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 9, 2024
WARNING LIGHT ON DASH JUST WENT ON
Incident date: Jul 16, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Passat. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V834000 (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 not made aware of the issue. The contact called the ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 25, 2025
Sensor on passenger side airbag stays off at times when there is a passenger in the seat. The notification on the dash and above the GPS screen notifies the driver that the airbag is off. This was a previous issue and pertains to a recall that was completed. This has not resolved since the recall has been completed and the problem still continues only 3 years after being "fixed".
Incident date: Jul 25, 2025
My seat doesn’t detect if passanger is in seat so my air bag engine light goes on and off it was recalled and mazda supposedly cleared the issue but seems like they didnt fix it the recall properly
Incident date: May 23, 2025
My airbag light is on and the dealership says I have no active recalls but when I ask about recall number 11V-107 no one can confirm the when and where for this recall. I would like it repaired at no cost and the criteria of this recall number.
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2014) - AIR BAGS
Jul 25, 2025
Incident date: Apr 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Camry Hybrid. 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 and confirmed that the parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
FREIGHTLINER
SPRINTER
(2004) - AIR BAGS
Jul 25, 2025
Incident date: Jul 4, 2025
Weight sensor light is on. There is a recall on newer models.
CHRYSLER
TOWN AND COUNTRY
(2014) - AIR BAGS
Jul 25, 2025
Incident date: Jul 20, 2025
The driver's side active restraint headrest deployed unexpectedly while parked. The vehicle has never been in an accident. Upon inspection, I can see where there are plastic retaining holes that that had a metal retaining pin in it cracked. The metal pin was still in its clip. The vehicle is drivable and available for inspection. The vehicle was parked and unoccupied when the head restraint went ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
Vehicle engine exploded in the middle of the night. Car would remote start on its own as I would lock the doors and walk away prior to the incident. Also the airbag light would come off and on. Notice the day of the incident that the dimmer would disappear and reappear. Very strange I thought. The house could've burned down while we were sleeping. If it wasn't for our neighbors and the quick resp... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jul 23, 2025
The lane departure didn’t work as expected to avoid a crash. I was hurt and bruised due to the air bags never deployed after hit on right wheel number flew off causing my to go into 5 guard rails . The whole front end was destroyed into pieces “no airbags” I’m lucky to be alive. It was inspected by police and my insurance company consider it total loss.nothing before or after the impact
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jul 24, 2025
Vehicle Diagnostic Summary – Trouble Codes Explained 1. P0562 – System Voltage Low The vehicle’s electrical system is running at low voltage. This could be due to a weak battery, a failing alternator, or poor electrical connections. It may cause various electronic issues and unexpected shutdowns if not fixed. 2. P1005 – Fuel Level Sensor Control Module: Too Many Resets The fuel level sen... Read more
MOPAR
ABS CONTROL MODULE
(9999) - AIR BAGS
Jul 24, 2025
Incident date: Dec 26, 2024
The curtain airbags deployed without any collision or impact. This suggests a failure of the airbag sensors. The vehicle and all components, including the deployed airbags and related sensors, are available for inspection upon request. The sudden airbag deployment created a significant safety hazard. If this had occurred while driving at higher speeds, it could have caused me to lose control of th... Read more
2 injured
Incident date: Feb 20, 2025
The leather of the dash that covers the airbag area has become unglued completely and is wrinkled all across the dash, and I am concerned the safety crash features will not work correctly now with premature failure of the adhesives that hold such a large area on the dash.
Incident date: Jul 8, 2025
I was driving around and all of sudden my car dashboard shows the Supplemental Restraint system problem.
FORD
EXPEDITION
(2019) - AIR BAGS
Jul 24, 2025
Incident date: Mar 24, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (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... Read more
Incident date: Jul 17, 2025
Driver side airbag malfunction without notice .serious bodily injury incase of an accident.
Incident date: Jun 1, 2025
I REALLY DONT REMEMBER THE DRIVER IMPACTED THE FRONT DOOR AREA OF MY VEHICLE.
