Consumer Safety Complaints
Search 2,192,899 safety complaints filed by vehicle owners with NHTSA — including 137,559 crashes, 55,854 fires, and 8,555 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 2,192,899 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 27,958 complaints for BUICK
Incident date: Jun 24, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Buick Lacrosse. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was making an abnormally loud stomping sound and the wheels were shuddering significantly. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the suspension yoke had failed and needed to be replaced; however, the... Read more
Incident date: Jun 21, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Buick Enclave. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (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 was ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2024
Recall has not been done and is not ready to be done
Incident date: May 10, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Buick Enclave. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags) 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 manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced ... Read more
Incident date: May 10, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Buick Enclave. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags) 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 manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 20, 2024
I have been getting to many issues lately with my car, I have a family and two little ones we almost got accident today 06/20/2024 the car just suddenly stopped while I’m driving on the highway out of no where (traction control on) airbags issues and to many like every once in a while. I need to secure the safety of my family. I have contracted the dealership before they going to contact me but ... Read more
Incident date: May 10, 2023
No problem with my airbag, yet. I am just concerned that it has been over a year and there is no remedy for this problem, I feel like the manufacturer has had ample time to find a solution. I was told to file a complaint and hope someone will address this issue in a timely manner.
Incident date: Jun 20, 2024
The turbo on my 2016 Buick Encore hasn't been working right for about a year. My engine light has been on consistently everyday for about 8 months. I've taken it to the dealer to get it repaired, and there is a bulletin - Reference Number A212338300 - but for some reason my VIN doesn't meet the requirement of the turbo replacement - even though the bulletin is for a turbo replacement. Why is my tu... Read more
Incident date: Jun 18, 2024
On two occasions, there was a loss of steering assist while making a 90 degree right turn at an intersection. After forcing the steering wheel back straight, steering assist resumed. The vehicle can be made available for inspection. No warning lamps illuminated. Contacted Buick customer assistance. 2015 Buick Encore has a recall for loss of steering assist, but 2014 model is not included.
Incident date: May 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 Buick Enclave equipped with Sentury Tires, Tire Line: National Commando HTS, Tire Size: 255/55/R20, DOT Number: [XXX] . The contact had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23T009000 (Tires); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the front passenger's side tire was frequently flat. The contact stated that air was... Read more
Incident date: Jun 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Buick Enclave. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (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 was m... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2023
The 2021 Buick Encore was listed by the NHTSA as having a parts recall with the Evaporative Emission Purge Pump, yet when I look up my VIN and talk to the dealer, I’m told the vehicle is not recalled, even though I’m having the exact same issue that was described in the recall. I’ve been delaying servicing because I was told the part was on back order but now they have it in stock and I’m ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 14, 2024
I have had my car looked at and my camshaft reductor wheel/valve is broken. This happened very unexpectedly and almost caused a serious accident at highway speeds. I was able to drift the car to the shoulder from the middle lane, but almost was hit by a semi when my car randomly stalled out in the middle of I-5. This is a problem I have sense researched and has happened to many others with the sam... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2024
Hello my car is stalling out and the stabilìtrak lights comes on with trak symbol. Car does not crank back up until the next day.. it keeps doing this after several days. Im scared to drive this car with the stalling when driving it... PLEASE help me fix this problem.
Incident date: Jun 15, 2024
The driver side mirror vibrates at highway speed and impacts visibility.
