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: Feb 5, 2024
While driving the vehicle engine shuts off or goes neutral and I am unable to keep driving. A message pops up on the dash that says “Shift to P and then shift to desired gear.” Car does not drive after doing this. I have to restart engine twice, both times the engine is delayed to start making a loud running noise. This has happened multiple times while driving all while my young children were... Read more
Incident date: Feb 23, 2024
67,000 miles and broken rear right coil spring. Very serious issue as it can cause an accident while driving. No warnings or messages. Heard loud pop and rear right was sagging. Many other people with this model Q7 have had the same problem. A part like this should not be failing at 67,000 miles.
Incident date: Feb 23, 2024
The vehicle show "low engine oil" warning every 3k-4k miles although I change engine oil and filter regularly.
Incident date: Feb 21, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the driver's side and passenger’s side front door panels were cracked. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was contacted, and stated there was no recall or warranty coverage for the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The approxima... Read more
Incident date: Feb 22, 2024
The door ajar light illuminates on the dash even though the door is shut, the door ajar shows it is the driver side back door. With that warning I'm unable to lock the doors while inside the vehicle and the doors do not lock when putting the vehicle in drive from park or unlock when putting the vehicle in park from drive. I'm also unable to use the door handle lock and unlock sensor on the outside... Read more
Incident date: Feb 22, 2024
The door ajar light illuminates on the dash even though the door is shut, the door ajar shows it is the driver side back door. With that warning I'm unable to lock the doors while inside the vehicle and the doors do not lock when putting the vehicle in drive from park or unlock when putting the vehicle in park from drive. I'm also unable to use the door handle lock and unlock sensor on the outside... Read more
Incident date: Feb 22, 2024
Received the following faults while driving on the freeway and car when into limp mode:“Electrical system: malfunction! Safely stop vehicle” “Electrical system: malfunction! Please contact Service” “Parking aid: malfunction!” “Transmission: malfunction!” “Rear spoiler: malfunction!” “Drive system: malfunction! Stop vehicle safely” “Traction control: malfunction!” “Tir... Read more
Incident date: Feb 21, 2024
I have contacted the Toyota company several times over the internal multimedia system in the vehicle I purchased in October 2023. This system requires that I download a poorly developed application on my phone from Toyota in order to fully interact with the system. I will not put any app on my personal phone that is a potential security risk and is one of the poorest rated apps on the app store wh... Read more
Incident date: Feb 20, 2024
I was driving on the Highway at the posted speed limit when the warning "Check Forward Safety System" came up and remained on my dashboard. The cruise control stopped working also. The light remained on even after stopping and starting the car and has remained on ever since. I have never been in an accident nor has my computer system reported any collision. My Hyundai Blue Link app gives me the fo... Read more
Incident date: Feb 20, 2024
Tried to make an appointment with Ray Brandt Toyota in Kenner Louisiana. Made the appointment online, but could not get someone to call me back telling me if the airbag part was in I tried calling countless times I tried going through their website. Chat nothing. I’m going to have to drive over an hour away to another Toyota dealership, due to this once lack of concern towards their customers. I... Read more
Incident date: Feb 20, 2024
This car rear-ended another car while slowing down and preparing to stop at a red light. The Automatic Emergency Brake system failed to provide any alert whatsoever, no warning lamps, no audible alerts, no warning messages, nothing. The Automatic Emergency Brake system failed to engage the brakes. The Automatic Emergency Brake system failed to provide any braking assistance whatsoever. This fa... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Feb 20, 2024
360 review camera fails to operate correctly and screen goes blue. Front parking sensors, rear cross traffic, auto emergency braking, and rear parking sensors fail to operate as well.
Incident date: Jun 20, 2023
The gear selection lights near the gear shift go on and off for no apparent reason. I can not see which gear I am in at night. I am afraid that this is indicative of a more serious electrical problem. I am still under warranty because I purchased Added Care Plus from directly from Jeep that covers me through the end of December 2024. I took the vehicle to Jeep Dealer CH Urness Motors in The Dalle... Read more
Incident date: Jun 20, 2023
The gear selection lights near the gear shift go on and off for no apparent reason. I can not see which gear I am in at night. I am afraid that this is indicative of a more serious electrical problem. I am still under warranty because I purchased Added Care Plus from directly from Jeep that covers me through the end of December 2024. I took the vehicle to Jeep Dealer CH Urness Motors in The Dalle... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
There is a corrosion recall on 2003-2014 Honda elements in Canada because, from salted roads, the frame rusts and extremely important safety parts can break and cause death to the driver. Seeing as these elements are made in the same factories and are in the same region (mine is in Detroit Michigan, only 10 minutes from Canada) this recall NEEDS to be extended to the USA or at least the regions ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 15, 2024
ABS module failure. HCU failure. Braking system completely out of whack. I purchased the truck new. Warranty is expired. Many many complaints online of the same problem. Parts are unavailable to fix. RAM needs to fix this shit asap. Get a recall going. This is completely unsat.
