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: Jun 22, 2024
St235 80/R16 Today a tire under proper pressure blew traveling with a 30% load at 70mph. The tire split from the rim to the tread causing the tire and tread to fail. The trailer was less than a year old and around 5000 miles on the tires. Tires are checked for wear and proper inflation pressure with each trip. This is the second tire from this trailer that has failed. The first the belt fa... Read more
Incident date: Jun 14, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); 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 manuf... Read more
Incident date: Jun 14, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Ford EcoSport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated while her husband was driving approximately 15 MPH, the vehicle started sputtering and lost motive power. The low oil pressure warning light illuminated. The contact's husband wa... Read more
Incident date: Jun 24, 2024
While waiting for notification that the remedy part was available for this car, it caught on fire. It caught on fire on 6/20/2024. The car is a total loss and it was a very dangerous situation.
Fire
Incident date: Jun 24, 2024
Failure of the Vehicle Power Supply system. ICCU failure. Car was alerting and would not go over 24mph. This is the result of a recall that I had already brought in the vehicle for in April, but they only performed a Pass/Fail test and at the time it "passed" so they didn't replace the ICCU and fuse that is required to be replaced. Two months later the car died, had to be towed and now has bee... Read more
Incident date: Jul 3, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle was shuddering and making an abnormal rattling sound. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to the dealer at slow speeds. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that coolant had leaked into an unknown valve and into the pistons, causing engine damage. The d... Read more
Incident date: Jun 24, 2023
The problem is not with the tire itself, but with the lug nuts holding the tire on the car. In the past year I have had at least six lug nuts fail. I have had a rash of flat tires, mostly related to nails. In attempting to remove the tires to put on the spare, the chrome caps on the nuts have come off. In the first incident, I was able to strip the cover off the internal nut by hand. In attem... Read more
Incident date: Jun 21, 2024
Engine stalled (lost power) while driving on the interstate during rush hour traffic. I had to pull into emergency lane. This happened 3 times within an hour or so. We almost wrecked the car. Very scary and dangerous situation. I checked and there are no recalls with my VIN number. I’m not sure what to do now
Incident date: Jun 1, 2024
lights went completely off when I turned my brights off . My traction control and my parking sensors are faulty and car smells like it's going to catch fire gets super super hot
Incident date: May 10, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle unexpectedly started losing motive power. The Oil Pressure warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the failure was linked to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The ve... Read more
Incident date: May 10, 2023
The contact owns a 2022 Dodge Durango. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V415000 (Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Service Brakes, Air) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the iss... Read more
Incident date: Jun 20, 2024
The recall for potential engine fire due to injectors that crack is inadequate. Reprogramming the computer and drilling a hole for gas to leak on the ground is ridiculous. Why should we have to drive a potential "firebomb?" Ford should do the right thing and replace all of the injectors that could crack and replace them with new injectors that are correctly manufactured. Ford is trying to sh... Read more
Incident date: May 10, 2023
When braking, the service trailer brake system message and service stabilitrac message appear on the dash and brake pedal gets soft to hard repeatedly and truck pulls from side to side violently as if one side of the trucks brakes are working and the other side is not.
Incident date: Jun 20, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Audi Q8. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, a central locking malfunction warning sign was displayed. The contact stated that later when a rear passenger attempted to exit the vehicle, the door failed to open. The driver’s and passenger’s side rear doors failed to open. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed with a failure r... Read more
Incident date: Jun 18, 2024
My engine light keeps coming on. I have received no notice from the dealer that there is a recall.
