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: Mar 5, 2025
Older man pulled out in front of me, I t-boned his truck going 47 mph. His insurance totaled it. The airbags never deployed.
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Mar 5, 2025
P0101 Mass air flow sensor code keeping appearing after repairing it. It causes the car to stall and shut off frequently on its own.
Incident date: Mar 5, 2025
Electric issues, the recall for the sunroof was not disclosed and was not inspected properly…water and debris get clogged and goes into the in the engine.
Incident date: Apr 20, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Edge. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that coolant was leaking into the cylinder and head gasket. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer and was diagnosed with engine failure. The vehicle wa... Read more
Incident date: Apr 19, 2025
The component that failed was the driveline on our RV. Specifically, the driveline was installed at an incorrect angle, which caused excessive vibrations and loud noises while driving at highway speeds. The improper driveline angle posed a serious safety risk to my family and others on the road. The vibrations were severe enough to affect vehicle handling and stability, especially at higher spee... Read more
Incident date: Apr 19, 2025
I had the radio replaced under warranty but the problem was never solved and only gave a 90day warranty on a refurbished unit. I complained about the refurbished unit and they refused to put a new unit under the waranty. Honda has known about the radio issue creating a very loud static pulsating noise thats unbearable and distracting while driving causing distraction and you would not even be able... Read more
Incident date: Apr 19, 2025
On four separate occasions now, while driving, the vehicle has completely shutdown. Two times this has happened in a parking lot and was relatively safe when it happened, but the other two times have been while driving on the freeway at freeway speeds. On all occasions, the entire dash will flicker a couple times, while the engine will sputter and then shut off. When this happens ALL systems inclu... Read more
Incident date: Apr 19, 2025
In January 2023 our vehicle began having numerous issues with sensors, alarms, door locks, the car would turn itself on and drain the battery overnight and at times would not shut off without pulling the main fuse. Through research online it was clear that the problem was the Body Control Module (BCM). There are many, many reports online of the 2018 CRV having this problem, so I took it to the dea... Read more
Incident date: Apr 19, 2025
In January 2023 our vehicle began having numerous issues with sensors, alarms, door locks, the car would turn itself on and drain the battery overnight and at times would not shut off without pulling the main fuse. Through research online it was clear that the problem was the Body Control Module (BCM). There are many, many reports online of the 2018 CRV having this problem, so I took it to the dea... Read more
Incident date: Apr 19, 2025
Car keeps stalling and the service power steering warning comes on the dash as well as the service air bag. Then the car speed drops to around 20 mph and won’t go any faster and then when you stop at a stop sign or something the car acts like it doesn’t want to go
Incident date: Apr 19, 2025
Car keeps stalling and the service power steering warning comes on the dash as well as the service air bag. Then the car speed drops to around 20 mph and won’t go any faster and then when you stop at a stop sign or something the car acts like it doesn’t want to go
Incident date: Apr 17, 2025
July of 2023, lifters failed on left side of engine. Lifters replaced and cam shaft replaced. January 2025, lifters failed on right side of engine. Replaced. March 2025. Engine seized on interstate. Truck lost all power while driving, no warning signs prior. Dealership has no rental vehicles and we are not old enough to rent from a third party company so family had to drive 9 hours to our locati... Read more
Incident date: Apr 17, 2025
I've taken my 2021 Yukon Denali to GMC dealers complaining of "clacking" noise coming from the passenger side of the engine on 3 occasions. Each time, they tell me that they do not hear anything. Now, I see that the L87 engine has defective bearings which could lead to abrupt engine failure which could lead to a dangerous situation. I envision power sliding on the highway going 70 mph and ultimate... Read more
Incident date: Apr 15, 2025
On [XXX] while driving at highway speed on [XXX] in Columbia SC vehicle lost power and shut down. Was able to move to emergency lane. Car would not start. Called AAA for tow back to Chevrolet dealer in York SC. Dealer performed diagnostic test and found fuel pump driver control module had failed. Part was replaced and car returned to service. Car mileage at time of failure 70,949 INFORMATION REDA... Read more
Incident date: Apr 14, 2025
Just within the last month the steering has been sticking when trying to maintain a straight line. When trying to stay straight there is resistance in the steering and suddenly the resistance stops, causing driver to over correct. Also if the car hits a bump or road irregularity while the steering is resisting movement, then the car wanders even further in lane. This repeats itself constantly and... Read more
Incident date: Apr 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (STRUCTURE); 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 stated... Read more
Incident date: Apr 14, 2025
We bought a Chevrolet Silverado from 2023 as a new car in October 2024. It is an imported vehicle, as we live in Germany. After 7146km we broke down on the highway on [XXX] with engine damage. There were no signs or warnings beforehand. The Chevrolet simply stalled while driving and indicated that the start/stop button should be pressed. However, this had no effect. The whole vehicle came to a sta... Read more
Incident date: Dec 8, 2024
