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 20, 2025
There was a shortage in the blinkers, and when a right turn was being made due to the blinker, not working, the car was snatched to the left, due to the lane assist being on which almost caused an accident.
Incident date: Mar 25, 2025
Had to have PLASTIC oil filter housing and Oil cooler replaced due to warping from the engine heat and leaking into engine bay causing a burning oil smell throughout the entire vehicle. Was replaced by Meineke car care with an aftermarket Aluminum constructed part. Constantly having transmission issues since the vehicle hit 70,000 miles. Now at 139,000. Fluid flush and fill done and transmission... Read more
Incident date: Mar 18, 2025
The contact owns a 2007 Honda Civic Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel seized with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The contact also stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicl... Read more
Incident date: Mar 19, 2025
I was driving 50 mph, "BRAKE" lit up, immediately my car slammed on the brakes while I had my foot on the gas pedal! Cruise control was not on. Nothing was in front of me - no cars, snow, rain, plastic bag, etc. This has happened many times before. I thought it had to do with Automatic Cruise Control, but it's much worse. I told the dealership and taken it in many times & I have written to Honda... Read more
Incident date: Mar 19, 2025
While driving, the vehicle engine shut off while making a turn. Before the engine stalled, the engine began to sputter as I made the turn. I was stranded on the roadway as I could not restart the vehicle. For my safety, I stayed in the vehicle as there was no shoulder and many vehicles including dump trucks. Several attempts to restart the engine were unsuccessful - the engine would try to turn... Read more
Incident date: Mar 19, 2025
When letting off the accelerator to slow coming to a stop I would press the brake pedal. but the motor would increase RPMs and I had to use both feet to stop the vehicle. Then I had to put the car in neutral and the RPMs would increase even though I was at a stop and then I had to put it in Park before the RPMs would drop. I removed the driver's floor mat encase it was effecting the accelerator. T... Read more
Incident date: Mar 16, 2025
The contact owns a 2025 Honda Civic. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V744000 (Steering); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the recall part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. Additionally, an appoi... Read more
Incident date: Mar 18, 2025
My Acura mdx 2016 has always had oil changes on time . Also only 93 octane gas . Online there are 100’s of people complaining about my issue which there is a recall for same year make and model but my vin is not included. The recall is for rod knock , and this is what I’m experiencing right now out of nowhere. And Acura will not own up to it very upset . This is a very dangerous situation that... Read more
Incident date: Mar 18, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with a purge valve solenoid. The contact was informed that the purge valve solenoid was stuck in the open position. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that t... Read more
Incident date: Feb 26, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with a purge valve solenoid. The contact was informed that the purge valve solenoid was stuck in the open position. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that t... Read more
Incident date: Mar 11, 2025
After getting gas in car wife started car and attempted to pull from gas pump. Steering was hard to steer and information light illuminated.(Steering assist fault Service required). This by some may not be considered a safety issue, but if it happens in heavy traffic this could be very serious to other drivers around you. Reading all the reports and seeing the other model years ford has recalled f... Read more
Incident date: Mar 14, 2025
The LCD screen on the dash indicating special messages, fuel gauge, and speed readout malfunctioned and does not operate correctly. Another recall is in place but not for my specific Jeep.
Incident date: Mar 14, 2025
My 2017 pilot 6speeds gave a really bas gas smell then my it started to sound like an exhaust leak but after going my regular mechanic it was confirmed that my high pressure fuel pump was bad. I cant afford the cost and labor so now im hoping my car would also come included with the fuel pump warranty. I keep up with regular maintenance and currently only has 72k miles on it. Plss get it resolved ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 17, 2025
Car showing that car is not in park and constantly kills battery. Shift to park warning, antilock brake warning, parking brake warning, and forward collision warning continue to come on. Dealer says now partially covered under extended warranty after deductible, but battery needs replacement for $375.
Incident date: Mar 17, 2025
Car showing that car is not in park and constantly kills battery. Shift to park warning, antilock brake warning, parking brake warning, and forward collision warning continue to come on. Dealer says now partially covered under extended warranty after deductible, but battery needs replacement for $375.
