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 8, 2024
Purchased this car new from Crain Hyundai, Conway AR, on 4/1/2024. On 4/3 we called dealer because Bluelink reported 13 maintenance critical issues needed immediate service. Took the vehicle to dealer on 4/4. They worked on vehicle, said they fixed issue and notices would disappear over night. Issues did not, so 4/5 dealer had vehicle picked up, loaner left, and they would fix in 2 days. Issues st... Read more
Incident date: Mar 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The driver was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who observed that the engine was knocking, and diagnosed a ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 13, 2024
Front lower control arm recalled since September 2023. As of April 2024 recall not remedied dispite multiple visits to the dealership and contacting Kia directly.
Incident date: Mar 13, 2024
My car spontaneously shifts from driving to neutral while I am actively driving it. This has happened at least a half dozen times so far. Each time this has happened I cannot get my car to continue driving, since it’s shifted to neutral all by itself and stuck there. I have to come to a complete stop, put my car in park, turn the engine off, and then turn it back on again. This has happened for ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2024
The passenger airbag does not engage for my 115 lb girlfriend. The answer from Rivian is dangerous and takes no responsibility. Official complaint and answer from Rivian. Concern: - Customer states Their partner is unable to to trigger the airbag when sitting in the front seat Timestamp: 7:04-7:05 PM PST 2/4 Cause: - OCS operating as designed. Future OTA being planned to potentially address... Read more
Incident date: Apr 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Optima. 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 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 too... Read more
Incident date: Jul 12, 2018
Vehicle lost power while driving and has many warning notices. Pulled over but when I tried to drive again it accelerated on its own. Pulled over again and turned the vehicle off a few times and then it drive normally but with the check engine light on. Had happened 3 times. Took to Ford dealer 2 times and dealer could not reproduce the issue and gave it back to me.
Incident date: Apr 4, 2024
The steering will get tight at speeds above 40 mph. The steering tightens up and almost feels like it's a ratchet/gear that catches constantly, it is not a smooth turn how it should be. It is manageable at lower speeds, however on the highway it is very worrisome. The steering is even tighter at highway speeds and gets stuck in position and is hard to turn correctly. I often find myself over corre... Read more
Incident date: May 10, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Buick Enclave. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags) 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 experienced ... Read more
Incident date: May 10, 2023
While using adaptive cruise control on the highway, my car almost rear ended the car in front of me when it surged ahead around a slight curve in the road. I was travelling approximately 5mph below the set cruise speed due to the traffic ahead. It appears that my vehicle lost radar sight of the car in front and tried to get back up to the set speed. This has happened on multiple occasions n... Read more
Incident date: Apr 3, 2024
I am writing to express my deep concern and frustration regarding the X-REAS suspension system in the Limited Edition 4Runner manufactured by Toyota. Specifically, I am addressing the alarming issue of suspension failure experienced in vehicles at just 45,000 miles, posing significant safety risks to drivers and passengers alike. The X-REAS suspension failure in the Limited Edition 4Runner is not... Read more
Incident date: Apr 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Fusion. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V162000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic. The contact was notified of a misfire in cylinder #3. The contact was informed that the ignition coils ... Read more
Incident date: May 10, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Honda Accord equipped with Michelin Tires, Tire Line: Defender, Tire Size: 215/55/R17, DOT Number: (N/A). The contact stated while driving and exceeding 25 MPH, there was an abnormally loud sound coming from the tires. The contact took the vehicle to a local tire dealer, and upon inspection it was discovered that the tires were dry rotted. The tires were taken to a local de... Read more
Incident date: Apr 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Honda Accord equipped with Michelin Tires, Tire Line: Defender, Tire Size: 215/55/R17, DOT Number: (N/A). The contact stated while driving and exceeding 25 MPH, there was an abnormally loud sound coming from the tires. The contact took the vehicle to a local tire dealer, and upon inspection it was discovered that the tires were dry rotted. The tires were taken to a local de... Read more
Incident date: Mar 31, 2024
Every year the side sensor goes bad.. This causes vehicle to loose important factors while driving. Headlight go off and on. Speed goes to 0, all codes flashing, gas and ram gone. Car also locks and unlocks randomly along with no heat or air.. This has happened twice even after fuse is pulled while waiting on yet another $1000 repair. This is so very unsafe. Car needs to be removed from roads or... Read more
Incident date: Apr 9, 2022
Despite repairs done under what eventually became TSB 23-2308, the brake squeal continues. I reported this originally to the dealership that sold me the vehicle in the spring of 2021.Work was done under SSM51261
Incident date: Apr 9, 2022
Cylinder head is defective. Service advisor told me it was a known issue in which exhaust valves within cylinder head are prone to premature wear. If left unaddressed it leads to inevitable engine failure. I was quoted $12,000. My car is 2020 model year with not even 60,000. Barely even 4 years old.
