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: Aug 9, 2023
While driving, my dash went out completely. I can’t see how fast I’m going, or any information concerning my car.
Incident date: Jul 26, 2023
Driving on the freeway, speedometer starts randomly sensing different speeds like the output speed sensor is not reading correctly. Transmission then downshifts to the speed that the OSS is reading and downshifts to 1st gear while im driving on the freeway going 65mph. It was so abrupt that it locked the differential and chirped the tires, again all while going freeway speeds in traffic! Could ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 26, 2023
Driving on the freeway, speedometer starts randomly sensing different speeds like the output speed sensor is not reading correctly. Transmission then downshifts to the speed that the OSS is reading and downshifts to 1st gear while im driving on the freeway going 65mph. It was so abrupt that it locked the differential and chirped the tires, again all while going freeway speeds in traffic! Could ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 29, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Mustang. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was a crack in the cylinder head and the contact was informed that the repair was not covered under warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assista... Read more
Incident date: Jul 29, 2023
We went to put groceries in our trunk and the rear driver side window shattered and my 2 year old was in the car. Glass got inside the car where his car seat was, and the entire window shattered on the ground. There was nothing touching the window to make the window shatter when I shut the trunk
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
I bought the car in July 2022 with 62,000 miles for my daughter. The car now has 65,000 miles on it as she only drives back and forth to school. Check engine light came on a month ago then 2 weeks later it overheated with coolant light coming on. It took over a month to get in to the dealership to look at the car. Today they looked at it and told me the coolant had an leaked into the engine du... Read more
Incident date: Aug 7, 2023
“Engine maintenance required - Visit Dealer” warning came on. Vehicle was diagnosed with needing a new coolant bypass valve. Researching online, and in Toyota groups, this is a known and widespread issue. The dealer stated they have had many of these repairs come in, yet Toyota has not issued a recall or TSB. This is a repair costing between $500-$1000. That's a healthy sum of money to be spen... Read more
Incident date: May 10, 2023
After 3 months, vehicle started showing intermittent warnings at startup related to multiple collision warning systems-- forward collision, blindspot sensors, rear cross traffic. Over a few weeks, it was no longer intermittent and occurred every time. Multiple ACD systems wouldn't function due to blind spot sensor failures. Multiple repair attempts and issue occurred again and dealer has been u... Read more
Incident date: Aug 6, 2023
My ac unit switch melted due to the wires getting too hot and causing the unit to no longer work. I believe this is a safety issue due to possible fire with the wires getting burned. After doing some research this is a common issue in my car and I believe hyundai should be required to replace my unit before it causes more damage inside the unit.
Incident date: Jun 30, 2023
When the vehical was brought to us by 2 sales person , one sales guy told us that everything was good to go that the only issue there was on the car was that they did not have the code to the doors in case we couldn't get in . The same night we noticed that the lights inside were not going off we tried to press buttons to have them go off and nothing, then all of a sudden the lights automatically ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 30, 2023
Was unknowingly sold a vehicle that Travers GMT Auto sales knew was under recall. Lead to me being blind sided by another diver who was at fault, proven to be correct by my auto insurance company progressive at the time. Ford dealership never provided me with the correct information nor were they helpful at any time during the process.
Incident date: Jun 30, 2023
Was unknowingly sold a vehicle that Travers GMT Auto sales knew was under recall. Lead to me being blind sided by another diver who was at fault, proven to be correct by my auto insurance company progressive at the time. Ford dealership never provided me with the correct information nor were they helpful at any time during the process.
Incident date: Aug 5, 2023
Steering wheel stuck in straight position, unable to turn. Also, A/C line supermanifold defect present, needed to be replaced. Steering rack and harness both needed to be replaced. Tesla model 3, only had 40 miles before needing to be towed.
