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: Jul 21, 2025
Local dealer is not repairing my recall. I keep getting told parts are not available and this has gone on for years.
Incident date: Apr 7, 2025
The contact's father owns a 2013 Chevrolet Blazer. The contact stated that while his father was driving at approximately 40 MPH straight forward, the brake pedal was depressed, and it traveled to the floorboard. Then, the brake pedal was lifted, and the brake pedal traveled a second time to the floorboard. The vehicle did not slow down as intended, and the vehicle crashed into the rear of another ... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Aug 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V785000(Air Bags). The contact stated that the dealer was contacted and advised the contact that the parts were unavailable. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Incident date: May 11, 2025
Passenger seat occupancy detection sensor failure. Known recall for the issue from same year 2018, my vin not included. Delaership stated 5300 dollars to repair. Subaru of America to provide goodwill gesture of 2000 dollars. Remaining amount is 3500 to repair ODS.
Incident date: Jul 28, 2025
Passenger airbag light comes on saying off while passenger is in the car
TOYOTA
HIGHLANDER
(2020) - AIR BAGS
Aug 4, 2025
Incident date: Aug 2, 2025
I was notified that my vehicle has had a recall on it due to the OCS Occupant Classification System sensors being improperly manufactured which could lead in appropriately identifying the front occupant's weight and failing to deploy airbags. This recall has been open since December of 2023 and I have been checking with my dealer on scheduling but up until last week have been told that they di... Read more
Incident date: Jul 31, 2025
My vehicle is under Safety Recall 23V865 (Toyota dealer reference 23TB15) due to potentially defective Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensors in the front passenger seat, which may prevent the airbag from deploying properly. The recall was issued in December 2023, and as of August 2025, there is still no available remedy. Toyota originally estimated a fix by Q3 of 2024, but it is now overdue... Read more
Incident date: Apr 18, 2025
The contact owns a 2006 Toyota Matrix. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V627000 (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... Read more
Incident date: Jul 23, 2025
I have pictures
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Jun 5, 2025
Brakes locked up while driving on the freeway, causing collision with another car and freeway guard rail. CHP report taken. AAA auto insurance does not seem interested in investigating manufacturing defect problems/issues. No dashboard warning/maintenance lights illuminated
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Jul 30, 2025
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 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 mad... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that the passenger's side air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the Tesla Service Center, where it was diagnosed and determined that the passenger's side seat sensor had failed. The seat was replaced with a new seat; however, the air bag warning illuminated after the repair. The vehicle was taken back to the servic... Read more
Incident date: Jul 26, 2025
Passenger Restraint System Fault causing the system not to sense the presence of front passengers. This could possibly lead to safety systems for the passenger to not work in the event of a crash.
Incident date: Jul 26, 2025
The "Service Airbag" light and notification comes up on the dash. This happened in the past as this vehicle was part of a recall NHTSA 14V118. The car was service for that recall already back on 3-18-2014 but the issue came back. This is dangerous because when that light is on, the airbags will not go off in the event of an accident. I need this fixed at no charge. Thank you.
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2019) - AIR BAGS
Aug 4, 2025
Incident date: Sep 1, 2022
I was on interstate hwy the car had a Mal-function indicator and the drive train locked up. brakes did not work, steering did not work the car spinner 3 times and was stopped by hitting the concrete barier. the air bags did not work either. I believe the entire battery or power system had shut down as I also got the 12 v back up battery is running out.
Crash
Incident date: Aug 3, 2025
Our 2019 Jeep has been experiencing symptoms since 2022, and Jeep has no resolution for it yet. I fear for the safety of my family riding in the vehicle, cannot use all the installed features (cannot remote start with check engine light on) and cannot sell it in its current condition due to this recall. Is there any solution in sight?
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2023) - AIR BAGS
Aug 4, 2025
Incident date: Aug 4, 2025
The contact owns a 2012 Chrysler 200. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated upon starting the vehicle. The dealer and the manufacturer had not been notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
Incident date: May 1, 2025
I’m facing a really big issue here. I’ve been experiencing all the textbook issues in my vehicle for both of the recalls that did exist for my vehicle. I purchased my vehicle in [XXX], and I was just in to Walser Subaru in St. Paul MN where they said my recalls were completed in April 22, 2022. That is absolutely not true. I was at the dealership all day that day. So I called Miller hill Subar... Read more
Incident date: Jul 13, 2025
I reached out to the dealer about another issue with my radio by phone they helped with that situation later that day I received a text telling me about vehicle recalls. I called and made an appointment. They repaired part of the issue but had to order parts for the rest. I took my vehicle back the only light in the dash that stays on is the tire pressure light. When my son and I went to pick it b... Read more
Incident date: Jul 30, 2025
My 2013 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, has a non-functional horn and steering wheel controls, including cruise control and audio buttons, which stopped working in. I suspect a faulty clockspring, as these symptoms match issues in prior Jeep Wrangler recalls for 2007-2012 models (NHTSA campaign 11V528000), where clockspring failures also disabled horns and risked airbag malfunctions. My vehicle shows. This... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
The vehicles horn does not when pressed. Multiple other users have complained of the same issue affecting their vehicle as well.
