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: Jan 1, 2023
I only feel that it is right I complain about the Acura Rdx headlights I really fear I will only end up hurting my self and/or others. The low beam headlight are dangerous at night I barely see the headlight on and when it’s snowing and the night time with no street lights I’m scared for my life. I can only drive my Acura rdx during the daytime. Please investigate this problem. Thank you
Incident date: Feb 11, 2024
I have reported before my vehicle is and has been cyber attacked. This time around my horn has been disable. They turn on the radio, they turn on the light lights of the vehicle, they turn on the radio, they turn on the ac/heat control. If I take it in again, they are going to tell me nothing is wrong. This is very dangerous for me as a driver. I cannot drive a vehicle without a horn. I NEVER hear... Read more
Incident date: Jan 17, 2024
For no reason the Alarm is going off randomly the dash lights, interior lights, driving lights and headlights are flashing and loud clicking noises come from the dash. This happens frequently and has been going on for some time. I have had to remove the fuse from the Horn to keep it from waking us up at night which creates a potentially dangerous situation if I forget to plug it back in. Also t... Read more
Incident date: May 10, 2023
ABS system has failed and damaged the traction control module. Speedometer does not work and brake lights stay on constantly. Power steering assist does not work. The vehicle has been inspected by the dealer and cannot get the parts to fix these issues.
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
The contact's daughter owns a 2019 Mini Cooper S Clubman. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, she depressed the brake pedal, but the rear driver's side brake light failed to illuminate. The contact stated that he was driving behind his daughter when he noticed the failure. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and the rear driver's side brake... Read more
Incident date: Feb 12, 2024
On my way home, the car began to tremble and make a very strange noise. I couldn't stop because I was on the highway, the next day all the lights car on the dashboard were on, I dropped my car on the dealer and still is there,.
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2014) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Feb 12, 2024
Incident date: Nov 9, 2023
Rear tail lights are out. All the Dodge Durangos on the road are ! Safety hazard for people behind me and me! Initially part of the light went out tonight the whole light went out . Cam shaft has went bad twice
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
I CANT SEE THE ROAD. Who is in charge of allowing these new bright LED headlights? They make it very hard to see where I’m driving when they’re eye level with my car!! So all I see is a bunch of LED lights coming straight at me, which is very unacceptable because now I can’t see the road. Making it a very obvious safety concern which is weird when I thought the government is supposed to be p... Read more
Incident date: Aug 12, 2019
HEADLIGHTS ARE EXTREMELY DIM
Incident date: Feb 11, 2024
I was driving my car when suddenly the speedometer started going from 0-60 back and forth, the rpms was all over the place, the brake light came on and stayed on and the lights was going from bright to dim, there was a couple more lights aluminized on my dash. After googling the problem that nearly caused me and my children to crash, there is so many people affected by this same problem in the 200... Read more
Incident date: Feb 9, 2024
Tracktail lights water go inside and cost repairs is over 1,500 all cables got burned out fire can happen soon if they don't. Make a safety recall for its 2017 dodge durango rt racetrack tail lights
Incident date: Dec 12, 2023
High beams are not activating when enabled from the steering column. Both automatic and manual switches for the vehicles high beams do not enable the lighting in front of the car. The odometer also does not signal the high beams are active in this scenario as well.
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
Water getting into my passenger side headlight after 30,000 miles.
Incident date: Feb 8, 2024
low beam headlights extremely dim
Incident date: Feb 6, 2024
FRONT HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY: 1) the HID HALOGEN lights- (a.) the main DS3 buld continues to burn out not lasting longer than a month. (b.) the ballast also than shorts out (c.) the HIGH BEAM does the reverse effect making everything black (d.) the LOW BEAM do not work right as i cannot see obstacles in the road clearly- WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT; I ONLY HAVE MY FRONT DR... Read more
TOYOTA
HIGHLANDER
(2017) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Feb 10, 2024
Incident date: Feb 10, 2024
The headlights have become too dim to drive safely at night. While researching the problem on-line, I see this is a known problem caused by the reflective material inside the headlamp assembly delaminating or discoloring. Although a known safety problem, Acura has not issued a needed recall to correct the problem.
Incident date: Feb 5, 2024
Both rear license plate lights are out as well as racetrack taillight on hatch has water in it. This is a known defect that is all over the web. I am going to engage dealer but car is 5 years old now. Really should be recalled as it is a danger and a super expensive repair as the entire raceway has to be replaced.
