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: May 20, 2024
The contact owns a 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact heard an abnormal sound coming from the suspension. Additionally, the contact stated that the steering wheel was uncontrollable while driving. The contact stated that while turning the steering wheel to the right, the front wheels shifted in the opposite direction. The vehicle w... Read more
Incident date: Jun 4, 2024
I've already addressed what happened to my vehicle and a recall has since been issued in Dec 2023. The problem I have is the recall doesn't address the vehicles that have already failed due to the defective oil pump. Mine failed and totaled my engine leaving me without a vehicle on October 17, 2023. You even state in your description of the safety risk if this were to happen by saying it could ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 4, 2024
Vehicle recalled by Kia for potential for short and resultant fire from battery pack. Recall performed, traction battery found to be defective. Vehicle taken and held by Kia for six months while awaiting back-ordered replacement traction pack. Advised by Kia staff no timeline for pack due to shortage of parts. After 6 months vehicle returned with 'software update' because battery is unavailable a... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
On [XXX] pursuant to an appointment, I arrived at Riverside Chevrolet Buick GMC located at 100 Hwy 411 E in Rome Ga 30161 @ [XXX], to have the recalled Takata airbag replaced in our Chevrolet Silverado 1500. At that time, the Dealer failed and refused to replace the defective airbag, without giving a sufficient reason, and I left the dealership. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFO... Read more
Incident date: Jun 4, 2024
transmission jerks at 15 mph to 45 mph
Incident date: Jun 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle experienced electrical power steering failure. The check engine and brake system light warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring for several years. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the torque sensor and th... Read more
Incident date: May 31, 2024
while driving the vehicle, I received a warning that there was an electrical system failure. Then the entire care shut off in the middle of the highway. There was no way to get the vehicle into neutral to push it to a safer location out of traffic. I was in the vehicle with my two children. This left us stranded in the middle of the highway with a significant amount of traffic. There was no way to... Read more
Incident date: May 31, 2024
Acura failed to remedy fuel pump safety recall. Reference Recalls: May 28 2020 20V314000 March 25 2021 21V215000 December 18 2023 23V858000
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 Cadillac Escalade ESV equipped with Michelin Tires, Tire Line: Radial X, Tire Size: 285/45/R22, DOT Number: B90L-7LNX4818. The contact stated that after a visual inspection of all tires, he observed delamination and thread separation on the sidewalls and driving surface of the tires. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not rep... Read more
Incident date: Mar 15, 2024
Car will lose power when accelerating and slow down to an almost complete stop in traffic with no pick up it will jerk as it is trying to accelerate it has happen two times in six months
Incident date: May 31, 2024
My [XXX] grandson was getting out the automatic sliding door passenger side. His head was in the way and he door button was hit and the door started to close. It closed on his head and he had to force the door open because it didn’t do what it was supposed to do. If a small child was in the door it would have shut them in and they couldn’t get out. This needs to be addressed by the safety boar... Read more
Incident date: May 10, 2023
The car will stall and shut off, the radio quits working and the key will get stuck in the ignition.
Incident date: May 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Honda HR-V. 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 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... Read more
Incident date: May 30, 2024
Placed the car in park then it started rolling backwards and crashed
Crash
Incident date: May 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) 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 ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 7, 2021
The contact owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. 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 manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts d... Read more
Incident date: May 30, 2024
The alternator and regulator failed. Parts are available for inspection. Safety was at risk as vehicle could stop or loose nighttime electrical lighting at highway speeds without any prior warning due to sudden loss of electric power. Selling dealer has inspected and confirmed failure of above parts. Components have not been otherwise inspected.The only symptom of imminent failure was a "whinei... Read more
BUICK
PARK AVENUE
(2002) — SERVICE BRAKES
May 29, 2024
Incident date: Jan 2, 2024
Repetitive intermittent failure of ABS and Traction control related to fault code of Right Rear speed sensor. This item has been worked 9 previous times by Chrysler / Jeep and is being delivered for additional work on [XXX]. This issue causes loss of ABS, traction control regardless of road or driving conditions for up to 8 continuous hours. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFOR... Read more
Incident date: May 10, 2023
* I detected a noise in the front end and an instability in the handling. My independent service mechanic found the cradle on the right front severely rusted out at the point where the control arm attaches. He had to condemn the vehicle. * My mechanic says that it could have resulted in a total loss of ability to steer. He says that he is unable to order the part from the manufacturer because ... Read more
Incident date: May 29, 2024
New engine is needed because of a known manufacturing default. There is a class action law suit filed in March of 2024 for this exact problem. The coolant leaks directly into the gasket due to a design flaw.
