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 18, 2023
Airbag light came on with no previous conditions that should have caused that. Dealership in Dothan, AL originally said a bad connection under the passenger seat caused it. They supposedly cleaned the connection and reset the light. The airbag light came on again days later. The same dealership now says the entire passenger seat and airbags sensors/connections will have to be replaced at $2500+ ou... Read more
Incident date: Dec 15, 2023
Please do more to have this company fix their recall. I can't believe more is not being done.
Incident date: Dec 15, 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 contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while turning off the vehicle, the air bag warning light illuminated. The dealer ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 11, 2023
I would like to file a complaint against VW for the outstanding recall. This recall was issued in March, it is now mid-December, and they still do not have a remedy available! 9 months is way too long to have a dangerous recall to be open (airbag issue) with no date for a remedy. Manufacturers should not be allowed to take this long to come up with a remedy!
FORD
EXPEDITION
(2016) - AIR BAGS
Dec 18, 2023
Incident date: Dec 18, 2023
Received warning on screen. “Driver restraint system malfunction carefully drive to the closest service center driver restraint system is reduced. Increased risk of injury in case of collision. Continue using safety belt.” I took the car in, and this was the diagnosis: “Driver restraint system malfunction. Passenger knee airbag rewired to control module” 24,122 miles on the car. $1400
Incident date: Nov 18, 2019
Hello, I took my Nissan Altima into my local Nissan dealer for a hood latch recall on 11/13/2023. On 11/21/2023 at about 6:40 pm I was driving my car at a speed of maybe 45-50mph and my hood flew open hitting my windshield causing damage to my car, and scaring my son and I. I called the dealer the next morning and spoke to Anthony from the service department regarding this situation, and he stated... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2023
Ford is refusing to actually fix the engine fire problem on the 22 Ford Maverick hybrid that I own and it keeps saying that they are going to have an update available in December they did this before couple months back instead it was going to be in October they keep changing the date and I'm having to drive around risking my life in a vehicle that could catch on fire and explode they even tell me ... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
ROUTAN
(2012) - AIR BAGS
Dec 17, 2023
Incident date: Aug 2, 2023
No incident FAR SOME REASON MY AIR BAG LIGT STAY ON
Incident date: Dec 13, 2023
Airbag light went on. Took it to the Nissan dealer in Naples, Florida paid to have diagnostics done to determine the problem. The drivers seat airbag is defective. Per the diagnostics, The dealer service department said it was a safety issue.
Incident date: Dec 17, 2023
Part:Air bag Available:yes Safety: hit windshield twice after a frontal impact @ 50mph Inspected: no can't get anyone to look into it Warning: None Injuries:laceration on right side face from impacting windshield Looks as if it started to then stopped 2nd owner truck No prior wrecks Took 13 stiches to fix my face Vehicle:religiously maintained If air bag would've deployed would have not sustaine... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Dec 16, 2023
Car received a front impact and airbags did not deploy despite the alert on the dash saying “service airbags” immediately after collision. Seat belts engaged though.
Crash
Incident date: Dec 15, 2023
Clockspring failed. No horn, driver airbag, controls to cycle evic and radio stopped working.
Incident date: Oct 1, 2022
When the passenger front airbag deployed in an accident, a coil about 3 inches long and an inch wide was ejected from the airbag compartment and info the face of the occupant. Minor injuries sustained but was near the eye. The coil became embedded in the skin and the coil had to be removed.
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Oct 20, 2023
Our Subaru began experiencing intermittent issues with the warning light for the occupant detection wiring harness (ODS) in October 2023. The vehicle was inspected by Duteau Subaru of Lincoln NE on October 19th 2023 who determined the issue was a malfunctioning of the seat sensor for the occupant seat and was told I would have to replace the entire seat base to correct the issue. I understand that... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
ID.4
(2021) - AIR BAGS
Dec 16, 2023
Incident date: Dec 15, 2023
I was in a head on collision in my 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee and another driver crossed the center line. I braked at approximately 40 mph the other car was driving the same speed downhill and made impact with the front drivers side bumper. Busting the headlight, washer fluid reservoir, threw my front grille at least 5 feet in front of the truck… their car’s front end was demolished. My airbags ... Read more
Crash
1 injured
MERCEDES-BENZ
SPRINTER 2500
(2021) - AIR BAGS
Dec 16, 2023
Incident date: Sep 8, 2023
The driver passenger restraint system light comes on which is a manufacturer defect that should be covered for the life of the vehicle (this is not a wear-and-tear) component. I called BMW and was told that the part is out of warranty. I would like an investigation of this part for all BMW X3 as the defect can result in fatalities.
ALFA ROMEO
GIULIA
(2020) - AIR BAGS
Dec 16, 2023
Incident date: Aug 8, 2022
I've witnessed on multiple occasions where the 'Passenger Air Bag Off' warning comes on while my 120-125lb husband is sitting in the seat. If he shifts his seating position it comes back on, but it doesn't seem appropriate that the air bag would disable mid-drive while his seat belt had been buckled and door closed the entire time. If it detected him at the start of the drive, it should remain on ... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2021) - AIR BAGS
Dec 16, 2023
Incident date: Dec 11, 2023
Front passenger airbag sometimes fails to activate when my friend, weighing 120 pounds, is sitting in the front passenger seat.
Incident date: Dec 9, 2023
Passenger seat does not detect light to normal weight/BMI adult buckled in and disables the front passenger airbag. Vehicle service state it is working as intended. Therefore, for all intent and purposes the vehicle does not have passenger airbag.
Incident date: Dec 8, 2023
Airbag failure to deploy. Vehicle didn't deploy airbags at a head on side collision, metal bumper got pushed in and front tow hook got bent, Impact was detected by iPhone crash detection.
