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
FORD
MAVERICK HYBRID
(2023) - AIR BAGS
Mar 11, 2024
Incident date: Feb 12, 2024
* Defective airbag light on. * Expensive inspection to know what's wrong with the airbag. * Don’t know if in case of an accident the airbag is going to work or protect my life. * This seems to be a common issue in this type of cars and it seems unfair to pay for something like that to be repair when it seems like a manufacturer defect.
Incident date: Mar 11, 2024
Two recent incidents/repairs related to both driver and passenger Curtain Airbag, replacement of Occupant Classification System, replacement of first row seat cushions, first row harness assembly, first row occupancy sensor, first row seat belt reminder sensor box. Total out of pocket cost of approximately $2,075!
Incident date: Mar 2, 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 manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 14, 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 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: Feb 13, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Rogue. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front passenger's side air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 138,015.
Incident date: Aug 20, 2023
Sunroof lets water in and floods in car causing electrical problems, mold, rust, ruining roof interior and carpets. The air bag and horn stopped working and clock spring needs to be replaced. I had no prior warning of that these problems would occur. I have spent thousands of dollars in repairs for electrical trying to figure out why the car stopped working and also how water was getting into car... Read more
Incident date: Jan 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 Winnebago Revel. The contact stated that while driving at approximately MPH 40 the Winnebago crashed into the rear of a second vehicle which caused two additional vehicles ahead to be rear-ended and a third vehicle to crash into the rear of the Winnebago. During the crash, the Winnebago sustained severe front-end damage but the air bags did not deploy. No injuries were repo... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Dec 22, 2023
Was at red light my light turned green proceed threw the light, another vechile ran the red light hitting my car at 50 mph. Sending the car into a 360 air bags did not deploy and on star never called
Crash
1 injured
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2017) - AIR BAGS
Mar 11, 2024
Incident date: Mar 4, 2024
My airbags released while driving on the highway. My safety was definitely at risk. My vehicle was inspected by the police on site and my car will also be inspected by the adjuster on my insurance claim. There were no prior warning signs on the car prior to the situation and I was told the vehicle was in great condition when I purchased it second hand.
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
In March 2023, my vehicle was in a major front end collision on the passenger side and the airbag did not deploy. In January 2024, a warning light appeared on my car’s screen that reads “Safety Restraint System Fault” I then took the vehicle to a Tesla service center who determined that the front passenger airbag and OCS needed to be replaced to maintain compatibility….
Incident date: Mar 7, 2024
A red light came on in my vehicle that read restraint system. Does that mean the airbags are faulty or is it with the seatbelts.
FORD
EXPEDITION
(2022) - AIR BAGS
Mar 9, 2024
Incident date: Mar 9, 2024
See service Honda Service Bulletin 20-100 Dated 2-11-2021.The fuel Injectors part Number 16010 (6EA) has failed and my dashboard display , displays most of the sensors that means there is an actual problem, or a false reading. As a Honda owner, I cannot determine if it is an actual fault or a false reading. I had Rusty Wallace Honda dealer check the car using OBD device and the equipment indica... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2023
My service air bag light comes on and passenger airbag remains off while sitting in seat.
Incident date: Dec 20, 2023
Supplemental restraint system went out. Air bags won’t deploy. Vehicle only 3 years old.
Incident date: Feb 20, 2024
Front passenger air bag occupancy sensor failure. Sensor is located on front passages seat and activates or deactivates passenger air bags based on occupancy and or weight. The vehicle has less than 90,000 miles. Passenger airbag/seat belt warning lamp on. Passenger airbag off indicator light remain on even when passenger seated. Repair cost estimated over $5,000. Vehicle will not pass insp... Read more
Incident date: Jul 5, 2023
Front safety system fault with complaints on Nov 21, 2023, Nov 27, 2033 and then on March 6, 2023 then Tesla service finally repaired and advised as follows: “Technician Notes Verified customer concern alert was not present on drop off but when moving drivers seat through range of motion found faults appeared. Inspected pin fit of harness found no pin issues. Replaced the drivers seat harness an... Read more
Incident date: Mar 8, 2024
My fiancé was driving my vehicle and hit a tree. The air bag deployed and she has shrapnel cuts on her face. The surgeon stated that she should not have had that injury on the face like she did.
