NHTSA complaint #11716835

Owner complaint summary

Vehicle: 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid Sport Touring (OEM headlights; no aftermarket lighting modifications) Issue Type: Exterior Lighting – Headlights (low-beam performance/visibility) Description of Problem: I am submitting a safety complaint regarding the low-beam headlights on my 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid Sport Touring. The low beams provide poor foreground illumination and create a distinct dark area directly in front of the vehicle. In real-world nighttime driving, the beam pattern leaves an obvious “dead zone”/shadowed region in the near-field (close to the front of the car), which reduces my ability to see road hazards, debris, pedestrians/animals, and lane-edge detail in time to react safely. The problem is most noticeable on unlit roads and in wet conditions, where the lack of usable light in the foreground makes it difficult to judge road surface changes and identify objects near the vehicle’s path. The cutoff/beam pattern appears abnormal in that the area immediately ahead is not properly lit despite the headlights being on and functioning. This is not related to dirty lenses, aftermarket bulbs, or modifications. Safety Impact: This headlight performance issue reduces forward visibility at night and increases the risk of a collision because hazards in the roadway may not be visible until the vehicle is very close. The dark zone in front of the vehicle is consistent and repeatable, not an occasional flicker or intermittent failure. Low-Speed Navigation: When making turns into unlit driveways or onto dark side streets, the area where the vehicle is turning remains pitch black, making it impossible to see pedestrians, cyclists, or road obstacles. Object Avoidance: At highway speeds, the "dark zone" prevents the driver from seeing road debris or potholes until they are directly under the vehicle, leaving zero time for evasive maneuvers. Headlights are original equipment and the vehicle has not been modified.