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 2, 2024
After hitting a small bump on the highway my steering violently vibrated and i had to pull to the side of the interstate over a bridge because I though I had a tire blow out. I almost got rear-ended due to slowing down form 70mph to a safe enough speed to pull over. After inspecting the tires I couldn't see anything wrong. The drove fine until i hit a similar bump on the way back. Once the vibrati... Read more
Incident date: Dec 2, 2024
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Nov 25, 2024
Fuel pumps out of gas tank - manufacturer knows there's a problem these past decades [Owner Notification Program 01M05] and keeps replacing the fuel pressure regulator instead of the actual failed parts. This has been going on for decades, last Reported to US DoT [100148] Ref. No. 10905834 12-SEP-2016. When these check valves, etc. fail it is a ticking fuel bomb problem - ours happened long befo... Read more
Incident date: Nov 29, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Harley-Davidson FLHTCUTG Tri Glide Ultra. The contact stated that while riding approximately 35 MPH and applying the front brake, the brakes felt "spongy" while squeezing the brake lever. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact had taken the motorcycle to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the ABS module needed to be replaced. The... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
The front passenger side air bag remains turned off when a 105 pound adult sits in it, but turns on when a 185 pound adult sits in it. Subaru service informs us that it is factory set so that it will not deploy when a child is in the seat and cannot be adjusted. This puts any small adult or teenager sits in the front passenger seat.
Incident date: Dec 2, 2024
HAD A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT OCCUR AFTER A DEALER WARRANTY INSTALLED ENGINE. THE DTC CODE WAS "PO496". THIS TURNED OUT TO BE A PARGE PUMP FAILURE. VEHICLE IS 4 YEARS AND 9 MONTHS OLD, MILAGE AT 34285. DEALER SAYING THAT PART IS NOT COVERED ANY LONGER UNDER WARRANTIES OF ANY TYPE. THE REPAIR COST ME $671.89. THIS IS AN EXTREMELY EARLY FAILURE OF AN EMMISIONS CONTROL COMPONENT.
Incident date: Nov 27, 2024
The vehicle had a shudder when I first bought it and towed a boat. Around 60-70 it felt like a tire out of balance. The truck is stock no alterations. New tires and the vehicle has the same shudder. Had the tires balanced three times at different tire shops with no correction. I was getting my oil changed and the shop suggested a transmission and transfer case oil change. Once they looked up m... Read more
Incident date: Nov 27, 2024
Headlights on low beam have a very low distance reach. This is more apparent if you are going up or down an incline. On inclines, the Steering adaptive headlights change in such a way that you have very little distance in your sight. There is also a very sharp delineation of light vs dark at its maximum distance at even levels. This give the impression that you have good lighting at short dista... Read more
Incident date: Apr 30, 2024
I was driving the vehicle and noticed smoke coming out from under the hood I pulled over immediately and the whole engine compartment was on fire I tried to put fire but Fire department showed up and extinguish the fire, fire was due to a fuel leak
Fire
1 injured
Incident date: Nov 26, 2024
About 8 weeks ago first my driver side speaker in the front went out then my passenger low beam light had went out and I had replaced twice then my AC quit working. I thought it was a fuse or battery or alternator issue even checked if it was it a relay fuse and it was not. Then my dash lit up ESC off and then my back driver side brake has been locked up and squealing really bad than my power stee... Read more
Incident date: Nov 24, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V797000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The located dealer was contacted. 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... Read more
Incident date: Nov 24, 2024
The original horn failed after about a year and 15,000 miles. Replaced with dealer and new horn failed after about 6 months and 7,000 miles. Only realized after having to avoid a collision and being unable to use my horn. Having a faulty horn could be a factor in a collision, if a vehicle starts to merge into me without me having a way to avoid the collision other than alerting the other driver. ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 24, 2024
[XXX] my car failed to let me use the brake, i was going about 45mph and when i went to apply brake pressure the pedal was so stiff i couldnt use the brake. Causing from end collision, when i made a trip to springdale to have my car inspected it didnt make it, started backfiring and dying around 65 mph then the motor blew, it had some issues starting but nothing like what happened within that few ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Nov 21, 2024
The contact owns a owns a Max Cosi car seat, Model Line: Micro Luxe, Model Number: IC365GYQH, Manufacture Date: 8/22/2023. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 MPH and attempting to stop the vehicle, the top section of the car seat suddenly fractured causing the child to lurch forward. During the failure, the child seat was installed on the rear passenger’s side seat. There wer... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2022
Failure of air valve between primary and secondary tanks. Does not isolate the two systems.
