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: May 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Outback. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V227000 (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 experi... Read more
Incident date: Jan 19, 2024
Vehicle has 46,000 miles on odometer. A year ago the "Service Airbag System" light would intermittently illuminate. It is now staying lit all the time. I was speaking with an acquaintance as they had the same vehicle. Theirs caught on fire under the seat in the electrical connection box for the airbag. I took it to a few of our local mechanics and they say it is a substantial safety issue as they ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 5, 2025
The leather dashboard came off. We were offered to fix it for $6,000, even though the car had an extended warranty through the dealership. Mercedes corporate and the dealership came back and said they would fix it for $3,000. We reluctantly paid the $3,000 to have the dashboard fixed. A year later, the same defect occurred, and the Mercedes dealership said there is no warranty on the work done. W... Read more
Incident date: Apr 17, 2025
I was driving and stopped at a stop sign, I started to go and my passenger side airbag on the door exploded. There was no impact, out of nowhere this happened
Incident date: Nov 29, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the air bag warning light illuminated. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 109,387.
Incident date: May 9, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the passenger's side front end of the vehicle hit a cow and was significantly damaged. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated after the crash. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact sustained neck and back pain, and bruises on the chest from the seat belt. The contact received medical assistance. The vehicle... Read more
Crash
1 injured
HONDA
CR-V HYBRID
(2024) - AIR BAGS
Jun 4, 2025
Incident date: Jun 4, 2025
I saw this recall been there for 1+ year, still there is no remedy. I am very disappointed with Lexus. Please at least do something, or the airbag is not good.
Incident date: May 23, 2025
The contact rented a 2024 Mazda CX-50. The contact stated that while driving on a main street at 5 MPH, the contact attempted to slow down the vehicle by depressing the brake pedal, and in the process, the brakes locked and the vehicle proceeded to accelerate without the contact's consent. The contact was involved in a front-end collision with the vehicle in front of them. No property damage was r... Read more
Crash
3 injured
Incident date: Feb 4, 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: May 14, 2025
The contact owned a 2016 Ford F-350. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the vehicle was involved in a head-on crash. The air bags did not deploy. No warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local tow yard. The vehicle was condemned as a total loss by the insurance company. The contact's wife, who is a certified RN took the contact to the local medical center. The ... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: May 1, 2025
No incident my vehicle has a front left malfunction service required light and issues with the passenger seatbelt not proper latching. Upon checking I notice my car had previous recalls done. It seems as if the same issues has come about. NHTSA: 18v177- seat belt not retracting properly. NHTSA: 17V627 is related to the steering column switch replacement of clock spring. So if me or a family mem... Read more
Incident date: Jun 4, 2025
It seems I am facing the same issue as RS19-004C - DTC B00A0-00 STORED
FORD
BRONCO SPORT
(2021) - AIR BAGS
Jun 4, 2025
Incident date: Jun 4, 2025
Our Vehicle Airbag Icon Flashes On And Off. This Is A Safety Issue I Thought That Would Be Covered. But The Ford Dealership Said It's Out Of Warranty And I Would Have To Pay For A $180 Diagnostic Fee PLUS All Parts And Labor. FOR A SAFETY ISSUE THAT THE AIRBAG OR SEAT BELTS WILL NOT WORK AND WE WOULD BE KILLED. That Is So Ridiculous. I Contacted Ford Motor Company Headquarters And Was Told That It... Read more
Incident date: May 19, 2025
We just purchased this vehicle for my daughter and when I called the manufacturer about scheduling to perform Recall # 24V834 they said the parts were on back order. I asked when they may have the parts and they claimed they didn't know, but the recall wasn't something I would have to worry about unless the air bag light came on. I asked what if in an accident and the air bag deploys would it caus... Read more
Incident date: Jun 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Subaru Outback. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V227000 (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
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2020) - AIR BAGS
Jun 3, 2025
Incident date: Jun 2, 2025
UNKNOWN - My car system starting alerting me as if I had no seatbelt on (which I did) and said SRS Airbag Malfunction.
