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 10, 2024
PASSENGER RESTRAIN MALFUNCTION
Incident date: Mar 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that a wiring contact was corroded, which could prevent the front passenger's side air bag from deploying during a crash. The vehicle was being repaired. Additionally, the contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000... Read more
Incident date: Feb 23, 2024
March 26, 2024 Hello; Re: 2009 Hyundai Elantra Touring VIN# [XXX] On [XXX], I while driving on a very icy slippery road to do low temperatures and the city not salting the roads like they should have! I was going approximately 22 mph & somehow I lost control of my car & slammed into a light pole & the whole entire front end of my car was destroyed! Meanwhile, none of the airbags deployed & I sla... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Apr 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving northbound at 70 MPH, an unknown BMW crashed into the passenger rear quarter panel of the vehicle. The impact spun the vehicle around and hit a guardrail. The air bags did not deploy. The driver and child occupant sustained minor bruises and were provided medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was to... Read more
Crash
2 injured
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2023) - AIR BAGS
Apr 10, 2024
Incident date: Apr 9, 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 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: Feb 10, 2024
This vehicle is notorious for multiple electrical failures. The alternator fried the battery fried, both of which were replaced. This vehicle still wouldn't start. The wiring harness to the PCM is notorious for having shorts. The pcm itself is notorious for going out really early. This vehicle is almost undrivable and it dies while you're in the middle of driving where you can't stop. I do not kno... Read more
Incident date: Feb 16, 2024
Recall was reported 5/10/2023. I have brought my vehicle to Chevy dealership. Remedy still not available. I am driving with risk of air bag inflator rupture and metal shrapnel. I feel as if this is an unsafe situation and Chevy is not offering any solution.
Incident date: Dec 12, 2023
I was rear ended hit so hard it smashed my whole back end in. None of my airbags deployed. We were hit hard into the center medium of the highway. Lucky no rigs were coming through. Other parties insurance totaled out my vehicle.
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Feb 2, 2023
Went over railroad tracks just like any other car and the airbag blew for no reason. The front of the car was not hit.
Incident date: Apr 9, 2024
See attached document for complaint
Incident date: Dec 21, 2022
The drivers airbag in my 2016 Tesla Model X deployed without incident while in a drive thru so maybe 2 mph. I didn’t hit anything nor is there damage to the vehicle or previous repairs that would cause it to explode. Thankfully I wasn’t seriously injured just the airbag slapped my arm off the steering wheel leaving a red mark for a couple hours and my families ears running for 15 minutes. Emba... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2021) - AIR BAGS
Apr 9, 2024
Incident date: Apr 9, 2024
See attached document for complaint
Incident date: Apr 9, 2024
There was a failure of airbag deployment during a front end collision at 45 mph which resulted in extensive bodily injury damages. Airbags failed to deploy in front end collision, causing extensive bodily injury damage surpassing insurance minimums. The police report as well as the insurance inspector's report both confirmed that airbags did not deploy when they should have deployed. There were ... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Sep 30, 2023
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 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
Incident date: Apr 3, 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: Jan 8, 2024
The dashboard of my 2012 Mazda 3 has separated from the instrument panel causing a gap between them. The dashboard has become very sticky leaving a black sticky film on the surface. This has caused a glare on the windshield making it hard to see at times while driving. There is a letter dated May 2017 from Mazda, Special Service Program (SSP) A9. The letter states that the warranty was extended 7 ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 25, 2024
Car displayed safety restraint system fault RCM_a094. Tesla diagnosed as rear seat buckle sensor failure. Additionally, car displays an intermittent fault RCM_a056. Tesla diagnosed this as a front passenger Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensor fault. Tesla stated the front passenger airbag would need to be replaced as the new sensor is not compatible with the older airbag. This renders the ... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2023) - AIR BAGS
Apr 8, 2024
Incident date: Apr 8, 2024
I have completed 2 of these recalls through factory Hyundai while stationed in South Korea for military service. I have the paperwork, and I'm trying to get the NHTSA to clear my vin of these two repairs in order to import my vehicle back to the US. Can you please help me?
Incident date: Apr 16, 2021
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Mustang. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V319000 (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 w... Read more
Incident date: Feb 20, 2024
The contact owns a 2006 Ford F-350. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
Incident date: Dec 22, 2023
The recall was discovered on March 25 by my car insurance company. We stopped driving the vehicle since it is unsafe to drive it until recall is remidied with a new part. I have called GM 3 times as well as 3 different dealerships. GM and one dealership mentioned the vehicle is actually safe to drive its just if you got in accident that it would be a concern! Noone can say when these parts will b... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2023
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. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 13, 2023
The contact owns a 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while his wife was driving at an unknown speed and crossing an intersection, another vehicle ran the red traffic signal and crashed into the contact's vehicle on the front driver's side tire and wheel well. The contact stated that the vehicle's front end frame was bent to the right and that the front bumper and driver's side light had... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Apr 8, 2024
UNKNOWN. Airbag light on for no reason
FORD
MAVERICK HYBRID
(2023) - AIR BAGS
Apr 8, 2024
Incident date: Apr 7, 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
Incident date: Apr 1, 2024
Airbag light came on. Brought to dealer for fix. Dealer has it for two days and has not diagnosed it yet for repair. Only stated code shows increased resistance in driver side airbag.
