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: Jul 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Alfa Romeo Giulia. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 25 MPH in heavy bumper-to-bumper traffic, the vehicle in front was rear-ended. The air bags failed to deploy. In addition, the forward collision warning did not engage. No warning lights illuminated. The contact's wife sustained head, neck, lower back, and left rib injuries which required medical atte... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Jun 13, 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 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: Jul 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 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
Incident date: Jun 25, 2024
The brakes are hard to push to come to a stop. I brought it to a mechanic and he said it was my vacuum pump. The air bag light comes on when you hit a hard bump in the road.
Incident date: Jul 25, 2024
The main issue is the airbag light, it is available for inspection. Warning indicator on Ford app states safe to drive without a passenger. Dealer repaired a couple parts got better for a while but continued. Was told they had a wiring harness ordered, but canceled and told to call Ford about a buyback, dealt with Ford, Better Business Bureau about lemon law, but still have not giving me a price f... Read more
Incident date: Jul 18, 2024
Airbags (any) failed to deploy in a hard impact t-bone collision with another vehicle, endangering occupants. Vehicle is being inspected by insurer.
Crash
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2018) - AIR BAGS
Jul 29, 2024
Incident date: Jul 1, 2023
The optional Leather Dashboard is peeling away from the base of the windshield. The cutout in the leather that aligns with the passenger airbag is now out of alignment and there is concern if the airbag will deploy properly in an accident.
Incident date: Jul 29, 2024
Was issued recall notification from manufacturer in May 2023. All calls to GM (including corporate) indicate that there is still no anticipated date of repair. This is a delay in repair that has catastrophic potential otherwise.
Incident date: Jul 19, 2024
Full Self driving did not show signs of slowing down at Everett traffic slow down from about 60 miles to a standstill. I realized the speed not slowing down (about 5 car distance from stopped distance) I tried to apply the brakes that were completely nonresponsive, instead the car sped up. I avoided backend collision with the first car be maneuvering to the shoulder, however the next car was parke... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Dec 18, 2023
I received a safety recall notice for my vehicle and scheduled an appointment for repair, #N212328790. Upon arriving, the dealer advised me there was a very small crack in the dash and if the dash cracked during the removal or installation, GM would NOT reimburse for any damage to the dash. The default was with the manufacturer and if they didn't replace it correctly, I'd be out serious money t... Read more
Incident date: Jul 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2006 Volkswagen Touareg. The contact stated while driving at approximately 40 MPH, the passenger’s side front side air bag and the passenger’s side rear side air bag independently deployed. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle had stalled after the air bags had deployed. The contact was unable to restart the vehi... Read more
Incident date: Jul 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 328I. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) and 24V513000 (Air Bags); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle and while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was shuddering. An unknown warning light was illuminated. The local deal... Read more
Incident date: Jul 28, 2024
My seatbelt in the front seat does not work effectively. My airbag light is on Recall 169 ANCHOR PRETENSIONER INSPECTION is the recall I see that is associated with my seatbelt Recall 174 AIRBAG CONTROL UNIT Is the recall that I see associated with the airbag light Both recalls say they are completed. I called the Hyundai Dealership and they said reach out to the manufacturer because there... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2024
In June of 2023 I received a safety recall from GM on my 2016 Buick Enclave concerning a defect in the airbag system. I contacted my local GM dealer and they said the hadn't received the replacement parts yet and that I would be notified when they were available. I checked again in January 2024 and still had no parts. I called again today, July 29, 2024 and received the same answer. I then conta... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2018) - AIR BAGS
Jul 29, 2024
Incident date: Jul 29, 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 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 part... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2020
The contact owns a 2008 BMW X3. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the front passenger’s side seat occupant detection mat. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V605000 (Ai... Read more
Incident date: Apr 11, 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 made aware of the issue. The contact had not exp... Read more
Incident date: Jul 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Porsche Macan S. The contact stated that the passenger's side seat failed to detect while the seat was occupied. The air bag off warning light was illuminated, and the passenger's side seat belt failed to chime while the seat belt was not buckled. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure a... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that the horn independently beeped. 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.
Incident date: May 15, 2024
We were in a serious car accident. We were T-boned and rolled two or three times. We had to be pulled from the upside down Grand Cherokee. Our complaint is the fuel fill line broke and poured 23 gallons of raw gasoline into the car. My husband was overcome by the gas and and to be revived twice. I had blacked out due to the force of the air bags. We were okay with now, we were removed before... Read more
Crash
3 injured
FORD
MUSTANG MACH E
(2021) - AIR BAGS
Jul 29, 2024
Incident date: Jun 8, 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 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 exp... Read more
CONTINENTAL
SPORT CONTACT
(9999) - AIR BAGS
Jul 29, 2024
Incident date: Jul 28, 2024
The occupant sensor in the driver seat has failed, triggering an airbag warning. This car is only 6 years old, and the cost of the part/labor to repair it is $2500.
