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 10, 2024
The "Service Safety Restraint System" warning light appears on the dashboard and warning chimes continually sound. To my knowledge GMC had a recall for this in 2018. I purchased the vehicle in 2021. I contacted GMC and told them this issue and they informed me that there are no recalls on the vehicle. My concerns being that airbags are fully functional.
Incident date: Jul 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 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 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 no... Read more
Incident date: Oct 2, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that while driving approximately 15 MPH and merging onto the freeway, the front passenger’s side curtain air bag and front passenger seat air bag were erroneously deployed. The contact stated that during the failure there was no crash to cause the air bags to deploy. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer however, the cause of the fail... Read more
Incident date: Sep 25, 2024
I backed into my driveway, placed the vehicle in park and as I was setting the parking break the drivers side airbag deployed. The vehicle was still running.
1 injured
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
My 2021 Toyota Sienna has had an open and unrepaired recall for airbags failing to deploy since the beginning of the year. I been unable to use my vehicle because of this. They have pushed approximate date of the fix being available into next year which is unacceptable. A safety concern like this should be dealt with promptly.
VOLKSWAGEN
JETTA
(2017) - AIR BAGS
Oct 1, 2024
Incident date: Mar 1, 2022
DTC code 12-51 passenger air bag is on OBD. have not gone to dealership. been on for several years.
Incident date: Jul 1, 2023
***SEE CURRENT NHTS Report: 24V-099 AND MANUFACTURER RECALL: 24S06*** Airbag light illuminated. Scanned for SRS codes found: RCM- Restraint Control Module (B007E-13). Driver Seatbelt Pretensioner C Deployment Control - Circuit Open
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
Airbag light illuminated. Scanned for SRS codes found: RCM- Restraint Control Module (B007E-13). Driver Seatbelt Pretensioner C Deployment Control - Circuit Open.
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Lexus ES350. 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: Jul 15, 2024
The contact owned a 2011 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving up a hill on a 2-lane road at approximately 45 mph, an oncoming vehicle in the opposing lane had taken too wide of a turn and had entered her lane, to avoid a head-on collision the contact swerved into the guard rail. Upon crashing, the air bags did not deploy. No warning lights were illuminated before the crash. The... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Sep 27, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 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 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 ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Jeep Compass. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the roadway. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where an unknown computer repair was performed. Additionally, the contact stated that the front driver's side and passenger's side air bag warning lights were illumin... Read more
Incident date: Aug 29, 2024
I dropped the vehicle off in April, Bought it off facebook marketplace in March. Since then, I have dropped the vehicle off at Big Star Ford in Pearland texas, and it has been there until today [XXX]. They FINALLy called me to tell me they cannot get parts for this 2017, or the 2023 recall that must be performed, and that I was "Free to come pick my vehicle up from them" It has been over six month... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
we were stooped at a red light it turned green we went forward going south a car going east at apox. 30MPH ran the red light we hit the car front driver side the force spun us around i hit the steering column with the sternum Chest and had a 14x9 inch bruise around my lower abdomen both the seat belt did not hold me nor did the air bag deploy State farm has the car now dealer did nothing
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Sep 14, 2024
Failure of component are the curtain shield airbags. The safety of my customers are at risk when car is being rented out due to this concern the Lexus TX has not been in use, for safety concerns. This issue is a known safety risk which was known to the public on June 20th, 2024.
Incident date: Sep 17, 2024
A drunk driver ran into the back of my car as soon as the light turned green. I just release my break and h9t hit going about 70mph. The airbags never went off at such a great impact. The car was totaled.
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Sep 1, 2018
Car is overheating. Took it to a mechanic They replaced the thermostat but car is still overheating, jerking and so much more. The mechanic wants to charge more to fix it. I got a second opinion from another mechanic and after he reviewed the paperwork from the first mechanic. He searched my vin number and told me to contact this number because my vehicle is on a recall list. So I need someone to... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
AMG CLA45
(2014) - AIR BAGS
Oct 1, 2024
Incident date: Apr 3, 2024
Took car to Dealership due to air bag warning light illuminating on car but no collision. Dealer stated the car onboard module which controls the air bag deployment system was defective and possible would not have worked in an accident.
