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 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
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
Incident date: Jul 15, 2022
The contact owns a 2005 Buick Rainier. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the front windshield wipers and wiper fluid spray activated independently and failed to turn off. The contact also stated that occasionally the headlights would inadvertently turn off; requiring the vehicle to be restarted before the vehicle regained headlight functionality. There was no warning light i... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2022
The contact owns a 2005 Buick Rainier. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the front windshield wipers and wiper fluid spray activated independently and failed to turn off. The contact also stated that occasionally the headlights would inadvertently turn off; requiring the vehicle to be restarted before the vehicle regained headlight functionality. There was no warning light i... Read more
Incident date: Dec 13, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine revved and he was unable to shift the vehicle into the intended gear. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the turbocharger needed to be replaced. The contact referenced TSB Number: PIP5495H for the turbochar... Read more
Incident date: Oct 13, 2022
The contact owns a 2011 Buick Lucerne. The contact stated that after several attempts the vehicle failed to start-up without warning. Upon investigation, the contact linked the failure to the circuit board which was in the rear back seat. The contact stated that the rear seat latches had rubbed against the circuit box, causing the circuit to overheat. The circuit board was replaced. The contact th... Read more
Incident date: Nov 10, 2022
The fuel pump relay keeps getting hot and burning, causing the car to not start or loosing power while driving. Lost power going up a hill and around curve with no place to pull over. Could have been hit when car died in blind spot in road. Looked it up and other people on line are saying it is the seat clips hitting fuse box causing short circuit in fuse box and damaging fuse box. People said the... Read more
Incident date: Nov 10, 2022
The fuel pump relay keeps getting hot and burning, causing the car to not start or loosing power while driving. Lost power going up a hill and around curve with no place to pull over. Could have been hit when car died in blind spot in road. Looked it up and other people on line are saying it is the seat clips hitting fuse box causing short circuit in fuse box and damaging fuse box. People said the... Read more
Incident date: Dec 12, 2022
previous airbag recall, but not including my VIN. However, my airbag light is on and malfunctioning. It will cost $200 to just diagnose the repair and no idea what the cost to fix this saftey issue on a car that is only 5 years old. Please help!
Incident date: Sep 30, 2022
Moisture has been collecting in both headlight assemblies for the past 3 years, whenever the car is outside or driven in the rain. Recently, this caused both high/low beam headlights to burn out. Replacing the bulbs is not enough, as the bulbs immediately burn out/smoke and blow out because of the water accumulation. On the driver side headlight, there was actually standing water in the headlight ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 16, 2022
Purchased 2022 Buick Envision on October 15, 2022, currently has estimated 2400 miles. One month after purchase at 2200 miles, November 16th, a squeaking noise started coming from engine when you turn the vehicle off. Additionally, engine makes a whistling sound when accelerating/ changing gears. Took vehicle into service station, showed service tech the recorded incidents on video, it was indica... Read more
Incident date: Sep 19, 2022
I've had my car for 3 years. I've always kept up with it's maintenance. My engine/head gasket are blown and I found out this is a common issue with this car. The airbags also dont recognize when there are passengers in the car. I started my car up one morning in September and all of my lights started flashing. I immediately turned it off and towed it to my mechanic to find out that it pretty much ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 19, 2022
I've had my car for 3 years. I've always kept up with it's maintenance. My engine/head gasket are blown and I found out this is a common issue with this car. The airbags also dont recognize when there are passengers in the car. I started my car up one morning in September and all of my lights started flashing. I immediately turned it off and towed it to my mechanic to find out that it pretty much ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 19, 2022
I've had my car for 3 years. I've always kept up with it's maintenance. My engine/head gasket are blown and I found out this is a common issue with this car. The airbags also dont recognize when there are passengers in the car. I started my car up one morning in September and all of my lights started flashing. I immediately turned it off and towed it to my mechanic to find out that it pretty much ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 17, 2019
The component is the brakes and the brake pedal while not engaging the brakes they remained on even after the vehicle was shut off .the vehicle brake lights remained on this was not duplicated when I took the car in by the dealer of how the brake remains engaged we even when not being used I would have to release the break by pulling it up with my foot while driving . This was duplicated and witne... Read more
Incident date: Apr 17, 2019
The component is the brakes and the brake pedal while not engaging the brakes they remained on even after the vehicle was shut off .the vehicle brake lights remained on this was not duplicated when I took the car in by the dealer of how the brake remains engaged we even when not being used I would have to release the break by pulling it up with my foot while driving . This was duplicated and witne... Read more
Incident date: Apr 17, 2019
The component is the brakes and the brake pedal while not engaging the brakes they remained on even after the vehicle was shut off .the vehicle brake lights remained on this was not duplicated when I took the car in by the dealer of how the brake remains engaged we even when not being used I would have to release the break by pulling it up with my foot while driving . This was duplicated and witne... Read more
Incident date: Nov 26, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Buick Regal. The contact stated that the front driver’s side seat failed to move forward or backward. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the front driver's seat metal frame to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,164.
