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 8, 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 unavailable. 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 not av... Read more
Incident date: Nov 19, 2023
Once my 2015 Hyundai Accent reached 80K the airbag light came on. I took into the dealership for them to look into and found that the passenger side air bag sensor failed and needed replaced. Cost of new sensor was $1000.00. Did some research on the issue and found that air bag sensors are failing on the passenger side for many Hyundai Accent owners. I believe some reported to this very agency... Read more
Incident date: Oct 2, 2023
The passenger air bag system is failing, the suggested fix is to not have a passenger ride in that seat. But since we have 4 kids in car seats in the back and only have one car we have no choice but for one of us to Always ride in that seat and risk injury.
FORD
F-150 HYBRID
(2022) - AIR BAGS
Nov 21, 2023
Incident date: Nov 6, 2023
Air bag recall has not been remedied for 6 months. This problem causes serious harm or even death if air bag is deployed. We have not been able to drive our car for 6 months.
Incident date: Nov 27, 2020
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 made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 8, 2023
Passenger presence module malfunction is intermittent. When the malfunction occurs there is a warning light plus "Service Airbag" on the instrument panel. Sometimes the light and warning go off after several minutes, sometimes stays on for days. In Virginia presence of this warning during an annual safety inspection is considered a failure. The vehicle in question is a 2010 Cadillac CTS-V with hea... Read more
TOYOTA
SIENNA HYBRID
(2021) - AIR BAGS
Nov 20, 2023
Incident date: Nov 12, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-350. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, he became aware that the horn was not functioning properly. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the clockspring. The vehicle was repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V337000 ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 5, 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 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: Nov 1, 2022
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 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
HYUNDAI
SANTA CRUZ
(2023) - AIR BAGS
Nov 20, 2023
Incident date: Nov 12, 2023
Car keeps malfunctioning the airbag light won’t cut off it keeps picking up speed after i use cruise control it’s jerking .
NISSAN
VERSA NOTE
(2016) - AIR BAGS
Nov 19, 2023
Incident date: Sep 19, 2023
Headset active air bags deployed when just sitting in driveway. I had no knowledge of the “warranty period “ to get it replaced otherwise i would’ve and my car has never been in an accident
Incident date: Nov 5, 2023
The car was involved in an accident. It was going 5-10 mph and hit a light post. There was minor body damage and about 10-15 seconds after initial impact the airbags deployed and cracked my windshield. The car was considered a total loss.
Crash
Incident date: Sep 1, 2022
Was involved in a front end collision, and the airbags did not deploy
Crash
Incident date: Nov 18, 2023
1. Passenger presence module internally faulted and passenger presence sensor shorted. They are still in vehicle. 2. Safety at risk because of questionable air bag. 3. Problem confirmed by dealership. Dealership is Bob Moore Buick GMC (405) 721-6000. Invoice #[XXX] 15NOV23. 4. Vehicle has not been inspected by police, manufacturer, or insurance representative. 5. The " Service Airbag" light co... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2022
Could feel and hear the front passenger seat (including the supplemental restraint system airbag) and seat belt move side to side and making a noise. I took the vehicle to Toyota of Denton, in Denton Texas for evaluation. Here is what they found from the service manager's email "Yours will need the seat frame replaced. The seat was removed, we found the seat track has play in it and is non servic... Read more
Incident date: Nov 17, 2023
Airbag light stays on after dealer has fixed it three times. First time was a recall came back on. Fixed second and third. CAME BACK ON....
Incident date: Nov 18, 2023
Brakes failed, air bags didn't deploy, seat belt failed, collision mitigation system failed
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Nov 13, 2023
The front Passenger seat intermittently disables the Passenger Air Bag System, depending on the movement of the passenger. For example, my girlfriend was sitting in the seat, with her legs crossed. When she is in this position, the system disables. If she shifts her weight around, the system reenables. This is repeatable, with numerous members of my family. I had the vehicle in service, a... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2012) - AIR BAGS
Nov 17, 2023
Incident date: Apr 15, 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 unavailable. 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 part... Read more
Incident date: Sep 21, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V945000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and determined that the contact had to pay for an additional repair that was preventing the dealer from completing the recall repair. The contact stated that the manufacturer had e... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
JETTA
(2019) - AIR BAGS
Nov 17, 2023
Incident date: Nov 17, 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: Nov 17, 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 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 ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 17, 2023
Manufacturer Recall NumberN232404980 NHTSA Recall Number23V334 Recall StatusRecall Incomplete, remedy not yet available Summary General Motors has decided that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists in certain 2014-2017 model year Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse, and GMC Acadia vehicles. In these vehicles, the front-driver airbag inflator may contain a supplier manufacturing defec... Read more
Incident date: May 31, 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 unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms pa... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2015) - AIR BAGS
Nov 17, 2023
Incident date: Jun 9, 2022
I got into a frontal car accident the other car hit the front of my vehicle and no airbags deployed. I’ve researched today and seen people are having many issues with airbags on this vehicle and that there were many recalls regarding airbags from years ago. I was never informed of any issues with any of that when I got this vehicle.
