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: Dec 4, 2024
Older car models without lane assistance are swerving into my lane everytime I get near them.
Incident date: Dec 4, 2024
This car is not mine but someone somehow fraudulently registered it in my name. I got the VIN # from truth finder when I did a search on myself. Please help.
Incident date: Feb 17, 2025
I had first took car to get first free Oil change from ABC Nissan and the service department couldn’t do it under 5000 miles and just topped of the oil. I had went back like few days later for an air filter replacement and they did not have to part and sent me over to ford right across the street. I had ford dealership run a code diagnostics on vehicle and found it needs computer updates and an... Read more
Incident date: Feb 17, 2025
I had first took car to get first free Oil change from ABC Nissan and the service department couldn’t do it under 5000 miles and just topped of the oil. I had went back like few days later for an air filter replacement and they did not have to part and sent me over to ford right across the street. I had ford dealership run a code diagnostics on vehicle and found it needs computer updates and an... Read more
Incident date: Feb 10, 2025
During snowfall, the front camera becomes obstructed, leading to a malfunction in the smart brake system. When this occurs, an alert appears indicating a “Smart Brake Failure,” accompanied by an audible warning and the illumination of the check engine light. The vehicle then exhibits unpredictable behavior, including unintended braking and sudden acceleration, creating a hazardous driving situ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 14, 2025
On Dec 20, 2024 at 1:51PM my vehicles check engine light turned on as I was driving an Uber rider to their destination. I was unable to accelerate my gas pedal to get on the freeway. I immediately pulled over to the side of the road and saw my check engine light pop up on my dashboard. I checked my Ford App, stating check engine light is on due to low fuel system pressure, poor fuel quality/restri... Read more
Incident date: Feb 14, 2025
On Dec 20, 2024 at 1:51PM my vehicles check engine light turned on as I was driving an Uber rider to their destination. I was unable to accelerate my gas pedal to get on the freeway. I immediately pulled over to the side of the road and saw my check engine light pop up on my dashboard. I checked my Ford App, stating check engine light is on due to low fuel system pressure, poor fuel quality/restri... Read more
Incident date: Feb 15, 2025
Engine block cracked at 3600 miles on a 74 degree day. At 5714 miles, vehicle had another issue of coolant loss.
Incident date: Feb 11, 2025
The contact owns a 2011 Ford F-350. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle lost automotive power and stalled. During the failure, diesel fuel and oil spilled from the engine. The vehicle was towed to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the strap that secured the fuel injectors had failed, causing the fuel injectors to eject from the engine. The contact was advise... Read more
Incident date: Feb 11, 2025
driving in parking lot towards exit to turn onto street. speed approximately 10 - 15 mph. I applied the brakes when approaching the stop sign at the intersection. The brakes shuddered hard and the vehicle did not slow or stop. I let off the brakes and immediately hard pressed the brake peddle to attempt to stop the vehicle before entering the intersection and on coming traffic. The vehicle ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 11, 2025
Low beam head lights get increasingly dim while driving despite changing the bulbs multiple times. The headlights caused the lens to get a film which I removed with a lens restoration kit just for the lens to get back the same way within days. The bulbs are getting entirely too hot. Despite the lens the bulbs are so dim on a road without street lights or another cars headlights you CAN NOT SEE ANY... Read more
Incident date: Feb 11, 2025
this is my send time writing in. mercedes used the wrong wrist pins for the pistons leading to my wife getting a cracked piston on freeway in phx.if you look up cylinder 1 issues on this model there is a lot of people who have encountered this. why this hasn't been recalled and sticking consumers with a10k plus repair is beyond me. if you use the wrong parts you should be responsible for the repai... Read more
Incident date: Feb 11, 2025
During a rainstorm water is entering the fuse box under the glove box and the carpet and padding underneath is soaking wet on the right front floor.When the fuse case was opened water started to drip out.The engine continues to run with the key off and the only way to stop it is to pull the ignition fuse under the hood. Unfortunately the battery died by morning and I could not get it charged for a... Read more
Incident date: Apr 10, 2024
There has been multiple recalls on this vehicle. I have not received any recall updates. Software updates were to be sent out to fix the braking situation. I continue to be on 2.0 for the last year, and I have had issues with my braking since buying the vehicle over a year ago. I have a braking warning lamp upon starting the car.
Incident date: Feb 15, 2025
The electrical system failed. Issue was it disengaged the 12 volt system as well. Vehicle seized and stopped in the middle of a high usage road with no ability to put into neutral. After speaking with Ford, they concede that there must be 12 volt battery power in order to put car in neutral. After 2 hours of blocking traffic The tow truck arrived ( was a rainy day) and within a minute hooked up a... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
contacted dealership in Newburgh NY for recall. The rep pushed back making me wait 8 weeks. Dearlership in Middletown NY did not return call.
