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: Dec 16, 2023
November 2023, my 13 year old daughter and I were involved in a car accident. A vehicle made a left hand turn in front of us and we collided (t-boned) the passenger side of the other vehicle. There were no warning lights, notifications of car crossing in in front of us, the assisted brake system did not activate, the air bags did not deploy, the on car assistance showed no accident reported. Ot... Read more
Crash
VOLKSWAGEN
TIGUAN
(2018) - AIR BAGS
Jan 15, 2024
Incident date: Nov 8, 2023
Airbags deployed for no reason. There is a known issue with this year make and model with the same issue. For some reason my car was not included in the recall. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2008) - AIR BAGS
Jan 15, 2024
Incident date: Jun 13, 2023
I purchased a 2024 Audi A4 with 20 miles as a birthday present for my son on 12/20/2023 for $45,028.81 cash, plus traded my son’s 2012 BMW 328i with 22,000 miles and they applied $8,500.00 credit. This is an Atlanta, Georgia Audi dealership. My son drove the car for one week and his salesman had an appointment set for him to bring his car back one week later to add Audi Connect Software to veh... Read more
Incident date: Jan 15, 2024
AIRBAG Didn't Deploy. Seatbelt didn't hold I hit the steeling wheel injury my chest hit my head blood on the brain broke my foot. vehicle was total No
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jan 7, 2024
Airbags. The light did not come on upon start up of vehicle. Electrical. My radio, display on dashboard and Bluetooth would blink off and on. I think that my sons safety and mine were at risk because of the malfunctioning of the airbags if an accident would have occurred they wouldn't deploy. I took it into the dealer, but they didn't seem concerned. They fixed some things and it costs around $350... Read more
Incident date: Jan 14, 2024
When the driver seat is moved the service air bag light comes on. When you move the seat again the light goes off.
KIA
SORENTO HYBRID
(2023) - AIR BAGS
Jan 14, 2024
Incident date: Jan 14, 2024
My horn isn't working as designed but when I push on steering wheel feels like it's cracking or breaking behind it. My front axels from factory were out of balance causing a vehicle vibration from 80+km/hr. Dealer thought it was tires not driveline. Different dealer diagnosed it as both axels in front. Issue was repaired once parts were available. Vibration still is evident but think its tir... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jan 8, 2024
We have a 2017 Chevy Traverse that is included in the airbag recall that as of 1/4/24 does not have a remedy. We have children and if you look at the safety risk associated with this it is serious injury or death. We would like to trade our vehicle in for a safer car but the value is greatly depreciated because of this safety recall with no remedy.
Incident date: Jan 14, 2024
Got T-boned going through a traffic light and was hit at approximately 15-20mph on my driver side. Most of the damage occurred to the front driver door and wheel. Airbags did not deploy, unsure if they should have? Car was totaled and is in the hands of Progressive There has been a recall on airbags for my car, but when looking up the VIN it does not say that my car is involved. Car after accident... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Nov 1, 2022
The airbag recall has been ongoing since May 2023 without a solution from GM. That is completely unacceptable. They need to replace this airbag. It is a hazard to my family and need to be resolved.
Incident date: Nov 21, 2023
Hello, thanks for your time. I purchased my Volvo XC60 in late 2020 from my local Volvo Manhattan dealership. The vehicle was certified pre-owned with approximately 28k miles on it, and in excellent condition. Less than three years later, I have encountered a material airbag safety issue with a prohibitively high repair cost. The passenger occupant seat sensor has failed (SRS airbag warning light ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 20, 2020
The electrical connection in the seatbelt breaks causing the airbag and seatbelt light to constantly illuminate not knowing if the break would cause the airbags from deploying
Incident date: Jan 5, 2024
The airbag SRS light started to blink on and off and now stays on full time. I took the car to the dealership and they ran diagnostics and got code B1440 and B1774. They stated the entire passenger seat cushion must be replaced with the MAT sensor. This is a common problem per this website and there is no recall issued for some reason. Please investigate this issue as it was a common problem with ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 13, 2024
Driving on the road a tire randomly blew out and upon that happening every airbag in the car went off despite there being no collision.
