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: Apr 25, 2015
The contact owns a 2012 Buick LaCrosse. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the park assists, and several unknown warning lights illuminated. In addition, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the RPM was elevated. The contact stated that the failure had been occurring and persistent for severa... Read more
Incident date: Mar 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Buick Regal. The contact stated while driving 35-40 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle started sputtering. The contact veered to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle for 5-10 minutes. The contact stated that upon restarting the vehicle, the failure was no longer present. The contact drove to the residence. The contact stated that the... Read more
Incident date: May 10, 2023
GM still does not have a remedy for the open recall of my vehicle but has determined that it is unsafe. I called today to several GMC/Buick dealers as well as the manufacturer. They refuse to provide a timeline of when any remedy will be available. It has been more than 11 months and I am afraid that something bad will happen as my vehicle has been deemed unsafe. Is there a way to request paym... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2023
It has been a year since my recall and there has been no update on resolving this known safety issue.
Incident date: Apr 24, 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 several times and stated 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 wa... Read more
Incident date: Apr 20, 2024
my car engine did not shut off i had to call on star to assist turn off my engine. there is problem with ANTI theft system and cruise control. i had to press cruise button numberous time to shut it off. on start customer advice me to take it to dealer to take look. they did on board diagnosit test they found these code
Incident date: Apr 20, 2024
my car engine did not shut off i had to call on star to assist turn off my engine. there is problem with ANTI theft system and cruise control. i had to press cruise button numberous time to shut it off. on start customer advice me to take it to dealer to take look. they did on board diagnosit test they found these code
Incident date: Apr 20, 2024
my car engine did not shut off i had to call on star to assist turn off my engine. there is problem with ANTI theft system and cruise control. i had to press cruise button numberous time to shut it off. on start customer advice me to take it to dealer to take look. they did on board diagnosit test they found these code
Incident date: Apr 2, 2024
Engine light is on and vehicle is sluggish on hills and keeping up in traffic. Rpms run high if I try. Error code p0299 shows on scanning device- turbo under boost. I have 112,000 miles and need turbo replaced already. this vehicle is very well maintained. I did see a special notice for the GX version of this vehicle. But dealer says my vin does not qualify
Incident date: Apr 2, 2024
Engine light is on and vehicle is sluggish on hills and keeping up in traffic. Rpms run high if I try. Error code p0299 shows on scanning device- turbo under boost. I have 112,000 miles and need turbo replaced already. this vehicle is very well maintained. I did see a special notice for the GX version of this vehicle. But dealer says my vin does not qualify
Incident date: Apr 18, 2024
P215/55R18 94H M+S Nothing has happened yet, but we need to get all new tires! When we got these [XXX] they were 80,000 mile tires. The mileage on our car when installed was 33,231 and is now 74,434, so no where near 80,000 miles. There are cracks all around all 4 tires L Front the worst, on the sidewall by the tread! We have only been back to Sams once for rotation etc., because it is 20 miles... Read more
Incident date: Apr 21, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while parked and refueling the vehicle, the contact observed an abnormal gasoline odor. Additionally, when the contact entered the vehicle there was an abnormally strong strong gasoline odor inside the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failu... Read more
Incident date: Apr 21, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Buick Regal. The contact stated while driving 80-85 MPH downhill and depressing the brake pedal, the brake pedal was rigid, failed to lower as needed, and the vehicle failed to respond. The Brake Assist warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that upon depressing the brake pedal harder, the brake pedal slightly travelled down and bounced back. Additionally, the st... Read more
Incident date: Mar 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Buick Enclave. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lunged forward while accelerating. The failure was more persistent at speeds of 40 MPH and lower. There were no warning lights illuminated. Additionally, while turning the steering wheel to the left or the right there was a clunking sound coming from the steering wheel. The vehicle had been ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 20, 2024
After waiting at stop light with foot on the brake (auto stop not engaged) the light turned green. After releasing brake pedal and the car rolling approx 1 foot , then starting to accelerate, within 1-1/2 seconds the transmission went into park abruptly. The shift lever displayed “Park” and “Parking brake” on the DIC illuminated. This almost caused a rear end accident as it was so abru... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Apr 19, 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 not 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 expe... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
I brung my car in due to a oil leak and a water pump (Coolant leak) amongst other things my check engine light stays on its the turbo charger, Oxygen sensor and exhaust manifold. this has been an ongoing issue since I purchased the vehicle.