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2014) - AIR BAGS
Jul 29, 2024
Incident date: Jun 1, 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 contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amoun... Read more
LAND ROVER
DISCOVERY SPORT
(2020) - AIR BAGS
Jul 28, 2024
Incident date: Jul 4, 2024
Passenger air bag malfunction notification randomly going off (with and without items on the front passenger seat). I was told the dealership can’t diagnose it unless the alert is going off at the time the vehicle is dropped off.
Incident date: May 19, 2024
Was in a vehicle collision to which no air bags deployed.
Crash
2 injured
TOYOTA
HIGHLANDER
(2021) - AIR BAGS
Jul 27, 2024
Incident date: Oct 4, 2023
Undated Interim Safety Recall from Toyota, 23TB15. It has been open for months and originally said remedy available in third quarter 2024. Now we are being told that it will be a phased response and that those of us in zone 9, Western States including Colorado, will not start until March of 2026. Apparently their position is just don't use passenger seat, which is totally absurd.
Incident date: May 30, 2024
I was driving down the road, coming around a bend and then I was in bushes with a tree in the hood of my car. The car was slanted in an embankment. The driver could not get out of the door they crawled over to the passenger side and got out of the vehicle. The car was wedged between two trees. The airbags never deployed on this front impact accident.
Crash
Incident date: Jul 26, 2024
The airbag sensors were issued a recall. The dealer confirmed this. The car dealership is refusing to replace the airbag sensors until other issues with the car are fixed. I paid to have them do a diagnostic on the car to address the other problems. They are refusing to give me the codes to check what other problems exists with the car.
Incident date: Jul 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Corolla. 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 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 exp... Read more
Incident date: Jul 24, 2024
While driving and all seat belts buckled the seat belt and air bag indicator chimes.
Incident date: Jul 25, 2024
Car reports RCM a056 error related to Occupant Control sensors. This is apparently a common problem for this year and model (related car forums and social media report > 100 such incidents that I can find), but is not covered ($1700 repair). This should be a safety recall.
Incident date: Jul 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated while operating the vehicle, the message "Engine Maintenance Required - See Dealer" was display on the instrument panel. No warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired due to the cost. In addition, the contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags) ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 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 dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 24, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 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 no... Read more
Incident date: May 20, 2024
On June 25, 2024 the passenger side airbag of my 1997 GMC Sierra 1500 spontaneously deployed while the vehicle was parked with the engine off with no passengers were in the vehicle.
Incident date: Jul 20, 2024
I parked my car and there were not any lights on the showing. When I returned to my car about an hour later 2 lights were shown (1) 4 wheel drive and (2) Passenger restraint system. I am concerned about the passenger restraint system because until I can get this repaired, no one can use the passenger seat because of this safety issue.
Incident date: Jul 5, 2024
A red passenger airbag indicator appears sometimes on my dashboard. I took it to the dealership, and they said it is a airbag in the car seat that is sending an alert. The alert only occurs when a passenger is in the car in that seat, however, even then it does not always appear
Incident date: Jul 26, 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 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 e... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
There is a on going issue with clock spring failing on 2011-2014 Hyundai models. My model is not covered under their extended warranty cause I have a hatchback version of the Elantra, which uses the same parts. I have already replaced my clock spring at 2019 and again the issue has come in 2024. My air bag light is on, my car horn doesn't work and buttons on the steering wheel. Feel like this is a... Read more
Incident date: Jul 26, 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 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 part... Read more
Incident date: Jul 23, 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 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
VOLKSWAGEN
ID.4
(2022) - AIR BAGS
Jul 26, 2024
Incident date: May 13, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Buick Enclave. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (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 available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made awar... Read more
Incident date: Jun 26, 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 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 manufacturer was made awa... Read more
Incident date: Jul 19, 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: May 1, 2019
Recently purchased vehicle. When test driving airbag light did not light. Now airbag light goes on intermittently indicating fault in srs airbag protection system. Multiple owners of this vehicle have reported this problem on this make and model on internet.
Incident date: Jul 24, 2024
My brother lost control from the tires being worn unevenly wich caused him to lose traction. The airbags in the car on the passenger side where the steel pole made contact, failed to deploy. The seatbelt was defective because he was seatbelted and the belt broke.
Crash
1 deaths
BICYCLE RACK
BICYCLE RACK
(9999) - AIR BAGS
Jul 25, 2024
Incident date: May 5, 2024
The airbag light continuously goes off and makes a loud beeping noise and blinks an orange airbag light, I constantly have passengers in my front passenger seat. It is unsafe to be driving when it’s not sure that their airbag will deploy if in an accident.
HONDA
CLARITY PLUG-IN HYBRID
(2018) - AIR BAGS
Jul 25, 2024
Incident date: Jun 3, 2024
Seat occupancy system failure received. June 27, 2022 Mobile service inspected for wiring damage, as common cause. recommended appt at service center. Sep 2, 2022, could not fix issue, had to replace entire passenger seat. July 23, 2024 took car to service center for seat occupancy system failure received. Tesla stated I needed to pay for lumbar seat occupancy system sensor as it was failing. This... Read more
Incident date: Dec 18, 2023
Passenger air bag dosent work. Dosent sense when someone is in the seat, the air bag light is on the dash.