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.

2,245,377 Total Complaints

140,173 Reported Crashes

56,794 Reported Fires

8,580 Reported 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

How to Read NHTSA Consumer Complaints › How NHTSA Investigations Work › Used Car: 7 Recall Checks to Run First › The Takata Airbag Recall: Full Story › OBD-II Codes Explained › All Articles ›

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Showing 129,250 complaints - component: AIR BAGS

Incident date: Mar 4, 2026

Due to icy roads, the Genesis slid into a curb at a slow rate of speed. The vehicle did not go up on to the curb and the speed was very slow. There were scratches on the wheel, but no other body damage or contact. Four airbags violently deployed in a spectacular overreaction which could have caused injury. I am concerned for public safety. The auto manufacturer refuses to respond to me.

Crash

Incident date: Mar 6, 2024

1. The passenger seat air bag turn on mechanism malfunctions in a 2023 Subaru Forester Limited. The seat mechanism can be tested (and has been tested) upon request. 2. An adult that weighs 104lbs is not detected when in the seat, so the air bag is not turned on. 3. The problem has been reproduced by two dealers. 4. No other parties have inspected the car seats or the mechanism. 5. The problem indi... Read more

Incident date: Aug 22, 2025

3/4/2026 5:10 pm Vehicle (2018 RAV4) was sitting in backed up traffic waiting to exist highway and was hit from behind by a sedan travelling at 65+ mph, pushed into a pickup truck in front, then deflected left into a guardrail. SO, three separate impacts with extensive damage to the entire rear of the car, the front end, and right front quarter. Two occupants in the car, driver and front passenger... Read more

Crash 2 injured

Incident date: Jan 5, 2026

The contact owns a 2023 Hyundai Palisade. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The vehicle jerked with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the rear tires were bumping. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the road and turned off. The vehicle was started and towed to the dealer while the eng... Read more

Incident date: Mar 6, 2026

The contact owns a 2020 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that upon leaving a parking lot, the air bag warning light was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where an appointment was scheduled for a diagnostic test to determine the cause of the failure. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V280000 (Air Bags); however, the VIN was not ... Read more

Incident date: Feb 27, 2026

I have multiple malfunction codes on my car. without any incident in the car I have 4 separate codes of airbag ECU malfunction (3) and airbag ECU power supply voltage. B1149 Airbag ECU Power Supply Voltage History B1195 Airbag ECU Malfunction Current B1196 Airbag ECU Malfunction Current B1185 Airbag ECU Malfunction Current This has caused failure of safety components in my car. Warning lights c... Read more

Incident date: Dec 21, 2024

The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Camry. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags). The contact had been calling the local dealer for more than two years after the air bag warning illuminated. The warning light remained illuminated while driving. The contact was advised by the dealer that the part for the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated t... Read more

Incident date: Mar 5, 2026

We were traveling across country from Michigan to Arizona. We were 50 miles outside Tucson, AZ on [XXX]. Traveling 80 mph in a 75 mph zone, in passing lane and felt like car exploded and all airbags deployed and we came to a quick stop. No major injuries to either of us. One vehicle incident, did not collide with anything or hit any debris. It was a clear day, road conditions good, no noises, ligh... Read more

Crash

Incident date: Mar 4, 2026

The contact owns a 2013 Infiniti G37. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the air bag warning light illuminated and remained illuminated while driving. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the OCS needed to be replaced; however, the contact was advised that the passenger’s side front seat also needed to be replaced. The vehicle was no... Read more

Incident date: Sep 27, 2025

The contact owned a 2025 Nissan Rogue. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at 65 MPH on an interstate, the vehicle was struck by a drunk driver at a high rate of speed approximately 75-80 MPH, causing a secondary collision with a semi-trailer. The back bumper was damaged, the rear window was shattered, the passenger side was smashed in, driver's side door frame was separated fro... Read more

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Feb 18, 2026

The contact owns a 2018 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH on bumpy terrain, the driver’s and passenger’s side curtain air bags deployed unexpectedly. No warning light was illuminated, and there was no impact to the vehicle to cause the air bags to deploy. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic, where it remained for further investigation... Read more

Incident date: Mar 4, 2026

The contact owns a 2020 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, a bobcat crossed the road, and the bobcat was struck by the vehicle. The contact stated that there was extensive front-end damage and undercarriage damage to the vehicle. The driver’s and passenger’s side air bags did not deploy. The contact was unsure whether there was a warning light illuminated. The contact w... Read more

Crash

Incident date: Feb 16, 2026

Air bag light is on and I havent been in a accident or anything.

