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: 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
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
When I am accelerating at a faster pace, always at 40 mph, my vehicle will start to shake. I have tested it several times now getting onto the interstate, it becomes an issue on the "on ramp" because I have to release the acceleration pedal and then very slowly get up to speed which causes me to not be able to get close enough to the posted speed while on the interstate which in turn causes other ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Buick Enclave. The contact had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags). The contact had not experienced a failure with the air bags; however, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine started overheating with the engine temperature hot. The contact added coolant until being able to get to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed by deal... Read more
Incident date: May 31, 2024
Recall is over 1 year old now with no viable solution from manufacturer. This timeframe is not acceptable to resolve a safety issue.
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 made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced ... Read more
Incident date: May 30, 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: May 30, 2024
Multiple times I have been driving along at interstate speed when the mirrors retracted in to the windows of their own volition without the pressing of the button. I contacted Nimnicht GMC and scheduled a service for [XXX] of 2024 at their Phillips Highway location in Jacksonville, FL for them to correct the issue. They stated they were unable to duplicate but did flash the computer with an upd... Read more
Incident date: May 30, 2024
Multiple times I have been driving along at interstate speed when the mirrors retracted in to the windows of their own volition without the pressing of the button. I contacted Nimnicht GMC and scheduled a service for [XXX] of 2024 at their Phillips Highway location in Jacksonville, FL for them to correct the issue. They stated they were unable to duplicate but did flash the computer with an upd... Read more
Incident date: Oct 7, 2021
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: May 30, 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
BUICK
PARK AVENUE
(2002) — FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
May 29, 2024
Incident date: Jan 2, 2024
Rust got to the back end of this car it is completely detached this car is not safe in any shale or form. The backend could fall apart at any moment and completely make the tires and everything else fall right off. It has only been inspected by me and I am 100%sure it is rusted through and through. Just don't wanna see someone get hurt. The car vibrates on the highway.
BUICK
PARK AVENUE
(2002) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
May 29, 2024
Incident date: Jan 2, 2024
Rust got to the back end of this car it is completely detached this car is not safe in any shale or form. The backend could fall apart at any moment and completely make the tires and everything else fall right off. It has only been inspected by me and I am 100%sure it is rusted through and through. Just don't wanna see someone get hurt. The car vibrates on the highway.
BUICK
PARK AVENUE
(2002) — STRUCTURE:BODY
May 29, 2024
Incident date: Jan 2, 2024
Rust got to the back end of this car it is completely detached this car is not safe in any shale or form. The backend could fall apart at any moment and completely make the tires and everything else fall right off. It has only been inspected by me and I am 100%sure it is rusted through and through. Just don't wanna see someone get hurt. The car vibrates on the highway.
Incident date: Feb 13, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Buick Encore. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact heard an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The contact was able to veer over to the shoulder and discovered that the sunroof had exploded. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and the contact was advised to report the failure to the NHTSA Hotline. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufac... Read more
Incident date: May 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2024 Buick Envista. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air conditioner became inoperable. The contact stated that the air conditioner was not blowing cool air. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a Freon leak into the engine compartment. Due to the failure, the contact was informed that the front evaporator needed to be... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Buick Enclave. The contact was notified of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made... Read more
Incident date: May 29, 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 experien... Read more
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 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: Mar 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while the front passenger's side seat was occupied, the seat belt chime reminder failed to engage while the front passenger's side seat belt was not buckled, and the message "Air Bag Off" was displayed. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the front pass... Read more
Incident date: Mar 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while the front passenger's side seat was occupied, the seat belt chime reminder failed to engage while the front passenger's side seat belt was not buckled, and the message "Air Bag Off" was displayed. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the front pass... Read more
Incident date: Aug 17, 2020
The contact owns a 2017 Buick Lacrosse. The contact stated that the rear brakes were worn three times faster than the front brakes. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was concerned about the safety of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed; however, the cause of the failure was not yet determined. The vehicle was taken to another dealer bu... Read more
Incident date: May 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 Buick Lacrosse. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact became aware of a failure with the defrost system. The contact stated that the windows failed to defrost properly, causing a visibility hazard while driving. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approx... Read more
Incident date: May 28, 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 made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced... Read more
Incident date: May 28, 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 made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced ... Read more
Incident date: May 13, 2024
On [XXX], 2024, a pickup truck ran a red light at 55+ miles per hour and struck the front left quarter panel of our 2023 Buick Enclave as we were pulling into an intersection. Our car was totaled with the entire front end of the car being severely damaged. The front end of the car, both quarter panels, bumper and engine compartment were crushed. - NO airbags deployed. - Both my wife and I wer... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Feb 20, 2024
On 2 separate occasions, I have gone through 4 quarts of oil in 2000 miles. No leaks as verified by mechanic. Just excessive burn. The check oil light does not come on to warn you and says I still have 50% oil life but almost bone dry.
