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: Mar 2, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Ford Maverick. The contact stated while in the process of towing a trailer, he connected the trailer electrical cable to the vehicle; however, while towing the trailer and engaging the driver's side turn signal, the driver's side turn signal on the trailer was inoperable. An "Error" message was displayed. The contact stated that when he towed the trailer with other vehicles... Read more
FORD
F-150 HYBRID
(2023) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Mar 11, 2024
Incident date: Feb 24, 2024
On the dashboard and stereo there are no lights when I turn on the cars automatic lights. It seems to be an electrical short. I brought it up to Hyundai because of the recall and they were very unhelpful. I called 15 different Hyundai dealerships in the Los Angeles area asking for a loaner vehicle which none of them were able to provide for me. After I stated I already have an electrical short, th... Read more
Incident date: Mar 10, 2024
It started with the alarm turning on randomly. DRL not turning off and battery got drained.
Incident date: Mar 2, 2024
Se acelera y desacelera repentinamente Quiero acelerar para llegar a la mismas velocidad del trafico y no lo hace y eso hase que ponga en peligro la vidad mia y de mi familia por que otro carro puede chocarme. Cuando sucedio eso se activo el CHECK, lo apago por completo y los parabrisas se activan repentinamente , todo esto es muy raro y no es bueno para mi
Crash
Incident date: Feb 11, 2024
Left front head light will turn off while turning left, more than 10deg. This is part of the Steering Responsive System where the headlights will move with the steering. This is a sealed unit and not a user replaceable component such as a head lamp. Replacement costs are excessive for this manufacture failure. This left front headlight turning off while turning left is a common problem found o... Read more
Incident date: Mar 7, 2024
My 2015 Acura RDX has shockingly dim headlights on low beam. The bulbs were replaced within the past year, but the light output is still dangerously bad. Very unsafe to drive at night or in inclement weather. My dealer has confirmed this is a known issue, yet there has been no recall. There has been a recall of the same model year for a different Acura model, the RLX sedan, for headlight issue... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis. The contact stated that the headlights and taillights were inoperable, and the trunk failed to open. Additionally, all the doors failed to manually lock, and while utilizing the key fob, the door locks were inoperable. The door-ajar message was displayed. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer w... Read more
Incident date: Mar 8, 2024
There is a recall existing for my car, by VIN mine is not included, however I have the exact same problem. Water in the driver side foot well electrical panel which has caused a fault in the lighting, hazard lights, and battery issue. The car cannot be driven because the hazard lights and daytime running lights will not turn off even with the key out. Running out the battery in the process. The ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 5, 2024
See attached document for complaint
Incident date: Mar 15, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that the vehicle would not immediately start, and white exhaust smoke was coming from the vehicle. Also, the message "Coolant Low" was displayed although the coolant reservoir was full. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the head gasket was faulty. The head gasket was replaced but the coolant message continued to d... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2023
The low-beam headlights are so dim that when I drive at night I cannot see the road in front of me. When there is a passenger in my car at night, they tell me to turn on my headlights when they are already on. When I take my vehicle in for scheduled maintenance (at the dealership) I keep asking about the lights, and they keep saying that the lights are working properly, they are clean, and they ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 7, 2023
- Lithium Battery risk- "deep sleep" vehicle goes into deep sleep and is dark, no interior lights. SSM 51725 was performed - what it accomplished was removing the APP notification of deep sleep, not the problem. There are numerous similar complaints on the "Maverick forum", usually with the recommendation to "drive more", initially a poor battery connection was thought to be the problem, that ... Read more
FORD
BRONCO SPORT
(2022) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Mar 7, 2024
Incident date: Mar 4, 2024
The first things to go were the headlights, rearview camera & the seatbelt wouldn't fully retract. Then ALL the dash warning lights flashed like a Christmas tree; the radio, heat & AC settings changed on their own; & the navigation screen scrambled into pixels like a crashed computer screen! These issues went on sporadically for months. I was convinced the vehicle was possessed. It seemed things w... Read more
Incident date: Jan 7, 2024
Instrument cluster lost all power during driving. Lighting does not work, RPM's are not registering / speedometer showing zero even when in motion / fuel range not visible. Ford has issued a recall for this exact problem for 2022 models (Recall # 22C11 - Loss of Instrument Cluster Illumination), but will not acknowledge the issue in the 2019 model year. Please Help.