Incident date: May 18, 2024
Engine light came on while driving on the highway with no other warnings or symptoms that could be noticed during standard operation. Vehicle was taken in to Ford for service the next day and it was discovered that coolant was leaking into cylinder #1 due to the design of the engine long block. Coolant intrusion into the cylinder was causing the cylinder to misfire, as well as engine overheating. ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 18, 2024
Clutch System/Transmission Failure 1st Occurrence: Driving on the highway one evening at 65 mph in July of 2021. The engine began revving and the clutch was no longer functional. The engine would rev and there was no ability for me to accelerate. The vehicle decelerated placing myself at risk of getting rear ended or side swiped by other vehicles on the highway until coming to an eventual stop on... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2023
Engine light came on, saying low oil pressure and no ABLS
Incident date: Mar 14, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Camry equipped with Michelin Tires, Tire Line: Energy Saver A/S, Tire Size: 215/55/R17, DOT Number: 1653F. The contact stated while his wife was driving 70 MPH with him in the passenger’s site seat, the driver’s side rear tire experienced a blowout and the vehicle skidded. The contact's wife was able to pull to the side of the road. The contact stated that Roadsi... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2024
Vehicle was shifting erratically and drastically delayed in the lower gears. Additionally, the vehicle was lurching and bucking. I was advised it may be the ring gear. The vehicle has 1034 miles.
Incident date: Jun 15, 2024
The 360 camara does not always come on for several minutes after starting up. This prevents me from using the bachup canera and therefore I ciuld run over something or somebody when backing out of my garage or out if a parking spot. I have taken the truck in to to different dealers and all they say is they can't duplicate the problem. I even show them a viseo of it happening to me but say they hav... Read more
Incident date: May 26, 2024
Abs/vdc off/awd en el tablero
Incident date: May 26, 2024
While driving while it was raining earlier this year, the abs/ anti lock braking system service initiated on the dashboard. It now acitivates intermittenly. During my investigation into the issue I've found that this is a persistent problem with the Ram 2500 /2018 year model and newer and that there is a class action lawsuit that has been filed. I used a OBD11 reader and it threw a code ( C002... Read more
Incident date: Jun 14, 2024
This BMW vehicle's odometer readings are inconsistent and inaccurate resulting in overage of mileage for lessee. This cars BMW tires were not verifiable to be from BMW and tires subsequently failed within 15,000 miles. No entity at BMW, not the dealership, not the sales, not BMW Financial Services or BMW of North America LLC could provide any information regarding the original tires or provide a... Read more
Incident date: Jun 13, 2024
The horn stops working after rain. Took the vehicle to Tesla and they stated that this was expected after heavy rain. This is a safety issue because you cannot honk to warn other vehicles or pedestrians as an issue issue, even after the rain until the whole thing dries out
Incident date: Jun 13, 2024
The contact's fiancée owns a 2009 Mercury Mariner. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering); however, a month after the recall repair, the vehicle lost power steering functionality while driving at an undisclosed speed. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that a fee would be charged for a diagnostic t... Read more
Incident date: May 10, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost power steering functionality, and the vehicle became inoperable. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with rack and pinion failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mi... Read more
Incident date: Jun 13, 2024
All of the lugs nut have swelled likely due to rust under the chrome caps and we can not get the lug wrench provided with the car onto any of the lugs nuts. A properly sized 19mm 4 way lug wrench would not fit either. This prevents us from being able to change a flat tire which could leave us stranded during my commute or on a vacation and left in an unsafe situation on the side.of the highway. T... Read more
Incident date: May 10, 2023
My right front passenger seat does not detect adult occupants reliably, and therefore does not enable the airbags. My wife is approximately 105 pounds and sits in the seat in a standard upright fashion without leaning back. Her legs are not crossed and are just resting on the floor. it is rare that the vehicle detects her presence and therefore she is rarely protected by the safety restraint syste... Read more
Incident date: Jun 11, 2024
After starting the truck and placing in reverse the service power steering warning come on as well as service ESC. The steering wheel would not move. If I were driving at a higher speed a crash would be imminent. On the Chevy forums there are several other owners that experienced the same problem and the loss of steering happens randomly. After parking the truck and returning several hours later t... Read more
Incident date: Mar 21, 2024
Vehicle failed to move forward or reverse from a stand still. Once vehicle is shutdown and restarted, the problem does not return. When vehicle was sent to dealer it couldn't be duplicated. If this issue occurs on the open road, it could cause a collision.
