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 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Genesis G80. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V107000 (Electrical System) 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 m... 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
Incident date: May 1, 2024
Travel Assist is disabled which includes Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Keep Assist. The warning lights flash on and off, sometimes multiple times a second, sounding a loud beeping each time. It is triggered at engine start and persists through all speeds. I have experienced it 0-70 mph. The flashing lights and associated rapid beeping indicating the failure is extremely distracting while drivin... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
The components that failed are the engine and transmission and parts associated with the functionality of these parts. It is currently in the shop but will be available for inspection upon request once repairs are complete. My safety and others were put at risk when these malfunctions occurred (driving incredibly slow on the highway could cause an accident, accelerator malfunctioning that might br... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2023
They have replaced the transmission two times and this transmission is going bad, it's slipping, shuddering, and hesitating when you hit the gas. This car is a death trap waiting to happen. Nissan knows they put junk transmissions in these cars but still sells them. Nissan is going to end up hurting/killing a lot of innocent lives. It's not safe to be driving this car around, half the time the car... Read more
Incident date: Nov 24, 2021
When driving and hitting small cracks/holes/rough road the whole front of truck bounce and causes steering issues and also rough riding and also causes a really bad vibration.
Incident date: Nov 24, 2021
When driving and hitting small cracks/holes/rough road the whole front of truck bounce and causes steering issues and also rough riding and also causes a really bad vibration.
Incident date: Apr 5, 2024
I am writing to bring to your attention a critical safety concern regarding the Toyota Tundra, specifically related to the rear tailgate functionality. It has come to my attention, and I have personally experienced, that the rear tailgate of the Toyota Tundra can unexpectedly open while the vehicle is in drive mode if the key fob is accidentally pressed. This poses a significant safety risk to no... Read more
Incident date: Apr 5, 2024
I purchased a used 2018 CRV in January/February 2024. It came with a recall notice. I have been trying to get it fixed, but two different dealerships have told me that the part is not available and I need to wait for a second recall notice. This is concerning and I do not believe I am being told the truth regarding the availability of parts needed for them to comply with the recall repair.
Incident date: May 1, 2023
During the manufacturing process, particles was trapped between the fuel and rail injectors, which is causing a fuel leak. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source, such as hot engine or exhaust components, increase the risk of a fire.
Incident date: Feb 23, 2024
When accelerating through 10-15 mph the vehicle shudders more than normal
Incident date: Jun 15, 2023
I have a 2022 Honda Civic Sport with approximately 32,000 miles. Over the last few weeks, the steering has become “sticky”. Issue usually appears almost immediately driving on a straight road. The steering wheel becomes sluggish and additional effort is required on the driver to maintain lane position. This requires the driver to use additional force to maintain without slipping. No warning li... Read more
Incident date: May 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Nissan Versa. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway and restart the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with an unstated wiring harness. The vehicle was not repaired. Th... Read more
Incident date: May 8, 2024
The defroster lines are peeling off of the rear window. In the Winter season it make visibilty difficult to see. Dealer stated there is no fix or warranty for this repair to reach out to insurance. Ford needs to issue a recall for this safety issue.
Incident date: May 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brake, 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 made aware of the issue. The contact had no... Read more
Incident date: May 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Ford F-150. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was restarted after two attempts after each failure. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the vehicle needed to be updated. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred approx... Read more
Incident date: May 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, he heard an abnormal grinding sound emanating from the front driver's side of the vehicle, after which he became aware that the electronic power steering was not functioning properly, requiring that the steering wheel be manually returned to center. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle ... Read more
Incident date: May 7, 2024
Here are some basic facts on what has happened: On August [XXX] I was in my driveway, in Mt Pleasant, SC, when my car rolled down my driveway with my two kiddos inside, resulting in me reacting and getting knocked over by the driver side door and the car running over my chest. I had 5 broken ribs, 4 are now titanium, several broken bones, a punctured lung and a torn acl. There is a police repor... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: May 2, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle stalled. Additionally, the contact became aware that the transmission was not functioning as needed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the actuator motor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was no... Read more
Incident date: May 5, 2024
Drive shaft broke while driving down interstate. Diagnosed by Nissan Dealership and confirmed by private diesel mechanic. Currently sitting at mechanic shop waiting on quote to be repaired if possible- due to financial hardship to replace motor. There were no warning lights that lit up on the dashboard. Vehicle drove fine up to that point.
