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: Jun 21, 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: Sep 8, 2022
Twice in the last month I was driving to work on a two lane road without any objects in the roadway and the forward collision warning system automatically applied the breaks hard enough for my coffee to splash out of my coffee cup. It occurred at almost the same spot on the road. However, I drive this road at least twice a day. I'm concerned that it might apply the breaks randomly while driving... Read more
Incident date: Jun 20, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while driving 10-12 MPH and approaching a traffic light, the brake pedal was depressed, but failed to respond and went down to the floorboard. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that she continuously pumped the brake pedal until the vehicle stopped. The contact veered to the side of the road. The "Low Brake Fluid" mess... Read more
Incident date: Jun 18, 2023
This a transmission and auto idle shut off issue. The condition has happened 8-11 times over the 80K miles I have owned this vehicle. It happened today Sunday 6/18/2023 at 12:13pm. With the auto idle shut off engauged, at a stop light, foot on the brake and waiting for the light to change to green, the transmission will shift from drive to neutral, without touching anything. I will get a notificat... Read more
Incident date: May 29, 2023
I believe that Ram and It’s parent company have intentionally not provided a recall fix for recall z46. If Ram refuses to provide a fix for the problem, and I’m forced to drive the vehicle that could stall and crash at any time is absolutely a safety hazard. I’ve contacted Ram cares and was told that if I’m not comfortable driving the vehicle, to just park it and wait for a fix. This compa... Read more
Incident date: May 29, 2023
I believe that Ram and It’s parent company have intentionally not provided a recall fix for recall z46. If Ram refuses to provide a fix for the problem, and I’m forced to drive the vehicle that could stall and crash at any time is absolutely a safety hazard. I’ve contacted Ram cares and was told that if I’m not comfortable driving the vehicle, to just park it and wait for a fix. This compa... Read more
Incident date: Jun 5, 2023
Hello, I would like to point out a safety issue many new car manufacturers have actually implemented. I've witnessed this safety issue at two accident myself. Most automakers today lock your car doors automatically unnoticed by most drivers . The door locks are operated by electrical current only, if a accident destroys your car battery mechanically or by shorting out the battery in water, a pers... Read more
Incident date: Oct 15, 2022
Back up rear camera completely blacked out while I was back in up. The alarm did not alarm and a vehicle almost hit me.
Incident date: Oct 15, 2022
Back up rear camera completely blacked out while I was back in up. The alarm did not alarm and a vehicle almost hit me.
Incident date: Jun 9, 2023
Eternal water pump failure. Water pump came loose while Driving dumped coolant into engine causing engine to have catastrophic failure. Need a full engine replacement. Took vehicle to 2 mechanics for diagnosis. Both states vehicle has coolant in engine. Engine needs replaced I'm uploading an estimate from a certified FORD dealership after I told them the issue over the phone.
Incident date: Jun 9, 2023
Eternal water pump failure. Water pump came loose while Driving dumped coolant into engine causing engine to have catastrophic failure. Need a full engine replacement. Took vehicle to 2 mechanics for diagnosis. Both states vehicle has coolant in engine. Engine needs replaced I'm uploading an estimate from a certified FORD dealership after I told them the issue over the phone.
Incident date: Jun 9, 2023
Fuel pump is on safety recall with no fix in over a year
Incident date: Jun 7, 2023
While driving at night at a speed of approximately 45 mph, the car started grinding and there was a smell of metallic material burning and it was difficult to accelerate. Within seconds the automobile came to a complete stop in the middle of a moderately traveled road in the left hand turning lane. There were no messages or warning lamps that would indicate that there was a problem prior to this... Read more
Incident date: Jun 9, 2023
After driving my 2023 Nissan Rogue for approximately 1.5 months (1700 miles) I started smelling a gas odor inside the cabin while driving and while parked. The smell is causing my eyes and throat to burn and occasional nausea. While parked in my garage the smell becomes so overwhelming that I must remove the vehicle from the garage to "air out" for a few hours. Since I have an attached garage t... Read more
Incident date: Jun 12, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 3500. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at high speeds, the vehicle drove over a bump in the roadway and the ABS warning light, electronic stability control warning light, and the check engine warning light intermittently illuminated but remained illuminated. The contact stated that prior to driving over the bump, the cruise control operated as ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 14, 2023
Fuel line is leaking as with the recall, but my car shows that it is not part of the recall 189...fuel tube. Problem is the same as the recall campaign 189
Incident date: Apr 14, 2023
The informant system stopped working. Sometimes it goes snowy, then comes back on. Sometimes, especially in hot or cold weather, it goes black. It also effects my my phone connections like my GPS. The screen tells me “can not connect to server”. I travel a lot so all this is very frustrating. I was told it would be around $2000.00 to fix. Also the 2020 Trax I was told has a recall for the same... Read more
Incident date: Apr 14, 2023
Backing plate comes un riveted making lots of grinding noises. I was backing up one day and my tire sensor snapped off and my cars started grinding so badly it was un drivable.
