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 3, 2024
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 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: Dec 22, 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 10, 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 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 made aware of the issue. The contact had not exp... Read more
Incident date: Jan 4, 2024
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 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 repair. The contact had not experienced a ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 26, 2023
Front Passenger Safety Restraint System Fault. My airbags are faulty and I'm having to replace them at full price. Ive never hit anything and never been in an accident.
Incident date: May 1, 2023
There is an ongoing issue with Tesla's seat sensors that give an error screen while driving. Tesla seems to be systematically charging a standard $1.5K repair to replace a $100 sensor harness, but they're charging so much because they claim an airbag replacement is required (for an extra $1.2K) as part of the new sensor/wire harness installation. From a quick google search, it seems this is a pret... Read more
Incident date: Mar 12, 2019
My safety or the safety of others are at significant risk everyday this vehicle remains unsafe with no remedy available. The safety recall was issued in May of 2023. It is now January of 2024 and I am driving a vehicle with airbags that may discharge shrapnel that can and will result in injury or death to myself and any vehicle occupants. This is unacceptable. Airbag remedies are not new, they are... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
GOLF
(2022) - AIR BAGS
Jan 9, 2024
Incident date: Jan 9, 2024
I found out my RAV4 had a recall on passenger side airbag that could not be fixed, and it would be in the third quarter of this year before it could be fixed if then. I asked if I could get a good deal on a new RAV4, for a discount since I had just quit my job and sold my house and planned to leave this area. My grandson lives with me and travels with me so now I don’t trust my car. I only found... Read more
Incident date: Jul 24, 2023
Saturn SKY - Passenger presence system (PPS) Knapp Chevy claimed to have fixed Completed: 2020-10-31, but warning lights appeared and took the car in to check. Now, this issue is not covered and requires a 1200 dollar charge, which should be covered in the recall.
Incident date: Jan 2, 2024
On[XXX], at approximately 6:30 PM while I was driving my 2019 Tesla Model S in Fort Lee, NJ. While navigating through congested traffic and executing a right turn from [XXX] on a green light, the auto-pilot system was not using, my vehicle unexpectedly experienced sudden acceleration. Despite my immediate attempts to pump the brakes, the car failed to decelerate, resulting in a collision with a sm... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Mar 17, 2021
Air bags are common problem. It can be googled. Ours stopped working. When braking the steering wheel shakes bad. Got fixed and came right back week later. Common problem. O2 sensor needed changed cause when slippery road indicator comes on car won't accelerate over 25 mph. Have to cut engine off wait for seconds and cut back on and its fine. Oil leak is where everyone online said there's is. Ther... Read more
Incident date: Dec 18, 2023
Unknown SRS light comes on and stays on I'm afraid the system will not work properly in an accident.
Incident date: Nov 24, 2023
The door hinges are an issue with these cars many many people are expressing the same issues which is the door hinges fail and start popping and cracking. Mercedes isn’t issuing a recall or remedy for this. Also there’s an issue with the passenger airbag weight sensors going bad which is throwing the airbag light off (which this is also happening in my car) the service center I talked to knew ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 9, 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 dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer ... Read more
HONDA
ACCORD HYBRID
(2022) - AIR BAGS
Jan 8, 2024
Incident date: Jan 8, 2024
The year and model of my car has been recalled for a steering column module/clock spring. Mercedes says my VIN is not in the recall. This is a safety concern as an airbag will not deploy. I believe I should be included in the recall.
Incident date: Sep 11, 2023
Unknown ,possible life threatening.
Incident date: Aug 8, 2023
Ignition coil and spark plug
Incident date: Jan 1, 2020
While driving my driver airbag warning light started blinking. When I took it to the dealership to be inspected they said the sensor for the driver airbag is in the seat cushion and was not getting enough power for it to turn on, therefore if the light is blinking the airbag is disabled and I would need to replace the entire seat cushion to fix this issue. If the airbag is disabled then I could be... Read more
Incident date: Dec 10, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact was informed at a State Inspection that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the message "Service Air Bags" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the front driver's side deployment l... Read more
Incident date: Nov 12, 2021
The contact's wife owns a 2016 Buick Enclave. The contact's wife 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 too... Read more
Incident date: Dec 26, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact's father was concerned about driving in the vehicle and instead sat in the rear seats of the vehicle. 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.... Read more
Incident date: Nov 22, 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 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 a case was opened. The m... Read more
Incident date: Oct 15, 2021
The Occupant Classification System (OCS) in the passenger front seat has displayed an error multiple times and airbag turns on even when a toddler sits in seat. I’ve taken it to Tesla twice going a third time this week and have owned the car for three months.
