Consumer Safety Complaints
Search 2,215,138 safety complaints filed by vehicle owners with NHTSA — including 138,663 crashes, 56,255 fires, and 8,561 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 2,215,138 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 28,115 complaints for BUICK
Incident date: Oct 30, 2025
SERVICE BRAKE ASSIST CAME ON, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND VEHICLE WAS HARD TO STOP. Took to authorized service dealer and all parts were replaced. After driving it for a little while, SERVICE BRAKE ASSIST BACK ON, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT BACK ON AND VEHILCE IS HARD TO STOP.
Crash
Incident date: Oct 30, 2025
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection? The issue appears to be related to the auto start-stop system and/or an EVAP-related component, as the vehicle will sometimes completely shut off instead of restarting when stopped. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? When the engine shut... Read more
Incident date: Oct 16, 2025
My truck was recently upgraded to software version 2050.38.0. After the upgrade, I drove my truck about 3 miles in about 5 minutes. When I arrived at my destination, I exited the truck to get something out of the rear seat. The rear door was locked; this is normal. I returned to the front seat to unlock the door via the control panel, but the unlock function did not work. The button is in the ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 16, 2025
I wanted to update a previous report. The vehicle had had some odd electrical issues. The brakes ended up failing while driving but no electrical issues at the time proceeding it. What I wasn't able to report before was that the brake pedal sunk to the floor with no effort to stop the vehicle at all. The emergency brake is a button on the left side of the vehicle which was attempted to be engag... Read more
Incident date: Oct 6, 2025
Electrical issue for headlight having to replace the socket and lightblub everytime the light blub goes out. Every 2 months. Back up camera not working, blue screen, glitches, upside down, or says rearview camera not working.
Incident date: Oct 6, 2025
The vehicle began shuddering and losing power during normal driving. The issue occurs at various speeds, especially between 35–60 mph, and feels as though the car is slipping or will stall. A certified service center diagnosed a failing torque converter, which is part of the transmission/power train. The repair estimate was several thousand dollars. This failure poses a safety risk because the ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 28, 2002
My 2024 CR-V EX-L FWD has roughly 37,000 miles on it, and the tires have been rotated per Honda's built-in "Maintenance Minder". The inner shoulder of all four tires are worn to the extent that they need to be replaced. The rear suspension suffers from excessive negative camber; It is visually discernable upon approaching the vehicle from behind. I asked the service advisor at my local dealership... Read more
Incident date: Oct 28, 2002
The contact owns a 2005 Buick LeSabre. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the fuel gauge sensors failed to function as intended. The contact stated that the fuel gauge sensor failed to provide adequate information regarding the fuel level. The fuel warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, no cause for the failure was found. The vehicle wa... Read more
Incident date: Oct 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 Ford F-350 SD. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V455000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 25V686000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The contact stated that while attempting to accelerate from a s... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while in park, there was an alarm beeping. The message “Shift to Park” was displayed. Additionally, the TPMS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who was unable to duplicate the failure. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was n... Read more
Incident date: Oct 26, 2025
Since purchasing the vehicle, it just turns off while driving. It has NEVER stopped doing this. The dealership has consistently stated they are unable to repair as the diagnostic device does not register any code. Impossible as the car should have retained a code for this and so many other warning lights going off. Even so, Kia has the responsibility of fixing it all this time. I have shown s... Read more
Incident date: Sep 15, 2025
NHTSA Recall 25V467 was issued in July 2025. It has been over 3 months of constant fear for under-hood fire from possible fuel injector crack. My family's safety has been at risk long enough, this needs a permanent fix please!
Incident date: Jul 22, 2024
Power steering went out while driving steering became very hard to move the wheel
Incident date: Jul 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 Buick Lacrosse. The contact stated that while attempting to use the defroster, the HVAC system was not working properly, and paper towels were used to wipe the inside and outside windshield. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving approximately 15 MPH or while slowing down to come to a stop, there was an abnormal creaking sound coming from the rear end of the ve... Read more
Incident date: Oct 15, 2025
Cylinder head crack. Combustion gasses leaking into coolant causing overheat. Combustion gasses bleeding into oil causing excessive crankcase pressure.
Incident date: Oct 15, 2025
The problem started in the past year (2024-2025) with severe shuddering while driving over 35-40 mph and going over a patched pothole or other irregularity in the road. The shuddering would continue until I slowed to stop. It is quite alarming & feels like the car is falling apart and is more difficult to manuever when this occurs. Once I slow to a stop, the shuddering stops and I am able to pro... Read more
Incident date: Oct 15, 2025
The problem started in the past year (2024-2025) with severe shuddering while driving over 35-40 mph and going over a patched pothole or other irregularity in the road. The shuddering would continue until I slowed to stop. It is quite alarming & feels like the car is falling apart and is more difficult to manuever when this occurs. Once I slow to a stop, the shuddering stops and I am able to pro... Read more
Incident date: Oct 25, 2025
lift gate stuttering at 49K bought new. available for inspection. Have yet to bring to dealer because they need the vehicle for the whole day. No warnings etc just loud opening. Concerned it could give way when I am grabbing groceries at any time. Seems like a widely reported issue.
