Consumer Safety Complaints
Search 2,245,377 safety complaints filed by vehicle owners with NHTSA, including 140,173 crashes, 56,794 fires, and 8,580 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 2,245,377 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 28,307 complaints for BUICK
Incident date: Aug 5, 2024
Warning light came on saying that the Lane departure warning and Forward were not working. Another message said "Unavailable High Cabin Temperature". After further investigation 2 of the 3 advanced navigation aids were flashing which means they may not be working correctly. In reality 1; the lane departure warning and functions stopped working. 2; Cruise Control was working. 3; Vehicle to vehicle ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 6, 2014
See attached document for complaint
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
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
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal sound coming from under the hood. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that the cam phasers had failed. The cam phasers were replaced under warranty. The contact stated the vehicle was taken to the local dealer on several occasion... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2023
The automatic emergency warning light came on 4 times when there was no reason it should have come on bc there was no chance of a collision. Two of those times the automatic braking system was activated. This was dangerous. The dealer said there is no recall and nothing they can do. In addition, many warnings appeared on the dash one after another… Tire press monitor problem, brake system probl... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2023
Headlights flicker off and back on randomly every few minutes. Possible hazards include oncoming drivers being flashed from flicker. Oncoming drivers thinking they're being signaled by the flicker. Pedestrians or cyclists thinking the flash or flicker is signaling them to proceed and that vehicle operator will yield. Possible that headlamps will stay off when they flicker, rendering the driver un... Read more
Incident date: May 10, 2023
I have a Volkswagon ID4 that has the screen power go off while you are driving, VW says they have no idea when they will have a fix it, but they are aware. The safety features, including the emergency call, don't work, and no airbag lights come on either, everything appears to be disabled. On the highway this happens whenever with no warning. I do have videos of some of the incidents. Lane keep ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 5, 2024
Hydraulic Bushing of the Lower Control Arm Leaking, very common problem amongst Q50 models.
Incident date: Aug 5, 2022
This is in regards to Safety Recall Code: 93U8. Audi USA has failed to provided an updated 220V/240V charging unit cable and a compact/portable charging system software update for my vehicle in the 230 days since the product recall.
Incident date: Mar 15, 2023
The potholes on the highway caused my tie rods and tires to explode!
Incident date: Mar 15, 2023
The potholes on the highway caused my tie rods and tires to explode!
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
Engine stalled out in the middle of the road immediately after acceleration following a sudden braking event. A car had pulled out in front of my vehicle at an intersection requiring a sudden brake. After the car had passed, a quick acceleration was needed as a car was quickly approaching from behind. It was at this point the engine stalled and the vehicle would not move forward. Pushing the g... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2024
The airbag warning light began going off October/November 2023 and was intermittent at first and became constantly on. I took it to the dealership in December of 2023 and they said that the airbag sensor plug had become disconnected under the front passenger seat, they said they reconnected it and the warning light was out. It was also stated that this is a common issue when items get under the fr... Read more
Incident date: Jun 2, 2024
At 93500 miles, the check engine light came on. I immediately had it checked by my mechanic and the code was identified as a P301, (Cylinder 1 misfire.) Service was scheduled. At time of service, it was determined that the cylinder head gasket has failed and is leaking coolant into the cylinder, causing the misfire. I have given the shop approval to replace both cylinder head gaskets at an est... Read more
Incident date: Jul 26, 2024
Car was in park, ignition off, with the keys removed. The gear shift could apparently move in this locked position and the vehicle rolled backwards with a 6 year old child in the car. The car was totaled after hitting a concrete base to a light fixture. A failure occurred that allowed the car to shift gears off and in park.