Incident date: Dec 30, 2023
My car was bricked as a result of the OTA 2.2 update on [XXX]. This update was mandatory as it was what Fisker was doing to satisfy a recall. To try to remedy, I replaced the 12 v battery. I also followed online guides to get the High Voltage battery going again, as it was at 0%. I used a 25 amp and also a 40 amp 12 v charger attached to the battery, and this allowed the charge port to go to blue... Read more
Incident date: Dec 30, 2023
My car was bricked as a result of the OTA 2.2 update on [XXX]. This update was mandatory as it was what Fisker was doing to satisfy a recall. To try to remedy, I replaced the 12 v battery. I also followed online guides to get the High Voltage battery going again, as it was at 0%. I used a 25 amp and also a 40 amp 12 v charger attached to the battery, and this allowed the charge port to go to blue... Read more
Incident date: May 10, 2023
NHTSA recall campaign numbers for the software recalls are 24V865000 and 24V623000, or others can be found in this link for 2023 Fisker Oceans [XXX] . I had to pay out of pocket for the water pump recall work (receipts provided in file upload). Also, all the software updates to address software recalls have not been done and i've been waiting. I've been getting constant safety alerts ranging fr... Read more
Incident date: Feb 11, 2025
My 2016 Honda accord has a horrible static noise that happens randomly. The noise is deafening and cause a huge distraction while driving, not to mention you cannot hear any police or ambulance sirens approaching. The only fix is to pull over and try to restart your car and hope that the static noise isn't present upon restart. It is simply not safe to drive the vehicle while the issue is present
Incident date: Feb 3, 2025
I am writing to express my deep concerns regarding the ongoing issues that are being seen with the NHTSA recall campaign numbers 24V865000 and 24V623000. My vehicle's braking system, particularly as it relates to its performance over rough terrain, has not yet been addressed. I have experienced significant brake slippage and a loss of function, which poses a serious safety risk. As a responsible v... Read more
Incident date: Oct 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); 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 fail... Read more
Incident date: Jan 20, 2025
The front end of this vehicle rides too low and tends to scrape the pavement on inclines, usually steep driveways or entrances/exits. If the scrape is severe it can cause one to stop possible in the lane of traffic with possible exposure to oncoming traffic. In addition, it breaks the thin plastic bumper and may negatively impact other safety features.
Incident date: Jan 29, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle stalled. The check engine warning light was illuminated and the "Service Electronic Stability Control" and "Auto-Park Disabled" messages were displayed on the instrument panel. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V838000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 4, 2025
Component/System That Failed: The oil filter housing cracked, causing a coolant leak. This part was made of plastic, which appears to be a weak point in the design and should ideally be aluminum for durability. Unfortunately, I no longer have the failed part for inspection. Safety Risk: The coolant loss resulted in a sudden loss of heat in freezing temperatures, which could be dangerous for drive... Read more
Incident date: Jan 31, 2025
The contact owns a 2024 Lexus RZ 300E. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and charging, the heater was activated and failed to function and provide heat as needed. The contact stated that the charging system intermittently failed to charge as needed. The contact stated that there was an hour-and-a-half delay for a full charge. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagn... Read more
Incident date: Jan 31, 2025
The contact’s husband owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds on several occasions, the vehicle started shaking and lost motive power. The contact stated that the message "Transmission Hot" was displayed and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be r... Read more
Incident date: Feb 3, 2025
While driving the truck jumps back and forth between Drive and Manual multiple times and then goes. Happens occasionally and has been going on for about a week. Then today, it did it again and all gauges flicked on and off and jumped between gears. It first happened on the highway doing 70mph and it's like it dropped down to first gear and throws you forward.
Incident date: Jan 8, 2025
The contact owns a 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL450. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, he felt a sharp pinch coming from the driver’s side seat. Upon further inspection, the contact’s husband noticed an abnormal hole with smoke coming from the driver’s side seat. There was no visible fire present. No medical attention was sought. No warning light was illu... Read more
Incident date: Jan 28, 2025
The cruze control shuts it's self off It said "ACC temporarily blocked, service required" this is very dangerous. The headlights don't project in the correct direction to have proper visibility. All the system error lights come on for no reason, seems like something is aways wrong according to the dash lights.
Incident date: Jan 28, 2025
The cruze control shuts it's self off It said "ACC temporarily blocked, service required" this is very dangerous. The headlights don't project in the correct direction to have proper visibility. All the system error lights come on for no reason, seems like something is aways wrong according to the dash lights.
