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: Sep 10, 2022
September 10, 2022 I was backing out of my driveway, but the car would not slow down, and I hit a tree on my neighbor's easement across the street. After a minute, I decided to move the car, put the car in drive, and again the car would not slow down, and wound up hitting the porch of my neighbor 2 houses over. I have used my left foot for braking since 1966, so it is not a case of mixing up pe... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Sep 27, 2022
At approximately 1130am, pulling into parking space in a parking lot at very low speed, 50% of vehicle was in the parking space, when suddenly the car accelerated forward. This resulted in my vehicle jumping over a safety curb and crashing into a building resulting in damage to my vehicle.
Crash
Incident date: Sep 27, 2022
At approximately 1130am, pulling into parking space in a parking lot at very low speed, 50% of vehicle was in the parking space, when suddenly the car accelerated forward. This resulted in my vehicle jumping over a safety curb and crashing into a building resulting in damage to my vehicle.
Crash
Incident date: Sep 27, 2022
At approximately 1130am, pulling into parking space in a parking lot at very low speed, 50% of vehicle was in the parking space, when suddenly the car accelerated forward. This resulted in my vehicle jumping over a safety curb and crashing into a building resulting in damage to my vehicle.
Crash
Incident date: Sep 27, 2022
I was driving and the other person ran the stop light and hit my car making me go in and hit another car from the other side.
Crash
Incident date: Sep 27, 2022
I was driving and the other person ran the stop light and hit my car making me go in and hit another car from the other side.
Crash
Incident date: Sep 27, 2022
I was driving and the other person ran the stop light and hit my car making me go in and hit another car from the other side.
Crash
Incident date: Feb 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Buick Lacrosse. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power on several occasions. The vehicle restarted after a while. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed with a faulty power inverter module. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the... Read more
Incident date: Sep 13, 2022
After heavy rain in mid-September 2022, both headlights just stopped working. The dashboard will usually display a warning or pop up symbol that something is not working, but I had no warning and got pulled over driving at dusk with no headlights. There has been been other issues with this vehicle too! The other issues include: Bluetooth connection not working at all, the transmission has “jerki... Read more
Incident date: Sep 13, 2022
After heavy rain in mid-September 2022, both headlights just stopped working. The dashboard will usually display a warning or pop up symbol that something is not working, but I had no warning and got pulled over driving at dusk with no headlights. There has been been other issues with this vehicle too! The other issues include: Bluetooth connection not working at all, the transmission has “jerki... Read more
BUICK
ENCLAVE
(2008) - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR
Sep 24, 2022
Incident date: May 12, 2022
Apparently the catalytic converter has gone defective. Plus, the backup camera stopped working.
Incident date: Jul 21, 2022
I'm in need of a repair on my 2021 Buick Encore GX. It was seen at GM of Marion on July 30 for a warning light that came on as I was driving down the road after having an oil change. It stated my power was reduced. I took it in, and they told me they had just diagnosed this problem for another Encore owner, and it took two weeks to get the part in. It is now September 22, and I still do not have... Read more
Incident date: Jul 21, 2022
I'm in need of a repair on my 2021 Buick Encore GX. It was seen at GM of Marion on July 30 for a warning light that came on as I was driving down the road after having an oil change. It stated my power was reduced. I took it in, and they told me they had just diagnosed this problem for another Encore owner, and it took two weeks to get the part in. It is now September 22, and I still do not have... Read more
Incident date: Aug 27, 2022
As going down the road the tire blew out. The vehicle is new and only has 6389 miles on the vehicle. Feel there was a defect in the tire that caused this. No warning or anything came on to advise that it was low or needed attention. It blew out and damaged the wheel, fender and door The repair estimate total was $5484.66 and I had a $500 deductible. Also had a rental that ran out because the tire ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 2, 2021
Advanced diagnostics alerts whether someone is sitting in the passenger seat or not. Sensor alerts constantly while driving. If there is a passenger sometimes the airbag light isn't lit notifying the airbag is on. This happens whether the vehicle is in motion or not and has happened many, many times.
BUICK
VERANO
(2014) - POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT
Sep 21, 2022
Incident date: Sep 19, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Buick Verano. The stated that while he was pressing the shift knob to select drive, the vehicle failed to shift into the desired gear. The contact stated he pressed the shift knob several times and the vehicle shifted into drive(D). The vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated that the shift knob needed to be replaced. On another occasion, the contact stated while driving... Read more
Incident date: Jan 2, 2022
The contact owns a 2011 Buick Lacrosse. The contact stated that the engine misfired while driving at various speeds. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that there was a defective valve in the engine which caused the misfire. The contact was informed that the failure was related to a manufacturer defect. The manuf... Read more
Incident date: Sep 12, 2022
2.4L LEA engine is burning an excessive ammount of oil. Roughly 2L of oil has been burnt within a week. Upon contacting a dealer about the issue, the issue is known and has been recalled for other GM makes of the same year with the same engine model. The engine will start knocking and then stop running, no matter if the vehicle is driving.