Crash
Incident date: Jul 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted, with the transmission warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact stated that the vehicle resumed normal operation after restarting the vehicle. The contact used a code reader which determined that the speed sensor would not connect to the Power... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
Something malfunctioned with the brake system of the car. The car was in park and off. I exited the car, reached back into the car for an item, and shut the door. I then walked up the driveway and to the front door. At that point, the car began to roll down the driveway. Someone coming down the road in front of the driveway hit it on the front passenger side. The car then continued to roll across ... Read more
Crash
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) - POWER TRAIN
Jul 31, 2024
Incident date: Jul 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds on several occasions, the vehicle downshifted unexpectedly. An unknown warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approxima... Read more
BUICK
REGAL TOURX
(2018) - ENGINE
Jul 31, 2024
Incident date: Jul 28, 2024
There has been no incident because we are afraid to drive the car due to the recalled part. The first letter regarding the recall stated the parts were anticipated 2nd quarter 2024. Now it's 1st quarter 2025. What are we supposed to do in the meantime? Drive it and wait to be stranded on the highway? And will Ford push off the fix again once 2025 comes? There has to be a better solution in t... Read more
Incident date: Jun 19, 2023
Car is not registering that is in park. When I put the car in park the message on the dash will ding and say "shift to park" even though it is already in park.
Incident date: Mar 18, 2024
Rear Passenger Window failed to come back up after being opened. Diagnosed as Master Window Control. Seen several complains on Maverick Truck Forum similar to mine.
Incident date: Mar 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the steering wheel became very firm. The power steering assist fault warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road where the doors were opened and then closed, and the vehicle restarted. On the last occasion, after restarting the vehicle, the steerin... Read more
Incident date: Jul 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 328XI. 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 manu... Read more
Incident date: Jul 29, 2024
Sunroof randomly exploded I was traveling on a highway and we heard a very loud “pop”. We at first thought we were hit by someone else, or blew a tire. Neither occurred but then heard wind and noticed the sunroof not only shattered, but blew outward. There were glass shards all around. We have taken it to the dealership and they said while other vehicles have had problems, the Ridgeline is n... 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
this is a known jeep problem. the radio screen which controls not only the radio but other systems including ac/heat/defrost is delaminating and randomly clicks all over the screen. jeep is refusing to fix this known manufacturing defect because i am not the original owner. this is a very significant safety issue because a lot of the controls are via the screen including putting it into tow mod... Read more
Incident date: Jun 20, 2024
July 11, 2024 – Odometer – 7,604, Gas – Full, Electric – 19 Miles range - From work to Home, Receive the following errors “Engine Malfunction, Have Vehicle Inspected” and “Hybrid System Malfunction, Have Vehicle Inspected” warning lights come on. Cars behavior – Air conditioning motor running but not cooling air, Loss of power and car very sluggish (have to be careful at intersec... Read more
BUICK
ENVISTA
(2024) - POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
Jul 26, 2024
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
The contact owns a 2015 Toyota Camry Hybrid. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH and attempting to slow the vehicle, the contact became aware that the brake pedal required increased effort to depress to slow the vehicle. The ABS, stability control, and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed failures with the brake booster and brake boos... Read more
Incident date: Jul 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the mechanic discovered metal shards in the oil pan. The mechanic recommended that the vehicle be taken to a dealer. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and a... Read more
Incident date: Jul 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 23V734000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. 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. VIN tool confirms ... Read more
Incident date: May 10, 2023
Since we bought our car, it has had a rattle upon startup. This was originally a recall, which we got repaired, but this repair did not make the rattle go away. I then had a transmission problem and had to have the transmission overhauled due to it having violent, jerky, unpredictable shifting between gears. When I mentioned the rattle again while they were fixing the transmission, they said that ... Read more
Incident date: May 10, 2023
Delamination of the front screen of the car. The screen is delaminating at a rapid pace and I have no reason for the issue to arise other than a manufacture issue with the screen. It continues to get every day. Causing an obstruction and not being able to see my review back up camera.
