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: Jan 3, 2023
Anti Theft Security system is non-existent. There is a current known issue on the internet on the ease of theft of any Kia or Hyundai to certain years of manufacture. I am currently a single disabled person that could be a victim of vehicle theft because of a lack of this security software that Kia did not include on my 2015 vehicle. This Kia/Hyundai known issue could potentially leave anyone stra... Read more
Incident date: Oct 28, 2021
Two weeks after the car was repaired for a misfiring enginer, the car started misfiring again, luckily this time prior to starting to drive on public roads. Car was towed back to dealer and they replaced spark plugs; picked car up from this fix today.
Incident date: Jan 27, 2023
The contact owned a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V312000 (Air Bags) and requested to be removed from the recall distribution list as she no longer owns the vehicle. The local dealer and manufacturer were not contacted.
Incident date: Jan 27, 2023
Purchased this vehicle brand new and paid extra for Nav and a backup camera as I am a disabled Veteran! Currently have 32000 miles or so as i don't drive that much. No other lights or warnings came up before the following happened. Recently the radio stopped playing and the infotainment system went blank. It occasionally pops up a screen that says waiting on update, other than that it stays blank ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 21, 2022
The contact owns a 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle with the exterior lighting dial setting in the Auto ON position, the rear taillights failed to illuminate. The contact stated that on several occasions while operating the vehicle, other drivers alerted him that the rear taillights were not illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was only pres... Read more
Incident date: Sep 13, 2022
Air bag sensors went out making air bag inoperable.
Incident date: Sep 13, 2022
Recently every time I fill my car with gas it continuously stalls out of no where afterward then after driving it for a while it will be ok until I need gas again. The car only has 30,000 miles on it and my mechanic said the battery in brand new and the alternator is fine??? This almost caused a major accident pulling out on a 3 lane highway into traffic.
Incident date: Oct 17, 2022
While towing my 7000lb car trailer, I get a message that the trailer brakes need service, then I get another message that the trailer brakes are disabled. At this point the brakes are shut off and no longer work. This is extremely dangerous. The problem is with the truck. It does the same thing with multiple trailers of tried with electric brakes. All of these trailers work fine by my other veh... Read more
Incident date: Jan 7, 2023
The passenger side seat air bag exploded and burned my daughter’s back while she was getting into the car. The car was in park and auto started. My son was sitting in the back seat behind her while this happened. She has 1st and 2nd degree burns and thankfully my son is okay. The car has been sitting in my driveway since that day. I have contacted the dealership and GM as well as my persona... Read more
Fire
1 injured
Incident date: Jan 7, 2023
We own a 2015 Jeep Cherokee 2.4 L FWD vehicle. In the last 3 months, we have encountered ignition issues. We had several misfires when attempting to start the engine. We brought this to the attention of our local auto mechanic, and they were unsure of the cause. We spent over $1500 on inspections and repairs which included spark plug replacement, throttle body replacement, knock sensor replac... Read more
Incident date: Jan 7, 2023
Hi was making a left turn when this guys ran the last and hit me on my passenger and wheel and this air bags never deployed !
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Jan 17, 2023
Hello, My Enclave’s back up camera keeps going out and it’s identical to the issue that was under investigation by the NHTSA, which GM ultimately just issued a recall for the Cadillac XT5, XT6 and Acadia models. These cars are basically the short wheelbase versions of the Buick Enclave and the Chevrolet Traverse, and use the same parts for the backup 360 camera failure, so it makes sense tha... Read more
Incident date: Jan 17, 2023
Breaks became unusable due to lost power break fluid caused by corrosion on the lines. Fluid was completely gone and breaks were not effective at all. Dashboard showed RED light with break error. Dealer confirmed that rust build up caused the failure.
Incident date: Jan 17, 2023
Unknown. Electronic sliding doors open from the outside when vehicle is locked and no key present. Creates a safety issue as anyone can approach the vehicle and open the door. Vehicle alarm will sound, however doors still open. Issues have occurred multiple times, date listed is most recent occurrence.
Incident date: Nov 19, 2022
Message appeared on display Jan 7 2023: "Electrical system: Malfunction! Please contact service" The trunk lid opened while I was driving, the a/c quit (I am in Key West!), the auto start/stop quit. I had heard of many other Audi owners whose car just quit, so I scooted home and parked. I had it towed to Coral Gables FL at my expense, and the dealer told me it was an alternator problem that neede... Read more
Incident date: Jan 17, 2023
The integrated trailer brake system fails shortly after plugging in a trailer. I have tried both my travel trailer and flatbed trailer. Both have the same issue. This started in November 2022, the first time I tried to pull one of my trailers. The message on the driver information panel would say Trailer Braking system disabled. System needs repair. I can't pull any trailer with electric brakes ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 24, 2022
While @ highway speed, steering wheel shudders & takes over driving, (@ random times).