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Dec 6, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V33400 (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: Nov 1, 2023
I got into a car accident someone pulled in front of me and I hit them and my air bags didn’t go off
Crash
Incident date: Dec 14, 2023
SRS Airbag light went off and ODB-II reader indicated passenger side supplemental restraint module error. We called Mazda October 20,2023 as the vehicle was nearing end of warranty period for the airbags system (warranty ended October 30, 2023). Mazda stated they could get the vehicle in on November 12, 2023, which is after warranty period and we would be required to pay to fix the car. An onli... Read more
Incident date: Dec 8, 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 made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 13, 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 contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable 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 availa... Read more
Incident date: Dec 4, 2023
My car was t-boned and pushed into oncoming traffic. I was knocked unconscious by air bag deployment and it caused brain injury, damage to my breast.
Crash
Incident date: Nov 15, 2023
I believe it is a clock spring failure. The airbag light is on & the buttons on the steering wheel do not work. I searched it & have seen several posts of others having same issue. I really feel this should be looked into, cause this is highly unsafe to be driving around with what very well could be an airbag that doesn't deploy & could seriously hurt drivers. Also, the contact stated the vehicle... Read more
Incident date: Mar 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 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 made... Read more
Incident date: Dec 8, 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 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 wa... Read more
Incident date: Dec 13, 2023
The contact's daughter owns a 2018 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, her daughter closed the driver's door and the passenger's side frontal air bag deployed inadvertently. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the air bag needed to be replaced due to the rollover sensor being alerted. The contact stated that the vehicle was not in an accid... Read more
Incident date: Nov 30, 2023
So essentially I stopped for a charge about 30 minutes before, I charged it, then hopped back on the turnpike as I was heading to Outer Banks NC, while I was on the turn pike where I believe at the time I started to go around a curve not a sharp one but a curve right after coming off this bridge. Every 1 minute and 30 seconds you have to put your hands on the wheel and give it a jerk to keep it en... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Dec 14, 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: Jun 1, 2022
I received notice of the recall on the airbag of my vehicle. I contacted the dealership and was informed I should contact GMC if I was concerned for my safety. I contacted GMC, explained my case and now several months down the road and I am still driving a vehicle that could explode in my face, quite literally, if anything happens. Although I can control my driving actions, I cannot control others... Read more
Incident date: Nov 27, 2023
The contact owned a 2023 Honda HR-V. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, a deer abruptly attempted to cross the roadway, causing the contact to veer off the roadway in an attempt to avoid a collision. As a result, the contact collided head-on with a tree. The air bags did deploy but were only partially inflated. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard a... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Dec 13, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V33400 (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... Read more
Incident date: Dec 13, 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 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
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2017) - AIR BAGS
Dec 14, 2023
Incident date: Sep 12, 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 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: Aug 1, 2023
Air bags failed to deploy in a high speed collision. Vehicle involved was totaled- police report received by driver. 3 people injured in crash no warning lights or messages appeared
Crash
3 injured
Incident date: Dec 14, 2020
The contact owns a 2016 Cadillac XTS. The contact stated that the ABS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who stated that the seat belt was the cause of the air bag warning light being illuminated. The vehicle was taken to another independent mechanic, who stated that the system needed to be reset. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not... Read more
Incident date: Dec 13, 2023
Airbag light keeps appearing and the airbag is slowing coming out from under dashboard.
Incident date: Aug 30, 2023
Light always appears on dashboard
Incident date: Dec 13, 2023
On July 12, 2023 Safety recall 23TA08 was issued and it stated that dealer cannot sell, offer for sale, or introduce or deliver for introduction in interstate commerce a new motor vehicle under Title 49, Section 30112 of the United States Code. But the next day on July 13, 2023 Larry H. Miller American Toyota in Albuquerque, NM sold the new car to me (agreement is attached) but didn't deliver it (... Read more
Incident date: Nov 2, 2022
In Summer 2023 driving on uneven country road in Upstate New York hit a pothole and my airbag warning light came on. Then started to flash. Truck is still drivable BUT now The seatbelts no longer lock in place during a sudden stop Did research online Nissan has a Voluntary Service Campaign for this exact issue. Campaign ID P7318 I made appointment with Koeppel Nissan. Had to wait weeks then ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 15, 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 manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 13, 2023
The contact owned a 2020 Chrysler 300 AWD. The contact stated while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed on the highway and attempting to merge onto the right lane, another vehicle suddenly drove in front of his vehicle. The contact stated that her husband attempted to readjust the vehicle onto the left lane; however, the front driver's side of the vehicle hit the guard rail. The vehicl... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Dec 6, 2023
My Vehicle stalls for no reason. The engine power is redused, stabilitrack, and traction control lights come on. The vehicle stalls in the middle of traffic. The brake and steertng wheel don't work when the engine stalls. The seatbelt and airbag light comes on. I went to get that repaired and the dealer told me that the repair time period had expired.
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2017) - AIR BAGS
Dec 13, 2023
Incident date: Oct 5, 2010
Front driver airbag inflator may rupture causing metal fragments that may result in injury or death. Safety Recall N232404980 received June 21, 2023. NO corrective action taken by GM to remove or mitigate this possible deadly situation.
Incident date: Dec 13, 2019
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 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 4, 2023
When the passenger side radiant heat is on, it makes a toxic smell that smells like plastic or glue melting. It has happened in our RZ and also in a loaner RZ (VIN [XXX] ). Lexus has done nothing that we are aware of to ensure that this smell is not affecting passenger side airbags or the integrity of the cars. They’re also hiding in their notes that they have experienced the smell. I took the S... Read more
Incident date: Jun 13, 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 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 manufac... Read more