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
MERCEDES-BENZ
GLE350
(2016) - AIR BAGS
Sep 26, 2024
Incident date: Sep 20, 2024
- The light of the airbag and seatbelt came on my dashboard, went to the dealership and they told me that there's an issue with the control module, apparently there is a recall for that but since my car wasn't called they could repair. - Backup camera goes completely off when trying to go on reverse.
Incident date: Jun 14, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Legacy. 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 experie... Read more
Incident date: Aug 26, 2024
The safety airbags exploded and burning my face and the passenger side passenger it was very hard and his arm and the of explosion of the airbags she was spraying and burning the face and was
Crash
Fire
2 injured
Incident date: Sep 4, 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 dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. V... Read more
Incident date: Sep 21, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 BMW 530I. The contact stated that the edge of the air bag leather cover was folding in, which enlarged the split between the air bag cover and the steering wheel. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer, where it was inspected, and the dealer informed the contact that the air bag leather cover was of poor quality. The dealer recommended the air bag replacement. The vehic... Read more
FORD
MAVERICK HYBRID
(2022) - AIR BAGS
Sep 26, 2024
Incident date: Sep 11, 2024
While driving on or around September 4th, 2024, a warning light appeared on my dashboard. The warning stated “Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) Problem. See Your Dealer.” I took my car to Hare Honda for an inspection and service on September 18th, 2024, and was informed that the diagnostic process would need the car to be in the shop overnight. I rescheduled my diagnostic service for Septem... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2024) - AIR BAGS
Sep 26, 2024
Incident date: Mar 1, 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 made aware of the issue. The contact had not experien... Read more
FORD
MUSTANG MACH E
(2023) - AIR BAGS
Sep 26, 2024
Incident date: Sep 21, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V050000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated the air bag warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The ... Read more
HYUNDAI
ELANTRA HYBRID
(2023) - AIR BAGS
Sep 26, 2024
Incident date: Sep 20, 2024
There is a warning to service airbag. I took to dealership there is a recall on thus issue for certain vins, but not mine. They said my sensor under passenger seat is defective and would cost $1800+ to fix. I don't understand if this is a known issue and recall for some vehicles...why not mine?
Incident date: Sep 19, 2024
Safety Restraint System Service light alert comes on at start up. I purchased this vehicle july 20th and returned vehicle to dealer for service on sept.5. I was informed the steering wheel air bag and coil are faulty. The repair parts are on back order and would take at least 5-6 months to get. I contacted GM customer service and was told the air bag system should still function according to GM.... Read more
Incident date: Aug 26, 2024
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Sep 6, 2024
Passenger restraint system malfunction, available for inspection. Passenger side air bag will not work if in an accident Problem has been confirmed by dealer Warning lamp appeared approximately 4-5 weeks ago, prior to that no symptoms. Just happened all of a sudden.