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
With this report I am trying to PREVENT an incident from happening. I received the Honda recall notice dated May 2024 for my 2018 CR-V regarding an improperly molded impeller within the fuel pump module. Notice stated "An inoperable fuel pump could prevent an engine from starting, cause a vehicle to lose drive power, or stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash or injury". I contacted... Read more
Incident date: May 25, 2024
Sunday (05/26/2024) I was driving around 15km aprox. from my home and message of Forward Collision Warning appears in the screen says that it is not working, in a period of 30 min, the message appeared as 6 times, after that message disappeared. Today, Wednesday 05/29/2024 7:10 am, my car died, not turn on, nothing works, it is as if battery was removed. My Colorado has 13000 kilometers. Monday, I... 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
I lost all power to my car randomly, i replaced my alternator, battery, and pcm as well as the pigtail harness for my alternator. the car has no power inside at all besides my taillights and brake lights stay on. i keep blowing fuses left and right the fuses that keep blowing are - asd feed #1, trans/shifter, hvac module/ cluster, amplifier, radio screen - this is a major issue that needs to be ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 13, 2024
The driver side door lock mechanism failed completely while the driver was in the vehicle, making it impossible to open the driver side door or exit the vehicle normally. Neither the interior door handle, nor the central power lock/unlock control, nor the remote key fob, nor the physical key inserted into the door lock from the outside can unlock the door. The driver was forced to exit the vehicl... Read more
Incident date: Mar 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed a failure with the START/STOP system. The contact stated that on several occasions the vehicle lost motive power and stalled with the START/STOP engine warning light illuminated. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of th... Read more
Incident date: Mar 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed a failure with the START/STOP system. The contact stated that on several occasions the vehicle lost motive power and stalled with the START/STOP engine warning light illuminated. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of th... Read more
Incident date: Aug 17, 2020
On 5/23/24, the ABS, Traction, and Brakes lights came on the dash and the brakes were not responding. My car was picked up from the Toyota dealer on 5/22/24 afternoon. It passed their multipoint inspection after they replaced all 4 brake pads on 5/21/24. Code C1391 internal leak. The brake actuator and brake pump needed to be replaced. I was quoted $2700 for repairs after I already paid over $57... Read more
Incident date: May 28, 2024
The transmission down shifts by itself while driving down the road . You have to stop an change the gears to park then start again.I has happened 3 or 4 times .most of the time when you stop at a light or stop sign and take off when it drops to a lower gear it makes a sudden jerk. Some times tyhe transmission slams in to gear rather hard, I am going to be out of warranty if some one does not fix t... Read more
Incident date: May 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while driving approximately 40–45 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed. The vehicle failed to accelerate about 35 MPH. The vehicle went into LIMP/SAFE Mode. The check engine warning light was blinking. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the failure was due to metal shavings being... Read more
Incident date: May 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start up after several attempts with several unknown messages displayed. After an hour, the contact was able to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was driven to the dealer. The contact was informed that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V267000 (Electrical System, Power Train). The contact was inf... Read more
Incident date: May 13, 2024
Recall 23S27 (NHTSA 23V-380). I do not feel that Ford is offering owners a safe or effective repair, leaving serious risk of injury or death. 1.7/2022. Recall 22S47. “Engine oil and/or fuel vapor may leak and accumulate” which “may ignite resulting in an under hood fire, and increasing the risk of injury.” 2.8/8/22. Ford Media to UPI, “IN THE EVENT OF AN ENGINE FAILURE” above issues... Read more
Incident date: Feb 20, 2024
I may have figured out the common link between Tesla Autopilot crashes. Distracted operators have the accelerator pressed while the TACC is engaged, thinking (for many reasons) that the vehicle will stop if there are any obstacles in front of them. However, when the accelerator is being pressed, the vehicle will not stop. It will happily run into a wall. One second before impact, the forward c... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Mar 22, 2024
Fisker Ocean One has less than 6K mileage and breaking system is extremely rough and makes lots of noise and squeaks, clash, etc. with abrupt halt sometimes throwing passengers forward. Fisker Ocean One User Instructions do not correspond correct with the actual user vehicle interface as items are missing or not available on the vehicle to correct safety issues per manual vehicle instructions per... Read more
Incident date: May 10, 2024
