Consumer Safety Complaints
Search 2,245,377 safety complaints filed by vehicle owners with NHTSA, including 140,173 crashes, 56,794 fires, and 8,580 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 2,245,377 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 28,307 complaints for BUICK
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 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and attempting to open the sunroof, the sunroof made an abnormal popping sound. The contact noticed that the panoramic sunroof panel had become inoperable. The contact stated that the sunroof panel and the sunroof rails had fractured. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The... Read more
Incident date: Nov 24, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and attempting to open the sunroof, the sunroof made an abnormal popping sound. The contact noticed that the panoramic sunroof panel had become inoperable. The contact stated that the sunroof panel and the sunroof rails had fractured. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The... 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 21, 2024
The engine has failed and I am not sure why my Q5 was not included in the recall for coolant issues leading to engine failure. My issue started last winter when the car would suddenly kick in a loud fan. It would flash a warning that the start/stop malfunctioned as it only happened when stopped and/or parked. It was extremely alarming to hear so I would turn the car off and let it sit. When I star... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2022
The brake and tmps ights came on for no reason while driving. I pulled over to the side of the road in fear of my safety. I restarted the car to see if they would clear but unfortunately they did not. The manifold and gasket were leaking. The vehicle has been misfiring.
Incident date: Nov 7, 2024
My transmission has failed fully. It cannot even reverse. I took my car into Hyundai several times to check on the issue and they said the same thing, that the transmission slipping is a standard issue for dual clutch. I told them over and over that this is different. I did some research as to how to have them cover it and have it changed but the dealership said nothings wrong. Fast forward and no... Read more
Incident date: Nov 7, 2024
The car's failure is with the Brake Booster Pump Assembly (Accumulator) that generates code C1391 Safety of others and myself is at risk because stopping power can be dramatically reduced and lead to accident. The problem has been reproduced by Toyota from a previous version of the vehicle - [XXX] This has been inspected by the Toyota Dealership to confirm the code and issue. Check engine light w... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
I WENT TO SEVERAL MECHANICS AND GOT THE SAME ISSUE CONFIRMED. IT IS A BOOSTER BRAKE SYSTEM ISSUE. I CALLED CONSUMER ADVOCATES AND THEY SAID THE NOTICE WENT OUT IN 2019 AND SINCE THEN EXPIRED. THEREFORE DEALERSHIP IS NOT GOING TO REPAIR THE DEFECT. I RECEIVED NO SUCH NOTICE. WHEN I CONTENDED THAT THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND SHOULD IMMEDIATELY BE HANDLED AND MY CAR HAS 80,000 MILES ON IT AND IT HAS N... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
My windows stopped operating. Both front driver and passenger. The motor runs but I am unable to roll up or down. According to what I’ve read, I am not alone. I worry for our safety and that of my family.
Incident date: Jan 1, 2020
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Edge. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the transmission was slipping, and the vehicle struggled to remain in the intended gear. Additionally, while driving at highway speeds, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with transmissio... Read more
Incident date: Oct 21, 2024
I have not been able to use my front seat for over 6 months now due to a recall that has no remedy. I am a family of 5 that is not able to take the complete family ina car ride due to airbag recall.
Incident date: Jan 24, 2024
Frame failure issues diagnosed on the camper in 2023. We were not apprised of how serious the frame failure was or provided photos of the issues, so we are not sure how extensive the issue was. Repairs were performed by a Grand Design dealer prior to the Technical Service Bulletin being released by Grand Design. The repairs being performed prior to the TSB leaves us somewhat skeptical that they we... Read more
Incident date: Nov 7, 2024
There is a recall to the steering on 2024 Honda civic. I had the steering pull on me towards the right. I am not entirely sure the cause, but would like to address this either way so there is not a potential loss of steering in the future.
Incident date: Oct 26, 2024
fuel leak on driver side tank elbow on gas pump is cracked. Low beam headlights do not work, high beams are ok.
