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: Sep 1, 2019
The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at 65 MPH, the air bags deployed without warning or impact. The driver sustained burns to the neck, skeletal injuries, and bruises. The passenger sustained skeletal injuries, cuts, bruises, and throat issues. Medical attention was provided to both occupants. A police report was filed. There was no reported fire... Read more
2 injured
Incident date: Aug 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 GMC Acadia. 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. VIN tool confirms parts n... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2019) - AIR BAGS
Aug 21, 2024
Incident date: Aug 20, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet traverse. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V344000 (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 par... Read more
Incident date: Aug 20, 2024
The recalls are for 2016-2015 airbags component. I had called every dodge dealership within my 50miles distance and mercedes benz and they dont have the part to perform the repair or they mention they have no space for the vehicle. There never been any accidents. Its just a recall from Mercedes/mopar
Incident date: Aug 20, 2024
This recall has been open for Almost 6 months. The 2020 Dodge charger SRT (specific trim) on NHTSA site shows zero open recalls. But then the vin shows 1 recall which has been open for 6months. I am told by the dealer the SRT trim for it does not have a recall as even NHTSA shows 2020 Dodge Charger SRT (0 recalls) . Please update this to reflect my vin with no open recalls as it is affecting my w... Read more
Incident date: Jul 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2001 BMW 325I. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the air bag warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was scanned using a hand-held diagnostic machine. The DTC code 02: Ignition Decay 1/Belt Tensioner Driver was retrieved. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 195... Read more
Incident date: Jun 13, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle downshifted with the check engine, transmission, and the air bag warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was restarted; however, the failure recurred. The contact also noticed the vehicle had gone into LIMP Mode after the vehicle was restarted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that th... Read more
Incident date: Aug 20, 2024
I purchased my vehicle from the Mercedes Benz Dealership and received a recall letter in the mail stating that driver side deployment may occur. After receiving notice I brought the car to the dealership to get the recall repaired. I've been driving around with a false sense of security believing that this issue was repaired. However, recently, while I was driving the driver side airbag unexpect... Read more
NISSAN
ROGUE SPORT
(2019) - AIR BAGS
Aug 20, 2024
Incident date: Aug 15, 2024
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Jan 25, 2024
The contact owned a 2017 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated while driving at approximately 25 MPH; she T-boned with another vehicle (Ford F-150) however, the air bags did not deploy. No warning light had illuminated. During the impact, the contact's face hit the dashboard and she sustained a brain bleed, missing teeth, and a concussion that required medical attention. No police department arrived ... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jun 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 BMW X3. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact became aware that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 42,482.
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Buick Verano. The contact stated while starting the vehicle and driving at an undisclosed speed, the front passenger's side seat sensor failed to detect a passenger in the seat. The “Air Bag Off” and “Service Air Bag” messages were displayed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact related the failure to Special Co... Read more
Incident date: Aug 20, 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 made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced... Read more
Incident date: Aug 20, 2024
Passenger seat headrest exploded and hit my wife in the head/ear/neck and now she is in a lot of pain. This is the most random thing I have ever seen. My wife and daughter were driving through a parking lot going 4mph and the headrest just exploded. The plastic pieces holding the springs back broke and let the headrest fly forward into my wife’s head/ear/neck
1 injured
Incident date: Aug 5, 2024
We have contacted the chevrolet dealer which was Knippelmier Chevrolet of Blanchard Oklahoma about the air bag recall and they keep telling us the part to repair the recall is unavailable. This started in July of 2023... At the end of July 2023 the service airbag light was coming on and off and blinking. We have tried to call other dealerships but we get the same answer. We have also stopped dr... Read more
Incident date: Aug 20, 2024
This recall has been open since June 2023 without remedy. I have been waiting a remedy to trade the car in on a newer vehicle. However, the dealership will not pay me fair value since the car cannot be resold until the recall is resolved. This is criminal and needs to be resolved immediately.
Incident date: Aug 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 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 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... Read more
Incident date: Feb 2, 2022
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 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 ex... Read more
Incident date: Aug 11, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Outback. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V227000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted and 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 made aware ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 20, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 GMC Acadia. 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 made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 4, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 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: Jul 14, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. 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 manufact... Read more
Incident date: Aug 18, 2024
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Aug 11, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 GMC Acadia. 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 made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
The contact owned a 2011 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving at approximately 55 MPH she rolled over a large puddle of water on the roadway. The contact stated that she hydroplaned and she lost control of the vehicle. The contact stated that she drove off of the roadway and down an embankment and rolled over several times before coming to a stop at the bottom of the embankment. The cont... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Aug 19, 2024
UNKNOWN Airbags did not deploy when struck by a semi that crossed the median and hit me then pinned me against guardrail that was also damaged/destroyed.
Crash
6 injured
VOLKSWAGEN
GOLF
(2015) - AIR BAGS
Aug 19, 2024
Incident date: Jun 18, 2021
Engine and airbags lights are always shown on the dashboard without going off. It has been ON always and constantly for many months.