Incident date: Jul 30, 2025
To Whom It May Concern, Subject: Formal Complaint – 2011 Hyundai Sonata GLS Tail Light Meltdown / Fire Hazard Date: August 3, 2025 I am writing to formally report a serious safety issue with my 2011 Hyundai Sonata GLS, specifically concerning the tail light assembly, which has melted and poses a potential fire hazard and traffic safety risk. Approximately a year and a half ago, I noticed mel... Read more
Incident date: Apr 5, 2025
I bought this car from some stranger who doesn’t care about my shoulder pains driving a car with the steering wheel upside down these part stores & insurance companies get theirs can I please get what’s due to me so tired of the brakes making my steering wheel jerk & didn’t have any heat in a car I’ve spent my entire check on I really can’t believe this much over a faulty can I get some ... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Jul 27, 2025
My daughter was in an accident where she struck another vehicle. She was traveling between 35-40 mph. Her airbag did not deploy. Her face and chest struck the steering wheel. She suffered a concussion and whiplash.
Crash
1 injured
AMERICAN COACH
AMERICAN DREAM
(2020) - AIR BAGS
Aug 2, 2025
Incident date: Jul 31, 2025
My vehicle’s make and model have received recalls as stated online, however, my specific VIN does not state any recalls. I am having the same symptoms with the airbags, electrical, and transmission as the recalls stated with my make and model. I believe there should be recalls for my vehicle’s VIN. My check engine light has been on, and it is not shifting the way it should. My airbag warning l... Read more
Incident date: Jul 30, 2025
My vehicle has a recall 19V109000. The description of the issue is "Over time, the Occupant Detection System (ODS) wiring harness located underneath the front passenger seat may break from the seat being occupied." This issue has been diagnosed as having this very specific problem, Kia claims that this problem was previously fixed in my car, however it has not been fixed. I have been trying for ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 20, 2025
Passenger Restraint service message. Possibly related to airbag seat or floor sensor. Checked BMW customer forums and appears to be widespread issue.
Incident date: Aug 2, 2025
Rear window is leaking onto the carpet beneath it creating mold and could allow water to enter the SRS module. Currently i have a tray blocking that water but without that the SRS system could be affected by the water entering the cabin through the rear window.
Incident date: Jun 30, 2025
Took my car in to the dealership when the SRS light came on. Dealership initially said it was due to damage to the electrical harness We paid over 8000 for repairs and got our car back. We had to take the vehicle back 2 more times as the light kept coming back on. The final fix the dealership did to finally make the SRS light stop coming back is the same thing for the fix for the recall for th... Read more
TESLA
CYBERTRUCK
(2024) - AIR BAGS
Aug 1, 2025
Incident date: May 15, 2025
Airbag warning light is on no accident. It just came on no airbags have been deployed. There is a recall for similar. Ran 1500 classics of this make and model but not my VIN number for the same airbag sensor light.
Incident date: Jul 31, 2025
I had 5 lights comes on 2 days ago. Airbag system problem, collision mitigation system problem, road departure mitigation problem, high beam problem, and adaptive cruise control problem. The dealership said that it was a camera issue and everything except the air bag issue is covered with my warranty. It’s currently in the shop getting fixed. Also currently has a recall for the fuel pump that th... Read more
Incident date: Mar 27, 2025
The contact owns a 2011 Mazda CX-9. The contact stated that while attempting to park the vehicle at a slow speed in the driveway, the vehicle suddenly experienced unintended acceleration, lurched forward, and crashed into a tree before coming to a stop. The contact was unable to stop the vehicle during the sudden unintended acceleration. During the failure the vehicle sustained front end damages, ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Feb 7, 2024
My airbags have been recalled. This is an American (MPH on the dashboard) car and Honda Canada said they cannot fix it here. I will have to drive to America to fix it.