Incident date: Jun 3, 2023
My wife was pulling into a parking space and braking. All of the sudden, the car accelerated. Fortunately, she was able to brake enough to stop it. We have a dashcam and you can see it a bit in this video: https://drive.google.com/file/d/10CzPCDWEwxmfKK4siRRTRez3YUxusMFR/view?usp=sharing
Incident date: Jun 3, 2023
Upon acceleration from a stop the transmission seriously shutters and stalls the vehicles engine seriously putting the occupants life and safety at risk as well as others. I also noticed that the vehicle shutters badly at speeds 3mph through 25mph bucking and stalling the engine all the way through making driving the vehicle a real danger and threat to the safety of others on the road. This is a s... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2023
Upon acceleration from a stop the transmission seriously shutters and stalls the vehicles engine seriously putting the occupants life and safety at risk as well as others. I also noticed that the vehicle shutters badly at speeds 3mph through 25mph bucking and stalling the engine all the way through making driving the vehicle a real danger and threat to the safety of others on the road. This is a s... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH the accelerator pedal was depressed, and the vehicle hesitated. The contact stated that the "check oil" warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact heard an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 8, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Rogue. The contact stated that the front passenger’s side seat belt warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that after buckling the passenger’s side seat belt, the light turned off. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the ORS unit sensor needed to be replaced. The mechanic informed the contact that the part was on back... Read more
Incident date: Jun 7, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced phantom braking. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The contact stated that the failure recurred several times intermittently. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately... Read more
Incident date: Jan 8, 2023
Backup camera, side blind-spot warning and park assistant failed due to inoperative DC/DC converter. All failed items safety related. Dealer service tech confirmed problem and cause. This system has been a subject of recalls on previous model years. Warning system on dashboard indicated failure of these systems.
Incident date: Jan 8, 2023
My truck has 32850 miles on it. This is the third time my ABS and EBC lights have begun flashing. My HPU and brake control module must be replaced again. Ram needs to be sued.
Incident date: May 31, 2023
The vehicle started dripping coolant at a pretty consistent rate, and it is a cracked engine block. Honda has issued a service bulletin regarding the issue, but most of these vehicles (2006-2009 Civics) are now out of warranty and have to replace the engine at their own expense.
Incident date: Apr 1, 2023
I was driving on the highway with plenty of distance between me and cars in front of me. My brake warnings came up (forward collision warning) when unnecessary, and my car stopped in the middle of the highway without me putting my foot on the brake pedal. It was a strong enough brake to jolt me forward in the car. This almost caused me to be rear-ended as the car behind me had to stop unexpectedly... Read more
Incident date: May 10, 2023
On June 1 2023 at 6:24 pm, driving at around 40 mph, the car suddenly braked hard and lurched to the left. There were no cars or other obstructions in front of the car. This braking and lurching to the left lasted a few seconds, but almost came to a complete stop. After a few seconds it resumed normal operation.
Incident date: Feb 10, 2023
Rear passenger door will not lock manually or via manufacturer installed causing issues with child safety lock and at high speeds can be opened causing injuries and or death ,Windscreen on panoramic sunroof detaches causing safety hazard
Incident date: May 1, 2023
Front end wobbles, shakes and shimmies at speeds over 50mph.
Incident date: May 30, 2023
Rear cross member corrosion making the vehicle unstable. not sure how can this happen on the vehicle that’s only 10 years old.
Incident date: May 29, 2023
Took vehicle in for update of SYNC system which worked when I dropped it off. Mechanic called said the system wasn't holding charge. Next day they called said vehicle was ready for pickup. Picked up got in and my SYNC system wouldn't turn on. That includes radio,Bluetooth, navigation, backup camera,USB port anything that system controls doesn't work. No mechanic checks for the APIM to see if it ... Read more
Incident date: May 29, 2023
Took vehicle in for update of SYNC system which worked when I dropped it off. Mechanic called said the system wasn't holding charge. Next day they called said vehicle was ready for pickup. Picked up got in and my SYNC system wouldn't turn on. That includes radio,Bluetooth, navigation, backup camera,USB port anything that system controls doesn't work. No mechanic checks for the APIM to see if it ... Read more
Incident date: May 29, 2023
Our propane tank got detached. Very dangerous. Posted on our Georgetown Facebook page and someone told me this is a known issue and I should report it.
Incident date: Nov 22, 2018
When using the automated cruise control or full self driving, it will unexpectedly phantom brake. Seems to happen more when there is full sun. I have the latest updates. Did much better when cloudy, but it would still phantom break a few times during a 12 hour trip. But when in full sun, it did brake 10+ times.
