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: Nov 16, 2023
The front airbags malfunctioned and deployed while parking the vehicle. The driver was injured with burn marks and bruised on legs due to the lower area airbag deploying rapidly. The van was towed to the nearest Dodge dealership for further inspection. The incident was documented with police and a case number was provided. The incident was also documented with manufacturer(Dodge) and have a pe... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Dec 4, 2023
Existing recall on airbags has been issued for over 6 months with no solution. This is a potentially dangerous condition that these airbags that can cause metal fragments to pass thorough the vehicle. GM has neglected to adequately address the issue and does not provide any time frame they expect to have a solution, all while millions of families are put in danger each day by the very thing inte... Read more
Incident date: Jun 23, 2023
When I was in a car accident, the airbag exploded. However, the airbag's balloon-like fabric material did not deploy, and a metal part even flew off the steering wheel and exploded, hitting me in the chin. So I lost about half of my lower jaw, most of my lower teeth, and some of my upper teeth. In the process, I underwent a total of three surgeries: emergency, infection, and reconstruction surg... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jun 23, 2023
The contact's mother owns a 2015 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing an abnormal oil consumption. The contact stated that the vehicle consumed three quarts of oil after driving 367 miles. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the vehicle could be experiencing an internal oil leak. The ve... Read more
Incident date: Nov 22, 2023
Warning message regarding passenger safety restraint system. Code RCM_056
Incident date: Dec 6, 2023
My car has a Recall for the AIRBAGS . The car started life in south Texas where it is hot and humid which makes the problem worse. My dealer hasn't complied with the RECALL, [XXX] , Stone Lake, WI [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2014) - AIR BAGS
Dec 6, 2023
Incident date: Dec 6, 2023
The contact owned a 2023 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that while stopped at the red traffic light with her disabled daughter sitting in the rear driver's side seat, the vehicle lurched forward abruptly and hit the rear of another occupied vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the front end of the vehicle was damaged. The front driver's side and front passenge... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Dec 6, 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: Oct 29, 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 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: Dec 5, 2023
The contact owned a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 55 MPH, the front of the vehicle collided with two trees. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was filed. The contact sustained back, chest, and abdomen injuries and received medical attention. The vehcile was towed to a lot where it was deemed a total loss. The manufacturer was notified of the fa... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Nov 6, 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 unavailable. 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 ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 2, 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 made aware of the issue. The contact had not experie... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
PASSAT
(2015) - AIR BAGS
Dec 5, 2023
Incident date: Sep 2, 2023
UNKNOWN airbag light is on and never goes off. This worries me because it could affect my safety.
Incident date: Nov 22, 2023
The three issues above seems to be related or affect the other and does not allow cruise control to operate. The air bag light remains on and associated component light up the dash. Surprisingly, my VIN does not show up for air bag repair. I wish I did not have to wait for possible recall announcement for my vehicle before I can get it repaired and instead to fix it now. Frustrating.
Incident date: Dec 1, 2021
I was turning into my driveway when I heard a strange clicking noise coming form the steering wheel column. As soon as I heard the clicking sound the airbag indicator light started flashing on my dashboard and the buttons on my steering wheel stopped working. Did some research on the airbag sensor which lead to learning about the clockspring malfunction. Not only I’m I at risk of my airbag not d... Read more
Incident date: Dec 4, 2023
With no clear reason the passenger seat airbag system became defective. It did not detect passenger and always stays off. Took it to a certified Nissan dealer and they said it is a common issue, and the only fix is to reset it electrically or pay 2,500 for a new passenger seat. I opted to reset it electrically which cost $150 and was a temporary fix as the system resumed being defective after a fe... Read more
Incident date: Jul 20, 2023
When driving car, the car would reduce speed on curves, sensing cars o objets on the side as obstacles. November 2023 I rear ended a car, and the air bags fail to deploy, automatic emergency braking fail to engaged. No warning .
