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: Oct 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the timing belt and engine oil pump belt fractured, and the vehicle lost oil pressure and the engine failed. The oil pressure, check engine, and battery warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local mechanic and was diagnosed with engine failure. The vehicle was repaired. The contact referenced ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2023
This vehicle just recently failed inspection for the right rear toe link. I spoke with the dealers service department who stated that this is a known issue with this model but that there is not a current recall. From my research on Chevrolet forums, this is a very frequent issue. This is a very dangerous issue, and owners are being forced to pay for this known issue out of pocket. It is appare... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2023
On 1/21 at about 12:20pm, the gas pedal on my 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid stopped responding mid-drive with no warning while going uphill at 25mph. Had to stop in the road, put the car in park, then put it back in gear and the pedal worked again. After the pedal cut out, multiple alerts cycled on the dash, but only the gas pedal stopped working. This is the 3rd such incident since buying the car new... Read more
Incident date: Feb 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Traverse. 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 made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufac... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2023
The transmission stopped working after hit 80k mileage
Incident date: May 10, 2023
This vehicle type had a oil consumption recall. My vehicle has never been repaired. The car consumes a lot of oil. I went to my local Toyota dealership to have my car repaired under the recall. They would not honor the repair.. my car is a 2009 Scion xB. The recall goes back to 2016. I bought my car after 2016 with low miles. Don't they have to repair by law ? Can you please help me. I am low inco... Read more
Incident date: Feb 5, 2024
On Monday, [XXX] my husband was driving his 2019 Chevy Trail Boss (VIN [XXX] ) home from work and a warning light came on the dash indicating “low oil pressure, turn engine off.” He pulled off the road immediately to turn the truck off and then realized that there was oil pouring out from the truck and which had covered the entire underside and sides of the vehicle. After having the truck t... Read more
Incident date: Feb 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 GMC Canyon. The contact stated while driving at approximately 35 MPH and following a slight bend in the roadway to the left, the Forward Collision Avoidance system detected the oncoming traffic in the opposite lane and made an emergency stop. The contact stated that the failure had become a recurring failure. The contact turned off the Forward Collision Avoidance feature. T... Read more
Incident date: Feb 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sorento. 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 contact stated that the vehicle would suddenly stall while idling. The contact was able to ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 6, 2023
Transmission is slipping & failing. Why is this happening on a vehicle that is 4 years old
BUICK
RENDEZVOUS
(2006) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Feb 4, 2024
Incident date: Jan 25, 2023
I have bought this 2023 hyundai palisade and the blue link button and the SOS EMERGENCY BUTTO do not work at all and I cannot get connected with the SOS emergency services in case of a crash or a medical emergency and that is a huge safety issue . I contacted hyundai blue link and hyundai customer service and it’s been 45 days with NO resolution yet and they don know how to fix this issue and c... Read more
BUICK
RENDEZVOUS
(2006) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Feb 4, 2024
Incident date: Jan 25, 2023
I have bought this 2023 hyundai palisade and the blue link button and the SOS EMERGENCY BUTTO do not work at all and I cannot get connected with the SOS emergency services in case of a crash or a medical emergency and that is a huge safety issue . I contacted hyundai blue link and hyundai customer service and it’s been 45 days with NO resolution yet and they don know how to fix this issue and c... Read more
Incident date: Nov 6, 2023
When I try to start up my car after a full month of parking as usual I knew already it has a dead battery so I jump started then once it started I heard a very small explosion with smoke coming from underneath the glove compartment then I found a very small fire started from the same place so I left the car and I called 911 who came and extinguished the fire after the entire car was already engulf... Read more
Fire
BUICK
RENDEZVOUS
(2006) - LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING
Feb 4, 2024
Incident date: Jan 25, 2023
I have bought this 2023 hyundai palisade and the blue link button and the SOS EMERGENCY BUTTO do not work at all and I cannot get connected with the SOS emergency services in case of a crash or a medical emergency and that is a huge safety issue . I contacted hyundai blue link and hyundai customer service and it’s been 45 days with NO resolution yet and they don know how to fix this issue and c... Read more
Incident date: Feb 2, 2024
Battery died twice on 2 separate occasions since the day car was received on 1/17. Car was ‘serviced’ after the first time battery died, but this morning I could not get it to turn on again. This car has been giving me nothing but issues and I haven’t had it for a month yet.
