motorist informed him that the brake lights were inoperable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the brake light switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the failure had previously been repaired und... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2023
The automatic lighting control module is malfunctioning and causing my headlights to turn on/off rapidly in multiple different lighting conditions. Weather the sun is up/overcast or even at night if I’m close enough behind a vehicle from the reflection of my headlights it causes the sensor to turn the lights on and off. I was pulled over by a local sheriff the other day because he saw it happeni... Read more
Incident date: Feb 23, 2023
The headlights randomly flicker on and off while driving at night. This not only causes a distraction while i'm driving but is also affecting other drivers. Drivers in the other lane keep mistaking the flicker as me turning on my bright lights which is leading other driver to retaliate and either put on their bright lights or flash their brights at me. I also had one instance where a car I was fol... Read more
HYUNDAI
IONIQ PLUG-IN HYBRID
(2020) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jun 27, 2024
Incident date: Jun 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated while operating the vehicle, the driver's side headlight became inoperable and while using the turn signal, the driver's side headlight would shut off. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The local deal... Read more
HONDA
ACCORD HYBRID
(2024) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jun 27, 2024
Incident date: May 23, 2024
The car showed a check vehicle light. Looks like a car being lifted up (red light). The windows do not move up or down, light switches do not work and the blinkers do not work. I was told by my mechanic it was the footwell module. I read there was a recall for this but my VIN wasn't on the list. Is it possible to check to see if it should have been on the list for the recall?
Incident date: Jun 12, 2024
i was driving after dark on a country highway with my wife. She was choosing music while I was driving. An oncoming car went by and afterwards I flipped to high beams... at the exact same moment she tapped to play a song on the display. Turns out the skip/play songs menu is exactly where the headlight adjust menu pops up when you switch from high to low beams. This caused her to turn the headlight... Read more
Incident date: Oct 14, 2023
I’ve been noticing a frequent issue with my trailer not having the left blinker work per notification it gives. So I gave been checking the information screen for trailer lighting any time that I’m pulling a trailer just to make sure all of my lights are working. Today, the truck told me all lights were on and working with the trailer. Meanwhile, after getting pulled over and explaining the in... Read more
Incident date: Jun 10, 2024
While driving in heavy traffic in a construction zone of a two lane highway my vehicle alerted me to get over and stop because my vehicle was shutting down. The vehicle then slowed down more and more without break lights, causing vehicles to come up to my vehicle closely and almost hit me. Due to the construction there was no immediate place for me to pull over. I had to drive 3/4 of a mile like t... Read more
Incident date: Feb 23, 2024
Head low beam lights no work
Incident date: Jul 8, 2023
The headlights on my vehicle are incredibly dim. Subaru issued a recall about this in August 2022 and I have been constantly asking my local dealerships and Subaru of America to get this address. They have repeatedly told me I will be receiving a letter in the mail when they have the parts to fix the issues. It has almost been 2 years and Subaru still doesn't have the parts... I'm not sure what t... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2024
Nothing has yet happened but it has been nearly two full years since you issued the recall on the headlights issue and Subaru has still not taken action to remedy it or repair our vehicle: Aug 12,2022 Manufacturer Recall NumberWRG22 NHTSA Recall Number22V624000 Recall StatusRecall Incomplete, remedy not yet available
VOLKSWAGEN
TAOS
(2024) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jun 26, 2024
Incident date: Jun 1, 2024
The 2019 Dodge Ram 1500 experienced a similar malfunction as is stated in Recall B2A, which is for 2023 Ram Pickup Trucks. This instance also deals with the Steering Column Control Module (SCCM) and the SCCM does not meet the "requirement for original equipment" as per Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard #108. When it malfunctions, the left turn signal flashes when the turn signal is in the left... Read more
Incident date: May 29, 2024
Driving home on dark, deserted roads, my brights will not click on. When I click, nothing happens. When I hold the turner back in the mode to “flash my brights”, the bright headlights will come on. I had to drive holding this back almost an hour so I could see. I had a mechanic look and he said the switch is wired to the computer, so it is not an easy fix, but will have to go to the dealers... Read more
Incident date: Jun 25, 2024
The auto lights during the day are defective. They work perfectly at night. On a sunny day they will be on, then turn off when I drive down a road with shade from a tree. Not only is the interior light flashing, my head and taillights do as well, causing concern and distraction for drivers around me. I took my Trax into the dealership shop several times. They changed a sensor, but that did not cha... Read more
Incident date: Jun 20, 2024
I was driving late at night and noticed that the headlights were not lighting the road. Upon inspection, I observed excessive amounts of moisture had accumulated on the inside of both headlight assemblies and was refracting the headlight beam resulting in extremely poor visibility placing myself and other drivers at risk for an accident and injury. It is likely that the moisture entered the head... Read more
Incident date: Jun 7, 2024
Since I have purchased the 2022 Ford F-150 I have had several incidents where the cruise control has set itself. A couple incidents have resulted in me slamming on the brakes to avoid collision. I have taken it to the dealer a few times and they have replaced everything that has to do with the cruise control and it still sets itself from time to time but it's sporadic. The dash lights/instru... Read more
Incident date: Jun 19, 2024
I started my Escalade and 5 minutes later I lost power which as the entire vehicle had no power. So I left it alone for an hour or so in my garage and I started up again and this time didn’t loose power. Everything appeared normal and working again. Than the next day I started it up and I had this popup message SD card has been removed press ok to exit navigation (when no SD card was removed). I... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2011) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jun 24, 2024
Incident date: Jun 1, 2020
The headlights are failing at night creating a safety concern. The first time I drove at night the headlights were like not even on. I about hit someone when they approached me and I dimmed my lights. You can see only on brights. Performed Google search to learn many of these, if not all, have faulty headlights. Purchased this vehicle in March 2024, contacted dealer was advised it’s not covered ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 24, 2024
When driving at night, headlight turn off and do not turn back on… or do not come on at all ..Play with the switch ….on and off nothing happens…sometimes highbeams don’t even work. This happened several times!!
