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: Dec 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 BMW 328i. The contact stated that while stopped at a red light, another vehicle crashed into the entire rear at 50 MPH causing the contact's vehicle to spin around twice and come to a stop in the middle of the street. The air bags did not deploy. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard. A police report was filed. The vehicle was not destroyed... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
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 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. VIN tool confir... Read more
Incident date: Feb 21, 2025
According to Campaign P8243, Ref ITB08-045e, NTHTSA # 08-521, my 2008 Infiniti G37 has a warning blinking light for the passenger airbag. I contacted the National Consumer Affairs Dept of Infiniti and they said that my vin # did not indicate it has a recall. I was quoted $5000 to replace the seat by other mechanical shops, but my vehicle is not worth that anymore. Please advise. Thank you.
Incident date: Feb 19, 2025
To whom it may concern, I spun out on the highway in slippery conditions and hit the guard rail, probably at 50-60mph and none of the airbags deployed. I contacted KIA and even though the car is located at their dealership they have not even bothered to move this along and get it inspected. The insurance company sent an estimator to check, and I am waiting to see if they would repair or total i... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Feb 20, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Chrysler 300. 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
Incident date: Feb 18, 2025
The contact owns a 2005 Ford Mustang. The contact stated that during inclement weather, water was entering the cabin of the vehicle through the passenger’s side glove box. The contact stated that due to the failure, mold had developed throughout the vehicle on the carpet, doors, and interior seats. The contact's husband also discovered that water had entered the computer module after inspecting ... Read more
AUDI
A4 ALLROAD
(2013) - AIR BAGS
Feb 20, 2025
Incident date: Feb 20, 2025
Wiring compartment under the front wheel well is completely eroded away which caused my vehicle to completely stop driving and turning on. When looking at the whole wiring harness under the wheel well, wires were completely falling out of where they connect to the fuses because of how bad the erosion is. I was driving my car with my 4 year old child in it on the highway and it started to jerk, lig... Read more
Incident date: Feb 19, 2025
Air bag sensor went off, took it to the dealer and they said it could be a loose wire. I do not feel safe driving the vehicle since there has been a recall for prior models due to a faulty sensor which could cause the airbags to malfunction in case of an accident. Also having problems with the screen delaminating.
Incident date: Feb 19, 2025
I have a code Passanger restraint failure that will not come off unless I pay $2700 to fix. This coding came on after 3 months of getting the vehicle and I’m not the only with the same issue. This is a dangerous situation that Bmw is not recalling but putting this as the owners expense. If I were to get in an accident this will not deploy airbags or open the seat belt this can cause sever injuri... Read more
Incident date: Mar 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Chrysler 200. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated, and the message "Service Air Bag" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the failure might be a factory defect; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approxim... Read more
Incident date: Jan 24, 2025
Intermittent air bag light come and goes Window fluid leaking Power steering leaking Bad reception AM radio (Lots static)
TOYOTA
HIGHLANDER
(2019) - AIR BAGS
Feb 19, 2025
Incident date: Feb 19, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Honda Pilot. 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 made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not e... Read more
Incident date: Feb 19, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 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 contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount o... Read more
Incident date: Oct 13, 2024
I was driving straight when a vehicle coming from the opposite direction made a left turn without yielding, crossing into my lane. As a result, my vehicle collided with the other car at full speed. However, the airbag in my steering wheel did not deploy upon impact, as it should have. My injuries have been significantly more severe than they would have been had the airbag functioned properly. I re... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Dec 1, 2024
UNKNOWN Moving collision resulted in insurance company describing damage as a total loss. It was inspected by an auto collision expert; his description, photos and estimate were forwarded to a claims specialist at the insurance company. The side of my head hit the window on the driver's side, but no airbags inflated. I feel this was a risk to my overall safety. There were no warning messages.