Incident date: Jan 12, 2024
I RECEIVED A SAFETY RECALL NOTICE 6 MONTHS AGO AND THEY HAVE NOT FIXED THIS DANGEROUS SITUATION. THE DEALERS SAY THE PARTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE AND THE GM WEBSITE SAYS THIS SITUATION IS "UNRESOLVED". I FEEL UNSAFE DRIVING THIS VEHICLE.
Incident date: Jan 13, 2024
Airbag recall that currently has no remedy and no eta on repair or remedy
Incident date: Jan 13, 2024
Passenger side airbag failed to deploy. Head injury, rib fractures, vertebrae fracture
Crash
1 injured
AIRSTREAM
INTERSTATE
(2014) - AIR BAGS
Jan 13, 2024
Incident date: Oct 1, 2022
The vehicle throws a “passenger restraint system malfunction” every 5 minutes while driving. Based on discussions on bmw forums, this is a common issue among several models of BMW. The issue seems to be caused by loose wires/sensors beneath a he passenger seat.
Incident date: Aug 15, 2023
My car recently had this message pop up "SRS airbag system malfunction." I did a search for recalls and found that Toyota is doing a recall for my vehicle's year and model (2020-2022 camry). I used this site to punch in my VIN number but there are no recalls on my vehicle. What is the probability that my car has the same exact problem as what the company is recalling for yet not be a part of the r... Read more
Incident date: Dec 7, 2023
There has been an airbag recall on my 2018 VW Atlas since March of 2023 with no remedy from the manufacturer even though it’s been almost a year. Manufacturer has advised that passengers should not use the front passenger seat until a remedy is available. I have not been able to have someone ride in my front passenger seat for almost a year with no advice or remedy from VW. Vehicle has been in d... Read more
Incident date: Jan 2, 2024
The contact owns a 2009 Toyota Camry. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked inside the driveway, the contact became aware that the plastic covering over the air bag was loose at the front driver’s seat. The contact pushed back the cover however, the cover failed to stay in place. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 9, 2024
I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THE AIR BAG DEPLOYING BY ITSELF DUE TO TRACTION CONTROL SHAKING THE THE VEHICLE . I HAVE CALLED GM ABOUT THE AIR BAG AND THERE IS NOTHING THEYCAN DO ABOUT THE RECALL FOR THE AIR BAG . BUT I WAS TOLD TO REACH OUT TO YALL TO FILE A REPORT TO HOPEFULLY GET HELP FIXING THE AIR BAG RECALL.
Incident date: Jan 11, 2024
Sitting in parking lot with car running in park and passenger airbag deployed with person sitting in the passenger seat. No injury to passenger but windshield broke and driver seatbelt will not move now.
Incident date: Jan 12, 2024
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 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 confi... Read more
Incident date: Jan 12, 2024
The contact owns as 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 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 experi... Read more
Incident date: Nov 10, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact learned of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V110000 (Air Bags) and related the failure to the recall. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the front passenger’s side air bag sensor had failed. The dealer confirmed that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Num... Read more
HYUNDAI
SONATA HYBRID
(2012) - AIR BAGS
Jan 12, 2024
Incident date: Nov 23, 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 made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 12, 2024
I was in a car accident yesterday two cars hit me from behind my daughter was in the third row and my other kids in the second row. The air bags didn't deploy and my daughters seatbelt in the third row didn't lock when the cars impacted my vehicle her seat belt kept going forward with her. Also my seat belt unlocked and came off upon impact of car
Crash
3 injured
Incident date: Jan 2, 2024
The contact owned a 2009 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated that while driving at 5 mph and exiting a parking lot when the vehicle accelerated on its own, veered to the left, and crashed into a gate. No warning lights were illuminated and the air bags failed to deploy. The contact sustained injury to the right shoulder, right foot, and right hand, but did not seek medical attention. No police rep... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jan 11, 2024
Air bag light on passenger side stays on and unable to drive vehicle at night due to lights being so dim
Incident date: Jul 15, 2023
Please note that I am not the owner of this vehicle. I am a concerned citizen making this report in the public interest. My correct name and contact details are included with this submission. I have used a dummy USA address because your website does not accept entries from outside USA. There is nothing fraudulent about this despite what Elon Musk claims. This Tesla has just shown up in the junky... Read more
Incident date: Apr 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 made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 20, 2022
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 manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms par... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
ATLAS
(2018) - AIR BAGS
Jan 11, 2024
Incident date: Jan 11, 2024
Deer hit me on the highway at 2am on December 26th. No air bags deployed.