Incident date: Mar 13, 2025
Complaint Against Grand Design RV – Urgent Safety Concerns In our 2024 Grand Design Solitude 380FL, we have experienced two fires, a brake explosion, severe flooding, and multiple structural failures. These critical safety defects put us and others at serious risk. The attached document details: •Brake explosion and fire on a California highway (August 2024) – A mechanic confirmed we were ... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Mar 13, 2025
Complaint Against Grand Design RV – Urgent Safety Concerns In our 2024 Grand Design Solitude 380FL, we have experienced two fires, a brake explosion, severe flooding, and multiple structural failures. These critical safety defects put us and others at serious risk. The attached document details: •Brake explosion and fire on a California highway (August 2024) – A mechanic confirmed we were ... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Mar 13, 2025
I have a continuous problem where the vehicle goes into limp mode/reduce power mode it studders and stalls out. The check engine and stabilitrak light comes on. It is extreamly dangerous at it happens on the road and in traffic. I have thousands of dollars, a new thortle body sensor, a new crank positioner, new timing chain, new ECM, new gaskets and so much more.
Incident date: Sep 19, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V838000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); 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. VIN... Read more
Incident date: Sep 19, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Acura MDX. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the tailgate lid lights did not function as intended. The contact was pulled over by the local Police and was informed that the taillights were not operating. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed with failed tailgate lid lights. The contact was informed that the tai... Read more
Incident date: Jan 15, 2025
Driving normally about to enter a clear intersections when the brakes automatically fully engaged bringing the vehicle to a complete stop. There was nothing in front of me, and no cars about to cross in front of me. Lucky there was no accident and I was able to continue on. There have been no issues, inspections, or changes leading up to this incident.
Incident date: Mar 7, 2025
I received a letter in 2022 regarding an airbag defect in my 2014 GMC Acadia which stated that they would call me when it is my turn to replace it. They airbag light or notification did not appear until 2024 which I called GMC to report it and schedule an service appointment. I was told that there was "NO DEFECT OR RECALL FOR AIRBAGS IN MY MODEL CAR" even after I explained the letter. I was then t... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2025
The brakes sound like their grinding and the motor drives funny
Incident date: Mar 1, 2025
The brakes sound like their grinding and the motor drives funny
Incident date: Mar 1, 2025
Steering wheel airbag warning. Seat belts fraying. The underneath welding for the support bar, potentially the rear axel, came unwelded.
Incident date: Mar 6, 2025
Sticky steering due to faulty eps gearbox. Recall is for 2022-2025 but many 2021 are affected. Steering is stiff and difficult, constant corrections being made just trying to steer straight, steering wheel does not want to return to zero position after taking a curve. Steering gets worse when it's cold out or after some rain due to the moisture.
Incident date: Mar 6, 2025
The paint on my car has started to crack and peel. The car is 10 years old, but hasn't been in any accidents or anything toxic sprayed on it. I feel that this should be under warranty or recall, as it will effect the resale value.
Incident date: Mar 6, 2025
Severe shuddering while driving. Sometimes on a smooth roadway and sometimes when crossing over a patched pothole. Shuddering continued until slowed to stop. When starting to go again car did not shudder until next incident.
Incident date: Jan 15, 2025
The sudden rear wheel lock up recall that GM has released for the 2020+ Silverado's with the 10-speed transmission does not go far enough. The recall simply reprograms the PCM to alert the driver 10,000 miles prior to the valve in the valve body failing, puts the vehicle into limp mode, and extended the warranty on the valve body to 15 years or 150,000 miles. GM states there is no fix available a... Read more
Incident date: Mar 5, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing excessive oil consumption. The local dealer was notified of the failure; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V191000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the VIN was... Read more
Incident date: Jun 8, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 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 and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
There was a safety recall for this airbag issue, and Toyota estimated the remedy can be available in Quarter 3, 2024, however, till date nothing was completed. Toyota failed to resolve this matter in a timely manner. Every time I ask the dealer, they say no remedy yet! This is very unacceptable. This is affecting my personal finance. I need this to be resolved ASAP. Thank you.
Incident date: Feb 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The contact stated that the transmission had seized in first gear. No warning light was illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer to be diagnosed. The contact's husband changed the transmission fluid and became a... Read more
Incident date: Feb 27, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the gauges on the instrument cluster were fluctuating, and the power steering warning light and the stabili-trak warning light lights were illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and allowed the engine to cool down. The contact stated that upon restarting the vehicle, the vehi... Read more
Incident date: Nov 7, 2024
Seat is Cybex Aton G Swivel. The plastic hooks that hold the harness anchors became damaged from an unknown cause despite proper use (base or stroller attachment or floor only). Cybex replaced with a new seat
Incident date: Nov 7, 2024
Seat is Cybex Aton G Swivel. The plastic hooks that hold the harness anchors became damaged from an unknown cause despite proper use (base or stroller attachment or floor only). Cybex replaced with a new seat
Incident date: Nov 7, 2024
The brakes engage for no reason when backing in the dark I have a video but it won't upload.