Incident date: Apr 9, 2022
I was driving and just passed a vehicle while accelerating when I heard a pop noise, saw a lot of white smoke through my rear view mirror, had the engine light go on and the vehicle stopped working. I slowly pulled over to the side of the road and placed the vehicle in park followed by turning off the car. A person driving by stopped and advised me my vehicle was on fire under the undercarriage. I... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Mar 29, 2024
When driving my vehicle going 30 miles per hour the car stopped by itself and gave error message “ Shift to park or neutral Press brake or select gear” . I have to put my car in park and try and restart the vehicle. This has happened 4 times with in the last week.
Incident date: Mar 29, 2024
Transmission down shifts excessively on downhill grades
Incident date: Jan 6, 2024
Steering is “sticking” or momentarily locking. Going straight then initiating a turn, the steering sticks momentarily until it finally “breaks loose”. Results in over-controlling and having to do almost S-turns while trying to keep the car straight. More apt to do so at higher speeds and the traveling faster does exacerbate the over-controlling (over-steering) conditions.
Incident date: Jan 6, 2024
While driving, if another vehicle passes while on a two line road, the hood will raddel. Getting out and inspecting I see flex in the hood where attached to hydraulic to hold hood up. The weekend I bought our Ford Max, we went to NC, while driving we saw flexing in the hood, at the time we thought it was illusion from reflection from the guard rail. We continue to have flexing would call it buckl... Read more
Incident date: Jan 6, 2024
The collision mitigation braking system (CMBS) comes on randomly with no vehicles or obstructions in front of it.
Incident date: Mar 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 40 MPH, the tire went flat on the front passenger's side, and the tire pressure warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken into a parking lot where a spare tire was installed on the vehicle, and it was taken back to the contact's residence. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was... Read more
Incident date: Mar 28, 2024
I have had several issues with this vehicle despite frequent oil changes and maintenance. Most recent issue is below: Immediately upon parking at 0900 on a clear, sunny warm day, an warning appeared on my dashboard - “engine malfunction, power reduced, service now”. At the same time, my engine shut off suddenly. No one was injured, as I had thankfully just parked. This was the first time thi... Read more
Incident date: Mar 28, 2024
The conditions Ford has placed on getting the recall repaired are unreasonable. The dealership told me that for this repair, the car must be on their lot for at least 10 days, and no, an appointment is not available, and there are no loaners available for this repair.
Incident date: Mar 28, 2024
While coming to red lights or exiting the freeway I notice the brakes not braking while I press on the pedal. I have to push the pedal with extreme force to get it to stop. I was luckily able to stop it in time. My x7 braking systems reaction timing is not consistent, I feel like I am putting my family at risk if my wife is driving, or if someone else is driving and they cant hit the brakes with t... Read more
Incident date: Mar 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the air bag warning illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags) 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 ... Read more
BUICK
ENCORE GX
(2024) - POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
Mar 26, 2024
Incident date: Oct 27, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road and restarted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that PCM needed to be updated. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted. The contact stated that the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the fai... Read more
Incident date: Mar 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The contact was informed of NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V568000 (Engine), and the vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair; however, the dealer informed the contact that the knock sensor detection system (KSDS) software update and the recall repair had already been performed on the vehicle. The contact stated that a failure related to the recall re... Read more
Incident date: Mar 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Buick Enclave. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags) 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 experienced ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 31, 2023
Since Summer/Fall 2023, 2019 Tesla Model 3 software appears to have been compromised. The vehicle shows entirely incorrect directions, at times having taken me 24 miles out of the way; shows a Subdivision in Baltimore, MD named "[XXX] Heights" and a business in Woodbridge, VA named "David's [XXX] Pole Waxing"; has removed all charging stops at certain times and then showed all charging locations i... Read more
Incident date: Oct 31, 2023
Coolant leaking into engine per EcoBoost system and can cause engine to stop car in motion or can also start fire. Whites Ford in Orrville, Ohio quoted the report and needs a whole new engine to correct known issue at $9,000 I am not clear why there is no safety recall for my vin# If you can resolve this safety issue with Ford soon and keep us informed Thank you [XXX] and [XXX] INFORMATION ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 12, 2018
My car has a recall, and the dealership is unable to fix it. There is also an issue with the oem control module that they are unable to get the part and unable to fix this because they do not have the correct software.
