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: May 4, 2026
My 12 Volt plug does not work. My infatainment system stopped workin
Incident date: May 1, 2025
Purchased a 2020 Cadillac Escalade Suburban about three months ago from GMC dealership at 8155 Interstate 35, San Antonio, Texas 78224. This vehicle had about 50,000 miles when we bought it. We were not driving the Escalade everyday, we use it occasionally and about a month after we purchased it the battery went dead. Before the battery went completely dead we were on the road one day and we rol... Read more
Incident date: Apr 3, 2026
Heated seats get extremely hot. Smell of burning. Possible to catch fire or burn people Vw patrick volkswagen auburn ma confirmed that electrical inspection to rule out seat recall No. No recall has been submitted yet When i first bought the car in 2025
Incident date: May 8, 2026
I went shopping notice needed gasoline filled the tank 3/4 the next day I smell gasoline on My2013 Sonata Hybrid VIN [XXX] inside the car and I did not notice any light alerts etc., just the smell of gasoline inside the car. I ask for a ride I was scare to drive to the dealer on Monday 5/6/26 around 12:30 pm I called the dealer I was gonna dropped the car they told me diagnostic would take 3 day... Read more
Incident date: Jul 28, 2025
Crashed truck and all airbags deployed besides passenger (I was only person in the car). The drivers airbag partially deployed and I smashed my face on steering wheel. It was defective or malfunctioned.
Crash
1 injured
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2022) - AIR BAGS
May 8, 2026
Incident date: May 1, 2026
The accident occurred while I was driving south on Highway 38 at approximately 45 mph. Another driver pulled forward into my path and did not appear to see my vehicle. I attempted to swerve to avoid a more serious collision and protect both drivers, but the front driver-side area of my vehicle struck the rear driver-side area of the other vehicle. The impact caused significant front-end damage to... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Dec 7, 2019
Component/system failed: Passenger seat occupant classification/seat weight sensor associated with the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS). Repair facility stated moisture or prior moisture intrusion likely affected the sensor. The failed component should be available for inspection upon request. Safety risk: The airbag/SRS system may not properly detect or classify a passenger, which could affect... Read more
Incident date: Feb 14, 2026
My airbag light came on. My vehicle has less than 100K miles on it. I took it to the Chevy Dealership that I purchased it from. The dealership indicated that the passenger side rail air bag is the issue. Apparently, that airbag is no longer available. If I wanted to repair it, they can't, because there is no airbag. As long as the airbag light remains on, NONE of my airbags will deploy. My car is ... Read more
Incident date: May 7, 2026
The contact owns a 2025 Hyundai Palisade. The contact received the recall notification letter for NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V034000 (Air Bags) and NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V607000 (Seat Belts). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, who opened a case and confirmed the remedy was not available. The contact had not exp... Read more
Incident date: May 5, 2026
Within the last 7 days, my 2018 Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD began displaying active alerts for two separate safety system failures: (1) alert code UI_a020 / GTW_w075 — Steering Assist Reduced, stating steering may require increased effort, and (2) alert code RCM_a056 — Front Passenger Safety Restraint System Issue, requiring service. The steering alert appeared intermittently, firing at consi... Read more
Incident date: Feb 6, 2026
Airbag light staying on dash and the passenger seat does not register a person sitting in it. The passage seat bag alert does not making a sound
MERCEDES-BENZ
GLC 300
(2019) - AIR BAGS
May 7, 2026
Incident date: Apr 16, 2026
air bags, warning lamps on, it could be dangerous. don't know if it's been checked no accidents yet.
Incident date: Jul 3, 2025
Passenger seatbelt sensor stopped working then while later the cover broke off of the frame with no cause. Not allowing the seatbelt or airbags to work properly. According to Mopar it was not covered under warranty. I have seen multiple Dodge Journeys with this same issue. It’s obviously a safety defect that needs addressed. They won’t address it until someone is seriously hurt or killed becau... Read more
Incident date: May 7, 2026
I purchased a 2013 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sahara (VIN [XXX] ) from Soliman Motors Inc., [XXX] (phone [XXX] ) on April 11, 2026. The vehicle is subject to active NHTSA stop-drive recall #19V-018 for the Takata passenger airbag inflator, issued January 15, 2019. This recall was not disclosed to me at any point before, during, or after the purchase. I was never informed of this active federal stop-... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2019) - AIR BAGS
May 7, 2026
Incident date: Apr 26, 2026
i rearended someone around 30 miles an hour going around a turn and my airbags did not deploy and my seat was so uncomfortable my hips are a little fucked up
Crash
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2022) - AIR BAGS
May 7, 2026
Incident date: Apr 13, 2026
The horn stops working, steering heat stop working, control functions and air bag warning. I changed the clock spring and it fixed all those issues the first time but within 6 months all those issues happened again. Is there something more wrong?
Incident date: May 6, 2026
2025 Jeep Gladiator was struck on the rear drivers side by and on the rear tire by a Nissan Rogue. The Jeep was spun 180 degrees and flipped on the passenger side. None of the airbags deployed at any time during the accident.