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2018) - AIR BAGS
Jul 31, 2025
Incident date: May 10, 2025
I was driving and I stopped at a stop sign. When I got ready to go, the car stalled and stopped and wouldn't start. After 30 minutes, it started but I ended up having it towed. My mechanic was able to replicate it after putting the car in the sun, running it for 10 minutes and then driving it. When the mechanic tried to look at it, he couldn't find anything to cause it to stop. I look it to the de... Read more
Incident date: Jun 10, 2025
The drivers airbag cover is cracked. This has happened to everyone I have talked to with the same vehicle. Also is a topic on many f150 public forums. I think this should be addressed by Ford.
Incident date: Jul 31, 2025
Incident Timeline – Spontaneous Airbag Deployment Date: July 22, 2025 Vehicle: 2018 Honda Odyssey EX-L Registered Owner: [XXX] Driver at Time of Incident: [XXX] Location of Incident: [XXX] (just before the daycare) Primary Dealership Contact: Jasmine – Sons Honda Service Department Contacts [XXX] : Work: [XXX] Secondary number Personal phone: [XXX] Email: [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] Email: ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2025
My Service airbag system light keeps coming on and I have done everything to fix it but the light still comes on.
Incident date: Jul 15, 2025
The car's steering wheel got locked out and air bags came out suddenly while car is still moving on the road and driver blocked and not able to do anything and hit the parked car on the street due to car's system malfunction. Since incident happened in the housing community area with speed 20-25 miles and not majorly hit anyone but reported to and inspected by city police inspected. This was the f... Read more
Crash
NISSAN
PATHFINDER
(2022) - AIR BAGS
Jul 31, 2025
Incident date: Jul 31, 2025
red light on dashboard indicates passenger airbag is not working, I would like to have this taken care of.
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2024) - AIR BAGS
Jul 31, 2025
Incident date: May 1, 2025
Car caught fire when off and parked.
Fire
Incident date: Jul 31, 2025
The vehicle is experiencing multiple active safety system failures, severely impacting driver control and passenger protection. The most critical issue is a persistent SRS airbag malfunction warning, along with the system failing to detect that the seatbelt is buckled, even when properly latched. This disables key safety systems such as airbags and seatbelt pretensioners. The vehicle also suffer... Read more
Incident date: Jul 7, 2025
The airbag warning light has come on and is flashing.Brought it in twice for it was in diagnosis mode the first time. History mode second time and two days later it is on again and flashing that is three times in one month! Nissan needs to have this problem fixed!
Incident date: Jul 31, 2025
The contact owned a 2012 Chrysler 200. The contact stated that while her son was driving at an undisclosed speed during night, a bright light suddenly obstructed his view to the roadway. The contact's son veered the steering wheel and suddenly crashed into a traffic signal, where it came to a stop. The traffic pole was knocked down and landed on top of the vehicle, damaging the front windshield an... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jul 5, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 Cadillac Lyriq. The contact stated that while reversing and proceeding to make a U-turn, he crashed into a steel guardrail. The automatic braking system did not engage. There was no audible or visual alert or warning provided by the system. There was no injury, police report, airbag deployment, or fire. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer. After twelve days, the vehic... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jul 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Lexus RX-350. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The 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 and confirmed that parts for the recall... Read more
Incident date: Jul 24, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Honda HR-V. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V064000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that parts to do the recall repair were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 28, 2025
On [XXX], I was involved in a front-left collision while driving my 2020 Ford Mustang GT (VIN: [XXX] ) with my [XXX] daughter in the front passenger seat. She weighs approximately [XXX] and was properly seated with her seatbelt fastened. The only airbag that deployed was the driver’s knee airbag. The front passenger airbag did not deploy at all. After the accident, the FordPass system reported ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Apr 5, 2025
The complaint was submitted on behalf of the contact's daughter. The contact's daughter owned a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the contact's daughter was driving, the contact's daughter's vehicle was involved in a rear end crash where the vehicle was driving at approximately 45 MPH. The contact stated that none of the air bags deployed. The contact stated that the vehicle was cras... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jul 30, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Toyota Corolla. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V024000 (Air Bags). The contact stated that while driving at 15-20 MPH, the forward collision avoidance feature failed to alert her of vehicles ahead. The contact swerved the vehicle, crashing into the bridge wall. The air bags did not deploy. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The c... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Jul 7, 2025
I’m writing to escalate an unresolved issue following a recent airbag takata recall repair performed at BMW of Manhattan on my 2007 BMW X3 VIN [XXX] ) , license [XXX] Prior to the recall service, there were no airbag or SRS warning lights on my dashboard. Immediately after the repair, however, the airbag light appeared, and I have since been informed by the dealership that it is unrelated to ... Read more