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: Nov 23, 2024
#18369: Special Coverage - Camshaft Oil Control Valve (Nov 29, 2018) Document ID # 5182385 (Reference # N182189940) Release Date: November 2018
Incident date: Oct 11, 2025
While my wife was driving to pickup my son from school, the vehicle was stopped at a stoplight and the engine turned off approximately 1 mile after departing the house. After getting the vehicle towed to the dealership because it wouldn’t start, it was determined by the dealership that the engine was seized. The vehicle has 60,500 miles on it and is driven by a suburban woman and has always ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse, the rearview camera became inoperable. The contact stated that the rearview camera image was distorted. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V572000 (Back Over Prevention). The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available for the recall repair. The vehicle was ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2022
Vehicle propulsion system failed, as a result vehicle rolled down an inclined driveway in to the street and was stuck in the middle on the street in traffic. Vehicle had started normally, was able to shift into Drive, no obvious warning lights or error messages displayed. Vehicle would shift into Drive/Park/Reverse as required but would not move. Upon shutdown an restart two warning lights were d... Read more
Incident date: Jul 31, 2025
Car will not downshift RPM when pulling out of my lane and accelerating. The car will only go around 15 rpm but the car will be revving so high like it's in 3 or 4 rpm. I have to let off the gas to to bring it down to that rpm and then can accelerate again. This is a huge safety hazard. Be of these times a car is going to hit me that I didn't see come around the semi blind corner that I need to dr... Read more
Incident date: Jul 31, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Buick Envision. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert malfunctioned. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the side-view mirror illuminated erroneously while driving near a guard rail. Additionally, the contact stated that the side-view mirror had failed to illuminate while there wa... Read more
Incident date: Sep 19, 2025
I was making a left turn all of the sudden my power steering assist and stabilization light came on and I struggled to get the truck into the parking lot. In my readings and research there are a lot of complaints and recalls for the chevrolet Colorado for both 2015 and 2016. In my research you are aware of the issue and one of the solutions is turn off car/truck and wait 15 minutes and the compute... Read more
Incident date: Oct 8, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the ABS and traction control warning lights intermittently illuminated. As a result of the warning lights being illuminated, the cruise control system failed to operate as needed. The contact then received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do t... Read more
BUICK
RENDEZVOUS
(2005) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Oct 7, 2025
Incident date: Oct 6, 2025
For starters, my lights go out every six months on queue. Cannot find a reason why. My car sputters or shutters when accelerating. I heard other Kia models have recalls due to the same thing. I have had my car in the shop multiple times and no one can figure out why it is doing it. It feels like the belts are slipping or the transmission is slipping or something, but no one can find a legit reason... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2025
While pulling into parking lot jeep suddenly accelerated deployed brakes it would not stop. Hit pillar in front of store. Did considerable damage to build and vehicle.
Crash
Incident date: Sep 1, 2025
Transmission down shifts and slam you into windshield cars behind you has to slam on there brakes
Incident date: Oct 4, 2025
Unexpectedly found steel cable has snapped off & the spare tire was gone Like to report this could be a safety issue leading to an accident for fellow driver.
Incident date: Oct 4, 2025
Low beam headlights do not reflect. I can barely see when driving at night due to the low beams. I replaced the bulbs with a high grade brand and restored the lenses to the housing unit and they are very clear. The Reflector or Housing is degraded so the bulbs do not shine bright enough. This is a serious safety issue. I almost hit a deer that I couldn’t see in my neighborhood. We have great str... Read more
Incident date: Oct 4, 2025
To whom it may concern, I am writing to formally file a complaint regarding the safety and reliability of my leased vehicle. I have been experiencing ongoing issues that pose a serious safety risk. Approximately two months into my lease, I began experiencing electrical problems with the vehicle. The most concerning issue is the car's tendency to shut down unexpectedly while driving, which has es... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2025
Order of Events · [XXX]: Vehicle shut down mid-drive, displaying “Parking Brake Fault Service Required.” Required tow ($100). · September 27, 2025: Firestone Complete Auto Care diagnosed the issue as transmission-related. Paid $48.13 for diagnostic (receipt attached). · September 27, 2025: Contacted Green Ford in Greensboro, NC (Service Advisor Josh Oldham). VIN was ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 30, 2025
I and many others have noticed that the 2020+ Nissan Sentra has a very common issue with its window switch where the driver side window works, but all passenger windows get stuck refusing to roll up or down, or do so very slowly. I have had people try to come up to my window where I could not properly shut it, I have had to leave my window partially open over night, and in the rain.
