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: May 5, 2019
Risk of death due to gas inhalation, risk of bodily injury due to malfunctioning airbags. Manufacturer does not have a remedy.
Incident date: Jun 13, 2024
There is a recall on the passenger side airbag sensor of this vehicle. The time it is taking to get it fixed is UNACCEPTABLE. Toyota makes new vehicles with working components. They care more about money than lives. Since the recall includes the air bag, people will die before this gets fixed. Toyota's solution is to tell us to not use the front passenger seat. That is ridiculous; this is a family... Read more
Incident date: Jul 25, 2024
Clock spring on vehicle has failed. This is a known issue with many VW vehicles, but I have been told my vehicle is not on the extended warranty program. 2017 VW Passat - approximately 150,000 miles. This eliminates all steering wheel controls, horn, cruise control, and air bags.
Incident date: Jul 25, 2023
Airbag light continuously blinks on dashboard, I took it into my local dealer and they said it is due to the passenger seat airbag sensor failure. This was not caused by user error, but I feel is a defect in the vehicle itself.
HONDA
CR-V HYBRID
(2021) - AIR BAGS
Jul 25, 2024
Incident date: Jul 17, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. 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 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 manufa... Read more
Incident date: Jul 21, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid. 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 manufactur... Read more
DODGE
CHALLENGER
(2020) - AIR BAGS
Jul 25, 2024
Incident date: Jul 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2007 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the air bag warning light remained illuminated. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The contact stated that the housing for the air bag sensor was cracked, and the vehicle was previously serviced due to the same failure on several occasions. The local dealer was notified of the failu... Read more
Incident date: Jul 22, 2024
Seat belt starting to unlock on its own-Driver Airbag malfunction-Passenger seat Reverse gear malfunction -code. Tsb 21-039-24
Incident date: Jun 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio. 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 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 contac... Read more
ALFA ROMEO
GIULIA
(2023) - AIR BAGS
Jul 25, 2024
Incident date: Jul 25, 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 not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 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 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... Read more
Incident date: Jul 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 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
The forward collision was not working on my car when someone pulled down in front of me and I hit the wall so I wouldn’t hit them.
Crash
Incident date: Jul 24, 2024
The passenger seat sensor does not work anymore. So the passenger side airbag does not register anyone in the seat and is always turned off. The passenger side air bag will not fire if there is a crash. Confirmed by mechanic, the sensor failed and need to replace the entire seat to make it work. The light is showing that the airbag is off even when someone sits in the seat. Not sure how long ago t... Read more
HYUNDAI
SANTA FE HYBRID
(2022) - AIR BAGS
Jul 24, 2024
Incident date: Jul 20, 2024
I was notified over a year ago of a manufacturer defect in the airbag of my 2016 Chevrolet Traverse that could potentially cause the airbag to explode when deployed. There have been incidents of people dying from this defect, yet no fix is available more than a year later.
MERCEDES-BENZ
C300
(2011) - AIR BAGS
Jul 24, 2024
Incident date: Jul 11, 2024
Was advised recall is usually sorted out within 30 days. It has been 30+ days since the official passenger airbag recall. Purchased vehicle 60 days ago, Vehicle recalled 30+ days ago— no remedy available. Passenger airbag issue— Turo, Lyft, Uber will not allow me to earn income due to NHTSA recall regulations— not drivable due to safety issue. Unemployed 30+ days as well as no transportation... Read more
Incident date: Jul 3, 2024
I scraped the curb with my passenger front tire and all my side air bags deployed. There was no other damage done to the vehicle.
Incident date: Jul 21, 2024
Airbag warning light and blind spot failure warning lights are on and staying on.
Incident date: Jul 24, 2024
UNINTENDED ACCELERATION!! 2022 GENESIS GV80 2.5T Prestige model. 60 miles after I had the fuel pump replaced due to a recall on the fuel pump, car was totaled. It was complete luck that I or others WERE NOT KILLED. The vehicle was sitting still with engine running and all of a sudden just accelerated up to about 40+ mph. I had to steer into parked car to stop my vehicle. The gear shift would not... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jul 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Camry. 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, 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 manufacturer was ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 8, 2024
The contact’s father 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 called another local dealer, Bob Weaver Chevrolet Buick GMC (2174 W Market St., Pottsville, PA 17901), who declined to provide a loaner vehicle. The vehicle was... Read more
Incident date: Jul 21, 2024
The contact owned a 2008 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact received recall notifications of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V050000 (Air Bags) and would like to be removed from the recall distribution list because she no longer owns the vehicle. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was not contacted.