Incident date: Aug 4, 2023
I connect my phone to the hand free system especially when traveling, the screen and monitor has been malfunctioning now to the point where I am not able to adjust speakers sound, source and volume. I am only able to to hear from rear speakers. It is illegal to drive and use mobile devices so to be able to connect to a properly working systems is most definitely needed. I have notice that quite a ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 4, 2023
Vehicle shut off and locked up while driving. I was leaving my neighborhood and coming to a stop to turn right on to a major road. The vehicle powered down while in motion and the ignition locked. I could not restart it, I could not turn the wheel, I could not put it in neutral. The brake pedal was pushed down and would not release. I had children in the van. I turned hazards on and rolled the win... Read more
Incident date: Aug 4, 2023
Vehicle shut off and locked up while driving. I was leaving my neighborhood and coming to a stop to turn right on to a major road. The vehicle powered down while in motion and the ignition locked. I could not restart it, I could not turn the wheel, I could not put it in neutral. The brake pedal was pushed down and would not release. I had children in the van. I turned hazards on and rolled the win... Read more
Incident date: May 26, 2023
Our 2022 Ram 1500 Diesel truck stranded us from approx. 9pm-1am while traveling hours home on a remote MS state hwy intersection and shut our engine down, locked all 4 wheels & disabled our ability to put the vehicle in neutral to push from the roadway. We were left stranded in a main lane of a busy intersection at 10 pm at night. The local PD showed up and had to block traffic and our truck had ... Read more
Incident date: May 26, 2023
Our 2022 Ram 1500 Diesel truck stranded us from approx. 9pm-1am while traveling hours home on a remote MS state hwy intersection and shut our engine down, locked all 4 wheels & disabled our ability to put the vehicle in neutral to push from the roadway. We were left stranded in a main lane of a busy intersection at 10 pm at night. The local PD showed up and had to block traffic and our truck had ... Read more
Incident date: May 26, 2023
Our 2022 Ram 1500 Diesel truck stranded us from approx. 9pm-1am while traveling hours home on a remote MS state hwy intersection and shut our engine down, locked all 4 wheels & disabled our ability to put the vehicle in neutral to push from the roadway. We were left stranded in a main lane of a busy intersection at 10 pm at night. The local PD showed up and had to block traffic and our truck had ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 3, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V515000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked, and the RPM fluctuated. Additionally, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact that the purge valve had ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 3, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated while shifted into reverse(R), the wheels locked, and the vehicle shuddered. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 14M02 (Transmission Control Module). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approxima... Read more
Incident date: May 7, 2023
I purchased the vehicle on 6/29/23, mileage at purchase was 38,126. Per CarFax ,this vehicle had an oil change at 38,026 miles (at Turnersville Hyundai). I drove this vehicle to Maryland and while there it had stalled 3 times, each time when I was going very slow. I came home to find out that in under 1,000 miles of driving since the last listed oil change, I had burned 2 quarts of oil. Took ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 3, 2023
Loud squeaking noise inside cabin while driving started immediately after warranty expires and software update. Steering shakes with bumps. Almost felt like something is falling apart. Tesla service said known problem and since out of warranty customer will be charged. Wonder why all problems started immediately after warranty expires. Pls investigate if this part ( control arms and suspension) ca... Read more
Incident date: Jun 29, 2023
4 days after I bought the car brand new on an off ramp going about 30mph a car sent a pebble into my windshield. It made a chip and then a crack about 12” long. Called Kia dealership and they said they won’t repair because rock hit windshield. There is a class action lawsuit against Kia and their windshields cracking. Upon waiting for insurance and a new windshield 3 days later the crack ha... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2023
I am now experiencing the second instance of the "death wobble". The first instance was at approximately 20,000 miles. Ford repaired this previously but now the problem has returned; at 50,000 miles. I reported the first instance to nhtsa. My vehicle's left front wheel began shaking violently, as if I had a blow out, upon driving over a rough pavement joint. I was driving 65 mph in lane two ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 20, 2022
The contact owns a 2019 Nissan Versa. The contact stated that when the brake pedal was depressed and the turning signals were activated, the vehicle felt as if the transmission had improperly shifted. While driving 40 MPH, the vehicle failed to exceed 40 MPH. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who diagnosed that the brake pedal, motherboard, and taillight assembly had failed and needed to ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
8/1/23 - the Electronic center console display as well as the display behind the steering wheel continually fails. The center console controls all electronics such as defroster, heater, and of the advance safety features. The display behind the steering wheel controls the odometer, speed etc. The inability to control any vehicle functions is a huge safety risk. For example, the defroster can no... Read more
Incident date: Jul 31, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. 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 part... Read more
Incident date: Jun 30, 2023
The engine and yes it is. Because my car turned off in the middle of the loop on the highway when there was a lot of traffic and we could have gotten hit. No it has not been. No it has not been. We were driving on the highway then the engine started sputtering and it wouldn’t go faster then 40 when I tried pulling off to the side that’s when the engine ,battery ,and oil light turned on and aft... Read more
Incident date: Jun 30, 2023
While driving on freeway, approximately 70mph, on my way to work, I all of a sudden without warning was unable to control my vehicle with the steering wheel. Somehow I seemed to have lost control of the steering wheel and the vehicle spun around. I could have collided with another vehicle or could have been hit by oncoming traffic, but thankfully I was not near to any other vehicles at the time of... Read more
Incident date: Jun 30, 2023
While driving on freeway, approximately 70mph, on my way to work, I all of a sudden without warning was unable to control my vehicle with the steering wheel. Somehow I seemed to have lost control of the steering wheel and the vehicle spun around. I could have collided with another vehicle or could have been hit by oncoming traffic, but thankfully I was not near to any other vehicles at the time of... Read more
Incident date: Mar 28, 2023
Failed part: Clock spring. Yes, the work was appropriately installed. This is my fourth replacement within less than 100k miles. No additional inspections as of yet. No warning lights, just a faint click coming from the steering wheels while making turns two days prior to hearing a snapping noise. My air bag light illuminated and my dash notified me of an air bag error. Lost all connection to ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 28, 2023
In 2017 a Honda civic was brought, 2 weeks later AC problems started. Vehicle was returned for repairs requested by a senior dealership personnel. Problems continued with same issue and not fixed. Recent recalls of the AC Compressor and other AC defects of this vehicle has been denied several times (up till now). Honda has repeatedly denied claim to resolve this issue when it has been acknowledged... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2023
While driving I got "rear seat alert" followed by "Car Shutting down in 9 secs" message, it happened twice. The first time on Northern State Highway in NY. I was driving with my family, and the car unexpectedly shutdown happened. Nothing worked, I had no power, no steering, no brakes, all gone. Our luck was that I was already on the right lane and just had to let the car stop in the curbside. Bec... Read more
Incident date: Jul 10, 2023
Purchased a brand new Lexus RX 350h on April 28, 2023. Within 2-3 weeks, the vehicle started issuing alerts that parts of the ADAS were malfunctioning, and therefore the vehicle was disabling the entire ADAS. This warning would come on while driving, and even after clearing the warning, it would pop back up within seconds. Took the new car to the dealer over 4 weeks ago to have this addressed, and... Read more
Incident date: Jul 20, 2023
Air conditioning compressor and condenser leaking which caused the evaporator to fail. Honda refuses to fix evaporator due to faulty A/C system leaking.
