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
Incident date: Jan 7, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Rav4 Hybrid. 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 not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer not made aware of the issue. The contact had not ex... Read more
TOYOTA
HIGHLANDER
(2017) - AIR BAGS
Jan 7, 2025
Incident date: Dec 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Dodge Charger. The contact stated that while attempting to sell the vehicle to the dealer, the dealer declined to purchase the vehicle because the VIN was included in a recall. The dealer informed the contact that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V198000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 15, 2023
Truck was purchased in June 8, 2021. I have had zero accidents , was assured it was not a salvage vehicle it displayed no warning lights I begin to received the notices, the warning light started to come on from time to time, took the truck to our local Gosche Chevy Dealer. I was informed that it has an airbag for a 2500 Truck and they will not replace it. I have not been in any accident with th... Read more
Incident date: Dec 28, 2024
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 unavailable. 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 experienced a failure. Parts distribution dis... Read more
Incident date: Jul 31, 2023
Air bag warning has come on due to malfunctioning clockspring. Went to dealership and realized it is not under extended 15 year warranty. Even though, 2011-2013 Sonatas, Elantras, and 2011-2014 HYBRID Sonatas are covered. Being so close in years this is disappointing to learn that the warranty was cut off, although it obviously seems to be an ongoing problem.
Incident date: Jul 18, 2024
1) Passenger restraint system malfunction. According to information on the web and several BMW forums, this is a common problem on these vehicles and it is a serious and inherently unsafe issue that should necessitate a recall from the manufacturer. The root cause is typically a malfunction of the passenger seat pad that is utilized by the passenger restraint system. BMW service repair cost is ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 28, 2024
It was snowing day, I drove in a local road around 10mph. When facing with a curve, I hit the brake yet the snow cause the tail tilted to the curb. Three of the passenger side airbags exploded and no body damage was detected. I'm not sure if the speed was fast enough for the airbags to deployed.
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
The airbag light stays on, even though it has never been deployed. The dealership cannot determine why the airbag light stays on. My last vehicle inspection was on 07/11/2024, at Schicker Ford of St. Louis.
Incident date: Jan 6, 2025
Vehicle was hit all the way around and was totalled with 4,000 miles. None of the airbags deployed.
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Oct 15, 2024
No accident happened, passengers air deployed and exploded
Incident date: Dec 30, 2023
Airbag light has been lit for a while now for my 2004 Acura MDX. I originally took the car to Courtesy Acura for them to check what causing it. They told me that the sensor should be replaced and I paid $260+. After replacing sensor, the Airbag light still lit. They told me that they need to replace the front seatbelt buckles. One buckle (PART NO: 04813-S3V-A62ZC) arrived but the other one has bee... Read more
Incident date: Dec 24, 2024
The car is completely defective,total engine, gasket,water pump,intake manifold,airbag, transmission,torque,drive shaft, universal joints,all rear axles,wheel bearing,bought at auction Aug 19,2024, $4000, the as is was so small and on the back of a sheet we did not see it,we are senior,
Incident date: Dec 14, 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 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. Parts distribution disconnec... Read more
Incident date: Jan 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2006 BMW 325I. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, the air bag warning light illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V513000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The dealer offered an inspection but declined to repair the vehicle. The contact stated that... Read more
Incident date: Nov 29, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the air bag warning light intermittently illuminated. The failure occurred on several different occasions. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed; however, the diagnosis was still pending. The contact researched and was made aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V288000 (Air Bags); however... Read more
Incident date: Jan 3, 2025
My car has been in the Kia shop for engine. We just stopped on the freeway and for the module recall and my safety bag is just constantly on since I’ve gotten it and now I’m noticing electrical issues that shouldn’t be someone told me. Hey you need to file a complaint because your car can catch on fire And I don’t know what else to do but to do a paper trail just in case but it’s been re... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2019) - AIR BAGS
Jan 6, 2025
Incident date: Sep 2, 2024
The contact owns a 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V461000 (Air Bags); 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 manufac... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2024
Dealership and Lincoln refusing to repair.
Incident date: Aug 15, 2024
Passenger seat, headrest exploded part of cars, active restraint system, hitting my son in the head
Incident date: Jan 5, 2025
Unknown But my concern is the clock spring recall. I would like that fixed I don't understand why I can't have it fixed under the recall for my Jeep Wrangler 2 door. I am worried that the air bag won't work... right now the horn and a few other controls on the steering wheel doesn't work. So I believe this vehicle is part of the recall.
Incident date: Jan 5, 2025
The Airbag warning light has been lit within the dashboard. The front passenger seat airbag is faulty and is not able to correctly sense when a passenger is within the seat or not, which disables the airbags. This can be deadly to the passenger if in an accident. The issue seems to be in the ODS passenger seat mat that determines when the airbag is active or not. If moisture is able to get withi... Read more
Incident date: Nov 11, 2024
I am not reporting any specific incident related to this defect. I am simply complaining to NHTSA that Toyota is taking far too long to provide a remedy for the OCS sensor issue, NHTSA recall number 23V865 (Manufacturer recall number 23TB15). This issue has been ongoing since late in 2023 and it seems that Toyota should have provided a remedy by now.
Incident date: Jan 5, 2025
Steering: linkages: knuckle: spindle: arm is cracking. Air bag has had issues and the light stays on.