Incident date: Aug 26, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V675000 (Power Train) 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 contact had not experienced a failure. The manufacturer was not made aw... Read more
Incident date: Jun 6, 2024
When 87 fuel is put into the vehicle, the 2023 highlander is jerky/has hesitation, RPMs jump around. Trying to slow down to a yield then go again it jerks and almost feels like engine is cutting out. Seems worse when car is being driven on warm day with a/c on or under a “load”. Very dangerous in intersections. Current fix is to put 93 octane in the vehicle to remedy the issue. Putting 93 octa... Read more
Incident date: Jul 19, 2024
2018 Subaru Outback headunit is "delaminated" causing phantom touches on the headunit's touch screen. While driving, the headunit will act as if something is pressing random buttons, changing radio stations, opening/closing maps, going through settings panel and changing car settings, ultimately distracting the driver usually at highway speeds. Many other Subaru owners are reporting the same issue... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
Led headlights are a problem in seeing at night. There should be a way that the manufacturers can adjust them to a point where people would not be blinded by them as they are positioned now. Eventually they will cause a mishap. They are just to bright in the position that they are aimed at now. This is no joke, it's a real problem,can't drive anymore at nite wiathout being blinded and losing my s... Read more
Incident date: May 20, 2019
Found the front body controller to be internally faulted
Incident date: Jul 17, 2024
The car doors on my Hyundai Elantra often have jammed frequently jammed the front door was repaired when A few weeks later the back driver side door also jammed and could not be opened from the outside Unless you pushed in and pulled out. Then it finally jammed altogether and would not open . If there were an incident and someone needed to get into the car to get my child out they would be unable... Read more
Incident date: Jul 13, 2024
The car was smoking whitish gray smoke. I had something repaired. About 3 week later the smoke returned. Took to dealership told it needed an engine. Given a price of $14,000. With that info my car has been parked. I never received info that ford had a class action about engines until a month ago. Please advise.
Incident date: Jun 16, 2024
My 2021 Jeep Gladiator received the 19A Clutch Recall in late June 2024. The recall was issued due to clutch pressure plates disintegrating, blowing a hole in the transmission housing, and causing vehicle fires. Upon return, my vehicle was unable to drive smoothly. After further investigation, I determined that if the clutch and throttle were operated concurrently, the engine would shut off. The ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the vehicle shuddered and vibrated abnormally. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the tires were out of balance. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted. The vehicle was then taken to the same dealer again where it was diagnosed that... Read more
Incident date: Jun 24, 2024
Different warning lights were coming on in my suv while I was on vacation a couple weeks ago. The lights consist of AWD, Pre-collision assist, traction control and hill assist. The door and window is also broken but that will be fixed for free because of a recall. I’m extremely frustrated because I just got this car in February. Now all this is breaking down at the same time. We did not get the ... Read more
Incident date: May 10, 2023
service shifter, park sense unavailable, auto start stop unavailable warning lights came on ever time truck are in slow speed or stopped. sometimes cancel the cruise control and turn on the check engine light
BUICK
ENCLAVE
(2014) - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR
Jul 15, 2024
Incident date: Jul 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle started to sound like a lawnmower. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with catalytic converter and failed flex pipe failures. The contact was informed that the catalytic converter and the flex pipe needed to be rep... Read more
Incident date: Jan 17, 2024
Often times the dash/screen won’t turn on.(the screen with gps, settings, and the lower a/c controls) The car has to be power cycled in order to get it to come on.
Incident date: Jan 17, 2024
As I was driving on the highway my headrest made a loud bang and smaked the back of my head/ neck with a lot of force. I almost lost control of the vehicle, and it really hurt. My headrest still is apart. Going to see if a dealership can do anything tomorrow. This was so scary it is a huge saftey issue.
Incident date: Jan 17, 2024
I have a 22 hybrid maverick with ~ 27,000. I was driving back home from out of town and I had already driven for a good two and a half hours. I was passing an 18 wheeler when suddenly my whole truck turned off. The dash, infotainment screen all black. I tried to turn on the hazards but nothing came on. The steering wheel was stiff and I was pressing the brakes as hard as I could but we were barely... Read more