I was traveling 55 mph on highway when without any warning or hesitation the truck on its own down shifted to 2nd gear, resulting in the rear end of truck to swing all the way around turning me a whole 45 degrees! I was very lucky to have been able to pull out of the fish tailing act caused by the down shifted at such a high speed. I had to tow it home from there bc the transmission would then be ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
Seat Belt retractor would not allow me to extend seatbelt to wear it on 2 occasions in the last month
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
Coolant leaks into engine cylinders
Incident date: Mar 20, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle started to emit smoke from the head gasket and from underneath the hood. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact contacted the dealer, and the dealer informed the contact that the smoke was coming from the turbocharger. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic who dia... Read more
Incident date: Apr 7, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-350. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that after adding diesel particulate filter fluid in the vehicle, the message that the vehicle was low on fluid was displayed, and the vehicle would unintendedly decelerate to under 50 MPH. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who replaced the DPF pump and burner. Approxim... Read more
Incident date: Mar 17, 2025
He sold me the Honda 2011 pilot the defective transmission I bought it from the person by marketplace when 1 week ago when I took it to change the transmission oil they told me that the transmission was damaged
Incident date: Apr 7, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle vibrated abnormally, with an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no as... Read more
Incident date: Jan 6, 2025
Tesla is aware of a common regarding an occupancy sensor in the passenger seat of their vehicles that impacts functionality of airbags and the restraint system. The error code is RCM_a056. A simple search of the code will show a myriad of ongoing issues with their vehicles
Incident date: May 10, 2023
Without warning the vehicle came to an abrupt stop while going about 25 mph. I got out and checked and noticed a liquid dripping from underneath the front area of the vehicle. Later determined it was the front transfer case. I really would hate to think what could have happened at higher speeds. Again, no warning at all.
Incident date: Jul 12, 2011
The abs keeps randomly disabling and then coming back on. When this happens, the cruise control is canceled which causes a sudden change in speed unexpectedly. Also, the 4x4 gets disabled. I believe the issue is this: hydraulic control unit can malfunction, impacting ABS, electronic stability control, and traction control performance software issue in the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) control... Read more
Incident date: Jul 12, 2011
The abs keeps randomly disabling and then coming back on. When this happens, the cruise control is canceled which causes a sudden change in speed unexpectedly. Also, the 4x4 gets disabled. I believe the issue is this: hydraulic control unit can malfunction, impacting ABS, electronic stability control, and traction control performance software issue in the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) control... Read more
Incident date: Apr 3, 2025
I just bought this vehicle in February. Since then, about 4 times while driving when i came to a stop the car will not accelerate and the screen tells me to put car in “P” then shift into gear. One time I had to restart the car to put into gear. Then the car drives again.
Incident date: Apr 3, 2025
I just bought this vehicle in February. Since then, about 4 times while driving when i came to a stop the car will not accelerate and the screen tells me to put car in “P” then shift into gear. One time I had to restart the car to put into gear. Then the car drives again.
Incident date: Apr 3, 2025
Improperly calibrated Stabilitrak ESC system. Accelerator pedal position sensors 1-2 5v reference 3 circuit Heated oxygen 2 sensor Car is losing power and esc light is on along with check engine light
Incident date: Mar 31, 2025
The headlights are horrible for night time driving. The low beam lights are nearly invisible, which leaves you no choice but to drive with high beam lights and still poses a serious safety risk. Vehicle was taken to dealership and asked if there had been any recalls on the headlights because they’re very dangerous, can’t see anything at night.
Incident date: Mar 31, 2025
No early warning lights displayed, but traveling on the interstate in this Kia Soul, having only 74,000 original miles on it when sudden knocking began. Had to quickly get to a stopping point and eventually have the vehicle towed. Mechanic reported is the very common Theta II motor issue where a spun bearing has occurring and could have easily locked up the engine, causing safety risks. Only af... Read more
Incident date: Mar 31, 2025
First the car started to act odd, jumpy or you could tell there was issues with the turbo. On [XXX] car overheated??? Out of nowhere. Mileage 82049. No warnings, no lights. We had it towed to shop where we were told we need new turbo, new engine, power steering service, ac service. The total Cost was $6813.54. We had to take out 2 loans - 90 days same as cash then 145% interest as well as pay $243... Read more
Incident date: Mar 7, 2025
My [XXX] daughter was a front seat passenger in her friend‘s car the 2017 Tiguan when the driver swerved to avoid another car and struck a pole. The damage was primarily on the front passenger side of the car. My daughter hit the windshield. It was broken in two places and she sustained several other injuries. The airbags never deployed. The car was totaled. I’m interested in knowing whether ... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Apr 2, 2025
While driving the car stalled. It happened multiple times. While driving and at a stop.