Incident date: Apr 22, 2024
I filled up my gas tank and the digital guage was on 266 miles. After I filled up, it was the exact same mileage on the dashboard. It did not move after putting in about 4-5 gallons of gas.
Incident date: Jun 15, 2023
When shifting vehicle to Park . Transmission shifts to park dash board states vehicle is in park. When vehicle is turned off message comes up on the screen SHIFT TO PARK! Radio and Lights will not go off right away.
Incident date: Feb 22, 2023
Fuel pump is losing prime and difficult to start when cold. Various websites indicate Toyota issued a recall for 2018 and 2019 Tundra fuel pumps in 2020, but no recall appeared on our recent search when we began having issues. Did Toyota end the recall?
Incident date: May 23, 2023
Vehicle is defectively unsafe, and unreliable due to PCM not functioning properly!!!
Incident date: Apr 30, 2024
The vehicle has been presenting issues with breaks, electrical issues, turning off while driving, misfires, air bags don't work, ADAS sometimes don't work, the vehicle chokes and has difficulty running at times, among other issues. There has been a recall since last year and I've tried contacting the manufacturer multiple times, but the issue has not been fixed yet. All of these problems are a gre... Read more
Incident date: May 3, 2024
The full type of this tire is Continental ContiProContact P215/55 R18 94H Also DOT is IP5 OF8PAO 5323. Note there are two letter "O". Either one or both of those could be the number 0. I cannot tell the difference on my tire. When I was driving in a parking lot I heard a loud noise and did not know what it was. I did not think to look at my instrumental panel so I drove around a half mile home... Read more
Incident date: May 3, 2024
On the way home from the dealer the vehicle powered down on its own and then shut off in the middle of the road. Luckily we were able to coast into the median without incident. The vehicle started back up and we garaged it until the dealer came the next day to retrieve it. The vehicle remains at the dealer with this unresolved issue, now going on ten days. They do not appear to know what caused t... Read more
Incident date: May 10, 2023
I have severe safety concerns about the malfunction of the vehicle’s regenerative braking system. Since I purchased the car, it has unexpectedly lurched forward during stop-and-go traffic on several occasions. This sudden and unpredictable acceleration poses a clear risk of collision and injury to both the vehicle’s occupants and other road users. Despite multiple attempts over the past six mo... Read more
Incident date: May 3, 2024
My vehicle has said, refill inverter coolant, I took it in a couple of days ago and they said there is an open recall and they would fix it. They called me back after I dropped it off and informed me that they did not have the specific coolant, and no one in the area did. Over the past couple days, my vehicle has had issues turning on.
Incident date: May 3, 2024
Check engine light comes on it has come more then 5 times. I take it to the dealership. They tell me they are doing an oil consumption test this makes the 5th one. Lane assist when trying to move away from a vehicle it pulls back almost getting you into an accident.
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
For the past year my car has been in and out of the Mazda dealership. There is a red key with an explanation point through it that was been coming up once I am in the car and someone else opens a door then it stays flashing the whole time I'm driving. My trunk has been having issues too with not opening like it should and when I'm driving then I go to turn it starts beeping. The dealership keeps t... Read more
Incident date: May 2, 2024
Air bag Replacement Drive AutamticBreaking emergency Replacement system
Incident date: May 1, 2024
Three of the six fuel injectors on a 2019 Honda Pilot failed, with Diagnostic Trouble Codes P0430, P0300, P0304, P0306, and P219A, resulting in the vehicle requiring transportation via tow truck to an independent service center. Research into the history of 2019 Honda Pilots indicates that 2019 model-year vehicles within a certain VIN number range, along with all 2018-2019 Honda Odysseys, 2016-20... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2024
The air conditioning stops working in warm weather posing a health hazard.