Incident date: Oct 25, 2025
To Whom It May Concern, I am submitting a formal complaint regarding a recurring issue with my 2020 Buick Encore GX (VIN: [XXX] ) related to the “Shift to Park” defect, which is documented in GM’s Technical Service Bulletin 23-NA-119. My vehicle intermittently fails to recognize when it is in park, preventing me from turning off the engine and causing safety and usability concerns. Despite... Read more
Incident date: Oct 24, 2025
My head gasket blew in my car while driving on a highway, causing the car to jerk and completely die on me and it was unable to be restarted. My cylinder walls are scored and my head is completely ruined. It was a safety risk due to me being in the middle of the highway and having no control of the car as it died. It is also the second time the head gasket has blown since having the vehicle less t... Read more
Incident date: Oct 24, 2025
Needed to jack up the car to change the tire. There is a Jack included with the car. Upon using it in the correct spot in accordance with the owners manual, the Jack began to significantly bend while trying to raise the car to change the tire! It looked so unsafe that we abandoned the tire change. If I were on the side of the road, trying to use this, it could be deadly.
Incident date: Oct 20, 2025
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2018 Acura TLX. The contact stated that it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was purchased on September 10th, 2025, as a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 76,410. At the time of registration, when the title was received, it was discovered that the mileage was 176,410. The title read, "Not Actual Mile... Read more
Incident date: Mar 20, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (STRUCTURE) and 25V695000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION). However, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that the rearview camera displayed a distorted image while the vehicle was in reverse(R). In addition, the rearview camera moved independently while in ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 20, 2025
The brakes squeak constantly and occasionally skid or lock up. The car will occasionally have all electrical power disconnected so all screens go blank for 2-3 secs (sometimes in succession for 3 times max), the car will continue to run and drive. However, the screens will blink as if starting up each time the car does this. The car will also indicate 44 miles left until tank is empty, worki... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate while attempting to shift gears. The contact stated that the vehicle jerked and made an abnormal sound, with the check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated there was black and white smoke coming from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle w... Read more
Incident date: Feb 23, 2025
The wireless charging tray on my Enclave gets the phone very hot. It gets so hot that my phone shuts down. This happens with Pixel, Samsung and Apple devices. There are several reports on the web regarding this issue. I even tried to charge my phone without a case same issue. This is a concern because it can cause a vehicle fire. The batter gets so hot that it can easily catch on fire
Incident date: Oct 23, 2025
Subject: Rear Differential Mount Failure and Driveshaft Breakage — Sudden Loss of Vehicle Control at Highway Speed Complaint Summary: While driving at highway speed, I experienced a sudden and extremely loud bang from the rear of the vehicle. Immediately afterward, I lost complete control of the rear end, accompanied by violent clanking and grinding noises from the driveline area. The gearbox t... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Oct 23, 2025
Completely lost all power brakes while on the road today. Owned it for about 11 months. Looking like the master cylinder. We've been having random electrical issues when we're cranking it up. Weird sound coming from the dash when the AC is on on occasion. Like the car wasn't fully kicking over even though the engine was running. Sometimes turning it off and turning it back on would make it wor... Read more
Incident date: Oct 16, 2025
In the New Tesla update to Full Self Drive they removed the ability to adjust the speed control while using FSD yet state "Note: You are responsible for the speed and control of your vehicle at all times, whether FSD (Supervised) is enabled or not."
Incident date: Oct 16, 2025
Car refuses to relearn the app sensor. Throttle body and sensor is good, always changed the EVAP Purge valve. Still throwing codes and reduce engine speed stays on..
Incident date: Oct 16, 2025
Car refuses to relearn the app sensor. Throttle body and sensor is good, always changed the EVAP Purge valve. Still throwing codes and reduce engine speed stays on..
Incident date: Oct 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds and making gradual right turns, the steering wheel was sticking and failed to return to center automatically after the turn. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Action Number: PE25009 (Steering). The manufacturer... Read more
Incident date: Jun 14, 2024
Possibly intake mainifold/housing etc. oil is running down on top of the transmission making it look like the transmission is leaking I only have 68224 miles on it and I just bought it in much with 57000 miles on it is this a recall
Incident date: Jun 14, 2024
The engine and fuel pump system failed while driving the vehicle. It is available upon request to inspect. I just towed it to the shop today on 10/22/25 to get a full inspection. My sister and I were put at risk while driving towards a hill in San Francisco. It was on a busy main road when suddenly the vehicle began to jerk and thud back and forth. While I pushed the gas pedal, I began to question... Read more
Incident date: Jul 11, 2025
While driving my vehicle shut down. It will not longer crank. Had to have it towed. I am told that it’s the fuel pump driver control module. I carry my two children in this vehicle daily. This could have ended very badly. Now not only is my family without a dependable vehicle, I am going to be out a lot of money on an issue that is already a common issue.
