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 1, 2023
Vehicle appears not equipped to operate in heat with air conditioning on. Vehicle struggles to keep running, idles high and jerks while driving on the highway. When trying to accelerate after slowing down it doesn’t accelerate.
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: 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
Incident date: Jun 20, 2022
While driving at a low rate of speed, turning or speed bumps the vehicle starts to rattle in the front end and steering wheel. Engine feels like it slips while rattling from the front. Seems like a motor mount, suspension, tie rod or some other component. Brakes are very hard and make lots of noise. When starting the vehicle on an incline it Lunsford forward out of control.
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: Jul 24, 2023
Actuator and Pump Assembly, leaks won't build pressure makes brakes where pedal don't work
Crash
Incident date: Jul 23, 2023
The rubber seal around the windshield is pulling apart and does not remain in the track. When I am driving greater than 30 miles per hour, the rubber seal comes out and flaps in the wind. Regarding my safety or the safety of others: I believe it exposes the security of the windshield which could become loose, crack or fall out. In addition, when it rains water could seep through and cause electr... Read more
Incident date: Jul 23, 2023
The airbag light is on and no fuses are out and cruise control and other buttons on steering wheel is not working. If airbags are faulty or do not deploy it is a huge safety concern. Someone could be killed or extremely hurt. It has not been confirmed by a dealer but willing to take it in to be checked. It has not been checked yet by a professional. My warning lamps have been on for about two week... Read more
Incident date: Jul 23, 2023
The airbag light is on and no fuses are out and cruise control and other buttons on steering wheel is not working. If airbags are faulty or do not deploy it is a huge safety concern. Someone could be killed or extremely hurt. It has not been confirmed by a dealer but willing to take it in to be checked. It has not been checked yet by a professional. My warning lamps have been on for about two week... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
When I start my car it will sputter then die, also cuts off while driving. It cuts off but will crank up and die again after so many tries it will drive a while and do it again. The check engine was on and I have fixed the O2 sensor, the mass air flow sensor, Ive replaced the turbo hose it had a big chunk ripped out of it which we have no clue how that happened, I just changed the PCV valves a few... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jun 16, 2023
After yhe vehicle warning flashed for no reason, (big orange BRAKE light on dash), The vehicle stopped with absolutely nothing in fron of it.
Incident date: Jan 2, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while her son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The oil warning light was intermittently illuminated. The vehicle coasted to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine and turbocharger needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case wa... Read more
Incident date: Jan 2, 2023
While driving on the freeway at 70 mph, my car started sputtering and out of instinct I placed the gear into neutral. Shortly after doing that the car died while moving. I tried a rolling/moving restart on the car by placing it in 6th gear, hold the clutch in and restart the ignition with no luck. Coasted the car to the nearest freeway exit and into a parking lot. If the car would have died while ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2023
The car lurches forward 3-5 inches when it is shifted into park. This happens regardless of flat ground or on an incline. This issue has happened since the purchase of the car in February 2023. I had the car inspected by Infiniti and they found no issues with the brakes/rotors or braking system. This happens regardless of if the parking brake is engaged or not.
Incident date: Jul 15, 2023
I bought a brand new 2019 Ford Edge with 11 miles. I have serviced it regularly with no issues. On 11/8/2022, I was sitting at a stop light and had the automatic start/stop mode engaged when another car rear ended me at high impact while they were on a cell phone. It did extensive rear damage. Including needing new exhaust system. When driving my vehicle to the Ford collision center, I noticed a j... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jul 19, 2023
OEM UConnect 8.5" screen delamination resulting in constant screen flashing due to "ghost touches" causing distractions to driver. Issue causes the inability to turn screen off when flashing and changing screens on its own which can be hazardous any time, especially at night; when phone is connected to vehicle bluetooth system, the UConnect screen makes random calls which also distracts driver due... Read more
Incident date: Jul 19, 2023
- Code P0304 Engine- Metallic debris have been detected upon inspection and it was declared that the debris have not been completely removed near the engine crankshaft this caused oil flow to be restricted through the connecting rod bearings, causing connecting rod damage, also there is a worn out connecting rod bearing causing this vehicle to have a loud knocking noise possible engine failure. Du... Read more
BUICK
ENVISION
(2022) - POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
Jul 19, 2023
Incident date: Jul 19, 2023
I believe that In August 2022 flood water impacted the (brain/emission) ECU causing it to fail the emissions part of the car inspection. Drove around to many salvage areas as well as Auto part stores to no avail. I was told the item/part can only be purchased through the Dealer. Went to a couple of dealers (DODGE, JEEP and RAM...) to inquire and/or order the part (5150583) for the Jeep Liberty ... Read more
Incident date: May 10, 2023
Anti lock brake pump leaking brake fluid from what appears to be a vent /weep hole resulting in rapid brake fluid loss and low/ soft pedal and significant loss of braking.
