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
LAND ROVER
RANGE ROVER SPORT
(2011) - AIR BAGS
Sep 6, 2024
Incident date: Sep 6, 2024
Porsche dashboard leather shrunk and staples pulled out. I was told that if the vehicle was in an accident the airbag might not deploy correctly. The Porsche dealer looked at it and recommended replacing it. This is a very common issue
Incident date: Aug 18, 2024
Incident on [XXX] 1450 GLA 250 approx 6 months old ? Est car was doing 40 mph impacted back of car my GLA 250 (other car was 1955 chevy - driver stated to police and on report he had a brake failure - no brakes ) as she was at the stop light it pushed her car about 4-5 feet almost hitting car in front of her which was also stopped at light - Police and ambulance was on site since it was 3 min fro... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jul 15, 2024
Upon A recent DMV Registration Renewal notice it was noted my vehicle has an open recall due to an unsafe passenger airbag. I reached out to my local Nissan dealer and was told the part was unavailable and I should contact Nissan Corporate. I then reached out to Nissan Corporate and was told they needed to locate a new or secondhand part to be installed in my car after weeks of waiting, I was even... Read more
Incident date: Sep 5, 2024
I bought this car in 2018 with minimal miles on it, since then I have had nothing but issues with this car. Currently my oil cooler is leaking and at a mechanic shop because the closest dealer is an hour in a half and they tried to pull a fast one on me last time and I had to call corporate to report negligence. I have had to replace the -Navigation system since the screen went black and would o... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2015) - AIR BAGS
Sep 5, 2024
Incident date: Sep 5, 2024
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The airbag system in my 2017 Nissan Rogue malfunctioned. The airbag warning light turned on, indicating a potential failure in the system. The vehicle and its components are available for inspection if needed. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The malfunctioning airbag system ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 5, 2024
After picking up my car from Autonation Chevrolet for the same issue I am reporting, I was driving, and the car dashboard lights all came on. The AC stopped working, too.
Incident date: May 1, 2023
Air Bag warning light blinks 1 long and 5 short blinks. Scan shows code of B1018-00 which is passenger seat occupation seat sensor failure meaning even if seat is occupied, air bag will not deploy. Nissan has no coverage for this but earlier and later models did have recall coverage with only the 2013 year not recalled or just ignored. Let's get this handled please.
Incident date: Sep 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2003 Saturn Ion. The contact stated that occasionally the key failed to turn while in the ignition. The vehicle was slow to start. The contact had to avoid bumps in the roadway while driving. The lock symbol was displayed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 14V171000 (Electrical System) and 14V047000 (Air Bags, ... Read more
Incident date: May 8, 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 made aware of the issue and a case was filed. The contact had not experienced a fail... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2011) - AIR BAGS
Sep 5, 2024
Incident date: Sep 5, 2024
The contact owned a 1999 Chevrolet Silverado. The contact stated that while driving at 55 MPH, he dozed off as the vehicle drifted off to the right shoulder of the highway. The contact regained alertness once the vehicle drove over the highway's rumble strip. As the contact attempted to regain control of the vehicle; the vehicle crashed into a tree. The contact's face smashed into the steering whe... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Aug 30, 2024
A recall was issued for a disrupted connector on the front buckle switch hall effect sensor that may cause the air bag to not deploy during a crash. This seems to be an important safety concern. However all dealers in my area (Los Angeles) either do not have the part(s) to repair the issue and do not have a timeline on when the part will be available, or have a waiting list of >7 months due to tak... Read more
MITSUBISHI
OUTLANDER
(2022) - AIR BAGS
Sep 5, 2024
Incident date: Aug 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2024 Lexus TX 350. 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 dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failur... Read more
Incident date: Jul 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Infiniti Q50. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the passenger’s side seat belt warning light illuminated. The contact stated that there was no passenger located in the front passenger’s seat during the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the OCS sensor had failed, and the contact was informed that the front pa... Read more
Incident date: Nov 7, 2023
The contact owned a 2018 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that while his son was driving at approximately 50 MPH he fell asleep and the vehicle left the roadway. The contact stated that the vehicle crashed into a tree head-on. The contact stated that the vehicle's front end was crushed by the tree, however, the driver's side air bag had not inflated. The contact stated that the police were on the ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Sep 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2024 Alfa Romeo Giulia. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V510000 (Air Bags, Seat Belts); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact called another local dealer Alfa Romeo Stuart (3980 SE Federal Hwy, Stuart, FL 34997); but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated t... Read more
Incident date: Jul 8, 2024
Not in a crash, but the leather on the dashboard is peeling off and airbags may not deploy properly because of it. I think this is a safety concern if not addressed early. Leather on dashboard is peeling off due to poor manufacturing.
