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: Jan 19, 2022
Was T bones September 3rd 2023 exiting the freeway by a Ford F-350. Injury to left side of vehicle mainly . Airbags not side airbags deployed. Went through insurance and was told to report it to the manufacturer. Due to this I now need double knee surgery as I have tears and fluid and now have spinal injury .
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jan 19, 2024
I had an accident on 1/14/24 and the airbags did not deploy. When we bought the vehicle from I-5 Toyota it had been in a previous accident and was repaired. I have a picture from the dash stating “ SRS air bag system malfunction” on the day of incident. The vehicle is being picked up by insurance 1/18/24 to be inspected. There were no warnings prior to the accident.
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Nov 1, 2023
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 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
Incident date: Jan 17, 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
Incident date: Dec 4, 2023
The contact's husband owns a 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while her husband was attempting to start the vehicle, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the air bag control module needed to be replaced; however, while the vehicle was parked at the independent mechanic, the dri... Read more
Incident date: Jan 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the air bag warning light began to flash off and on. The failure was a constant failure. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 98,330.
Incident date: Jan 19, 2024
The "airbag is turned off" warning light for the front passenger seat is lit (on) while an adult is sitting in the front passenger with the seat belt latched. THIS HAS HAPPENED NUMEROUS TIMES SINCE I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE.. I have reported this to the Acura dealer where I purchased the vehicle and they said since they are unable to repeat the issue they can't do anything about it. In addition, wh... Read more
HONDA
ACCORD HYBRID
(2023) - AIR BAGS
Jan 19, 2024
Incident date: Jan 16, 2024
Airbag lights suddenly always on. Unknown if they are working or about to deploy. Hesitation in transmission while shifting, not sure if working properly. I haven't had any recalls fixed on this vehicle. It showed recalls and suddenly it shows all repaired. Is it due to the year?2005? Seat belts don't retract and are have to be manually maneuvered.
Incident date: Apr 25, 2018
My air bag light randomly appeared and has been on for at about year now the dealership wants me to pay a ridiculous amount of money for all of these safety hazards including to fix my “airbag sensor” when I have never used the airbags. I am the one and only owner of the car which I purchased directly from the Ed Morse bayview Cadillac dealership. Faulty airbags and or sensors are a huge safet... Read more
Incident date: Jul 17, 2023
Airbag sensor flashing. Seems to be a very common issue and no recall. Found tons of articles and YouTube videos.
Incident date: Dec 20, 2023
Occupant Detection System (ODS) system failure causes the front passenger-side airbag system to malfunction, which could mean that the airbag may not deploy during a collision. Although other model years have a product campaign bulletin for this issue (WUM-98R, NHTSA ID 19V-701), the 2014 does not. Numerous other consumers have complained about this same issue. The dealership indicates that the o... Read more
Incident date: Nov 16, 2023
The airbag indicator illuminated, and upon getting a diagnostic inspection from the dealership, the issue is the clock spring that is faulty. The shroud is another price required for replacement.
Incident date: Sep 26, 2023
Manufacturer Recall NumberN232404980, also known as NHTSA Recall Number23V334 has no solution by GM yet. Because of this I will be unable to ship my vehicle with the government for my military move and it puts my family at risk. This has been out since May of 2023, what is going on?
