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: Dec 16, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sedona. The contact stated that while a State Inspection was being performed on the vehicle, it was discovered that water and condensation were present inside the driver's and passenger’s side rear brake light housing. The contact stated that the vehicle failed the safety inspection due to the failure. The water and condensation were removed from the housing and the l... Read more
HONDA
ACCORD HYBRID
(2023) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Dec 19, 2023
Incident date: Oct 15, 2023
As I am steering, the horn goes off at any moment for a long period of time distracting many drivers and scaring them half to death on the road ! This is an incident that has been going on for a while, and there are many other people that I have came across with the same problem. This is my only car and I have no idea who to turn to, but the amount of money for a Nissan that is in great condition ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 23, 2023
Dim headlights. Replaced them ($300) thinking they were getting old, upon the next evening driving - the lights were still too dim to safely drive the vehicle. No change in visibility whatsoever. Because of that these headlights are not up to par with Transportation safety. This needs to be recalled and replaced with halogen!
Incident date: Dec 16, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the headlights were very dim while driving at night. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was contacted, and the contact was provided a diagnostic fee to have the vehicle inspected. The contact then took the vehicle to an independent mechanic where the contact was informed that the defect was a manufacturer defect that o... Read more
Incident date: Oct 29, 2023
Headlights do not illuminate the road properly, there are dark spot in front of the car specially on the driver side. Making a turn there is ZERO visibility ( almost went into the median road ) because I do not see anything on the sides. The headlights do not " flood the road " Hyundai say this about the headlight and is very misleading. I drive a lot specially at night I am afraid to drive the ca... Read more
Incident date: Dec 19, 2023
I was never informed of a voluntary recall on the headlamps of certain Nissan Altimas, my wife said it was difficult to drive at night, I installed LED lights with little change. I found out after Nissan had a voluntary recall that the head light assemblies had issues, mainly de-lamination of the chrome in the reflector assembly on the low beam light. Dealer said they would replace them unless I p... Read more
Incident date: Dec 12, 2023
Power steering very stiff and difficult to steer vsc light on and air bags light goes on and off and unknown cause.
Incident date: Dec 12, 2023
My battery went out and I literally replaced it last year. Also when I replaced it last year the back light would stay on sometimes all night and day I was worried it could start a fire or something dealer didn't even bother checking it and left it like that and replaced the battery. Last month my vehicle wouldn't start and no warning or nothing before it just died on me good thing I had it in my ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 17, 2023
Apparently a known issue with the HID lights coming on or off intermittently.
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
Received recall notice 10/22 and still have not received a phone call to have it repaired. I have called the dealer and they said they are starting with the older cars first and I will receive a letter when I can bring it in. Per the recall notice it states "increasing the risk of a crash". I find this to be very concerning because my son drives this car.
Incident date: Nov 1, 2023
The low beam headlights are a safely issue with the 2024 Palisade. The low beams on mine are downright dangerous. 1. They are dim. They don't illuminate the pavement adequately. 2. The low beam light projection is too short, and the cutoff line is too severe. Coming over a hill or around a curve, the low beams don't illuminate the outside curb nor telephone poles which are located on the outsi... Read more
Incident date: Dec 18, 2023
Both headlight lowbeams are very dim, so dim that they provide almost zero lighting to see the road at night. Dealer informed me that I would need to purchase both headlight assemblies at a cost of just under $3,000.
VOLKSWAGEN
TIGUAN
(2018) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Dec 18, 2023
Incident date: Dec 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that the headlights of the vehicle were continuously dim. The contact stated that the headlight bulbs and the headlamps were replaced; however, the failure persisted. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that both headlights needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 12, 2023
Low beam headlights have been horrible for the last several years. They light up a few feet ahead, very abnormal for headlights. They were fine when purchased but after about 6 years it got progressively worse. It was extremely risky to drive at night. Fortunately no accidents but a huge risk out on the road. There are many owners who have the 2013 to 2015 base RDX after searching the internet ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 14, 2023
The two headlights have appeared to have condensation due to sealing problem of the headlight. When the light bulbs and beam heat up the air with moisture, it will leave water inside of the headlight cover. This will increase the safety risks when we were driving on the road. There is no warning message for that. The problem should not be normal and this should really be manufacturer’s problem t... Read more
Incident date: Dec 17, 2023
My headlights provide no useable light to drive at night I have to use my high beams. So I avoid using this car at night when possible. It is my understanding that there was a recall on a similar problem of the Acura. 2014-2015 Acura RLX 11, 2014 – Acura will voluntarily recall approximately 9,700 model-year 2014-2015 RLX vehicles in the United States to replace the both headlight assemblies,... Read more
Incident date: Dec 3, 2023
Just like with the other double cab Tacoma recalls I am hearing about, the third rear tail light is leaking water into my access cab. The interior smells like mildew. I’m not sure why my truck is not covered by the recall, but it is experiencing the exact same situation. Water leaking through the deteriorated seal of the break-light. I think with accompanying mold build up.