Incident date: Nov 7, 2024
I was driving on a four lane highway in February 2024 and the engine of my 2021 Honda CR-V just stopped working and the car was not responding. I was able to coast the car into a parking lot where I had to have it towed to the nearest Honda dealership. I was told the fuel pump had failed and needed replacing. I was told there was no recall on my model for this fuel pump and had to pay full p... Read more
Incident date: Nov 7, 2024
The contact owned a 2014 Kia Optima Hybrid. The contact stated while parked and unoccupied, the vehicle caught fire. Smoke and flames were coming from the engine of the vehicle. No injuries were sustained. The fire department was notified and extinguished the fire. A fire department report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the contact's insurance company. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaire... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
The car has all of a sudden had issues with the gas and breaking. When I press the gas, it stalls then rapidly accelerates. It has to be the transmission. Also, is making a noise and will barely drive when pressing on the gas. It does not accelerate!! Could have easily gotten into a car accident! What is going on??
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
The car has all of a sudden had issues with the gas and breaking. When I press the gas, it stalls then rapidly accelerates. It has to be the transmission. Also, is making a noise and will barely drive when pressing on the gas. It does not accelerate!! Could have easily gotten into a car accident! What is going on??
Incident date: Jan 1, 2020
AT 2.5 YEARS OLD AND 46K MILES THE VACCUM BRAKE BOOSTER ASSEMBLY HAS GONE OUT. THIS WAS ON ISSUE WITH THE BRONCO SPORT AND RECALLED, BUT NOT YET ON THE FULL SIZE BRONCO. SSM 50472 - 2021-2022 Bronco - 2.3L - Illuminated Brake Warning Lamp And/Or Brake System Warning Message – DTC P050F Set In The ABS Module And Firm Brake Pedal
Incident date: Oct 21, 2024
I've had recurring issues of brake failure. Thankfully, none of the issues have resulted in fatality, injury or major damage. My most recent issue happened as I was leaving my job. I depressed the brake to put the car in drive and the brake went down almost to the floor. I hesitantly drove the car to an auto shop near my home and was able to have the brakes serviced. I have included that invoice (... Read more
Incident date: Jan 24, 2024
This is the second time that I have had issues with a coolant leak leeching onto my engine. The coolant leaks out and causes toxic fumes in the cabin that have repeatedly caused me and my passengers severe damage to our mucus membranes resulting in coughing and difficulty breathing. I have literally had to drive with my windows down in the cold autumn air because I cannot breathe in my vehicle. T... Read more
Incident date: Nov 7, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 2500. The contact stated that no visible tailgate was attached, and the contact was unaware if the vehicle had been repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V060000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages); however, the recall had been marked as completed under the VIN. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where they advised the contact that the recall repair was completed. Th... Read more
Incident date: Oct 26, 2024
INTERMITTENT HARD BRAKE PEDAL INABILITY TO STOP THE CAR IN A SAFE MANNER. I HAD THE VACUUM BOOSTER PUMP REPLACED TWICE. ONCE THE REPAIR LASTED FOR A YEAR THEN THE LAST TIME THE INCIDENT REOCCURED AFTER THE SECOND REPAIR. THE FIRST TIME PRIOR TO REPAIR THERE WAS AN ACCIDENT TRAVELLING A 5 MPH AFTER THE FIRST REPAIR THERE WAS A HARD BRAKING INCIDENT THAT ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT AT AROUND 40 MPH. T... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Aug 3, 2023
There is a distortion in the front windshield affecting my ability to see the front right corner of my vehicle. I was leaving a restaurant in the dark and the distortion affected the headlights to the point it didn’t appear there were any on the right side of the vehicle. In daylight, that area of the windshield is so distorted I’ve missed vehicles coming from the right and developed it migrai... Read more
Incident date: Aug 3, 2023
The contact owns a 2010 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V661000 (Air Bags), and the dealer informed the contact about NHTSA Campaign Number 23V228000 (Structure). The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle had failed an inspection and was unsafe to drive. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer... Read more
Incident date: May 13, 2023
On [XXX], as I was leaving softball tournament in Poway Ca with my kiddos about 6 minutes into driving a message popped up on my dash "ENG PWR REDUCED & SERVICE TRACTION", I lost power to accelerate, I pulled over just before getting on the [XXX] freeway, turned car off and thought car would reset which it didn't. I was stranded with my kiddos. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFOR... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2024
The third row headrests will not fold down. This is not allowing the third row seats to be folded down. Straps are pulled, but headrests do not go down.
Incident date: Aug 14, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Rav4 Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags); 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... Read more
Incident date: Aug 14, 2024
I’ve owned this car since it was new-have had almost all service work performed by local Acura dealership (Gary Force Acura). Some weeks ago, I noticed I was having difficulty seeing in front of my car when driving at night. I replaced a headlight bulb but it did not help at all. The only way I could see to drive at night was with my bright lights on. I contacted a local Acura repair shop and th... Read more
Incident date: Aug 15, 2024
6 speed transmission has major manufacturers flaws.