Incident date: Jan 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2007 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, she became aware that the light was not functioning on the instrument panel. The contact was not able to see any warning lights on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to diagnose the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. T... Read more
Incident date: Jan 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that the liftgate would not release using the key fob or the gate release button in the vehicle. The contact stated that the liftgate had to be manually opened and closed. No warning lights was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but a diagnostic test was not performed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer w... Read more
Incident date: Jan 18, 2024
This morning my Honda CRV unexpectedly braked while in motion driving 40mph. I didn't have my foot on the brake pedal & there wasn't any cars, objects or pedestrians in front of me. And, luckily there wasn't anyone behind me because there would have definitely been a rear end accident. The BRAKE sign came on during this action. I have a call into the local Honda dealer service dept., but I haven... Read more
Incident date: Dec 9, 2023
Driving down I95 at 75mph. Heard loud "thunk" and car lost both power and brakes. Warning lights on the dashboard said to check brake system. I was unable to pull onto the shoulder due to construction barricades in place. The car slowed to 10mph and continued until I was able to pull over onto the shoulder. This was very dangerous given the highway traffic speeds, construction zone with limited e... Read more
Incident date: Dec 9, 2023
My concern is when will the RECALL BE HONORED FOR SAFETY PURPOSES 1ST- BRAKE SYSTEM 2ND- ENGINE CAUSING A FIRE HOW SOON CAN I GET MY CAR IN TO GET THESE RECALLS SERVICED???
BUICK
REGAL TOURX
(2018) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Feb 14, 2024
Incident date: Feb 1, 2024
My bmw x4M competition 2020 has pop off a sign that said chassis possible continue driving . It put me in sport suspension and it off traction mode . It is very dangerous for me to drive because in a snow or rainy day it very slippery and sometime I almost cash because slip indicators turn on . I cannot turn it off to drive safe and vehicle drive very different .
Incident date: Feb 13, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Tesla Model S. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost steering functionality. The contact stated that the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed steering rack. The contact was informed that the steering rack needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Th... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2023
There were two issues that occurred within months of each other: 1) Power steering failed on several occasions– immediately following a service appointment in which the CV joint/half shafts were replaced and an alignment performed. Tesla implied that the intermediate shaft failed in pure coincidence; this is not the case: intermediate steering shaft failure after 40,000 miles with no warning and... Read more
Incident date: Feb 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. That contact stated that while attempting to enter the vehicle, the driver's side door failed to open as intended. After a visual inspection, the contact observed that the door hinge attachment point had detached. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investiga... Read more
Incident date: May 10, 2023
ABS and traction control lights keep turning on and off. Service anti lock brake system message appears then disappears.
Incident date: Jul 1, 2023
As I was trying to make a turn on a street which I have used for months, the vehicle started accelerating on its own. So much so that it laterally flew over a median curb and hit another vehicle. I could not steer the vehicle nor stop it despite the fact that I hit the breaks several times. It truly was a very scary experience, and I am not sure what caused it. I have read of similar issues in the... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Feb 12, 2022
The 2021 Subaru Forester had been functioning normally with no warning lights. About 25 minutes into the drive I had come to a stop light on an upward incline. When the light turned green I moved from the brake to the gas as usual. However the auto-start function on the car failed, causing the engine to stall. A loud clunking sound was heard and the dashboard lit up with multiple lights, although ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Feb 12, 2022
The 2021 Subaru Forester had been functioning normally with no warning lights. About 25 minutes into the drive I had come to a stop light on an upward incline. When the light turned green I moved from the brake to the gas as usual. However the auto-start function on the car failed, causing the engine to stall. A loud clunking sound was heard and the dashboard lit up with multiple lights, although ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Feb 8, 2024
Brakes completely locked up during my attempt to stop the vehicle does have abs and that is supposed to allow the wheels to keep moving so that you can try to maneuver and when I made contact with the other vehicle the airbag never deployed
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Feb 8, 2024
Brakes completely locked up during my attempt to stop the vehicle does have abs and that is supposed to allow the wheels to keep moving so that you can try to maneuver and when I made contact with the other vehicle the airbag never deployed
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Dec 30, 2023
The Rear Drive Unit of our Tesla failed on our Tesla Model 3 2020 (2 years at the time of incident). It is no longer available for inspection as it was replaced by Tesla. We had our drive unit fail for our 2020 M3 driving in the middle of what is considered one of the most dangerous freeways in [XXX] . After all the warnings came online, we had 30 seconds before the entire car stopped. Of the wa... Read more
Incident date: Dec 30, 2023
The Rear Drive Unit of our Tesla failed on our Tesla Model 3 2020 (2 years at the time of incident). It is no longer available for inspection as it was replaced by Tesla. We had our drive unit fail for our 2020 M3 driving in the middle of what is considered one of the most dangerous freeways in [XXX] . After all the warnings came online, we had 30 seconds before the entire car stopped. Of the wa... Read more
Incident date: Feb 10, 2024
Car randomly shuts off while driving regardless of speed
Incident date: Feb 6, 2024
The ABS Traction Control Module in this year, and surrounding year, Jeep Wranglers continues to fail. Now Jeep has stated that the part is under engineering review and not available till June timeframe. Therefore, these vehicles no longer have anti lock brakes or traction control safety features. This is a widespread issue and should be a recall on these modules.
