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 8, 2024
Without any warning, discovered the left brake lamp/tail lamp failed due to extensive water intrusion, caused by the failure of the plastic bonding all along the upper edge of the tail lamp assembly, which allowed copious amounts of water to leak in. The right tail lamp assembly appears to be susceptible to the same failure. Brake & tail lamps are safety components of any motor vehicle, and are cr... Read more
Incident date: Jun 6, 2024
The headlights were getting dimmer and dimmer after a few years and they are so dim now it’s not even safe to drive at night in low beam. I tried to clean the glass many times but the cause in fact is the reflector. I was advised to change the housing which could cost up to $1k for parts and labor
Incident date: Apr 17, 2024
Tail gate LED brake light fills with water and cause the light to stop working. Because of the design it has the potential for the driver behind not to see the brake lights which can result in an accident. Reported issue to the dealership and the insurance company that I took extra exterior insurance from and they said it happens all the time and wants me to pay hundreds out of pocket. This is a ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 6, 2024
LED strip for day time running light went out in both headlight assemblies within 9 months/14k miles of each other. Had to replace entire headlight assemblies. Passenger side at 49k September 2023 and driver side at 63k June 2024.
Incident date: Jun 5, 2024
The turn signal indicator buttons fail to work consistently. About 30% of the time when I try to indicate a turn or lane change the button does not respond. It is sort of stuck in place. Not being able to show an intent to turn is a serious safety issue in heavy traffic.
Incident date: Jun 7, 2024
On May 5, 2024 three passengers were locked in the rear seat of the vehicle. The door lock button in the car would not unlock the rear passenger doors, nor would the remote, nor would trying to open the door with the handle. Approximately 1.5 hours later, the rear doors unlocked. However, the rear passenger overhead lights would not turn off.
Incident date: May 21, 2024
2015 Kia Soul Intermittent headlight Flashing at random Months ago the KIA dealership could not replicate. Contacted KIA-Customer-Care and they cared less. I have a car I am afraid to drive at night or in heavy rain. Youtube movie of problem at [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Incident date: May 31, 2024
The problem started with fog lights blinking on and off while the car was off. As I entered the vehicle I noticed a pool of water on the floor bed. The car has a sunroof which was closed at the time, as well as all of the windows - water came in from somewhere else. I proceeded to turn on the car to see what was happening and the car did not turn on. I thought maybe the battery is dead - tried to ... Read more
Incident date: May 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Impreza. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V624000 (Exterior Lighting); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer 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 manufac... Read more
Incident date: Jun 5, 2024
Low beam headlights on my 2015 Acura RDX are extremely dim, despite the bulbs being replaced within the past few years. It is absolutely dangerous to be driving at night with the low beams on; I'm fearful that others may not see me coming or I may not see obstacles ahead, potentially leading to major injury or death to me and others. It is ridiculous that they hasn't been a recall yet for these.
Incident date: May 31, 2024
Night driving in this vehicle is impaired because of the dark spots and shaded areas coming from the headlights. It creates a distraction for the driver and is safety concern. I find it very difficult to drive at night. I have contacted Toyota directly and had vehicle inspected. Their response is that it is part of the design and is not repairable.
Incident date: Jun 1, 2024
Headlight went out due to water intrusion on plug and module.
Incident date: Jun 3, 2024
After reporting multiple times to Fisker about the Brake pedal, which is very loose (lots of gap between the pedal resting position to the braking , no response from them. I have several incidents about stopping the car, either delayed response or sudden stopping which makes it unpredictable. Needs immediate attention to fix the brake pedal.
Incident date: Jun 1, 2024
A RECALL WAS ISSUED ON THE LEFT AND RIGHT HEADLIGHT REFLECTORS ON AUGUST 12, 2022. NHTSA RECALL# 22V624000, MANUFACTURER RECALL # WRG622. TO DATE THE MANUFACTURER HAS OFFERED NO RESOLUTION TO THIS RECALL. AS IT HAS BEEN NEARLY TWO YEARS SINCE THE RECALL WAS ISSUED I FEEL THE MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN NEGLIGENT IN ADDRESSING THIS ISSUE. I BELIEVE THAT IT IS TIME THAT THE NHTSA CONTACT THE MANUFACT... Read more
Incident date: Jun 4, 2024
Headlight on passenger side went out and it was not the bulb assembly.
Incident date: May 24, 2024
Dealership stated on 6/4/24 extensive rust and perforations on rear vehicle sub frame that can cause risk to driver of accident or injury. MBUSA is offering to replace sub frame part # 212 350 38 05. However dealership advised MBUSA is not offering to replace corroded brake lines or brake fluid exchange, and would need to come out of pocket. MBUSA failed to notify me of safety defect. Vehicle was ... Read more
Incident date: May 28, 2024
The rear brake and 3rd taillights turn on and won't go off. This presents a danger to other drivers, as they are not able to tell if I am braking or not. The lights won't turn off even after the car is off
Incident date: Jun 3, 2024
Passenger tail light kept getting moisture in it causing it to stop working. Local Dealer,GM,Chevrolet and 3rd party show sold out or discontinued. I have a vehicle I am paying for that I can't drive or risk getting a ticket or rear ended everytime I go to work. Item is on backorder with no date for deliveries to start.