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Jul 24, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In-Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V302000 (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 ... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
ATLAS
(2021) - AIR BAGS
Jul 24, 2025
Incident date: May 25, 2023
Rear roof rail airbag inflator endcap failure. The endcap of the steel inflator separated and ejected throught the roof liner, read passenger window and through the wall of a house. The vehicle was parked in the driveway at the time and was not running. I was next the the window at the time of failure and was narrowly missed by the end cap but was his by the full force of the passenger window a... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Jun 1, 2025
uNKNOW REPAIRS TO START AND WAS RECENTLY PURCHASE MAYBE A ELECTRICAL ISSUE OR FUEL PUMP
Incident date: Jul 23, 2025
The contact's husband owned a 2008 Jeep Liberty. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the air bag and traction control warning lights would flash on the instrument panel. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, the vehicle hydroplaned while crossing a puddle of water and landed in a ditch. The side curtain air bags deployed; however, the driver and passenger air bags d... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jul 24, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V834000 (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... Read more
Incident date: Jul 3, 2025
Purchased used 2019 RDX from Acura dealer in June 2025. Within the first 30 days of owning the RDX we noticed the Airbag Sensor for the front passenger seat would not recognize my 90 lb daughter seating in the seat and the air bag sensor would indicate the seat was empty, which would result in the airbag not deploying if we were in an accident. I took video of this happening and took my RDX into d... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2021) - AIR BAGS
Jul 24, 2025
Incident date: Jul 23, 2025
Front passenger airbag does not turn on and/stay on when my adult wife is seated (5'7" 100lbs). Moving the seat up/down and/or back/forth sometimes allows the system to activate but it then turns off later on while driving. The Subaru owner's manual instructs the owner that when this occurs the passenger should sit in the back and Subaru Service should be obtained. Subaru Service has inspected t... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Honda Ridgeline. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V064000 (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 contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced... Read more
Incident date: Jun 20, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLA250. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously involved in a collision, in which another vehicle crashed into the passenger's side of the vehicle, causing damage to the frame and headlights; however, the air bags failed to deploy. The contact sustained soreness in the neck and back ... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jan 6, 2025
The current recall on this car (passenger front seat weigh sensor issue) has been going on for too long (since 2023). Based on the recall info, i have not been able to drive with anyone sitting on the front passenger seat.
Incident date: Jul 1, 2025
Title: Possible Defect – Uneven Airbag Deployment Description: On July 20, 2025, around 5:30 PM, i was driving a 2021 Volvo XC90 on a main road when another vehicle suddenly entered from the right side without stopping at a stop sign. I was unable to avoid a collision and my vehicle T-boned the other car (front impact on my vehicle). During the crash, I believe the front airbag system did not ... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: May 15, 2025
Driver side air bag randomly deployed after hitting bump at 40 miles an hour
1 injured
Incident date: Feb 20, 2021
After the air bag recall i went and had them do it and 3 days later is still coming on. Saying service air bag. And alot of people is having issues with tighen gas cap light. I have replaced everything it could be and still does it. Now i believe its a bigger problem and there is alot of ppl having the same issues. I dont remember the exact date either. This is the absolute worst vehicle ever.
Incident date: Jul 23, 2025
The front airbag impact sensor when they stop working will not work on impact. You can get them from GMC because they stopped making them and you can not find them on the aftermarket. How can a company discontinue a safety part.
Incident date: Jul 23, 2025
Driver sustained severe hand injuries due to airbag deployment while the hand was on the horn pad. Possible over-aggressive deployment or module failure. Incident occurred on [XXX], while driving a 2024 Toyota BZ4X (VIN: [XXX] ). Requesting formal investigation into the airbag system and front structural integrity of this vehicle model. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION A... Read more
Crash
2 injured
HONDA
CR-V HYBRID
(2020) - AIR BAGS
Jul 23, 2025
Incident date: Jul 13, 2025
The rear camera on my Tesla intermittently fails when shifting into reverse. Additionally, the rear trunk will not open using the in-car release button, mobile app, or key fob. A warning appears stating the function will return on the next drive, but I am often forced to use the emergency release to access the trunk. I believe this may be related to a prior recall involving the rear trunk harness,... Read more
Incident date: Jul 23, 2025
Front passenger and driver airbag recall, stop driving recall. Called the FCA manufacturer to find my recall options, they claim the dealer I requested won’t tow to dealership?? Sounds absurd with the stop driving recall.