Crash
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2025) - AIR BAGS
Jan 5, 2025
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
Passenger air bag/seat belt goes off like someone is sitting in passenger seat but no one is. Have to do seat belt for the alert stops
Incident date: Jun 1, 2022
Honda continues to refuse to make recall repairs. Currently telling me that there is a 4-5 wait for repairs because Honda refuses to supply them. Dealers are telling me that Honda will only send them 10 per week and won't send more until the defective ones are returned to Honda. According to my dealer there are 2,000 other customers in line before me for my repairs. Honda also has a defective... Read more
Incident date: Dec 31, 2024
The problem remedied by TSB 21B11-s2 did not occur in my vehicle while the TSB was in effect. It has now surfaced
Incident date: Dec 30, 2024
The airbag and seat belt system on the driver's side is faulty, which may result in an unsuccessful deployment of the airbag should I get into an accident. This is an immediate safety concern, yet Tesla would like to charge me over $400 to remedy the situation. That's why I'm reporting this as a safety recall so that no other owner/ leasee faces this risk or financial burden.
Incident date: Jan 3, 2025
The passenger seat airbag sensor does not activate all the time. My girlfriend weighs [XXX]. When she sits in the passenger seat, it only activates the sensor approx 50% of the time. I took it to Subaru, they indicated the sensor was working properly, and their resolution to the issue was for her to weight at least 120 pounds !!! I have that in writing on the repair ticket from Dreyer Reinbold Sub... Read more
Incident date: Jan 3, 2025
The Passenger Restraint System Malfunction warning light comes on randomly. Also the passenger side seat belt light comes on even if I put my wallet or something very light on the seat. I previously replaced the driver side seat sensor because the restraint system error was coming on. It seems odd that this critical component would fail in both seats by year six.
MITSUBISHI
RAIDER
(2006) - AIR BAGS
Jan 3, 2025
Incident date: Dec 22, 2024
Unaware of the airbags under the steering wheel until I was in an accident, the airbags deployed causing traumatic injury to both legs. Accident happened November 26. Still numb on part of my left leg currently still healing.
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Chrysler 300. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V198000 (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 1, 2009
The contact owns a 2017 Toyota Corolla. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V024000 (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. Parts distribution discon... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE 4XE
(2023) - AIR BAGS
Jan 3, 2025
Incident date: Sep 25, 2024
Air bag light is on constantly, goes off if my steering wheel is turned a certain way. But will come back on immediately after if turned and will not go off of dashboard
Incident date: Jan 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Highlander. 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 part... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE 4XE
(2023) - AIR BAGS
Jan 3, 2025
Incident date: Sep 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Honda CR-V. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V064000 (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 not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution discon... Read more
Incident date: Dec 17, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Camry. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the driver’s side air bag warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the warning light illuminated intermittently but had since remained illuminated consistently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who confirmed that there was no recall on the VIN for the failure. The dealer determined that the dri... Read more
Incident date: Jan 2, 2025
incident I would like to report involves the crash of a 2018 Nissan Sentra (VIN: [XXX] ) that occurred on the morning of [XXX], coinciding with [XXX] on [XXX] at the [XXX] location. It is very concerning and puzzling how, in rainy conditions, after the vehicle collided with the highway barrier, the airbag of the Sentra failed to deploy, resulting in the driver’s head hitting the steering whe... Read more
Crash
GRAND DESIGN
SOLITUDE
(2023) - AIR BAGS
Jan 2, 2025
Incident date: Nov 27, 2024
I have an error for my passenger airbag sensor, it is the same error that is present on current recalled Atlas models from the same year that I have, however; my vin is included. I would like some type of solution from the manufacturer to resolve this issue due to the current status and frequency of this issue on 2019 Atlas models
Incident date: May 2, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the wiring in the front driver's side seat was damaged, and the rear of the driver's side seat needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the driver's side air bag warning light was illuminated. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 148,827.
Incident date: Dec 25, 2024
There has been a safety recall for the passenger airbag for my Toyota for over a year. My dealer says Toyota has not provided them with the part (s) to fix the problem leaving me to drive in an unsafe car exposing passengers, and myself when I had to have someone driver for me after foot surgery, to danger.
Incident date: Oct 17, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Honda Accord. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V064000 (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 manufacturer was not m... Read more
Incident date: Dec 19, 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 contact stated that the passenger's side air bag warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded ... Read more
TOYOTA
SIENNA HYBRID
(2024) - AIR BAGS
Jan 2, 2025
Incident date: Jan 2, 2025
My son was in a car accident where he was cut off but able to come to a stop and then he was rear ended which cause his car to hit the car in front of him. His head hit the steering wheel and knocked him unconscious briefly. The airbags did not deploy and there is now a notification to service airbag system. Police report is not yet available.
Crash
Incident date: Dec 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Dodge Charger. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V198000 (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: Dec 31, 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 unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a fai... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
GLE 350
(2023) - AIR BAGS
Jan 2, 2025
Incident date: Dec 31, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V464000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a r... Read more
Incident date: Sep 3, 2024
I own a 2023 Toyota Camry se and has a big crashed and the air bag didn’t explode the car is total loss is unsafe vehicle was big impact front bumper and big damage on rear too the car spins around two times the front tires exploded that cause the accident it was only 23 k miles on it
Crash
Incident date: Aug 22, 2024
I am filing this complaint to report a serious and ongoing issue regarding the unresolved safety recall 23TA15 (Interim Notice 23TB15) for my vehicle, a 2020 Toyota Camry LE (VIN: [XXX] ). The recall is associated with a critical defect where the passenger airbag may fail to deploy (NHTSA #23V865). It has been over 1 year since this recall was issued, and despite repeated visits to Toyota dealers... Read more