Incident date: May 26, 2024
Within first couple months of ownership we had a wheel insert come off. We had it replaced at dealer Dec 2022 and noted it was two small bolts holding on the insert to actual wheel. The screws (2) appeared to have sheared off and are in line with brake rotors, calipers, and wheel itself when dislodging. The actual insert goes forward and can hit other cars and damage finish and other items as a... Read more
Incident date: May 26, 2024
Within first couple months of ownership we had a wheel insert come off. We had it replaced at dealer Dec 2022 and noted it was two small bolts holding on the insert to actual wheel. The screws (2) appeared to have sheared off and are in line with brake rotors, calipers, and wheel itself when dislodging. The actual insert goes forward and can hit other cars and damage finish and other items as a... Read more
Incident date: Jun 14, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Buick Enclave. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was... Read more
Incident date: Jun 13, 2024
October 2023 my brake on the drivers side ruptured that let to the master cylinder. Lost brake pressure and all brake fluid resulting in no braking ability at all. May 9th 2024 took my vehicle for scheduled maintenance and was told vehicle was in excellent condition. 20 days later the brake line on the passenger side ruptured leading to the master cylinder resulting brake fluid leakage and no brak... Read more
Incident date: May 10, 2023
DEFECTIVE AIRBAG. BUICK HAS NOT REPAIRED IN A TIMELY MANNER. RECALL WAS ISSUED OVER ONE YEAR AGO (05/10/2023), AND BUICK CAN PROVIDE NO INFORMATION WHEN THEY WILL HAVE THE PARTS AVAILABLE TO DO REPAIR. STATUE IS "REMEDY NOT YET AVAILABLE". THIS VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE WITH THIS DEFECT.
Incident date: May 10, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Buick Enclave. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags) 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 manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experien... Read more
Incident date: Jun 13, 2024
The backup camera will stay in 'night' brightness mode for 15 seconds while backing out of the garage into daylight. This makes the video screen usless until the 15 second delay is over. I have asked several times at the dealership since I purchased this vehicle new, and they say nothing can be done. Not only is this a huge safety issue but it also is an enviromental issue as may times I must w... Read more
Incident date: Jun 13, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Buick Enclave. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags) 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 manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experien... Read more
Incident date: Jun 11, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Buck Enclave. The contact stated that while the vehicle was being serviced under an unidentified recall, the local dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the air bag needed to be replaced. The air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the repair was not covered under the recall associated with the VIN. The contact was informed that the repair ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 21, 2024
My husband and I got this vehicle from a used dealership, which they did not tell my husband it had a recall on it before we got it or we never would have gotten it, on March 2,2024. I found out about the driver side airbag recall on March 21, 2024. I called GM dealership about the recall the same day I found out about it, and they ordered the part and told me they would call when the part came in... Read more
Incident date: Jun 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Buick Lacrosse. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated to accelerate while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The contact pulled over and checked underneath the vehicle. The contact discovered that the START/STOP accumulator endcap bolt had detached, causing transmission fluid to leak onto the ground. The vehicle was towed to the r... Read more
Incident date: Jun 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Buick Lacrosse. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated to accelerate while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The contact pulled over and checked underneath the vehicle. The contact discovered that the START/STOP accumulator endcap bolt had detached, causing transmission fluid to leak onto the ground. The vehicle was towed to the r... Read more
Incident date: Jun 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Buick Lacrosse. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated to accelerate while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The contact pulled over and checked underneath the vehicle. The contact discovered that the START/STOP accumulator endcap bolt had detached, causing transmission fluid to leak onto the ground. The vehicle was towed to the r... Read more
Incident date: Jun 10, 2024
The manufacturer has not provided a fix for this recall in an appropriate amount of time.
