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: Apr 15, 2024
The contact owned a 2020 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while driving at 55MPH, another vehicle crashed into the vehicle head-on. The air bags did not deploy. The contact was transported to the hospital by ambulance. The contact sustained a bruised chest and severe pain that required medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed, however, the contact was unaware of the... Read more
Crash
Incident date: May 16, 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 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, 2024
OCS System for Passenger Airbag is not working properly. Went to two dealerships and they said it was not covered under the recall 16V-244. I spoke with Nissan Consumer Affairs and they said that the recall was addressed in the past but was not able to provide when and where. The dealerships I go to for servicing do not have any history of the OCS ever being repaired which means that it was probab... Read more
Incident date: May 17, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated that while driving, the airbag sensor would inadvertently sound when the passenger seat was not occupied. The vehicle was taken to a dealer who confirmed that the issue was an air bag seat weight sensor failure; however, the contacts VIN was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V215000 (Air Bags) recall. The manufacturer was not... Read more
Incident date: Jun 17, 2022
The contact owned a 2021 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving 55-60 MPH, the vehicle crashed into a cow, causing the front bumpers to bend 2 ft. inward. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact sustained bruises on the left arm, on the shoulder, on the chest, on the right elbow and on the right knee. The contact did not seek medical assistance. A police report was filed. The vehicle w... Read more
Crash
Incident date: May 17, 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 contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts wer... Read more
Incident date: Aug 7, 2017
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 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
Incident date: Feb 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while his granddaughter was driving 30-35 MPH, the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The air bag warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering). The manufacturer was not contact... Read more
FORD
BRONCO SPORT
(2022) - AIR BAGS
May 16, 2024
Incident date: May 2, 2024
Brakes. Went out with no warning For second time
Incident date: May 16, 2024
I recently purchased a 2009 mini cooper clubman. Within three weeks of taking possession of the car, the airbag warning light activated. Upon a diagnostic test, it was determined that the passenger occupancy sensor was malfunctioning. After discussing this with the mini cooper dealer in my area and mini USA, it was acknowledged that this was a well known and documented issue. First generation ... Read more
FORD
BRONCO SPORT
(2023) - AIR BAGS
May 16, 2024
Incident date: May 16, 2024
I'm receiving an error "Front Passenger Restraint System Fault". According to online forums, this issue is PREVALENT amongst many Tesla vehicles. This seems like a serious defect that Tesla should be responsible for fixing.
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Lexus RX350. 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 manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts... Read more
GRACO
EXTEND2FIT
(9999) - AIR BAGS
May 16, 2024
Incident date: May 1, 2024
The contact owned a 2023 Honda CRV. The contact stated that while her husband was stopped at a red light, he was rear-ended by another vehicle driving at approximately 65 MPH causing the contact's husband to veer into the intersection. As a result, the vehicle was also crashed by 4 motorcycles. The contact's husband sustained 14 broken bones (2 in his back,2 in his nose,5 broken ribs, a break in ... Read more
Crash
1 injured
GRACO
EXTEND2FIT
(9999) - AIR BAGS
May 16, 2024
Incident date: May 1, 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, 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 manufacture... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2023
The car has no accidents but the air bag light and start/stop unavailable light turned on
MERCEDES-BENZ
CLA250
(2016) - AIR BAGS
May 16, 2024
Incident date: Sep 25, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Buick Envision. The contact stated that the front driver's side seat belt failed to extend and was inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed. The dealer informed the contact that the front driver's side seat belt ratchet was abnormally opened, causing the air bag module to fail. The dealer determined that the front driver's side seat belt assem... Read more
FORD
EXPEDITION
(2019) - AIR BAGS
May 16, 2024
Incident date: Feb 16, 2024
My vehicle has a code failure for the air bag sensor light. In order to pass inspection the light has to clear itself and it is not. I’ve had this vehicle since 2015 and have never had this issue. After talking to a representative at Nissan service department, he claimed that this is an issue he has with his Nissan as well leading me to believe that this is a manufacturer issue. Upon receiving a... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2024
The contact owned a 2007 Volvo S60. The contact stated that while the son was driving at an undetermined speed, the vehicle crashed into the rear of a truck. During the crash, the front end of the vehicle was severely damaged however no air bags deployed. The driver sustained a head injury, concussion, and a right knee injury. The front passenger sustained a head injury. One rear-seat passenger su... Read more
Crash
4 injured
Incident date: May 3, 2024
Rear ended other vehicle going about 40 plus miles per hour, then another vehicle rear ended me. Upon impact ( which I have pictures of) my driver side seatbelt released completely unbuckled & dangling , my dash lit up & said airbags deployed. But no airbags deployed. In turn upon impact my sternum hit my steering wheel. It busted the radiator so now my car will not even turn on. It is at a Co... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: May 6, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 GMC Sierra 2500 HD. The contact stated that while driving at 64 MPH, he crashed head-on with a 350-pound deer. The deer went underneath the vehicle, and the driver ran over it with the passenger front tire. The driver's side air bag did not deploy. The air bag warning light was illuminated. There were no reported injuries or fire. A police report was filed. The contact was... Read more
Crash
VOLKSWAGEN
PASSAT
(2013) - AIR BAGS
May 15, 2024
Incident date: May 3, 2023
My air conditioning is not working right blowing hot air. Had it charged and no change, I believe that I have the same issue as others, My air bags light keeps going off and on when driving. I see where there was a recall on other Toyota vehicles that had the same problem as me.