Incident date: Feb 29, 2024
Brake's grind and squeal at a slow stop even with new brakes and rotors and electric problems like it's blowing headlights with in weeks of installing and tag lights as well.
Incident date: May 15, 2024
There is a defect on all models like mine, and the dealer claims that it cannot be fixed. With my former vehicle, a 2019 BMW 340i GT, whenever I drove into a garage, the headlights would come on immediately so I could easily see where I should go. With the Lexus, it takes about 5-to-8 seconds for the headlights to turn on. This is unsafe to anyone walking in the garage inn that area.
Incident date: May 30, 2024
I am concerned about the safety of my headlights. I haven't had my car long but noticed how dim the headlights were in comparison to my other car. I frequently would drive my old car with the fog lights illuminated due to wildlife concerns. My Nissan, though ten years newer, has lighting that is way worse. Sure enough, an animal ran out across my part that I could barely see. I looked into replace... Read more
Incident date: May 7, 2024
Low beam headlights gradually became dim to the point of not illuminating the road. Replacement halogen bulbs made no difference. The reflective coating inside the low beam projector housing delaminates to the point that no light illuminates the road. You literally have to drive with high beams on as those are in another housing. Acura dealer said only solution was to replace the entire headlight ... Read more
TOYOTA
HIGHLANDER
(2021) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
May 31, 2024
Incident date: May 30, 2024
When a right turn signal is selected and a right turn is made, the turn signal clicks off and turns on the left turn signal. Dealer replaced turn signal switch and problem still occurs.
FORD
FUSION ENERGI
(2019) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
May 30, 2024
Incident date: Nov 24, 2021
My 2021 Durango is suffering from the a burnt out racetrack light. This is an manufacturer issue and is common across all Durango's with the racetrack tail light, I hope that Dodge issue a recall to fix this problem since it's this common, my vehicle is only 3 years old.
Incident date: May 29, 2024
When I’m driving my blinkers and windshield wipers turn on and off randomly and the stereo shuts off ac quits working and the windows lock and can’t be rolled down and when I’m at idle it has very loud ticking noise coming from dash board I think it’s the middle area behind stereo this happens multiple times a day and some days it doesn’t stop till vehicle is turned off and I’ve als... Read more
Incident date: May 24, 2024
The high beam recall was performed at the dealer,and it did not repair the problem.this is a 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee.The car was at the dealer a second time to try to repair it ,with no success.Now Jeep refuses to let the dealer work on it a THIRD time.This recall is for the high beams not operating when set to auto.Safety recall no.108 S9 4.Jeep is not honoring the warranty at the risk of my saf... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Rogue. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle had experienced "Phantom Braking" causing the braking system to erroneously activate and the vehicle to abruptly stop. During the failure the Forward Collision Avoidance system malfunction message was displayed. Additionally, while driving at night, the high beam headlights failed to automati... Read more
Incident date: May 4, 2024
Failed brake light switches cause brake light to not operate. Fails state safety inspection .
Incident date: Apr 12, 2024
Pull over police officer stated said lights are to dim to be driving at night told me I need to have my lights checked out. While driving about 60- 62 mph the vehicle just shut down without warning trying push the accelerator it would not go no further stuck on interstate with emergency blinkers if could of cause bad accident or someone could of hit me without warning. Dodge journey I need some... Read more
Incident date: May 16, 2024
We are victims of frame failure. First sign was a creaky floor in the bedroom. Screws worked their way out of the wood flooring and pushed up underneath the linoleum. The movement of the nose cap pushed screws out of the trim and seal piece on the underside of the front cap. We reseated screws, upgraded screws, resealed this at least 5 times and now use gorilla tape to avoid water intrusion. The u... Read more
Incident date: Nov 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that after the vehicle was at the dealer for a routine oil change and an engine flush, the following day while driving at approximately 10 MPH in a stop-and-go school zone, the vehicle stalled and smoke emitted from underneath the hood. All the warning lights on the instrument panel were illuminated. The contact merged to the shoulder of ... Read more
Fire
Incident date: May 26, 2024
Issues with front beams high and low auto dimming
Incident date: May 23, 2024
ISSUE: Hazard Warning/Turn Signal Flasher Module Failure. DESCRIPTION: Right front and rear turn signal and right front and rear hazard warning not working outside or inside vehicle. Replaced burned out right front turn signal/hazard. Replaced right rear turn signal/hazard due to corrosion on base of bulb. Looked at fixtures when replacing and all appeared good but right turn signals and right haz... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2021) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
May 27, 2024
Incident date: May 15, 2024
the taillight, blinker and reverse light all went out and when I pulled the components out To check to see if the bulbs are burnt all of the bulbs are perfectly fine, but the aluminum pieces were sparking, and the whole component will not work
Incident date: May 25, 2024
The Auto Dimming headlights are very sporadic. They go to high sometime while approaching other auto’s and won’t dim sometimes. This has been a issue on this model.
