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 129,250 complaints - component: AIR BAGS
FORD
F-150 HYBRID
(2022) - AIR BAGS
Jan 23, 2025
Incident date: Jan 8, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags); 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 made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a... Read more
Incident date: Jan 17, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Honda HR-V. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V064000 (Air Bags); 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 not experience... Read more
Incident date: Oct 16, 2024
See attached document for complaint.
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 2500
(2024) - AIR BAGS
Jan 23, 2025
Incident date: Jan 7, 2025
THE SRS AIRBAGS BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENDER SIDE WARNING LIGHTS TURNED ON 1/23/2025 AT 6:06 PM RIGHT AFTER I GOT HOME FROM WORK. THE AIR BAG FAILED TO TURN OFF WHEN THE SEAT BELT IS FASTEN TO THE SEATBELT BUCKLE. WHEN THE SEAT BELT WAS IN PLACE AND REMOVED FROM HOLSTER, THE INDICATOR LIGHT LIT UP AND A BELL SOUND ALERTED ME AS THE OPERATOR OF THE TRUCK, THE SEAT BELT WARNING ALSO TRIGGERED THE AIR B... Read more
Incident date: Dec 27, 2024
Air bag light was flashing and contact Dodge multiple times to inquire and fix recall however all I was offered was a gift card but no sort of transaction while vehicle was being fixed and was told I would receive follow up to make arrangements to get everything fixed however never had received any follow up and finally like I had told and showed the dealer probably the bag was going to deploy l... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jan 22, 2025
Defect in passenger frontal airbag-The front passenger seat occupancy detection mat is not functioning correctly. This was recalled but not for my VIN and needs to be part of the recall.
MERCEDES-BENZ
S 450
(2018) - AIR BAGS
Jan 22, 2025
Incident date: Dec 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Camry. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V86500 (Air Bags); 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 not experienc... Read more
Incident date: Jan 9, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Subaru Outback. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V227000 (Air Bags); 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 not experi... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
Unknown, I was pulling into a parking spot, at Sam's Club, and lightly tap the gas petal for the turn and the truck lunched forward in the one carlink, and hit a concrete parking pole (Sam's club in Southgate Michigan has security cameras) it warped around the pole and bent the frame as if though it was 90 mph and a telephone pole.. I had taken it in twice under warranty for the gas pedal not wor... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
The contact owned a 2010 BMW 328i. The contact stated that while driving at 25 MPH, she crashed into the driver's side of another vehicle that was making a turn. The air bags deployed, and the contact's face struck the steering wheel. The fire department and police arrived on the scene, but the contact was unaware if any reports had been filed. The firefighter escorted the contact out of the vehi... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Dec 20, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Buick Enclave. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags); 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 not experie... Read more
Incident date: Jan 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Lexus RX 350. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Corolla. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags); 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 not experi... Read more
Incident date: Jan 15, 2024
Hello and good day, I purchased a 2018 DODGE RAM 3500 with 82k miles for $31k back in March 2024 @ Cambridge Truck located 5640 Glenn Hwy, Cambridge, OH 43725; Phone number 740-255-5200. My down payment was $8500 and my financial agreement was for $800 a month. My family and I were moving back to Connecticut and we needed a truck for all of our furniture/belongings, and for my fiancé's new land... Read more
Incident date: Dec 21, 2024
UNKNOWN passenger restraint system malfunction message started coming.
MITSUBISHI
OUTLANDER SPORT
(2016) - AIR BAGS
Jan 21, 2025
Incident date: Jan 8, 2025
Approximately 12 months ago (01/2024), we received a notice that the airbags have been recalled. We've attempted to have the car serviced many times but the Honda Dealerships keep saying they do not have the part in stock. In October, we ramped up our calls (called approximately 8 times) to have it resolved to a specific dealership in Countryside Illinois and continuously they say they do not have... Read more
Incident date: Jan 21, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH, the vehicle made an abnormal grinding sound coming from the engine. The contact stated that the Service 4WD message was displayed and remained displayed. The contact stated the vehicle jerked while driving at slow speeds. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with engine cooling, engin... Read more
Incident date: Jan 21, 2025
On 1-16-25 I was involved in a vehicle crash in which the airbags "did not" deploy. The vehicle is at my home, the brakes locked also. I have photos. No inspection to my knowledge. Yet. Insurance claim was filed. I do not have a police report yet. No warning lights or sensors.
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jan 20, 2025
On January 16,2025 I was driving my Hyundai Santa Fe on the freeway with my three children when the automatic brake system suddenly failed, causing me to lose control of the vehicle. As a result, we spun off the road, and the vehicle flipped four times, causing us multiple injuries. Additionally, due to a known recall involving the failure of the airbag deployment system, the airbags did not deplo... Read more
Crash
4 injured
Incident date: Dec 21, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags); 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 not experienc... Read more
Incident date: Dec 28, 2024
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Jan 17, 2025
Air bag light will not turn off so I’m not sure if the air bags work. Oil is going missing from the car causing it to suddenly shut down. It also makes the rpm’s go really high (close to 5,000) when trying to go up hills or accelerate. I don’t see a leak, or puddles under the car, nor black smoke.
Incident date: Sep 22, 2024
Warning message appeared 1/17/25. Inspected by Price Acura service department 1/20/25. Checked online recall for airbags. Multiple airbag recalls are mentioned for Acura, including my make and model. This vehicle has approximately 92,000 miles and I am the original owner. Would like to know if this $1800 charge would be covered under recalls already listed as this is apparently a problem existing ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Camry. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not... Read more
Incident date: Jan 17, 2025
Subject: Safety Complaint Regarding Steering Airbag Trim and Steering Axle Issues Dear National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), I am writing to formally file a complaint regarding serious safety issues with my GMC vehicle. Specifically: 1.The steering airbag trim has begun to crack, which raises concerns about its structural integrity and potential interference with airbag deploym... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
TOUAREG
(2016) - AIR BAGS
Jan 21, 2025
Incident date: Jun 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the passenger’s side seat belt warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the passenger’s seat was not occupied by a passenger or object, but the warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the repai... Read more
Incident date: Dec 17, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (AIR BAGS); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufactur... Read more
Incident date: Oct 15, 2024
I don't remember the exact days but the air bag light comes on twice
Incident date: Dec 13, 2024
See attached document for complaint.