Incident date: Mar 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Honda Pilot. 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. Parts distribution disconnect... Read more
Incident date: Sep 26, 2024
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Oct 5, 2022
The driver's airbag located in the center if the steering wheel is deteriorating, and the dealer and manufacturer has not been able to determine the cause of this issue. The material that houses the airbag is sweating a black sticky material and it cannot be cleaned by vinyl/leather cleaner. The is a low mileage vehicle (35,000 miles) and it has never been left outside in the elements. I am afraid... Read more
Incident date: Sep 22, 2024
The contact owned a 2003 Honda Civic. The contact stated while driving at approximately 30 MPH and attempting to proceed at a green light, the front passenger side of the vehicle crashed into the front driver-side of another vehicle. The air bags were not deployed. The contact noticed that there were bruises on both of her knees and endured neck and back pain from the impact. Medical attention was... Read more
Crash
1 injured
MINI
COOPER COUNTRYMAN
(2011) - AIR BAGS
Sep 25, 2024
Incident date: Sep 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Camry. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the SRS air bag system malfunction warning light illuminated, with an audible chime. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer but was not diagnosed. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags); however, the part to the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was not repaire... Read more
Incident date: Aug 16, 2024
My vehicle warning sensors continue to fail despite having them replaced and now their is an unrepairable recall that my cause my passenger airbag to not deploy during head on collision. I feel these are critical safety features are main reasons for purchasing my vehicle. I do not feel safe driving my vehicle with failing and/or potentially failing safety features. I was widowed 18 months ago. If ... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2023) - AIR BAGS
Sep 25, 2024
Incident date: Sep 21, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH, several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated while attempting to make a right turn, the steering wheel seized, and the electrical system became inoperable. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V746000 (Engine) nor 18V137000 (Seat Belts, ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Chrysler 200. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel was difficult to turn, and the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle was started, and the air bag warning light was illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that the horn failed to function as intended. The contact later notic... Read more
Incident date: Sep 25, 2024
There is a recall 17v-428 for the seat mat, and i went to my local BMW dealer and said this car was not on the list, but they acknowledge it’s the same issue but because this VIN was not included they can’t fix it at no charge . They want $2100 to repair. Can you help me ? Thanks
Incident date: Jul 25, 2024
I was driving on the highway when my SRS light came on. I lost all functionality of my horn and cruise control system. I did some research and found that the clockspring/cable reel is what sends power to the airbags, horn, and cruise control system. Upon inspection, I found that I was getting a “1-1” SRS code, indicating that the clockspring/cable reel was not sending power to any of the above... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
ID.4
(2021) - AIR BAGS
Sep 25, 2024
Incident date: Nov 25, 2021
I was in an accident with another vehicle where my car rear ended theirs. It a pretty bad damage because my car is totaled. The seatbelt never locked and my airbag never deployed, causing me to go headfirst into my wheel and followed my chest. I was escorted to the hospital due to those injures. I was never notified of a recall from either dealership, which they have failed me because there was no... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Sep 25, 2024
Air bag light comes on. We have had it checked by 3 different technicians. They have found that it is an issue with the control module, and seat squibs need to be replaced. This is a $4000 issue that is directly related to the safety of the driver of the car. They said it looks to be a manufacturing issue but unfortunately is not covered by the extended warranty that we purchased.
Incident date: Aug 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 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 made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufact... Read more
Incident date: Jul 24, 2024
When my car was stolen and crashed the whole front end was smashed in but the air bags did deploy. I saw there's several recalls on these cars, one was the airbags. I never got any recall for it and it shows there are no recalls. The brakes have problems, being that it takes forever to slow down. I have to leave about 3 car lengths ahead of me because I can't stop, it takes a while to slow it down... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2023
Passenger headrest exploded suddenly while driving on highway at highway speeds. Loud bang which made me swerve. No accident or incident preceded, it just exploded. if someone like my wife with neck problems was in the seat she could have been injured. I was told that Jeep has extended the warranty on this item and it appears this happens often. Had this happened to the drivers one I may... Read more
Incident date: Sep 2, 2024
Air bags failed to deploy when the car hit a tree. Issue has not be reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center. Vehicle has been inspected by claims adjuster only. There were no messages or symptoms of an issue prior to failure.
Crash
Incident date: Sep 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Renegade. The contact stated that while his wife was attempting to make a right turn, another vehicle collided with the driver's side of the vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. The contact stated that his wife sustained unknown injuries and medical attention was needed. The contact also received medical attention. The vehicle was towed to a collision center where the... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Aug 25, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Mazda MX-5. The contact received notification of the NHTSA Campaign Number: (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 failur... Read more
Incident date: Sep 10, 2024
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 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 dis... Read more
Incident date: Sep 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 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 di... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2022) - AIR BAGS
Sep 24, 2024
Incident date: Aug 28, 2024
The contact owned a 2024 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that while the contact's wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was involved in a T-bone crash. The contact stated that the driver's side of the vehicle crashed into it while the vehicle was stopped at a four-way intersection. The contact stated that none of the driver's side air bags deployed. The contact stated that on... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Sep 20, 2024
I was in a collision where another vehicle crashed into me at the driver's side front corner of my car. The other driver was going at least 30 miles per hour; I was probably going 10-20 miles per hour. None of my airbags deployed despite the collision resulting in a total loss to my vehicle.
