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: Jan 13, 2024
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 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 not ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 31, 2025
The death investigator's decedent owned a 2002 Honda Civic. The contact stated that after the decedent stopped at a stop sign, they attempted to make a left turn and struck another vehicle on the passenger side. The decedent's air bag was deployed which caused trauma to the decedent's neck. The decedent's vehicle caught fire shortly after impact. The other driver attempted to remove the decedent f... Read more
Crash
Fire
1 deaths
Incident date: Feb 27, 2025
Failure of Airbags to deploy after a rear end collision by another car. On 01.31.2025. My vehicle - a Nissan Altima 2015 was hit by an SUV while stopped at an intersection behind another vehicle. My Altima was thrust forward into the vehicle stopped ahead ome causing significant rear damage to the rear and front bumper, the trunk, and left tail lights. Despite the force of the collision and the r... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Feb 27, 2025
A safety recall for the Occupant Classification System (OCS) was issued by NHTSA in Dec 2023. I have contacted my Toyota dealer on 6/7/24 and again on 10/28/24 and they said that "A remedy is still not available" and "Toyota has not found a fix yet". It is now Feb 2025, more than a year after the recall for this matter, and Toyota has still not provided a fix.
NISSAN
PATHFINDER
(2024) - AIR BAGS
Feb 27, 2025
Incident date: Feb 26, 2025
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 not 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 expe... Read more
Incident date: Oct 12, 2022
The contact owned a 2023 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH going north on [XXX] towards [XXX] , another vehicle made a sudeen left turn. As a result, the vehicle T-boned the vehicle that was making a left turn, then the contact's vehicle came to a stop, and the other vehicle was flipped over. There were no warning lights illuminated.The air bag deployed, the cove... Read more
Crash
1 injured
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2021) - AIR BAGS
Feb 27, 2025
Incident date: Feb 27, 2022
The airbag warning light started flashing while driving. I checked for recalls and my model year has one for this problem but when I enter the VIN the result says that there isn't a recall for it.
Incident date: Feb 27, 2025
Clock spring broken when my wife turned her steering wheel leaving a parking lot. Airbags no longer work, along with anything electronic within steering wheel.
Incident date: Feb 20, 2025
The contact owns a 2007 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated while driving at approximately 35 MPH, all the air bags were independently deployed, except the driver's steering wheel air bag. The contact pulled over and had to cut all the side curtain air bags and the passenger’s side front air bag which were blocking the view of the road. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The conta... Read more
Incident date: Feb 26, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Lexus RX350. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (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 not contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a fai... Read more
Incident date: Jul 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Buick Enclave. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the message "Service Air Bag" was displayed. The air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags);... Read more
Incident date: Feb 11, 2025
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 101,000.
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE 4XE
(2022) - AIR BAGS
Feb 27, 2025
Incident date: Feb 2, 2025
I am having the same airbag sensor problem that everyone else is. My vehicle is not part of the recall but should be. This is a known safety hazard.
Incident date: Jul 15, 2024
passenger front seat presence sensor says someone is sitting in the seat even when empty. also seat belt warning light and audible alert is affected. I occasionally have four small children In the vehicle which is concerning because the airbag could go off when a child is sitting in the front seat.
