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: Mar 1, 2023
Cuando lo encendí en la mañana ya Marcava la luz de advertencia de las bolsas de aire
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
Since I purchased my 2013 KIA SORENTO I have had at least 3 recalls. My vehicle AIR BAG LIGHT is still ON. I have been waiting since last year (2023)to get this recall item repaired and the local dealership has informed me that the part is on ORDER but never received( I have the work order from dealership stating that).. My Anti- thief system won't allow my vehicle to start upon demand I have to ... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE 4XE
(2024) - AIR BAGS
Mar 1, 2024
Incident date: Feb 29, 2024
I bought my RAV4 in May 2018, and it currently has just under 100,000 miles. My local mechanic says he "was kneeling on the driver's seat while reinstalling the center console after replacing the e-brake cable, when the side curtain air bags deployed!" He is frantic as this has never happened before, and his shop insurance won't cover the replacement costs. I know that insurance companies tend to... Read more
Incident date: Feb 19, 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: Feb 29, 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 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 ma... Read more
Incident date: Sep 21, 2023
AIR BAGS FAILED. IT IS AVAILABLE. LUKILY I'M SAFE. I DON'NT KNOW. NO ONE INSPECTED THE VEHICLE, EXCEPT THE POLICE AT THE INCIDENT LOCATION. NO WARNING LAMPS OBSERVED PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT.
Crash
Incident date: Sep 21, 2023
The car was parked on street and when I go inside the car and try to start car first on my tesla screen show alert 7 error after that couple minutes the front passenger airbag is deployed for nor reason I want to let you know the car it’s not involved any accidents or any impact
Incident date: Jan 24, 2024
Passenger restraint system malfunction light comes on.
Incident date: Feb 29, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that, upon coming to a complete stop, the vehicle suddenly accelerated on its own. After which, upon attempting to apply the brakes and with the brake pedal depressed to the floorboard, the vehicle failed to stop, prompting the contact to switch off the ignition. As a result of the unintended acceleration and brake failures, the contact col... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Feb 26, 2024
I am writing to express my deep dissatisfaction with the ongoing issues plaguing my car. This dissatisfaction is compounded by the fact that this car was brand new when I picked it up from the dealership, with no miles on it. Since then, I have encountered a series of concerning problems. At around 30,000 miles, the batteries required replacement, followed shortly by a transmission replacement at ... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2016) - AIR BAGS
Feb 29, 2024
Incident date: Feb 29, 2024
Service Airbag message came on along with airbag warning light. Problem is with connectors under the front driver seat that come apart when the seat moves forward and back. This was a recall on previous models, but not this one. It’s the same exact issue. Also, no remedy for steering wheel airbag that could shoot deadly metal shards into your face. This is deplorable.
HYUNDAI
SONATA HYBRID
(2017) - AIR BAGS
Feb 29, 2024
Incident date: Dec 21, 2023
The passenger airbag light remains on even when someone is sitting in it. Also the airbag on the front passenger side has made my dashboard split open. Which if it fully comes open can make the airbag full explode causing harm to the person in the front seat and potentially causing an accident due to a premature expulsion of the airbag.
