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: 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: May 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Ram 2500 Promaster. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V301000 (Power Train) 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 made aware of the issue. The contact had not ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 23, 2024
Cracked Engine. There was no warning. No indications prior to incident. Driving approximately 45/50 mph on road, out of NO WHERE a message appeared "Shift into NEUTRAL and SHUT OFF ENGINE" I coasted to the side of the of road, there was no power at all. I did as the message stated. Once I turned off the vehicle, it would not start. It has not been able to start since that time. I had to have the v... Read more
Incident date: Jun 15, 2023
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 local dealer was made aware of the issue. 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. Th... Read more
Incident date: May 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 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 not 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 ... Read more
Incident date: May 8, 2024
The horn button is located on the side of the steering wheel spoke, extremely difficult to find, especially in an emergency. I have had several incidents in which I was unable to locate the small button when needed to avoid a collision.
Incident date: May 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Honda Accord. The contact stated that on two separate occasions while at a complete stop, the vehicle hesitated upon depression of the accelerator pedal, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact restarted the vehicle soon after the failures and the vehicle resumed normal operation. The check engine warning light disappeared after restarting the vehicle. ... Read more
Incident date: May 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the engine and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was ap... Read more
Incident date: May 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Honda Civic. 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 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 h... Read more
BUICK
ENCORE
(2016) - VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:AIR HANDLER/CHAMBER, DUCTS, AND VALVES
May 7, 2024
Incident date: May 5, 2024
the blower in my Truck seems to be malfunctioning. while the AC or heater will turn it when first started, approx. 20 minutes into driving and it quits blowing. you can hear it blowing but nothing comes out of the vents. this first happened at 300 miles while running the heater and I had no defrost! I repeatedly had to stop and wipe down the windshield in order to see! when sent in for repair they... 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
To whom this may concern, My name is [XXX] . I was the owner of a 2021 Subaru Forester. I bought this car brand new and I loved this car. One of the biggest reasons I bought a Subaru is because of the multiple safety features the car has. I've had this car for three years and always felt safe until last week. During a road trip on [XXX] at [XXX] My car hit a deer on the front drivers side and with... Read more
Crash
Fire
Incident date: May 5, 2024
The dash air vent and rear vent motors are clicking when they are turned on. I have read numerous reports that this is an existing issue with 2016 Expeditions. Why are these vent motors not under recall?
Incident date: Apr 22, 2024
While driving on the freeway (no overpasses) my sunroof suddenly exploded. when I was able to stop and look at the damage, the remaining part of the sunroof was arched upward. There was no evidence of an object having hit the glass.
Incident date: Jun 15, 2023
On May 4, 2024, a message appeared on the screen “Contacts Download Unsuccessful” while trying to make a call. The Bluetooth would not connect and I wasn’t able to make hands free calls. On May 5, 2024, the screen blanked out for several minutes while driving. This isn’t the first time this has happened.
Incident date: Feb 22, 2023
ABS/ELECTRONIC BRAKING SYSTEM The service ABS/electric braking system /traction control lights and warning began to come on intermittently a couple months before taking it in for service. It was sporadic at first but eventually became more prevalent. This was unsafe as it would happen going on the highway at highway speeds pulling a trailer and the ABS would disable- as well as the cruise control ... Read more
Incident date: May 23, 2023
Fuel leaking from emissions vents on fuel tank. Non reparable part.
Incident date: Apr 30, 2024
I was driving my vehicle when my car engine started making a large grinding noise and there were zero sensors going off about anything wrong. I immediately pulled over and saw oil just dumping out of the engine
Incident date: May 3, 2024
First time in November the sign came on that there was an electrical system failure. We took the car to the shop, in Audi Raleigh and they said that they fixed the issue. Although, we had to wait for an available appointment for over a month. This time, after 3 months, the same sign came on, electrical system failure, plus all wheel drive faiture. While driving to the dealership the car stopped ab... Read more
Incident date: May 10, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, she noticed the coolant fluid was low and the engine overheating warning light was illuminated, but there were no visible coolant leaks. The contact was able to drive a short distance to the residence. The contact refilled the coolant reservoir, but the coolant level was low the following day. The dealer wa... Read more
Incident date: May 2, 2024
Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel Replacement
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated while driving at 55 MPH, the steering wheel seized and made it difficult to turn. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering rack needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 93,000.
Incident date: May 3, 2024
Wrench light came on. Skipped shifts and over revs. Truck has been at Ford service for a month. Parts ordered. Tore into and ordered more parts. Truck has 69,000 miles so it is 9,000 miles outside of powertrain warranty. Estimated repair cost is $4,800. FORD customer service offered nothing beside we're sorry. Truck has not shifted right since day one. Ford did a transmission reprogram f... Read more
Incident date: May 3, 2024
The sunroof has a recall due to the fact that it has a bad seal, which could fly off due to this issue. I know the seal is bad because the whole roof leaked a few years ago and fried all the electronic; e.g. lights, sunroof controls, trunk light controls, side door controls. I went to the dealership and they said they would not fix it because they could not open the sunroof to see the manufacturer... 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 1, 2024
Passenger Airbag and seat are faulty. Received error message on my car “front passenger safety restraint system faulty”. Tesla is wanting to replace the airbag and passenger seat and seat belt and it will cost few thousands dollars.
Incident date: May 1, 2024
Passenger Airbag and seat are faulty. Received error message on my car “front passenger safety restraint system faulty”. Tesla is wanting to replace the airbag and passenger seat and seat belt and it will cost few thousands dollars.
