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: Aug 3, 2024
The infotainment system's screen will go black and lock the radio on the last channel and volume setting and cannot be changed. When it goes black it also disables the OnStar safety system. If I were in an accident when this happens I would be unable to call for help. This happens almost every time I drive the car.
Incident date: Jul 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that the Ford dealer mobile technician replaced the battery, and the vehicle was able to start. The vehicle was repaired. Additionally, the contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the check engine and low oil pressure warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that an independent mechanic had recently replace the engine and the oil pump due to the oil pump failure. The contact had recently received notification of NHTSA Campaign... Read more
Incident date: Apr 11, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Ford EcoSport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact stated that on three occasions while making a left or right turn, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was taken to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 11, 2024
See attached document for complaint
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
This was a rental car. The center rear seat harness is locked so it cannot be used. Pulling lightly, or with any degree of resistance, will not allow the shoulder strap to be loosed so it can be used. As a result a passenger cannot be seated in the center of the rear bench seat. Also, the cover assembly for the rear cargo area was installed incorrectly so it cannot be pulled out and secured to th... Read more
Incident date: Mar 27, 2024
In March of 2023, I brought my car into service at my local dealer regarding random SOS and assistive cruise control errors that were causing my cruise control to randomly disengage, which caused multiple safety incidents where the cruise control would cause me to nearly hit the car in front of me or cause the car behind me to almost collide into me. After more than a year of working with VW and t... Read more
Incident date: Aug 6, 2024
Right real axel seal went bad at 26000 miles.
Incident date: Aug 5, 2024
When I indicate to turn right, the indicator sometimes indicates to turn left. This happens randomly but approximately once every eight times that I indicate to turn right. I reported the issue to Tesla in April 2024 and they replaced the steering wheel to verify if there was a hardware issue. This did not fix the problem. Tesla Service then informed me that it was a known software issue and that ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 6, 2014
A warning to check electrical system was displayed. The battery did not have sufficient charge to drive it to a dealer so I tried to charge and the car would not charge past 60%. I was able to drive the car to the dealer where they diagnosed a failed EV battery. Prior to the failure the car would use battery percentage much faster than it should have. For example, a fifteen mile drive would de... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
I found coolant reservoir was really low. And found a check engine light. I scanned and found a code related to misfiring. After googling it I found that is a commonly issue in this vehicles related to a bad engine design. I am in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. And bought the car here. So I am wondering if we are covered by this vehicle complaint.
Incident date: Nov 1, 2023
A wheel bearing is unsafe to drive on. Yes my safety and those in the car with me has been at risk. The problem was confirmed by a Ford Dealership and has been inspected by a suspension tech. There was no light in the dashboard or anything to notify me of this issue.
Incident date: Aug 5, 2024
I had a car accident in Mexico while I was driving inside the beach
Crash
Incident date: May 10, 2023
At critical accelerating situations (turning, merging, passing...) the minivan will hesitate, and no power is delivered to the wheels. As a result, the car does not perform as intended and can cause an accident when turning, merging, or attempting to pass. The only resolution is to remove any pressure from the accelerator and allow the car 1-2 seconds to recover, then you can usually accelerate s... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2023
A wheel bearing is unsafe to drive on. Yes my safety and those in the car with me has been at risk. The problem was confirmed by a Ford Dealership and has been inspected by a suspension tech. There was no light in the dashboard or anything to notify me of this issue.