Incident date: Sep 27, 2024
I have a 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee, and the front seat headrest popped out while I was driving at 35 miles per hour. My daughter was sitting there, and fortunately, no injuries occurred. This happened on the passenger side, but six months ago, it happened on the driver’s side as well, which I replaced with a used part for $200. This is definitely a dangerous defect and needs to be added to the re... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2023
While driving down street, both curtain airbags deployed sporadically with absolutely no cause. I was not hit anywhere and I was not even using my brakes or slowing to a stop. My head got smashed in and my view was completely obstructed. I was able to pull off road to safety.
Incident date: Nov 25, 2023
The contact owned a 2023 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while his friend was driving at 45 MPH, he failed to yield when exiting the interstate at an exit ramp. As a result, the driver t-boned the passenger side of another vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard and deemed a total loss by the contacts insurance provid... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jun 26, 2024
The curtain shield airbags on both the driver’s and passenger’s side may not deploy as intended during certain crashes when the driver or front passenger windows are rolled down. If this occurs, the vehicles may not meet a federal safety standard, increasing the risk of injury during certain crashes.
Incident date: Oct 11, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Highlander. 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 experie... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2024
Airbag warning light and Service Air Bag on dash. Code B0087-00 Left Rear SIS. Replaced sensor, still getting warning. Sensor is in LR door. Research revealed possible known issue with bending fatigue from routine door open/close motion and subpar wire size/material causing wire failure. Opened wire harness at pillar and green/black wire was completely separated at typical bending point. Light b... Read more
Incident date: Jul 28, 2024
It is taking a long time to get new air bag from the recall. I have safety concerns.
FORD
F-150 LIGHTNING BEV
(2022) - AIR BAGS
Sep 30, 2024
Incident date: Sep 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated that the front driver's side and passenger's side air bags warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the headrest deployed inadvertently. No further information was provided. The message "Pre-safe Inoperable - Check Owner's Manual" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to th... Read more
Incident date: Sep 21, 2024
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Sep 24, 2024
Air bag light comes on is also intermitt some times stays on and someimes on only for a minute or two
Incident date: Sep 29, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Edge. The contact stated that after the dealer overfilled the engine oil during an oil change, there was smoke coming from the rear end of the vehicle while driving. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, and the engine oil was changed a second time. The contact stated that after the dealer redid the oil change, the "Pre-Collision Assist Not Available" message displ... Read more
FREIGHTLINER
CASCADIA
(2019) - AIR BAGS
Sep 30, 2024
Incident date: Sep 27, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Camry Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated 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 n... Read more
Incident date: Nov 18, 2018
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 328I. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V513000 (AIR BAGS) and 23V707000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2024
Airbag warning light illuminated on dash. Vehicle no longer registered the passenger in the front passenger seat. Dealer states diagnostic code indicates OCCUPANT POSITION DETECTION SYSTEM SENSOR is faulty. None in stock and no expected delivery date. Until part is repaired/replaced the vehicle will not detect a front seat passenger so the front seat passenger airbags will NOT deploy in a colli... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2024
Air Bag light on. Per Dealer service center diagnostics, driver side air bag module FB5Z*78043B13*AA defective. Module replaced, however air bag light on persists. Additional diagnostic determined that air bag clockspring component defective.
COACHMEN
FREEDOM EXPRESS
(2020) - AIR BAGS
Sep 28, 2024
Incident date: Sep 27, 2024
The lane assist kept pulling to the right when the lane markings were unclear. Entering highway, lanes go from 2 to 1. We were merging when a car tried to merge into us. We moved over to the right and the lane assist pulled us into a curb. We ended up in a roll over accident and NO air bags opened or went off.
