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
FORD
BRONCO SPORT
(2021) - AIR BAGS
Jun 30, 2025
Incident date: May 15, 2025
The contact's daughter owned a 2010 Chevrolet Corvette. The contact stated while her daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed on a rainy night, there was another unoccupied vehicle stopped side ways in the middle of the highway with no hazards lights activated. The contact stated that the front driver's side of the vehicle crashed into the other vehicle. The contact stated that the driver's si... Read more
Crash
3 injured
Incident date: Jun 20, 2025
My airbag light always is on and my cruise control revs my car and I have to break
Incident date: Jun 30, 2025
I had a collision and rear ended a truck. My front left bumper was completely damaged. My chest hit the steering wheel. My airbags did not deploy.
Crash
Incident date: Sep 12, 2023
Sometime after performing the B9A recall (NHTSA 23V-787) repair (my vehicle passed), my check engine light came on. Dealer felt there was faulty Airbag ORC sensor and this was replaced. Despite replacement the vehicle continues to throw check engine list with error DTC B273C. We opened a STAR case 6/16/25 and my local dealership kept the Jeep for a week. They stated Stellantis said there was no... Read more
Incident date: Mar 20, 2025
I was driving down the road and my right side curtain airbag deployed. I did let my insurance company know but was told that they couldn’t do anything for me since it was not an accident. I called the local Mazda dealership and they told me that they could inspect the vehicle but it would not be on them. That it could have been a rat that chewed on something to cause it to deploy because I was n... Read more
LINCOLN
CONTINENTAL
(2019) - AIR BAGS
Jun 29, 2025
Incident date: May 19, 2025
To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to report a serious issue concerning the recall history of my vehicle and to request an investigation into what appears to be unresolved and inaccurately closed recalls. Vehicle Information: •Make/Model/Year: 2018 Chevy Malibu hybrid •Date of Purchase: 2018 (I have been the sole owner since) Several safety recalls were previously listed for my vehicle o... Read more
Incident date: May 12, 2025
The dash pad in the 2005 to 2009 Subaru Legacy and Outback models have a very common problem of deteriorating to where they become sticky and then sections start cracking and falling off. My concern is that this is happening in the area of the passenger air bag. There is a portion of the dash bad which says SRS AIRBAG imprinted in the pad material and mines actually about to fall off. If the air ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 28, 2025
Steering Gear Rack - Steering control rapidly diminished over a short amount of time. Initially was okay but steering began to intermittently stick and wouldn’t self-center. Issue became nearly full-time within a month. Got to the point that it required a ‘tug’ to re-center. Took to a shop to additionally find that the boot clamps had broke themselves loose, causing the boots to separate and... Read more
Incident date: Jun 27, 2025
The car screen displays, GPS, for calls, radio etc, doesn’t works, it’s off, and the airbags are deactivated and they’re off as well and have to press hard on the brake to get the car to stops.
Incident date: Jun 27, 2025
There is a recall date on this car dating back 2021. I bought this car in 2024. The recall problems was never addressed or fixed. This had created an electrical error in the car, given no airbags, and windows do not roll, nor does it give accurate reads on tire pressure. Unbeknownst of all this, a tire popped nearly cause me to wreck on I-5 early 2024. I have documentation supporting the sale of t... Read more
Crash
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2018) - AIR BAGS
Jun 27, 2025
Incident date: Jun 26, 2025
Dashboard leather is separating and was told this could affect the airbag deployment in the case of an accident. Porsche dealership is asking 10k outside of warranty to replace the dash. If it was just cosmetic I could deal with it, but now that it is a safety concern for my passenger I feel forced to overspend. Even a reduced amount would help but a whole dash replacement sounds excessive to make... Read more
Incident date: Jun 21, 2025
Multiple issues have occurred with this vehicle. I have had major unsafe issues while driving while on the freeway and streets where my vehicle reads traction control off and engine power reduced which leads my vehicle to lose all power and shut down being stranded and almost hit multiple times while by myself and while my husband and children are present. I believe I am the second or third owner ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 27, 2025
The truck has been to the dealer on multiple occasions because I continue to receive airbag system alerts. When the alert comes on a warning displays on the console that the airbag system has malfunctioned. The dealer states the clock spring needs to be replaced. I’ve been waiting since November 22, 2024 for the part. It is now June 27, 2025 and still don’t have the part. I experience the ale... Read more
Incident date: Jun 3, 2025
Hit gooseneck dump trailer attached to Dodge Ram 2500 truck. Hit trailer frame square below tailgate. Silverado was total loss. Airbags did not deploy, driver suffered injury to face on steering wheel. Front passenger suffered some bruising from seatbelt. Driver was hospitalized a week later with a seizure with no known medical cause and no history of seizures 50+ years.