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
Headlights began flickering two days after purchase of vehicle. Infotainment screen that operates the headlights, as there is no physical headlight knobs or buttons, also malfunction and is inoperable. So I can not turn my headlights on or off, they're set to auto and I can not adjust it. Service department at my dealership has been able to replicate my issues and are trying to fix them, but part... Read more
Incident date: Mar 15, 2023
Involved in a car accident 4/24 going 60 mph, driver cut over and made contact near driver side door, causing us to also slam into a concrete wall on passenger door. After 3 months and up to 29k in damages, insurance declared our car a total loss on 7/23/24. On 7/25/24 the recall was released. No airbags deployed but I had 2 airbag safety codes on my phone (after accident) I didn’t have the car ... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Mar 15, 2023
The vehicle shut down while driving around 25 to 30 mph. Instrument cluster and radio screen turned off. Loss of power steering and brakes. I didn't notice possible other items that may have also shutdown at the time as I was concentrating on keeping the car in lane to a safe stop. Called dealer to discuss issue, brought in for check out they said possible software issue so they reloaded it and s... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
I have had several incidents of having to accelerate quickly and the engine stalled out. i reported it to the dealership and they claimed they could not recreate it and sent me on my way. Now that there is a supposed recall I would like to get my motor replaced or at least scheduled asap
Incident date: May 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that while in reverse(R) and reversing down a driveway at approximately 2 MPH, the power steering module fault warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel seized, and the contact was unable to turn the steering wheel to the left or right. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a dealer or independent mechanic. The ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 2, 2024
My transmission keeps sticking when I shift into drive or reverse. Just a couple of days ago, it happened the worst it has ever done before. I shifted into reverse and my vehicle was completely stopped when I shifted. I began to let off of the brakes and gently push the accelerator to start moving back, my vehicle then punched itself into reverse. I felt after that incident, something had to have ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 26, 2024
Took vehicle in to be serviced for a Crank shaft position sensor yesterday 7/31/2024. Have never had any other issue, but was told that they found coolant in our spark plug cylinder 3. The dealership said it would be around $9.000.00 for a new engine. Dealership said there was massive amounts of smoke and we have never experiences this issue in the past. Was last serviced on 6/24/024 with 92.086 m... Read more
Incident date: Jul 26, 2024
My Navigation, Radio, Internet and OnStar went out and continually goes out on a day-by-day basis. I was in a different state, and it was pouring rain, my navigation, radio and OnStar ability was gone. Chevy knows this is an ongoing issue with 2024 and said the radio is back ordered. This car is a 2025 and its still and issue. The ability to fix it has been stated as unknown because they have no... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
KIA, in Clay New York, refuses to fix the recall on the bearing that caused my engine to cease, i did not know that my car had a recall because i was never notified! My car broke down as i was driving it, i had it towed to Kia, found out there were recalls, but the dealership will not honor the recall and fix my car.
BUICK
REGAL TOURX
(2018) — EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:BULBS
Jul 31, 2024
Incident date: Jul 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated while the brake pedal was depressed, the rear driver’s side and rear passenger’s side brake lights failed to illuminate as designed. No warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the brake light bulbs had been replaced on several occasions. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired due to ... Read more
BUICK
REGAL TOURX
(2018) — ENGINE
Jul 31, 2024
Incident date: Jul 28, 2024
Engine code P2681(15) which after lookup is the coolant bypass valve which is a common faulty part that Toyota seems to not care about and charge upwards of 700$ at the dealer to fix. I took the part out and it indeed has a crack around the case
BUICK
REGAL TOURX
(2018) — LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
Jul 31, 2024
Incident date: Jul 28, 2024
Rear camera and cross traffic warning system malfunctions randomly, working less than half the time. When the vehicle is put in reverse the system and camera often do not work and issue a notice that it needs serviced. On several occasions it did not warn me of a person behind my vehicle or another vehicle behind me. I have avoided accidents but the system is not working. I have been reading a... Read more
Incident date: Jun 19, 2023
The airbag headrests opened up randomly without being involved in an accident!
Incident date: Mar 18, 2024
Odometer display doesn't work. It comes on only after driving a long distance. Doesn't help to know how much fuel is remaining or when I take it for emission test where they need to see odometer reading. I have seen many user complaints on the same topic. I took it to two dealers - Honda of Chantilly and Tysons and they said it's not something they can fix and asked me to find a local mechanic.
Incident date: Mar 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the "Low Engine Coolant" message was displayed. The check engine and ABS warning lights were illuminated. The contact added coolant to the coolant reservoir, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the cylinders, and it was determ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Mustang. The contact stated while attempting to buckle the front driver's side seat belt, the seat belt anchor mounted on the floor by the front driver's side door detached. The contact stated that the seat belt anchor was severely corroded. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the seat belt assembly needed to be replaced; however, the part... Read more
Incident date: Jul 29, 2024
The contact called on behalf of a customer who owns a 2019 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated the vehicle stalled without warning while driving at various speeds. The owner brought the vehicle to the independent mechanic where the contact, diagnosed the vehicle and retrieved DTC code: P0366 (Cam Position Sensor and or the Engine). The sensor was replaced; however, while testing the repair, the fa... Read more
Incident date: Jul 29, 2024
The vacuum brake pump assembly malfunctioned and I had the vehicle taken to the dealer that did the original recall for the vacuum brake pump assembly and they inspected the vehicle and told me that was the issue along with the nipple inside the pump had broken off and fell down into the engine and had damaged the cam shaft. Exactly what the recall states. Yes the vehicle can and has been inspect... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the "Service Battery Charger" message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who replaced the alternator, but the failure persisted. Additionally, while depressing the brake pedal, the pedal felt spongy, and the vehicle failed to immediately stop. The cause of the failure was not yet... Read more
Incident date: Jun 20, 2024
Fuel sensor failure, which means my fuel pump needs replacement. The fuel Guage drops to empty even after a fill up. It's impossible to drive not knowing how much gas I have. I have many friends with the exact same issue with their trucks. This is dangerous and should be recalled.
