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: Sep 14, 2023
The airbag (driver's side) was replaced in 2019 per a recall at a dealership in Columbia, MO. My wife and I have since moved to [XXX] . We took the car to a local mechanic (closer to our house) for basic work, such as an oil change/tire rotation. During the vehicle inspect, they said the airbag failed test (image attached). We got the work done (cost about $1,000). The dealership was not plea... Read more
Incident date: Sep 14, 2023
My "Check Air Bags" light came on last week. It now stays on. I am unsure as to why. I have never had my air bag deploy. Is this due to the mileage on my vehicle, which is at 81,300+ miles?
Incident date: May 31, 2023
There is a recall regarding the driver side airbag in this vehicle, and the manufacturer has failed to provide repair for this issue in a timely manner, knowing that the faulty airbag can result in death of not only the driver, but the passengers as well.
Incident date: Jun 20, 2023
My husband and I rented a car from Avis on June 19, 2023. THe car they we selected was not available so they picked a prius out of the lot and gave it to us. On the morning of June 20, I was slowly turning into the driveway at [XXX] , my foot on the brake the whole time to slow to a stop so I could park parallel to my realtor's car. My realtor, [XXX] , witnessed the slow speed, as did many of the... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Sep 19, 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 not made aware of the issue. The contact had not exp... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
ATLAS
(2019) — AIR BAGS
Sep 19, 2023
Incident date: Sep 19, 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 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 not made aware of the issue. The contact had not e... Read more
Incident date: Sep 8, 2023
I bought the car 1 week before taking it to Ford Garage to be serviced and inspected. It has high mileage. over 208,000 miles. The engine light was on the previsce owner said it needed an 02 sensor, upon them checking it needed 2 02 sensors and a drivers side air bag replacement. upon them checking the car fax at the Ford garage the service manager told me that the vehicle had never been in an acc... Read more
Incident date: Sep 18, 2023
This is a rampant problem with tesla models. You get a seat restraint safety feature has failed. These are being repaired with a make shift repair and the owners are being charged for it.
Incident date: Jul 14, 2021
For several years now, when someone sits on the front passenger seat, the airbag light will intermittently come on. It also comes on if the person gets out of the seat. I took the vehicle to a dealership and they charged me over $100 to diagnose, and said the cable was loose and they fixed it. The next day it started doing this same thing again, but it doesn't happen when the dealer looks at the v... Read more
Incident date: Sep 18, 2023
I have had my Tesla to their shop FOUR times to try to fix a safety airbag issue in the drivers side which they have had my car for weeks and weeks on end, only for me to get it back with the same issue after only a few days of repair! I asked them for a refund and other things and they have done nothing! They still make me pay full price for my lease even though they have had my car in their sho... Read more
Incident date: Jul 16, 2023
The contact owned a 2015 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the contact drove into the next lane and crashed into another vehicle because of an off-tire rod. The air bags did not deploy. The vehicle was going 35 MPH at the time of the crash. The vehicle was towed to a lot. No warning light was illuminated. A police report was filed. One person was injured. The driver ... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: May 10, 2023
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 unavailable. 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 experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts... Read more
Incident date: Sep 18, 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 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 not made aware of the issue. The contact had not expe... Read more
Incident date: Sep 18, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that he received notification of Customer Satisfaction Program (CSP): 21B11 (Second Row Inflatable Seat Belt); however, the part to do the repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The local dealer and two unknown dealers were contacted several times and informed the contact the part wa... Read more
Incident date: Sep 18, 2023
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 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: Jul 3, 2023
Occupant Sensor for Airbags is not working and airbag light is on, this is a safety issue which can cause loss of life in an accident this needs recalled immediately
Incident date: Sep 18, 2023
The system warning keeps coming on, I’ve tried to schedule appointments with Audi since 2022 and they have zero appointments available
Incident date: Oct 10, 2020
When the car turns on, the message of “passenger air bag off”. I weigh over 100 pounds and sit properly. When the car was under warranty, I took the car to the dealer for this air bag problem. After waiting over 3 hours, I was told to come back and the part was not available. I thought there was a switch to turn on air bags, but I left the dealer in Avondale, AZ and went home. The problem cont... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
BEETLE
(2015) — AIR BAGS
Sep 18, 2023
Incident date: Sep 18, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 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 determined 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: May 10, 2023
The contact’s wife 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. An undisclosed dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available for the recall repair. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the reca... Read more
Incident date: Sep 17, 2023
Hello, I hope that my message will find you in the right clothes. We have not had any accidents until now, because I drive carefully.
Incident date: Sep 17, 2023
Since earlier in year, continue to get airbag warning light. Stays on for few minutes then goes out. So today checking NHTSA website to confirm if a recall has been issued. As of this date 9/17/23… no information available. So not sure if there is a problem or why the light continues to come on and then off?
VOLKSWAGEN
TIGUAN
(2016) — AIR BAGS
Sep 17, 2023
Incident date: May 17, 2023
The electric connection for the air bag has malfunctioned . The same vehicle with different VIN numbers have already been recalled for the exact same reason. Not sure why my car was not included. Many people on the VW forums are having the same issues. Please recall.