FORD
FUSION ENERGI
(2019) - AIR BAGS
Feb 29, 2024
Incident date: Feb 27, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Land Rover Range Rover Sport. The contact stated that the vehicle failed the state inspection due to the air bag warning light being illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the driver's side air bag wiring harness was too short, causing the air bag warning light to illuminate. The dealer replaced the driver's side air bag wiring. The ma... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
CLS500
(2006) - AIR BAGS
Feb 29, 2024
Incident date: Dec 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 while driving at approximately 55 MPH, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage ... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
GTI
(2016) - AIR BAGS
Feb 29, 2024
Incident date: Feb 19, 2024
The contact owned a 2017 GMC Sierra Denali. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, he briefly fell asleep. As a result, the vehicle left the roadway and collided with the exit median, coming to a complete stop after careening into a side ditch. The air bags did not deploy, and the seat belt failed to properly retrain, resulting in head and neck injuries. No warning lights were illuminate... Read more
Crash
1 injured
HONDA
CR-V HYBRID
(2021) - AIR BAGS
Feb 29, 2024
Incident date: Jan 7, 2024
See attached document for complaint
Incident date: Feb 1, 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 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 experien... Read more
Incident date: Feb 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Traverse. 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... Read more
Incident date: Mar 24, 2018
The contact owns a 2008 Nissan Rogue. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the air bag warning light was flashing off and on. Also, while turning the steering wheel in either direction, there was a creaking sound coming from the steering column. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The manufact... Read more
Incident date: Nov 7, 2023
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, 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 ma... Read more
Incident date: Feb 27, 2024
1. Was rear ended on [XXX]. The air bag in my vw jetta 2019 did not deploy. The car is currently at the Ritchey Automotive 5320 I-55 North in Jackson, MS... It is available for inspection upon request. 2. No. 3. No. The car was sent to the collision center for rear bumper repair and cosmetics. 4. No. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Feb 28, 2024
My husband and I were going to the store. We got into the car started the car, than were hear a loud pop, like a soda can exploding, than every airbag deployed
1 injured
Incident date: Jan 4, 2024
Was going down the road and there was a big load bang or pop that sounded like a bomb went and the seatbelts sucked us back and locked us in place and then the service airbag light came on the light stays on the seatbelts are locked up can remove and it was like the air bags says will no longer deploy/work and now can't use the seatbelts and the law says no seatbelt use we get a ticket so now can'... Read more
Incident date: Feb 18, 2024
In a Walmart parking lot I bumped into a curb stone with the left front tire at low speed (5 mph?). The passanger side air bag went off and blew out the windhield. I do not believe the air bag should have deployed at such a low speed. There was no damage to the car body. Total cost for replacing the air bag, windshield and both front seat belts was around $3,500.
Incident date: Feb 17, 2024
The recall happened in May 2023 and there is no remedy at this moment, February 2024. Have called dealership and have not been offered a solution. I feel unsafe driving my vehicle with my family. We are at risk. I called the auto manufacture today, 2/27/2024 and they do not have such date on a remedy.
Incident date: May 30, 2022
I first reported the break, airbag, and acceleration failure on my brand new 2005 Scion XB on June 20, 2005. I only had the Daihatsu/ Toyota two week when a driver in front of me stopped short at a Yield sign forcing me to slam on my brakes. immediately heard the sound of metal snapping and the brake pedal went all the way to the floor. I pumped the pedal to the floor but there was no resistance. ... Read more
Crash
6 injured
Incident date: Jan 17, 2024
Airbag light on dash comes on solid. Dealership had vehicle for 3 days and repair made to seat belt tensioner, days later, airbag light returns on dash. Other GM vehicles were recalled for airbag problems but maybe should include the Acadia.
Incident date: Feb 25, 2024
Two weeks ago I received a recall for an airbag emblem issue for my vehicle. I set an appointment and in the time leading up to my appointment the airbag warning sensor came on. When I went in for the recall they repaired the recall but the warning light did not go off. They stated that there are two issues with my airbag the emblem was not the cause of the sensor going off. They claim it is the a... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
SPRINTER 2500
(2019) - AIR BAGS
Feb 27, 2024
Incident date: Feb 25, 2024
When a passenger is in the car, the air bag light and an audible alert constantly go off while driving. Took it to the dealership and they say this: "it's a seat belt buckle sensor circuit causing orc. light wires are connected and not damaged" To me, the words "not damaged" indicate that this is not our fault. Of course we're not going to let our daughter continue to drive the car like this, but... Read more
Incident date: Dec 20, 2023
Air bags need occupant classification module.air bags don't work Chrysler claims no longer make it. All wheel drive doesn't work needs a power transfer unit. Chrysler claims it's on back order with no delivery date.
Incident date: Feb 16, 2024
Driving up driveway and airbags on the side door panels went off didn't hit anything and they went off
Incident date: Sep 13, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V215000 (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 manufactu... Read more
FORD
MUSTANG GT
(2005) - AIR BAGS
Feb 27, 2024
Incident date: Feb 7, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the vehicle was installed with an undersized fuel filter. The vehicle failed to start after waiting for some time before it restarted. While driving at unknown speeds, the vehicle was sputtering. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the higher-amp fuse 27 was bu... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Feb 1, 2022
Airbags did not deploy on time of the accident that I was very injured and hospitalized for 4 days in the iCU
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Feb 15, 2024
I have a 2013 Volt. Passenger Presence pad in the passenger front seat caused the "Airbag Service" warning light. It is very common. So many people have suffered from it. It cost over $1000. But it is not a recall.