Incident date: Aug 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at 30 MPH, she started to choke and was unable to breathe, which resulted in the driver fully colliding into a cement wall. The driver sustained injuries, and medical attention was provided, and the contact child was taken to the local trauma facility. The contact stated that all of the air bags loc... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Aug 13, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Fiat 124 Spider. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V694000 (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 parts ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 4, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Rogue. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the air bag warning light was illuminated and blinking. The contact called the independent mechanic where the vehicle was purchased and was informed that the vehicle needed to be serviced. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the air bags were missing. The vehic... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
While driving all of a sudden seat belt sign pops up and stays there . I think there is something wrong with seat belt system.
Incident date: Jun 3, 2025
Well driving on the highway in CT. I hit a pot hole and the drive side curtain airbags deployed. There was no accident, but my kids were freaked out.
Incident date: May 22, 2025
Have not had the recall addressed
Incident date: Nov 3, 2024
It's been 2 years now and the dealer and Toyota are saying there are no parts available.
Incident date: May 26, 2025
The contact owns a 2005 BMW 325XI. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V018000 (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 dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Part... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
GLC 300 4MATIC
(2023) - AIR BAGS
Jun 3, 2025
Incident date: Jun 3, 2025
My 2020 Accord has had a recall on it for quite some time regarding the passenger side airbags. I have reached out to my dealership multiple times about this recall and I am told they do not have parts to fix it. They are on back order. I even reached out to a different dealership and has the same issue is pointless to recall if we can’t fix the problem. How can I get someone to fix this or find... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2023
Traveling [XXX] on [XXX] from flagstaff to phoenix in the far left lane going 80 miles, when a deer ran through the interstate and collided with the vehicle. After impact with animal, pulled off to the emergency lane. No airbags were deployed. Car was undrivable INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash
Incident date: May 30, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Pathfinder. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer for routine maintenance, and the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the air bag and sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact refused the repairs. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Incident date: Jan 30, 2025
• The airbag system failed to deploy during a collision that resulted in the total loss of the vehicle. Additionally, the vehicle was operating with a 17” spare tire (undersized compared to the standard 20” wheels), which may have contributed to the accident. The vehicle has been totaled and is currently in the possession of the insurance company, but may be available for inspection upon req... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jun 2, 2025
The rear seats in my 2016 ford explorer platinum have a know air bag issue that ford said is not a safety issue when addressed. It is a know issue by ford and they refuse to fix it because it is not under recall. The air bag light illuminate due to a worn or damaged connection to the rear inflatable seat belt connector which in turn will cause the rear airbags to not deploy during an accident.
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2020) - AIR BAGS
Jun 2, 2025
Incident date: Jun 2, 2024
We have recently incurred an alert that comes on as it pleases and has no rhyme or reason for popping up with passenger airbag restraint issue. Tesla is wanting to charge us over $900 to fix this issue yet this isn’t an us issue it’s a them issue. They installed a faulty airbag sensor which now requires the replacement of sensor, airbag, and harness as well as a software update. I have seen th... Read more
Incident date: Mar 20, 2025
Every few months, my car receives a warning stating "Front passenger safety restraint system fault". This error noted that there are issues related to checking the front passenger seatbelt/airbag status, and that they may not work as expected. Tesla has tried to repair this 4 times on my car already, but the error keeps coming back after a few months. This is now the 5th time this is happening in ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 2, 2025
STRUCTURAL FAILURE & AIRBAG FAILURE Crash on the bend of a dangerous Utah road. Lost control and vehicle crossed center line striking another vehicle headon. The cab separated from the frame of the truck. The airbags did not deploy.