Crash
DODGE
CHALLENGER
(2020) - AIR BAGS
Nov 17, 2023
Incident date: Nov 17, 2023
In June 2023, I was notified of recall N232404980. The reason for recall is, a driver’s-side front airbag inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death. It has been 5 months and the manufacturer has no current plan in place to replace the driver’s airbag module. After speaking with a GMC Customer Assistance ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 20, 2023
2014 GMC Sierra 2500HD. My dash has started to crack around the passenger airbag and driverside gauge cluster. Dash material is brittle and serves as a hazard should the airbags deploy during an accident.
VOLKSWAGEN
ATLAS
(2018) - AIR BAGS
Nov 17, 2023
Incident date: Nov 17, 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 local dealer and a secondary dealer, Pohanka Chevrolet (13915 US-50, Chantilly, VA 20151) were contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall rep... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 2500
(2015) - AIR BAGS
Nov 17, 2023
Incident date: Aug 19, 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 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 not made aware of the issue. The contact had not e... Read more
THOR MOTOR COACH
FREEDOM ELITE
(2024) - AIR BAGS
Nov 17, 2023
Incident date: Sep 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 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 and determined 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 awa... Read more
Incident date: Sep 15, 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 message "Service Air Bag" was displayed. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 17, 2023
Recall still in not fixed and no update my airbag light is on and i got it checked out it's for the recall. This recall is from May 10th something needs to be done!! Please take action make GMC give out loaner cars until it is fixed at the least.
Incident date: Oct 6, 2023
Was in a head on vehicle collision with another vehicle and none of my airbags deployed
Crash
2 injured
HYUNDAI
TUCSON HYBRID
(2022) - AIR BAGS
Nov 16, 2023
Incident date: Nov 4, 2023
The vehicle components started failing first with lighting and electrical malfunctions. Due to the concerns I was on the way to the mechanic on 9/16/23 when the air bags deployed on the passengers side without any impact. The Vehicle is at Chrysler dealer on central avenue Albany, NY and available for inspection. I had just dropped off my grandchildren this could have severely had a horrible impa... Read more
Incident date: Nov 15, 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 unavailable. 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 part... Read more
Incident date: Oct 11, 2023
Car is always needing a seatbelt change battery is not good visor is always getting replace all this caused by manufacture
Incident date: Dec 15, 2019
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: Dec 15, 2019
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: Oct 2, 2023
The contact owns a 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V567000 (Air Bags, Electrical System) 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... Read more
Incident date: Nov 8, 2023
I rolled the car three times and almost died on [XXX]. The airbags did not deploy. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Oct 30, 2023
Last December my airbag light came on. I took it to Minot Chrysler Center and Toyota Center and they told me the wires for the airbag under the drivers seat were frayed and needed to be replaced. They also had to replace the harness because they said that too was not working. I had it fixed. Three weeks ago the light went off I made an appointment right away and today they told me it was the same ... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2013) - AIR BAGS
Nov 15, 2023
Incident date: Nov 15, 2023
I was driving to home, Nobody is traveling with me. Suddenly SRS System gave me a warning that "Restraint System Malfunction" .I went to the dealer he diagnosed and told that. Passenger Seat Occupancy sensor failure, that will prevent the deployment of Airbags. The vehicle mileage is less than 34k. They fixed and charged me for $1958.71.
Incident date: Nov 15, 2023
Within 1 month of buying a 2012 and 2013 tacoma the clockspring goes out. This repair is incredibly expensive and has happened with every single Tacoma I have ever bought. Toyota needs to do something about this, this is unnaceptable that my horn/clockspring goes out almost immidiately.
Incident date: Nov 11, 2023
GM has a recall on my vehicle since May. The recall states possible death to vehicle occupants. I have called weekly and they continue to tell me a remedy will be available soon, last week they even told me one was available which turned out to be false. The fact that GM has yet to handle this recall, and continue to force myself and my family to drive a dangerous vehicle around, is absolutely rid... Read more
Incident date: Aug 18, 2023
Water intrusion via a faulty sunroof seal and drain system. Water drains into the vehicle and collects under the flooring carpets and is not detectable. Water then disables and shorts out electrical components and computer modules eventually rendering the vehicle completely inoperable … including airbags, suspension system and electronic engine components. All control is lost. System also displa... Read more
Incident date: Nov 13, 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 unavailable. 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: Sep 29, 2023
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? THE AIRBAG LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON AND OFF, AS WELL AS THE SEATBELT LIGHTS. IT CAN BE INSPECTED IF REQUESTED. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? IF THE AIRBAGS OR SEAT BELTS ARE NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY THIS COULD RESULT IN INJURY UP TO AND INCLUDING DEATH. Has the problem been ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 15, 2023
The issue is that we have to sign off on liability for the dealer to install the new safety airbag to state that we are accepting a cracked dashboard. This is ridiculous and the manufacturer (GMC) should have to replace the dashbboard along with the air bag.
Incident date: Nov 14, 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: Oct 20, 2023
Fortunately, an incident has yet to occur, but the Front Passenger Air Bag Occupancy Sensor is faulty causing the deactivation of the air bag rendering any passenger at risk. BMW of North America has been contacted about this faulty sensor. Recall B651017 & 17V-428 have addressed this faulty sensor on many BMW models with replacement as the remedy…a stated (3) hour repair. My BMW model (328i - ... Read more