Incident date: Oct 14, 2022
While driving 65 mph on the hwy, in rush hour traffic my entire steering column came completely out and I lost control of my vehicle causing a 3 car wreck. The only indicator that something was wrong was that just prior to this happening the tilt on my steering wheel came undone 2 times and by the 3rd time when I pushed the wheel back up to lock it into place it came out entirely. There was no lig... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Mar 30, 2022
The contact’s wife owns a 2013 Buick LaCrosse. The contact stated that on several occasions while the brake pedal was depressed, the vehicle lunged forward and the engine stalled; however, after releasing the brake pedal, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode and then lunged forward. The contact stated that the engine engaged at low speeds. Additionally, the contact stated that there was an abnormal g... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2022
Airbag light keeps coming on and going off
Incident date: Nov 25, 2022
The contact owns a 2021 Buick Envision. The contact stated while reversing at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to stop as needed. The vehicle struck a dumpster before coming to a stop. There was no injury sustained. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but no failure was found. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 11,000.
Crash
Incident date: Feb 23, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Buick Enclave. The contact stated that while driving uphill and while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle was jerking. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired after the dealer made a contract for the repair; however, the f... Read more
Incident date: Oct 5, 2022
-A few weeks prior to accident, while driving down a 65mph highway in TX, vehicle side mirrors were folding inward. Continued to fold inward after hit button to open them multiple times. Even did this after pulled off highway and stopped/started vehicle and exiting vehicle and locking to try to create a "reset" of system. (Auto folding windows feature in infotainment was NOT selected to be ON bef... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Oct 5, 2022
-A few weeks prior to accident, while driving down a 65mph highway in TX, vehicle side mirrors were folding inward. Continued to fold inward after hit button to open them multiple times. Even did this after pulled off highway and stopped/started vehicle and exiting vehicle and locking to try to create a "reset" of system. (Auto folding windows feature in infotainment was NOT selected to be ON bef... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Oct 5, 2022
-A few weeks prior to accident, while driving down a 65mph highway in TX, vehicle side mirrors were folding inward. Continued to fold inward after hit button to open them multiple times. Even did this after pulled off highway and stopped/started vehicle and exiting vehicle and locking to try to create a "reset" of system. (Auto folding windows feature in infotainment was NOT selected to be ON bef... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Oct 15, 2022
The charging system in my vehicle is no longer working. There's been a recall done for the charging system. It was fixed back in 2013 before long before I bought the vehicle. It's only been nine years since it's been fixed and now it's not working again. I'd like this matter to be looked into as I believe it's faulty at no fault of my own.
Incident date: Oct 15, 2022
The charging system in my vehicle is no longer working. There's been a recall done for the charging system. It was fixed back in 2013 before long before I bought the vehicle. It's only been nine years since it's been fixed and now it's not working again. I'd like this matter to be looked into as I believe it's faulty at no fault of my own.
Incident date: May 30, 2017
The brake pedal sticks down during interior high temperatures (generally during the summer months when parked in the sun) and causes the brakes to drag. It appears this is a known defect (nhtsa# 10141352) gm technical service bulletin#PIC 5692D. I just want the NHTSA to be aware of another vehicle exhibiting this condition. I will be repairing the vehicle myself.
Incident date: Nov 10, 2022
As my husband was backing out of the garage to the East and turning the back end to the North so we could head forward out of our drive which is on a curve, the car accelerated and the brakes would not work. We went backwards down a very steep drive that goes to our machine shed and towards the bottom we were stopped by a tree. We could have suffered head trauma from the abrupt stop. If we had ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Nov 10, 2022
As my husband was backing out of the garage to the East and turning the back end to the North so we could head forward out of our drive which is on a curve, the car accelerated and the brakes would not work. We went backwards down a very steep drive that goes to our machine shed and towards the bottom we were stopped by a tree. We could have suffered head trauma from the abrupt stop. If we had ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Nov 16, 2022
Bought a 2017 Buick Encore November 2020 less than 6 months into owning the car check engine light came on. Purge solenoid as well as the Camshaft and 1 other component had a leak brought it to dealership and it was covered under warranty for repairs. Fast forward about a year and a half there is another leak will be bringing back to dealership and paying out of pocket for leaks because of a rough... Read more
BUICK
REGAL TOURX
(2018) - POWER TRAIN
Nov 17, 2022
Incident date: Nov 15, 2022
@ 40,000 miles The Buick Regal Tour X is making a loud humming noise from shifting gears from the transmission and a noise near the engine, when slowing down to 5 mph, loud humming noise can be heard. I took the car to GM service department and the mechanic told me he couldn't find anything wrong. I told him Yet, Yet?? I want to be proactive on this transmission issue.