Incident date: Mar 7, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 BMW 330i. The contact stated that the headlight housings would become foggy whenever it rained. The contact stated that the failure had caused the low beam lights to be diffused and to fail to illuminate the roadway beyond 15-30 feet. The vehicle was taken to the dealer with photos of the foggy headlight housings, but the dealer informed the contact that they could not repl... Read more
Incident date: Mar 7, 2024
I live in Northern California and we have snow. I was driving after dark about 6:30PM and it was snowing. [XXX]. I was on the freeway to head to a high school performance and picking up passengers. I was on the road about 15 minutes and I was suddenly unable to see the road, it was dark and I thought my lights went off. I pulled over, with 3 passengers to find that my headlights were covered in... Read more
Incident date: Mar 3, 2024
Fue un día martes q venía de traer a mis hijas de la escuela ya para la casa cuand de repente se de tuvo el carro y se apagó el solo de una sola me asusté orrible mis hijas se pusieron a llorar y nerviosa me puse entre en choo me dolía el cuello me asusté mucho después q me calme lo apague el carro lo prendi de nuevo iba manejando con miedo se me apagó de nuevo de un solo gracias adiós q... Read more
Incident date: Mar 4, 2024
The seal on the passenger headlight on my 2021 Tiguan failed and condensation accumulated in the light. After a short while, the light shorted out and needed to be replaced. The dealer I went to was not very responsive and stated the light was on backorder and they could not obtain. Once the light shorted, the dealership took the car overnight, provided a loaner and replaced the headlight. For... Read more
Incident date: Feb 5, 2024
The "auto dimmers" do not work. I have had it to the deal several times and they admit that Honda has a problem with them. They tell me they are working as designed and it is not the best design. The service team is now going to switch out vehicles with me to see if they are working 'as designed". The service team has told me to just turn them off and do it manually. To me that is NOT the solutio... Read more
NISSAN
PATHFINDER
(2015) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Mar 6, 2024
Incident date: Jan 27, 2024
As the vehicle was traveling on a highway at 35 mph the vehicle shut off electronically three times and powered itself back on after 15 seconds or so of continuous cruising on the highway. Unable to accelerate or control the vehicle while the electronic component shut off in the vehicle. Three days later, a series of warning lights and check engine lights turned on, which has occurred 6 other time... Read more
Incident date: Feb 15, 2024
I’m getting the "front right" "side marker light defective" message and my vehicle’s lamps are appearing normal. Car has never been in an accident and multiple owners are having this issue
Incident date: Mar 3, 2024
There is a safety design flaw with the dash lights. If the headlights are ON The dash lights are turned down to a significantly lower illumination automatically and cannot be turned back up to full brightness. This is a big issue when driving with your head lights on during daylight rain/fog. The dash lights won't turn up to full brightness and are very difficult to read, especially for anyo... Read more
Incident date: Mar 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 low beam headlights were extremely dim while driving, reducing driver ability to see the roadway. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 6, 2022
Back up lights and Tail light problems My Back up lights turn on when the headlights are turned on and do not shut off unless the headlights are off. Also, recently, the rear tail lights were burning out early and would last only two weeks. The source of the problem seems to be in the fuse box. There is no short in the system. It appears to be in the fuse box of the 2014 GMC Sierra 1500. Bulbs w... Read more
Incident date: Mar 4, 2024
First incident: While driving on the highway, my vehicle began to vibrate intensely, jerking, lost acceleration and ultimately was unable to drive. Smelled burning. No warning lights came on- no indication of a problem. I only had time to exit on ramp and car stopped in the middle of traffic. Car had to be towed to dealer. Second incident: I was driving and the vehicle began jerking and vibrating ... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2021) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Mar 6, 2024
Incident date: Mar 6, 2024
There is a problem with the rear middle light on the lift gate. Water is getting into them and shorting them out then leading it to need a replacement. This is an on going issue with dodge Durangos. Something needs to be done with this design flaw on the Durango’s because they charge 1400 for the part plus labor for it to be replaced when the light wasn’t built right
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2021) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Mar 6, 2024
Incident date: Feb 6, 2024
The highbeams quit working Causing poor visibility
Incident date: Feb 10, 2024
I am reporting a safety issue that is not associated with my vehicle, rather it is in regards to many vehicles on the road with LED headlamps. These lights are blinding and most definitely a safety concern. Why are car manufacturers allowed to install these type of lights?
Incident date: Sep 18, 2023
I have a expired recall that was not completed by previous owner. I called company and they refuse to fix my problem because it was expired.
VOLKSWAGEN
TIGUAN
(2020) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Mar 6, 2024
Incident date: Jan 3, 2024
The car’s instrument cluster has no indicator light to inform the driver whether or not low beam headlights are active. I took the car into BMW to get this addressed early on after purchasing the vehicle and BMW service technicians informed me that these cars don’t have such a light. Even though the manual includes documentation for the light. This poses a safety hazard as a driver may put t... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2019) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Mar 5, 2024
Incident date: Mar 5, 2024
Gauge cluster stopped working, no speedometer, mileage, turn signal indicators etc. all black. Extreme safety risk. 4WD will not engage, possibly associated.
Incident date: Dec 5, 2022
The instrument lights/gauges work intermittently. The digital odometer won't display.