LINCOLN
CONTINENTAL
(2019) - AIR BAGS
Feb 26, 2025
Incident date: Feb 26, 2025
The contact's relative owns a 2016 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 40 MPH, the passenger's side air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the front passenger's side air bag inflator needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a related recall and provided an esti... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
ATLAS CROSS SPORT
(2021) - AIR BAGS
Feb 26, 2025
Incident date: Feb 25, 2025
Passenger Seat Occupancy mat in the seat failed which disabled the passenger airbags. So it is very unsafe to drive the car now. This problem applies to many other BMW cars for which the warranty was extended. Unfortunately my car is not included in the warranty extension and out of pocket cost to repair it is $2500. I can’t afford to fix it. I believe that many other owners experience the same ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 21, 2025
Car dealership attempted to fix recall related to Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS). Dealership technicians experienced issues completing the repair and contacted the vehicle manufacturer for assistance. The manufacturer claims that the issues experienced during repair are due to damage and are refusing the pay for any fix to the recall. I am not aware of any damage the system would have ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 31, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 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. Parts distribution dis... Read more
HONDA
CR-V HYBRID
(2023) - AIR BAGS
Feb 26, 2025
Incident date: Nov 15, 2024
Recall issued December 2023 with an estimated remedy available by Toyota in October 2024. As of February 2025, still no remedy available. I'm quite concerned at the length of time its taking to correct a simple OCS sensor. should be as easy as just inspect and/or replace the sensor. My pregnant wife now has to sit in a seat where the airbag may or may not deploy in an accident for the unknown futu... Read more
Incident date: Feb 21, 2025
The contact owned a 2019 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving 35 -40 MPH and veering to the right, both tires hit the curb causing both tires to blow out. The steering wheel jerked to the right and the vehicle's front end landed into an embankment. The vehicle was towed and deemed totaled. A police report was filed. The contact sustained an injury of the compressed fracture of the L1 ... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Feb 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 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 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: Nov 13, 2024
Leak from water pump area and airbag
Incident date: Oct 3, 2024
I purchased the vehicle used with airbag light showing on the speedometer gauge cluster. Searched with vin for recalls but showed 0 unrepaired recalls. Tried clearing the light with my Launch CREADER BMW V2 scan tool. Light flashes a few times and goes away but immediately appears on the speedometer gauge cluster. This would happen everytime. Wires are intact with no signs of damages to all 3 wire... Read more
Incident date: Feb 21, 2025
passenger presence detection system is malfunctioning, and causing a "service airbag" warning. This is a huge safety issue that could be detrimental or deathly in the event of an accident. This is a common issue among generation 1 volt owners, and should be considered for a recall or warranty coverage. The passenger presence detection system parts are discontinued, and even if I found the part the... Read more
Incident date: Feb 19, 2025
Truck in front had hit brakes so I had tapped mine. Went back to cruise control to maintain distance. I hit the brakes at 0:00:15 when I realized the car was not slowing down. The brakes were palpitating and fighting me the car was not stopping. I could not go right as a car was to my right and if I went left the impact would have been on my daughter’s side and another car was coming on that si... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Oct 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Dodge Charger. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V018000 (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 not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution dis... Read more
Incident date: Feb 20, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 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 made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had no... Read more
Incident date: Feb 17, 2025
I was involved in an accident in Delray Beach FL last night at approximately 8:15pm. I had the right of way as the left turn signal was showing at the traffic light.The other driver fled the scene. The police report is still in process and will be available in 2 days. The was extensive damage to the front of my car. The steering column air bag did NOT deploy. I was not able to send you a pictur... Read more
Crash
CHEVROLET
TRAILBLAZER
(2025) - AIR BAGS
Feb 25, 2025
Incident date: Dec 9, 2024
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Feb 22, 2025
passenger airbag gets deactivated while there is an adult setting in the passenger seat.
Incident date: Apr 19, 2024
Shortly after purchasing my vehicle I noticed that the passenger airbag illuminated “off” indicator did not switch from “off” to “on” when an individual weighing under 100 pounds occupies the front passenger set in the vehicle. I could find nothing in the owner’s literature accompanying my car’s purchase addressing the threshold weight set by the manufacturer or dealer for passenge... Read more
CADILLAC
ESCALADE ESV
(2019) - AIR BAGS
Feb 25, 2025
Incident date: Feb 24, 2025
The Reatraints Control Module detects a fault in the driver side curtain airbag. This has happened multiple times and the Dealer has not been able to repair the problem. Dealer has tried to repair two times. Dealer will attempt to resolve issue a third time.
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 2500
(2019) - AIR BAGS
Feb 25, 2025
Incident date: Mar 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that the AWD warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of ti... Read more
Incident date: Feb 10, 2025
This car is not mine but someone somehow fraudulently registered it in my name. I got the VIN # from truth finder when I did a search on myself. Please help.
