Consumer Safety Complaints
Search 2,192,899 safety complaints filed by vehicle owners with NHTSA — including 137,559 crashes, 55,854 fires, and 8,555 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 2,192,899 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 127,896 complaints — component: AIR BAGS
Incident date: May 10, 2023
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 unavailable. 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 part... Read more
Incident date: Sep 14, 2023
Context: My wife replaced the driver’s side airbag per the 2019 Toyota Corolla recall at a Columbia, MO dealership. We’ve since moved to North Carolina. The airbag light and maintenance light came on, and we took it to the mechanic (Christian Brothers Automotive) close to our new home. They ran a diagnostics report to determine the airbag on the driver’s side needed to be replaced. I ha... Read more
Incident date: Jan 4, 2022
The door molding on the passenger side is now over 1 inch pulled away from the window because of heat. The door molding may cause issues when/if the airbags are deployed. Now two other doors are having the same issue but not as large of a gap between the window and molding.
Incident date: Jan 1, 2016
The contact owns a 2008 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V290000 (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 manufac... Read more
Incident date: Sep 23, 2023
Headrest exploded while I was driving. Hit me in the head. Gave me a concussion. Dealership says there is no recall. I have to pay out of pocket. This is a safety feature. I am not paying for the repairs.
1 injured
Incident date: Jun 23, 2023
FILING A COMPLAINT ON A DRIVERS AIRBAG RECALL, IM AN OWNER OF A GMC ACADIA 2017. THIS RECALL WAS GENERATED BACK IN MAY 2023. ITS NOW 27 SEPT 2023. I CALLED BUICK AND WAS TOLD "PARTS WERENT AVAILABLE YET", I THEN CALLED GMC AND WAS TOLD "THERES NO REMEDY". I THEN PROCEED TO INVESTIGATE OPTIONS ON HOW TO BEST KEEP MY FAMILY SAVE AND I LOOK ON YOUR SITE (NHTSA.GOV) AND IT STATES "Remedy- Dealers will... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2007) — AIR BAGS
Sep 27, 2023
Incident date: Sep 14, 2023
i have an 07 chevy silverado 1500 it has a rusted fram the dealer i got it from sed it had a littel rust on the fram .he also told me that the traction control senser needed to be replaced.but he did not tell me about the passenger sied wheel hub i have put in right around $ 1,800 on new parts & labor i had to have the wiering all redone.now it is going to cost me onther $ 959.95 to fix the fram.... Read more
Incident date: Aug 29, 2023
The dash leather is bubbling up across the entire top of dash. With this happening it causes a huge concern over airbag deployment. Due to the dash cover being weakened from the bubbling, if I were to get into an accident with a passenger then the airbag would have less restriction for deployment which could cause further harm to my passenger. Manufacture is not covering under warranty because the... Read more
Incident date: Sep 15, 2023
I was rear ended while stopped by another truck that was going 60+ mph. None of the airbags in my 2012 Chevy Tahoe deployed. The backside of the driver and passenger seats fell off - unsure if that is airbag related but nothing deployed. My car was totaled my insurance.
Crash
Incident date: Sep 26, 2023
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The Airbsgs failed to deploy when I was hit on my driver side by a car going going between 45-50 miles an hour. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? My safety was out at risk because my airbags did not deploy and I hit my head on the B pillar and was jolted from my... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Sep 15, 2023
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 m... Read more
Incident date: Sep 26, 2023
My 2020 Chevy Spark was hit from behind at a rate of 40-50 mph. The airbags did not employ. However, the vehicle that struck the car, all of its airbags deployed.
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Sep 26, 2023
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 unavailable. 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 not av... Read more
Incident date: Sep 14, 2023
Context: My wife replaced the driver’s side airbag per the 2019 Toyota Corolla recall at a Columbia, MO dealership. We’ve since moved to North Carolina. The airbag light and maintenance light came on, and we took it to the mechanic (Christian Brothers Automotive) close to our new home. They ran a diagnostics report on 9/14/2023 to determine the airbag on the driver’s side needed to be re... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
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 made aware of the issue. The contact had not experie... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2023
Airbags have malfunctioned. I was told the whole passenger seat needed to be replaced which costs more than the car is worth. No safety recall for this year. I know I’m not the only one with this issue.