Incident date: Jun 1, 2024
Error code showing left front marker light defective. Dealer asking $5500 to repair. Many other complaints about this issue in online chats.
Incident date: Nov 30, 2014
I just got this car in September and it is now throwing all kinds of different codes to the point where I can’t drive it sh-awd /check charging station / emission light etc
Incident date: Jun 24, 2024
On multiple occasions our headlights will turn on by themselves without the car being on: for example while we are sleeping in the middle of the night we get a call from our neighbor that our car lights are on. Also while driving at night they will turn off by themselves. On all occasions the light are in AUTO mode, meaning the lights should turn on/off themselves when necessary but only when th... Read more
NISSAN
PATHFINDER
(2022) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jun 24, 2024
Incident date: Jun 22, 2024
Due a faulty battery recharge module…My vehicle lost power steering without warning
Incident date: May 26, 2024
RE: 2016 Cadilliac SRX Low Beam Headlights The low beam headlights on the vehicle are extremely dim. It makes it challenging turning onto a street or intersection which does not have its own lighting or another car in the opposite lane. Due to the low visibility, I am forced to excursive judgement to ensure you are in the correct lane. My passengers have even noticed it and had other people drive... Read more
Incident date: Jun 17, 2024
Front Right Side marker light defective appears on my dash. No light out, But noticed it turned off and on.
Incident date: Jun 15, 2024
The rear running lights are not working. No lights in rear of vehicle at night.
Incident date: Jun 13, 2024
Light control module was replaced per recall via Ford and new LCM became faulty after 4 years. Ford will not replace recalled part due to warranty on recalls. Apparently from Ford and other mechanics, this is a common problem with the LCM not working for long even after replacement.
Incident date: Jun 19, 2024
REAR TRUNK AREA LIGHT NOT BRIGHT.
Incident date: May 1, 2024
Received "URGENT IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL" notification in October 2022. This has not been rectified by the manufacturer. It is now late June 2024. This has not been completed in a timely manner. Subaru Safety Recall WRG-22 NHTSA ID 22V-624 22V624000
Incident date: Jun 1, 2024
I have been noticing over the past few months that my visibility is diminished at night and have to turn my bright lights on even when there are overhead lights. While stopped at light, I noticed the headlights of the car next to me projected out substantially farther than mine. Yesterday I took my car to the dealer to presumably replace the headlight bulbs. But I learned that the bulbs are fine, ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 3, 2023
When driving at night and early mornings my head lights and tail lights will randomly go out when my light switch is set to automatic. I can turn it on manually and then I have head lights and brakes but no running tail lights. Which is a major problem and safety hazard.
HONDA
ACCORD HYBRID
(2024) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jun 20, 2024
Incident date: Jun 19, 2024
On Saturday [XXX] I noticed when I opened my driver side door, the dash light & the light on my touch screen began flickering. I didn't think much about it at the time, but the next day, [XXX] as myself & my wife were traveling on the highway, I tried to turn on my cruise control but it would not come on. I then tried to adjust my stereo volume on the steering wheel & it wasn't working either. Wel... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2023
When set to auto headlamps function, headlamp lights begin to flicker/flash on and off randomly while driving in sunny daylight conditions. This could be a distraction for drivers in front of vehicle. Dealership cannot repair problem as they claim not to have a Service Bulletin number from GM.