Crash
Incident date: Dec 5, 2023
I own a 2018 Macan GTS and the passenger airbag sensor was defective. My VIN was not covered by the NHTSA’s recall (21V131000) thought it is the same part that was defective and is the same make/model/year. I have submitted a request to Porsche for reimbursement for the repair, but they have denied my request without explanation.
Incident date: Dec 5, 2023
This vehicle has only 36,000 miles, and there is a known issue with the knee airbags. See attached notice. My driver's side knee airbag warning light recently went on, but BMW refuses to remedy the problem. They should be required to recall and cover the cost of the repair.
Incident date: Oct 25, 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 amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer... Read more
Incident date: Nov 19, 2023
The airbags did not deploy during a side impact accident. A state state trooper investigated the accident.
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Sep 22, 2023
Driver search airbag warning light illuminated Took vehicle to authorized Central Houston Nissan whi SCANNED VEHICLE AND FOUND DTC B0020-13 STORED IN AIRBAG SYSTEM. PRINTED AND FOLLOWED THE ESM DIAGNOSIS PROCEDURE AND PER ESM WILL NEED TO START REPLACING THE DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG MODULE WICH IS PART OF THE SEAT ASSY This is of no fault of my own and not the result of normal wear and tear. My car is... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 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 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: Dec 5, 2023
It is nearly 2 years since the "clock spring wire" in the steering wheel failed. While this results in the buttons on the steering wheel not working, that is a minor inconvenience (such as not being able to reset the tire pressure warning light). The major problem is that the steering wheel air bag is not functional. Local VW dealers and VW of American customer support have been unable to obtain t... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 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 dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 19, 2023
I started to get an "airbag error" message on the dash and then noticed that my horn no longer works, and neither do any of the buttons on either side of the wheel that control the dash menus and sound/phone system. I was able to determine this is a clock spring failure. From what I read, this is not a part that is supposed to wear out or fail from the age of the car and is expected to last the li... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 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
HONDA
CIVIC TYPE R
(2023) - AIR BAGS
Dec 5, 2023
Incident date: Oct 5, 2023
Around 83,000 miles my passenger safety air bag warning sensor started coming on and off intermittently. It would happen both when a passenger was in the seat and when no one was in the seat. There have been no previous issues. I immediately scheduled my car to be diagnosed at the Subaru dealership and they notified me the passenger occupancy sensor pad is faulty and that it would cost $1,483.47 t... Read more
POLESTAR
POLESTAR 2
(2024) - AIR BAGS
Dec 5, 2023
Incident date: Nov 21, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Armada. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the air bag warning light continually blinked off and on. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously service for the same failure. The failure mileage was 80,000.
Incident date: Nov 29, 2023
Air bags did not deploy in a front/side impact crash. Driver slid on ice and slush, went off the road and hit a tree. The car is currently being evaluated by the service center and insurance company. No sensors or warnings went off.
Crash
Incident date: Dec 5, 2023
The air bags safety recall has been out since May and not even an ounce of new information has come out with any updates on when we will be seeing new airbags, it’s very unsafe for drivers to be driving these vehicles and possibly have a fender bender and die because the airbag was faulty. We want an update it should be illegal for any of us to have to wait this long without even an update on a ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 9, 2023
Driver's airbag deployed prematurely. What should I do?
HYUNDAI
SONATA HYBRID
(2021) - AIR BAGS
Dec 4, 2023
Incident date: Nov 25, 2023
The contact owned a 2006 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while the husband was idling behind a bus, a second vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed crashed into the rear end of the vehicle. The impact of the rear-end crash pushed the vehicle into the rear of the bus causing severe damage to the vehicle's front end. During the crash, the air bags did not deploy and the seatbelts on both the... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Dec 4, 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 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
FORD
ESCAPE HYBRID
(2021) - AIR BAGS
Dec 4, 2023
Incident date: Nov 20, 2023
Safety recalled the airbag on my vehichle and dealers dont have the ability to order the airbag needed to replace per GMC Auto shops.