Incident date: Sep 30, 2025
Both headlamps in vehicle stopped working within a month of each other. Vehicle has less than 50,000 miles on it. Volkswagen claims lights should last longer than this. Online forums are riddled with this issue, and headlamp price is unreasonably high for a family vehicle ($700-1100 per headlamp). Headlamps are also backordered, making driving the vehicle unsafe at night and under certain weather ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 30, 2025
My suv dies while im driving it. The engine stalls the lights go off. Its very dangerous I had a semi truck behind me last night and my encore basically became invisible. No lights no power, nothing. He almost hit me. Ive had this encore to several mechanics and none of them knows what the problem is. There are no warning lights on and it does not show any codes when hooked up to a diagnostic ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2025
My Honda Pilot experiences a serious safety issue with the Auto Idle Stop feature. When the system engages at a stop (such as a red light), the vehicle sometimes fails to restart, leaving me stalled in traffic. This creates a dangerous situation for myself and other drivers. The problem appears to be related to the Auto Idle Stop system and/or the auxiliary battery. Many other Honda owners are rep... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2025
My Honda Pilot experiences a serious safety issue with the Auto Idle Stop feature. When the system engages at a stop (such as a red light), the vehicle sometimes fails to restart, leaving me stalled in traffic. This creates a dangerous situation for myself and other drivers. The problem appears to be related to the Auto Idle Stop system and/or the auxiliary battery. Many other Honda owners are rep... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2025
The lane assists and cruise control does not work and the GM dealership here in Southern Pines, NC can't fix it. They are sending the car back on the street with a 19-year-old girl behind the wheel of a car with electrical issues. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Incident date: Sep 17, 2025
I am filing this complaint regarding an unresolved safety recall affecting my 2021 Toyota Corolla. The recall involves the airbag ECU and has rendered the vehicle ineligible for rental on platforms like Turo. I purchased this vehicle specifically for rental income, and the recall has prevented me from listing it for over 14 months. Toyota has acknowledged the recall but has not provided a remedy ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 26, 2025
Rear evaporator coil (Failure) The rear evaporator coil failed on my Volvo XC90 purchased new at the dealership in 2019. This car only had 27,000 miles on it when the evaporator coil went bad. Refrigerant smells entered the cabin when AC was on while my 2 year old daughter was in the back. Having refrigerant leaking into the cabin is not great for health, especially that of a toddler. Additi... Read more
Incident date: Sep 26, 2025
The back up camera will randomly black out. The steering wheel motor is broke and the steering wheel does not adjust. Needed a new air conditioner motor, timing chain, had a transmission leak, wheel axel leak. This is a safety hazard and caused a huge financial strain.
Incident date: Sep 26, 2025
The back up camera will randomly black out. The steering wheel motor is broke and the steering wheel does not adjust. Needed a new air conditioner motor, timing chain, had a transmission leak, wheel axel leak. This is a safety hazard and caused a huge financial strain.
Incident date: Sep 26, 2025
I came to a stop in the left turn lane at an intersection with a red light with the car in drive and my foot engaged on the brake to wait for the light to turn green. The car suddenly and completely died and all power was shut down. I was not able to engage the hazards. It was dark outside and I was afraid cars behind me would hit me. It was an incredibly dangerous situation with no warning. I exi... Read more
Incident date: Sep 2, 2025
Passenger front seat belt not pulling out
Incident date: Sep 2, 2025
My 2017 Hyundai Tucson has been chonking out and having acceleration problems. I thought it was because of AC running. When I took it in for inspection my mechanic stated it was misfiring. I am meticulous about routine maintenance (I.e. tire rotation and/or replacement, oil change, inspection, etc), as well as whatever if any repairs are needed. I immediately reached out to my local Hyundai dealer... Read more
Incident date: Sep 22, 2025
61/2 INCH SCREEN WENT BLANK on start up. Did not reappear until I got home and stopped and restarted car engine. Have on occasions there is no tire pressure showing when i checked that screen.
Incident date: Apr 1, 2023
Ford has a recall on back up cameras and I believe my 2016 model should be included in this recall. My camera works about 50% or more of the time, a pop up warning shows camera not working. the recall is for other models in year 2016 but not my model
Incident date: Apr 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 GMC Sierra 3500. The contact stated that while shifting from park(P) to drive(D), the engine revved, but the vehicle failed to move forward. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a certified mechanic, who determined that the vehicle needed to be diagnosed by a dealer. The mechanic was able to shift the transmission into manual drive mode, allowi... Read more
Incident date: Sep 12, 2025
Hi, I have 2024 model Y rear wheel drive and wheels are so bumpy. They’re charging over $45,000 for the car. How come you guys approve this vehicle? The suspension is so bad. The car bounced whenever you drive that is big recall to fix this issue when you’re spending $45,000 on a vehicle how did you approve that the car is so bouncy whenever you drive that’s a major major issue with Tesla…... Read more
Incident date: Aug 11, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine compartment before the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the local mechanic who diagnosed and determined that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to tow the ve... Read more
Incident date: Aug 11, 2025
I was driving on the highway with my children and the engine started to knock and lock up. I had to swerve onto an exit and roll into a gas station. My check engine light was on. I had it serviced in 2023 at a kia dealership. I had electrical issues to my battery that I opted to get fixed elsewhere. The dealership was aware of the recall on my engine, when I had it towed to them in 2025. Dealers... Read more
Incident date: Sep 10, 2025
1. Component/System Failed, Available for Inspection? Failed passenger side LED daytime running light (DRL) strip in headlight assembly, likely due to LED burnout or wiring issue. Entire headlight unit needs replacement ($1K+ quote). Available for inspection upon request. 2. Safety Risk? Non-working DRLs reduce vehicle visibility in daylight, increasing collision risk by 10–20% (per NHTSA). Pose... Read more
Incident date: Sep 10, 2025
2018 Honda HRV EX AWD premature CVT transmission failure at 68,314 miles. Problem diagnosed and confirmed by an independent mechanic on July 10th and by a Honda Dealership on July15th. I had to pay the Honda dealership to replace the transmission. I do not know where the old transmission was sent or if it was inspected, could contact Honda Dealership for further information. Safety of myself, ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 16, 2025
Every time I get the oil changed I have to add 2-5 quarts of oil in between changes. I had the catalytic converter replaced 3 years ago and now I have to do it again. I’ve had nothing but issues with this car and oil consumption. I shouldn’t need another catalytic converter again after only a few years. I’m doing my 3rd oil consumption test right now.