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
Passenger airbag light is illuminated after hitting a bump in the road
Incident date: May 19, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Camry Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (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 not made aware of the issue. The contact had not e... Read more
Incident date: Apr 24, 2025
The contact owns a 2011 Acura TSX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V661000 (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 contact attempted to contact the dealer; however, the contact was unable to speak with a representative. The ... Read more
CADILLAC
ESCALADE ESV
(2023) - AIR BAGS
Jul 22, 2025
Incident date: Apr 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (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... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (AIR BAGS); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the SRS warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The man... Read more
Incident date: Jun 21, 2021
The contact owns a 2015 BMW 328I. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the front passenger’s side air bag warning light illuminated. The failure persisted with a passenger seated in the front passenger’s seat. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was... Read more
MICHELIN
PREMIER LTX
(9999) - AIR BAGS
Jul 22, 2025
Incident date: Jul 1, 2025
My wife was rear ended and side collision accident. She was injured with side airbags both arm was severely cut. The steering airbag did not deploy as a result she had head injury and the upper teeth was push up when her head hit the steering wheel. She had to be pry out with a Crowbar tool.
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Jul 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Passat. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V834000 (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 manufacturer informed t... Read more
NISSAN
PATHFINDER
(2017) - AIR BAGS
Jul 22, 2025
Incident date: Jun 1, 2024
I recently received a warning on the dashboard that there is an airbag malfunction and needs to be taken in to get serviced. The warning continues to appear. This appears similar to a recent recall of 2024-2025 Mazda 3s and CX-30s, but there does not appear to be a recall issued for 2022 Mazda 3 models. I have scheduled an appointment for July 24, 2025 at the Mazda dealership to get my vehicle i... Read more
Incident date: Jul 22, 2025
Correction: Retrofit SBR in OCS Equipped Front Passenger Seat - Remove and Replace. FIRST ROW - SEAT BELT REMINDER SENSOR BOX CLIP (1130363-00-B), FIRST ROW OCCUPANCY SENSOR(1099592-00-F) FIRST ROW SEAT HARNESS ASSEMBLY - RIGHT HAND (1489060- 03-G). This car has 69k miles and I'm informed this is out of warranty and has a cost of $696.75 to repair on a car that is less than 4 years old. Sa... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
C300
(2016) - AIR BAGS
Jul 22, 2025
Incident date: Jul 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sedona. The contact stated that upon start of the vehicle, the air bag warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where a diagnostic test was performed, and the dealer discovered that the front passenger's side air bag module was defective and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure t... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2025
On [XXX], the vehicle was involved in a complex multi-impact accident. It was struck by a vehicle on the passenger (right) side and, simultaneously, by another vehicle on the driver's (left) side. (Police Report). During this sequence of collisions, and despite the magnitude of the impact, I must express my extreme concern that the left side airbag (driver's side) did not deploy. This failure caus... Read more
Crash
1 injured
FORD
BRONCO SPORT
(2023) - AIR BAGS
Jul 22, 2025
Incident date: Jul 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V031000 (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 contact stated the vehicle was consuming one quart of oil every 2-3 days. The oil warning light was illuminate... Read more
Incident date: Nov 4, 2017
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Corolla. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (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 experience... Read more
Incident date: Jul 22, 2025
Heard a clicking noise behind the steering wheel for a few days then I’ll the sudden the horn stopped working and all the controls on the steering wheel stopped working. I’m a mechanic so I took apart the clock spring stealing wheel compartment to find all of the wire broken and very very brittle. Cause for concern due to airbag malfunction and is no longer connected properly!!!I’ve been hea... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
A 220
(2020) - AIR BAGS
Jul 22, 2025
Incident date: Jun 24, 2025
The contact owned a 2024 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 mph and making a right turn, due to a blind spot, another vehicle driving at full speed almost crashed into the contact. The contact quickly steered the vehicle away, avoiding a collision with the other vehicle. As a result, the contact crashed into another vehicle. The contact ultimately crashed into a ... Read more
Crash