Incident date: Feb 25, 2024
1. Front passenger side seat fails to activate the air bag once a passenger has occupied the seat, and buckled up. The airbag "off" indication light remains illuminated at all times, and if it isn't being activated, may cause bodily harm, injury, or death to any passenger of the vehicle in the unfortunate event of a collision. Vehicle was requested to be checked out at Lorenzo Nissan in Ft. Lauder... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
airbag failed. alert light went on. Had to be replaced.
Incident date: Feb 26, 2021
The contact owns a 2014 Volkswagen CC. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the air bag warning light illuminated. Additionally, the steering wheel control buttons and the horn became inoperable. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V483000 (Air Bags). The local dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not... Read more
Incident date: Dec 12, 2023
Upgrades allowed a low MPG.
ALLIANCE RV
VALOR
(2022) - AIR BAGS
Feb 26, 2024
Incident date: May 21, 2022
I am writing to file a complaint against Audi of America. My new vehicle, a 2023 Audi Q5 that I was involved in a minor car accident on [XXX]. That evening my car was side swiped during a merge after a toll both in Woodbridge, NJ off. Both vehicles were moving at relatively low speeds (30-35 mph). The damage to my car occurred on the passenger side panel and multiple air bags deployed including al... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Nov 6, 2023
Contacted Honda Corporate multiple times including the dealer , no remedy to ensure the safety of my vehicle which is at risk of stalling during operation related to national recall of fuel pump indicating the vehicle is unsafe to operate. Case manager from Honda Corporate uninformed, disengaged and rude. No transportation accommodations, no call or follow ups . Dealer not available to provide ins... Read more
Incident date: Feb 22, 2024
January 28, 2024 I had a car accident and the air bags on my left side never deployed. The other vehicle crashed into the right side (passenger side) of my 2019 mini clubman which caused my 2019 mini clubman to spin around and hit another car on my left rear bumper. As a result, I suffered a fractured rib and a brain hemorrhage.
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Feb 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2008 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while driving approximately 15 MPH, the brakes failed when pressed causing the vehicle to crash into the rear end of a second vehicle. During the crash, the air bags did not deploy and the rear driver-side seat belt had sprung outward, although no rear seat passenger was present. The second vehicle's rear driver's side passenger was lat... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Feb 17, 2024
The supplemental air bag warning light came on the dashboard. My local mechanic coded it at B1018, occupant sensor failure. At his suggestion, I brought it to a Nissan dealership (Infiniti is over an hour away from where I live.). They indicated I need to replace both seat sensor and OCS module. They say the seat must be replaced. Checking the Internet, there is a recent recall for Infiniti ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2024
There was a stalled vehicle in a traffic lane. The vehicle ahead of me was a large that hit the stalled vehicle. I couldn’t see what he hit but he came to a dead stop and I couldn’t avoid him. My problem is that the airbag under the dashboard on the driver side hit my shin with such force that it caused an abrasion that didn’t seem bad at first but developed into a wound requiring a la... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Feb 2, 2024
Airbag is part of a safety recall and has been so for over a year, no remedy available and there is risk of death. this is completely unacceptable. The company should be responsible for a replacement vehicle, cost of a rental until remedy is available, or fix the issue immediately.
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the front driver's side door air bag and the front driver's seat air bag deployed. The contact sustained some busies due to the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection and diagnostic testing. The dealer inspected the vehicle and determined the failure was the result of an accident. The contact stated... Read more
MAZDA
B-SERIES TRUCK
(2004) - AIR BAGS
Feb 26, 2024
Incident date: Sep 1, 2023
On [XXX], I was driving on the left lane of freeway [XXX] All of a sudden curtain airbags (both sides) deployed for no reason. The force/impact of the airbags felt like something extremely heavy or big landed on top of the roof. My vehicle slowed down automatically and then went into crash mode and was unable to start/drive. I stepped outside to look at my vehicle and not a scratch or dent was on... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
I was driving out of supermarket I was alone and the airbags deployed. I was hit hard and had a panic attack. I was able to drive home 14 miles. Windshield busted and dash board totaled Everyone I try to download a picture I'm sent to the begining. I'm going to have pictures on file incase needed. .
Incident date: Feb 16, 2023
Clock spring has failed 5 times within a year. The first clock spring replacement failed two weeks after the repair. I the. took it to a different dealership to be repaired. The second clock spring broke about 6 months later. The third clock spring broke two weeks after the repair. The fourth clock spring broke two months later and I am about to have it repaired within the next week. Due to the fa... Read more