LINCOLN
CORSAIR PHEV
(2022) - AIR BAGS
Dec 4, 2023
Incident date: Dec 4, 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: Oct 18, 2023
Water possibly from moonroof getting into the car and warning messages about passenger airbags. I discussed matter with dealer and they want me to pay for diagnostic. I think they reset computer after service.
Incident date: Dec 1, 2023
Vehicle was involved in a accident and it was a total loss and no airbags deployed There wasBodily injury due to this accident
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Oct 1, 2023
The indicator light 'Service Safety Restraint System' beeps and comes on about every 5 minutes when driving. Sometimes it doesn't come on at all. There is no rhyme or reason for why it happens.
HONDA
ACCORD HYBRID
(2022) - AIR BAGS
Dec 4, 2023
Incident date: Dec 3, 2023
I have a recall on my car that has no fix and they ask us to not let anyone sit in the passenger seat. I don't see how this is a very safe approach to the fix. If this is the case I think all these cars should be taken off the road and not driven. I have a husband that has been in an accident on the passenger side and almost passed away. I refuse to put him in a car that is not to par with air bag... Read more
Incident date: Nov 27, 2023
I got in an accident with a car who ran a stop sign when I didn't have one. I was going approximately 15-20mph and my entire front end collided with their passenger side. My air bags did not go off at all.
Crash
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2023) - AIR BAGS
Dec 3, 2023
Incident date: Dec 3, 2023
Passenger airbag will not come on when you sit in seat
Incident date: Aug 29, 2023
My vehicle has fuel injector issues and Honda refuses to repair under manufacturers warranty although it's a safety issue and defects in their products . When my vehicle starts it misfires and causes the vehicle to go in limp mode disabling all safety features. No airbags or brakes etc . If these thousands of vehicles remain on the road it's not safe to drive. The vehicle stalls in the middle of... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2023
On 11-17-23 someone rear ended me making me lose control of the vehicle and getting off the road into the woods and eventually hitting a tree, the airbags did not deploy, the car is equipped with OnStar system from Chevrolet as a safety feature in which as soon as there is a collision I supposed to get a call from an advisor so they could call an ambulance and a towing service, it's included in m... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Dec 2, 2023
Airbag warning light came on. Took the car to the dealer and they gave me an estimate of $10,858.62 to repair the airbag! I feel that this is a defect and should be a recall item as I have since read several complaints of the same exact problem! This car has been kept in the garage and only driven when the weather is beautiful! it only has 29,100 miles on it. We bought it from the Infinity dealer... Read more
Incident date: Nov 20, 2023
UNKNOWN; Someone rear-ended me Monday, Nov. 27, 2023 and damaged my driver side taillight/corner of bumper. It was an impact of about 20mph, and believed to be a result of black ice/the other driver following too closely. Today, Saturday, December 2, 2023 the airbag warning light appeared. It didn't come on with Monday's impact, so I am concerned that it could suddenly deploy while I am driving.
Incident date: Sep 21, 2023
The glue that suppose to make sure my windshield is secure is no longer secure. The windshield moves as I am driving. It’s only on the corner of the driver side. Everything else is secured. Also my airbags (passenger and driver). There is a recall but its not showing when I run the Vin # .
Incident date: Jun 16, 2023
Had a front end collision going 65 miles per hour. Air bag never deployed
Crash
1 injured
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2011) - AIR BAGS
Dec 1, 2023
Incident date: Nov 20, 2023
Start driving the vehicle multiple times during the operation you get a service airbag message with a code / dtc of b0020-13 which FCA put out a TSB for but when you do take the car in the code is not stored in memory, so they refused to repair it
Incident date: Oct 1, 2020
The passenger presence module does not work. The deal said if it was involved in a crash there would be a possibility the airbag on the passenger side would not go off because it can't register if someone is sitting in the seat or not.