Incident date: Feb 1, 2024
The driver’s seat continues to move (keeps adjusting) while I’m driving
Incident date: May 10, 2023
The contact owns a 2022 GMC Yukon. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, several unknown warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel and the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The contact stated that the vehicle was not drivable and was towed to the residence, where an independent mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the engine had s... Read more
Incident date: Jan 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sportage. 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 made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. ... Read more
Incident date: May 10, 2023
I had the anti-theft security upgrade on my Kia done and it was still easily stolen in minutes from my driveway. The upgrade did absolutely nothing.
Incident date: Feb 1, 2024
The rear back up camera continues to adhered road salt and sand debris that blocks the camera's ability to project a clear view in the dashboard monitor every winter season here in upstate New York from early November through last snow in Spring (April-May). I addressed with Toyota office ( I 800-331-4331) at least four times and told to go back to the area Toyota dealer as I previously had done t... Read more
Incident date: Jan 18, 2024
On [XXX], around 1:00, I was driving normally on the highway. I remember using autopilot, and the speed limit was 55 mph, but I'm not very sure. At that time, it was raining heavily, and I was following the car in front, not doing anything else. Suddenly, I noticed that the Tesla car turned sharply to the left by itself! I couldn't control it. Let me repeat: the Tesla car suddenly turned left by ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jan 18, 2024
On [XXX], my son drove the car to Wendy’s to get lunch around 12:30 pm. He returned, parked the car in the driveway. My son entered the house and while we were eating lunch the doorbell rang, it was the police informing us that my car was on fire in the driveway. The fire department was called and they eventually extinguished the fire which started under the hood of the car. The jaws of life wer... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jan 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V380000 (Engine) 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 tool confirms ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
My wife pulled out of a parking lot and there was a loud noise and the vehicle began to shudder violently. Approximate speed was 10 mikes an hour and she was able to stop. The drivers side rear suspension airbag had broken through the lower control arm, and was under the rear driver side tire. It appears some frame members are cracked as well. Had this happened at highway speeds, it may have resu... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2023
I was in a accident where I was not at fault. I had my car 3 weeks. Brand new, it took on right under 20k in damage. Both airbags deployed. They have had my car in the body shop for 7 months. I paid 34k for the car. They won't offer depreciation. They are making me pay a 7k rental bill. The person who is fixing my car has never worked on a bronco. So I am I'm a situation and I really need some hel... Read more
Fire
Incident date: May 10, 2023
The truck’s steering wheel locks up and breaks get hard when doing a turn making it hard to stop and almost being in two accidents a service advancetrack light comes on and stays on till truck is turned off.
Incident date: Feb 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, there was smoke coming from the rear of the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle then started losing motive power. After stopping to inspect the vehicle it was discovered that there was transmission fluid leaking from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the local deal... Read more
Incident date: Jan 31, 2024
IN OCTOBER 2023 WHILE DRIVING THE FUEL PUMP SUDDENLY LOST POWER RESULTING THE VEHICLE TO STOP DEAD IN THE ROAD CAUSING A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE WHICH COULD HAVE RESULTED IN A TRAGIC ACCIDENT. TODATE (1/31/2024) A REPLACEMENT FUEL PUMP CAN NOT BE LOCATED.
Incident date: May 10, 2023
The problem was unknown to me and probably would be to any vehicle owner that is not a mechanic. I was driving a death trap and didn't know how easily it could have been a serious problem. The driver side leaf spring bracket had completely broke apart from the frame on the upper drive side corner in an area that without getting underneath the vehicle with a flashlight and specifically looking for ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 18, 2023
Rack and pinion broke in half. Several people on forums complain about this problem. Had it happened on the highway it would have caused a serious accident. Thank goodness it happened backing out of my driveway.
Incident date: Jan 31, 2024
The steering on our CRV seems to do this jerky "sticky" thing on turns where it's almost fighting or stuck in a position for a split second. It's happened a few times on turns of about 20+MPH. I've been noticing this happening more as of late, the car has about 8500 Miles or so. It happens about every 1 of 5 trips I take on it, and I've felt it at highway speeds and on streets. I also hadn't told ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 31, 2024
We purchased our 2021 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4XE/4WD Hybrid in December of 2021. Since our purchase, we've received multiple recall notices which were since resolved. The volume of these recalls has been concerning to us, especially for such an expensive vehicle for which we had an expectation of quality. However, the most recent recall for the High Voltage Battery B9A/NHTSA 23V-787 is a catastroph... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
Over past month Dashboard where airbag is under has become discolored and is CRACKING as if AIRBAG wants out. Other 2005 Toyota vehicles have been recalled bc of Dangerous AIRBAG issues. Should the AIRBAGS in 2005 Lexus’ be too? Afraid to drive now.
