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 8, 2025
It started when I purchased it in February 2025 Mileage was 99200 I noticed the seatbelt warning signs didn’t ding if I didn’t have my seatbelt on. And the sunroof not only was leaking but it is coming apart where it is held in place I’m afraid it will suddenly come down and strike me without notice while driving. Theee days ago I noticed the airbag light came on while I had the driver assi... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2025
While driving the side airbags exploded and I had to stop in the middle of the street, get vehicle towed to mazda dealer in Alpharetta, GA Now, im without a vehicle. What do I do now?
Incident date: Jul 2, 2025
I purchased my 2017 Lincoln MKZ Select on November 11, 2024. The vehicle was determined to need a new engine, per Murgado Lincoln of Chicago. They had my car for over 48 days while putting in a new engine. After this was completed the car had to be sent back due to a mistake the mechanics made by not attaching a gasket properly. After this, I began experiencing odd noises underneath the hood and t... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jul 7, 2025
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal clicking sound coming from the vehicle. In addition, the contact stated that the passenger’s side air bag warning light illuminated and occasionally flashed on and off. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired due to the cost. The contact had previously r... Read more
FORD
EXPEDITION
(2017) - AIR BAGS
Jul 15, 2025
Incident date: Jul 15, 2025
SRS LIGHT CAME ON 2 MONTHS AGO. FEAR FOR MY SAFETY. RECALL PLEASE. ELECTRICAL. BACK RT WINDOW AND RT FRONT DOOR LOCK CANNOT BE OPERATED FROM FRONT DRIVER DOOR. LIGHTING. BACK INTERIOR LIGHT DOES NOT TURN OFF AUTOMATICALLY. Paint is peeling from all over the car, especially on the front of it. Looks ghastly.
Incident date: Jul 15, 2025
I took my 2010 ford edge to have a air bag recall repaired. The air bag was fixed, the air bag light cleared. I drove about 3 miles home and the light reappeared, I checked the code and it was B2293-03 air bag fault. My wife called right away and told them the light came on and the car can't be inspected until it's clear. They told my wife it would be $200 to take a look at a repair they literally... Read more
Incident date: Jul 12, 2025
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 contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 10, 2025
We were rear ended on the interstate. Cars in front of us stopped and we also came to a complete stop and a few moments later we were hit. During the collision, none of the airbags were deployed. Both our front seats fully reclined backwards. None of our seatbelts locked. Only the two seats that no one was in locked. Also, my headrest completely broke off. Our car was later determined by the insur... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Jul 15, 2025
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 several local dealers were contacted regarding the recall repair and was informed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount... Read more
Incident date: Apr 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V302000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. The VIN was invalid.
Incident date: Mar 19, 2023
All 4 door airbags spontaneously deployed while driving. The air bag deployment knocked me unconscious and I woke up on the shoulder of the road. The vehicle dialed 911 after the incident occurred.
Incident date: Jun 25, 2025
I was sold a vehicle with the incorrect front brakes, an open recall on airbag and bad transfer case all looked at and confirmed by a dealer .
Incident date: Jul 14, 2025
I never had issues with my van when I bought it but On Monday got all the fluids drove to Phoenix and the transmission got hot the TCL light and ABs light turned on as well as the SRS light no check engine the floor on the driver side and passenger side was super hot. The transmission on 1st gear start hitting hard 2nd gear started slipping we pulled over right away let the car cool down but the t... Read more
Incident date: May 14, 2025
I have a 2016 kia sedona. Engines on the vehicle have been known to be bad and I already had 1 engine replaced under their extended warranty that covers to 150000 miles after a blown head gasket. I got a new engine 11/2024 however car overheats & coolant leak everywhere&bust hoses. I was told to replace radiator and all cooling/heater hoses, but video show coolant bubbling car still overheating. R... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Jul 12, 2025
Manufacturer has not been able to fix a safety recall on a timely manner .I read that air bags my not deployed and fatal injuries could be suffered if in an accident. It has been years since the recall came out and still no solution .
Incident date: Jul 14, 2025
Airbag light is on and the code it says is for clock spring
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2019) - AIR BAGS
Jul 14, 2025
Incident date: Jun 3, 2025
I was driving on I-290 toward Chicago when traffic began to slow. I also began slowing down when I was suddenly rear-ended by the vehicle behind me at a high speed. My car sustained significant rear-end damage, including a crushed bumper and a detached exhaust pipe that was dragging on the ground. The other vehicle involved was totaled. Police arrived on the scene and determined the other driver w... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jun 10, 2025
The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the steering wheel became firm and difficult to turn. The contact stated that the air bag and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 67,000.