Incident date: Oct 30, 2024
While driving the car, car stalled and began displaying the lightning bolt icon on the cluster. The power steering stopped working and the brake was very stiff and hard to depress. I pulled off the road and waited a few minutes and started the car again. The idle was very rough, icon was still displayed on the cluster, and car began jerking and stalled again. I had the vehicle towed to the house a... Read more
Incident date: Oct 30, 2024
Manual shifter rod snapped during vehicle operation. Could have caused a collision with other drivers if the vehicle could not be controlled.
Incident date: Oct 31, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 BMW 528I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated while driving at an undiscl... Read more
Incident date: Oct 30, 2024
Theres been a recall for my car But I never received any letter nothing about this.
Incident date: Oct 30, 2024
Dealership is unable to repair recalls
Incident date: May 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, several unknown warning lights were displayed on the instrument panel. The contact stated that the brake pedal seized and could not be depressed. Due to the failure, the contact was forced to coast the vehicle to a complete stop. The contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed with an AB... Read more
Incident date: May 5, 2024
While putting bottom seat cover on my new truck in the back seat, I pushed the seat cover under the back rest and hit a very sharp piece of metal and cut my finger. I wrapped my finger up and continued the install. On the other side of the truck I hit another sharp piece of metal behind the back rest and cut another finger. No medical treatment was required. I dont know if the metal is part of the... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: May 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 Buick Envision. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle failed to respond. The message "No Lane Assist - Caution" was displayed. The contact pumped the brake pedal until the vehicle responded. The contact was able to pull into a parking lot. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the failure was r... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible. The contact stated that after his wife had driven the vehicle, upon restarting the vehicle, the air bag warning light illuminated. Additionally, the traction control and ABS warning lights were illuminated. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that the warning lights were illuminated due to an unknown sensor failure. The vehicl... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible. The contact stated that after his wife had driven the vehicle, upon restarting the vehicle, the air bag warning light illuminated. Additionally, the traction control and ABS warning lights were illuminated. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that the warning lights were illuminated due to an unknown sensor failure. The vehicl... Read more
Incident date: Oct 29, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle, the contact noticed that the front hood lid had opened unintentionally. The contact stated that the failure occurred on several occasions. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving and attempting to brake, the regenerative braking system malfunctioned, causing the braking distance to be extended. T... Read more
Incident date: Oct 29, 2024
Daylight Running Lights (DRLs) burned out, and Tesla charges exorbitant amounts to repair each DRL and headlight assembly, over $3,500 for each side. This is apparently a known issue with all 2017-2021 Tesla Model S vehicles, as it is widely discussed on Tesla owner forums. The DRLs are prone to repeated failures even after being replaced. Tesla will replace the DRL and headlight assembly as long ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the low power mode warning illuminated, and the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated that the failure occurred three times within a day. In addition, the contact stated that the night before, the vehicle was started; however, the vehicle then failed to start as intended. The contact stated ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 18, 2023
Using cruise control to go with the flow of traffic the vehicle will slow down for any random flashing lights far away or vehicle in next lane causing all vehicles to slow down unnecessarily. FSD and beta programming does not belong in driver set cruise control.
Incident date: Apr 16, 2024
1 .Driver's side door will not close in cold weather due to frozen actuator. TSB has been issued on this problem; Ford will not repair due to vehicle being out of warranty. 2. Backup/vehicle camera's do not always work when truck is in reverse. TSB has been issued on this problem; Ford will not repair due to vehicle being out of warranty. 3. Ford inadvertently installed a substantially small... Read more
Incident date: Oct 24, 2024
This particular vehicle comes with a plastic coolant water outlet. When the plastic melts, it causes the coolant system to fail, and the engine will overheat. The plastic can only withstand heat up to 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Most engines run at 195-220. There was no reason for the manufacturer to use this type of plastic. Over 1,000 aftermarket coolant water outlets have been sold as a replac... Read more
Incident date: Aug 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, the transmission was slipping between gears. The vehicle unexpectedly downshifted while driving 70 MPH. The contact stated that the wrench symbol was displayed on the instrument panel. The gear message turned on and off while driving. Additionally, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine war... Read more
Incident date: Oct 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front windshield trim on the driver’s and the passenger’s side trims detached. The contact stated that due to the failure when it rained, the water filled up in the floorboard of the vehicle. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the contact was informed that the parts were not yet... Read more
Incident date: Oct 15, 2024
Tesla FSD v12.5.4.1 tried to run a red light without stopping. Although FSD has a multitude of other issues when it comes to breaking traffic laws running Red lights shouldn't be one of them. Luckily I was able to override the system and no one was in the area to get hurt and no property damage.