Crash
Incident date: Feb 13, 2025
Veh continues to display service stabilitrak when coming out of auto stop at a light or stop. Service restraint likely keeps coming on unable to buckle seat belts sometime seat get stuck when moving forward or backwards on driver side Shift to park light keeps coming on Service parking break is coming in as well for no apparent reason
Incident date: Jan 14, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at 15 MPH in a residential area, another vehicle coming from the left side tried to pass the contact into oncoming traffic, as the contact's husband was trying to slow down to make a U-turn. As a result, the other driver's vehicle then crashed into the contact's husband. There were no warning lights illum... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Nov 1, 2024
A few years ago, our Subaru Forester had an open recall (WUM98-1) due to an issue with the passenger-side front airbag ODS, which caused the system to fail to detect a passenger, making it unsafe to drive. We had the recall repair completed at the time. However, about a month ago, the same airbag warning light came on again. After taking the vehicle in for service, we were informed that a differe... Read more
Incident date: Feb 19, 2025
Stearing wheel began to make a clicking sound and would hardly turn. The Front Left Malfunction Service required light came on and when I took it to the dealership they informed me that the clock spring and airbag are broken and need to be replaced. He stated the vehicale is drivable but the airbag does not work. In 2017/2018 there was a recall for this exact issue and it shows my car was impac... Read more
Incident date: Feb 18, 2025
The contact owns a 2024 Honda Civic Hatchback. The contact stated that while driving in traffic on the right-hand side at 10 MPH, there was slight snow, and another vehicle on the left-hand side started to spin out of control. Colliding with the contact, making the contact vehicle spin out of control and going under the side of the overpass until the vehicle came to a stop. Initially, there were ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Mar 27, 2024
The airbag light is still flashing on the dashboard after the airbag recall on this vehicle was fixed. It may be related to a different recall, which is safety campaign #16V594000.
MERCEDES-BENZ
C300
(2013) - AIR BAGS
Feb 19, 2025
Incident date: Nov 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2008 Nissan Altima. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 08V521000 (Air Bags, Electrical System). The contact called the dealer and made an appointment; however, the contact was informed that the part might not be available for the appointment. The contact arrived for the appointment and was informed 3 hours later that the part needed for the repair was no... Read more
Incident date: Feb 17, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that the fuel tank was leaking after refueling. The fuel had leaked out to half tank. The Fire Department was called, but no assistance was provided. The contact stated that there was a puddle of fuel in the driveway. Additionally, the passenger’s air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where... Read more
Incident date: Feb 18, 2025
In a car accident I got into, my car’s airbags did not deploy like they should have and therefore I got greater injuries than I should have. I believe I hit the steering wheel and I did hurt my chest. Both my elbows were sore as well and as well as both my knees had big bruises on them. My right knee to this day still has a bruise/mark on it, which still does not feel the same since then. Very... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Feb 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH, the air bag fault message was displayed. A local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that Chrysler Canada would honor the warranty. The vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that the clock spring needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manu... Read more
Incident date: Feb 14, 2025
My vehicle is DO NOT DRIVE condition. I have not been able to schedule air bag recall repair because the dealerships in my area will not tow to and from my home, and say no mobile service is available. WHAT ARE MY OPINIONS? PLEASE REPLY .....I currently can't drive my car because I have a unexploded claymore in my face!
Incident date: Feb 14, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Subaru Legacy. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V227000 (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 disconn... Read more
Incident date: Sep 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Honda Pilot. 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 made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not e... Read more
Incident date: Feb 11, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Buick Enclave. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at unknown speeds in the snow, the brake pedal was applied, but the vehicle slid and crashed into an unknown vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The air bags did not deploy. There was no reported fire or injuries. A police report was filed. The driver was able to drive away from the crash. The ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jan 5, 2024
What happened? While driving my 2025 KIA Niro on [XXX] , I stopped at a red light behind another vehicle. Suddenly, my car was rear-ended by another vehicle, causing a significant impact that pushed my car forward into the vehicle in front. The seat belts deployed but I sustained a broken nose from hitting the steering wheel. My daughter and I were taken to the hospital for treatment. Component ... Read more
Crash
2 injured
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2020) - AIR BAGS
Feb 17, 2025
Incident date: Oct 18, 2024
While I was driving, when I turned the wheel I heard a cracking noise. Then airbag light turned on, and an airbag notification popped up on the dash.