Crash
Incident date: Jan 20, 2025
We purchased a 2020 Audi Q3 (36000 miles) from Carvana on December 5, 2024, and it was reported as having no past accidents. It was stolen on January 7. It was recovered on January 20 after the thieves crashed it into a telephone pole. The car sustained significant damage and there is evidence of blood on the interior. We have no idea the extent of any injuries because the thieves fled the scene. ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Dec 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (AIR BAGS); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer w... Read more
Incident date: Jan 15, 2025
No incident has happened yet. I am finding that there is a lot of discussion about faulty air bags on Nissan Altima's of all years. Mine is a 2017 Nissan Altima and my airbag light is on. There is a lot of discussion online of MANY people having the same issues and Nissan charging an arm and a leg to fix. If it is something that is wrong with so many cars then why is this not a recall? I have ... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 2500
(2025) - AIR BAGS
Jan 21, 2025
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
I was backing out of a parking space in reverse as I have done multiple times and the second I took my foot off the brake pedal to go into reverse, my car shot out at a high speed and hit a parked car on the other side of the street. Not realizing that there was an auto malfunction, I attempted to turn around my car to see the damage to the other car and when I went into reverse again to turn aro... Read more
Crash
HONDA
CR-V HYBRID
(2022) - AIR BAGS
Jan 21, 2025
Incident date: Jan 13, 2025
Dear NHTSA, I am writing to report a serious safety concern with my 2023 Honda Odyssey (VIN: [XXX] ). On [XXX], while driving at 45mph, the front and left side airbags deployed suddenly without any impact or collision. There were no other vehicles involved, and no visible damage to the car was apparent. The only indication was the "SRS Airbag Deployed" sign on the dashboard. Upon inspection by H... Read more
Incident date: Jan 4, 2025
My Ford F150 was hit by another vehicle going at least 45 mph on the passenger which push my vehicle into another vehicle. However, the airbags was never deployed which cause injury to my right side from steering wheel.
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Dec 20, 2024
I keep receiving an alert: “Front Passenger Safety Restraint System Fault”. I contacted Tesla and they informed me that my airbag sensor needs to be recalibrated and may jeopardize a child sitting in the seat if the airbag is deployed. I understand that this is a common problem with the Model of Tesla.
Incident date: Jan 15, 2025
Over a year ago, the vehicle started reporting that the passenger side seat sensor was not working correctly, and would fail to register that the seat was actually occupied. The vehicle was taken to a Subaru dealer who told us that a replacement sensor was unavailable, and that the part would have to be made and shipped from Japan, and that it could take as a long as a year to be received. The sen... Read more
Incident date: Jan 20, 2025
Toyota sent a letter in mid-2024 that there was a safety recall for airbag issue with 2020 Toyota Highlander. The letter stated that a remedy would be available by the third quarter of 2024. As of January 21, 2025, they still have not provided a remedy for the serious safety issue. I would like to file a complaint against Toyota for failing to remedy the defect within a reasonable time.
Incident date: Jan 19, 2025
Air bag in drivers seat deployed when I shut rear door. Car was running at the time.
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
I was in an accident with a friend in [XXX] We weren't doing over 30 to 35 miles per hour when we hit a deer. All I could remember was yelling because my wrist was broken and I had bone coming out from the air bags that deployed on my side of the car. The wind shield was cracked because of this as well. My friend had to jump out of the car to disconnect the battery because the car would not sh... Read more
2 injured
Incident date: Oct 6, 2023
While driving down the road the passengers headrest exploded and now I can’t get it to close back. Almost caused an accident.
Incident date: Jan 4, 2025
Rivian passenger airbag is usually disabled (70 % cases) with adult passengers weighing about 125 lbs while they sit correctly in the front passenger seat. There is a warning light "Passenger airbag off". No problems with heavier passengers (> 140 lbs). There are tons of threads about this issue on Rivian forums, Reddit or Facebook groups. Based on these threads, sometimes Rivian service centers t... Read more
Incident date: Jan 18, 2025
Bmw has failed on several occasions to address this issue or service vehicle. I have made them aware of the situation but continue to receive letters that indicate I could die of the airbag.
Incident date: Dec 17, 2024
I was ran off the road and hit a tree line in which a downed tree went through my windshield. The airbags failed to deploy. If I had not been wearing my seatbelt, I could've been decapitated
Crash
Incident date: Jan 16, 2025
I am writing to bring to your attention a serious concern regarding General Motors (GM) and the incomplete recall of certain vehicles that pose significant safety risks to consumers. Specifically, I am referring to the recall announced on May 10, 2023, under Manufacturer Recall Number N232404980 and NHTSA Recall Number 23V334, affecting the 2014-2017 model year Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse, a... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Lexus RX350. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags); 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 not experienc... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Lexus RX350. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags); 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 not experienc... Read more
Incident date: Dec 21, 2024
Two issues: 1) Vehicle indicates to service safety restraint system yet Onstar diagnostic monthly report says system is fine. The service restraint system notice intermittently goes on and off while driving frequently. Unable to confirm if air bag systems are active while driving. 2) Vehicle was being driven in fast lane around 70 mph and experienced immediate loss of acceleration power while ... Read more