Incident date: Jan 8, 2024
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 contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a... Read more
FORD
ESCAPE HYBRID
(2020) - AIR BAGS
Jan 8, 2024
Incident date: May 20, 2022
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 contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a... Read more
Incident date: Jan 5, 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: Jan 6, 2024
The contact owned a 2020 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, he crashed into the vehicle in front. The contact stated that the vehicle was switching lanes abruptly, and did not have enough time to slow down or stop. No warning lights were illuminated on the vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. The vehicle was towed to a yard by the police department. A police report was ... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jan 8, 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 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: Jul 4, 2020
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: Nov 1, 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 contact stated that there was message indicating that the air bags needed to be serviced. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exce... Read more
Incident date: Dec 24, 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 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... Read more
Incident date: Dec 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while her husband was driving 40 MPH, the driver's side air bag deployed without warning or impact. The contact sustained injuries to his lip, but medical attention was not provided. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case and referred the ... Read more
1 injured
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2013) - AIR BAGS
Jan 8, 2024
Incident date: Dec 22, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Mustang. The contact stated that with the transmission in the reverse position and while reversing from a parking space, the vehicle suddenly experienced unintended acceleration, reversed, and crashed into a second vehicle. After shifting to the drive position, the vehicle immediately accelerated forward causing the driver to lose control of the steering and crash into... Read more
Crash
1 injured
LAND ROVER
DEFENDER
(2023) - AIR BAGS
Jan 8, 2024
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
I don't know if the headrest is part of the airbag deployment system or it's own entity. It is available for inspection. I was pulling into my driveway when the front passenger headrest exploded/deployed. I had just dropped my sister, who had been sitting there, and would have been injured by the force. I took my car to the dealership and was told that the 'involuntary deployment' was a know... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
ATLAS CROSS SPORT
(2022) - AIR BAGS
Jan 7, 2024
Incident date: Jan 5, 2024
Airbag light on , recall notice
Incident date: Jan 7, 2024
My vehicle I of several people I know suddenly appears on the screen the symbol of the seat belt I the airbags turn off I took it to the dealer I they told me that it doesn't have it. Nothing keeps appearing and Honda is not responsible for something that can take lives in an accident either
Incident date: Jan 6, 2024
Went to work and parked. It rained that day, not sure if it’s related. When I went to leave the dash airbag light stayed on. This was December 2023. There are no other issues with the car. No other warning lights. The car has 52,300 miles on it now. I just recently took it to the dealership to see about getting it fixed and was quoted $7k-11k in repairs. They told me “it’s usually the setbac... Read more
Incident date: Sep 15, 2023
Was in a car accident [XXX] and air never deployed instead a warning starting flashing saying something was wrong with my air . I was in 3 car pile up and terrain truck went under my car and slung it around cause me to hit the bridge and it bent there entire metal frame when u looked under it the doors where not even ànd hatch back was jammed with huge gap between it and the car it cause the fr... Read more
Crash
6 injured
Incident date: Dec 25, 2023
I went to head on to a light pole and my passenger side airbags did not deploy
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jan 4, 2024
About this date had accidentair bags failed to go off for any off us
Crash
Incident date: Jun 8, 2023
I was driving on the highway and a semi truck hit my car from behind, pushed my car and I hit the car in front of me. I was doing around 55 mph when thee truck hit me.The airbags did not deploy. but the airbag light was lit up on the cluster. Later I received a message through the toyota app about a malfunction on my car's airbag system, that I have to contact the dealership to get it fix.
Crash
3 injured
Incident date: Jan 6, 2024
Turned the steering wheel to the right, and the airbag warning light came on. It’s a safety issue that needs to be addressed. If I’m ever in an accident will it deploy? This is ridiculous. Waiting to get an appointment with the dealership.
HYUNDAI
SANTA FE SPORT
(2017) - AIR BAGS
Jan 6, 2024
Incident date: Jan 6, 2024
After receiving notice for GM safety recall N232404980 in June 2023, and checking periodically, the recall status on 1/6/24 continues to be “remedy not available”. I am not satisfied that GM done their best to remedy the condition within a reasonable time.
Incident date: Dec 27, 2023
Abs system is failing light comes on then brakes don’t catch, airbags message keeps coming on . Pulling in to store when it done it end up hitting the metal pipe in from of store to stop
Crash
Incident date: Jan 6, 2024
Collision around 45 to 50 mph. Airbags frontal and side airbags didnt deployed Two vehicles invaded my lane and I ran into the second vehicle .
Crash
Incident date: Dec 22, 2023
The passenger dash board is melting. It covers the passengers air bag. I would like to know if a recall is still possible for my vehicle. I understand that there was a recall in 2015-2017, but unfortunately I did not received the notice since I was moving from Illinois to Kansas and later to Texas and continued changing addresses during that time frame.
Incident date: Nov 30, 2023
The transmission at low speeds, while accelerating makes a grinding noise
Incident date: Oct 10, 2023
Safety noncompliance recall 23TA08 and 23TB12
Incident date: Oct 10, 2023
Safety noncompliance recall 23ta08 Safety recall 23ta12