Purchased a brand new 2023 Kia Sportage and at 10,000 miles my brakes felt like they were worn out, the car had a wobbling to it and a grinding sound. Took it into the dealer and they told me my brakes and rotors are worn out. They wanted $900.00. I complained to the manager and he said they would do it as a courtesy. Now again at 20,000 I am having the same issue. Again took it back and they told... Read more
Incident date: May 9, 2024
While in the process of pulling into marked stall in parking lot car accelerated unexpectedly jumping over a concrete stop and crashing into the wall of a building. Car sustained eleven thousand dollars worth of damage and the wall that was hit was caved in. Cost of wall repair is unknown at this time. After the collision an attempt to dislodge the car was attempted by putting the car in reverse. ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: May 9, 2024
While in the process of pulling into marked stall in parking lot car accelerated unexpectedly jumping over a concrete stop and crashing into the wall of a building. Car sustained eleven thousand dollars worth of damage and the wall that was hit was caved in. Cost of wall repair is unknown at this time. After the collision an attempt to dislodge the car was attempted by putting the car in reverse. ... Read more
Crash
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 Marin Volkswagen dealer informs me that the JX4 electric drive motor, control electronics 2 and high voltage control module on my 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 all failed and need to be replaced. I am informed that a Volkswagen field representative went out to the Marin dealership and confirmed the necessity of these repairs. On [XXX], 2024, I was driving in the fast lane of [XXX] at a speed of somew... Read more
Incident date: May 10, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while refueling the vehicle, the gas pump nozzle shut off every second, requiring the contact the release and to press the gas pump handle continuously. Additionally, the fuel was splashing out of the fuel filler neck. The contact stated that she was able to add two gallons of fuel in the fuel tank after 10 minutes. The vehicle w... Read more
Incident date: May 23, 2024
The car failed to start three times and stalled twice in 1 day. My new driver, [XXX] , was driving when this occurred. Car was driven to a local mechanic that diagnosed "code P0087 Fuel pressure failure open recall - recommend going to the dealership." The car was then taken to Holler Honda. They confirmed the problem. The part was ordered but is back ordered. I've been given an ETA of Septe... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
NHTSA Recall:19V120 The ESC light went on during high winds and stayed on. The car stuttered going up hill @40+ mph, so I looked for any outstanding recalls and decided to take it into LutherKia Bloomington. There were other recalls I was unaware of that I checked boxes to fix. They examined my vehicle and told me that my Catalytic Converter was plugged/melted and needed to be replaced. That ... Read more
Incident date: May 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that after stopping to refuel the vehicle, the front driver’s side door would not fully close shut. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that the hinges needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and was left at the local dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was appro... Read more
Incident date: May 23, 2024
Ignition switch stuck, and would not allow key to fully be inserted causing the cylinder to freeze and not turn on or if able to turn on not be able to turn off. I took it to the dealer to repair. They quoted me but refuse to provide a key with the new ignition system and are trying to price gouge me into buying a key that should have been provided with the new system.
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 16, 2024
It appears the rear brake pads degrade over a short amount of usage. My vehicle currently has approximately 28,000 miles and I have had to replace the rear pads twice. Once at 13k miles and another at 27,500 miles. Car vibrates violently upon heavy braking. This seems to be a known issue with the manufacturer; however, no recalls have been issued.
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
Kia sent out a safety recall notice (23V652). The letter clearly states the remedy is now available for my vehicle; that an engine compartment fire while parked or driving is the primary risk of the default; and that the recall service will take approximately 1-2 hours. I called two dealerships. Both said Kia won't send them the parts until an inspection has occurred - potentially resulting in ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 13, 2021
Front drivers side wheelwell cover come off on the highway, I could have had a wreck
Incident date: Mar 16, 2024
While driving my vehicle it shifts into “park”, not sure if it is an electrical issue, transmission, or breaking issue. I have taken to the dealership for repairs they worked on the driver seat sensors, was at the dealership for 10 days. Three days after repairs the same issue occurred, took back to the dealership and they informed me that they could not recreate the issue(possible electrica... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2024
While accelerating onto the freeway the vehicle suddenly loses power creating a serious safety issue. A check-engine light comes on but the safefy issue is that the vehicle goes into a power loss mode ON THE FREEWAY. A truck nearly rear-ended me the first time it happened. Toyota Service was unable to duplicate and so said National Toyota advised them to release the vehicle back to me. The same i... Read more