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Apr 28, 2026
Within months of purchasing this car new in 2017, the passenger airbag warning light came on indicating there was something wrong with the airbag (and presumably that it would not work in the event of an accident). The issue was assessed at multiple Subaru dealerships over a few years and no one could figure out what the problem was. They tried many superficial solutions but the light remains on... Read more
Incident date: Apr 8, 2026
My husband was notified via the Ford app that there was an issue with his airbag system. He called the dealership and set up an appointment. We brought in the car to German Ford dealership in Beavercreek on 4 May, where they confirmed that the airbag was bad and needed to be replaced. They confirmed it was the airbag on the drivers side knee. The airbag light did come on, but we were under the imp... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2024 Hyundai Palisade. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 26V034000 (Air Bags) and 25V607000 (Seat Belts); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were 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 y... Read more
Incident date: May 6, 2026
The Infiniti dealer (BERGLAND Infiniti Roanoke, VA recently inspected the car, 68000m flashing airbag light caused by passenger seat electronics. The part to repair is 12400$
Incident date: Apr 26, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 BMW X5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light unexpectedly illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the air bag had failed and that the air bag and/or the sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to... Read more
Incident date: May 5, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated and remained on, despite no accident occurring. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who could not determine the failure and advised the contact to visit the dealer. At the dealer, the vehicle was diagnosed with a failed passenger air bag inflat... Read more
Incident date: Apr 15, 2026
Had a bumper to bumper collision that was caused by me, the cars computer sent a report to OnStar and OnStar said that they had airbag deployment alert going off in the car. However, the airbags never deployed.
Crash
Incident date: May 6, 2026
The contact’s son owned a 2002 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that the contact was unaware of how the failure occurred; however, the contact’s son was involved in a crash in which the vehicle collided with a wall. The contact stated that none of the air bags deployed during the crash. The contact stated that the contact’s son sustained multiple injuries, and medical attention was provi... Read more
Crash
1 injured
JAYCO TRAVEL TRAILER
JAY FEATHER
(2017) - AIR BAGS
May 6, 2026
Incident date: Apr 22, 2026
Vehicle Info: 2021 Polestar 2 74,765 mi Software version 5.0.10 About 2 weeks ago, I updated to the newest OTA update 5.0.10, which may be unrelated. 1 week ago, the normal start-up safety procedure flagged the airbag and instructed me to find a service station immediately. I scheduled an appt and I was charged $300 diagnostic fee. It's unclear if the airbags would deploy in a collision based o... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2025
Was in a serious accident while driving and rear ended another vehicle and my airbags did not deploy. Serious front end damage resulting in a total loss of my Tacoma. Shocked airbags did not deploy. Definitely should have.
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: May 5, 2026
My car was recently in a high speed crash with a curb. The axle broke immediately and no airbags deployed followed my the entire engine compartment catching fire.
Crash
Fire
Incident date: Apr 19, 2026
My 6 year old son and I were coming down the road and came up on 2 deer and I was coming up on a sharp curve and when I hit my brakes my steering wheel LOCKED up completely and the steering wheel is so bent where I tried my best to control it but I failed and we hit a tree head on. Broke my nose and my sons leg broke in between the back seat air bag and door air bag
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Apr 15, 2026
My dealer won’t make the recall repair with the excuse the factory isn’t sending him the parts. That’s been his excuse for 2 years.
Incident date: Apr 8, 2026
2025 Dodge Charger EV | VIN: [XXX] | Purchased: April 11, 2026 | Dealer: Thunder Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, Bartow, FL I am reporting multiple active, unresolved safety system failures that began within 24 hours of purchase and remain unrepaired after two dealer visits. On April 15–16, 2026, the dealer documented NINE fault codes across FIVE modules, including an active Electronic Throttle Modu... Read more
Incident date: Apr 27, 2026
I have a code on my Acura regarding the driver side airbag. The code is 11-10, covered under service bulletin: 18-020, noting defects in the driver side air bag module. I brought my vehicle in to Hall Acura in November 2025 where this was officially diagnosed and a order was placed for a part on back order (Part Number: 77810-tx4-a40za). To this date, the part continues to be on "critical back ord... Read more
Incident date: Jul 14, 2025
The contact owns a 2010 Chrysler Town & Country. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle unexpectedly lost motive power. The failure caused a loss of power steering and power braking. The contact coasted the vehicle to the side of the road. The vehicle was turned off and restarted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. T... Read more
Incident date: Apr 30, 2026
The contact owns a . The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: ( ); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The con... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
GOLF
(2017) - AIR BAGS
May 5, 2026
Incident date: Apr 28, 2026
Unrepaired safety recalls with no parts an no remedies. Front seat belts may fail to restrain driver and passenger. Third row may not prevent ejection from vehicle. Was told vehicle is safe unless you have a problem, if you have a problem you or your grandchildren might e dead. Hyundai Case # XXX, have been told they would call about loaner or rental to insure our safety. They have never called b... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2026
The vehicle was hit in the front end while my girlfriend was driving it. Someone ran a red light and smacked into the front end of the van at approximately 50 miles per hour. The airbags did not deploy despite significant force. The car that ran the red light was small but the force was significant enough that she hit her head and sustained medically verified extreme whiplash.
