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: 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
Incident date: Nov 5, 2022
fuel vapor system leaks gas fumes into car. Replaced all fuel lines, pulled tank, renewed canister. 10 months later fumes are again entering car cabin. 105,000 total miles.
Incident date: Oct 16, 2022
My car read that the side detection system went offline, shortly after every warning light on the dash came on and the entire car shut off going down the road.
Incident date: Oct 16, 2022
My car read that the side detection system went offline, shortly after every warning light on the dash came on and the entire car shut off going down the road.
Incident date: Oct 27, 2022
Power steering an steering wheel locks, Once this happens the car becomes a safety hazard, first time it happened two children were in the car and seconds from an accident on the freeway. Exited the freeway and car steering wheel failed again this time stopped working completely putting my children’s life in danger.
Incident date: Oct 27, 2022
Power steering an steering wheel locks, Once this happens the car becomes a safety hazard, first time it happened two children were in the car and seconds from an accident on the freeway. Exited the freeway and car steering wheel failed again this time stopped working completely putting my children’s life in danger.
Incident date: Oct 27, 2022
The car power steering locked and stopped working while driving on the freeway, this incident put at risk myself and my children safety. After exiting the freeway the steering wheel stopped working again. this is a known issue as the car steering power was not recalled but the issue was acknowledged but GM. The car is a safety hazard for the person who drive it and the public.
Incident date: Oct 27, 2022
The car power steering locked and stopped working while driving on the freeway, this incident put at risk myself and my children safety. After exiting the freeway the steering wheel stopped working again. this is a known issue as the car steering power was not recalled but the issue was acknowledged but GM. The car is a safety hazard for the person who drive it and the public.
Incident date: Oct 27, 2022
The car power steering locked and stopped working while driving on the freeway, this incident put at risk myself and my children safety. After exiting the freeway the steering wheel stopped working again. this is a known issue as the car steering power was not recalled but the issue was acknowledged but GM. The car is a safety hazard for the person who drive it and the public.
Incident date: Oct 31, 2022
In October 2021, while driving, the car lost power. Several indicators displayed at the time, including: • Service Engine • Service Stabilitrak • Service Antilock Brakes • Service Transmission I managed to pull the car to the side of the road and restart it, but it was stuck in first gear. After several restarts it performed normally. I took the car to Miller & Sons, they told me they co... Read more
Incident date: Oct 24, 2022
Car keeps jolting forward on it’s. This almost caused me to slam into the back of someone’s car on the highway in bumper to bumper traffic. While trying to slow down the car forcefully slams forward. Other times I have been trying to accelerate from a stop and the car slams forward. When this happens everyone is thrown forward this started happening after repair at Jack Gimbalvo Buick body sho... Read more
Incident date: Oct 24, 2022
Car keeps jolting forward on it’s. This almost caused me to slam into the back of someone’s car on the highway in bumper to bumper traffic. While trying to slow down the car forcefully slams forward. Other times I have been trying to accelerate from a stop and the car slams forward. When this happens everyone is thrown forward this started happening after repair at Jack Gimbalvo Buick body sho... Read more
Incident date: Jan 18, 2022
Brakes failed while coming to a stop causing me to crash into the back of someone. Also all dash and radio and shifter lights went out and came back on at the same time brakes failed. Brake issue still not fixed by GM Buick.
Crash
Incident date: Jan 18, 2022
Brakes failed while coming to a stop causing me to crash into the back of someone. Also all dash and radio and shifter lights went out and came back on at the same time brakes failed. Brake issue still not fixed by GM Buick.
Crash
Incident date: Aug 15, 2022
10/26/2022 Dealer inspection of vehicle brake system. Owner concerned with pulsing sensation at higher speeds when braking. Dealer discovered 'uneven pad wear on front axle and rear rotors worn and have excessive thickness variation.' Dealer 'recommends front and rear brake job.' Vehicle has 23,600 miles. Brakes are wearing excessively for low mileage. Dealer verbally recommended future insp... Read more
Incident date: Sep 11, 2022
The dash warning light indicated the blind spot warning system needs service. The passenger side warning light on the side view mirror stopped working. Subsequent internet searches indicated that the bumper module has gone bad. No response from the dealership yet. Other repair shops have quoted $400 to $860 to repair. This is a safety issue.
Incident date: Sep 11, 2022
The dash warning light indicated the blind spot warning system needs service. The passenger side warning light on the side view mirror stopped working. Subsequent internet searches indicated that the bumper module has gone bad. No response from the dealership yet. Other repair shops have quoted $400 to $860 to repair. This is a safety issue.