Incident date: May 1, 2023
honda pilot EXL 2020 with 39,000 miles- purchased new in may 2020. We just had our pilot oil change and multi-point inspection along with safety recall most faker replaced. With less than 40K miles we are getting told the Front control Arm needs to be replaced. The bushing on the right front lower control arm is torn-cracking, CAUSING our tires to be worn and ALSO needing to REPLACE ALL FOUR of th... Read more
Incident date: Oct 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2009 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights illuminated. Additionally, the contact depressed the brake pedal however, the brakes did not function as needed. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The dealer was contacted and made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independen... Read more
Incident date: Oct 15, 2023
I received a recall notice dated June 2023 regarding the front driver airbag inflator. It may contain a defect resulting in inflator rupture during deployment. An inflator rupture may cause metal fragments to pass through the airbag and into the vehicle interior which may result in injury or death to vehicle occupants. To date, there is no remedy. I find that unacceptable.
Incident date: May 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Acura ILX. 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. 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 exp... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the steering wheel was making an abnormal rattling sound. While making a turn, the steering wheel seized. The contact stated that the horn became inoperable and the buttons on the steering wheel became inoperable. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The... Read more
Incident date: Nov 15, 2023
See attached document for complaint
Incident date: Apr 30, 2024
It has been over a year since my truck has had the ABS light and traction control lights on. My repair shop has stated that the problem is the ABS pump. However, the part has been sold out for a year now. So I have been forced to drive my vehicle without ABS breaks for over a year.
Incident date: Apr 30, 2024
This happened on [XXX] at roughly [XXX] pm. I bought the new 2023 hybrid accord ex-l in June 2023 and the car only had 12413 miles. I was driving in Slidell, LA along [XXX] road towards [XXX]. I was driving 45 mph with adaptive cruise control. Suddenly there were lots of warning lights on. I don't really remember clearly how many warning lights since I was shocked. But I think that the "check eng... Read more
Incident date: Nov 15, 2023
Acura rdx Acura says that the filter in the transmission is none serviceable but now my car is in a shop to replace the converter and they said the filter should be replaced which is why the torque converter went bad in the first place but they say it’s not to be serviced and now the shop would have to split the transmission to replace this filter which I can’t do being it would cost more then... Read more
Incident date: Apr 30, 2024
Three weeks ago my engine light came on. Took it in to Ford Services in Woodland Hills, California where they found a that there was a coolant intrusion in the engine. They proceeded to explain that this is a known issue with the type of engine due to a manufacturer defect. They were able to see that indeed this was the issue with my vehicle. But my VIN was not under the recall that is in place fo... Read more
Incident date: Nov 15, 2023
The front dashboard panel that protects the passenger side airbag has cracked in several different places. These cracks have created pieces with sharp and pointed edges that may cause injuries to face, eyes and upper body of the passenger in case of an airbag deployment.
Incident date: Apr 30, 2024
Engine failure -I was driving about 45-50 mph and as I was approaching a four way intersection with a stop sign approaching in my direction of travel. As I came to a stop, the engine locked up and could not be restarted. Leaving my truck dead in the middle of the road. After having it towed to a friend's shop I removed the oil pan, only to find a alot of copper colored metal shavings all througho... Read more
Incident date: Apr 27, 2024
Wood trim throughout the car is cracking and falling off the car on the dash board as well as the doors and the rear side panels. The trim pieces that remain on the car are very sharp and jagged and are a significant risk for cuts in day to day use. In the event of an accident a passenger could be seriously injured from this jagged wood . My car is a 2011 E550 convertible, the W207 platform, the ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
There is a security flaw in the software programming of the vehicle. In the 2019+ models of the sixth generation Camaro, they have added a check that requires you to depress both the clutch and the brake to start the vehicle. (Manual transmissions) This is a severe safety flaw because if you stall pulling across or into an intersection, you have to fully stop instead of promptly being able to re... Read more
Incident date: Apr 27, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the engine, power steering, traction control, ABS, and battery warning lights illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle stalled. The contact also noticed white smoke coming from the engine area. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and drove with the white smoke to the nearest independent mechanic and r... Read more