Incident date: Mar 16, 2025
Every time I get the oil changed I have to add 2-5 quarts of oil in between changes. I had the catalytic converter replaced 3 years ago and now I have to do it again. I’ve had nothing but issues with this car and oil consumption. I shouldn’t need another catalytic converter again after only a few years. I’m doing my 3rd oil consumption test right now.
Incident date: Mar 16, 2025
The contact owns a 2025 Buick Envista. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. While driving at an undisclosed speed and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle jerked abnormally before coming to a complete stop. The failure also occurred while attempting to accelerate after stopping at a stop light or a stop sign. The were abnormal grinding sounds intermittently co... Read more
Incident date: Aug 5, 2025
Temperature control module, AC amplifier and/or blend door actuator not functioning properly. air flow manual controls non responsive at certain temperature settings. Blend door actuator improperly overriding manual controls and cutting airflow significantly.
Incident date: Sep 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2007 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that the vehicle could not be aligned. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was previously taken to the local dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V596000 (Suspension). The vehicle was taken to a tire shop, and the contact was informed that the rear tie rods were welded, and an alignment was impossible. The ma... Read more
Incident date: Sep 14, 2025
Lower oil pan leaks oil. Started leaking oil right after warranty expired. This is a known issue for Subaru cars with the 2.4 turbo engine. Seats ripped right after warranty expired.
Incident date: Sep 14, 2025
Lower oil pan leaks oil. Started leaking oil right after warranty expired. This is a known issue for Subaru cars with the 2.4 turbo engine. Seats ripped right after warranty expired.
Incident date: Sep 4, 2024
The Driver Side Rear View when I started the Car back in January of 2024 after car had been running for 30 Seconds smoke and Fire flames were seen coming through that rear view mirror immediately contacted Subaru of America and was called back with urgency and they fixed this issue but since then I haves a few other issues I believe relate to the wiring inside the vehicle and due to the wiring, wh... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Apr 8, 2025
My 2020 GMC Acadia has experienced significant transmission issues, including [slipping / shuddering / “Service Transmission” warnings / loss of drive]. The problem has been diagnosed as a torque converter/transmission failure. GM has acknowledged known defects and issued recalls for 2019–2020 Acadia transmissions related to missing bolts in the start-stop accumulator endcap, which can caus... Read more
Incident date: Apr 8, 2025
Onstar module not working, 53000 miles on 23 Suburban. Will be taking it to the dealership this next week. No other issues except for that.
Incident date: Apr 8, 2025
I have been calling Autonations for months now since my car started driving funny. I was first told it was a head gasket that needed replacement however using my vin number the engine that’s currently inside the vehicle is not the one that matches with what pulls up using the vin number. Than the antifreeze leaks out, the oil leaks out and one day the car started smoking on the freeway with my ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 28, 2025
While returning from a shopping trip with my mom the passenger headrest broke/exploded? It caused several small plastic fragments to fly from I guess inside and the headrest hit my mom in the back of the head. There were no lights to indicate a problem, no other vehicles around and we were only traveling 25 mph. No police or anyone else involved Ed. Wasn't sure what to do. I saw a recall for this ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 7, 2025
while driving, mdx loose power especially on freeway speed. engine start jerking.
Incident date: Aug 28, 2025
Over ~3 years of ownership, the vehicle has experienced recurrent electrical and engine-management issues, resulting in 15+ service visits and ~100 cumulative days out of service at an authorized dealer. Patterns include: (1) electrical—keyless entry intermittently unresponsive, instrument cluster flickering/rebooting, multiple warning messages including a battery/electrical icon, HVAC/A/C becom... Read more