Incident date: May 10, 2023
Read the comment, "Vehicle doesn't slow down when taking foot of the acceleration pedal. Same both power settings. It will continue to move at slow speed on level ground. It behaves as though the minimum pedal motor speed is too fast. My concern is that it might get very fast without any pedal. Thank you." I can confirm the same issue has occurred with my 2019 Nissan Leaf. The car is seriously dan... Read more
Incident date: Jun 30, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 GMC Acadia. 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 a ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2023
Description: The Aisin transmission in my new Ram 2022 5500 unexpectedly failed in the middle of the highway, despite the vehicle having only 5,000 miles on it. This sudden breakdown posed a significant safety risk to me and other drivers on the road. Unfortunately, the truck is currently at Johnson's Auto Center in Denver, but they are unable to provide an estimated time for inspecting the trans... Read more
Incident date: May 10, 2023
The contact owns a 2023 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed at night, the high-beam headlights illuminated extremely bright, causing a blinding affect for other drivers. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the camera sensor was faulty, causing the high-beam headlights to fail to deactivate. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufac... Read more
Incident date: Jul 17, 2023
Issue #1: Automatic Braking Self-Engaged. Approximate Date: 11/21/2022 Mileage: 70k I was driving home. I was traveling southbound approximately 40 mph on a 4 lane road (2 each direction). The weather was clear (i.e., no rain or other adverse conditions). No other cars (northbound or southbound), pedestrians, or objects were on or near the roadway and my car, without warning, applied the brake... Read more
Incident date: Jul 17, 2023
The Airbags did not deploy in head on collision at a speed of over 30 mph. No warring lights were present at the time of the accident. The vehicle was totaled by the insurance adjuster and the police were on scene after the accident happened.
Crash
Incident date: May 1, 2023
the auto start/stop function shuts vehicle off and unable to start gain my safety and of others was high as it happens on multiple lane highways unable to reproduce as it can happen randomly, there were no warning lights or any other sign of future stalling or complete shut down when stopping.
Incident date: May 1, 2023
the auto start/stop function shuts vehicle off and unable to start gain my safety and of others was high as it happens on multiple lane highways unable to reproduce as it can happen randomly, there were no warning lights or any other sign of future stalling or complete shut down when stopping.
Incident date: Jul 15, 2023
I purchased this Toyota 3 years ago in Rochester NY, an incredibly snowy city that uses a lot of salt in the winter. I was living in Texas when I got informed about a recall about frame damage due to rust and corrosion. When I tried to get this taken care of I was told the dealership couldn’t do anything about it because it’s not in a cold climate state anymore. The frame is very rusted and se... Read more
Incident date: Jul 9, 2023
Car would just stall out while driving! Would have to put car in park and then try to turn back on. Also burning through oil very fast. Had to replace the timing belt just for 20K miles later having the same issue!
Incident date: Jul 17, 2023
Right passenger sliding door has trouble latching when the weather is hot. For the past three years, every time the weather turns hot the sliding door acts up. It will close but won't completely latch unless you push hard on the back of the door, and even that doesn't last. I'll be driving down the road and randomly it'll unlatch and try to relatch with the door ajar alarm on the dash. I fear that... Read more
Incident date: Jul 17, 2023
While in simple autopilot mode (not full self driving) the vehicle had two episodes of phantom braking at freeway speeds of 80 mph. On one occasion it applied the brakes when a car passed me going in the same direction. On the other occasion there were no vehicles anywhere in the vicinity and it applied the brakes for no reason. I took the car to the Tesla service center and they said they are awa... Read more
Incident date: Jul 9, 2023
Car would just stall out while driving! Would have to put car in park and then try to turn back on. Also burning through oil very fast. Had to replace the timing belt just for 20K miles later having the same issue!