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Sep 10, 2024
I am filing a complaint about my new Lexus TX350. I purchased this car new and then began reading about a recall. I finally received information from Lexus about the recall, several weeks after it had made the news. There is no date set for a fix. Is there any recourse for owners of an expensive vehicle that is no longer in production? Thank you for your time, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT... Read more
Incident date: Sep 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 63,000.
HYUNDAI
ELANTRA HYBRID
(2022) - AIR BAGS
Sep 24, 2024
Incident date: Sep 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Dodge Charger. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and the failure was linked to a recall; however, the contact was informed that parts were unavailable. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V198000 (Air Bags); however, the part to... Read more
Incident date: Sep 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport. The contact stated that the TPMS warning light illuminated and turned on and off. The contact inflated the tires. 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 not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exce... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2024
High speed collision with a cement truck destroyed most of the front portion of the vehicle. Neither passenger nor driver airbag deployed and seat belts did not lock up, injuring the driver. No warning lights indicating an airbag problem appeared prior to crash. The vehicle is now impounded at towing company yard pending insurance investigation.
Crash
1 injured
VOLKSWAGEN
GTI
(2022) - AIR BAGS
Sep 24, 2024
Incident date: Sep 24, 2024
When the seat moves forward I get a warning about the restraint error and turn the airbag off. When I slide the seat back the error goes away.
Incident date: Sep 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the air bag warning light illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle to a dealer who diagnosed that one of the air bag systems needed to be replaced. The contact was unsure which air bag was replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred, and the air bag warning light was illuminated again... Read more
Incident date: Sep 19, 2024
Recall opened in June still no fix. How long does the manufacturer have to come up with a solution?
Incident date: Sep 10, 2024
I was in a car accident during the summer, I was driving at speed limit when I came out the curve the car started sliding, and I went off the road and roll over at 4 times and ended up in a ditch upside in some water, but NO AIRBAGS went off I have pictures showing so, I try to tell the dealer I bought it from Car Max and even my insurance but no one seem to care but now I found this page. I also ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Sep 20, 2024
Previous recall 19V-547 and 74D9 impacting the passenger air bag turning off even when a passenger is in the vehicle was repaired improperly, and the problem is still happening.
Incident date: Dec 23, 2023
The contact filed the complaint on behalf of her son who owned a 2013 BMW M3. The contact stated the vehicle was parked in a school parking lot, and the contact's son was sitting in the driver's seat of the vehicle when the vehicle was crashed into violently by four vehicles. The vehicle was damaged in the front end, passenger's side, and rear. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. Th... Read more
Crash
1 injured
ALFA ROMEO
STELVIO
(2018) - AIR BAGS
Sep 23, 2024
Incident date: Jul 13, 2023
I am reporting a recurring Safety Restraint System Fault error in my 2020 Tesla Model Y. The issue manifests as an alert on the vehicle's dashboard, warning of a problem with the safety restraint system. This error began appearing at approximately 75000 miles. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The Safety Restraint System in my Tesl... Read more
Incident date: Sep 22, 2024
Vehicle jerks at low speed when accelerate and idle when accelerate, P0766 Code shows, engine noise and gears jump, when reverse the vehicle jerks.
Incident date: Sep 4, 2024
Passenger side have no power and passenger restraint failed,
Incident date: Sep 21, 2024
Porsche leather dashboard shrunk and staples pulled out. I was told by a Porsche service technician that if the vehicle was in an accident, the air bag might not deploy correctly. The Porsche dealer diagnosed it and recommended replacing it. This is a very common issue.
Incident date: Jul 23, 2024
There is a common warning message on Tesla Model 3 and Y that states “Front Passenger Safety Restraint System Fault” I just received it on mine. Tesla service advised that the passenger airbag and safety system may not function in the event of a crash. I searched online and can see in forums that many people receive this warning. Tesla also confirmed that if someone receives this message w... Read more