Crash
1 injured
CASTLE ROCK
RADIAL
(9999) - AIR BAGS
Sep 28, 2024
Incident date: Sep 27, 2024
PODS recall on vehicle. No fix available and dealership is not helping me with this issue.
Incident date: Sep 27, 2024
As per NHTSA there was a recall the replace OC3 SEAT OCCUPANCY MAT but I never received recall notice and just passed 10 years with 40K millage and started getting air bag light, dealer is not replacing it under warranty, if they was a recall they should have replaced my seat earlier so that I would not have this issue today. is there a way to extend warranty to longer time or recall all the cars ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 27, 2024
On or about 9/22/24 I was driving on a parkway and was alerted by a high pitched alarm in the vehicle’s dashboard that the airbag had a malfunction and that the seatbelt was not engaged. I removed my seatbelt and clipped it back in but that did not stop the alarm. The vehicle continued to beep and say the airbag was malfunctioning. I made an appointment with Toyota service for 9/26/24 and when I... Read more
Incident date: Sep 28, 2024
1. Air bag light has been on for over a year. Was checked at dealership, and was told there is a recall on sensor. 2. Power Train, unknown of what's going on. Riding down the road all of a sudden it stalls for a minute. It's a hard jerk, like it's not getting gas, or the transmission is out of sinc. This started about two years ago. Took it to my local repairman, and he said it was a warning in th... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2005 Pontiac Vibe. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V285000 (Air Bags); and would like to be removed from the recall distribution list. The local dealer and manufacturer were contacted.
Incident date: Sep 27, 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 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. VIN tool con... Read more
Incident date: Sep 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Lexus ES350. 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 unav... Read more
Incident date: Jun 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 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 contact had not experienced a failure. The manufacturer was made aware of... Read more
Incident date: Mar 27, 2024
I received a notice in March 2024 regarding a recall for my 20 CRV involving a Seat Weight Sensor Circuit Board. I contacted my local Honda Dealer, Serra ,Honda Grand Blanc, Michigan to inquire about obtaining a time to service the recall. I was told at that time that they did not have the parts available and to call back in the fall to schedule. I spoke to the same dealership on September 27, ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 17, 2024
I was involved in accident where a driver ran a red light traveling approximately 60-70MPH and collided with the front of my 2021 Chevy Colorado ZR2 (22700 Miles). The hood was torn off, the entire front end of the truck was crushed with significant damage to the engine. The OnStar / SOS system also failed to work after the crash. The truck was deemed a total loss. I have spinal injuries, head and... Read more
Crash
3 injured
Incident date: Sep 26, 2024
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 contact had not experienced a failure. The manufacturer was not made aware ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 12, 2023
Active front seat headrests deployed without an accident for the second time. Had them replaced and paid for myself the first time years ago. Was compensated by FCA as part of special coverage after the fact. When they deployed again I brought it in and had it diagnosed at Hopkins dodge, it was covered under the special policy. They ordered parts. It took forever for the parts to come off back ord... Read more
Incident date: Jun 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2024 Ford Edge. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 2 MPH, a second vehicle crashed into the front passenger side of the vehicle. During the crash, no air bags in the vehicle were deployed. The occupants in each vehicle were transported to the local hospital but no injuries were reported. A police report was taken at the scene. The vehicle was later driven to ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Sep 17, 2024
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Sep 1, 2024
Quote: Report Receipt Date: NOV 12, 2013 NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V564000 Component(s): AIR BAGS Potential Number of Units Affected: 76,565 Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC The Problem: The front passenger seat occupant detection mat that determines if and how the passenger frontal air bag should deploy in a crash may fatigue and develop cracks which could lead to a system failure. Shoul... Read more
Incident date: Sep 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Lexus ES300 Hybrid. The contact stated that upon investigation, the contact became aware that the VIN was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact had not received notification of the recall. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for t... Read more