TOYOTA
SIENNA HYBRID
(2023) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Feb 9, 2024
Incident date: Feb 7, 2024
The liftgate light assembly (racetrack light) has defective gaskets which have allowed water to enter the assembly. The light now has a short resulting from the water and randomly flashes or goes out. This is troubling when following the vehicle as you cannot tell if it is a brake light coming on, hazards, or what the purpose of the random flashing light is.
AUDI
Q4 E-TRON SPORTBACK
(2023) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Feb 9, 2024
Incident date: Dec 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2024 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH at night, the low beam and high beam headlights were extremely dim. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the high beam headlights were adjusted; however, the failure persisted while driving. The contact's friend inspected the vehicle and informed him that the LED fog lights were not installed on the vehicle; howev... Read more
Incident date: Feb 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving at night, the low-beam headlights were dim. There was no warning light illuminated. Due to the inadequate illumination, the contact was forced to use the high beam headlights while driving at night. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and the contact was informed that the halogen headlight bulbs needed to be replaced. T... Read more
LAND ROVER
RANGE ROVER SPORT
(2023) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Feb 9, 2024
Incident date: Feb 5, 2024
LED lights on “Suburban” brand cooktop knobs have been spontaneously all lit up red for the past couple of days, despite not having touched or used the cooktop. I’ve had the trailer for 10 days, it is brand new, 2024 Winnebago Micro Minnie 1720FB model. I went in the trailer after heavy rains to check for leaks and found that all 3 burner knobs were lit up red. And there is no longer any po... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact became aware that the passenger's side headlight was inoperable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the headlight bulb socket had failed, and the mechanic determined that the passenger's side headlight assembly needed to be replaced. The vehi... Read more
ALTEC
AERIAL DEVICE
(2023) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Feb 9, 2024
Incident date: Aug 28, 2023
Nighttime backing up is to dark to see in the camera. The reverse lights are not bright enough to highlight the area to see correctly. This is a major concern as i almost backed up over my child at night as i could not see them in the camera. Please address with manufacture to resolve the issue. This truck has one piece LED lights that can not be pulled and swapped out with a brighter bulb. would ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 4, 2024
The contact owns a 2024 Toyota Corolla Hybrid. The contact stated that the headlights were designed with a curve which caused an obstruction in the driver's vision while driving at night. Due to the headlight design creating a blind spot in the driver's vision, the contact was forced to use the high beam headlights to drive at night. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where a service technician ack... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2021
My 2024 Carola Hybrid Headlights create blind spot in front of the car at night at 50meters to 100m by Toyota engineer design (there is a corner designed into the line of sight of the headlight). Toyota customer care and the dealer maintenance manager is saying the design is safety tested and approved. It needs to be retested at night!!! This is a clear design defect. It is especially dangerous cu... Read more
Incident date: Dec 6, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Sedona. The contact stated while driving 40–45 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the headlights and taillights became inoperable. The contact also stated that the oil level was low after checking the dipstick. The driver's side window was stuck in the down position. The contact depressed the... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2023
So yesterday night I was at walmart and I had the car idling while putting stuff in the car the interior lights dimmed and there was a rattle that came from underneath the car right after the car stalled out twice, I had interior lights on but no power to the engine just sitting and once I started driving it didn't stall out on highway, but there is a possibility of this happening at a stop sign o... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2022) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Feb 8, 2024
Incident date: Feb 7, 2024
Adaptive lights and turn signal failure. There seems to be a widespread issue with BMWs across all makes and models. The failure of the turn signal creates a safety hazard in that the car is unable to properly signal a change of lanes or turn at stop signs or stop lights. BMW is aware of this defect but has failed to act.