FORD
MAVERICK HYBRID
(2023) - AIR BAGS
Sep 4, 2024
Incident date: Sep 3, 2024
I have been given multiple warnings about a recall on the airbags for almost a year now. The recall claims that if the airbags go off, metal shards could fly out and could kill me. They say to go to a service center and have it repaired immediately. I have called several service centers and GM twice, and all they can tell me is that the parts are not available, and I will be notified when they ar... Read more
Incident date: Sep 4, 2024
2011-2013 SONATA (YF) AND AIRBAG CONTROL UNIT (RECALL CAMPAIGN 174) I did the recall at Sterling Mcall in 10/2022 and I had no airbag light before after I did the recall the airbag light came on the dashboard -The dealers scanned the car and it is visible on the baseboard however the dealer is reluctant to repair it and asked 3 weeks of diagnostic and 500 dollars only for diagnostic and nothing ... Read more
FORD
ESCAPE HYBRID
(2021) - AIR BAGS
Sep 4, 2024
Incident date: Jul 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2010 Nissan Rogue. The contact stated that while the vehicle was started and running, her husband sat in the driver's side seat and wiped the center console, and without warning, the driver’s and passenger’s side curtain air bags inadvertently deployed. The contact mentioned all the doors of the vehicle were closed during the incident. The driver sustained ear and emotional ... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Feb 4, 2023
The contact owns a 2022 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
Incident date: Oct 19, 2023
The air bag sensor located in the front passenger seat does not function. It is available for inspection upon request. Because the sensor doesn't engage, the passenger-side air bag will not deploy in the event of an accident, leaving my passenger at risk of serious injury or death. The Hyundai of Cool Springs dealership in Franklin, TN, has inspected the car and confirmed that the sensor is not fu... Read more
Incident date: Aug 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2010 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V513000 (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 made ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 23, 2024
Passenger airbag system error light has been on for at least 14 months and avoided repair in June of 2023 at Orem, UT dealership. Air bag may not deploy in the event of accident. My pregnant wife is primary passenger. It’s a known issue that has a recall but no fix. The recall numbers are 24V464 (nhtsa) and 69PZ (Volkswagen). This recall was issued June 2024. Dealership instructed me to wait for... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE 4XE
(2023) - AIR BAGS
Sep 4, 2024
Incident date: Aug 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Honda Civic. 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 made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnec... Read more
Incident date: Sep 4, 2024
Started my jeep this morning and the indicator light for my airbag came on saying it needed service.
Incident date: Aug 10, 2024
I have an active recall on my 2021 Jeep Renegade. I have made numerous attempts to get this vehicle in since recall was made public. Every excuse under the sun from dealerships in the St. Louis area. From we don't do recall work on weekends, to we are only allowed to order so many parts, we have to put you on a waiting list. Or I am out of a car for hours possibly days? I called the corporate numb... Read more
Incident date: Jul 7, 2024
Two separate safety issues. The horn and drivers airbag are not functional. Also, the vehicle stops steering when driving at times. According to Tesla, The airbag assembly needs to be replaced at $1200 as well as the steering rack needs to be replaced at $5300. The vehicle is available for inspection. I have had several safety incidences. A couple where I needed to honk my horn and was not able to... Read more
Incident date: Aug 27, 2024
My 2007 Lincoln MKX was in Drive with the brake depressed waiting to back up into a traffic lane from an angled parking space in front of a small shop in our historic downtown area. Suddenly, the vehicle accelerated forward at a high rate of speed jumping the shallow curb and slamming into the cement foundation of the store. Continuing to depress the brakes made no difference in stopping the jar... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Aug 27, 2024
We have been told by our dealership and manufacturer that there is no timeline on when this part is going to be available to be fixed. We have to operate our business in compliance with the NHTSA, and not having a timeline or any compensation for this recall is a big hindrance to our business.