Incident date: Mar 4, 2026

The airbag system failed to deploy during a side-impact collision. The vehicle is a 2013 Chevrolet Camaro LS. The vehicle was declared totaled after the accident and may be available for inspection through the insurance company if requested. Description of the Incident and Safety Risk: While driving down the street and coming around a curve, another vehicle experienced a tire blowout and lost con... Read more

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Dec 31, 2025

The contact owns a 2023 Hyundai Palisade. The contact became aware on the website that the VIN was associated with NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 26V034000 (Air Bags) and 25V607000 (Seat Belts); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manu... Read more

Incident date: Feb 28, 2026

My airbag light is on after picking it up from a KIA dealership service and they are refusing to correct the issue that was caused by the dealership. I escalated the issue to KIA America and filled a formal case#25916418 on 2/26/2026. On 3/4/206 Tori at Kia Customer service informed me that it will not be covered because the dealership claims its a pre-existing issue. The dealership has failed to ... Read more

Incident date: Mar 1, 2026

I have had this vehicle for 5 years and even replaced the engine in this vehicle for it to end up with the same issue. I take very good care of it and get its maintenance done. But the car is slow to get up to speed and misfires really bad. I replaced the spark plugs in it and they were coated in oil. The airbag sensor will come on indicating it’s not operating properly. Overall a very unreliabl... Read more

Incident date: Mar 4, 2024

Front end collision at 57 mph impact with another vehicle and air bags did not deploy

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Mar 3, 2026

RECALL OMISSION & SAFETY DISPUTE (Case #10683843): I am reporting two documented safety defects in my 2008 BMW 328i (N51 engine) that are identical to existing Federal Safety Recalls but have been omitted from the recall VIN list for this model year. 1. AIRBAG SYSTEM FAILURE (Recall 17V-428): The vehicle has a confirmed Fault Code 93C3 (Passenger Seat Occupancy Mat). This is the exact failure mo... Read more

Incident date: Mar 3, 2026

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 1500. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the “Service Air Bag” message was displayed on the instrument panel. The air bag warning light remained illuminated while driving. Additionally, the horn was inoperable while depressed, and the controls on the left side of the steering wheel failed to operate as intended; however, the right side of the steeri... Read more

Incident date: Mar 3, 2026

The contact owned a 2024 Lincoln Corsair. The contact stated that while driving 35-40 MPH, the contact noticed that another vehicle driving approximately 60 MPH crashed into the vehicle directly behind the contact's vehicle, and then crashed into the contact's vehicle. The contact's face hit the steering wheel. The contact stated that the seat belt restraint system only engaged after the contact's... Read more

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Feb 26, 2025

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that the air bag warning had been turning off and on intermittently for almost 2 years. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times, but the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was recently taken to an independent mechanic; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure... Read more

Incident date: Feb 10, 2026

The contact owns a 2011 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in a parking lot, the engine was powered off with the key in the ignition, and the front driver-side air bag and front driver-side air bag curtain had independently deployed. No warning lights illuminated, and there was no impact. In addition, the contact stated that her mother was sitting in the passenger se... Read more

1 injured

Incident date: Feb 26, 2026

The contact owns a 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V854000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and 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 ma... Read more

Incident date: Feb 1, 2026

The contact owns a 2002 BMW 525I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V318000 (AIR BAGS); and would like to be removed from the recall distribution list. The local dealer and manufacturer were contacted.

Incident date: Feb 8, 2026

The contact owns a 2001 BMW 540i. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: (17V047000 (AIR BAGS) and would like to be removed from the recall distribution list. The local dealer and manufacturer were contacted.

Incident date: Dec 13, 2024

I was in a car accident and the side and steering airbags deployed. While the main steering airbag deflated successfully following the accident, the driver's side door side airbag never deflated. Once I was trying to get out of the car and had the door open, this meant it was much harder and took longer to get out as I had to slide out from underneath it. Because I wasn't able to get out quickly, ... Read more

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Nov 13, 2025

I was driving down a main road near the Piedmont triad international airport having a casual conversation with my passenger. I went to make a left turn into a Sheetz gas station when all of a sudden the passenger airbag deployed, without warning or wreck. The passenger hand flew up into windshield and cracked the windshield. The Immediately after the passenger airbag deployed without warning the a... Read more

2 injured

Incident date: Feb 25, 2026

Airbag light on per dealership needs driver airbag replaced was on recall, then retracted from recall

Incident date: Dec 4, 2025

I just purchased this vehicle from a private owner. I am already aware of the driver side airbag recall. Went to turn key to auxiliary to close sun roof and the steering wheel airbag deployed in my face. The vehicle had been parked and not driven for over 12 hours. Vehicle is available for inspection any time.