Incident date: Jul 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle parked, the contact was unable to start the vehicle. The vehicle was restarted after an hour. On another occasion, while turning left, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was turned off and restarted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the battery needed to be replaced and codes for the... Read more
Incident date: May 10, 2023
I purchased 4 new tires, my car calls for a staggered fitment (225/45R17 DOT# 1RB7RR9872922 and 1RB7RR9811521 up front and 245/40R17 DOT# 1RB8NR981112 and 1RB8NR9811022 in the rear). Upon returning home, I noticed the tires were installed backwards with the wider ones up front. This will cause the tires to rub the shock absorbers and will lead to tire blowouts and likely much more damage to my veh... Read more
Incident date: Jul 26, 2024
Casey Kia located in Newport News Virginia continues to delay the replacement of my fuel pump. I was told it was replaced but 2 weeks later I was having the same issue to the point where my car was decelerating on the interstate. After I took it back in for them to repair it I was told they would look into it. I received a call saying the fuel pump was never replaced and the only thing that had be... Read more
Incident date: Jul 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford C-MAX Hybrid. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to shift as intended and made an abnormal humming sound while driving. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the transmission was replaced; however, the failure recurred. The contact stated while while driving at various speeds, and while coming to a complete stop, the... Read more
Incident date: May 10, 2023
The contact owns a 1997 Mercedes-Benz C230. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the contact heard fluttering sounds coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that on two occasions, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle each time. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined ... Read more
Incident date: May 10, 2023
The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Highlander. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V720000 (Structure). The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the front bumper cover detached from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed. The dealer referred the contact to an auto body shop for further assistance. The veh... Read more
Incident date: Aug 26, 2023
I have been unable to get an ABS Control Module for my jeep for over a year. This is affecting my vehicle breaking system putting my life in danger as well as others on the road. I have contacted Jeep directly and have only been told it is under review. I have taken it to the dealer and 2 different mechanics only to be told they cannot get that part. I have been told driving is relatively safe, I ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 6, 2024
Coolant leaked into a cylinder due to a failed head gasket at 61,000 miles. Ford replaced head gasket, but the issue is due to poorly manufactured engine, and I had the same issue starting again at 99,000 miles. Ford refuses to fix engine since it is out of warranty, but the issue is due to poor manufacturing, not customer negligence.
Incident date: Dec 13, 2023
Vehicle does not register has parked while In park. Car will not power off and causes safety problems because vehicle may roll away if park is not engaged.
BUICK
ENCLAVE
(2017) — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:FLOOR SHIFT
Jul 19, 2024
Incident date: Jul 19, 2024
The contact owned a 2022 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while her son was driving at an undisclosed speed, upon reaching his destination, shifting the vehicle into the park position, and exiting, the vehicle began to roll away. The driver was unable to stop the vehicle, and as a result, the vehicle rolled off the roadway, coming to a complete stop at the bottom of a 25-foot embankment. The... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, he was made aware that flames had been observed emanating from the rear of the vehicle. Bystanders were able to safely extinguish the flames; however, local emergency services arrived as an added safety measure. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who had yet to di... Read more
Fire
Incident date: May 20, 2019
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered and failed to accelerate properly. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed with a failed torque converter and oil leak in the timing cover. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was relating the failure to Customer Sat... Read more
Incident date: Jul 13, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was jerking abnormally. The contact stated that the engine power was reduced. Additionally, the contact stated that while making a turn, the failure was intermittent. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with clutch failure. The contact was informed that the clutch needed... Read more
Incident date: Jul 17, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was shaking abnormally with an unknown warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure occurred while driving uphill. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage w... Read more