Incident date: Jun 20, 2025
Tesla wants >$750 to "fix" a bug it sold in the car, & won't turn off the beep that happens every 5 minutes of driving, telling us that their sensor is defective. They want us to pay to tear the seat apart so they can replace the entire sensor. This error is happening in most of their vehicles (at least 2019 Model 3's). It's probably a Malfunctioning Occupant Weight Sensor (which determines if so... Read more
Incident date: Jul 16, 2023
Yesterday on 7/13, my family and I were fully stopped and parked in a parking spot (car was in park, to the best of my knowledge). The front passenger had just exited the vehicle and was opening the back door where my kids were just beginning to get out of their seats. At that moment, something occurred that caused the car to speed over the parking curb, across a pedestrian sidewalk and struck a b... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jul 12, 2025
The contact rented a 2023 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while driving at 55 MPH in the rain, a vehicle in front of him abruptly slowed down. The contact depressed the brake pedal, but the vehicle jerked to the side. The contact stated that the emergency braking system unexpectedly activated ("slams on") while he was driving due to the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) system falsely detec... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Apr 10, 2025
The contact owns a 2001 Honda Civic. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 89,000.
Incident date: Jul 14, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 Chrysler Pacifica. 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 not made aware of the issue. The contact had not exp... Read more
Incident date: Jul 10, 2025
The contact owned a 2018 Ford Edge. The contact stated that the vehicle was turned on and parked on a level ground surface while the contact was outside of the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle reversed independently, drove over the curb, hit the apartment complex fence, went down the alley, and hit a neighbor's fence. The contact stated that the vehicle was driven away from the scene a... Read more
Crash
2 injured
TOYOTA
HIGHLANDER
(2020) - AIR BAGS
Jul 14, 2025
Incident date: Aug 1, 2021
I was driving normally last week when the driver's head restraint system (known by Mercedes as Neck Pro) unexpectedly and without warning blew at my head. The noise was very loud, and the headrest slammed against my head. Luckily, I was driving approximately 20-25 miles per hour, daytime, on a residential street without too many other vehicles. I was able to pull over to investigate what happen... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2024
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 contact called several dealers and was informed that the part was on backorder. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 12, 2025
I have received the message "Service Airbag System" on my dashboard along with the Airbag light being on and red in color. My vehicle is currently not being shown as being part of the recall for 2022 chrysler pacificas but I believe it should be. This is a safety issue and I am concerned about driving my vehicle with my children.
Incident date: Aug 13, 2024
Clock spring failure at 10 years 1400000 miles causing airbag light to come on. Airbag in steering wheel presumably doesn't work properly. The car has been looked at by a dealership who quickly confirmed clock spring failure, but falls outside of VW warranty replacement for this vehicle. There was no warning prior to failure of the clock spring.
Incident date: Jul 10, 2025
Request for Recall Coverage – 2013 Nissan Rogue Select Airbag Issue Dear Sir, I am the original owner of a 2013 Nissan Rogue Select. Recently, I became aware of a recall issued by Nissan North America for certain 2013–2014 Rogue Select vehicles due to an electrical short in the harness connector. This issue is caused by snow/water and salt seeping through the driver's side floor carpet, resu... Read more
Incident date: Jul 11, 2025
I have received a recall notice back in June 5th. I tried to reach my dealer (Douglas Mazda) couple of times but they are not fixing it. As it has been announced that, it is not available. The vehicle is under warranty. PLease suggest me what steps I should take? As it is not not safe drive in any highway.
Incident date: Mar 31, 2025
The leather dashboard has shrunk to the point where the the Porsche dealer recommend replaceing it. This appears to be an issue serious enough to prevent the airbag from deploying correctly if in an accident. This appears to be a common issue.
Incident date: May 26, 2025
We were in a 9car pile up. Front and back and drivers side were hit and severely damaged. Airbags did not deploy. After the accident smoke was seen coming from the sides of the car where the seat belts come out of. Both front and back were white puffs of smoke from all four seatbelts. The front passenger seatbelt failed to tighten on impact as all the other seatbelts did. Passenger was thrown abou... Read more
Crash
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2022) - AIR BAGS
Jul 13, 2025
Incident date: Jul 12, 2025
Police case : 2500011609 The failure of the airbags in my Toyota Camry placed both the driver and the minor passenger at significant risk of injury. While the airbags in the Ford vehicle deployed and presumably helped protect its occupants, my passenger was left unprotected, leading to sustained injuries that require ongoing medical treatment. This raises serious concerns about the reliability of ... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Feb 1, 2024
Air bag light is not coming on at all.