Incident date: Aug 3, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the sunroof console detached. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a detached sunroof console. The contact was informed that the sunroof console needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the parts to repair the veh... Read more
Incident date: Aug 3, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that occasionally the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and was inspected but not diagnosed... Read more
Incident date: May 13, 2023
Stellantis/Ram for over 10 months now have claim that the ABS Module is under engineering review to me. The ABS Module controls the brake anti skid, sway control, cruise control and other systems. Since 3/2024 I've tried to replace this module but it's not in stock because of not being produced. It's a manufactured control item only. I was informed by Gator Dodge this has been a problem for almo... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2024
Engine failed due to coolant intrusion into cylinders. This is a known design flaw in this engine
Incident date: Aug 14, 2024
The tailgate has opened randomly on about 4 or 5 occasions most recently the tailgate opened making a right turn while the horse trailer was connected to it and damaged the tailgate. It seems to open on right turns or when washed or been raining. The key is kept in the console and i always apply the parking brake. It is very random. There was a recall/ owner satisfaction program 21m01 but this tru... Read more
Incident date: Aug 14, 2024
The tailgate has opened randomly on about 4 or 5 occasions most recently the tailgate opened making a right turn while the horse trailer was connected to it and damaged the tailgate. It seems to open on right turns or when washed or been raining. The key is kept in the console and i always apply the parking brake. It is very random. There was a recall/ owner satisfaction program 21m01 but this tru... Read more
Incident date: Aug 15, 2024
Multiple instances of diesel engine emissions system parts and software failure. While driving, towing or not, the DIC would randomly display a message that the DEF level is low and reduced speed will occur in x-amount of miles and that mileage would then begin a visible countdown on the DIC, sometimes much more quickly than the actual speed I was traveling. In other words, it might at first state... Read more
Incident date: Oct 30, 2024
Received recall early 2024: Manufacturer Recall Number19B NHTSA Recall Number24V-198 Problem was supposed to have been resolved early 2024. Have not received any new information and according to website information, recall is incomplete but repair parts are not available. Can someone tell me if this is a serious problem and when can I expect the parts be made available to fix this problem?
Incident date: Oct 30, 2024
This is my 4th time filling out this form. Fuel gauge and miles to empty will reset with the fuel gauge reading full and the miles to empty recalculating without putting fuel in the vehicle. My computer owners online account shows I have a fuel level of 153%.This truck has 2781 miles on it. The fuel gauge has reset itself 6 times in that mileage. Have now contacted Toyota Customer fulfillment and ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 31, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 BMW X1. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V104000 (Electronic Stability Control (ESC), 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 not made aware of the issue. The contact stated ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 30, 2024
Called Honda Service Center regarding recall. Was told that Honda wasn’t planning on fixing the recall unless owner was having problems.
Incident date: Oct 30, 2024
Theres been a recall for my car But I never received any letter nothing about this.
Incident date: May 5, 2024
I was driving in city traffic and when I tried to accelerate, the Jeep would not increase in speed. It caught per se and nothing happened. Then, the Jeep started downshifting very hard upon slowing. When we went to the dealer and spoke with the technician, he immediately said that the computer needed updating. He said he's been seeing this a lot in these models. Sure enough, $300 dollars later and... Read more
Incident date: May 5, 2024
Having trouble with fuel pump. Have had many appts. With my mechanic. Has lost power while driving and had to have it towed in. Engine light stays on no matter sensors.
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: Jul 1, 2024
Issues with the door.. My key can’t open the driver door with the unlock button.. Also back door has same issue .. Had it fixed on passenger door when I have warranty but issue keeps happening ..