Incident date: Feb 6, 2024
The contact owned a 2011 BMW 328I. The contact stated that the vehicle was at an independent mechanic having minor body repairs completed; however, while the vehicle was being test driven, the engine caught on fire. The independent mechanic extinguished the fire. The contact was no Police or Fire Department report filed. The contact reported the failure to the dealer. The dealer informed the conta... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Feb 6, 2024
The ABS Traction Control Module in this year, and surrounding year, Jeep Wranglers continues to fail. Now Jeep has stated that the part is under engineering review and not available till June timeframe. Therefore, these vehicles no longer have anti lock brakes or traction control safety features. This is a widespread issue and should be a recall on these modules.
Incident date: Aug 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Mini Cooper S. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, there were no high beam headlights or fog lights, and the power windows were inoperable. The due for service symbol was displayed. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was con... Read more
Incident date: Feb 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 Nissan Rogue. The contact stated that upon approaching the vehicle, he observed a fluid leak underneath the engine compartment. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who confirmed the fluid leak from an unknown location and informed the contact that there was a misfire in cylinder #2. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the f... Read more
Incident date: Feb 8, 2024
We purchased a 2022 Tiffin Open Rd. allegro motorhome and had the hydraulic pump replaced. The problem. Is that the slides creep out while driving and when the motorhome is parked?
Incident date: Feb 7, 2024
I am experiencing a severe oil leak between the engine and gearbox of my Audi Q7. This issue poses a safety risk due to potential engine malfunctions and accidents. Many Hello My name is [XXX] , owner of 2014 Q7 tdi. I am writing to bring to your attention a prevalent issue that has been reported by numerous Audi Q7 TDI vehicle owners, including myself. It has come to my attention, through vari... Read more
Incident date: Feb 7, 2024
While driving through the intersection after slowing down at light, vehicle completely stalled, turned off in the middle of the intersection and wouldn't start back up. I had to have it towed to dealership. I have had it in dealer prior to this incident for stalling issues just out of nowhere. They simply said they cannot find a cause. This is dangerous to me because vehicles behind me don't kno... Read more
Incident date: Feb 7, 2024
While driving through the intersection after slowing down at light, vehicle completely stalled, turned off in the middle of the intersection and wouldn't start back up. I had to have it towed to dealership. I have had it in dealer prior to this incident for stalling issues just out of nowhere. They simply said they cannot find a cause. This is dangerous to me because vehicles behind me don't kno... Read more
Incident date: May 10, 2023
CVT Transmission failed. Car is only at 60,000 miles and in great shape. This costs $5,000 in repair. No warning signs, the car's tranmission no longer works.
Incident date: Jan 22, 2024
o Rear view camera o When in reverse, camera image on infotainment display goes black hindering rearward visibility. This only happens occasionally. o Vehicle has been into Sewell BMW of Grapevine, TX multiple times for this issue. They have done a software update and replaced the camera. Problem continues to persist. They will no longer look at the issue without me paying a $265 diagnostic fee... Read more
Incident date: Feb 7, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that upon start of the vehicle, an abnormal ticking sound was coming from the engine compartment. There was no warning light illuminated. Upon inspection of the vehicle, the contact discovered that the oil pressure was low. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that the uptake tube O-ring needed to be re... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2023
Vehicle has been serviced 7 times by Lithia Nissan with continuing issues last service date was May 22nd 2023 in which the following services were performed; Oil filter housing, 2 gaskets, installed OEM oil cooler and cleared codes, Pin fit issues with master switch, repaired pin issue. Vehicle has been serviced 2 times by Lithia Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Fiat of Eugene address 2121 Martin Luther K... Read more
Incident date: Feb 6, 2024
I am currently on my Third battery. Prior to getting this third car battery, there was numerous electrical issues randomly occurring. I read that there is a current investigation going on with Bronco Sports just stopping, could it be batteries failing and not being g detected?? Just wanted you to know. The first time I had dealership replace battery, they said it tested "fine" I had to insist some... Read more
Incident date: May 18, 2023
The contact owns a 2007 Honda CR-V. The contact stated the front passenger’s and rear passenger’s side locked automatically immediately after using the key fob or power lock control to unlock the doors. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The appro... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2024
When this seat is first installed with the seat belt, it has a tight fit. However, the install seems to loosen for no apparent reason on its own. This occurs frequently. The seat is properly installed with pulling the slack out of the seat belt, securing the snuglock, and then locking the vehicle seat belt. I am concerned that the install will loosen in the event of an accident, and my toddler wil... Read more