Incident date: May 1, 2023
When attempting to power down car after shifting into park, message states shift to park. Car cannot be locked or secured.
Incident date: Oct 15, 2023
The car seat cannot be safely anchored into the car. The anchors do not tighten enough to keep the car seat from sliding backwards. The straps do not tighten enough to have a snug fit for child. When the straps are tightened, the car seat slides backward to an unsafe reclining position. The entire car seat slides. The back of the car seat, headrest/removable backing is loose. Even with it “sec... Read more
Incident date: Oct 15, 2023
The car seat cannot be safely anchored into the car. The anchors do not tighten enough to keep the car seat from sliding backwards. The straps do not tighten enough to have a snug fit for child. When the straps are tightened, the car seat slides backward to an unsafe reclining position. The entire car seat slides. The back of the car seat, headrest/removable backing is loose. Even with it “sec... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Toyota Yaris. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the seat belt light flashed on the instrument panel, indicating that the seat belt was not being worn. The air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the wiring harness. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. After investigatin... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2023
The auto stop/start feature on this vehicle continues to have issues after parts such as; alternator, batteries and cables were replaced twice!
Incident date: Apr 30, 2024
While driving (speed doesn’t matter, highway or city streets) the check hybrid system turn off engine message/code comes on. When u turn off the car and wait for a period of time the it’s not there anymore but the check engine light stays on and the car drive normal until the code comes back up. When the message comes up the engine loses power and and the car just slows down until the car is t... Read more
Incident date: Apr 27, 2024
Vehicle not acting safely, speeding up to pass stopped school bus with stop sign out and yellow lights flashing. This is a generic VIN as it applies to the current software on all FSD cars.
Incident date: Apr 30, 2024
I own 2013 Hyundai Sonata limited . It has 37000 miles ( Approximately). When I drive the car and move the steering wheel to rt or lt, it makes clicking noise. At times I felt I can't turn or take exit. It is scary and afraid that steering wheel will freeze. I called dealer where I bought the car , they want me to leave the car for 5 days. They will do the diagnostic work costing $214 . They didn'... Read more
Incident date: Nov 15, 2023
The passenger seat occupancy mat is faulty - same as in many other BMW models for which BMW has issued a 15 year warranty. The car chimes and states "fasten safety belt" for the passenger seat when the passenger seat is entirely empty. This error comes and goes, and stops when the belt is buckled.
Incident date: Nov 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Ford F-150. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the rear driver’s side turn signal and brake lights were inadvertently illuminated and the key failed to program. The vehicle was taken to a dealer however, the dealer refused to look at the vehicle since it was not included in a recall. The contact diagnosed the vehicle with body control module (BCM) failure.... 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
See attached document for complaint
Crash
Incident date: Apr 30, 2024
Complete system brake failure. Brake lines are completely corroded.
Incident date: Mar 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 Buick Encore. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the GMC mobile app alerted the contact of emissions failures and advised to contact the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the emission pump had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repai... Read more
Incident date: Apr 27, 2024
Have been experiencing brake malfunction on my 2018 Buick Encore with the brakes getting locked while driving. There were instances where the brakes would lock randomly and the vehicle would start slowing down during driving even with a foot on the gas pedal and I had to turn on the hazards lights to pull the vehicle on the side in order to avoid being rear ended. Took the vehicle to a GM dealers... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
Bumper loose, No A/C only for first day! Car shakes at stop. Low power when pressing gas peddle.
Incident date: Jun 20, 2023
Sticky steering at highway speeds causes it to be difficult to maintain lane.
Incident date: Apr 26, 2024
I bought my car, new, on 10/1/ 2023. The middle of November i noticed the headlights randomly dimming. On 12/3/23 I to the dealership to have them looked at. I was told there was nothing wrong but make an appt. they had my car 3 times in less than 2 months. I repeatedly told them my headlights were dimming and or going off. On Jan 13 after taking my daughter to the airport my headlights went of... Read more
Incident date: Apr 26, 2024
The coolant tank on my 2018 M5 failed causing a coolant leak. This is a highly documented problem on the forums and mine needed replacement at 22k miles. The bigger issue is the location of the tank because the coolant leaks on the ignition coils and fuel injectors causing failures later. My coils and spark plugs needed replacement along with the tank. This is unacceptable and BMW needs to address... Read more
Incident date: Nov 20, 2023
Today while driving on the highway at about 60mph my vehicle lost power causing the car to surge forward. I was unable to steer or brake for several seconds. The gauges completely dropped. It was as if someone had shut the vehicle completely off. The vehicle then restarted on its own. I was nearly rear ended by a semi and am terrified of driving this vehicle anywhere. I did a google search and cam... Read more
Incident date: Nov 20, 2023
Today while driving on the highway at about 60mph my vehicle lost power causing the car to surge forward. I was unable to steer or brake for several seconds. The gauges completely dropped. It was as if someone had shut the vehicle completely off. The vehicle then restarted on its own. I was nearly rear ended by a semi and am terrified of driving this vehicle anywhere. I did a google search and cam... Read more
Incident date: Nov 20, 2023
My truck has been at Dodge in fort Pierce Florida for recall number z46 and y63 for 8 months I have went over and above and beyond to call and try to get it switched over they're saying it's registered in Canada I'm getting no help they're acting like it's my fault they're not offering me a rental car or a loaner car I've lost my job I just need help getting something done maybe then purchasing it... Read more
Incident date: Apr 25, 2015
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed air bag sensor. The contact was informed that the air bag sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the failure could be repaired, but it mi... Read more