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
I have had my vehicle in for repair three times for an EVAP code. The first visit they found nothing wrong. The second visit they placed the EVAP canister. The third visit they said if the light comes on again it's a faulty part. The light is on again. Since the first occurence, I have noticed the some of the same issues that were reported for the 2020 Equinox fuel pump issues, e.g. hesitation, ch... 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 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while his fiancé was driving 45 MPH, she became aware that the electronic power steering was not functioning properly, requiring increased effort to maneuver the vehicle. The "Service Power Steering" message was displayed. The driver was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the failure persisted. The contact stated ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 18, 2023
I just purchased this vehicle this year if any components failed I do not know of it.
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
The contact owns a 2016 BMW 528I. The contact stated while driving 30-35 MPH, the message that the engine was overheating was displayed. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and allowed the engine to cool down. The contact resumed driving; however, the failure recurred several times while driving; requiring the contact to pull over to the side of the road several times for several minut... Read more
Incident date: Aug 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 BMW X5. 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 manufacturer was not made aware of the issue... Read more
Incident date: Oct 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Honda Ridgeline. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); 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 and another dealer, Gallatin Honda (2109 Nashville Pike, Gallatin, TN 37066), were ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 15, 2024
The differential inside the transmission is making a knocking noise and shakes really badly check engine light came on and traction control light both are on and break system light and I have not even had it for a year
Incident date: Sep 7, 2024
The contact owned a 2023 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH in autopilot mode when the vehicle crashed into a tree. After the crash, the vehicle battery caught on fire and there was an explosion. The contact sustained bruises on the left hand that required medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed but no further information was available. The vehicle w... Read more
Crash
Fire
1 injured
Incident date: Sep 7, 2024
The 2016 Ford Edge 2.0L EcoBoost has sadly caused us countless issues and extensive $ to repair. The latest issue is the 2020 investigation that revealed a design defect of the engine block and cylinder head, and coolant has been leaking and burning in the engine cylinder, which has lead to me needing a new engine. Unfortunately, the suit displays documented proof Ford knew about it and didn’t d... Read more
Incident date: Oct 20, 2024
I see that some 2016 Chevy Suburban's have recalls on this with brake issues. I checked to see if ours had a recall and it doesn't but I believe that it should as we have a serious safety issue with ours. We have had a couple of mechanics look over our brakes and lines and none can seem to find anything wrong, but it is very intermittent and we never know when the issue will start. Sometimes the S... Read more
Incident date: Sep 20, 2024
This morning when operating on FSD trail version, at tye stop sign I had to make left. This is at intersection of Rueslane and Old bridge Turnpike of East Brunswick, NJ. My car started to make a left when there was an incoming car from the left, and they do.not have to stop. Thank fully the car on the left applied instant brakes and avoided tye accident. FsD failed to make right judgement if left ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 20, 2024
This morning when operating on FSD trail version, at tye stop sign I had to make left. This is at intersection of Rueslane and Old bridge Turnpike of East Brunswick, NJ. My car started to make a left when there was an incoming car from the left, and they do.not have to stop. Thank fully the car on the left applied instant brakes and avoided tye accident. FsD failed to make right judgement if left ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 20, 2024
My rocker panels rusting out, trailer hitch wiring issue again , air conditioning/ heater issues again , fuel sending unit and lines issues , plus was told by dealer under frame work rusting issues??? What is going on with my 2014 1500 Silverado , is there anything you can help me with regarding any , any of these issues?. Thanks [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION A... Read more
Incident date: Oct 3, 2024
First shift issue, no warning lights present, was able to get to dealer they hooked up computer and reset/restart vehicle and told me I probably hit gas and brake at same time and it was probably in limp mode. Month later went to store just fine, got back in my vehicle and check engine light was on, shift issues, was told to keep driving for over 2 weeks till they had available appointment, during... Read more
Incident date: Oct 3, 2024
A few times when I drive to a stop light/sign, the SUV engages the parking brake without my input, unlocks the door and prevents the vehicle from being driven, unless I reengage the gear back to drive. Sometimes it works. Sometimes it does not work right away and takes a few times to shift the gear. Seems to be getting worst. One time on 10/17/2024 at my work parking lot, I forced the SUV to drive... Read more