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: May 5, 2026
The airbags failed to deploy when I was in a car accident on 03/31/26. I was rear ended while at an intersection. The car that rear ended me had airbags that deployed upon impact. My car was the only car in which the airbags did not deploy despite the high impact. Not only was I rear ended, but I was slammed into another vehicle in front of me and into a streetlight/streetpole. My car is now total... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Oct 26, 2025
I’m getting a message on my dashboard that SRS airbag system malfunction. Visit your dealer. I know there are recalls going on for this right now with American maid Toyotas, but I’m told mine isn’t because it was made in Japan. I do not have $1000 to go get this fixed. this is a safety issue because it says if in an accident, the passenger side airbag will not implode..
TOYOTA
RAV4 PRIME
(2021) - AIR BAGS
May 4, 2026
Incident date: May 2, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, the rear brakes became inoperable, causing the steering wheel to seize, with no warning lights illuminated. Due to the failure, the vehicle crashed into a tree. The contact and the contact’s child sustained injuries and were transported to a local emergency room for medical treatment. The contact suffered a brok... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: May 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2004 Dodge Ram. The contact was informed that the vehicle had four notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 13V528000 (STEERING), 16V352000 (AIR BAGS), 15V313000 (AIR BAGS) and 09E001000 (STEERING). However, the parts to do the recall repairs for both air bags are not available. Two local dealers were contacted and confirmed that the recall parts were on back order and it was un... Read more
Incident date: May 4, 2026
I was driving on a two lane state road. Two vehicles we traveling in front of me in the left lane. The further vehicle in left decide to make a sudden stop at a traffic light. The silver sedan behind that vehicle was traveling too close to react appropriately. The sedan avoid the vehicle in front of it and impeded into my lane and collide with my vehicle. My airbags in my 2019 Corolla failed to de... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Apr 29, 2026
The contact owns a 2025 LINCOLN Nautilus. The contact stated while operating the vehicle at an undisclosed speed she stated she was coming up to a red, the vehicle was suddenly t-boned by a separate vehicle right by the right front passenger side. The contact vehicle ended up by a median which led to the other vehicle hitting the contact by the rear a second time. The vehicle came to a final stop... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: May 4, 2026
I am submitting a complaint regarding a “Front Passenger Safety Restraint System Fault” warning that recently appeared on my Tesla vehicle. My vehicle currently has approximately 45,000 miles. This warning indicates a potential issue with the passenger airbag or related restraint system components, which is a critical safety feature. A malfunction in this system raises serious concerns about ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 24, 2026
The contact owns a 2007 Dodge Dakota. The contact stated that a dealer technician came to the contact’s residence and performed an air bag recall repair. Following the repair, the vehicle became inoperable. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start and that a burning odor was coming from the area near the air bag. The battery warning light was illuminated. The dealer was contacted. The... Read more
Incident date: May 4, 2026
I am filing this claim because a mandatory remote software update pushed by Volkswagen, combined with recent invasive repairs to the interconnected safety restraint network (PODS), caused a critical emergency safety feature (SOS) to fail, and the manufacturer is refusing to restore the vehicle to compliance. 04-01-2026: Received mandatory manufacturer software update v3.8.1. Updated failed and h... Read more
Incident date: May 3, 2026
When driving to work, two deer ran out infant of my car. I had seen the first one and missed it but by time I had seen the first one I already hit the second one. The impact occurred while driving 73 mph. The impact alone slowed my car down by approximately 20 mph. My whole front end was crushed in causing it to be a total loss according to the insurance assessor. the front emblem with a sensor be... Read more
Crash
TOYOTA
HIGHLANDER
(2018) - AIR BAGS
May 4, 2026
Incident date: May 1, 2026
The contact leased a 2025 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, another driver cut her off while in an intersection which activated the emergency brake system. As a result, the contact was hit from behind by another vehicle. The air bags did not deploy and the seat belt failed to secure the contact and thrusted her forward. The contact did not seek medical attention but ... Read more
Crash
1 injured
TOYOTA
HIGHLANDER
(2018) - AIR BAGS
May 4, 2026
Incident date: May 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2013 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that after pulling into the driveway, the passenger-side door was opened and the driver-side airbag deployed. The contact stated the airbag had exploded inadvertently. The contact informed their insurance and was waiting for further instructions. The dealer was not informed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was n... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2021) - AIR BAGS
May 4, 2026
Incident date: Apr 14, 2026
On April 20th while parking the vehicle suddenly had a power surge crossing over multiple curbs and across a parking lot and landscaped areas and hitting a tree. The vehicle refused to brake and the driver airbag never deployed.
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: May 3, 2026
FCM/ service required camera. Camera/braking assistance. Electric SRS /Airbag of