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: Aug 4, 2024
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 repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer 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 available... Read more
Incident date: Dec 22, 2024
My vehicle has had issues starting off and on with in the last year of having the vehicle. I replaced the battery and alternator. and now we think it's the neutral safety switch. I went to go check the recalls and I see that I had a recall on the front air bag module needs replaced too. I have not received anything in the mail by the dealership or calls.
Incident date: Dec 11, 2024
When I have a passenger riding with me the passenger airbag cuts on and off the whole time while I’m driving. This is a major safety concern especially when I have passengers all the time. I’m concerned the airbag will not deploy during an accident.
Incident date: Dec 24, 2024
My wife was driving my kids to school and the jeep went into limp mode. This jeep relies too much on the battery to run everything and the batteries failed, at 39k and 2 years of ownership. It was showing steering, sos, brake, airbag, anti collision system failures with no prior warnings.
Incident date: Dec 26, 2024
When traveling down a steep incline the front driver and passenger side airbags went off. There was no collision with anything, also there's no damage to the car aside from the airbags themselves.
Incident date: Dec 25, 2024
Seat belt light on for passager side
Incident date: Dec 18, 2024
The contact owned a 2021 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while driving at 30 MPH and while attempting to stop depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle accelerated independently. The contact confirmed that the accelerator pedal was not depressed accidentally. No air bags deployed. The contact crashed into unknown private property in a parking lot. No injuries were sustained. No police report was fil... Read more
Crash
VOLKSWAGEN
TIGUAN
(2023) - AIR BAGS
Dec 26, 2024
Incident date: Sep 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Traverse. 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 ex... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
PASSAT
(2013) - AIR BAGS
Dec 26, 2024
Incident date: Dec 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Spark M300. The contact stated that the air bag and the seat belts warning lights were illuminated, and a message stating that the air bags would not deploy in the event of a crash was displayed. The contact stated while at a complete stop at the traffic light, the vehicle stalled and failed to restart. The vehicle was pushed to the side of the road. The vehicle w... Read more
Incident date: Dec 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while at a four-way intersection, another driver made a left turn at 30-40 MPH as a result the contact did not have ample time to stop and crashed into the front passenger side of the vehicle causing it to turn 180 degrees during the impact. The air bags did not deploy. The vehicle was towed to an impound lot. A dealer was not contacted. Th... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Dec 12, 2024
Airbag Problem (SRS) light came on while driving. I had driven approximately 40 miles before light came on. Took it to dealership, who confirmed SRS control unit must be replaced. Vehicle has never been in an accident and no body work done to vehicle. Just outside of the 36 month/ 36,000 mile warranty.
Incident date: Dec 12, 2024
The contact owned a 2021 Jeep Renegade. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at 25 MPH when another vehicle crashed into the rear at an unknown high rate of speed. The passenger side bumper edge was damaged as well as the rear passenger side door. The contact vehicle was propelled 6 meters forward as a result of the crash. The air bags did not deploy. The vehicle was towed to a loc... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Dec 20, 2024
I was in an accident and the truck is toatalled and the air bags did not deploy
Crash
Incident date: Dec 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Silverado. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V504000(Air Bags) and would like to be removed from the recall distribution list. The local dealer and manufacturer were contacted.
Incident date: Dec 19, 2024
The contact owns a 2007 GMC Sierra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: (21V050000 (Air Bags) and would like to be removed from the recall distribution list. The local dealer and manufacturer were contacted.
Incident date: Dec 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Buick Enclave. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer 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 disconnect.
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2019) - AIR BAGS
Dec 26, 2024
Incident date: May 1, 2023
Every time I start my car, the airbag lights stays on. It will not turn off.
Incident date: Dec 24, 2024
My incident that I am reporting about is regarding the safety recall on my 2000 Acura TL -Safety Recall: MULTI-MODEL NADI AIRBAG INFLATOR SAFETY RECALL H6S · Jan 22, 2020 My issue is that I have contacted the dealer in my area on multiple occasions and have been told things such as “they must order the part needed and will get back to me once it has arrived” or they aren’t sure my vehicle ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 3, 2024
Passenger headrest airbag deployed while car was stationary in garage. My daughter was hit sharply by deployed airbag. Has not yet been inspected, but is available for inspection. No warning this would happen.
Incident date: Dec 23, 2024
The Sonic rear ended a stationary vehicle going close to 50mph. No airbags deployed.
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Dec 10, 2024
The indicator light on the dashboard has been lit for SEVERAL YEARS and remains lit showing that the STEERING WHEEL AIR BAG (a safety issue) is non-functioning. This is an electronic issue, and not the result of misuse. This has been reported several times already and nothing has been done. I AM NOT prepared to pay $5000 to have this analyzed abd repaired when it clearly is A SAFETY ISSUE. PL... Read more
Incident date: Feb 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Volkswagen Passat. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V834000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer had advised the contact that parts were not available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The con... Read more
Incident date: Dec 20, 2024
Reflectors are critical for visibility especially when it is foggy outside. My reflectors made my vehicle less visible to other driver because he backed his trailer into my car not seeing my lights or me and directly caused or perhaps contributed to the accident. I seek compensation due to the Product liability. Manufactures must be held responsible for defective vehicles parts, which caused it a ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jun 15, 2024
General Published an article about the Takata Airbag recall stating that the dashboard would be inspected prior to doing the recall work and if already cracked or damaged the dashboard would not be replaced. My dash board is like new with no damage or cracks. The dealer told me (contrary to this article) that if their service men damaged my dashboard while doing the recall replacement I would be r... Read more
LAND ROVER
RANGE ROVER EVOQUE
(2018) - AIR BAGS
Dec 23, 2024
Incident date: May 26, 2024
Head on collison. Air bags did not deploy. Car was totaled.