Incident date: Sep 22, 2023
Ford has consistently indicated that the replacement part is available and it is not. Oou truck has a heated steering wheel. The clock spring for the heated steering wheel is different from the standard clock spring. FORD DOES NOT HAVE THE PART. Our truck is not safe to drive.
VOLKSWAGEN
BEETLE
(2016) — AIR BAGS
Sep 26, 2023
Incident date: Sep 26, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 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 contacted 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: Sep 21, 2023
I know there is a recall for the air bags and my air bag light came on and said service airbag’s system. I read y’all’s article that says keep a watch on my dash board and this is a safety concern and very dangerous if i wreck or someone wrecks into me and my airbags don’t go off.
Incident date: Sep 25, 2023
I recently took my vehicle in for a service due to "passenger system restraint" error code. Upon dealer inspection it would cost upwards of 4,000$ to fix this issue. I called my warranty company and they do not warranty any repairs that have to do with restraint systems. This seems to be a widespread issue from what I have read. This can really cause a major issue if the seatbelt for the passenger... Read more
Incident date: Sep 26, 2023
I have been waiting for nearly 5 months for there to be a remedy available for NHTSA campaign #23V334. I called the local Chevrolet Dealership in Champaign, Illinois and they were unable to assist me. I also called Chevrolet customer service to try and get an estimated time frame as to when a remedy will be available. However, they were unable to assist either, and could not provide me with an est... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
ATLAS
(2019) — AIR BAGS
Sep 26, 2023
Incident date: Sep 26, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V215000 (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 available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not ma... Read more
Incident date: Sep 26, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 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 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 wa... Read more
Incident date: Sep 24, 2023
Supplemental air bag warning light started blinking on 9/24/2023. It blinks regardless of whether the front passenger seat is occupied. The OCS sensor for the passenger seat failed. This should have been covered by a recall. The dealer wants over $3,000.00 to replace the seat cushion. I declined the repair. Dealer assured me that driver air bag isn't affected, so I'll operate the car without ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 11, 2023
On September 11th, my wife was involved in a car accident while driving her 2011 Nissan Versa. The collision resulted in the vehicle rolling over and ending up upside down. Shockingly, none of the airbags deployed during this serious incident. A family member recommended that I report this to Nissan, which I promptly did. However, their response, received last Friday, was rather concerning. Accord... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Sep 25, 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 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: Aug 30, 2023
The seat belt indicator on the console of a vehicle is illuminated the vehicle has not been any accidents or any problems other than that. I took it to the dealership and they stated it will take 2 to 3 weeks just a diagnostic this problem I think it should not be a problem.
Incident date: Sep 25, 2023
Air Bag light on in vehicle Dealership recommended replacing airbag sensor and wiring cost $1400.00 Truck never involved in accident airbag never deployed truck has 61000 ? Why is stellantis not responsible for fixing issue It’s a SAFETY issue ! Are Airbags like tires need to replace after 61000
Incident date: Sep 18, 2023
The contact owns a 2023 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while driving approximately 75 MPH, the cruise control suddenly would not deactivate causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle and crash into a ditch. The contact indicated that prior to the crash the cruise control did not deactivate when pressing the brake pedal and did not shut off while manually pressing the cruise control de... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Sep 25, 2023
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 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 wa... Read more
Incident date: May 10, 2023
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: Sep 7, 2023
Traffic stopped suddenly when I hit my brakes they failed to work and the airbags didn’t work either so I ended up hitting my head on the roof of the car when I ran into the truck that suddenly stopped in front of me at speed of about 50mph. I don’t feel good but have no way to get medical attention right now. And was just released from having some head trauma the day before the accident. My c... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Aug 24, 2023
Was involved in a accident., side panel airbags deployed., shrapnel from airbags cuts and bruises on airs and shoulders. Also, driving car during summer with high temperatures cause electrical problems with dashboard system.
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Sep 12, 2023
Engine light & air bag light is on. The problem has not been confirmed. I have had the engine light fixed before and it still isn’t fixed correctly.
Incident date: Oct 13, 2022
Manufacturer failed to complete repair on recall for HPFP and airbag in a timely manner with no timeline or remedy available.