Incident date: Mar 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Buick Encore. The contact stated that upon approaching the vehicle, she observed oil leaking from underneath the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the oil cooler pipe. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Service ... Read more
Incident date: May 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Buick Enclave. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, and while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. 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 excee... Read more
Incident date: May 9, 2024
Hard to be able to control the vehicle due to something going on the rear
Incident date: May 9, 2024
Hard to be able to control the vehicle due to something going on the rear
Incident date: May 9, 2024
Hard to be able to control the vehicle due to something going on the rear
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 dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was ... Read more
Incident date: May 23, 2024
The Cruise control do not adapt to the speed of the vehicle in front of me like it’s supposed to and all of sudden windows won’t go up or down. Car is falling apart even though it’s new how is that possible.
Incident date: May 23, 2024
The Cruise control do not adapt to the speed of the vehicle in front of me like it’s supposed to and all of sudden windows won’t go up or down. Car is falling apart even though it’s new how is that possible.
Incident date: May 23, 2024
The Cruise control do not adapt to the speed of the vehicle in front of me like it’s supposed to and all of sudden windows won’t go up or down. Car is falling apart even though it’s new how is that possible.
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
Excessive oil consumption on the 2.4L engine. GM has known about the oil consumption on these engines for a long time and if oil is not consistently checked and topped off it will seize the motor while driving
Incident date: May 23, 2024
There has been a recall on the driver's side airbag for over one year and the remedy is still incomplete. The potential to be injured or killed by the airbag rupturing is happening on a daily basis. Some sort of fix should have been available in a year's time.
Incident date: May 10, 2023
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 manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution di... Read more
Incident date: Jan 16, 2024
All Wheel Drive System & All Wheel Drive Off Warnings 4 Different Times One Time lost the ability to Steer Once to Dealership can not duplicate & the lights are off so can't get codes they said. There is a recall for same issue on same vehicle for same year but says my VIN isn't included. Jan. 16 May 3 May 6 May 21 all of this year. Had warranty on car when started said only bumper to bumper would... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
REF GM safety recall N232404980 dated June 2023. As of today, May 21, 2024, no remedy is available apparently due to parts not available. It is now approaching a year without any additional unsolicited information from GM Recall personnel. The local Dealer has no remedy as they are at the mercy of GM. This recall expresses possible personal injury or death should an event causing airbag activa... Read more
Incident date: Mar 16, 2024
03/09/2024 overheated, replace thermostat and housing, refilled coolant 3/16/2024 overheated, refilled coolant 3/18/2024 towed to dealership. leaking oil, losing coolant $3280.00 repairs 4/1/2024 water pump 4/6/2024 Turbo coolant feedline Safety concern, I commute via I-95. Overheating could cause a multi vehicle collision Temperature gauge quickly drops to overheat.
Incident date: Dec 13, 2021
I purchased the 2016 Buick Regal used in 2021 with 40,000 miles., it now has close to 70,000 miles. It’s still in well cared for mint condition, except for the driver side headlight. Condensation appeared and has been getting worse, dealership says the only option is buying another complete headlight assembly for $1200.00. The LED part of that headlight has stopped working., it’s inevitable th... Read more
Incident date: May 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Buick Envision. The contact stated that the front driver's side seat belt failed to extend and was inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed. The dealer informed the contact that the front driver's side seat belt ratchet was abnormally opened, causing the air bag module to fail. The dealer determined that the front driver's side seat belt assem... Read more
Incident date: May 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Buick Envision. The contact stated that the front driver's side seat belt failed to extend and was inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed. The dealer informed the contact that the front driver's side seat belt ratchet was abnormally opened, causing the air bag module to fail. The dealer determined that the front driver's side seat belt assem... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Buick Regal. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost power steering functionality and the vehicle became difficult to steer. The contact stated that the failure occurred intermittently. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no ass... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2024
Driver & Passenger seatbelts extremely difficult to securely latch.. Buick Service on May 15, 2024. Problem confirmed, replacement seatbelts, parts ordered.
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Buick Encore GX. The contact stated that while parking the vehicle, the gear shifter was shifted into park(P); however, the “Shift to Park” message was displayed. The contact was unable to turn off the vehicle and drove to the residence. The message was no longer displayed after the contact parked the vehicle at the residence. The failure recurred on multiple occasions.... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Buick Enclave. The contact was notified of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made... Read more
Incident date: Nov 24, 2021
I bought the vehicle in December 2020 from a dealership in Mason, Ohio named Borcherding Buick GMC. I asked, specifically to make sure the vehicle did not have any issues, especially transmission issues and for this to be researched, as well. I was not made aware of Bulletin No.: 18-NA-358, which affected Buick Enclave models from 2014-2017. I purchased the vehicle and sent a wire transfer for the... Read more
Incident date: Nov 24, 2021
I bought the vehicle in December 2020 from a dealership in Mason, Ohio named Borcherding Buick GMC. I asked, specifically to make sure the vehicle did not have any issues, especially transmission issues and for this to be researched, as well. I was not made aware of Bulletin No.: 18-NA-358, which affected Buick Enclave models from 2014-2017. I purchased the vehicle and sent a wire transfer for the... Read more