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Mar 8, 2024
Tired popped and all side airbags deployed - no collision or accident. No damage to the car except the wheel. Children were in the car and could have been seriously injured from airbags that deployed when there was not a serious reason for them to deploy.
FORD
BRONCO SPORT
(2022) - AIR BAGS
Mar 8, 2024
Incident date: Jul 12, 2023
- The passenger airbag system has a malfunction (recall) that can cause it to go off or not go off when it's supposed to -No one can ride in my front passenger seat and no one has been able to ride in the front passenger seat since 3-29-2023. Almost 1 year. -Yes, the recall has been confirmed and known about for almost a year now. -No, the vehicle manufacturer hasn't even reached out to me. -The... Read more
Incident date: Oct 15, 2023
Vehicle- 2016 Toyota Camry As I was making a slight turn on the highway, my steering wheel began to sparatically veering left and right, which resulted in me hitting a curb, not once but twice. Due to the heavy impact and harsh involuntary, out of control steering the airbag should have deployed. However, it failed to do so. Instead, only the "airbag light" came on my dashboard along with wa... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Mar 8, 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 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: Oct 26, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel seized. The air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was restarted, and the steering wheel unlocked. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic however, the failure was not able to be duplicated. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The fail... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
My vehicle is involved in GM safety recall N232404980. I received a letter dated June 2023 from GMC informing me of the recall. On 3/6/24, I contacted GMC to inquire when I could expect to have my vehicle repaired. No timeline could be provided. I sent and email to NHTSA with my concern over the time lapse in the vehicle repair. In an email from NHTSA, I was given a GMC phone number to call t... Read more
Incident date: Dec 8, 2020
Hello, NHTSA released a recall warning for BMWs made from 2000 to 2006, regarding Takata airbags. "The risk to vehicle occupants is dire," it said. My 1999 BMW Z3 was made one year before this, and is not included in the recall. I have been trying to determine whether my '99 BMW has Takata airbags as well, thus far with no success. As of today, BMW will only tell me that there are no outstand... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2020) - AIR BAGS
Mar 8, 2024
Incident date: Jan 2, 2024
This recall is a safety recall and GM should but back the vehicles. The airbags are to help with impacts. I am still waiting for them to figure out how to fix this problem.
Incident date: Mar 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 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 confirm... Read more
Incident date: Feb 11, 2024
Steering wheel "Clock Spring" has failed at 76,000 miles. Heard an clicking sound when turning leading up to issue, then a POP sound. Airbags, horn, cruise control, and other wheel controls all dead. I see this is a common problem, obviously a bad part from VW, and a MOJOR safety risk since Airbag will not deploy. This should be a recall, or free repair when it breaks at least, no reason this part... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 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 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
FORD
MAVERICK HYBRID
(2023) - AIR BAGS
Mar 7, 2024
Incident date: Mar 5, 2024
Reported to Chevy. They continued to tell me over and over sorry. If you get into an accident there is a remedy but as of now there is not. No dealer can help you. No rental. No money back. They told me to trade it in. You clearly have it stated in other documents it’s illegal for sale or trade. So what the heck am I supposed to do. The air bag light comes on off and on. I have video to prove i... Read more
Incident date: Mar 7, 2024
Fue un día martes q venía de traer a mis hijas de la escuela ya para la casa cuand de repente se de tuvo el carro y se apagó el solo de una sola me asusté orrible mis hijas se pusieron a llorar y nerviosa me puse entre en choo me dolía el cuello me asusté mucho después q me calme lo apague el carro lo prendi de nuevo iba manejando con miedo se me apagó de nuevo de un solo gracias adiós q... Read more
Incident date: Feb 23, 2024
Rear passenger pillars between passenger doors and trunk plastic trim pieces have both broken off. The plastic clips are so flimsy they broke off.
Incident date: May 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that the lug nuts and the studs had fractured and were replaced by a tire mechanic. The contact also stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated, and the message "Check the Connection of The Fuel Inlet Port" was displayed. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving 30-35 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality in... Read more
Incident date: Mar 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 BMW X5. The contact stated that the air bag restraint malfunction message was displayed, and the air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic but was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 85,000.
Incident date: Feb 14, 2024
See attached document for complaint
Incident date: Mar 7, 2024
Drivers side head rest airbag deployed for no reason. Something in it broke and now it doesn’t work and airbag service light is on.