Incident date: Oct 16, 2025
I think it is the lumbar support bag in the driver's seat. It has blown up and blown up and will not deflate, to the point it is SO uncomfortable to drive and the seat back has POPPED completely open. I have pictures. I have read in some online forums other Jeep owners with this scabies l exact model have had issues. Why isn't this a recall? Help! We should not have to bear the burden of the ex... Read more
Incident date: Feb 27, 2025
Year: 2024 Make & Model: Jeep Wrangler 4-door 4xe Body Style: Sahara 4x4 VIN: [XXX] On October 14, 2025, I began to drive my car home. After the use of the brakes, while I was pulling out of a large parking lot, the car functionally went into neutral, the “D” on PRNDL display began to blink. The brakes worked. I pulled over, put the car into Park and then into Drive again. Still, no change. ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 16, 2025
Without warning the vehicle lost power while driving and stopped completely. After waiting a few minutes I was able to get it started again.
Incident date: Oct 17, 2025
I have been to the dealership twice because the driver's side headlight points way to the left, it's not centered. They said there is no adjustment for bringing it to center position. It's a hazard because there is no lighting in front of the driver. There's an obvious blind spot.
Incident date: Oct 17, 2025
The car only has 54700 I am orginal owner. Drivers seat does not work, Catalytic converter, GM Service Bulletin #43210. Ask if your VIN is affected or if they’ve seen similar failures in 2014 models. This car is a lemon.
Incident date: Oct 17, 2025
The car only has 54700 I am orginal owner. Drivers seat does not work, Catalytic converter, GM Service Bulletin #43210. Ask if your VIN is affected or if they’ve seen similar failures in 2014 models. This car is a lemon.
Incident date: Oct 16, 2025
We are aware of the Jeep Wrangler 4xe software update which basically disables the wrangler and have been diligent about selecting the red X to not accept the update. This morning on my son’s way to work the update went through anyway resulting in a loss of power forcing him to stop the vehicle. Thankfully he was able to limp the Jeep to our local service station where the firmware over the ai... Read more
Incident date: Oct 16, 2025
During multiple drives the vehicle completely shuts off when driving or at lower speeds. When this occurs (4 times over the last 3 months) the vehicle has no power or ability to restart creating a major safety issue. You cannot turn on the hazards or anything in the vehicle. The vehicle is still in drive (because you were driving when it occurred) and so you're unable to shift back into park to re... Read more
Incident date: Oct 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, the message “AWD Unavailable” was displayed. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the power transfer unit (PTU) needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure had occurred several times. The contact rel... Read more
Incident date: Oct 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 3500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). 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... Read more
Incident date: Aug 14, 2025
On October 13, 2025, I experienced three separate incidents involving my Jeep Wrangler 4xe while driving in Hybrid Mode at approximately 35 mph. First incident: Around 5:10 PM, the vehicle suddenly lost speed, stalled erratically, and displayed the message “Shift to D to Drive” on the screen while the “D” on the gear selector was flashing. The check engine light also came on. I was able t... Read more
Incident date: Aug 14, 2025
The contact owns a 2024 Buick Envista. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine seized. The contact allowed the vehicle to sit for about an hour. The contact stated that while attempting to restart the vehicle, the vehicle started with the check engine warning light illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that while driving, the low-power warning light illumin... Read more
Incident date: Aug 14, 2025
The contact owns a 2024 Buick Envista. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine seized. The contact allowed the vehicle to sit for about an hour. The contact stated that while attempting to restart the vehicle, the vehicle started with the check engine warning light illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that while driving, the low-power warning light illumin... Read more
Incident date: Oct 10, 2025
The backup camera for this vehicle is starting to fail and the view is blurry. Additionally, it seems that this also is affecting the rear traffic alert as I almost crashed into someone at a parking lot when trying to back out of a space. I will soon have no rear camera or cross traffic alerts.
Incident date: Nov 23, 2024
The vehicle has 42,070 miles on it. It was being driven and suddenly the clutch started to slip. Then, when trying to pull away after a stop, the vehicle only was able to travel at 8 miles/hour in first gear. No messages were received before the clutch failed. Vehicle was towed to a local repair shop and we were given a quote to replace clutch, flywheel, and pressure plate. We then had it towed t... Read more