Incident date: Feb 24, 2025
All 4 door lock actuators Airbag System Malfunctioning CVT Slipping at 83,000 miles Broken Motor Mount
Incident date: Feb 10, 2025
NHTSA Recall Number 24V-198 has been active since March 14, 2024, and in nearly a year the manufacturer still has yet to make a repair available. I spoke with the manufacturer today and the representative could tell me nothing beyond what NHTSA lists in its own website tracking the recall. Per the manufacturer there is no part available. There is no estimate for when the repair will become availab... Read more
Incident date: Jan 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Dodge Charger. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V198000 (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 no... Read more
HYUNDAI
SANTA FE SPORT
(2013) - AIR BAGS
Feb 24, 2025
Incident date: Jun 24, 2021
The contact owns a 2019 Dodge Charger. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V198000 (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
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2024) - AIR BAGS
Feb 24, 2025
Incident date: Feb 21, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that the front passenger’s side air bag warning light remained illuminated, with or without an occupant seated in the front passenger’s seat. Upon investigation, the contact discovered Honda Campaign Notice: 24-050, which the contact linked to the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that his ve... Read more
Incident date: Jan 22, 2025
I had someone cut me off on the highway, I went to honk my horn & it didn't work. I then also noticed that my steering wheel control buttons did not work, or light up either. Upon investigation I found out that those are all symptoms of the clockspring not working properly & needing replaced.
Incident date: Feb 16, 2025
Randomly the passenger airbag indicator light comes on and a notification to check airbag
Incident date: Feb 14, 2025
CONCERN: Volvo cars’ sunroofs are negligently designed, allowing sunroof drain obstructions to flood the vehicle’s internal electronics. This results in catastrophic and simultaneous system failures, including brake loss, airbag failure, and disabled traction control—posing an extreme and imminent safety risk. SUMMARY OF EVENTS: While driving at speed, I received a “BRAKE FAILURE / PLEASE... Read more
Incident date: Feb 23, 2025
I was involved in an accident and upon impact the airbags didn’t deploy although there was a chemical smell that occurred and the check airbag light comes on intermittently. Also driver seatbelt locked up and does not retract out.
Crash
Incident date: Sep 26, 2024
According to the car’s manual and Toyota’s official website, the fuel tank capacity should be 13 gallons. However, my car does not have this capacity. Additionally, it consumes enough fuel for 36 miles when driving only 22 miles.
Incident date: May 12, 2024
My engine through a rod on approximately 9/26/24. I had it towed to Garden Grove Kia. They said they needed to contact Kia Corporate to find out if my car was still under warranty. Corporate acknowledged that there was a recall for the rod bearing that could cause a fire (safety issue). I was also told that there was a class action lawsuit. Corporate informed me that I was notified by mail. Which ... Read more
DODGE
GRAND CARAVAN
(2017) - AIR BAGS
Feb 22, 2025
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
While driving certainly Air bag SRS problem information came up on the dashboard and never went away during my four hours of driving. I know this is a safety issue and so many accident happened before for failure of the air bags and people died. I though I should inform to NHTSA about this safety issue. I contacted the dealer and take my car to check this problem.
Incident date: Feb 20, 2025
The air bag for passenger tubes going off and on. I don't know why sometimes it will stay off and then other times it will ding all day long while I'm driving? I don't know if it's safe. Enough for anyone to write in it or not
Incident date: Feb 4, 2025
The cable harness (slip ring) connecting the steering wheel controls including the vehicle horn, steering wheel buttons, scroll wheels, and potentially the airbag (according to the service technician) failed on this vehicle in January 2025. The vehicle was inspected by Tesla’s mobile service and they acknowledged that the cable harness had indeed failed. It is available for inspection. We have... Read more
Incident date: Feb 17, 2025
[XXX] [XXX] Case #[XXX] [XXX] [XXX] Must be affixed to the vehicle before to deliver purchaser Dealer# 31804 Salesperson# S705254 License [XXX] VIN# [XXX] Date sold # [XXX] Mileage 110,411 REG 51 (REV) 9/2019) UH Pursuant to California vehicle code §4456 Reference: CCR §1962 Dealership on 1461 Concord Ave, Concord, CA 94520 and put me on danger caution warning didn't know that Acura 2010 ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 20, 2025
I bought a vehicle with a salvage title and I want to DM. V to register i'm there request to me to do California highway petrol Salvage inspection. california highway patrol Told me to fix the recall first to get salvage Inspection or get a letter from Toyota stating that parts are not available and they will take full responsibility in the event that a malfunction occurs. I want to Toyota dealers... Read more