Component
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN
13 NHTSA complaints about air bags:side/window:curtain issues across 6 makes and 11 models.
The air bags:side/window:curtain is one of the standardized component categories NHTSA uses to classify consumer safety complaints. Across the public complaint database, it accounts for 13 filings from 6 manufacturers and 11 distinct vehicle models, a footprint large enough that defect engineers can isolate part-family patterns across different platforms that share the same supplier or the same federal motor vehicle safety standard.
Among filings citing this component, owners have reported 2 crashes, 0 fires, 5 injuries, and 1 fatality. The most complained-about vehicle in this category is the GMC SIERRA 1500 with 3 filings, followed by TOYOTA SIENNA and TOYOTA RAV4. These severity counters are what separates a nuisance complaint trend from a pattern NHTSA is likely to escalate into a Preliminary Evaluation.
Component-level analysis is how the Office of Defects Investigation spots cross-manufacturer supplier issues — the same airbag inflator, the same takata-style ignition switch, the same brake hose material — before they become industry-wide recalls. When you see a single component accumulating large complaint volume across several unrelated nameplates, that is usually a signature of a shared supplier or a shared federal standard being stressed by real-world conditions. Use the affected-vehicles table below to see whether the pattern is concentrated on a handful of models or distributed evenly, and cross-reference each model's full recall and investigation history before drawing conclusions about any one nameplate.
Most Affected Vehicles
| # | Vehicle | Complaints |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | GMC SIERRA 1500 | 3 |
| 2 | TOYOTA SIENNA | 1 |
| 3 | TOYOTA RAV4 | 1 |
| 4 | NISSAN VERSA | 1 |
| 5 | MERCEDES-BENZ ML320 | 1 |
| 6 | MERCEDES-BENZ GLK350 | 1 |
| 7 | GMC SIERRA | 1 |
| 8 | GMC CANYON | 1 |
| 9 | CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500 | 1 |
| 10 | CHEVROLET EXPRESS 3500 | 1 |
| 11 | BMW 335I | 1 |
Recent Complaints
STS light on with message saying Right curtain airbag malfunction visit workshop
The contact owns a 2011 Nissan Versa. The contact stated that while at a stop sign, the side curtain air bags deployed inadvertently without warning. The contact was not injured. The contact did not t
I was on dirt forest road that was not a trail, I went through a ditch at about 3MPH and my side airbags blew. As a result the seatbelt pre tension device was also activated and the seat heaters no l
The contact owns a 2016 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormally loud sound inside the cabin of the vehicle. The contact
The roof rack rails have begun leaking due to failed weather sealants around them. Water is seeping through when it rains, getting water on the airbags, headliner, and moves along the top frame. Iâm
Curtain air bags deployed after loosing traction a bit in the highway also causing seat belts to get locked. Acceleration pedal will get stuck at times. Needed to push brake pedal half ways or more fo
System that failed was the air bag system , Yes it can be available for inspection with notification, My family and friend were put at risk when the air bag system deployed in a parked car and seat b
The contact owns a 2010 GMC Sierra. The contact stated that while the son was driving approximately 75 mph, the driver and passenger side curtain airbags erroneously deployed and the vehicle shut off.
When turning left in a busy intersection, our van was struck by another vehicle on the front passenger corner of the car. The strike occurred with my van going about 10 mph, the other car going about
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET SILVERADO. THE CONTACT'S SON WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, WHEN THE FRONT DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT
MY WIFE WAS T BONE ON DEC., 24, 2018 BY ANOTHER VEHICLE SHE FLIPPED 2 TIME AND HIT A GUARD RAIL THE AIR BAGS NEVER DEPLOYED. SHE IS NOW HOME AND HEALING. I WANTED TO KNOW HOW SHE WILL BE COMPENSATED
AIR BAG SENSOR STILL ON AS FAULTY. BMW HAS STATED ITS THE SENSOR ASSOCIATED WITH THE THE EVENT OF ROLL OVER. PRIVATE COMPANY CERTIFIED TO SERVICE BMWS STATES ITS THE PASSENGER AIR BAG. MY BMW'S COM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET EXPRESS 3500. UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE SERVICE AIR BAG INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGN
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many complaints involve air bags:side/window:curtain issues? ▼
How dangerous are air bags:side/window:curtain defects? ▼
Which vehicles have the most air bags:side/window:curtain problems? ▼
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Data Sources
Vehicle complaint data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints database. Includes consumer-reported safety issues filed with NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Severity counts cross-reference NHTSA FARS (Fatality Analysis Reporting System) for fatal incidents where a corresponding FARS record exists.
Component categories are standardized by NHTSA. Crash-test ratings where shown are drawn from the NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Complaint counts, crash reports, fire reports, and fatality data reflect consumer-submitted reports and may not represent all incidents.
Disclaimer: This data is for informational purposes only and should not be used as the sole basis for vehicle purchase decisions. NHTSA complaint data is self-reported by consumers and has not been verified or investigated. A high complaint count does not necessarily indicate a defect. Always consult a qualified mechanic and check official NHTSA recall notices before making safety-related decisions.
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.