Incident date: May 1, 2024
This vehicle was purchased used on 5-25-24 from Carvana. The vehicle was delivered during the daytime. The vehicle was also inspected by the dealer prior to purchase. After purchase the vehicle was driven at night. However, after driving in the dark, at night, it was also discovered that the headlights did not provide adequate light to see whether on the highway or side streets. On dimly lit road... Read more
Incident date: May 24, 2024
Car suddenly developed a warning which read 'Warnings and information not available. Drive with greater care!'. All headlights, DRLs, and turn signals failed to illuminate. This caused a safety hazard while driving at dusk because there were no warnings regarding the lack of headlights and we didn't notice until it was too late and we were on a dark road.
Incident date: May 5, 2024
Ambient light sensor defective since vehicle was new. It would turn the lights on at dusk and back off at dawn but was confused by direct sunlight on sunny days. The the lights would switch from DRLs to headlights/taillights whenever direct sunlight hit the sensor and then immediately switch back to DRLs when any shadow crossed over the sensor causing the lights to flash. this causes other drivers... Read more
Incident date: May 13, 2024
The headlight reflectors on both the left and right front sides of the car aren't effectively reflecting light, which compromises visibility for other road users and jeopardizes nighttime driving. Moreover, both front halogen low beam reflectors fail to adequately light up the road for the driver, significantly reducing visibility. It's a genuine safety concern, and this recall was issued on Augus... Read more
Incident date: Apr 19, 2024
The tail light stopped working, I found water in it, I called the dealer and he said he couldn't replace it for free.
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2017) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
May 24, 2024
Incident date: Apr 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the driver's side headlight was flickering while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times, where the failure could not be replicated. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V802000 (Exterio... Read more
Incident date: May 23, 2024
Today after I parked my 2019 jeep grand Cherokee and locked it I noticed my brake lights stayed illuminated. I got back in my car and confirmed that I was in park and my parking brake was on and my brake pedal did not feel stuck down in any way. I also tried turning my headlamps from auto to off. That didn’t resolve my brake light issue. I restarted it and put it in gear and drove a little... Read more
Incident date: May 22, 2024
The lights come on ,the dashboard saying it’s my fuel pump and I can’t get it fix because they don’t have the parts in stock till next year vehicle will stall on the highway and lose power causing someone to crash into me and the transmission throw a code as will with the fuel pump
MERCEDES-BENZ
GL450
(2014) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
May 23, 2024
Incident date: Nov 10, 2023
Engine stall in the middle of the road making me hit an object and it lock up the steering wheel for I couldn't are nun causing the car to being in an accident this cost my insurance $4.5K to fix in damages and the car was under Honda care and Honda care basic warranty because they have on the carfax that it was minor because the amount of damage that cause Honda should be reliable for this accide... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: May 23, 2024
The headlights on my 2013 Nissan Altima SL are dangerously dim. The car was purchased used in July, 2022 and has been driven daily by my son since then. While driving with him recently on his way home college I was driving and could barely tell that the headlights were on while driving at night through the un-lit Interstate in Virginia. The extremely low light level was alarming to me as I could... Read more
Incident date: May 11, 2024
Condensation on both headlights
Incident date: Dec 6, 2023
Overhead console which controls lights, sunroof, garage opener, just FELL DOWN. You can see where the glue and the plastic surrounding the screws holding the console up failed and cracked. Console has never been altered, is rarely touched except for light buttons as I don't like to open roof and my garage opener is on my phone. I don't have kids who could have messed with it. VW is refusing to cov... Read more
Incident date: May 17, 2022
Subject: Non-Functional Left Rear Tail Light Due to Condensation Build-Up in Tesla Vehicle Dear NHTSA, I am writing to report an issue with my Tesla vehicle concerning the left rear tail light. The tail light has stopped functioning, and I believe this failure is due to condensation build-up within the light assembly. When I previously reported the condensation to Tesla, I was informed that it... Read more
Incident date: May 22, 2024
My car headlights are very dim and can't see road well at night-other cars have trouble seeing me. This has slowly happened over time. My mechanic replaced headlight bulbs still a problem and he says the reflectors are bad so I have ordered new headlights. I went online and found this has been a problem for many Acura RDX owners, Acura is aware but hasn't sought a recall to fix situation. However,... Read more
Incident date: May 19, 2024
2017-2019 model year Impreza vehicles, which may contain non-compliant headlamp assemblies. It has been almost 2 years with no solution to this problem. it is stated that the dealership will replace the recalled headlights, but they are doing nothing. No timeline on a solution is given and risk only increases as the car gets older. i just want what i paid for a safe vehicle that works.