Incident date: Jan 22, 2024
Engine failure fluid leek and wire burning smells engine burst into flames from the under carriage of the engine. The contact wants to see if there are any recalls and if so should the car be sold at msrp price.
Fire
Incident date: Jan 22, 2024
C0020-01 code. ABS pump. Truck only has 35,390 miles on it. Been replaced once in 2020 under warranty and faulty again. Of course now out of warranty. Seems to be a common problem affecting over 400,000 trucks. Why is there no recall?
Incident date: Jan 1, 2023
While depressing the brake pedal the vehicle continues to accelerate before finally slowing to a stop. This happens on bumpy road surfaces as well as level road surfaces. There were no warning lights, alarms or messages prior to or during the failure. This issue started around 35,000 mileage and has progressively gotten worse to current day. (Current mileage as of 1/29/2024 is 54,346.) This issue ... Read more
Incident date: May 10, 2023
Electronic power steering gearbox, faulty (Sticky steering) The steering wheel constantly sticks in position where you have to continually correct the direction its pulling you. The dealership is aware and has confirmed the issue. Replacement parts have been ordered but there is a three plus month backorder. (accident concerns if issue gets any worse) No warning lights or messages activate with th... Read more
Incident date: Jan 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of... Read more
Incident date: Jan 29, 2024
I brought my vehicle because of an electrical problem I lost power and my dash light came on saying electrical system malfunction, My dealership just informed me about some cables been chewed up by a mouse it’s what they claim. It’s the battery cables insulation in the bottom front part of the vehicle, after reading about the recall in the battery cables insulation wearing out from 2022 models... Read more
Incident date: Jan 30, 2024
Ever since a recent software update, when turn signal is activated, right fender camera feed appears on screen but is completely black instead of showing a visual of the right blind spot. Due to this other features such as Autopilot, Automatic Emergency Braking, and likely most of the ADAS functions are also disabled. Due to the vehicle's poor natural visibility, there is a high reliance on the c... Read more
Incident date: Jun 12, 2023
Rear window defrogger overheated and caused the back electric sliding window to shatter and when door was closed the window blew out!
Incident date: Jan 29, 2024
PURCHASE A 2011 KIA VAN FROM AUTO CONNECTION NORFOLK VIRGINIA THE VAN STARED HAVING ISSUES WITH THE ELECTRICAL SLIDING DOOR WOULD NOT SHUT UP PROPERLY SOMETIMES IT WOULD TAKE 10 to 15 TO SHUT UP STEERING WHEEL LOCKING UP WAS TOLD BY A LOCK SMITH THAT THE VAN HAD SOME MAJOR ELECTRICAL ISSUES START LEAKING BRAKE FLUID ADDING A QUART A DAY TOOK IT TO SEVERAL REPAIR SHOP WAS INFORMED THE VAN BRAKE LI... Read more
Incident date: Jan 29, 2024
Alternator failing and needing to be replaced on a 2020 Chevy Traverse with only 33,000 miles. Seems to be a common issue with several Traverse and it's a costly repair as it's past warranty.
Incident date: Jan 29, 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 made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were 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: Jan 10, 2023
After I reached about 8K miles, I started to get the “sticky steering”. It’s more noticeable at higher speeds, but it’s noticeable in general. The steering is no longer smooth and while driving, it’s almost like you’re battling with it to keep a straight line.
Incident date: Jan 29, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Wrangler. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V787000 (Electrical System) 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 contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienc... Read more
BUICK
REGAL TOURX
(2020) - STEERING
Jan 28, 2024
Incident date: Sep 1, 2020
The steering sticks, feels tight like it’s hard to turn when driving at 40mph+ speeds. You have to apply more steering pressure to turn the wheel, at which point the steering pressure will suddenly release and turn normally. It will do this constantly as you drive down the road.
Incident date: Jan 26, 2024
Center display screen, aka TFT, randomly turns off while motorcycle is operating. The center screen displays the speedometer, fuel level and other information and an unsafe driving condition is created by the center screen randomly turning off. Center display screen is also affected by moisture ingress which allows condensation to form on the inside of the lens cover which obscures information ... Read more
BUICK
REGAL TOURX
(2020) - STEERING
Jan 28, 2024
Incident date: Sep 1, 2020
Death Wobble at highway speed
Incident date: Jan 26, 2024
I purchased the vehicle on [XXX] at 124 miles it died at parking lot and would not start, called dealer i bought from they were no help. I had vehicle towed to local chevy dealer Dyer and they pulled VIN and said it was in open recall something about fuel injection flow, they said it should have never left the lot or been sold so now i'm up the creek no truck and not sure where to go with problem.... Read more