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: Jul 10, 2023
The part, Transmission Molded Lead Frame has failed. The vehicle was repaired in 2019, however the part has failed again. The transmission locked up on me, almost causing a collision.
Incident date: Jul 11, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in reverse, the steering wheel became stiff, making it almost impossible to steer the vehicle. The power steering fault warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the electric power steering unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was ... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2022
When I press the brake pedal to start the car (sometimes) it will no go down it is hard. Have to do this 5 times to get the car to start. this has happened numerous time. I brought it to the dealer and they did not find anything wrong 2 or 3 times. I have changed the battery and tried the spare key fob. They both do it.
Incident date: May 1, 2022
Today, My 2012 Ford F150 would crank, but would never start. The vehicle had gas and no issues with the battery. When this occurred today, I found out online that the 2009-2014 Ford F150s have a common issue associated with Fuse 27. In 2015, Ford issued a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB 15-0137) related to this issue, but according to Ford’s Customer Service I was never informed of this TSB beca... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2022
Today, My 2012 Ford F150 would crank, but would never start. The vehicle had gas and no issues with the battery. When this occurred today, I found out online that the 2009-2014 Ford F150s have a common issue associated with Fuse 27. In 2015, Ford issued a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB 15-0137) related to this issue, but according to Ford’s Customer Service I was never informed of this TSB beca... Read more
Incident date: May 10, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 23V411000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) and 22V406000 (Fuel System, Diesel) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while attempting to res... Read more
Incident date: Jul 10, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, she slowed down to make a right turn and the power steering assist failed. The contact stated that the "Steering Assist Reduced Drive with Care" message was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact used excessive force to complete the turn and was able to drive to her destination. The power steering assist r... Read more
Incident date: Jul 6, 2023
I stopped to fill up with gas and when I started my Jeep all my instruments are dead. No speedometer no tachometer no fuel no temp. Everything else works fine. I checked all fuses and they are good. I also replaced my auxiliary battery and still everything is dead.
Incident date: Jul 6, 2023
Car stopped accelerating on the highway and held me at 40mph. This happened twice. Then before being able to get it in for service while driving the car made a loud bang and came to a rolling stop again on the highway and the transmission control system alarm went off and the car would not move. Had to get towed off the highway and in a rental now. This was a brand new 2023 hyundai kona sel limite... Read more
Incident date: Jul 6, 2023
Car stopped accelerating on the highway and held me at 40mph. This happened twice. Then before being able to get it in for service while driving the car made a loud bang and came to a rolling stop again on the highway and the transmission control system alarm went off and the car would not move. Had to get towed off the highway and in a rental now. This was a brand new 2023 hyundai kona sel limite... Read more
Incident date: Jun 28, 2023
Back door does not open without manipulation of pushing in the cable line in the door handle. Cannot exit or enter without doing so
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Acura TSX equipped with Continental Tires, Tire Line: Pure Contact, Tire Size: 225/50/R17, DOT Number: VY40WD4A2320. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the front driver's side tire exploded. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the dealer was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of th... Read more
Incident date: Jul 7, 2023
Message warm engine before start. Car won’t start message key fob damaged when it’s not. Engine clicks but no engine turn over.
Incident date: Jul 5, 2023
The contact owns a vehicle 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V338000 (Electrical System, Structure) 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 avail... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Lincoln Continental. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V644000 (Back Over Prevention) 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 not made aware of the issue. The contac... Read more
Incident date: Jul 5, 2023
When I turn the car on it flashes check engine eyesite failure which then turns off the ability to use cruise control, crash detection, lane assist, ext. we called Dick Hannah Subaru and the code came up as P26A5 engine coolant bypass valve A position sensor. They said a thermo valve needs replaced and they’ve seen that happen a lot in 2019/2020 Subarus
Incident date: Feb 1, 2023
While driving at highway speed 75mph our truck shut down with no warning. A wrench light came on with no other warnings. No check engine light no warning went from highway speed to limp mode zero power almost got rear-ended trying to make it off highway with no power. The problem is the throttle body has oil intrusion on the dry electrical side shorting out the motor with OIL! FORD could care less... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2022 Volkswagen Taos. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the evaporator valve to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the following day the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the s... Read more
Incident date: Jun 11, 2023
Transmission started leaking and spraying transmission fluid while driving. Fluid hits exhaust and then smokes and burns off. Jeep has replaced various parts however it appears that the ZF transmissions are failing / have cracks in the housing. Dealer acknowledges the problem. Upon the 2nd failure dealer had us tow it to the dealership. The Jeep is now at the dealer waiting for a response from F... Read more
Incident date: Jul 3, 2023
Was driving on the highway at roughly about 70 MPH and all of a sudden heard a big explosion and found out my sunroof blew open with glass all over the back seat and inside of my car. Luckily no one was in the back seat, if there was, they would have been injured very badly.