HONDA
ACCORD HYBRID
(2023) - AIR BAGS
May 15, 2024
Incident date: May 14, 2024
Front Seat Passenger Side Seatbelt warning indicator activates when no person is in passenger seat. Airbag warning light illuminates even when there is a passenger in the seat. I see numerous complaints about the same/similar issues in your data base, but seemingly no resolution or recall. My car is a convertible. I note from other complaints on your website that a related recall was initiat... Read more
Incident date: Apr 21, 2024
Low beams do not work, they are deficient, cannot see in the dark, dangerous
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
On 02/11/2024 my boyfriend and I were involved in a rear-end collision. The driver that hit us was going 60 to 70 mph at the time of impact while we were sitting at a traffic light. The airbags did not deploy and now my boyfriend and I have sustained severe injuries due to the accident.
Crash
Incident date: Feb 15, 2024
Front Left Malfunction Warning Light came on randomly one day. There was an airbag symbol that appeared on the dash as well. The vehicle has not been in any collisions. Mercedes USA says seatbelt components are warranted against defects in workmanship and materials for 10 years, regardless of mileage. I called Mercedes USA and now they say it is not covered because we are past mileage limit and be... Read more
Incident date: May 12, 2024
The contact owned a 2010 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH during a rain storm, the vehicle rolled over a dip in the road and lost traction. The contact stated he lost control and the vehicle crashed into the center divider of the road and rolled onto the roof. The contact stated that the air bags did not deploy. The contact stated that the police arrived as wel... Read more
Crash
1 injured
FORD
MAVERICK HYBRID
(2022) - AIR BAGS
May 14, 2024
Incident date: May 13, 2024
Unknown--I wonder if the air bag will still work like this. The cover seems to be shrinking/glue not holding. Pictures attached.
Incident date: May 12, 2024
Our 2017 Chevy Traverse was recalled over a year ago due to a known issue with the airbag which has shot pieces of metal killing drivers and passengers. A year later we are still left without a resolution for our vehicle. Several attempts to work with the company has proved unsuccessful. The vehicle has now been out of service 365 days which is beyond the acceptable time period for resolving t... Read more
Incident date: May 14, 2024
GM has not yet fixed the driver's side air bag problem, by replacing it per GM Safety Recall # N232404980. We purchased this vehicle from Folsom Buick GMC, 12640 Auto Mall Cir., Folsom, CA 95630. It had 7,000 miles on it when purchased in 2014. The mileage now is 180,236., & it is TEN YEARS LATER! The below dealers have completed numerous work orders on this vehicle over the last 10 years except f... Read more
FORD
FUSION ENERGI
(2013) - AIR BAGS
May 14, 2024
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
On [XXX] I was involved in car accident on [XXX] around 4 o’clock in the afternoon. When the impact happened the airbags deployed and cut my wrist (left) and burned my left forearm. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Apr 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Buick Enclave. 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... Read more
Incident date: Apr 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Mercedes Benz C300. The contact stated that while making a left turn at 40 MPH, another vehicle crashed into the front passenger side of the vehicle. The air bags did not deploy upon impact and the seat belt also failed to restrain the contact during the crash. Due to both failures, the contact's head and chest hit the steering wheel. The contact was taken to the hospital b... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Oct 31, 2022
The contact owns a 2020 Lexus RX. 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 made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced ... Read more
Incident date: May 14, 2024
Safety Restraint System fault warning, passenger airbag off on display. 1) 4/10/24 Dealer replaced Occupant Classification System components for front passenger seat for $184.26. Dealer assured issue being resolved. 2) 5/5/24 Same fault warning, passenger airbag off on display reappeared for 2nd time and dealer replaced front passenger airbag for $1089.18. Dealer assured issue being resolved. ... Read more
FORD
MAVERICK HYBRID
(2022) - AIR BAGS
May 14, 2024
Incident date: May 10, 2024
There is an airbag warning indicator on in my vehicle. I have reached out the manufacture of this car with no help. I am concerned that the safety of my vehicle is compromised. Who is to say that the airbag will fail during an accident or that the airbag would deploy on it's own without accident.