Incident date: Jun 3, 2024
The forward collision alarm was triggered when there was no collision. Additionally the ABS system and cruise control went offline. This occurred numerous times during winter while at a full stop as well as when driving between 45-55mph. Once triggered the collision alarm remained on for hours to days at a time. During that time cruise control was not able to be used and ABS was offline. Additi... Read more
Incident date: Jun 3, 2024
The forward collision alarm was triggered when there was no collision. Additionally the ABS system and cruise control went offline. This occurred numerous times during winter while at a full stop as well as when driving between 45-55mph. Once triggered the collision alarm remained on for hours to days at a time. During that time cruise control was not able to be used and ABS was offline. Additi... 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 rear passenger door will not open. This is a safety concern should we need to exit the vehicle rapidly in an accident. Other KIA Sportage vehicles are on the recall, but for some reason, my VIN model is not on the list for recall.
Incident date: Apr 11, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the instrument cluster failed to indicate the transmission shift position. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The power train warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 10, 2024
On the week of May 3rd my car began to shift into different gears with no notice or reason while driving, when it would do this it would show a warning signal on the dash that stated"transmission issue!" And the gear letter would flash on the dash. I brought the car in to the dealership it was purchased from (Ira Honda Saco, ME) as the car was shifting into reverse and park while driving causing s... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Jun 10, 2024
Air conditioner loses cold air flow; suspects that the evaporator continuously freezes. Unable to defog windows causing loss of visibility while driving. Also, causes heat stress/ exhaustion from lack of cold air produced by vehicle.
Incident date: Apr 30, 2024
Multiple warning/error messages are being displayed on the dashboard.
Incident date: Jun 6, 2024
While driving the truck began switching between towing, normal, and off-road driving modes. Lights were flickering and various messages were being displayed on the dash cluster screen. After parking truck and shutting it off all of the lights were flickering and I was unable to start the truck. Charging the batteries did nothing nor was I able to jumpstart the truck with another diesel. After repa... Read more
Incident date: Jun 8, 2024
Timing Chain making noise...voltage fluctuations throughout all the car...cruise control will shut off if I got to use wipers or blinkers or even turn on the air system and lights will dim if you use power windows or have the radio up loud.
Incident date: Jun 8, 2024
Timing Chain making noise...voltage fluctuations throughout all the car...cruise control will shut off if I got to use wipers or blinkers or even turn on the air system and lights will dim if you use power windows or have the radio up loud.
Incident date: May 10, 2024
The transmission suffers erratic shifting normally between 3rd to 5th, and 9th to 10th gears where it feels as if the transmission goes into neutral when upshifting or downshifting between these gears. But, one issue occurred which has concerned me. After stopping at an intersection, when it was safe to proceed, I moved my foot from the brake to the gas pedal to proceed. The engine revved to h... Read more
Incident date: Feb 5, 2024
PC Solenoid B CAR REDUCES POWER & HESITATES while driving.
Incident date: Jun 19, 2023
Driving car on a highway it started to shake and buck. Barely managed to pull over on the side of the road.... had car flatbedded to the dealer. Dealer now saying engine coolant in cylinders... known issue with these engines... vehicle has issues with the same thing 6 months after buying it.
Incident date: May 10, 2023
problem with car engine has been recall for several years, brakes have been recall for 2-3 years now my emissions are mess up from recall engine which now i do not have a car to drive, being a heart patient, veteran, it is hard without one and i can't afford a new one i have done all Maintenace and everything on my end to keep it going. engine eats oil, loses compression on road knocking had in sh... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2023
I own 3 Chevy Cruze, a 2012, 2013 and 2016. They all partial power down or decelerate while driving. The local Chevy dealers has no recalls for this issue or any other for that matter. Please advise
Incident date: May 10, 2024
My car can no longer accelerate and multiple lights came on, this all happened while i was driving and there was no warning signs that my car was about to do that it just happened out of nowhere while I was driving it.Now I can’t drive my vehicle until it is repaired but the recall parts are still not available so I don’t know what to do to fix my car.
Incident date: Jun 6, 2024
N/A Complaint is that no remedy is available 8 months after recall issued. Currently this particular car is still drivable, but suffers oil leaks from this lack of repair. No local dealer or repair shops can fix ahead of the recall because they cannot get the repair bolts either. Eight months is a ridiculous amount of time to wait for a manufacture repair.