Incident date: Jul 3, 2023
295/65R20 Had 3 out of 4 tires separate with about 1400 miles on them at highway speeds. Purchase in 11/22 first on failed 4/23 the other 2 5/23. 1st one had belts break at hwy speeds the 2nd had a large chunk of trade come off and 3rd had belts separate. 70mph was average speed when the issue occurred.
Incident date: Jul 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Edge. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that coolant had leaked into the engine, caused by the eco boost system. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referre... Read more
Incident date: Jun 30, 2023
1. Starting System I have had trouble starting with the push button for about 3 weeks. It sometimes would take several tries before turning over. Most times, it would start in 1 – 2 attempts. It was worse this last week. I had to try more often, especially on Thursday night. I did not drive at all on Friday. On Saturday 7/1/23, I drove to the pharmacy less than < 1 mile. it did not st... Read more
Incident date: Jun 30, 2023
1. Starting System I have had trouble starting with the push button for about 3 weeks. It sometimes would take several tries before turning over. Most times, it would start in 1 – 2 attempts. It was worse this last week. I had to try more often, especially on Thursday night. I did not drive at all on Friday. On Saturday 7/1/23, I drove to the pharmacy less than < 1 mile. it did not st... Read more
Incident date: Jun 30, 2023
1. Starting System I have had trouble starting with the push button for about 3 weeks. It sometimes would take several tries before turning over. Most times, it would start in 1 – 2 attempts. It was worse this last week. I had to try more often, especially on Thursday night. I did not drive at all on Friday. On Saturday 7/1/23, I drove to the pharmacy less than < 1 mile. it did not st... Read more
Incident date: Jun 28, 2023
At a complete stop, truck shuts off and emergency brake gets engaged for no reason. This has happened approx. 8 times since I bought the truck brand new from dealer. Truck has 12, 800 miles to date. No major safety risk but stuck in traffic while trying to get truck moving. The problem has not been reproduced by dealer but doing research online, other people are complaining on the same issue. T... Read more
Incident date: Feb 2, 2023
The engine appears to have seized. No engine light, smell, sounds or warnings to indicate there was an issue. However, now my car will not start. The engine also will not turn over manually.
Incident date: Jul 1, 2023
Brake lights keep failing. Have replaced wiring harness, bulbs and brake switch twice now. Super unsafe to not have brake lights on your vehical
Incident date: Jun 30, 2023
Recall engine oil excessive consumption, engine failure issues.
