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
VOLKSWAGEN
ID.4
(2023) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
May 9, 2024
Incident date: Sep 30, 2023
The auto dimming is way to sensitive. It turns down on road signs, street lights etc.
VANDERHALL
CARMEL
(2022) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
May 9, 2024
Incident date: May 9, 2024
Car would not turn on. All electronics started glitching, lights flickering. Had to disconnect the battery to turn off.
Incident date: May 8, 2024
When driving All the warning light is on. Also when you reduce speed or stop at the light the steering wheel turn hard to turn or move. The battery seem to be low voltage, because when you lock the car the sound of the horn sound weak. And wouldn't start.
Incident date: May 8, 2024
Side marker light defective message appears erroneously. Side marker light is intact and functional. Error message is a distraction and will fail to accurately notify of real issues with side marker light.
Incident date: May 7, 2024
My drivers side quarter panel taillight has stopped working due to moisture in the light (no visible breakage on light), this was in January. This part is on continuous backorder with no ETA of coming back in stock. The light is an LED and therefore cannot replace just the bulb. I travel for work and drive through large cities and have no left turn signal or brake light which is extremally dangero... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
There hasn't been a specific incident at this point. I am reporting what appears to be a manufacturing defect with the headlamps on my 2013 Acura RDX. I have owned this car for approximately 9 years and recently (past 6-12 months) noticed having difficulty seeing the road at night. Even worse seeing the road at night when raining. I took this vehicle to my personal mechanic and he suggested that ... Read more
Incident date: May 6, 2024
The computer system keeps intermittently saying the turn signal bulbs are out turning off the front signal when you want to use it. The bulbs are a bunch of LED’s in the headlight and it shouldn’t turn off all of them even if one is out (they are all working properly regardless). It seems to be a fault within the computer system either inside the headlight assembly or in the car.
Incident date: May 4, 2024
I bought a used 2014 nissan altima. The dim lights do not work properly and is dangerous to myself, my familiy and to other drivers approaching me. Visibility is about a cars length, if that. The dealership i bought the car from did not disclose that there had been a lawsuit against nissan for this issue. Someone needs to issue a recall on all these models with defective headlights before someone... Read more
Incident date: May 8, 2024
There is an issue with the head lights. There are shadows in the lenses or covers that create a distraction while you are driving. I was told that Toyota did it not to have lights go into on coming cars but they make it hard for the driver to see also because it makes it look like something is in the road. I feel that they should change this cause it's a not to good of a design and it could cause ... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2024
I am continually have issue with my headlights bi-xenon ds3 bulbs going out. I have replaced the ballast and the bulb w oem parts and the issue continues. My day runner LED lights work on the passenger side but the HID bulb does not work. I have no low beam. Everything else works. Same issue on drivers side until I replaced the entire housing unit. Regardless both lights DO NOT REFLECT IN DISTANCE... Read more
Incident date: May 4, 2024
The turn signal lights on both the driver and passenger side frequently goes out/stops working (at least 2-3 times a year per side). This has occurred since I purchased the vehicle in 2015. I have had the lamp housing replaced following a campaign issued by the manufacturer and any other related diagnostics and bulb replacements were done under warranty by the dealership. However, the issue persis... Read more
Incident date: Apr 4, 2024
The radio and head unit is glitching and automatically doing crazy things. The lighting is also affected on the head unit. The radio volume will turn up loud for no reason. It is intermittent. The dealership says it’s bubbling and head would have to be replaced..but back ordered parts and 3,000 dollars. I’ve googled and this is a well known issue with 2019 Subarus, but it’s a safety issue if... Read more
OLIVER TRAVEL TRAILERS
LEGACY ELITE II
(2019) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
May 6, 2024
Incident date: May 4, 2024
Headlight Assembly has issues with the seal and condensation can/does enter the headlight assembly rendering the functionality of the headlight as suspect. Without proper lighting and condensation in front of the headlight which greatly impacts/effects the clarity and visibility of objects in the front of the car creating a safety issue. The cost to replace/repair these assemblies is excessive a... Read more
Incident date: Sep 25, 2023
Acura RDX vehicles’ headlights anre extremely dim, to the point where we cannot see the road and where drivers have even described the vehicles as “undrivable” at nighttime.
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2021) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
May 6, 2024
Incident date: May 6, 2024
The seals on the factory headlight housings are faulty. They allow moisture into the low beam unit which blocks the light from projecting properly. The car is also safe to drive at night time.