Incident date: Apr 11, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Buick Cascada. The contact stated while driving 35-45 MPH, the vehicle made an abnormal sound. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the knock combustion vibration control system had failed. The dealer determined that the valve cover, the PCV valve, the head gasket, and an unknown part needed to be r... Read more
Incident date: Jun 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Buick Enclave. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (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 was... Read more
Incident date: Jun 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Buick Enclave. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was... Read more
Incident date: Apr 30, 2024
The passenger airbag light started coming on and going off intermittently. After several weeks of this, it was on every time the car is driven. Testing by an ASE certified mechanic revealed that the permanent light results in no front seat airbags. The failed part is the seat presence sensor. The part is - and hasn't been for quite a while - manufactured by GM. Aftermarket parts are costly and the... Read more
Incident date: Jun 6, 2024
While driving on interstate highway, CEL illuminated. When able to stop and check, DTC codes P1467 & P146b where detected. These codes deal with the Evap Purge system. The pump was recalled in model year 2021 for the make, model and engine in this vehicle. Failure to fix this issue results in increased fuel vapor escaping to the atmosphere as well as potential system damage. Since the same pa... Read more
Incident date: Jun 8, 2024
The recall has been active on my vehicle for over a year now with no means of fixing the issue. I have contacted buick dealerships in my area and they have stated they have no ability to repair the recall and do not know when or if they will be able to. I do not know what my options are as my vehicle is still financed through my bank but I do not feel safe driving it or having my children in the c... Read more
Incident date: Jun 8, 2024
The recall has been active on my vehicle for over a year now with no means of fixing the issue. I have contacted buick dealerships in my area and they have stated they have no ability to repair the recall and do not know when or if they will be able to. I do not know what my options are as my vehicle is still financed through my bank but I do not feel safe driving it or having my children in the c... Read more
Incident date: May 10, 2024
Not safety, but GM recalled 2021Trailblazers to replace Evap Purge Pumps on vehicles showing check engine light resulting in bad purge pump diagnosis. Why only Trailblazers? I recently had to replace one on my 2021Envision at 37,588 miles after my check engine light came on. Fortunately I bought the extended insurance when I purchased my new vehicle and only paid the $100 deductible. Otherwise ... Read more
Incident date: May 10, 2024
Not safety, but GM recalled 2021Trailblazers to replace Evap Purge Pumps on vehicles showing check engine light resulting in bad purge pump diagnosis. Why only Trailblazers? I recently had to replace one on my 2021Envision at 37,588 miles after my check engine light came on. Fortunately I bought the extended insurance when I purchased my new vehicle and only paid the $100 deductible. Otherwise ... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2023
The recall was over 1 year ago on the airbags. I contacted GM and they have no eta on when they can fix the recall.
Incident date: May 10, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Buick Enclave. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (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 manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms... Read more
Incident date: Jun 19, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Buick Enclave. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (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 was ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 5, 2024
My check engine light came on in February 2024, vehicle mileage at the time was approximately 70,000 miles. My certified GM independent mechanic's diagnostic check revealed a DTC-P0299 code: faulty turbo charger. He advised repairs be made at a GM dealer under Special Coverage N-232395330 released in February 2024 by GM. My GM dealer (where I purchaser the vehicle) has also received the P0299 code... Read more
Incident date: Jun 6, 2024
The contact owns a 2008 Buick Lucerne. The contact stated that immediately after his wife had started the vehicle, the vehicle inadvertently lost power and was unable to be restarted. After a visual inspection of the battery compartment, the contact observed that the fuse relay showed signs of an electrical fire. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an ind... Read more
Incident date: May 20, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Buick Enclave. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (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 contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. The dea... Read more
Incident date: Jun 4, 2024
NAV display and radio stopped working black screen blank
Incident date: Jun 4, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Buick Enclave. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags) 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 manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
GM Recall N232404980: I was sent a letter in June 2023 about this recall, which stated parts were not currently available to replace the airbag. The letter states that GM will contact me when the part becomes available. On May 8, 2024 I called my local GM dealer to ask about the status of this recall. The dealer said they would have to special order the part and would notify me when it was ava... Read more
Incident date: Jun 4, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Buick Enclave. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags); 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 manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experie... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2024
The contact owned a 2014 Buick Enclave. The contact stated while driving at approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle was crashed into the driver's side front and driver's side passenger doors by another vehicle. The contact stated that the crash pushed her vehicle into the guard rail on the passenger side. The contact stated that there were no serious injuries to the other four passengers, but all were t... Read more
5 injured
Incident date: May 31, 2024
The contact owns a 2024 Buick Encore GX. The contact stated that upon shifting the vehicle into drive, the vehicle failed to move, prompting the contact to turn off the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to immediately restart. After several attempts, the vehicle was able to start. Later, the contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle briefly began to decelerate indep... Read more