Incident date: Jun 28, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V406000 (Fuel System, Diesel) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact then received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V411000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The conta... Read more
Incident date: May 8, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Infiniti QX70. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the transmission was hard shifting into gear. The contact stated that the transmission failed to shift into the proper gear. Additionally, while driving in the rain, the vehicle hydroplaned on three occasions. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer w... Read more
Incident date: Jun 29, 2023
There's existing problem right now in my vehicle that braking is less responsive and also the ABS, EMG brake lamps and Traction control lights are on the whole time on my dashboard. I took it to the mechanic and he found out that Theres a problem with the Brake Booster Pump Assembly which developed a crack inside the accumulator housing. As result nitrogen gas could leak into the brake fluid an... Read more
Incident date: Jun 28, 2023
I was on a freeway going 75. A guy came across three lanes and cut in front of me going 60. I got the brakes hard and then went around him accelerating sharply and swerved hard in front of him. At that point the car steered itself back and forth for our five times. I was finally able to regain control once it slowed down enough, and continued on my drive. I’m guessing that some accident-avoidan... Read more
Incident date: Jun 2, 2023
Purchased the SUV March 4, 2023. Within the first couple of days, when coming to a stop, backing out, slowing down the brakes makes this horrendous sound. Took it into the dealership and learned of the tsb of the rotors and brakes. They also changed my oil without my permission. Upon getting my SUV back within 2 days it continues with that horrendous noise backing out, slowing down, coming to a st... Read more
Incident date: Jun 26, 2023
My car had been in and out of dealership going through oil consumption testing. Was at dealership on Monday June 19th having more pictures as well as dropping oil pan etc. I was told Friday June 23 2023 car would be ready they were checking a seal to make sure it didn’t leak. I picked car up brought it home went out of town with my fiancée in his vehicle. Drove my car on Monday June 26th to wor... Read more
Fire
1 injured
BUICK
REGAL TOURX
(2018) - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL
Jun 27, 2023
Incident date: Oct 4, 2022
The contact owns a 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. The contact stated that on four occasions while driving at various speeds with the accelerator pedal depressed, the vehicle inadvertently slowed down and failed to exceed 50 MPH. The check emissions warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The f... Read more
BUICK
REGAL TOURX
(2018) - AIR BAGS
Jun 27, 2023
Incident date: Oct 4, 2022
Takata recall. The contact owns a 2014 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 ... Read more
BUICK
REGAL TOURX
(2018) - POWER TRAIN
Jun 27, 2023
Incident date: Oct 4, 2022
The contact leased a 2023 Genesis GV60. The contact stated that after he started the vehicle, the vehicle failed to shift in the intended gear. The contact stated that the ignition switch light flashed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer but was not yet diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 3,600. The conta... Read more
Incident date: May 10, 2023
Vehicle began hard braking using the collision avoidance system when there were no other vehicles or obstacles on the road. Then the vehicle safety systems (adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, collision mitigation braking system and road departure mitigation system and brake system) all began displaying warning messages. The car only has 1600 miles. The dealer inspected and states ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 27, 2023
City driving and the bells and warning message on the dash stated the electrical system was being evaluated for causes why the engine/electric drive failed
Incident date: May 10, 2023
The headrest deployed as a result of the AHR system despite no accident having taken place. This presents a problem as there are reports of drivers/passengers getting concussions from the impact. The driver seat headrest is still intact, however, this poses a risk of this happening while driving, at any time. Sudden deployment may cause injuries, or an accident which will put passengers and other ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 23, 2023
Vehicle suddenly started having problems while driving. Loud whining noise and shaking and scrubbing sound while driving. Was driving fine before sudden issues. Quotes by three different mechanics stated possible issues that incuded wheel bearing, ball joints, water pump, fan clutch, and brakes. Was told that all parts under vehicle were loose and close to becoming unraveled.
Incident date: Jun 23, 2023
Similar to other owners my car has been burning oil at a higher-than-normal rate. Because of this, there has been a carbon build-up causing my engine to start misfiring and stop working while driving on the interstate.
Incident date: Jun 25, 2023
Backup camera - the backup camera stopped working at approximately 86k miles.
Incident date: Jun 22, 2023
Engine reduced while on the highway.
Incident date: Jun 7, 2023
Purchased it 7 months ago, haven't put many miles on it and the motor is completely bad, sitting at a kia shop. It broke down on me in the middle of the road and wouldn't shift into gear.
Incident date: Jun 19, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the "Service Brake Assist" message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but no cause for the failure was found. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 30,010.
Incident date: Jun 20, 2023
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed on separate occasions, the messages “Reduce Engine Power” and "Service Traction Control" were displayed on the instrument cluster, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the failure reoccurred while driving on a bumpy road surface and while ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 20, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Honda CR-V. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V228000 (Structure) and the vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair; however, the dealer determined that the vehicle could not be repaired due to the extensive corrosion. The contact stated that the manufacturer was notified and offered to repurchase the vehicle; however, the repurchasin... Read more
Incident date: Jun 20, 2023
On January 8, 2023, my 2014 Kia Sorento burnt up. I was driving down the street when I could see smoke and smell something burning. I stopped the car and got out just in time. It exploded and totally burnt. I have a video but it will not upload.
Fire