Incident date: Jul 14, 2023
Related to the 03A recall for vehicle for the condition that it will suddenly stall and become inoperable. 03A recall work, which was performed on my vehicle, does not fix the stall condition but only alerts the driver when it is occurring. It does not alert prior as the recall states, there is not time to get to safety once the alert is displayed- the vehicle has already stalled at that time. Sin... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2023
When braking to slow down in a roundabout, I had to push my brakes down further than usual to stop. After this various warning, signals came on my dashboard: brakes, slip indicator, brake system warning light, PCS, ABS. I took it in to Toyota dealer they said I needed to replace my master cylinder kit and brake booster pump. My concern is that when I went online, I discovered this has been an on ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2023
Phantom braking occurs in cruise control for no reason and with no warning. The car is available for inspection. Many other Tesla drivers have described the same situation. On a recent cross country trip phantom braking happened frequently. We made sure there was no one behind us when we engaged cruise to avoid being rear ended. We were in NV when it happened again- this time a big rig had safe ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2023
Phantom braking occurs in cruise control for no reason and with no warning. The car is available for inspection. Many other Tesla drivers have described the same situation. On a recent cross country trip phantom braking happened frequently. We made sure there was no one behind us when we engaged cruise to avoid being rear ended. We were in NV when it happened again- this time a big rig had safe ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 11, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that the vehicle had previously been involved in a crash due to unintended acceleration, which caused the contact to rear-end another vehicle. The vehicle had body and paint repairs performed; however, the vehicle later experienced jerking, and the transmission was seized while driving. The transmission warning light was illuminated. The deal... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jun 26, 2023
I have been driving my car, utilizing the Adaptive Cruise Control, and on a few occasions, have received a 'Check Forward Safety System' error message. Additionally, when utilizing the Adaptive Cruise Control, my vehicle does not recognize the vehicle in the lane directly in front of me, but instead, will recognize the vehicle in the lane to the left of me, as though it is in front of me (i.e. - ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 26, 2023
I have been driving my car, utilizing the Adaptive Cruise Control, and on a few occasions, have received a 'Check Forward Safety System' error message. Additionally, when utilizing the Adaptive Cruise Control, my vehicle does not recognize the vehicle in the lane directly in front of me, but instead, will recognize the vehicle in the lane to the left of me, as though it is in front of me (i.e. - ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
My Tesla Model 3 has had 3 phantom braking episodes since I bought the car new in June 2023. All 3 episodes were when the cruise control was on. Without any warning, the car will violently slow from 70mph to about 25mph in a very short time. My guess, less than 2 seconds. The tires loose grip on the road surface and the car will come to a stop. In all 3 instances, I needed to apply the accele... Read more
Incident date: Jul 14, 2023
The plastic stem that holds the driver side visor in place broke and the visor dropped obstructing driver visibility from the front windshield.
Incident date: Jul 13, 2023
Travel assistance failure are constant and the emergency braking system engages occasionally which can be a detriment to the occupants. The constant chiming and notifications are a distraction and the car has to be stopped and turned off in hopes of the system resetting properly. Dealerships do not know of any updates and Volkswagen has updated these issues in Europe but still to this date has not... Read more
Incident date: May 10, 2023
Ford 2013 F250 Death Wobble, it is real! It is scary! It is unpredictable and extremely dangerous. Something in the design of the front end needs to be fixed ASAP. My latest experience with this happened on 7/13/23. The worst death wobble that I have ever experienced happened today on the freeway at full speed (65mph). The first time today, my truck started to violently shake, prompting me to imm... Read more
Incident date: Jul 13, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while her husband was driving approximately 25 MPH, the "Service Power Steering”, “Service Stabili-trak" and "Service Four Wheel Drive" were displayed. The contact's husband was able to veer to the side of the roadway. The contact stated that her husband turned off and restarted the vehicle, and the vehicle responded as neede... Read more
Incident date: Jun 19, 2023
The computer monitor on the vehicle seems to have a mind of its own. After talking with the service rep they actually have a name for it because it is happening to many owners "Ghost Touching. The car tends to call people on your contact list automatically, change radio stations, move from settings all on its own. I feel it is dangerous because it will all of a sudden call someone and then you... Read more
Incident date: May 10, 2023
Jeep Renegade 2015 . THE CAP LESS FUELSYSTEM. Can't physically put gas nozzle into the tank. I even tried the plastic funnel that comes with the jeep and that won't go in either. There are 3 plastic tabs that must be pushed in by the nozzle before the metal flap will release and allow the pump in. Two smaller ones in the upper left/right and one large one on the bottom. Sometimes these can get gum... Read more
Incident date: Jun 23, 2023
Excessively loud speaker sound on B&O unleashed
Incident date: Jul 12, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Fiat 500. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the transmission was slipping, and the vehicle lost motive power. No warning light was illuminated. The failure recurred several times. The contact restarted the vehicle and forcefully shifted the transmission into 2nd gear to prevent losing motive power. The contact was able to drive to the residence. The vehicle was not d... Read more