VOLKSWAGEN
PASSAT
(2015) — AIR BAGS
Sep 17, 2023
Incident date: Sep 19, 2019
While driving the EPC light came on and the car stopped driving. Vehicle was towed to local VW dealership, a FULL engine rebuild took place and a faulty intake valve spring was found, after replacing the injectors and seal kits. Then to replace the faulty electronic ignition switch. Over $3k in repairs for faulty parts. It was a safety risk because the vehicle stopped working in the middle of driv... Read more
Incident date: Aug 27, 2023
2015 Jeep Renegade vehicle's horn stopped working/malfunctioned. The clockspring in the steering column control needs to be replaced, along with a battery transmitter, and an air bag that is in the steering column. A Jeep service confirmed the problem and is ordering parts at this time. The parts cost $1,802.31, not including labor. Not having a horn to use puts myself and others at risk while... Read more
Incident date: May 5, 2023
Air bag warning light is on. I talked to local Ford garage they said 1500 to 2000 to fix . Looking online at f150 forums this seems to be a common problem. This is a government mandated safety device it should be fixed for free. It can't get reset or erased without being fixed
Incident date: Sep 16, 2023
There are many recalls for the year make and model of my vehicle. They just didn't recall my exact vin. The breaks are recalled, air bags were recalled and they were buying back the vehicles, the fuel delivery system was recalled, headlights were recalled, cruise control was recalled, steering column and yoke was recalled, and a few more. None were recalled for my vin number when it should have be... Read more
DODGE
CHALLENGER
(2019) — AIR BAGS
Sep 16, 2023
Incident date: Sep 16, 2023
I was rear ended while traveling eastbound on US 175 ( C F Hawn Fwy ). When I was hit the impact pushed me alittle ways. The other driver was going pretty fast because I was hit hard enough to where the trunk of the car was pushed into the back seat of the car. After being able to get out of the car. I noticed that the airbags didn't deploy. The seat belt did lock up but the airbags did not come o... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Sep 16, 2023
The air bag dashboard light is on constantly which indicates that something is wrong and the airbag will not properly and safely deploy during a vehicle accident. This is a common problem with this make and model vehicle and should be recalled for manufacturer to replace for the safety of owners of their product.
Incident date: Aug 21, 2023
this car involve accident AIR BAG none deploy , right side , rear side, left side were damage serious but AIR BAG none deploy , and now the light AIRBAG to be open on the screen I petition into OFFICE to request for our car to be recall AIRBAG , this is car run was 92K Mile this Air Bag none open any chair or It can open any time itself
Crash
Incident date: Sep 14, 2023
On the morning of September 14, 2023 I was involved in a front end collision. I am concerned there was no airbag deployment. I was traveling 40mph 1 sec prior and slammed on brakes before impacting another vehicle. Vehicle total loss. Vehicle started flashing hazards and displayed a message on the dashscreen- I believe it had the word "safety" in the message. I was the sole occupant. I am 2nd owne... Read more
Crash
1 injured
VOLKSWAGEN
ATLAS
(2018) — AIR BAGS
Sep 15, 2023
Incident date: Sep 15, 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 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 a... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 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. An undisclosed 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 14, 2023
The contact owns a 2007 Nissan Armada. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23E012000 (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 vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was made aware of the iss... Read more
Incident date: Sep 15, 2023
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. 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: May 10, 2023
in may 2023 gm announced a defective airbag and then sent a letter in june 2023. however, i still am unable to obtain the recall replacement for the defective airbag at the dealer. as a result i have been unable to use my car, including having to rent an suv for our annual family vacation in july 2023 which cost nearly $900.
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 local dealer was contacted and determined 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 awa... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
I received a recall notice back in June about a problem with my car's airbag inflator. To this date I still haven't heard from GM or anyone else about getting this potential deadly problem fixed. They indicated that the part to fix the issue isn't available. How can that be?! They issue a recall but don't have the part even months later?! I'm worried about this issue as, according to their own let... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
BEETLE CONVERTIBLE
(2016) — AIR BAGS
Sep 15, 2023
Incident date: Feb 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible. 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. 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 ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 15, 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 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 15, 2023
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: Sep 14, 2023
My van was struck directly in the driver side rear sliding door while sitting still at a stop sign. The other driver collided straight into the passenger compartment door at an approximate speed of 30 mph crushing the door, exploding the window and neither the driver side airbags nor the side curtain airbags deployed. Resulting in my wife severely jarring around in the driver's seat, as well as ... Read more
Crash
VOLKSWAGEN
BEETLE CONVERTIBLE
(2016) — AIR BAGS
Sep 15, 2023
Incident date: Sep 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V945000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was 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 manufact... Read more
Incident date: Nov 6, 2017
In the accident, side curtain airbags malfunctioned. They started to deploy but did not finish deploying. Pictures and incident report are available. The car was a total loss and was not returned to owner
Crash
1 injured
MITSUBISHI
OUTLANDER SPORT
(2015) — AIR BAGS
Sep 15, 2023
Incident date: Sep 14, 2023
I have 2015 outlander sport has 100k miles on it and I had the transmission replaced at 62000 miles at the dealership but now I have a hesitation engine when go over 70k per hour on the highway and airbag service sign on for no reason and the fog light with the led light off with no reason too.
Incident date: Sep 14, 2023
The service airbag indicator and airbag light illuminated on my dash. I took the vehicle to the dealership and was told the passenger presence module needs replaced. Without this repair, all airbags in the vehicle are disabled when the light is on. Yes, its been reproduced by the Chevrolet dealer.
Incident date: May 1, 2023
There is a recall in place and the manufacturer had not remedied this. The recall has been in place since May. If the airbag ruptures, me and my kids could die do to the metal fragments. They are not even offering rental cars or reimbursement. This is unacceptable.
Incident date: Aug 21, 2023
The contact owns a 2001 Toyota Avalon. The contact stated that while her son was driving at low speeds in a parking area, he was involved in a collision with the rear passenger side of the vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was filed, but no injuries were reported. The air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Sep 14, 2023
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. 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