Incident date: Apr 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 22V544000 (Exterior Light), 21V873000 (Air Bags), 23V413000 (Suspension) and 24V132000 (Suspension, Steering) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 13, 2023
Saw that there was an airbag item recall (NHTSA I.D.: 08V69000) for my vehicle. Airbag warning light is on. However, dealer says, "No open campaigns" and vehicle is out of the warranty period.
Incident date: Apr 6, 2024
There’s a recall on 11 part on my vehicle
Incident date: Apr 5, 2024
This issue has been reported extensively: NHTSA PE19013. The passenger seat sensor has failed leading to the airbag turning on and off rapidly while driving. This is available for inspection upon request. I worry about the safety of occupants in the car. If the airbag is turned off despite a passenger sitting in the seat that is a problem. The price of repair at a dealer is very high considering ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 15, 2023
The vehicle consistently displays the message "Rear right safety restraint system fault" on the dashboard since its delivery in January 2024. This indicates a potential malfunction in the airbag or seatbelt system, posing a safety risk to passengers occupying the rear right seat while the vehicle is in operation. Despite multiple inspections and diagnoses by Tesla, the dealership has attributed th... Read more
FORD
MAVERICK HYBRID
(2023) - AIR BAGS
Apr 5, 2024
Incident date: Mar 10, 2024
The air bag warning light came on solid (on solid, not blinking).
Incident date: Apr 3, 2024
Was driving on [XXX] from Sioux Falls, SD to Rapid City, SD on [XXX]. Just east of the [XXX], SD exit, we hit black ice driving approximately 75mph. We lost control, and the car went head first into a metal cable guard rail. The front end is destroyed, and the front doors and roof also received significant damage. I do believe that insurance is going to consider it a total loss based upon my obser... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Aug 1, 2019
This was a single car incident (no other cars involved). The car was going on the 270 degree curved onramp to enter the highway. Lane Keep assist (LKAS) came on at or near the end of the onramp which caused the vehicle to head from the inside part of the lane/curve towards the left side of the onramp lane/curve and toward the left side retaining wall. Driver attempted to course correct but steerin... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Mar 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Ford F-150, The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, his daughter observed a crack under the Ford emblem where the air bag was located. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a complaint was filed. The failure mileage was 78,327.
Incident date: Mar 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, his daughter observed a crack under the Ford emblem where the air bag was located. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a complaint was filed. The failure mileage was 89,072.
Incident date: Apr 1, 2024
The passenger airbag does not engage for my 115 lb girlfriend. The answer from Rivian is dangerous and takes no responsibility. Official complaint and answer from Rivian. Concern: - Customer states Their partner is unable to to trigger the airbag when sitting in the front seat Timestamp: 7:04-7:05 PM PST 2/4 Cause: - OCS operating as designed. Future OTA being planned to potentially address... Read more
Incident date: Apr 3, 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 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
FORD
F-150 HYBRID
(2022) - AIR BAGS
Apr 5, 2024
Incident date: Mar 28, 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 local dealer was contacted and confirmed the 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 1, 2024
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 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: Mar 22, 2024
I was traveling east bound and trash collection truck was parked on the shoulder facing east. I could not see the truck because of the position of the sun, and when I did see the parked trash truck, I swerved to miss it but struck the left rear of the parked trash truck with the right front of my vehicle going 35mph. Air bags did not deploy nor did the seat belt lock. I was tranferred to the hospi... Read more
Crash
1 injured
FORD
MAVERICK HYBRID
(2023) - AIR BAGS
Apr 5, 2024
Incident date: Mar 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the air bag warning light had been illuminated. The contact stated that while pulling on the seat belt, the warning light was deactivated; however, the warning light activated shortly after. The vehicle had not been taken to the dealer. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 5, 2024
The airbag light came on for the passenger side. The dealership said I had to pay $246 to find out what the problem is. They told me the entire seat/airbag structure needed to be replaced at a cost of $6k-$13k. I searched the problem online and there is the exact recall for this car/problem but not my vehicle. I don’t feel like I should be responsible for a safety issue in a 7 year old car. ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 30, 2023
Dealership refuses to do recall
Incident date: Mar 27, 2024
I have a defective airbag--it stopped working out of nowhere in December 2023. I reported it to my Chevy dealership and they looked at it and said my whole safety restraint system is down. They said they have no airbags and can't fix it yet. Now it's April 2024 it's still not fixed and the dealership has not been actively working to get me a loaner or fix it.
Incident date: Mar 23, 2024
Brought Jepp Patriot 2016 to a car shop in Suisun City, CA and they did a thorough diagnostics of my Patriot and couldn’t find out why my battery light was coming on. They checked the alternator and battery and they said they were fine. I was on a main street in Suisun City and as I was turning to the left the car died on me and completely shut off. It was hard to turn wheels and hard to push... Read more
Incident date: Apr 3, 2024
When my kids and I were a hit and run accident. We were struck on the drivers side of the van. The side curtain airbags didn’t deploy.
Crash
Incident date: Feb 13, 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 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: Apr 4, 2024
The passenger front seat airbag sensor is malfunctioning on a large number of these vehicles. Doing an Internet search for my fault code, 93C3 reveals a lot of discussion about the problem. there had been a recall on earlier Mini Coopers for the same problem. I suspect they have not solved the problem and there should be a recall for this R 56 model.
FORD
BRONCO SPORT
(2021) - AIR BAGS
Apr 4, 2024
Incident date: Sep 17, 2023
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 contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. VIN tool confirms parts not available.