Incident date: Mar 2, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V954000 (Electrical System). The contact stated that while pulling out of the driveway, the message "Stop Safely Now" was displayed, and the vehicle inadvertently shifted into park(P) and failed to shift into the intended gear. The power train warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to t... Read more
Incident date: Mar 2, 2023
I plugged in a tester into the 7 pin trailer harness that is factory installed and the harness does not work. Specifically, there is no 12V power coming from the harness. I googled the issue and it is very common on 2018 and 2019 Tesla Model X’s, and people say when they went to the dealer they said that the factory wired it incorrectly but that it was a simple fix. I went to my dealer and they ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing an excessive oil consumption. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was advised to complete an oil consumption test. The contact declined. The contact stated that upon driving approximately 500 miles after the oil change was performed on the vehicle, there was no oil left in the engine. The ch... Read more
Incident date: Feb 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while pulling out of the driveway and attempting to make a turn onto the street, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the used car dealer where it was purchased. The dealer added coolant to the coolant reservoir and informed the contact that the vehicle was experiencing excessive coolant consumption due to a possible coolant lea... Read more
Incident date: Feb 25, 2025
The engine stalls without warning while driving. It’s been at dangerous times on highways or just driving around town. There’s no rhyme or reason and has almost caused horrible traffic accidents. When calling the local Kia dealer to see if there was a recall concerning engine stalling I was treated very rudely and told that there wasn’t any recall issues or problems. However, upon doing an i... Read more
Incident date: Feb 25, 2025
I was at a stop light and the light turned green, I preceded to press the accelerator, I was just starting to move forward and the, peddle seemed to take over with my assistance went all the way down and began speeding up. I tried breaking and the car just kept going and not wanting to slow down and kept gaining speed, I had to put car in neutral and turn engine off. Same day, same trip about 4 m... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2025
The driver side wiper stopped working after heavy snow. The right side under carriage screw came out so it was hanging but eventually got torn off.
Incident date: Feb 1, 2025
Engine shuts off suddenly in the middle of road; several times on the way back home while my wife was driving with no warnings. Very unsafe if another car is behind. She cranked over and it went, but it happend again in an intersection after a stop sign, fortunately no cars were coming. No shows WARNING LAMPS, check engine light on or diagnostic trouble codes, but engine next day started making no... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2025
This is an addendum to Complaint # 11644925 Before taking the car back to the dealership, Buick GMC of Beaverton, for repairs, I called the owner of Bassitt Auto Repair in Beaverton Oregon, 503-616-2007. He told me that they've had 3 other Buick Encores come to his repair shop in just the last 6 months, all with the identical problem. He said, without seeing our vehicle, that it is low compressio... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2025
This is an addendum to Complaint # 11644925 Before taking the car back to the dealership, Buick GMC of Beaverton, for repairs, I called the owner of Bassitt Auto Repair in Beaverton Oregon, 503-616-2007. He told me that they've had 3 other Buick Encores come to his repair shop in just the last 6 months, all with the identical problem. He said, without seeing our vehicle, that it is low compressio... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2025
the tire rods, front axle and transmission all collapsed while driving. now the vehicle is at an auction ready for a resell? Igot robbed by my insurance company and car company i was paying them, what worries me the most is that mopar salvage yard is putting this unsafe vehicle up for auction because of the motor? I'm being told all of this by someone else. the front tire went sideways , the front... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Feb 1, 2025
My wife is [XXX] and I am [XXX] old. We purchased the 2016 Buick Encore with 29,000 miles from Buick GMC of Beaverton, Oregon on [XXX], expecting that it would out last both of us, since we are retired and only drive to the store and doctor's appointments; my wife has miraculously survived Stage IV cancer since February 1, 2019. The Encore is our only car and we depend on it for all transportat... Read more
Incident date: Dec 4, 2024
Older car models without lane assistance are swerving into my lane everytime I get near them.