Incident date: Mar 25, 2024
The contact owned a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated her son was driving the vehicle and while depressing the brake pedal to switch to the right lane, the engine RPMs revved and the vehicle unintendedly accelerated. As a result, the driver crashed into the rear of the vehicle in front. The navigation display turned black and no warning light was illuminated. The air bag underneath the steering ... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Buick Enclave. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags) 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 manufacturer was m... Read more
Incident date: Feb 21, 2024
This vehicle has stalled three times in separate occurrences in the last 12 months after stopping at an intersection for a stop sign. When attempting to continue on, the vehicle stalls and engages the emergency brake. All three occurrences have left me broadside in an intersection until I can get the vehicle started and disengage the E brake. This is a huge safety concern. The last occurrence was ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 21, 2024
THE REAR BACK UP CAMERA IS ACTING UP. SOMETIMES COMES ON, SOMETIMES IT IS SHOWING UPSIDE DOWN. I HAVE COME TO RELY ON THIS SAFETY FEATURE AND NEED IT REPAIRED.
Incident date: Feb 21, 2024
THE REAR BACK UP CAMERA IS ACTING UP. SOMETIMES COMES ON, SOMETIMES IT IS SHOWING UPSIDE DOWN. I HAVE COME TO RELY ON THIS SAFETY FEATURE AND NEED IT REPAIRED.
Incident date: Mar 22, 2024
2018 Mazda CX-5 with roughly 52,000 miles on it was emitting a burnt rubber smell and white smoke from the engine. Repair shop thought it was a bad timing lock. Replaced that and car continued to emit white smoke and smell like burnt rubber. Engine then began leaking oil. Took the car back to the repair shop and it was confirmed that the engine had a cracked cylinder head. The repair shop said thi... Read more
Incident date: Mar 21, 2024
2016 Ford F150 Platinum 5.0L V8 with automatic 6R80 transmission. Erratic gear shifting while driving. Sometimes not getting out of/stuck in 3rd gear and sometimes not downshifting below 3rd gear. Orange wrench or illuminated MIL light came on followed by a solid check engine light. Took it to dealership - DTC P0720 and P0722 appeared. Dealership tech states that he reprogrammed the PCM and ou... Read more
Incident date: Mar 21, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Accord. The contact received notification NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the parts to repair were not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs as the recall notice was received several months ago. The local dealer was notified of the recall notice and confirmed th... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the air bag warning light had remained illuminated. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 10,000.
Incident date: Jan 2, 2024
I went to muffler man hearing a noise in the undercarriage and they found it to be in the powertrain area when I'm driving it, it sounds like the wheel spinning is missing skipping some of the teeth. When it happened I was in a left turn lane waiting to turn when I finally turned it sounded kinda like a pop noise then it started making grinding noise.
Incident date: Mar 21, 2024
Digital dash that displays speed, ROM etc is blank
Incident date: Mar 20, 2024
My vehicle dashboard gave me a "service park brake" message. The emergency brake would automatically engage if attempting to shift the car into park. The emergency brake could not be disengaged. The vehicle was towed to a Jeep dealership. The dealership has determined that the "park brake module connector" and surrounding wires have corroded due to water intrusion. They told me the car is consider... Read more
Incident date: Feb 18, 2024
The horn, cruise control and radio controls on the steering wheel don't work. The dealership has advised that this repair will cost $1,400 plus if it is not covered by a recall. The diagnostic does not show any codes, but the general consensus is that the symptoms are caused by a failed clock spring. I bought the jeep in this condition.
Incident date: Mar 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE300. The contact stated after purchasing the vehicle and leaving the dealer, while driving 40 MPH, the Low Tire Pressure warning light illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the residence and restarted, and the "Inoperative, See Owner Manual", "Blind spot assistance Inoperative", and "Risk of the vehicle rolling away apply a parking brake when parking" mess... Read more
Incident date: Jan 20, 2024
The Mustang window is supposed to retract approximately 1/2" when the door is opened or shut. My vehicle does this BUT the window will not return to the fully closed position when the door is shut. This is a safety Hazzard as the window tries to fully close but then goes down a 1/2" and returns to fully closed repeatedly while I am driving; this leads to driver distraction on the road, a very haza... Read more