Incident date: Apr 2, 2025
While driving under normal conditions the panoramic sunroof shattered. This is a serious safety issue and obviously a problem with the manufacturing of the tempered glass
Incident date: Apr 2, 2025
Multiple Electrical parts became faulty starting with 3 tire sensors, then the front passenger airbag sensor, immediately followed by both rear sensor control modules. Milage at onset was approx 85000. Brought to dealer for dx due to my vehicle applying breaks when it shouldn’t, when auto start/stop was still on, the vehicle powersteering would stop working intermittently when going from a stopp... Read more
Incident date: Mar 31, 2025
The instrument panel cluster (IPC) display has started flickering on and off, progressively getting worse until it goes dark. The problem is intermittent and seems to be happening more frequently over time. This issue is distracting when driving; the display shows critical vehicle information.
Incident date: Mar 31, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V019000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while her husband was driving 30 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and the vehicle stalled. The contact's husband was not able to restart the vehicle. No warning lights were illumina... Read more
Incident date: Mar 31, 2025
The dealership is unable to identify the failing component or system. The vehicle shuts off while driving above speeds of 60mph, which causes the power steering pump and power brake pump to fail. This symptom of shutting off while driving creates a significant life safety risk for the driver, passengers, and other motorists. The vehicle has been inspected by the dealership over 4 times in 3 months... Read more
Incident date: Mar 28, 2025
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Component: Engine/Powertrain and Electrical System. Availability: Yes, the vehicle is available for inspection. ⸻ 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? While driving, the vehicle suddenly shut off without warning, causing a loss of power, steering, and braking assistance, ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
On [XXX], about 20 minutes into my 30-minute commute, while driving at highway speed, my trucks transmission suddenly downshifted dramatically, jerking and throwing me forward in my seat and causing the truck to slow down so abruptly that I was almost rear ended, putting drivers around and behind me at risk of high-speed collisions. Less than 5 minutes later it happened a second time. This is the ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 27, 2025
BATTERY: Vehicle died at highway speed 1/12/23 with 25,404 miles on it. Towed to dealership, battery died while driving. Vehicle would not start 12/01/24 at 88,013 miles, battery was dead. ENGINE: Reported engine knocking and high idle 1/30/23 with 26,608 miles on vehicle. In service department until 03/03/03 with no issues found. Took vehicle to another dealership service department 06/06/23... Read more
Incident date: Mar 27, 2025
BATTERY: Vehicle died at highway speed 1/12/23 with 25,404 miles on it. Towed to dealership, battery died while driving. Vehicle would not start 12/01/24 at 88,013 miles, battery was dead. ENGINE: Reported engine knocking and high idle 1/30/23 with 26,608 miles on vehicle. In service department until 03/03/03 with no issues found. Took vehicle to another dealership service department 06/06/23... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2025
The multifunction forward looking camera in the top of the windshield developed an "internal fault" and either needs replacement or these safety features will fail to work. These safety features allow me to avoid accidents. The problem has been confirmed by the dealer. There are warning lamps that state that these features are no longer working.
Incident date: Mar 1, 2025
The multifunction forward looking camera in the top of the windshield developed an "internal fault" and either needs replacement or these safety features will fail to work. These safety features allow me to avoid accidents. The problem has been confirmed by the dealer. There are warning lamps that state that these features are no longer working.
Incident date: Mar 1, 2025
This issue is related to the gear shifter on the vehicle. When stopping the car and putting it into park the dashboard shows the message "Shift to Park." this vehicle has only 50,000 miles on it and this issue cause safety issues as the battery on the vehicle will drain as the car can't be turned off with this message. This issue has been reported for this vehicle in NHTSA Bulletin #10252775. Howe... Read more
Incident date: Mar 20, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Prius. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed heat exchanger, catalytic converter, and exhaust system. The contact was informed that the heat exchanger, the catalytic converter, and the exhaust system needed to be replaced. The vehic... Read more
Incident date: Mar 20, 2025
Defective Engine. Cracked Cylinder Head. Engine oil leaked overnight because of known Mazda 2.5 liter Skyactive engine defect.