Crash
2 injured
KIA
OPTIMA HYBRID
(2020) - AIR BAGS
Jun 2, 2025
Incident date: Jun 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Buick Enclave. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front passenger's side air bag unintendedly deployed. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Incident date: May 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2011 Jeep Patriot. The contact that upon starting the vehicle, the air bag warning light illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V288000 (AIR BAGS). The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced the recall as a possible cause for the failure;... Read more
Incident date: May 3, 2025
I have and airbag check light on on my dashboard. I tested the code and it corresponds to B1B06 (Driver Airbag Squib 2 circuit Open). This matches a recall done on previously. NHTSA Recall Number 16V-288, in which my vehicle was MISSED from the recall!! Now that my vehicle is indicating the problem JEEP refuses to fix the problem. Although this was supposed to be fixed during the appropriate reca... Read more
Incident date: Jun 2, 2023
The 'Passenger air bag off' alert recurs without apparent cause, suggesting a system malfunction. I took my vehicle to a MINI dealership for evaluation, only to be informed that this is a known issue requiring replacement of the entire system at a cost of $1,800 + tax. Online research reveals that many MINI owners with similar models face this safety issue. Given the severity and prevalence of thi... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2025
Tesla has just informed me about a safety concern on the 2019 M3 They explained that despite of the car not giving me a notification, it is showing on their end that my car has an airbag safety concern and by law they have to tell me. So I asked why this recall is not being addressed and fixed by Tesla. They told me that is my choice and if I choose to be safe I have to pay. This is not accepta... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
TIGUAN
(2021) - AIR BAGS
Jun 2, 2025
Incident date: Jun 1, 2025
The car was in a front end collision; the airbags did not deploy. Insurance said the car was reparable and fixed it; car was picked up from body shop on 07/19/2024. In May 2025, at only 3 years old, the transmission went out at 95,000 miles and was just replaced. Ford would not admit the accident had anything to do with the transmission going out on a 3 year old car. I was quoted almost $10,00... Read more
Crash
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2023) - AIR BAGS
Jun 1, 2025
Incident date: Jun 1, 2025
Air Bag light stays on and cannot pass stare inspection without repair. NHSTA site has 54 reports of this issue and dealer cannot figure out how to repair. What can be done?
Incident date: Sep 13, 2023
The passenger ods is not working right causing an error state of the airbags which is a safety hazard as they will not deploy in the event of a car accident.
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2021) - AIR BAGS
Jun 1, 2025
Incident date: Jun 6, 2022
I am filing a formal complaint regarding a longstanding and unresolved recall on my 2020 Toyota Camry XSE. The recall in question — NHTSA #23V865 / Toyota #23TB15 — was issued on December 19, 2023, and involves a critical defect: the passenger airbag may fail to deploy in a crash. As of today, nearly six months later, no remedy has been issued by Toyota. This puts myself and others at serious... Read more
Incident date: May 27, 2025
I have a seat sensor airbag code and a b0d5 code
Incident date: Feb 7, 2025
Air bag light on occupant not detected code, just like Porsche Mecan campaign AMA2
Incident date: May 9, 2025
Approximately [XXX] on [XXX] I was driving from my home to a doctors appointment on [XXX] in Tampa Florida. Approximately 8 mins from my home. The roads were in desperate need of repair with patchy potholes uneven pavement. I was going approximately 30 to 35 miles an hour that is the speed limit for this road as I was going over I hit one of the shallow holes in the road when that happened. the ca... Read more
Incident date: May 24, 2025
The Passenger side Air Bag Inflator failure
Incident date: May 30, 2025
Component/System That Failed: The airbag system failed to deploy during a frontal collision. The vehicle’s front driver and passenger airbags did not activate at the time of impact. The airbag system is still present in the vehicle and is available for inspection upon request. ⸻ Safety Risk: The failure of the airbags to deploy during a significant front-end collision put my safety and the s... Read more
Crash
Incident date: May 7, 2025
Air bags did not deploy when another vehicle hit truck on front passenger side at 35-40 mph
Crash
Incident date: Nov 11, 2024
Subaru recall WUM98 was issued in 2019 to replace the ODS harness on my 2018 Subaru Forester. The part replacement was completed in in April 2020. The harness failed again in Oct 2024. It was replaced for the 2nd time. Now, my passenger air bag light is on for the 3rd time, and the dealership is indicating that the ODS mat is the culprit (not the harness). Subaru is not covering this under any ope... Read more
Incident date: May 29, 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 contact had not experie... Read more
Incident date: May 30, 2025
Vehicle is displaying an error message "Front passenger safety restraint system fault" and "front passenger safety restraint system fault. Service is required." This has the result of "The restraint system may not function as designed." According to an Internet search, this is a very common fault, caused by "interference" and necessitates an occupancy sensor, wiring harness and airbag module exc... Read more