Incident date: Jan 1, 2020
This complaint is a update to my complaint number 11557659. My vehicle has exhibited frequent but intermittent problems with left turn signals and headlight high beams since new. The dealership has been unable to duplicate the problems until 12/13/23 when a service technician observed the headlight flash to pass function activating the left turn signals approximately 10 times. However, when I b... Read more
Incident date: Jul 12, 2023
Vehicle headlight burned out while driving at night time reduced visibility. Upon inspection found the headlight wires insulation located behind the passenger's light bulb connector melted/burnt causing short circuit. Temporary fixing it with an electrical tape.
Incident date: Dec 15, 2023
Frequently, while driving in the dark, oncoming traffic flashes their bright lights at me because they believe my brights are on. I flash them back to show them they are not on. I informed my local Subaru dealership on two separate occasions about the problem, and both times I was told there is nothing that can be done, that the lights are not adjustable and the bulbs are not too bright from the f... Read more
Incident date: Dec 16, 2023
The rear camera displayed in the 12” display goes full blast bright when reverse is selected at night. It blows out your night vision and makes it extremely difficult to see outside the vehicle via the mirrors. There is no dimming option available. The problem has been reported to FCA via “ram cares” and there has been no resolution over the last year.
Incident date: Dec 4, 2023
The low beam headlight of my 2015 Acura RDX FWD became so dim and made driving at night impossible, unless putting the high beam on. I went to the local ACURA dealership and replaced the lightbulbs but it made not difference at all. I saw many same complaints on-line for ACURA RDX manufactured between 2013-2015, this is a serious safety issue and Honda needs to do something to fix this issue befo... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2023
I received the recall notice that shows "WRG-22, NHTSA ID 22V-624, October 2029." I have been waiting for Subaru to fix this. It seems a year later, it should be taken care of? As per the NHTSA site, it says to file a complaint if this is not fixed in a timely manner, so I am submitting this.
Incident date: Dec 16, 2023
Dashboard lights and audio system shut off randomly for one second while driving, and then turned back on. when shutting the truck off, all power was lost for one second
Incident date: Mar 11, 2023
While driving on the interstate at 70mph, the entire dash display went black for a few seconds, then returned on. This happened three times, then returned back to normal.
Incident date: Dec 15, 2023
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 time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was m... Read more
DODGE
GRAND CARAVAN
(2015) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Dec 15, 2023
Incident date: Dec 15, 2023
Vehicle experienced catastrophic power failure while I was driving. Without warning, the vehicle shut down completely. The engine stopped, the brakes engaged, the dash went black. There was no way to communicate with the vehicle -- no way to engage emergency flashers or even to push it to the side of the road (because the brakes were locked). There was a loud "pulse" sound coming through the speak... Read more
Incident date: Dec 15, 2023
The headlights on our 2023 Buick Enclave do not provide nearly enough light at night. If you shine the lights up against a wall at night they seem bright but they do not seem to light up the area directly in front of the car. When driving on a road without streetlights at night I barely feel like my headlights are on. It’s so bad that I am concerned that if a person or an animal stepped out in f... Read more
Incident date: Dec 14, 2023
The headlamps were replaced in 2020 (vehicle recall), and I was reimbursed for the replacement. The headlamps are now, AGAIN, dim and ineffective at night.
Incident date: Jan 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2011 Mini Cooper. The contact stated that the turn signal, interior lights, hazard lights, fog lights, brake lights, windows, and exterior lights were inoperable. The Service Now warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer... Read more
Incident date: Dec 5, 2023
The radio makes a loud pop & makes me jump as it goes on & off whenever it wants to. As this happens, the dash light turns off, the heater/ac turns off, the signal lights stop flashing, & when the turn signal is activated it makes a loud static noise that flashes through the speakers. It is a safety issue because it's distracting & it's dangerous for signal lights not to work properly. The car onl... Read more
Incident date: Jun 26, 2023
Headlight started to collect condensation, not due to any damage to the headlight itself. I understand that this will eventually lead to damage of the electronic components of the headlight because the condensation collects in the bottom of the headlight. Per the advice of my mechanic, I am replacing the headlight before the water can do damage. He says it's a well-known problem.
Incident date: Dec 14, 2023
Not sure when it started bc I just purchased this vehicle a month ago. While driving one evening the head lights went off and I had to turn them off and back on. Now a few weeks later and after I've changed the bulbs and made sure the fuse wasn't blown it is doing it ALOT. I'm not sure if it is a wiring problem or if it is in the on and off switch.