Incident date: Sep 12, 2024
nothing specific happened to cause one rear reverse light to not work anymore. changed light bulb and checked spark plugs nothing has fixed the issue. there is also an airbag recall i need taken care of.
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2020) - AIR BAGS
Jul 12, 2025
Incident date: Dec 24, 2024
Greeting, on June 7,2025 my Toyota Corolla was repaired at Interstate Toyota for the replacement on the airbag. I have attached documents that share the job was completed successfully. Please review and forward and email that it is verified in your system to my email address. [XXX] Warmly, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Incident date: Jul 4, 2025
The airbags didn’t deploy in a collision that included the front and rear. My head and body was smashed into the steering wheel and dash. There were no warning that there may be a problem with this system. We have not had an inspection yet but are hiring an investigator for that purpose.
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jul 11, 2025
The contact owned a 2014 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, in heavy traffic, the vehicle was rear-ended by the vehicle behind. As a result, the vehicle was propelled forward and was hit by an unknown vehicle, and was then hit by another vehicle, which caused the vehicle to spin around and hit the concrete median, where it came to a stop. Unknown if any warning lights were... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jul 7, 2025
On [XXX] while driving approximately 1.5 hours away from home, a warning message appeared on my dashboard stating: “Hybrid System Warning. Stop and Do Not Drive.” I immediately pulled over and contacted my insurance company, who arranged for the vehicle to be towed to the nearest authorized Hyundai dealership (Thomas Hyundai in Cumberland). The warning clearly indicated that it was not safe to... Read more
Incident date: Jun 11, 2025
On June 13, 2025 my 2022 Ford Bronco and was involved in a serious collision in which the airbags did not deploy, the emergency braking and forward collision warning did not activate either. The second vehicle was t-boned at an estimated speed at the point of impact was 45mph. Both vehicles were a total loss. The Bronco suffered a bent frame and the passenger door would not open. The repair es... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jul 10, 2025
My "restraints indicator lamp warning" is going off occasionally. Ford just contacted me to tell me that my airbag will not deploy if needed.
Incident date: Jul 8, 2025
One week into owning the vehicle a notification popped up. “Airbag system needs service”
Incident date: Jul 8, 2025
The contact owns a 2012 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that soon after an unknown air bag recall repair was performed on the vehicle, the air bag warning light illuminated intermittently. The dealer was notified of the failure and provided a fee for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknow... Read more
Incident date: Jun 30, 2025
Dashboard has an issue where staples have come out, I am told this may impact the air bags in an accident. Dealer recommended selling the car. This is recurring issue that is very common.
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
On July 1, 2025, I was involved in a severe rear-end collision while driving my 2024 Mazda3 manual hatchback. The impact was forceful enough to shatter the rear windshield, leave a deep dent in the tailgate, and bend the trailer hitch mount under the vehicle by several inches. Despite this, none of the airbags deployed, and there were no airbag warning lights before or after the crash. After the ... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jun 26, 2025
There is a light is always on and it says passenger airbag off
Incident date: Jul 7, 2025
I started to see the oil light on the dashboard and i heard a hard sound from the engine so that i changed the oil then after a couple days i saw the light again on with a little bit high temperature, so stooped by a gas station and i added some more oil after i shut the car off and waited to cool the engine down and i started the car, the oil light was gone and the engine sound was smoother then ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 11, 2025
The passenger seat airbag seat sensor does not work properly. The sensor wiring gets loose making the airbag system not work. It’s a common problem in this make and model. So I don’t understand why it hasn’t been recalled yet.
Incident date: May 15, 2025
I am reporting a safety concern involving the airbag system of my 2025 Lucid Air (VIN: [XXX] ). I brought the vehicle to Lucid’s Tysons, VA service center due to a thumping sensation in the steering wheel while turning. On [XXX] Lucid diagnosed the issue as internal play in the bracket that mounts the driver airbag. Instead of replacing the bracket or steering wheel assembly, the technician appl... Read more
Incident date: Jul 10, 2025
Received a safety recall and called Greg Lair GMC to schedule repair. Service guy told me the part is backorder. Called first of June and dealer still says part backorder. Letter said the parts were available. Is the dealership just not wanting to comply with this recall?