PEG PEREGO
PRIMO VIAGGIO ALL IN ONE
(9999) - AIR BAGS
Jan 18, 2024
Incident date: Jan 18, 2024
The contact owned a 2024 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while driving from a complete stop, the vehicle was involved in a head-on collision. The contact stated that the air bags failed to deploy. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated after the crash. The contact sustained a concussion and the driver of the other vehicle sustained a knee injury. The contact rece... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Jan 12, 2024
Front Passenger airbag always showing it is "OFF" whether someone is sitting in seat or not. The dealer wouldn't fix this unless I paid a diagnostic fee of $185. Also Radio infotainment system doesn't respond to touch, however it has a mind of its own, blaring radio volume up and changing channels on its own. Very distressing and distracting while driving. Also a $185 diagnostic for looking at... Read more
TIFFIN
ALLEGRO OPEN ROAD
(2022) - AIR BAGS
Jan 18, 2024
Incident date: Sep 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2008 Chrysler 300. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V352000 (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 experienc... Read more
HYUNDAI
GENESIS COUPE
(2013) - AIR BAGS
Jan 18, 2024
Incident date: Sep 22, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 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 manufacturer was made... Read more
Incident date: Jan 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 Infiniti G37. The contact stated while operating the vehicle, the air bags warning light remained illuminated. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 83,653.
VOLKSWAGEN
TAOS
(2023) - AIR BAGS
Jan 18, 2024
Incident date: Jan 18, 2024
Recall - no parts available- “If airbag is deployed metal fragments could cause serious injury or death” I feel uncomfortable every time I seatbelt myself in to drive. Get the parts and fix the recall please!
Incident date: Jan 18, 2024
I am writing to file a formal complaint with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) regarding a critical safety concern with my recently purchased vehicle, a VW ID 4 model from 2021-2023. Vehicle Information: VIN: [XXX] Make: Volkswagen Model: ID 4 Year: 2021-2023 Date of Purchase: January 5th, 2024 Incident Details: On [XXX], I experienced a hazardous incident involving su... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Apr 5, 2017
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 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: Jun 20, 2018
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 contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated intermittently. The vehicle was taken to the... Read more
Incident date: Jan 17, 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 dealer was made aware of the issue. 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... Read more
Incident date: Jan 2, 2024
The contact rented a 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH the driver depressed the brake pedal but the vehicle did not stop and crashed into the rear of a second vehicle. The contact indicated that during the crash the vehicle was low on electrical charge and was being operated in the "One Pedal" mode and the the air bags did not deploy. The rear passe... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Dec 6, 2023
Traction Control did not function when needed. I had my breaks and rotors replaced two days prior to the accident, which may have had an impact on the performance of the vehicle. Insurance representatives did look over the vehicle, as it is now in their possession. However, I do not feel as though they took the time to look into my concerns. There was no warnings on the Dash.
Crash
Incident date: Dec 14, 2023
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND THE AIRBAG WENT OFF AND CAUSED ME TO CRASH INTO A POLE
Crash
CHRYSLER
TOWN AND COUNTRY
(2013) - AIR BAGS
Jan 18, 2024
Incident date: Jan 1, 2016
Airbags failed to deploy during a crash where lexus was hit on driver's side. We got an alert that they malfunctioned. During inspection, the wire for the airbags was pulled which would indicate deployment. Car was totaled.
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Sep 6, 2023
The air bag light will randomly illuminate on occasional drives, and after the car is turned off , the light will go away and randomly appear. The symptoms appear to be similar to another recall for 2020 evoques with false illuminations but my evoque was not included as a part of this recall.
Incident date: Aug 20, 2023
My vehicle was struck by a tractor trailer at 55-60 mph while sitting still. The impact caused my vehicle to spin and be embedded into the guardrail. None of the airbags deployed.
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Sep 30, 2022
Volkswagen Jetta NAR trouble code B116829 Volkswagen Jetta NAR trouble code 00778 Volkswagen Jetta NAR trouble code P1698 Car codes triggered after servicing in VW dealership.
Incident date: Jan 16, 2024
I received a recall notice #N232404980 in June 2023 and after months of hearing from no one, I reached out to my dealership who said they had no parts to replace/repair this recall. After checking with GM today 1/17/24 they still do not have pats to repair this. This is 8 months since this recall was announced and I would think that is sufficient time to get parts to fix this. When you send someo... Read more
Incident date: Jan 6, 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: Dec 2, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Buick Enclave. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and decelerating to make a turn, the vehicle experienced a hard shift. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring intermittently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was taken to an independent m... Read more
Incident date: Nov 15, 2021
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 dealers were 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 manufac... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
The passenger airbag was replaced, and is now trying to pop out of the cover. The upper left corner is bulging outward.