Incident date: Nov 24, 2023
Hi Beams on the headlights both stopped working at the same time without warning. I understand this is a known problem with the 2020 Telluride so I am just logging this one in as another instance
Incident date: Dec 9, 2023
Auto dimming/high beam feature flickers on and off intermittently at night without little relation to oncoming vehicles or dark highways. I have asked my local dealer twice to repair this problem, with no resolution. (see attached invoices). I also opened case with the manufacturer (Honda), and they declined to address my issue. I believe this is a safety issue because it is distracting to me a... Read more
FORD
FUSION HYBRID
(2013) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Dec 13, 2023
Incident date: Dec 11, 2023
Headlights are very dim. Originally they were bright. Over time they have dimmed to the point of not being able to see at night. There are many discussions and threads on this defect. This is a significant safety issue.
Incident date: Jul 30, 2023
Passenger rear, right inner tail light is not working. Was under recall but Acura is not replacing it. Obviously water has entered it and shorted it out. They said the recall was completed on it but why is the taillight not working. In report made by the dealer it says it is shorted after hooking it up to a voltmeter. Why are they not replacing it. It reduces visibility to the rear of the car.
Incident date: Dec 12, 2023
I bought my 2023 Pathfinder FWD brand new in September, 2023. First few days I bought it it would switch to neutral or cut off while sitting at a light. It is now December and the ac/heater when on full blast reduces to mild on it own, the remote start no longer sets car temp based on outside time, the light in car doesn't come on when open doors, if key is in car and car is own it will lock by it... Read more
Incident date: Nov 29, 2023
Low beam headlights are so dim I can only see maybe 5' in front of me.
Incident date: Dec 13, 2023
The coating on the angel.eye wiring is made to deteriorate (environmental purposes) but leads to shorting out. Now my angel eyes don't turn on. Wiring needs to be replaced. Could possibly cause a fire I would assume as the live wires have no coating. Multiple forums talk about this issue and lots of drivers experience this. It is a hazzard and possible fire instigator the same as the blower motor ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 13, 2023
Headlights intermittently turn off when set to the "auto" setting while the vehicle is in use. I received a warranty notification from Kia for the issue and attempted to have it fixed through a Kia dealership. Kia dealership did not have the part to fix it and does not know when they will have the part. This issue first started happening in October 2023. Visit to the dealership was November 22... Read more
Incident date: Dec 9, 2023
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Available for inspection upon request. Please do! Loss of power. Reported same issues a year ago. Brought to dealership, sold on other services that did not solve problem. Opened a case with Hyundai. No solution. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Random loss of power. Hyundai ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 11, 2023
The trucks horn and hazard lights contiunsley goes off anytime it rains. We can be driving down the road and the truck will start going haywire, lights flashing horn won't shut off . There's been times when the truck itself wouldn't turn off even after removing the key . It's very bad wiring problem with this truck.
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2015) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Dec 12, 2023
Incident date: Dec 12, 2023
The contact owns 2017 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated while driving downhill at night with the headlights illuminated, the windshield darkened, and the contact lost visibility of the roadway. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact that the windshield was compliant to safety standards. The contact stated that he had contacted an unknown dealer, who informed him that the failu... Read more
Incident date: Oct 18, 2023
The driver side headlamp stopped working, Condensate buildup may be a contributing factor. No accident and vehicle is meticulously maintained. No reason for lamp seals to be damaged or wear. Barely three years old and requires a replacement at $1400 for the part and another $1000 in labor. Outside of 36000 mile warranty.
CHRYSLER
TOWN AND COUNTRY
(2010) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Dec 11, 2023
Incident date: Dec 9, 2023
There is no defrost mechanism for the headlights. Because they are LED lamps and cool to the tuch, they are prone to snow buildup and greatly reduced visibility.
Incident date: Dec 5, 2023
Backup lights are not working; bulbs are good. No apparent chafing/wear on wiring harness. Removed ground strap, cleaned and reattached. Still not working. 48,000 miles on 2018 GMC Canyon SLT, diesel engine.
MERCEDES-BENZ
GLE 450
(2022) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Dec 11, 2023
Incident date: Nov 14, 2023
My 2015 Acura RDX headlights have progressively been getting more and more dim over the past 5+ years. I am now at the point that I can no longer safely drive my car at night. I am unable to see very far in from of me, making it impossible to see lines in the road, or gauge where my vehicle is in the road. I have to use my high beams if I want to see anything. This blinds oncoming traffic. Whil... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2020
This vehicle has the new "signature" Honda headlights. The low beam has two illuminated lights which oncoming drivers mistake as high beams. They flash their high beams at me to inform me that I am driving with high beams turned on when I am not temporarily blinding me and creating an unsafe situation. I live in a rural area with mostly single carriageway roads and this happens almost every time ... Read more
THOR MOTOR COACH
SANCTUARY
(2023) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Dec 11, 2023
Incident date: Nov 6, 2023
2011 Kia Sorento headlights come on during the bright part of the day and also turn off while driving at night in the auto mode. It is dangerous to be driving while at night when headlights just go out at any time and all the other inside dash lights go dim. It also happens that the headlights come on during the afternoon when it is bright outside also and causes the inside dash lights to go dim... Read more