Incident date: Jul 30, 2024
The airbags light appears on the dashboard always ON, without going off for many months and also the engine light is always showing up on the dashboard without turning off for more than 2 years.
CHRYSLER
PACIFICA PLUG-IN HYBRID
(2022) - AIR BAGS
Aug 19, 2024
Incident date: Apr 12, 2024
The airbags light appears on the dashboard always ON, without going off for many months and also the engine light is always showing up on the dashboard without turning off for more than 2 years.
Incident date: Feb 12, 2024
It is not safe for me to drive this SUV. After one year of visiting the Chevrolet car dealer, calling them many times and trying my best to get them to help me with this Takata airbag problem (since I got the recall notice); GM said they don't have the part. They also said they don't have another vehicle to give me until they get it fixed. We are very disappointed and we feel unsafe, my family mem... Read more
FORD
ESCAPE HYBRID
(2020) - AIR BAGS
Aug 19, 2024
Incident date: Jun 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Buick Enclave. The contact stated that the passenger’s side air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that an unknown local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonabl... Read more
FORD
EXPEDITION
(2017) - AIR BAGS
Aug 19, 2024
Incident date: Aug 18, 2024
My Tesla has been displayed a warning error message "Front passenger restraint system fault". This is a safety issue, I searched online and it looks like this is a common problem for the 2017-2019 Tesla Model 3. Many of the owners were fortunate if the issue happened before the expiration of the warranty which Tesla fixed it for free. However, this issue happened after warranty expired. I took... Read more
Incident date: Aug 13, 2024
A recall was issued for my car in May ‘23. I have called our local GMC dealer and they explain they do not have the parts. I called GMC recall dept and they say that they are trying to get the parts. But they do not give a timeline at all. This is very frustrating. GMC doesn’t seem to care enough about their customers.
Incident date: Jul 1, 2024
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Jun 1, 2024
I was hit on driver side and no side airbags deployed. The collision cause over $16k in damage to my vehicle. There is no reason side airbags should not have delivered and if my child was in the car on the passenger side he would have slammed his head on glass.
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Aug 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 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 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 manufacture... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2017) - AIR BAGS
Aug 19, 2024
Incident date: Aug 19, 2024
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Aug 17, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 GMC Acadia. The contact was notified of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (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 manufacturer was made a... Read more
Incident date: Jul 19, 2024
The contact's husband owned a 2011 Jaguar XJ. The contact stated that while her husband was attempting to park in a parking space and the brake pedal depressed, the vehicle independently accelerated. The contact attempted to decrease the vehicle's speed by going over a bump however the vehicle continued to independently accelerate. The brake pedal was depressed to the floorboard and then lifted hi... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jul 19, 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 made aware of the issue. The contact had not experi... Read more
Incident date: Aug 19, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was turned off and parked in the driveway, the contact heard a loud explosion. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the rear passenger’s side side-curtain air bag erroneously deployed. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The contact stated that during the failure, shrapnel and shards of me... Read more
Incident date: Jul 24, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at 35–40 MPH and crashed into a deer, the air bags deployed but failed to inflate. There were no warning lights illuminated. The emergency lights failed to turn off. The driver was able to drive from the crash. There were no reported injuries or fire. A police report was filed. The contact called the l... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Aug 19, 2024
There has been a recall in effect since 5/10/23 - NHTSA Recall No. 23V3344; Manufacturer Recall No. N232404980, and there still is no remedy. I have spoken to our local dealership several times, called the GMC Manufacturer today, 8/19/24, and was told there is "no remedy yet; they are working on it. With this enormous safety recall, it is hazardous for drivers to utilize their vehicles without r... Read more
Incident date: Aug 19, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Honda Passport. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH the vehicle suddenly lost automotive power causing the driver to lose control of the steering and crash into the rear of a Semi-Truck. During the incident, the air bags did not deploy. The driver sustained bruising of the chest and hip areas and pulmonary heart bruising due to the seatbelt restraints... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Aug 16, 2024
See attached document for complaint
MERCEDES-BENZ
GLC 300
(2023) - AIR BAGS
Aug 19, 2024
Incident date: Aug 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Honda HR-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 made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect... Read more
Incident date: Aug 16, 2024
See attached document for complaint
Incident date: Aug 18, 2024
On [XXX] around 1pm me and my mom were in a bad accident we were driving on [XXX] through Columbus Ohio to go down to Kentucky we were at least 50 feet from the truck that was pulling a camper when all of sudden the camper had no brake lights and was not moving my mom pushed the brake all the way to the floor you could feel the car trying to stop but it wasn’t stopping we were only going 25 and... Read more
Crash
Incident date: May 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 GMC Acadia. The contact was notified of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (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 manufacturer was made a... Read more
Incident date: Aug 18, 2024
The contact owned a 2009 Toyota Venza. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V257000 (Air Bags) and would like to be removed from the recall distribution list. The local dealer and manufacturer were not contacted.