Incident date: Feb 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V113000 (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 manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2022
The cars electrical system has failed multiple times while driving leading to no headlights , brake lights and all other electrical components. we have had vehicle serviced by multiple different mechanics including ford dealership however problem persists shortly after repair each time. vehicle does not display any forewarning of failure such as no check engine lights or any indication that anythi... Read more
Incident date: Apr 14, 2024
My F250 was in service for fuel system replacement and to fix both side mirrors which wouldn’t go down after going up. Shortly afterwards I noticed the rapid turn signal you get when tail lights are out. This happened while using a trailer. The trucks rear lights weren’t working at all but trailer lights were. Also was getting the blinds spot and cross traffic alert faults on instrument panel.... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2022
Headlights are incredibly dim and unsafe. I’ve now almost been in two accidents at night. My passengers always comment turn on your lights and I have to say they are already on.
Incident date: Apr 19, 2024
Brake lights are consistently blowing out especially the right brake light. I have replaced the bulb at least a dozen times in the past 2 years. Also the signal lights are going out as well. There is something faulty going on with the connection that I think needs to be recalled. After a quick search on YouTube I realized that I’m not the only person this has happened to. Kia needs to have a rec... Read more
Incident date: May 3, 2024
I have complained about this previously to recall, and it's doing it again. My engine shut off while driving its happened on the Fred harrman bridge twice now. All the dashboard lights come on and the engine shuts off I had to put it in neutral and restart it. It very dangerous and scarey experience. Also one of my passerger head light doesn't come on sometimes and the back driver side tail light.... Read more
HYUNDAI
KONA ELECTRIC
(2021) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
May 3, 2024
Incident date: May 3, 2024
In all models before 2022, the brake lights shut off while at a stop in one-pedal driving mode. This is a major safety concern that can be fixed entirely in software.
Incident date: May 2, 2024
My vehicle is missing it's third brake light. We have confirmed that it was forgotten during manufacturing. The dealer won't cover it. They say call corporate. Corporate says dealer has to fix it. In the mean time I'm pulled over for improper equipment, and brake light being out. It's a serious safety issue, covered by federal law. They quoted over $1000 to have it fixed at my expense.
Incident date: May 2, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Sonata. The contact had been pulled over by authorities on three separate occasions due to inoperable rear taillights. The contact stated that the interior housing unit for both the left and right rear taillights had begun to melt which caused the defect. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the contact was initially informed that the vehicle would be serviced un... Read more
Incident date: Jan 15, 2024
Headlights are very dim. Seems like a well known problem, with recalls to other models. Very expensive to fix correctly.
Incident date: May 1, 2024
Low beam headlamps are extremely dim. Have bought new replacement headlamps and are still very dim. Bought both replacement headlamp housings thinking wiring could be compromised but that didn't help either. Replacing headlamps is difficult due to having to remove either the front tires OR the front entire bumper assembly to switch out lamps. No fog lights are present on this model so makes drivin... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Acura RDX. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact became aware that the headlights were extremely dim and failed to provide proper illumination while driving at night. The contact stated that the headlights were replaced several times, but the failure persisted. The dealer was made aware of the failure and the service manager stated that the h... Read more
Incident date: Apr 30, 2024
See attached document for complaint
Incident date: Apr 11, 2024
I have a 2004 Jeep Liberty and while DRIVING AND MAKING TURNS, THE STEERING WHEEL MADE A LOUD GRINDING NOISE. THE NOISE WAS ALSO HEARD WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. I got woke up this morning with the alarm going off.. no one was around the Jeep.. I know this because I have security cameras.. my husband check the fuse box and inside they were wat... Read more
Incident date: Apr 23, 2024
Nissan never informed me of the head light recall in 2022 and as a result I've been driving on dim lights which is quite dangerous. This week I took it into a Nissan dealership in Anderson, SC to get them repaired and it cost $1500! They informed me it should have been covered under the recall but that it's expired. This is unacceptable. Nissan is responsible to inform it's car owners of all recal... Read more
Incident date: Oct 9, 2019
Water accumulates in the rear light bar. This has caused the LEDs to start flickering. This could cause issues in traffic, especially at night if the LEDs are flickering or not working completely. This issue is well known in the Durango community. Mopar is also aware of this. I can always see some water in the light bar after every rain. This vehicle has not been inspected by anyone yet. The... Read more
FORD
FUSION ENERGI
(2019) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Apr 30, 2024
Incident date: Apr 30, 2024
Uconnect screen is delaminated. Vehicle features change by themselves. Advanced electronic systems are connected through the system. Horn, lights on off by themselves
Incident date: Dec 15, 2022
The “race track light” on the rear hatch of the vehicle has allowed water to get in to the electrical LED components and has caused a portion of the light to fail. It seems to be a common failure and it creates a safety issue with visibility of the vehicle at night. In addition, the component to replace this light is very very expensive, with no hope that the new part will not fail in the same... Read more
Incident date: Oct 16, 2023
My vehicle is almost un-drivable at night due to a terrible headlight bean pattern. See attached image. I have taken to two different Kia Dealerships with no results and reached out to Kia. Something is seriously wrong with these lights. #1 Cochran Kia: 5200 Campbells Run Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15205 Springfield Kia: 3525 S Campbell Ave, Springfield, MO 65807 These light have been this way since ... Read more
FORD
F-150 HYBRID
(2021) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Apr 29, 2024
Incident date: Apr 26, 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 local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had no... Read more
Incident date: Apr 29, 2024
The vehicle consumes a gallon of oil weekly. The spark plugs are having to be replaced every three months. The Low beams have been replaced and are working but the headlights are completely out and flashes on the dash board. I have Hi beam’s only. There is an electrical issue with the vehicle and is very dangerous to drive with the oil leaks that are continuously happening.