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
I brung my car in due to a oil leak and a water pump (Coolant leak) amongst other things my check engine light stays on its the turbo charger, Oxygen sensor and exhaust manifold. this has been an ongoing issue since I purchased the vehicle.
Incident date: May 10, 2023
NHTSA Recall Number23V334 Recall StatusRecall Incomplete, remedy not yet available It will be one year next month and still no remedy. I want to trade this car and dealerships have significantly reduced the value citing the unresolved recall restricting their resale.
Incident date: Apr 17, 2024
I was notified of the Takata recall in either May or June of 2023. I was told that the remedy was not yet available. I have been calling the dealership repeatedly. I called again today but was told that they need to order parts to complete my recall and that there hadn't been a fix or parts available to conduct the recall until February of 2024. Given the age and mileage (over 142,000 miles) I... Read more
Incident date: Apr 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Buick Enclave. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V334000 (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: Feb 27, 2024
I bought my car in January with 7 miles on it. Back in February I tried to get back into my car and my car would not unlock from the remote or from my Buick app. The car was not responding. I had to wait 20 mins and remove the battery 3 times from the remote for it to work. Then I cannot connect my phone or my car does not respond to me pressing any buttons on my steering wheel.
Incident date: Jan 12, 2022
I haven't drove my car in 2 years because the engine and a/c went out on a vehicle that only have 67,000 miles. I should not have to replace a whole engine and a/c when I got the car brand new off the lot. This is my second buick that has had serious problem GM IS SELLING LEMONS TO THERE CUSTOMERS AND IM LOOKING TO STARTING A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT IF THIS IS NOT FIXED.
Incident date: Apr 15, 2024
Suspension problems rattle in front end.Found both front stabilizer links failed in test drive. Had to replace front stabilizer links on both sides in front.
Incident date: Nov 15, 2023
Stop at inclined, stopping at stop sign, releasing foot off brake pedal, car rolls to the rear,
Incident date: Jan 10, 2024
Battery light on no power charging 12v battery from hybdrid
Incident date: Feb 9, 2024
THE SAID VEHICLE WAS BEING SERVICED AT LOGANVILLE AUTO CENTER. WHEN I WENT TO PICK IT UP ON FEBRUARY 9, 2024, THE MECHANIC CAME OUT AND SHOWED ME THAT TWO OF THE TUBES WERE LEAKING AND THIS WOULD BECOME A SERIOUS PROBLEM. HE GAVE A RECALL SHEET ISSUED ON DECEMBER 13, 2023 THAT THERE WAS A RECALL INVOLVING OUR CAR FOR THIS VERY SAME ISSUE. I CALLED GM THE NEXT DAY AND THEY STATED THAT OUR CAR DIDN'... Read more
Incident date: Dec 28, 2023
The cars mileage was altered due to car being wrecked prior and the other car that was used to replace wrecked parts was hidden and vin number was altered. Copart Inc and ICT Sharp Rides are party's involved, I bought car on 12/28/2023 mileage was listed as 132525
Incident date: Dec 28, 2023
The cars mileage was altered due to car being wrecked prior and the other car that was used to replace wrecked parts was hidden and vin number was altered. Copart Inc and ICT Sharp Rides are party's involved, I bought car on 12/28/2023 mileage was listed as 132525
Incident date: Feb 27, 2024
I bought my car in January with 7 miles on it. Back in February I tried to get back into my car and my car would not unlock from the remote or from my Buick app. The car was not responding. I had to wait 20 mins and remove the battery 3 times from the remote for it to work. Then I cannot connect my phone or my car does not respond to me pressing any buttons on my steering wheel.
Incident date: Apr 2, 2024
On three occasions, when driving at night, both headlights suddenly went out. The next day the headlights were working normally. The dealer's service department could not find anything wrong. Later, we found out there was a "Safety Recall" (#14291),but it expired one year before our car developed the problem. We have contacted the dealership and Buick, neither one will help us. They expect us to p... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2023
The passenger airbag indicator goes on and off with person in passenger seat. We first noticed this Summer 2023. It has gotten worse. Now a passenger can shift weight slightly one way or another and cause the indicator status to change which disables the airbag. Dealer also confirmed (4/16/24) DTC code B0081(internal malfunction with passenger presence module). I have recently learned there was ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 28, 2023
The cars mileage was altered due to car being wrecked prior and the other car that was used to replace wrecked parts was hidden and vin number was altered. Copart Inc and ICT Sharp Rides are party's involved, I bought car on 12/28/2023 mileage was listed as 132525
Incident date: May 10, 2023
WAS NOTIFIED IN MAY OF 2023 OF THE AIRBAG RECALL. STILL NO REMEDY WHAT SO EVER. I DRIVE THIS CAR ON A DAILY AND IS TERRIFIED OF GETTING INTO AN ACCIDENT. I PURCHASED THIS CAR DUE TO THE SAFETY RATINGS AND NOW NOT SO MUCH. HOW ARE MANUFACTURERS MAKING NEW CARS WITH AIRBAGS AND STILL NO REMEDY FOR THIS?