Incident date: Nov 24, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Ural Gear Up. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V431000 (Wheels) 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 contact stopped riding the motorcycle due to the side-car due to cracks in the rims. The failure mileage was approx... Read more
Incident date: Nov 24, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Ural Gear Up. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V431000 (Wheels) 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 contact stopped riding the motorcycle due to the side-car due to cracks in the rims. The failure mileage was approx... Read more
Incident date: Jan 10, 2023
I own a 2018 Hyundai Sonata SE. The car now has 60,000 miles on it. I first reported to the Hyundai Dealership that my valves are "chattering" with acceleration up to 35 mph. I was advised my engine was low on oil. I completed a oil change and valves are still chattering. I was advised that the engine is dirty and I would have to pay for an engine cleaning at $350.00 After the cleaning the valves ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 6, 2023
Had a recall done on my brakes because of the noise vehicle was making when going in reverse and difficulty and stopping. Brakes were replaced but current brakes do not work well and threw off a lot of dust did not fix the noise when going in reverse not sure if it needs rotors or if there’s another issue with the brakes recall not resolved
Incident date: Dec 26, 2022
I started my truck to go to work and 3 warning came on, the abs system, the traction control service, and 4x4 disengaged. This vehicle has 16,100 miles on it. I tried to drive it to the dealership for repair and the rear tires are locked up.
Incident date: Dec 26, 2022
I started my truck to go to work and 3 warning came on, the abs system, the traction control service, and 4x4 disengaged. This vehicle has 16,100 miles on it. I tried to drive it to the dealership for repair and the rear tires are locked up.
Incident date: Jan 11, 2023
Wanted to report a problem with Tesla's map navigation and adaptive cruise control (what they refer to as "Autopilot). I haven't seen this reported in the media so wanted to report it here. The map navigation system is problematic, when navigating using the map on the freeway, it will reroute a different path because it somehow thinks I am driving on surface streets. It does this consistently. ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 6, 2023
On December 6, 2022, while I was driving on a busy highway, my 2016 GMC Yukon jumped out of gear and slowed down until it was at a dead stop. I managed to pull over on the shoulder, but not before I came extremely close to another car running to the side of the vehicle at an intersection. Luckily the other driver had good breaks! Once I passed this busy intersection, I inched it very slowly to the... Read more
Incident date: Jan 10, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the “Engine Power Reduced” message was displayed. The contact attempted to depress the brake pedal, but the brake pedal was firm and hard to depress, causing the vehicle not to stop as needed. The vehicle eventually came to a stop and lost motive power and stalled. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle bu... Read more
Incident date: Dec 27, 2022
Traveling at approximately 75 mph on interstate and check engine light began to flash, car lost power directly in front of tractor trailer, car was pulled over onto an exit ramp, car was rattling/knocking, brakes would not stop the car when applied. The car was moving slowly enough up the exit ramp that once it came to a stop it began to roll backwards. Unable to stop the car from rolling by app... Read more
Incident date: Jan 9, 2023
Fuel line under hood was rubbing against a bracket and is leaking. All the hangers and clips are secured and no play in Fuel line.
Incident date: Jan 9, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Rogue. The contact stated that after rolling down the front passenger’s side window, the window became inoperable and became stuck in the down position. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 168,000.
Incident date: Nov 2, 2022
My 2009 Buick Enclave CXL, VIN 5GAEV23D79J118427: Engine caught on fire during the time i was driving it. The car hesitated as if it was going to shut off then i saw smoke coming from underneath the front hood, I pulled to the side of the road and stopped the car and open the front hood, my engine was on fire. The fire was located on the passenger side of the car or the left side of the car if you... Read more
Fire
1 injured
Incident date: Jan 3, 2023
For no apparent reason my air bag sensor light comes on intermittently while driving.