Incident date: Jan 28, 2025
Backup camera will not work or send image inverted
Incident date: Dec 25, 2024
On January 22, 2025, I was driving at highway speed and suddenly my car seemed to lag in power. It slowed from about 60mph to 40mph and pressing on the gas did not do anything. The Check Engine light began flashing. I felt like it would continue to slow down and it was rush hour. I managed to safely exit the freeway and parked the car. I turned it off, waited a moment, turned it back on. It seemed... Read more
Incident date: Jan 15, 2025
The evaporative emissions system failure involving the purge valve and vapor canister purge valve is a recurrent issue on this car and has been reported by hundreds if not thousand of bronco sport owners. All recall for 1.5L and I am sure the badlands have the same parks and is not included in the recall. less than 60,00o mile with a check engine light on. The safety issue that arises from thi... Read more
Incident date: Jan 15, 2025
The evaporative emissions system failure involving the purge valve and vapor canister purge valve is a recurrent issue on this car and has been reported by hundreds if not thousand of bronco sport owners. All recall for 1.5L and I am sure the badlands have the same parks and is not included in the recall. less than 60,00o mile with a check engine light on. The safety issue that arises from thi... Read more
Incident date: Jan 15, 2025
mY VEHICLE STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY AND WAS UNABLE TO PUT IN DRIVE
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
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 while driving at various speeds, the passenger's side windshield exterior A-pillar trim detached and was flapping against the windshield. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 28, 2025
We were driving through a mountain range and the trailer brakes went out on Trailer. Had to us exhaust brake to slow trailer down and stop. We could have crashed putting my family of 4 at high risk as well as others on the road. This was an extremely scary trip with no trailer braking. Our inverter and battery switch caught fire during a camping trip 8/12/24. My family was put in harm's way with ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 28, 2025
Recall ID: 24V874 on Sliding Roof Bonding was issued. Mercedes-Benz of Nashville was not able to open the Roof and asked for $219.88 to determine cause of sunroof being inoperative. Recall letter stated that: "vehicle repair will be provided at no cost to you" "If dealer for any reason is unable to remedy the situation without charge.. you may submit a complaint to the NHTSA.." Hence I am submitti... Read more
Incident date: Dec 23, 2024
Entire instrument cluster went out no gages speedometer warning lamps etc.
Incident date: Dec 23, 2024
I started getting a p0306 code on my truck on Thursday Jan 2, 2025. I took it to my mechanic and he said that it is a lower engine problem. On Saturday Jan 11,2025 there was a loud clunk from the engine and the vehicle lost power. My mechanic said that the connector rod broke. I contacted Honda but they said my vin is not in the recall and I would have to deal with the dealership. I know that they... Read more
Incident date: Dec 23, 2024
When i turn the car off the key will not allow me to remove it from ignition to the proper position to remove the key. This is a safety hazzard. I have to mess with the brakes, steering wheel and parking console and keep starting and turning off the car to get key removed. The dealer said they could not locate the problem however several of your other GM vehicles are having this issue. Please as... Read more
Incident date: Jan 17, 2025
Ill be driving and my car will whip me right off the road
Incident date: Jan 17, 2025
Ill be driving and my car will whip me right off the road
Incident date: Jan 17, 2025
I purchased a car from Carvana , a few days later the airbag light came on , I was instructed by Carvana to call the warranty place and let them no there was a problem. They instructed me to go to Levanders body shop in GrandIsland Ne . The body shop ran a diagnostic and could not find why the light was going off so they removed the passenger knee panel to which they found the wires were taped an... Read more
Incident date: Jan 26, 2025
There’s multiple issues I’ve had with this car since day one. One of them almost causing a crash on the interstate going 70mph. The car shut down though the lights remained on and the message service ESC electronic stability control came on, service AWD system, service electric power steering, service brake system and at the time I just left a certified dodge dealership where they did a “”... Read more
Incident date: Jan 27, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 Kia Telluride. The contact stated that after his wife had parked the vehicle and left the front driver's side door opened while there were two passengers in the rear seats. The contact stated that his wife unloaded the vehicle and walked towards the front door. The contact's mother-in-law and daughter who were in the residence noticed that the vehicle was rolling back and a... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jan 11, 2025
When the vehicle is in reverse, the safety feature that is supposed to prevent you from hitting something mistakenly goes off when there is nothing there. It seizes the car and immediately causes the brakes to go off. The car will feel like it got in a crash. There is no way to un-release it and there is no way to change the settings to prevent it. It is a great safety feature that could really pr... Read more
Incident date: Jan 27, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Infiniti Q50. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the "Low Oil Pressure - STOP", message was displayed, and the contact stopped driving the vehicle. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the engine was abnormally loud. The contact stated that the low oil pressure warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 20, 2025
Heating & ventilation, I have lost heat in my truck, issues with fuel pump/filte where truck won’t start, and had the water pump had to be replace. I believe the majority of the things listed had recalls. What is included in the recalls and can a recall be replaced more than 1x?