Incident date: Jul 2, 2024

The contact owns a 2026 Lincoln Nautilus. The contact stated that while the contact's son was driving at an undisclosed speed and making a left, the contact's son was T-Boned by another vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle was crashed into the driver's side. The contact stated that both doors on the driver's side were damaged. In addition, the middle of the vehicle on the driver's side wa... Read more

Crash

Incident date: Mar 2, 2026

While driving under normal conditions with no collision or impact, the side curtain airbag in my Dodge Charger Scat Pack deployed spontaneously. The deployment caused the headliner and pillar trim to rupture and released what appeared to be metal fragments and more. Occupants sustained scratches and narrowly avoided facial injury. I discovered there’s a recall on this airbag as this is a known i... Read more

1 injured

Incident date: Mar 1, 2026

The contact owns a 2020 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 MPH, the driver’s side curtain air bag deployed without impact. No vehicle occupants were injured from the unintended deployment. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was filed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

Incident date: Feb 1, 2026

The contact owned a 2013 Dodge Journey. The contact received a notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V432000 (Air Bags). The contact stated that previously, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle would hesitate to accelerate as intended while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The check engine oil pressure warning light illuminated. In addition, the contact managed to pull over at... Read more

Fire 1 injured

Incident date: Feb 2, 2025

FCA is not handling this recall professionally. Dealerships are stating they do not handle the towing, despite this being a DO NOT DRIVE recall that has resulted in deaths. FCA has used a call center that employs people who barely speak English. Lack of ability to communicate with the customer and dealership staff should disqualify someone from serving in this capacity. The service department at m... Read more

Incident date: Feb 27, 2026

Supplemental Restraint System Problem

Incident date: Oct 28, 2025

The contact owns a 2010 Toyota Corolla. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V024000 (Air Bags); and requested to be removed from the recall distribution list. The local dealer was contacted, and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

Incident date: Feb 2, 2026

After having my information panel replaced apx. a month later the airbag for passenger seat illuminated and has not gone off.

Incident date: Jan 30, 2026

UNKNOWN

Incident date: Jun 25, 2025

Air bag light turns to "off" despite passenger sitting in seat. Took car to dealer (Bill Pearce Motors) who "verified customers concern" and "found fault present for passenger seat mat resistance to high" with a recommendation to replace "seat mat and module." This is at our expense (quote of $3700) and two trips to the dealer, being charged diagnostic fee each time. It is noted that a previous re... Read more

Incident date: Jan 22, 2025

Dealer repair unavailable in local zip:99901. Require identification and shipment of part to be installed by certified mechanic or system access to report satisfactory repair has been conducted.

Incident date: Jun 15, 2025

The week of February 23, 2026, the airbag warning light has come on in my dashboard advising that there is something wrong with my airbags. It has barely been 6-7 months (in August 2025 ) that my VW Atlas was serviced due to a recall specifically for the airbags and now an alert on my dash for this safety hazard is appearing again. I called my local dealer who told me as the recall was already ser... Read more

Incident date: Feb 3, 2026

In my altima I've noticed over the few years of ownership occasionally the passenger airbag light wouldn't go off for a few minutes sometimes like it wasn't recognizing a passenger was occupying the vehicle. Then it started occasionally not recognizing the occupant, now it will not recognize an occupant and the airbag light is permanently stuck on the dash. This puts any occupant in the car at ris... Read more

Incident date: Mar 1, 2002

While driving home vehicle slid on black ice and spun out. While spinning curtain airbags and driver seat deployed and battery died. Sis not hit anything

Incident date: Feb 15, 2023

My driver seat belt keeps unlatching . It happens to often. I know there was a previous recall for it but everytime I look it up it doesn’t show on the website. I previously reported here I think last year. Also when shows as an error on the obd reader. As a failing seat belt system recall. My insurance company shows the driver air bag is recalled but again when I look it up here . You list no ... Read more

Incident date: Feb 25, 2026

On 2/27/25 while driving my 2019 Honda Odyssey on the hwy the passenger side curtain airbags deployed after running over a pothole in the road. This frightened my wife and may it very difficult to see to pull over safely on the side of highway. There were no passengers in the car when it happened, no injuries or collision following g the deployment. We were very lucky. Police officer would not... Read more

Incident date: Feb 20, 2026

Air bag light is on and doesn't disappear. It says service air bags soon.

Incident date: Aug 28, 2025

The airbags did not deploy when the car was in a front and rear end collision on 2/12/26. Injuries occurred. No one has confirmed the problem. The car was taken to a Collison center to be evaluated but am uncertain if that part has been evaluated. There were not symptoms of failure beforehand.

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Dec 22, 2025

Airbag warning symbol on dashboard flashes with or without passenger seated in front seat.

Incident date: Feb 22, 2026

1. Front fuel tank strap bracket has corroded and strap no longer attaches, my vehicle is available for inspection upon request. (appears this was a problem for 2009-2012 ram trucks) 2. If the tank falls, fuel will let loose with the opportunity for fire. 3. Yes, (independent service center). My mechanic wants me to ratchet strap the tank up to run the fuel low (because the tank will need to be d... Read more

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Consumer Safety Complaints

What is a NHTSA consumer complaint?

How to interpret what you read

If you've experienced a defect

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