Incident date: Oct 24, 2022
I purchased my 2015 buick in May of 2015. At about December of 2017 the drivers HID head light was breached and moisture crept in creating an inner fog and eventually a puddle of water. In the falloff 2018 the same thing happened on the passengers side. I've removed both head assemblies and tried to fix the problem with very little success. Now I am looking at replacing both lamp assemblies at a c... Read more
Incident date: Oct 21, 2022
When I am driving my vehicle will just stall. If I do not let my car run for at least 5-10 minutes before I go anywhere it will stall out on me not long after. It has stalled on the highway, even a few times with my 6 year old in the vehicle. After it stalls out a lot of times I have to park it, turn it off, open my door/shut it, then wait for the inside light go out before I try to start it back ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 21, 2022
Car applied emergency braking when it should not have (and could have caused an accident)! Details: Driving approx 20 mph in traffic on highway in Houston. Approx 3-4 car lengths behind vehicle in front of me. There were cars to the left and right of us, .. they were staying within their lanes. For no apparent reason, the automatic braking system applied the brakes. The four of us in the ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 17, 2022
Tires are measuring low tread (4/32in) under 27,000. At under 25,000 miles on 6/17/2022, my vehicle experienced a blowout at low speed (approx 20mph), minutes after it had been parked. No pressure sensors were alarming until the blowout occurred. I have a case with Michelin, but the dealership won't contact them. I have a case with GM, but they will not honor the existing service bulletin 19-NA-07... Read more
Incident date: Oct 22, 2022
While driving down the highway at 60 mph with myself my husband and my 7 year old son my steering wheel locked up and then jolted very hard to the left. Got the car pulled to side of the road the power assist warning started flashing this all happened Saturday October 22, 2022. It had never happened before turned the car off and checked fluids they were filled to where they needed to be started ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2022
The engine light has come on and a diagnostic check has been made and I was told it needed the transmission replaced. This car has only 112,000 miles on it and has been maintained. Why would there be transmission issues with low mileage?
Incident date: Jul 4, 2022
I was driving the LaCrosse in my neighborhood. A few minutes into the trip, I noticed a burning kind of smell. Then I saw smoke coming from the left side under the hood. I pulled over to the side of the road and exited the car to check, but the smoke quickly got worse and became flames. I then called 911.The police and fire department responded, and they were able to extinguish the fire. However, ... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Oct 9, 2022
Vehicle check engine light (illuminated amber picture of an engine) came on. Vehicle started running rough. Difficulty keeping the vehicle running at idle. Engine running rough/poor acceleration. Drove vehicle to local service center and left for diagnosis and repair. Service center scanned computer for codes. Found the P.C.V. vacuum control in the valve cover had torn its diaphragm and the engin... Read more
Incident date: Sep 25, 2022
I am the Fire Marshal in Ashtabula Ohio. Fire occurred in the driver's seat cushion. The origin of the fire was determined to be below the seat covering in the area of the springs and foam padding. the only competent ignition sources in the area are a computer module, power seat motors and seat heater coil. The computer module was eliminated during the investigation leaving only the heater and p... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Oct 10, 2022
Buick issued a Special Coverage Adjustment notice for the passenger prescence sensor Reference Number: N15202352 Letter was sent to all customers, I did not ever receive it. I recently started experiencing error messages with my airbags. Upon taking it to the dealer, the airbag sensor issue is related to the notice listed above. Because I never received the notice, I wasn't on alert for issues.... Read more
Incident date: Oct 10, 2022
Buick issued a Special Coverage Adjustment notice for the passenger prescence sensor Reference Number: N15202352 Letter was sent to all customers, I did not ever receive it. I recently started experiencing error messages with my airbags. Upon taking it to the dealer, the airbag sensor issue is related to the notice listed above. Because I never received the notice, I wasn't on alert for issues.... Read more
Incident date: Oct 12, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Buick Enclave. The contact stated that while accelerating, the fourth gear jumped to the fifth gear and was stuck. No warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the transmission specialist test-drove the vehicle and was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the gear was b... Read more
Incident date: Oct 12, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Buick Enclave. The contact stated that while accelerating, the fourth gear jumped to the fifth gear and was stuck. No warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the transmission specialist test-drove the vehicle and was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the gear was b... Read more
Incident date: Apr 8, 2022
Vehicle seems to loose power, radio & power sterring turn off and back on constantly. Shows message " Service Stability Track". I took it back to the lot where I purchased it, they had 2 different mechanics look at it and they could not figure out what is wrong with it. Picked up the vehicle a week in a half later and the vehicle was fine for a week or so and then it started up again. all power is... Read more
Incident date: Apr 8, 2022
Vehicle seems to loose power, radio & power sterring turn off and back on constantly. Shows message " Service Stability Track". I took it back to the lot where I purchased it, they had 2 different mechanics look at it and they could not figure out what is wrong with it. Picked up the vehicle a week in a half later and the vehicle was fine for a week or so and then it started up again. all power is... Read more
Incident date: Sep 7, 2022
The contact owns a 2011 Buick Lacrosse. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made rattling noises and was shaking. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the struts needed to be replaced; however, the replacement part was no longer being manufactured. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The fai... Read more
BUICK
REGAL TOURX
(2018) - SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Oct 11, 2022
Incident date: Aug 20, 2022
The contact owned a 2018 Buick Regal Tourx. The contact stated while his daughter was driving approximately 55 MPH and under wet misty road conditions, she saw that the vehicle ahead had stopped, she depressed the brake pedal in a panic stop. The vehicle did not stop and crashed into the rear of the other vehicle. The contact stated that his daughter did not notice any warning lights being illumin... Read more
Incident date: Oct 6, 2022
Driving on the highway and abs, stabltrack and steering lights came on. This is the third time in 2 years that a wheel bearing failed on this vehicle. A magnet ring in the wheel bearing that sensors wheel speed failed and fractured causing a loss of power steering, abs, and traction control.