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jun 27, 2025
I actually have already sent in an assessment for airbag, but then read the recall on brakes, which at the time, because a new vehicle, I didn’t think possible. Even when pushing on my brakes, my vehicle was not slowing down like it should have, and I had a front end collision. It was hard for me to think this was because of brakes because new, but I do think they need to be examined.
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jun 18, 2025
An error code (RCM_a056) will intermittently come up and say there is a fault with the front passenger safety restraint system. It will turn on for a car ride and stay off for a few days and come back randomly. When I researched this code, I found that this is a known issue with 2018 Tesla Model 3's. Apparently there was a flaw in the airbag system which causes this safety concern. I contacted a T... Read more
Incident date: Aug 23, 2023
My vehicle contains faulty airbags that can launch shrapnel at the passenger if it goes off, this is a common recall for many vehicles. This airbag system can put everyone in the car at risk if it ever triggers. Subaru has refused multiple times to fix this recall because the vehicle was originally Canadian and the VIN number is not in the US branches data base. Over the past 2 years I have made... Read more
Incident date: Jun 10, 2024
Electronics on car entirely go out including: Headlights, Turn signals, Hazard lights, Airbags, Electronic braking, Traction control, Tire pressure monitor, Fuel gage measurement, Speedometer, Odometer, Temperature gage and All Advanced Driver Assistance Systems. The vehicle has been to the dealership on 4 separate occasions from May 16th - June 27th 2025 Various inspections and repairs have been... Read more
Incident date: Jun 25, 2025
The passenger seat occupancy sensor (OC3 mat) on my 2006 BMW 3 Series (VIN: [XXX] ) has failed. As a result, the front passenger airbag is disabled, which poses a serious safety risk. BMW issued a 15-year warranty extension for this issue, acknowledging it as a common failure, but my vehicle is now slightly outside the coverage period. This part is vital for detecting front-seat occupants and ena... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 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 had not exp... Read more
Incident date: Jun 22, 2025
I have been trying to get the recall fixed since I purchased my vehicle in July 2023. For nearly two years, I have received repeated letters from Volkswagen urging me to have the recall addressed. However, despite calling every two months to schedule an appointment, I am always told that the part is unavailable and that they have no estimated date for its arrival. I'm continually advised to call b... Read more
Incident date: Apr 21, 2025
Ram issued a TSB 23-098-23 REV. A for the rear window leaking. Water has soaked the inside around the air bags all down the rear seats and floor. I’m concerned the issue could have damaged my air bags and the electrical in the vehicle. Vehicle rear window has been replaced in 2023. Still leaking water in around the rear airbags.
Incident date: Jun 26, 2020
I was driving home and a truck overpassed me on a loose sand area causing me to have to make a sudden brake and my car due to the loose sand and rocks sing around and hit a power pole and the impact to the power pole that was on the corner bounced me car back and my car did a flip and it landed on its front bumper and ultimately rolled over 4 times down a hill and landed on all four tires during ... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Mar 30, 2025
A/c drain clogged resulting in a backup of water to start leaking into the vehicle and steadily dripping onto the airbag module. The dealer did replicate the issue and are repairing. The airbag light illuminated and then the seatbelt light and chime began a couple of days later. Poorly placed safety device module.
Incident date: Jun 1, 2024
I was informed by my Toyota dealership and received a written letter from Toyota dated March 25, 2025, that the curtain airbag recall on my 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander had been completed. However, during a scheduled maintenance visit in June 2025, I was told the airbag recall had never actually been performed and was still open. The recall was only completed at that time. I unknowingly drove the ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 23, 2025
The car is sporadically saying passenger restraint system, going on and off.
Incident date: Aug 29, 2023
Warning about seatbelt & restraint systems malfunction in passenger seat appear in dash. Seems to correlate to seat bottom sensor in front passenger seat, goes in and out of alarm while occupants sit in the front passenger seat, creating risk of restraint system failure while driving.
Incident date: May 20, 2025
Front Passenger side icon shows airbag off when passenger is in passenger seat
Incident date: Apr 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that when starting the vehicle, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 53,000.