MITSUBISHI
OUTLANDER
(2022) - AIR BAGS
May 13, 2024
Incident date: May 9, 2024
2 weeks ago, the warning light in the dashboard turned on with a message that “SRS AIRBAG SYSTEM MSLFUNCTION” I am not sure but I never had an accident and I donno why that warning is on. I asked Toyota but they said they do not have any recalls
Incident date: May 12, 2024
The contact owned a 2014 Hyundai Accent. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was rear-ended by another vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed. As a result, the contact's vehicle careened to the shoulder of the roadway and came to a complete stop after colliding with a barrier wall, completely compressing the rear of the vehicle. The air bags did deploy but... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: May 13, 2024
I hit an elk on the road. The elk came in direct impact with the front of my truck. No air bags deployed despite the force of the significant frontal impact. There had been no warnings or messages leading up to this that the airbags were not functional, nor was I notified that these airbags were part of any recall. To my knowledge, they are not. The vehicle is currently at a collision center... Read more
Crash
Incident date: May 5, 2024
Intake Camshaft, Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit and Brake Booster are the system that failed all in the same week. My safety is being put at risk because of the bad brake booster I almost rear end someone else. My car doesn’t accelerate has it should initially which could cause a wreck. Problems has been confirmed by independent service center. My car has been inspected by mechanics. My engi... Read more
Incident date: May 13, 2024
Infiniti called me on 05/08/24 to discuss and review Infiniti Case # [XXX] including Infiniti’s subsequent refusal to remedy a defective SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) sensor on my 2017 Infiniti Q60 with 54,100 miles (VIN: [XXX] ). This defect was confirmed on 05/07/24 by Infiniti of Melbourne Florida through an authorized technician. While I am the original owner of the vehicle, Infiniti ... Read more
Incident date: May 11, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Rav4 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. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that p... Read more
DODGE
GRAND CARAVAN
(2013) - AIR BAGS
May 13, 2024
Incident date: May 1, 2021
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 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. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts wer... Read more
DODGE
GRAND CARAVAN
(2016) - AIR BAGS
May 13, 2024
Incident date: Apr 17, 2024
The passenger air bag suddenly deployed while the car was parked in my driveway, braking the dashboard and the windshield.
Incident date: Jan 31, 2024
Just purchased a 2024 Dodge Hornet for my daughter on [XXX] She was involved in an accident on [XXX]. Cause of the accident was brake failure - as a result of said failure, she stuck a fuel truck going 45 mph on a highway offramp. Airbags did not deploy, seat belt did not lock. Why did this happen on a brand-new vehicle with under 500 miles on it. A witness, who was travelling behind my daugh... Read more
Crash
Incident date: May 12, 2024
The radio wouldn’t come on and then the car rpm just go down while I am driving and the check light came on
Incident date: Apr 17, 2024
The vehicle showed an alert "Front passenger safety restraint system fault/Service is required". The vehicle never had an accident, nor abnormal usage, which may have caused this system fault. The manufacturer's service department gave a repair plan including an air-bag replacement at the owner's cost. It is not fair to force vehicle owners to be responsible for the cost to repair the manufactur... Read more
Incident date: Feb 17, 2024
The air bag light comes on and the power steering goes out, and the ignition wont turn off , when it comes on. Have to take the battery cable off. Start it back up and it may stay off a few days and comes back on. Too scared to drive it.
Incident date: Apr 16, 2024
An error 'Front passenger safety restraint system fault' came up that seems to be a very common issue with someone people paying $1500 to nothing to fix.