Incident date: Oct 6, 2022
Driving on the highway and abs, stabltrack and steering lights came on. This is the third time in 2 years that a wheel bearing failed on this vehicle. A magnet ring in the wheel bearing that sensors wheel speed failed and fractured causing a loss of power steering, abs, and traction control.
Incident date: Oct 6, 2022
Driving on the highway and abs, stabltrack and steering lights came on. This is the third time in 2 years that a wheel bearing failed on this vehicle. A magnet ring in the wheel bearing that sensors wheel speed failed and fractured causing a loss of power steering, abs, and traction control.
Incident date: Sep 22, 2022
While driving my car in normal weather/temperature conditions, the driver side sunroof literally exploded. There was a very loud bang, like someone fired a gun next to my head, and initially I thought someone had shot out one of my car windows with a gun. Upon seeing it was the sunroof I then thought an object had falled through the sunroof window. However, upon inspection, the sunroof window glas... Read more
Incident date: Oct 5, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Buick LaCrosse. The contact stated that the driver's side front seat belt cable was fractured. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the driver's side front seat belt needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The manufacturer advised the contact to file a complaint wit... Read more
Incident date: Sep 6, 2022
The Electronic Parking Brake has had multiple apparent malfunctions and one complete failure. On several occasions the parking brake failed to disengage completely with multiple warning dash lights illuminating. One such incident apparently self-corrected after being left parked overnight our semi-heated garage, with another incident only partially disengaged the parking brake with warning light... Read more
Incident date: Sep 6, 2022
The Electronic Parking Brake has had multiple apparent malfunctions and one complete failure. On several occasions the parking brake failed to disengage completely with multiple warning dash lights illuminating. One such incident apparently self-corrected after being left parked overnight our semi-heated garage, with another incident only partially disengaged the parking brake with warning light... Read more
Incident date: Sep 29, 2022
Rear end accident. Distracted driver hit the back of my car at least at 40 mph. No airbags deployed.
Crash
Incident date: Sep 22, 2022
Fuel Sending Unit. Yes. Loss of power and control of vehicle due to no fuel. Mechanics have confirmed it as a common problem with GM fuel sending unit/pump No. No warnings, no lights, no indication of problem. I received a second pump and sending unit from GM and had the same problem for a 2nd time of fuel reading inaccurately and causing me to lose vehicle functionality.
Incident date: Sep 15, 2022
Buick Envision 2016 Mileage - 58315 One owner The car has had three events over the last year where it would not start. After the car is driven for awhile and after it's parked and turned off, it will not start. Everything in the car will function (windows, radio, door locks) but there seems to be a disconnect between the key-fob and the device that communicates with it. There is never a warning ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 15, 2022
Buick Envision 2016 Mileage - 58315 One owner The car has had three events over the last year where it would not start. After the car is driven for awhile and after it's parked and turned off, it will not start. Everything in the car will function (windows, radio, door locks) but there seems to be a disconnect between the key-fob and the device that communicates with it. There is never a warning ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 12, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Buick Regal. The contact stated that while driving around curves, the vehicle felt wobbly and unstable. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The contact stated that she received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V764000 (Suspension). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the c... Read more
Incident date: Sep 16, 2022
The contact owned a 2017 Buick Enclave. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 20 MPH and then making a turn, a deer jumped out onto the road and after it was hit, the vehicle was sent into a marsh wetland. The contact stated that all the air bags failed to deploy and that the passenger side hit a tree and the driver side of the vehicle was partially in the pond. No warning lights ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Sep 21, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Buick LaCrosse. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at 55 MPH, the vehicle began to lose motive power as the parking assist warning light appeared on the instrument panel. The contact's daughter also stated that the vehicle had lunged forward prior to losing power. Additionally, the power locks had started to lock and unlock independently. The vehicle was... Read more
Incident date: Sep 28, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Buick Lacrosse. The contact stated while driving at 55 MPH, another vehicle spun uncontrollably and crashed into the driver's side door of the vehicle and the door caved in. The contact hit the left side of her head against the front driver's side window. The air bags failed to deploy. The fire department assisted the contact out of the vehicle by cutting the driver-side do... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Sep 20, 2022
The contact owned a 2012 Buick Verano. The contact stated while driving at 30 MPH, another vehicle was traveling in the opposite direction and struck the front driver side of the contact’s vehicle causing damage to the front end of both vehicles. The air bags did not deploy in the contact's vehicle but in the other vehicle, the air bags did deploy. No major injuries and no one seeking medical at... Read more
Crash