Incident date: Dec 23, 2022
The contact owns a 2005 Buick Terraza. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle crashed into a deer. The steering wheel air bag deployed and ripped into pieces. There were sparks and smoke coming from the air bag. The contact did not sustain an injury, and medical attention was not received. A police report was not filed. The contact pulled over to the side of the... Read more
Crash
BUICK
RENDEZVOUS
(2004) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jan 3, 2023
Incident date: Jan 3, 2023
Upon arriving at my destination and after i put my in park i was UNABLE to turn my engine off because the ignition was stuck in that position. I ultimately had no choice but to unhook the battery cables along with disconnecting the alternator to get my engine to turn off. Prior to this incident occasionally upon starting my car the ignition would not disengage immediately upon the engine turning o... Read more
BUICK
RENDEZVOUS
(2004) - SUSPENSION
Jan 3, 2023
Incident date: Jan 3, 2023
Upon arriving at my destination and after i put my in park i was UNABLE to turn my engine off because the ignition was stuck in that position. I ultimately had no choice but to unhook the battery cables along with disconnecting the alternator to get my engine to turn off. Prior to this incident occasionally upon starting my car the ignition would not disengage immediately upon the engine turning o... Read more
Incident date: Dec 25, 2022
The brakes are getting stuck on while I am driving. The most recent occurrence happened while I was on the highway. The car would not accelerate, the whole system was shaking, there was no safe space for me to pull over. This vehicle has a recall for this exact problem but from what the dealer is saying, not my VIN. I find it hard to believe that this has occurred and it is unrelated to a previous... Read more
Incident date: Dec 25, 2022
The brakes are getting stuck on while I am driving. The most recent occurrence happened while I was on the highway. The car would not accelerate, the whole system was shaking, there was no safe space for me to pull over. This vehicle has a recall for this exact problem but from what the dealer is saying, not my VIN. I find it hard to believe that this has occurred and it is unrelated to a previous... Read more
Incident date: Dec 22, 2022
My car started surging when I was sitting at a traffic light and as I was crossing abridge The check engine light came on - 2 codes - transmission module 0700 and module 0073
Incident date: Dec 22, 2022
My car started surging when I was sitting at a traffic light and as I was crossing abridge The check engine light came on - 2 codes - transmission module 0700 and module 0073
Incident date: Dec 22, 2022
My car started surging when I was sitting at a traffic light and as I was crossing abridge The check engine light came on - 2 codes - transmission module 0700 and module 0073
Incident date: Nov 21, 2018
Passenger airbag intermittently turns on and off when passenger is seated.
Incident date: Nov 21, 2018
Passenger airbag intermittently turns on and off when passenger is seated.
Incident date: Dec 9, 2022
The interior windshield, side widows and rear window accumulates moisture and frost and it drips down on my dashboard, down my windows, and forms a puddle in the rear of my vehicle as it melts down. I’m afraid this is going to destroy my electrical system and the interior of my vehicle. I have to wipe up the water with a towel.
Incident date: Sep 14, 2022
my 2022 buick enclave was involved in a minor accident that was a stop and go traffic . THE car is supposed to have anti collision sensors in the front grill but the car did not stop or slow down and no warning lights went off , also from the hood had a buckled bacl along with the front fenders and pushed both fenders back a little enough to prevent either front door from opening had to exit th... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Sep 14, 2022
my 2022 buick enclave was involved in a minor accident that was a stop and go traffic . THE car is supposed to have anti collision sensors in the front grill but the car did not stop or slow down and no warning lights went off , also from the hood had a buckled bacl along with the front fenders and pushed both fenders back a little enough to prevent either front door from opening had to exit th... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Sep 14, 2022
my 2022 buick enclave was involved in a minor accident that was a stop and go traffic . THE car is supposed to have anti collision sensors in the front grill but the car did not stop or slow down and no warning lights went off , also from the hood had a buckled bacl along with the front fenders and pushed both fenders back a little enough to prevent either front door from opening had to exit th... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jun 10, 2022
Condensation on passenger headlight. (80%) Just noticed condensation on driver side (15%)
Incident date: Dec 16, 2022
Hello, I’m writing concerning my Buick Enclave 2015. We have had it to dealership for side detection system failure in the past & are now incurring the same failure again! This is a big safety concern & hazard. Poor workmanship on General Motors/Buick.
Incident date: Dec 16, 2022
Hello, I’m writing concerning my Buick Enclave 2015. We have had it to dealership for side detection system failure in the past & are now incurring the same failure again! This is a big safety concern & hazard. Poor workmanship on General Motors/Buick.
Incident date: Aug 4, 2022
Purchase the vehicle new with fifteen miles in June 2022, 11/3/2022 Service Instrument Cluster failure happened during a vehicle software update in November 2022. 11/7/2022 Took the vehicle to a GM Dealer they performed a software update that was to correct the problem. However, a day later the Service Instrument Cluster light came on. parts for this are on back order. 8/04/2022 When driving, the... Read more