Incident date: Nov 22, 2018
When using the automated cruise control or full self driving, it will unexpectedly phantom brake. Seems to happen more when there is full sun. I have the latest updates. Did much better when cloudy, but it would still phantom break a few times during a 12 hour trip. But when in full sun, it did brake 10+ times.
Incident date: May 26, 2023
These issues are related to unintentional use of controls on the steering wheel while driving. Pressing the blue “R” button on the left-side of the steering wheel initiates an immediate change in the Driving Mode. Driving Mode includes settings to the engine, transmission, suspension, steering, driver displays and dynamic safety systems. There is an orange warning panel in the Owner's Manua... Read more
Incident date: May 26, 2023
I've noticed on 2 separate occasions my tailgate opening while driving. I see I separate recall but it doesn't include my vehicle year.
Incident date: May 22, 2023
MY 2013 NISSAN ROGUE S 2.5L 4CYl GAS QR25DE IS HAVING A CLOGGING WATER LEAK ISSUE. I STARTED EXPERIENCING THIS ISSUE OVER 6 MONTHS AGO UPTIL NOW FOR MY SUV. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE HAVING THAT LEAK IN MY PASSENGERS FRONT SIDE COMING OUT FROM MY OPEN ROOF AREA AND WETING MY INTERIOR CAR FRONT FOOT MATS AND STINCTS. THE LEAK FLOWS OUT UNDER MY VEHICLE, THERE BY, WATER GUSHES OUT WATER UNDER MY VEHICLE, L... Read more
Incident date: Oct 17, 2022
The contact’s husband owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V955000 (Fuel System, Diesel, Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted, and the vehicle was taken to the dealer where the vehicle remained. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable am... Read more
Incident date: May 4, 2023
Brake lights do not illuminate in 1 pedal driving unless accelerator pedal is fully released. I often bring the car to a complete stop with the brake lights never illuminating until I'm nearly stopped, around 5 mph or less. I often see people ride up behind me quickly and have to slam on their brakes as they don't realize I'm slowing down so rapidly. This can be repeated at any time. I have not sp... Read more
Incident date: May 4, 2023
Brake lights do not illuminate in 1 pedal driving unless accelerator pedal is fully released. I often bring the car to a complete stop with the brake lights never illuminating until I'm nearly stopped, around 5 mph or less. I often see people ride up behind me quickly and have to slam on their brakes as they don't realize I'm slowing down so rapidly. This can be repeated at any time. I have not sp... Read more
Incident date: May 4, 2023
Left Lower Lateral Control Arm Failure: One of the bolts attaching the control arm to the subframe had loosened and fallen out. The increased stress caused the other attachment point on the control arm to break resulting in complete failure. Luckily, this happened in a parking lot; on the road this would amount to an extreme safety risk. The Vehicle has been inspected by Tesla and the incident o... Read more
Incident date: May 22, 2023
As I was pulling off from a stop sign, passenger and driver airbags deployed unexpectedly with no reason causing the front windshield to shatter and leaving the steering wheel busted open along side passenger dash. Also leaving me with burns, scratches on my chin and small shards of glass in my face and forearms.
Incident date: May 21, 2023
My 2023 Ford Bronco has "Advanced" rain-sensing wipers that automatically stop wiping when they think the windshield is dry or think the wiper motor may be damaged. When driving in heavy rain with the wipers on High (or even Low), they automatically switch to Intermittent after about 1 minute. They actually stop wiping at a high speed and pause between wipes for several seconds. In order to keep t... Read more
Incident date: May 18, 2023
The contact owns a 2008 Toyota Scion TC. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The engine consumed a quart of oil every 4.5 miles. Additionally, the brake pedal went to the floorboard while depressed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that oil was leaking into the... Read more
Incident date: May 17, 2023
Weather seal on moon roof fails, allowing wind and water to enter the passenger compartment and on electrical components. Apparently this is a common issue that is only warrantied under the initial 3/36 warranty. The seal is not available separately from the glass, and the glass is “not covered” by fords ESP warranty. The glass is also not available to purchase, and the dealer service departm... Read more
Incident date: May 17, 2023
Advances Service Trac lights illuminates and disengages Anti-Lock Brake System and Hill Assist Feature. Ford has issued TSB SSM 51210 but refuses to reprogram the ABS Module. This is per Ford Pro Customer Service Supervision.
Incident date: May 17, 2023
Dash board instrument panel and radio loses all power, May even cause vehicle to shut off not able to steer, If the cruise control is set it shuts it off. It mostly happens when you apply the brake or if I operate my passenger window from driver door controls. The problem has not been confirmed by a dealer or independent service center. Has not been inspected by the manufacturer or any other repre... Read more