TOYOTA
HIGHLANDER
(2018) - AIR BAGS
Jan 17, 2024
Incident date: Jan 17, 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 dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts wer... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2023
1) Vehicle idling problem, it automatically accelerate while vehicle is idle and pcv valve problem is very prominent during the winter. 2) Airbag problem, automatically airbag is popping up.
Incident date: Jan 13, 2024
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 made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags). The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the open recall associated with the VIN needed to be performed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The f... Read more
Incident date: Dec 16, 2023
My airbag light has been illuminated for the past few months. It does not illuminate while someone is in the seat. Once reset, it stays off for a while. When checked, the mechanic informed me that the sensor in my passenger seat needs to be replaced. Due to this malfunction, the vehicle may improperly deploy airbags. This has not happened but I’m concerned that it could possibly happen.
Incident date: Jan 16, 2024
Below is the description of what has happened...... Product Safety Recall - Driver Front Airbag Inflator May Rupture One of the front airbag inflators in my vehicle was produced by Takata. Takata has advised the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that without a chemical drying agent, prolonged exposure to heat and humidity can degrade the chemical propellant used in this air... Read more
Incident date: Jan 15, 2024
This vehicle was involved in a rollover accident on Monday, January 15, 2024. When the car rolled over several times, the airbags never deployed. This vehicle is available for inspection, The driver safety was put at risk with a neck injury due to the airbags, not deploying Yes, and auto repair business is aware that the airbags did not deploy. The police were notified at the accident that the air... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jan 15, 2024
I HAVE WATER ENTERING THE CAB BY THE UPPER BRAKE LIGHT AT THE BACK OF THE CAB. THE WATER IS MAKING WATER STAINS ON THE HEAD LINER AND THE WATER IS SATURATING THE AIR CURTAINS ABOVE THE REAR WINDOW. IT IS ALSO MAKING THE FLOOR WET AND THE ELECTRICAL WIRES AND COMPONENTS ON THE FLOOR. I ALSO HEAR AIR LEAKS AROUND THE DOOR SEALS WHEN I AM DRIVING ENTERING CURVES AND TURNS. IT SEEMS LIKE THE CAB, OR D... Read more
Incident date: Jan 14, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander. The contact stated that while crossing an intersection at 35 MPH; another vehicle ran a red light and crashed into the contact's front driver-side door. The contact was knocked across the two-lane road and hit a telephone pole on the passenger side of the vehicle. The air bags did not deploy upon impact. The authorities arrived on the scene and assiste... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jan 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2009 Mitsubishi Galant. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH, the front driver's side air bag deployed inadvertently and struck the contact’s face and chest. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact immediately slammed on the brake pedal and then pulled into a parking spot. The contact stated there was no collision before the air bag deployment. The contact state... Read more
1 injured
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2023) - AIR BAGS
Jan 16, 2024
Incident date: Sep 14, 2023
The contact owns a 2007 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 45 MPH, the passenger’s side frontal air bag and driver’s side steering wheel air bag deployed without impact. The service air bag warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the front windshield was cracked due to the air bag deployment. The contact stated that no injuries were sustained.... Read more
Incident date: Jan 11, 2024
Why is service airbag NOT A SAFETY RECALL A simple internet search of this on RAM trucks shows that it should. REALLY ASK WHY SERVICE AIR BAG IS NOT A RECALL.
Incident date: Nov 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Rav4.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 while her grandson was occupying the front passenger's side seat, an unknown message was displayed. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 28, 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 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
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2023) - AIR BAGS
Jan 16, 2024
Incident date: Jan 12, 2024
Dashboard cracked. Completely cracked into small pieces throughout the dashboard.