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jan 3, 2024
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. 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 experienc... Read more
Incident date: Jan 11, 2024
Airbag light blinks all the time. DTC B00A0-00 (OCCUPANT DETECTION SENSOR UNIT). I can't reset it even I tried everything using "diagnostic mode" with ignition on/off process or OBD II tool. Nissan has Service Bulletin NTB19-071 which includes my vehicle year(2017) in it, but I couldn't find it from the recall case. Only 2013~2016 Pathfinder has recall history with NTB16-054a. I think 2017 also h... Read more
Incident date: Jan 2, 2024
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 manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirm... Read more
Incident date: Jan 10, 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 dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not expe... Read more
Incident date: Jan 10, 2024
There has been no notification of action being taken by Volkswagen to correct the problem regarding NHTSA recall number 23V215 with recall date March 29, 2023. We were notified of this recall by Volkswagen in May of 2023. Volkswagen has failed to remedy this issue in a timely manner. VW dealership will not take vehicle on trade in because value is zero.
Incident date: Jan 8, 2024
Dealer unable to perform recall 22V945. Unable to remedy this safety recall in a timely manner. Lack of parts. On a waiting list with no ETA for repair.
Incident date: Jan 9, 2024
Airbag System is not functioning. KIA Motors America has extended the warranty coverage for the front passenger Occupant Detection System (ODS) Sensor Pad to 15 years with unlimited milage. My local KIA dealership, Prestige KIA in Eau Claire, WI, has refused to repair it. When called they informed me, that I am no longer welcome at the dealership. When asked why, I was told a note was on the ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 11, 2024
BMW Passenger Restraint sensor failure due to a faulty sensor mat, so the passenger seatbelt will not lock or tighten when braking or in the event of an accident. Took it to the dealer and no evidence of a spill or user error that can tamper with the mat, the sensor simply died after minimal use of the passenger seat. This part should be recalled & BMW should have to cover the cost of this safety ... Read more
FORD
ESCAPE HYBRID
(2020) - AIR BAGS
Jan 11, 2024
Incident date: Dec 11, 2023
I got in my car to go to work and noticed that the front headrests were busted open. I didn't not know that there were airbags in them, but apparently there are? The car has not been in an accident and was just sitting in my driveway. I have read up on this a little and it has happened to many other people as well. There is no reason for the cause, just a defect.
Incident date: Dec 1, 2023
The contact's mother owns a 2020 Nissan Rogue Sport. The contact stated that while her mother was driving at approximately 35-40 MPH, the vehicle crossed an intersection at a green light when another vehicle crashed in between her mother's front and rear passenger's side doors, causing the vehicle to spin. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact's mother was not injured, and no medical attentio... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jan 10, 2024
I have not received any more information about getting this fixed I’ve been driving it around like this.
Incident date: Jan 10, 2024
I took my 2014 GMC Acadia into the dealership I purchased it at because my airbag light was on. This was before the recall. I was told at that time that nothing was wrong and and I probably hit a bump and juggled something loose. I paid $190 for that. Now my vehicle is in the shop and I can no longer operate it or sell it because it is deemed unsafe due to this recall. I contacted GMC and there ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 10, 2024
UNKNOWN Accident involving direct hit to driver side door with no air bag deployment. Body shop estimator stated no codes were recorded, which is not normal. Also stated that seat belts did not lock, also not normal.
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Nov 17, 2023
- The passenger headrest of my 2012 Jeep Compass Limited deployed while the car was in motion on the highway with no reason to deploy. Yes, the component is available for inspection. - This created a distraction to the driver that could have resulted in an accident and also could have injured the passenger. - The dealer mentioned that the issue has happened to other cars, but in my case they cou... Read more
LAND ROVER
RANGE ROVER EVOQUE
(2020) - AIR BAGS
Jan 10, 2024
Incident date: Dec 19, 2023
There is a serious electrical glitch that's in the computer, that causes the car to perform poorly at a slow speed, which cases the steering to become very hard to turn, and maintain lanes while driving. All lights, warnings, and gauges fluctuate back and forth, while the bell inide the car when stared keeps chiming.
Incident date: Dec 20, 2016
Seat belt warning for passenger seat stays on despite buckling the seat belt. I suspect the air bag deployment is therefore not functioning.