Incident date: Jun 25, 2025
It keeps coming up with the error message passenger restraint system malfunction
Incident date: Jun 20, 2025
THE CAR WENT OFF THE ROAD AND INTO TREES TOTALING THE VEHICLE - AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jun 23, 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 air bag 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 vehicle was not diagnosed ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 13, 2025
As many before me, I urge NHTSA to hold Honda accountable for failure to rectify the "2020-2022 Acura/Honda Multi-model Seat Weight Sensor Recall" announced on February 6, 2024. I received the initial notice in March 2024, followed by a post card stating that the parts were in stock in April 2025. Upon calling Honda the following day, I was told that the parts were again out of stock and that I wo... Read more
Incident date: Jun 24, 2025
I have contacted Centennial VW in Las Vegas, NV about the recall in December 2024 and they said the part is still on back order.
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2022) - AIR BAGS
Jun 24, 2025
Incident date: Jun 21, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Highlander 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 ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 23, 2025
Honda Prologue 2024 AWD with 2300 miles driven. The display indicates "Service Safety Restraint System" The dealer tells me the code is for the driver side curtain airbag which the repair is not under warranty. VIN# [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Incident date: Jun 23, 2025
The contact owns a 2010 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while stopped at the traffic light, a tractor-trailer crashed into the front driver's side of the vehicle. The contact stated that no air bags deployed in his vehicle. The contact stated that he sustained back pain. No medical attention was required. The contact mentioned that the vehicle was still drivable at the scene. Prior to the crash... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Dec 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Camry. 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 stated that whil... Read more
KIA
SPORTAGE HYBRID
(2023) - AIR BAGS
Jun 24, 2025
Incident date: Apr 4, 2025
Air bag is malfunctioning and Honda diagnosed and stated I was responsible because warranty has expired.
Incident date: Jun 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Acura RDX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V064000 (AIR BAGS); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. 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 failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
JEEP
WAGONEER S
(2024) - AIR BAGS
Jun 24, 2025
Incident date: Mar 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 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 ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 12, 2025
See attached document for complaint. In June 2023, I received a safety recall from GM, identified with the number N232404980, informing me that my 2014 Buick Enclave SUV, VIN : had a dangerous defect in the front-driver airbag inflater. The letter stated that the necessary parts to repair my vehicle were not available on that date. For the past two years, I have been calling the dealers closest t... Read more
Incident date: Jun 9, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible. The contact stated while driving 15 MPH, several unknown warning lights illuminated. 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... Read more
POLESTAR
POLESTAR 2
(2022) - AIR BAGS
Jun 24, 2025
Incident date: Jun 24, 2025
Got a warning notice on my dashboard that the passenger safety restraint system failed...ie the airbag.
Incident date: Jun 1, 2024
The dashboard leather on my 2020 Ram Longhorn (VIN [XXX] ) has severely bubbled and separated from the underlying structure. The warping creates dangerous glare and distortion in the windshield, compromising forward visibility. Additionally, the deformation extends over the passenger side airbag panel, raising serious concerns about whether the airbag can deploy correctly. This is a well-documente... Read more
Incident date: Jun 23, 2025
This vehicle, and those of its generation, have had an active passenger airbag recall since December 2023. There has been no news on a remedy, nor any meaningful updates on progress. I am unable to transport passengers in my front seat as I am afraid for their safety and my own liability.
VOLKSWAGEN
PASSAT
(2013) - AIR BAGS
Jun 23, 2025
Incident date: Jun 23, 2025
My passenger side headrest popped open while my car was in park today. Randomly deployed. This is beyond unacceptable that something could just happen like a safety feature deploying when not impact provoked.
Incident date: Jan 27, 2024
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 unavailable. 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 failure. VIN tool confirms part... Read more
Incident date: Jun 2, 2025
I get an airbag warning, after going to VW to get it looked at they said it was error with the POD’s system. The error is same as VW Safety Recall Code: 69FB. I think my model car should fall into this recall as well.
Incident date: Jun 20, 2025
Airbag fault light is illuminated. drivers side, Fault Code: B101715 - crash sensor for side airbag, drivers side open circuit to B+ Intermittent occurred on 5/19/2025 at 56000 mile. Data from vehicle Software Number; 5Q0959655AG Software Version: 0336 Hardware Number: 5Q0959655AG Hardware Version: 004