Incident date: Nov 1, 2024
Hit a very large cow early in the morning going about 40-45 mph. Not one single airbag deployed. There was no indication that they wouldn't work. The seatbelt was the only thing that kept him was going anywhere... If the airbags had gone off his head and neck wouldn't of snapped forward. We have police report pictures and can get insurance report. Contacted Ram and they said there wasn't anything ... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Feb 14, 2025
Dashboard has large cracks all over it including where the passenger air bag is located. I am concerned about the pieces of plastic flying if the air bag deploys. Also concerned that the cracks could release the air bag at any time, even during normal driving. Dealer only suggested getting a dashboard cover, but that would negate the purpose of the air bag. My research showed that there are many o... Read more
Incident date: Jan 19, 2025
The air bag light has come on and will not go out. There was a recall 15V093000 Occupant Classification Module Update. Land Rover Baton Rouge states that they can't diagnose the issue because the vehicle is a 2014. I am afraid that I and/or any passengers riding in the vehicle will get hurt or at worst killed from the malfunction.
FORD
EXPEDITION
(2019) - AIR BAGS
Feb 17, 2025
Incident date: Jan 17, 2025
I have been trying to get my vehicle repaired for over a year in response to recall number 24V-064 with no success. The vehicle manufacturer is not providing the required parts to the dealership to address this recall from early 2024. I think additional action needs to be taken against the manufacturer to drive improved behaviour to address safety recall issues in a timely manner
Incident date: Feb 14, 2025
Found steering wheel airbag deployed
Incident date: Jan 15, 2025
The ECU malfunctioned and the passenger side airbag didn’t go off and should have. There were error codes and I told KIA service department about it but they weren’t to concerned and said they would look at it at my first service appointment
Crash
2 injured
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2023) - AIR BAGS
Feb 15, 2025
Incident date: Feb 10, 2025
Air Bags did not deploy going at 32 MPH and during a head on front collision.
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Dec 17, 2024
On [XXX] while driving on [XXX] , the driver’s airbag in my 2022 Honda HR-V suddenly deployed without any impact or collision. This created a major safety hazard, obstructing vision and forcing the driver to pull over immediately. The seat belt tensioner also engaged, restricting movement. There were no warning lights, no forward collision warnings, and no external factors that could have cause... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Feb 15, 2025
i was traveling into work in Boston and a Dodge Ram 1500 pickup hit me broadside (drivers side wheel, rear door). My air bags (driver front or side) did not deploy and my car was determined to be a total wreck by my insurance company. I was bruised and out of work for a couple of days but was a fortunate to walk away from this accident.
Crash
Incident date: Feb 7, 2025
The passenger airbag light is constantly on. When no one is sitting on the chair, the light states that the air bag is off and when someone is sitting in the chair, the airbag light states that it is on. I just purchased this used car a month ago from a Toyota dealership. Two weeks in with no accident whatsoever, the problem had occurred. I noticed the airbag light turned on when I first purchased... Read more
Incident date: Feb 11, 2025
Toyota has been aware of an occupant classification sensor defect since at least December 2023. Their automated systems state the remedy should be available by 2024 Q3. And yet we were in Feb 2025 and no remedy is available. I don’t think they intend to fix this at all, leaving me with a car that is not safe to use the passenger seat.
Incident date: Feb 13, 2025
The passenger side airbag deployed when I shut the door. My son was sitting in the seat. This incident could have been very harmful to my son. We had just had the airbag sensor repaired after waiting 6 months for it to arrive on back order. It was also replaced in 2021 under warranty, and in 2017 under a recall. The vehicle is currently at the dealership and available for inspection.
VOLKSWAGEN
JETTA
(2021) - AIR BAGS
Feb 14, 2025
Incident date: Jan 27, 2024
The 2017 trim leather dash panel cover peals significantly on the upper side and front side facing passenger. This may affect the airbag expensing by interfering with parts of the dash panel and could also introduce second harm in cases of these components flying out in high speed.
Incident date: Feb 13, 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 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 experien... Read more
Incident date: Jan 15, 2025
Recall 12-20-2023. Passenger air bag sensors on passenger seat that could have been improperly manufactured. This would not allow airbag system to properly classify the occupant’s weight and the airbag may not deploy as designed in certain crashes, increasing the risk of injury. Remedy, as of 2-14-2025, is still not available! What happens to my passenger if we are in an accident? More than a... Read more
Incident date: Jan 14, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 Honda CR-V. The contact received a notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V744000 (Steering) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at approximately 25 MPH, the steering wheel abruptly became difficult to steer in either the left or right direction. The vehicle crashed into a tree where it came t... Read more
Crash
1 injured