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Honda Odyssey. 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 made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconn... Read more
Incident date: Aug 28, 2024
passenger restraint malfunction warning light has been on. It is a common problem with many BMW's and they did not issue a recall prior to 2009 models. The repair is quite costly and it seems to be a computer error that is not actually an issue at all
Incident date: Aug 19, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Honda Accord. 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 made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconne... Read more
Incident date: Aug 16, 2024
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Aug 27, 2024
The contact owned a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at highway speeds, the vehicle died without warning. Due to the failure, the contact was left stranded in the middle of the highway. While the contact was on the phone with 911, another vehicle crashed into the contact's vehicle from behind. The air bags did not deploy upon impact. The contact sustained mental trauma due t... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Sep 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2010 Lexus RX350. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH over thin black ice, the contact lost control of the vehicle, causing the rear passenger's side of the vehicle to crash into the guard rail. The air bags did not deploy. The vehicle was drivable and the contact drove to the orthopedic for medical assistance. The contact sustained a left shoulder joint fractu... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Sep 3, 2024
The contact owned a 2006 BMW 325XI. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V513000 (Air Bags) and 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) would like to be removed from the recall distribution list. The local dealer and manufacturer were not contacted.
VOLKSWAGEN
TAOS
(2022) - AIR BAGS
Sep 3, 2024
Incident date: Sep 2, 2024
The passenger seat belt is popping out from the wall of the car
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
The contact is purchasing a 2018 Lexus RX350. The contact received information regarding the 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 manu... Read more
HYUNDAI
SANTA FE SPORT
(2018) - AIR BAGS
Sep 3, 2024
Incident date: Mar 23, 2024
See attached document for complaint.
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHTCUTG
(2022) - AIR BAGS
Sep 3, 2024
Incident date: Jun 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the air bag warning light remained illuminated, and the message "Service Air Bag" was displayed. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, but the cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approx... Read more
CHEVROLET
TRAILBLAZER
(2021) - AIR BAGS
Sep 3, 2024
Incident date: Aug 26, 2024
Airbag light on with no reason!!
Incident date: Aug 31, 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 dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failu... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2024
My backup camera glitches and my APMI module has gone out, which was diagnosed by Ford. I’ve seen this is an issue with other Ford models as well, however there are no active recalls for my VIN. The Airbag light is also on.
Incident date: Sep 2, 2024
UNKNOWN: Vehicle collided with another vehicle on highway and control system and functions stopped. Airbag on Driver’s Side malfunctioned burning driver with liquid and metal.
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Jul 4, 2024
OCS not working, passenger airbag is off when adult is in seat. Apparently was recalled before but seeing that despite being “fixed” and the problem came back. Hard to get in contact with anyone at Nissan or the dealerships to take responsibility for it.
Incident date: Sep 2, 2024
My Audi Q3 was in repair at Audi Spokane WA for an issue with the steering wheel, horn and airbag. I had it inspected at a shop in Moscow ID who diagnosed the damage as the Wheel Clock Spring. Lux Auto Hause advised that I contact Audi Dealership and stated the clock spring is under warranty. I made the next available appt with the dealership because Audi required my vehicle to be inspected at th... Read more
Incident date: Aug 25, 2024
Air says it will malfunction nothing has happened but wish for it to be repaired before an accident
Incident date: Jun 28, 2024
There was a SUDDEN and UNINTENDED acceleration without the driver input while braking to park going approximately 1 - 2 MPH. Our safety was at risk. The vehicle was not in our control. A police report was generated. Rather than stopping we crashed into the apartment building causing significant damage to both the apartment and our vehicle. There were no warnings, no automatic braking to avoid... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jun 3, 2023
Vehicle is in St Thomas, United States Virgin Islands. Vehicle has two recalls for airbags due. Our local Ford dealership (Metro Motors) states they do not perform safety recalls on vehicles.