Incident date: Jun 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Ranger. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V158000 (Air Bags) however, the dealer wanted to charge the contact to complete the repair because the air bag was deployed. The contact stated that prior to the recall appointment, he had a crash with a deer which deployed the driver's side front air bag. The contact stated that he was driving at ap... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jul 18, 2024
My 2019 Tesla Model X suddenly accelerated as I was going to park and ended up hitting a tree. It did not stop even on braking. The car is currently being inspected by the car insurance company, Geico. I checked online and found known issues of sudden unintended acceleration with Tesla vehicles.
Incident date: Jul 3, 2024
Airbag warning light is on.
Incident date: Jul 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2024 Mercedes Benz GLC 300. The contact stated that while attempting to park, the vehicle experienced unintended acceleration causing the contact to lose control of the vehicle and crash into a wall, another vehicle, and two poles where it came to stop when crashing into the second pole. During the unintended acceleration, the contact depressed the brake pedal to control the ve... Read more
Crash
1 injured
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2014) - AIR BAGS
Jul 23, 2024
Incident date: Jul 22, 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 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 f... Read more
Incident date: Oct 23, 2023
The contact owns a 2010 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 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... Read more
CHRYSLER
TOWN AND COUNTRY
(2016) - AIR BAGS
Jul 23, 2024
Incident date: Jul 23, 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 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 manufacturer was... Read more
Incident date: Jul 23, 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 air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed. The dealer determined that the failure was related to the recall. The contact sta... Read more
Incident date: Jul 19, 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 manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts... Read more
Incident date: May 23, 2024
Dealer is Mike Erdman Nissan Merritt Island Fl 32953 Airbag warning light flashing red on console. Paid $260 for diagnostic check on July 21, 2024. They cannot fix it as an airbag sensor on the passenger side seat is malfunctioning and the entire passenger side seat must be replaced and part is not available or is no longer in stock. They MAY be able to locate an entire seat Nissan Leaf 2012 somew... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2024
This accident didn’t involve myself. It involved my father who borrowed my 2011 Ford Flex for the evening. This was a one vehicle accident. It is unknown what happened to cause him to Swerve and hit a hit. The air bags didn’t deploy in the Vehicle. My father was wearing his seatbelt. An electric fire started and the car burnt along with my father he wasn’t able to be pulled from the vehicle ... Read more
Crash
Fire
1 injured
1 deaths
Incident date: May 31, 2024
I was traveling straight and made an abrupt turn. I lost control of my car and struck a pole, then hit a brick building. None of the airbags in my vehicle deployed and I hit my nose on the steering wheel and sustained other injuries.
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jan 1, 2019
The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Traverse. 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 with a failed front passenger’s side air bag sensor. The contact was informed that the front passenger's air bag sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that t... Read more
CHRYSLER
PACIFICA PLUG-IN HYBRID
(2024) - AIR BAGS
Jul 22, 2024
Incident date: Jun 26, 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 not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced... Read more
Incident date: Jul 22, 2024
I was involved in a car crash accident on the freeway, I was hit by a Ford Raptor truck from the back (left side) and pushed against the median barrier (center division) bounced back and spun twice and while spinning I hit another vehicle. Through all this I had three impacts, but when I hit the center divider I bumped my head on the left side and while spinning I heard the sound of gas (and felt ... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jul 10, 2024
Recall for defective air bag was issued May 10, 2023. Over one year later, there is still no remedy available. Manufacturer Recall Number: N232404980. NHTSA Recall Number: 23V334
TOYOTA
GRAND HIGHLANDER
(2024) - AIR BAGS
Jul 22, 2024
Incident date: Jul 7, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 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 and local dealer were not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. The VIN ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V945000 (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: Jun 1, 2023
UNKNOWN air bags lights turn off and on on the passenger side. No air bag light remains on all of the time of the driver side
Incident date: Jul 13, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Avalon. 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 ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 5, 2022
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 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
CHRYSLER
PACIFICA PLUG-IN HYBRID
(2023) - AIR BAGS
Jul 22, 2024
Incident date: Mar 14, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 Toyota 4Runner. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact's vehicle was involved in a head-on collision. The contact stated that the air bags did not deploy. Additionally, the contact stated that several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact's service dog accompanied the contact in the vehicle and was seated in the front passenger's ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jun 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer retrieved DTC: B1B06 (faulty air bag located in the steering wheel). The contact was informed that the air bag in the steering wheel needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made awa... Read more
Incident date: Jul 22, 2024
Passenger side airbag alert for not working. Came on was repaired by dealer came on again. Dealer says part needed not currently available. Part needed is the passenger seat.
Incident date: Jul 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 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 front passenger's side 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... Read more
Incident date: Mar 2, 2020
I have received hundreds of intermittent safety faults which state: “Ssfety Restraint System Fault - Service is Required.” These messages pop up randomly and I have taken the vehicle in several times and no faults are seen during the service appointment. Tesla tells me there are at least 9 possible reasons for such a fault but they never provide me a checklist showing all 9 items were investig... Read more