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Mar 12, 2024
I call the dealer the say they already have remedy but they requested the parts to the manufacturer and they don't know when they will received the order I call the manufacturer they don't know either, Now my car is in the dealer because it was out of oil and is a brand new car, I need help the Toyota and the dealer are not respecting my safety I'm scar to have an accident and my airbags won't wor... Read more
Incident date: Nov 30, 2024
had brake issues a year into getting vehicle went back multiple times and blackstone toyota couldn’t fix issue still can’t and still there at dealer and now there’s airbag safety recall car has been at dealership for 4 months no resolution
Incident date: Dec 19, 2024
Everytime I call the dealership they say there is no fix to this recall that could potentially injure or kill me while driving.
Incident date: Jun 3, 2024
Airbag system Service Required. I came on when I had passer in 2 row seat.I just brought this vehicle.
Incident date: Oct 31, 2024
Passenger Safety Restraint system fault. Faulty wiring under the seat. Cost of repair is $1000. Passenger airbag requires replacement.
Incident date: Mar 16, 2021
The air bags never deployed after I T boned another tacoma at a speed of about 30 mph. There's was a 2017 that also did not have air bags deployed. Vehicle is waiting to be inspected by the shop.
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Dec 20, 2024
The air bag never deployed I bought car in 2018 from original owner with car only having 33,000 miles on it and still under warranty til car had 100,000 miles and I hit a deer head on 2 months after getting car which bought in may of 2018 hit the deer in July 2018 . The deer was hit with the front passenger side it broke my headlight n messed my hood up and smashed in the grill little and my air b... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Dec 1, 2024
Front passenger seat occupancy mat defect causes disabling of passenger airbag. Recalls have been issued for the same issue in other models. Issue confirmed by dealership. Persistent warning lamp alert.
Incident date: Dec 19, 2024
Was stopped at a red light - when light turned green car in front of me proceeded to go but stopped . I pressed on the brake at a speed of no more then 15 miles an hour and the driver side airbag from the steering wheel deployed . No other air bags deployed and there was no type of collision or contact with a vehicular.
1 injured
Incident date: Dec 20, 2024
The srs light came on won't go off says there is a air bag problem please let me know if covered please I am handicapeted
Incident date: Dec 20, 2024
On [XXX] at about 1:40 p.m. I was driving to work, and got distracted and had a front-end collision with a tree that was about 1-3 feet next to the side of the road. Extensive damage to the vehicle, and personal injuries occurred (mild concussion, stress fracture of left forearm, bruising/abrasion on ride side torso, sprained left thumb, and abrasions on head). Both the driver and passenger airbag... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Dec 9, 2024
Driving down the road under 40mph and headliner airbags deployed without an accident. The dash and steering wheel bags DID NOT deploy however the headliner bags deployed for no reason.
Incident date: Dec 9, 2024
The contact's granddaughter owns a 2007 Audi A4. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle to the dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V427000 (Air Bags), the dealer informed the contact that the recall repair could not be completed because the odometer did not display the mileage as per the manufacturer's policy. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reason... Read more
Incident date: Sep 20, 2024
First the problem was the seat belt malfunction and I check it everything was ok do accident or damage and two week later passager side air bag malfunction I took it to toyota the see the problem they said there are no recall and i have pay out of my pocket to fix manufacture malfunction problem.. after there months later my suv would not drive faster is move very slow and now it not even 5 years ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 10, 2024
Clock spring failure. 2015 passat steering wheel started clicking then it snapped my airbag light came on and steering wheel functions didn't work. The sa
Incident date: Nov 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Honda HR-V. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle the message "Air Bag Malfunction" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, but the cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 55,000.
Incident date: Jul 20, 2023
This is a known failure and a previous recall. The PPS system is a failed design and breaks continuously. Look at all the complaints you have received. This is extremely dangerous and GM should not be allowed to dismiss. Will it take deaths or lawsuits for GM to respond? This is the reason the NHTSA exists. GM needs to be directed to fix with a permanent solution when it involves the failure... Read more
Incident date: Dec 16, 2024
I am writing to formally file a complaint regarding the ongoing issues related to safety recall 23TA15 for my 2021 Toyota Corolla LE. The recall, issued in December 2023, involves a defect in the Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensors in the front passenger seat, which may have been improperly manufactured. Unfortunately, Toyota has failed to address this recall in a timely manner, significa... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 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 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 manufacturer was ma... Read more
AUDI
RS E-TRON GT
(2022) - AIR BAGS
Dec 20, 2024
Incident date: Dec 11, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V464000 (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 expe... Read more
Incident date: Dec 17, 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 made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure... Read more
Incident date: Dec 19, 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 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 was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not expe... Read more
Incident date: Dec 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Genesis. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact became aware that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 133,000.
MAZDA
CX-90 PLUG-IN HYBRID
(2024) - AIR BAGS
Dec 19, 2024
Incident date: Dec 19, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Chrysler 300. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle, the contact later discovered that the front passenger’s side curtain air bag had erroneously deployed. The contact stated that there was no collision or visible damage to the vehicle to cause the air bag to deploy. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure,... Read more
Incident date: Dec 4, 2024
The contact owned a 2023 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated while driving at 35 MPH, a vehicle was coming towards her in the opposite direction making a left turn, and she collided with another vehicle on its front passenger side. No air bags were deployed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was then towed by her insurance company. The vehicle was deemed a total loss. The ... Read more
Crash
2 injured