Crash
Incident date: Feb 15, 2024
The vehicle consumes a gallon of oil weekly. The spark plugs are having to be replaced every three months. The Low beams have been replaced and are working but the headlights are completely out and flashes on the dash board. I have Hi beam’s only. There is an electrical issue with the vehicle and is very dangerous to drive with the oil leaks that are continuously happening.
Crash
Incident date: Apr 29, 2024
I got a malfunction alert on my dash that states " Right Side Marker Light Defective - See Owners Manual". Apparently, there is an existing recall 97CB for this item but my VIN is not listed as part of this recall. I have read several complaints that more and more Audi Q7 vehicles are being affected by this malfunction. I would like to see if my VIN can be included on the 97CB recall? Since this ... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2021) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Apr 28, 2024
Incident date: Apr 27, 2024
After driving my normal route, I stopped at a red light, before light went green, the car shut off. No lights on the dash, completely blank. The car was in drive, and foot was on the brake. There was no brake lights, flashers would not operator, the horn did not work and I could not move the car. The car was dead. After a few minutes stranded the car decided to start again. This has happened no l... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2021) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Apr 28, 2024
Incident date: Sep 14, 2022
I have many problems with this vehicle, numerous times. Inaccurate Fuel Gauge Reading- It has resulted in my vehicle running out of fuel and stalling, while on road. I have 4 children who are at risk of danger while in vehicle.The fuel warning light has illuminated when the gauge needle says I still have more than plenty of amount (a quarter of a tank or more at times. It differs). It was diagno... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2011) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Apr 28, 2024
Incident date: Apr 1, 2022
The driver's side Daytime Running Lights (DRL) no longer operate. It is available for inspection. DRL have become a regular safety feature to improve visibility in daylight hours. I have not taken it to a dealer, as I do not want to be charged hundreds of dollars in "labor" for them to tell me it doesn't work. I have done research online in Forums and on YouTube, and have confirmed that there are ... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
ATLAS
(2023) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Apr 27, 2024
Incident date: Apr 18, 2024
Car caught fire, parked in driveway, partially damaged the house.
Fire
Incident date: Apr 23, 2024
I was driving down a highway traveling 59 mph around 5:20AM when my infotainment system and lights inside all went dark. The speedometer stayed lit up but changed to an alternate color while I was traveling. I slowed down to make sure I could brake and that all was working. Within about 20-30 seconds the whole system restarted and came back online. This was not necessarily a safety hazard, howeve... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2022
Passenger low beam keeps going out within a couple days charged wire harness and bulbs keeps happening.
Incident date: Dec 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the headlights were significantly dim, which reduced the driver's visibility of the roadway while driving at night. The vehicle was taken to the local Pep Boys where the headlight bulbs were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The dealer was notified of the failure and charged a repair fee for the headlights replacement. The manufac... Read more
Incident date: Apr 19, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at approximately 40 MPH, the low beam headlights started to flicker off and on. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 110,000.
Incident date: Apr 26, 2024
I bought my car, new, on 10/1/ 2023. The middle of November i noticed the headlights randomly dimming. On 12/3/23 I to the dealership to have them looked at. I was told there was nothing wrong but make an appt. they had my car 3 times in less than 2 months. I repeatedly told them my headlights were dimming and or going off. On Jan 13 after taking my daughter to the airport my headlights went of... Read more
Incident date: Jun 20, 2023
The dial on the dashboard that gives gas tank I do, speed and time do not light up or appear all jumbled if it is below 60 degrees outside. This is not cool.
Incident date: Apr 22, 2024
We Americans need you to stop auto manufacturers from using blinding headlights on their cars. This will cause accidents and you will be liable for allowing this to begin with.
MERCEDES-BENZ
GLC 300
(2023) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Apr 25, 2024
Incident date: Apr 20, 2024
there is side marker lights issue. it happened 1 one year ago. it was right side. few months later , left side had same problem. I checked up audi q9 with same problem. I found that old model has same issue with recall. I searched audi owner web site, and saw there were so many owner had same problem. however, audi did not declare 2017 Q7.