BUICK
REGAL TOURX
(2018) - ENGINE
Nov 17, 2022
Incident date: Nov 15, 2022
@ 40,000 miles The Buick Regal Tour X is making a loud humming noise from shifting gears from the transmission and a noise near the engine, when slowing down to 5 mph, loud humming noise can be heard. I took the car to GM service department and the mechanic told me he couldn't find anything wrong. I told him Yet, Yet?? I want to be proactive on this transmission issue.
Incident date: Apr 12, 2022
Car has hard shift's that get worse when the car is up to temperature. Fuel gauge show's false reading. Two window regulators failed.
Incident date: Apr 12, 2022
Car has hard shift's that get worse when the car is up to temperature. Fuel gauge show's false reading. Two window regulators failed.
Incident date: Apr 12, 2022
Car has hard shift's that get worse when the car is up to temperature. Fuel gauge show's false reading. Two window regulators failed.
Incident date: Nov 14, 2022
Fuel gauge false reading. Hard shift's
Incident date: Nov 14, 2022
Fuel gauge false reading. Hard shift's
Incident date: Nov 14, 2022
Our new 2023 Buick ENCORE GX's brakes continually GRAB whether we are approaching a slowed vehicle in front of us or not. Also, beginning yesterday, the brake pedal that I step on to start the vehicle was totally locked up and I was unable to start the car for awhile. Then, this issue went away and I could start the vehicle. More so, the constant grabbing of the brakes is dangerous. There is no rh... Read more
Incident date: Nov 14, 2022
Our new 2023 Buick ENCORE GX's brakes continually GRAB whether we are approaching a slowed vehicle in front of us or not. Also, beginning yesterday, the brake pedal that I step on to start the vehicle was totally locked up and I was unable to start the car for awhile. Then, this issue went away and I could start the vehicle. More so, the constant grabbing of the brakes is dangerous. There is no rh... Read more
Incident date: Oct 26, 2022
I was sitting in a drivethru line and reached down to tighten my seat belt because it felt lose and the entire steel cord that attaches the seatbelt to the front outboard seating snapped in half. There is a steel cord/cable that connects the pretensioner to the seat belt. This 1 inch thick cord was unraveled and severed. This gave me great concern because this cord was likely on the verge of snap... Read more
Incident date: Oct 28, 2022
Malfunction of a cooper CS5 Ultra Touring tire 245/4519. I noticed that the PSI of front drivers tire was low. Put air in tire, one week later the PSI was low again. I was vacationing in the mountains, so I started down the mountain to go to the nears gas station for air. I had driving apex. 2 miles when I heard the sound of a flat tire. I had to pull over on the side of this narrow road and wa... Read more
Incident date: Oct 28, 2022
Malfunction of a cooper CS5 Ultra Touring tire 245/4519. I noticed that the PSI of front drivers tire was low. Put air in tire, one week later the PSI was low again. I was vacationing in the mountains, so I started down the mountain to go to the nears gas station for air. I had driving apex. 2 miles when I heard the sound of a flat tire. I had to pull over on the side of this narrow road and wa... Read more
BUICK
ENCORE GX
(2020) - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV)
Nov 9, 2022
Incident date: Nov 9, 2022
The contact’s mother-in-law owns a 2014 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while his mother-in-law was driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the PCV valve needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that on another occasion while his mother-in-law was driving, the veh... Read more
Incident date: Aug 25, 2020
The headlight area had condensation in it that resulted in water in the headlight. This caused the headlight to go dark. This is a safety issue as one of my headlights is not working. I can’t see that section of the road or adjacent sidelines. Very dangerous particularly at this time of year with deer running into road from the side. There are many other regal owners with this problem whic... Read more
Incident date: Aug 25, 2020
The headlight area had condensation in it that resulted in water in the headlight. This caused the headlight to go dark. This is a safety issue as one of my headlights is not working. I can’t see that section of the road or adjacent sidelines. Very dangerous particularly at this time of year with deer running into road from the side. There are many other regal owners with this problem whic... Read more
Incident date: Aug 25, 2020
The headlight area had condensation in it that resulted in water in the headlight. This caused the headlight to go dark. This is a safety issue as one of my headlights is not working. I can’t see that section of the road or adjacent sidelines. Very dangerous particularly at this time of year with deer running into road from the side. There are many other regal owners with this problem whic... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2022
My 2013 Buick Enclave transmission needed to be rebuilt after only 140,000 miles. While my cars transmission was being repaired there were 5 other Buick Enclaves being rebuilt as well. The internet shows that it is the number 1 car issue in Buick Enclaves. There needs to be some kind of recall for this issue. There is no reason that a transmission should be rebuilt on so many Enclaves.
Incident date: Oct 22, 2022
While driving at highway speed, Service Traction Control/Stabilitrak warning comes on. Vehicle slows and if driver attempts to accelerate (using accelerator pedal), it causes severe lurching of vehicle. This makes the vehicle basically undrivable while in the middle of traffic. You must use emergency measures to pull over (potentially across multiple lanes) off the road and while trying to do t... Read more