Incident date: Jul 7, 2022
My 2024 Cayenne is outfitted with the LED HD Matrix headlights. The low beam lights "when adjusted to specifications" only project 30-40ft down the road. This is very dangerous not being able to see adequately in front of the car especially where I live which have many deer. I'm told this is partially because the US does not allow full HD Matrix functionality. Porsche should not sell vehicle wh... Read more
Incident date: Oct 4, 2023
2nd bad headlamp assembly that develops moisture and causes lamp to go out. First was passenger side now driver side
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
Low beam light is extremely dim. Dealership replaced the bulb but there is no improvement. I was explained that reflector is defective- burned out due to original Acura design using halogen bulb which caused reflector oxidation. It is a major safety issue as driving at night within required light is hazardous
Incident date: Mar 4, 2024
All 6 of mine lights (front/fog and inside/outside rear) are collecting haze / contamination on the inside of the lens. Lights are a primary safety/warning device. Anything (like interior fogging) that interferes with this function is a SERIOUS safety defect that the manufacturer should fix under a safety recall. I have already spent money replacing one of the side rear light assemblies, due to th... Read more
Incident date: Mar 20, 2023
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving and depressing the brake pedal, the third brake light failed to illuminate intermittently. Additionally, the contact stated that the third brake light would randomly illuminate while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the third brake light was defective. Additionally,... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
Vehicle enters deep sleep and makes it unable to communicate with vehicle. All 12volt operations stop working such as dome lights, remote features, key fob. Sometimes vehicle is battery is dead and must be jump started.
Incident date: Feb 27, 2024
Day light running lights flicker on and off in the afteroon during partly cloudy and sunny days
Incident date: Feb 12, 2024
The front lights are low and barely does anything when driving in evening or late night, making it hard to see items ahead and almost causing accidents twice already. I can barely see railings while turning onto highway at night with these terrible front lights. It has been more than a year and a half since the recall and nothing is being done by the manufacturer to remedy the issue.
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2024) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Mar 3, 2024
Incident date: Feb 29, 2024
This is neither a failure nor a malfunction but on several occasions I have had the light switch turn off at night while driving. I can reach over and push a button to the left of the steering wheel under the ac/heat vent and in doing so my arm has rolled the headlight switch off. I have to hurry up and turn them back on. The switch should lock somewhat in place as to take a purposeful twist fo... Read more
Incident date: Mar 2, 2024
Low beam headlight bulbs keep burning out, literally replacing bulbs at least once a year
Incident date: Feb 26, 2024
I've had my 2023 Tahoe for 15 months, purchased Dec. 2023 Issue #1. Dash message on start up " Restraint System Needs Service". I noticed small lights overhead (buttons for tail gate, sun roof, reading lamps) were off. I pressed some of them, and dash message went away, and lights came on. Everything worked fine. I've narrowed it down to the passenger side reading light. When dash warning comes o... Read more
Incident date: Feb 29, 2024
When both driving and idling, the car will either stall or feel like it is about to stall, when all of a sudden the vehicle “pauses” for a second and then all of the dashboard lights come on. This has now happened at least 4 times in the past month. It will reset after turning the car off, but on more than one occasion after turning the car off, the engine doesn’t restart right away. Thankfu... Read more
Incident date: Sep 27, 2023
There is a known problem with the rear brake lights allowing water into it. It can ruin the electrical and cause brake lights to go out without the drivers knowledge and could cause and accident. Lucky I was able to fix it for now.
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2021) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Mar 1, 2024
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
If I had known the headlights are this bad to drive at night I would have never purchased the car. I have replaced the bulbs but was told it is the type of headlights that came with the vehicle. Never will buy another vehicle again with out testing it at night
Incident date: Jan 29, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Impreza. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: [XXX] (Exterior Lighting) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted. The dealer was located in Canada and had stated they would be able to complete the reme... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 2500
(2020) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Mar 1, 2024
Incident date: Apr 3, 2021
In july 2021 the passenger side tail light stopped working. A certified GMC dealer replaced both tail lights. In Feb 2024 the driver side tail light failed.
GMC
SIERRA 2500
(2020) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Mar 1, 2024
Incident date: Apr 3, 2021
Right side marker defective keeps coming on when headlight turns on. The light works fine but Audi wants to charge over 4K to replace headlamp. Audi stated it’s tiny bulb on side to fix, I have to replace entire headlamp. This is an electrical issue that lot of Audi Q7 owners have reported and I shouldn’t be liable to fix a defective issue.
Incident date: Feb 27, 2024
An electrical or computer component failed, frequently causing my rear back up camera to go out. I couldn't tell that both of my headlights to stop functioning at the same time (because all of my interior lighting adjustments were still functioning, and because I was in a well light area initially) until I was on the highway, after dark, with my child in the vehicle.