Incident date: Jul 10, 2023
Purchased a brand new Lexus RX 350h on April 28, 2023. Within 2-3 weeks, the vehicle started issuing alerts that parts of the ADAS were malfunctioning, and therefore the vehicle was disabling the entire ADAS. This warning would come on while driving, and even after clearing the warning, it would pop back up within seconds. Took the new car to the dealer over 4 weeks ago to have this addressed, and... Read more
Incident date: Mar 15, 2023
I had been driving for over an hour at 70 when I crossed into Pennsylvania and encountered crawl speed traffic. I exited the highway at exit 1. At the top of the ramp there is a traffic signal. I stopped at the red and the vehicle shut down. The light turned to green and the vehicle immediately in front of me proceeded into the intersection. I removed my foot from the brake and attempted to go. Th... Read more
Incident date: Mar 15, 2023
When pulling into a parking spot at less than 5 mph the car accelerated violently and couldn't be stopped while braking. A marble or granite barrier stopped the my car preventing me from going into a shallow ravine and potential on coming traffic. There have been multiple safety recalls on the braking system on the car and each have been executed in a timely fashion. I cannot determine if warning ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jul 26, 2023
Back doors completely stop working. Not able to open the door from the inside or out
Incident date: May 15, 2023
Transmission will not shift correctly between gears. When you first shift from start up it will make a hard clunk noise. Truck will start jumping and once it’s done the wrench light comes on. At one point I couldn’t get it to go into reverse and I had to shut the truck off and restart it to get it into reverse.
Incident date: May 15, 2023
Front Control Interface Module failure resulting in unresponsive climate controls and audio. The issue starts with the audio stopping, followed by the HVAC turning off and then followed by defrosters turning on full blast. No warning prior to these turning off. Safety issue is the full on heaters happened on a 90+ degree day with a full car. With windows down, the heat and humidity inside and ... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2023
Car won’t go into park. This happened with my 2018 Acadia and now my 2019. It keeps saying shift to park for the car to turn off when it already is in park
Incident date: Jul 25, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at 75 MPH, the temperature gauge began to indicate that the vehicle was overheating. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the road, and after a visual inspection of the engine compartment, it was observed that the coolant overflow container was empty, yet upon removing the container cap, coolant suddenly flowed b... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Apr 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving 65-70 MPH, there was a clicking sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stopped and examined the vehicle and became aware that the clicking sound was coming from the engine. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated that the lifters needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contact... Read more
Incident date: Jun 2, 2023
Vehicle chrome trim on the inside dash blinds driver between 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM. The bright chrome is blinding and becomes a safety issue while driving. The design and placement of the chrome is burns my eyes while driving. Perhaps not using chrome on the interior when sending vehicles to places where it is sunny 95% of the time would prevent safety issues with visibility.
Incident date: Jun 2, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the steering wheel stiffened without warning. The contact stated that the vehicle was difficult to steer. The contact stated that the power steering assist returned after depressing the brake pedal. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer had been notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The fa... Read more
Incident date: Jul 24, 2023
Actuator and Pump Assembly, leaks won't build pressure makes brakes where pedal don't work
Crash
Incident date: Jun 19, 2023
Hyndai recalled our vehicle for a tow hitch wiring problem last year. Instead of resolving the issue, they simply pulled the fuse and told us that we cannot tow with lights until they resolve the recall. My understanding is that this recall has been on the books for over a year now. This is extremely frustrating as I am not able to use the tow capability that I paid for when purchasing this vehicl... Read more
Incident date: Jun 2, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that after turning the vehicle off, the rear brake lights remained illuminated. The contact had to disconnect the battery to turn off the lights. The contact stated that eventually the brake lights became inoperable. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that ... Read more