Incident date: Dec 30, 2023
When starting car you can smell gasoline the smell stays while driving
Incident date: Nov 10, 2023
at early evening my lights do not come on when the rest of the cars lights are on and mine don`t come on till later i see canada is haveing a re call on this problem .i stop at buick they said that nothing could be done. thank you [XXX] email [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Incident date: Feb 7, 2024
I cannot see when driving at night. I'm getting cars flashing me to turn my lights on but they are already on. If I drive with my high beams on I'm going to blind other drivers. I just bought the car 2 days ago and called the dealership to take it in. They said there is nothing they can do that it's a common problem. I'm not understanding why I these cars are on the road if there is nothing that c... Read more
FORD
BRONCO SPORT
(2022) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Feb 8, 2024
Incident date: Feb 8, 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 manufact... Read more
Incident date: Jan 28, 2024
I never received an recall for this issue below and my vehicle is having this problem. My safety is being put at risk due to this. Please help. I'm requesting this recall to reimburse for costs of repair which is $5100.00. Recall no. 16V642000 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2016 TT roadster, A3 cabriolet, A3 sedan and A3 e-tron, 2016-2017 TT coupe,... Read more
Incident date: Feb 7, 2022
Driving at night when it snows is unsafe. The forward collision warning sensor is covered with snow within minutes and so are the headlights. They are placed in the front bumper and covered with snow because by their design they are not flush with the bumper. They are sitting deep within the bumper which creates a trap for snow and slush. I hade to stop every few minutes to clean the headlights fr... Read more
LAND ROVER
RANGE ROVER SPORT
(2015) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Feb 7, 2024
Incident date: Aug 17, 2023
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? High beam "projector style" LED headlights have bright lines that are very distracting when driving at night. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Driver's vision is impacted. They are particularly bad on curvy, mountainous terrain. The bright lines produced by the high beams ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed at night, the contact became aware that the front and rear exterior lights were not functioning as needed. The headlamp warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed an electrical fault with the exterior lights. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccu... Read more
Incident date: Feb 2, 2024
The "racetrack" lights have pooling water in them and are now not working at all. the back end of the truck is a hazard as you are not able to see it.
Incident date: Feb 5, 2024
Low beam lights at night are so dim that one can hardly tell they are even on almost. It is unsafe to drive at night and particularly rainy conditions at night without using the high beams. Bulbs have been replaced to the brightest available on the market and the plastic lenses of the headlights have had any oxidation removed. It appears as though the reflector in which the low beam bulbs mount in... Read more
Incident date: Jan 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the front passenger’s side headlight intermittently failed to illuminate with the "Check Headlamp System See Owner’s Manual" message displayed on the instrument panel. The failure persisted, and the driver’s side headlight also failed to illuminate as needed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the contact was given an estima... Read more
LINCOLN
CONTINENTAL
(2017) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Feb 6, 2024
Incident date: Nov 13, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that the side mirrors adjuster switch was no longer operable. The contact stated that the passenger's side headlight was inoperable. The contact stated that her husband was an independent mechanic, and he replaced the passenger's side headlight bulb. The contact stated that 6 months later, the driver's side headlight became inoperable. The ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 6, 2024
Daytime running lights are dim or discolored. SIB 63 04 was issued acknowledging the problem, however repairs are only covered under the new vehicle warranty. In most cases, the issue occurs after the new vehicle warranty has expired.
Incident date: Feb 6, 2024
Headlight DRL went out. Common problem with these trucks. Causes a safety concern with visibility.
Incident date: Feb 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Accord. The contact stated that after the battery was replaced, the headlight and low brake fluid warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
CHRYSLER
TOWN AND COUNTRY
(2011) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Feb 5, 2024
Incident date: Jan 31, 2024
Component: Battery Junction box then affecting other parts. water intrusion into battery junction box affecting and shorting out other components. Items shorted out due to water in battery junction box include: Battery Junction Box itself, Left rear Blind Spot Monitor, Left rear Brake Light, Drivers seat control (shorted all seat heated components, All lumbar and massaging components fully infl... Read more
Incident date: Feb 5, 2024
I was dropping my daughter off at school and the car completely shut down on me and turned off in the middle of an intersection. I have just had brakes and oil changed but ever since I got the car codes keep popping up and when checked it’s all good. Front lights keep glitching and even with new brakes there is still a bad sound. My dash computer thing keeps going in and out. It happens a lot mo... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
ATLAS
(2018) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Feb 5, 2024
Incident date: Feb 5, 2024
Vehicle. cuts off when running, check engine light came on. Had vehicle checked and replaced 02 sensors and filter. After replacing it ran worse than it did before replacing them.Check engine light will not go off.
Incident date: Feb 1, 2024
Factory LED headlamp was flashing rapidly like a strobe light intermittently before it failed. The lights are bright enought that it was not immediately obvious to me (the driver) that anything was amiss. Was noticeable when close to other vehicles in traffic and on open, dark roads, where the strobing affect as apparent on reflective signs. The unit later failed completely and is now backordered... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2022
High beams no longer work on the front lights.
VOLKSWAGEN
TAOS
(2022) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Feb 5, 2024
Incident date: Feb 1, 2024
Low beams have completely gone out and will not work. High beams and all other lights work fine. Car Burns oil regularly. 2 quarts every 2 weeks is required now ro operate the car. I have only had the car since 2020.