Incident date: Sep 24, 2023
First problem, My air bag cover is cracked and the air bag comes out, I Took my vehicle to the dealership before the 36000 miles, when still has bumper to bumper warranty, they replaced the air bag cover for free, after several months my air bag cover broke again, I contacted the dealership, their answer it was that I have to pay for the repairs, air bags are defective because the cover broke by i... Read more
Incident date: Jul 3, 2023
This is a Braun adapted wheelchair vehicle. It has a lowered floor with a protective under floor. When making a slow turn into a parking lot, a curb was brushed. The passenger side airbag deployed. There was no damage except for cosmetic scratch on outside. There were no injuries. The police attended and couldn't see why the bag deployed. It was examined by Honda mechanic who claimed there was str... Read more
Incident date: Jun 19, 2022
Intermittent warning for front passenger airbag. Module saying service airbag comes on and off when front passenger is occupying seat. Just a quick anecdote just had car inspected warning does not appear while someone is occupying front seat, nor does it appear if someone is occupying rear seats.
Incident date: Sep 24, 2023
I originally did front end collision repairs on this GM vehicle and I had to originally replace the front passenger seatbelt. I went through 3 apparent good used ones for replacement and all of them have had their fair share of difference from acting up. One of them seemed to work but every now and then the airbag light would come on due to seatbelt. Replaced it with another and frequently the air... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
ATLAS
(2018) — AIR BAGS
Sep 24, 2023
Incident date: Sep 24, 2023
It has been 6 months since NHTSA 23V215 recall notice was issued and VW has not issued a fix. That is too long, since someone sitting in the passenger seat is at increased risk for injury.
Incident date: Aug 21, 2023
Front passenger safety restraint alert continuously stayed on with and without passenger seated. Took vehicle to solve problem immediately on 9/4/2023. After it was diagnosed, the occupancy sensor was faulting and the concerned technician had to retrofit the sensor system to address the problem. Technician replaced the front AIR BAG AND THE SEAT HARNESS for the new sensor costing approximately ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 18, 2023
I purchased my 2017 Nissan new and have always serviced it according to recommended guidelines. It has 31,103 miles on it and my airbag light came on and was blinking. I took it to Faulkner Nissan and was told I would have to pay 179.00 for diagnostic test which showed 2 codes one 00 for blinking light and 12 which online states requires a reset but I was told I need a new seat back assembly whic... Read more
Incident date: Sep 22, 2023
Sitting at drive through and driver headrest exploded and hit me in the back of the head. Thank God I was not moving at the time and my car was in park or I may have wrecked! Startled me and I was dazed and confused because I couldn’t figure out what had happened! This just happened a few hours ago so I have not been able to report it or have it checked out. I did take several pictures. The... Read more
1 injured
MERCEDES BENZ
C280
(2007) — AIR BAGS
Sep 22, 2023
Incident date: Sep 18, 2023
On 9/18/23 we were hit head on by a person driving a large ford. The air bags deployed on my CClass. I was unable to see after the accident. My nose is huge! Face is bruised. I had severe eye pain. Neck pain etc. There was chrome on the floor after the deployment. Major concern what was in this airbag. However, I’m sure it saved my life. My car is totaled. It was a fabulous car. We... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Sep 18, 2023
9/18/2023 I had an incident I thought something got behind brake pedal and kept me from pushing the brakes. When I drove it home. Going down the interstate I hit the gas get to speed limit. 3 times the vehicle kept speeding up hitting 80 and still wanting to climb.when I hit breaks hit was hard to press worse then hitting non power breaks and then I forced on the brakes and the vehicle started sha... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Sep 22, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the air bag warning light illuminated. The contact previously 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 dealer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The de... Read more
FORD
CROWN VICTORIA
(2005) — AIR BAGS
Sep 22, 2023
Incident date: Sep 21, 2023
In October 2022 a mechanic successfully replaced a dark gray-colored "seat belt retractor assembly and buckle" on the passenger side of my Ford Crown Victoria in response to an Air Bag dashboard light Lamp Fault Code of "3-4" and a Diagnostic Trouble Code of "B2292" ("Restraint System Seatbelt Pretensioner Error"). Such an error renders the entire supplemental restraint system inoperative and nec... Read more
Incident date: May 10, 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. An undisclosed dealer was contacted and 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 made ... Read more