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Buick Envision. The contact stated that the driver’s and passenger's side doors made a popping sound while being opened. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with an unknown failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Incident date: Apr 15, 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 made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 15, 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, 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: Mar 6, 2024
Hello, I am the original owner of my 2019 Buick Regal Sportback which shows a "shift to park message when I attempt to shut off the car and the car shifter is in the park position. I am unable to turn off lights, radio, or accessories. This condition runs down the battery and prevents me from starting the car as the shifter stays locked in position unless the car is running. This should be covered... Read more
Incident date: Mar 6, 2024
Hello, I am the original owner of my 2019 Buick Regal Sportback which shows a "shift to park message when I attempt to shut off the car and the car shifter is in the park position. I am unable to turn off lights, radio, or accessories. This condition runs down the battery and prevents me from starting the car as the shifter stays locked in position unless the car is running. This should be covered... Read more
Incident date: Apr 4, 2024
The side detection system got corroded as it was exposed to water. My airbags, turn signals, speedometer, cameras, blind spot warnings, etc. went out. This costed almost $2k to replace and get fixed when this could have been avoided if the side detection parts weren't easily exposed to water. Knowing that this could happen again as this is the way the car was manufactured does not sit well with me... Read more
Incident date: Apr 4, 2024
The side detection system got corroded as it was exposed to water. My airbags, turn signals, speedometer, cameras, blind spot warnings, etc. went out. This costed almost $2k to replace and get fixed when this could have been avoided if the side detection parts weren't easily exposed to water. Knowing that this could happen again as this is the way the car was manufactured does not sit well with me... 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: Apr 8, 2024
The rear window on the Cascada is known to separate from the convertible top material, likely due to an insufficient amount of primer used during the assembly process, which creates stress points allowing the material to separate from the glass. Once this bond has started to fail, it is eventually going to lead to the glass completely falling off the car. It is likely that the glass separating cou... Read more
Incident date: Apr 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2024 Buick Encore GX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V744000 (Electrical System), and the vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the recall repair was performed; however, while driving 30 MPH, the instrument cluster display and the infotainment system screen display turned black. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over to th... Read more
Incident date: Mar 28, 2024
I had taken to Alpena Mi.Buick GMC address 133 Johnson St Alpena Mi. 49707. When the warning come up on the message center on the dash [XXX] That said service side detection system and in the side mirrors each side light up all the time and would cost $875.00 installed at that time had to pay $80.19 inspect and advise. At that time was unable to afford that cost to have fixed. So with those light... Read more
Incident date: Mar 28, 2024
I had taken to Alpena Mi.Buick GMC address 133 Johnson St Alpena Mi. 49707. When the warning come up on the message center on the dash [XXX] That said service side detection system and in the side mirrors each side light up all the time and would cost $875.00 installed at that time had to pay $80.19 inspect and advise. At that time was unable to afford that cost to have fixed. So with those light... Read more
Incident date: Apr 8, 2024
The rear window on the Cascada is known to separate from the convertible top material, likely due to an insufficient amount of primer used during the assembly process, which creates stress points allowing the material to separate from the glass. Once this bond has started to fail, it is eventually going to lead to the glass completely falling off the car. It is likely that the glass separating cou... Read more
Incident date: Apr 8, 2024
The rear window on the Cascada is known to separate from the convertible top material, likely due to an insufficient amount of primer used during the assembly process, which creates stress points allowing the material to separate from the glass. Once this bond has started to fail, it is eventually going to lead to the glass completely falling off the car. It is likely that the glass separating cou... Read more
Incident date: Apr 10, 2024
Rear Deferential Housing Cracked
Incident date: Apr 3, 2023
MY KEY GETS STUCK IN THE EGNITION, MY MACHANIC SAID IT IS SPECIFIC TO THIS MAKE AND MODEL CAR.