Incident date: Feb 24, 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 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: Mar 2, 2024
Chevy Volts from 2016 - 2019 all have a manufacturing defect which can prevent the driver from powering - the error message is "Shift to Park". GM released a Volt Service Bulletin in May 2021 but offered no assistance to replace the defective part. On [XXX] I was driving home on [XXX] headed [XXX] from Santa Cruz in fair weather in the afternoon. This highway can be dangerous with limited should... Read more
FORD
MAVERICK HYBRID
(2023) - AIR BAGS
Mar 7, 2024
Incident date: Feb 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V870000 (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 local dealer was notified of the issue and confirmed that the parts were not yet available. The manufact... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
PASSAT
(2013) - AIR BAGS
Mar 7, 2024
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
First. the car gives Front Restraint System Fault message and Tesla fixed during warranty. No, it's out of warranty, and the car starts giving Front Passenger Restraint System Fault warning message. Regardless if it's under warranty or not, restraint system fault (I take it as seat belt) imposes safety concern and should be a recall item.
Incident date: Mar 7, 2024
The airbag light stays on and the Tunersville NJ dealership charged me $169 for a diagnostic of the problem. The error code was a B1448 OC sensor MAT defect and they need to replace the cushion because the Occupant Detection System (ODS) Sensor Pad is located inside the seat and quoted me around $2000 to replace it. I was told by the dealership that if the passenger mat detection is not working t... Read more
HONDA
CLARITY PLUG-IN HYBRID
(2019) - AIR BAGS
Mar 7, 2024
Incident date: Mar 7, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 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
MITSUBISHI
OUTLANDER
(2019) - AIR BAGS
Mar 6, 2024
Incident date: Mar 6, 2024
I bought car from a used car dealer ship. And didn’t really notice it had an air bag light on the cluster . Because newer vehicles the our bags stay off for passenger side if know one is in the seat. So that’s what I thought it was til I had it put on a computer. And it say it’s a sensor for passenger side air bag
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
Vehicle 2023 Toyota Crown XLE Hybrid - 02/27/2024 - My vehicle was at a complete stop and was hit on the driver's side of the vehicle by a fully loaded dump truck traveling at 55 mph. The impact was so hard that my head hit the window. State Farm did their investigation and totaled the vehicle (less than 6 months old and approximately 6000 miles). Not one air bag deployed with that hard of an impa... Read more
Crash
1 injured
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE 4XE
(2022) - AIR BAGS
Mar 6, 2024
Incident date: Feb 22, 2024
Both side airbags deployed with a small damage accident where the vehicle hit a concrete barrier at a low rate of speed. Body shop professionals stated that this deployment should not have happened with the damage to the back bumper corner of the f150 truck. Yes, inspected by tow truck driver, insurance and body shop professionals. All state that air bags should not have deployed. No warning li... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Dec 22, 2023
There are many form online stating that Volvo has an issue with water leaking/water drainage line from the sunroof. The water leaked into some components of the airbag and electrical system. After the first time taking to the dealership they were no issue with the system and the vehicle was fine that incident happened back in 2020. The same issue happened again where water was leaking in from the ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 15, 2023
The contact's daughter owned a 2016 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated that the vehicle was stolen, and while being chased by the police, the suspect crashed into a supporting beam located on the expressway. The front end of the vehicle was damaged. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was not filed. The contact was unaware of any injuries. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot for the city. ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Mar 6, 2024
The airbag warning light came on, and the console message "SERVICE AIRBAG SOON" was displayed. The drivers seat side airbag was disabled. The vehicle is a 2015 GMC Acadia with 66,590 miles when this happened. A TSB for this exact issue was The charge for the repair is dated 04/07/2015, but I was never notified about an existing issue that could disable an airbag. I was charge $632.82 for a labor... Read more
Incident date: Feb 27, 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 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: Jan 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Jeep Wagoneer. The contact stated while her husband was driving 55 MPH, the front end of the vehicle crashed into a guard rail; however, the air bags failed to deploy. The contact's husband did not sustain any injuries. The contact stated that the front end of the vehicle was damaged and the damage was half an inch away from impacting the engine. The vehicle was towed to an... Read more
Crash