Incident date: Sep 17, 2022
Brakes failed. This happened twice in 14 months. Vacuum Pump had to be replaced both times. The first time it happened it was sitting in a parking lot and we just started to pull out. The second time we were on a 4 lane highway in the fast lane and had to pull the car over through the lanes to the berm of the highway. No warning lights came on and no problems beforehand. The car has been well ma... Read more
Incident date: Sep 8, 2021
My car started burning an excessive amount of oil this caused my car to die with no engine warning while driving. My mechanic found it to be completely out of oil. The car only has 67000 miles on it and now I have to constantly put oil in the car. It does not leak it just burns oil. I just drove 400 miles and when I got to my destination my car was completely out of oil again. My motor is not goin... Read more
BUICK
ENCORE GX
(2021) - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OTHER FUEL TYPES:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER:INTERCOOLER
Sep 20, 2022
Incident date: Jun 18, 2022
The contact owns a 2021 Buick Encore GX. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated with the “Engine Power Reduced message displayed. The contact stated that the vehicle lost motive power and the vehicle failed to exceed 25 MPH with the accelerator pedal depressed. The contact stated that the loss of power had become a recurring failure and ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 16, 2022
I made a right hand turn on a 25 mph street in my vehicle and the butt end of my vehicle kicked out and i temporarily lost control of my vehicle. I then heard a high pitch squealing and a thud. I was able to gain control of my vehicle and safely pull into a parking lot where my i saw my rear pass side tire jammed into the wheel well. I had my vehicle towed to the dealership Classic Painesville ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 30, 2021
The contact owns a 2017 Buick Regal. The contact stated while her son was exiting a parking spot at 5 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle failed to stop the vehicle. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle rolled to a stop. The driver took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that the vacuum pump needed to be replaced.... Read more
Incident date: Apr 2, 2022
I purchased this used vehicle in March 2022 $8500 cash. I have had problems with oil consumption since I purchased. The car stalls and turns off when the oil is low. I am literally putting a quart of oil in the car every 40-50 miles. I have 6 children to get to school and I also work. At this time I can't afford another vehicle so I'm hoping that others come forth so this car can be recalled or f... Read more
BUICK
REGAL TOURX
(2018) - POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DIFFERENTIAL UNIT
Sep 16, 2022
Incident date: Sep 9, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Buick Regal TourX. The contact stated that the driveline rear differential unit was leaking fluid onto the garage floor. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the dealer replaced the rear differential pinion seal. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 27,483.
Incident date: Aug 23, 2022
This car has front and back wheels differential issues. I bought this car last month and was on the highway when I heard loud clicking noises and tried to reverse and almost hit another driver. I took the car to 4 repair shops and was told to send it back to Carvana or Buick because of mechanical issues where Pep Boys decline to repair for they didn’t have the heavy equipment so I finally got th... Read more
Incident date: Sep 10, 2022
Car lost all electrical power while driving (moving) and fully shut down, stalling immediately. Nothing electrical worked, including 4 way flashers. The alternator was just replaced 2 weeks after this same full loss of electrical power was diagnosed when going to start the car while parked. The battery was fully recharged at the repair shop and deemed ok. I had my road service come out to address... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2006 Buick LaCrosse. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the headlamps failed to properly illuminate the roadway. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V519000 (Exterior Lightning) ho... Read more
Incident date: Sep 12, 2022
I was driving down the road and the car started cutting back, then it got real bad, has No power at all right in the middle of work hour traffic! The check engine light comes on then the traction light comes on, OnStar diagnostics sent email stating emissions system, stabil trac system and anti lock system My daughter was in the car we was in danger!!! I pay way too much for this car, I am on dis... Read more
Incident date: Sep 29, 2021
AWD has vibration at highway speeds when engaged
Incident date: Aug 24, 2022
At highway speeds with the Adaptive Cruise Control engaged, the brakes are heavily applied when other vehicles or obstructions are not observed. ACC engaged on controlled access highway no vehicles or obstructions and random hard braking takes place. Vehicle has been taken to the dealer numerous times for this condition and dealer reports no problems.
Incident date: Aug 24, 2022
At highway speeds with the Adaptive Cruise Control engaged, the brakes are heavily applied when other vehicles or obstructions are not observed. ACC engaged on controlled access highway no vehicles or obstructions and random hard braking takes place. Vehicle has been taken to the dealer numerous times for this condition and dealer reports no problems.
BUICK
LACROSSE
(2016) - POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
Sep 9, 2022
Incident date: Sep 5, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Buick Lacrosse. The contact stated that when she started her vehicle, the automatic collision unavailable, and oil leak warning message illuminated. The contact stated the warning lights were then unilluminated. The contact stated that the following day while the vehicle was parked and turned on, the power steering warning light illuminated and the steering wheel seized. Th... Read more
Incident date: Aug 13, 2022
Had an oil change done 6/13/22. 6/21/22 Temp gauge rose to 3/4 mark, AC shut off, car really hot under hood, loss of power, car threw crankshaft position sensor code which we replaced. Had the temp gauge do it few more times from 6/21/22 to 8/13/22 when temp gauge did the same thing and car really hot under hood, smoke from tailpipe and loss of power. Took to repair shop, they want to replace engi... Read more
Incident date: Feb 8, 2022
Rear vision camera or monitor does not provide adequate view of objects directly behind the vehicle, especially during daylight hours. Even moderate sunlight causes severe fading of what the driver should see on the monitor. The problem is exacerbated by inability to make any significant adjustments of contrast. One day at about noon, while moving my Buick from the driveway to an on-street parking... Read more
Incident date: Sep 4, 2022
Vehicle started flashing multiple indicators on the dashboard, including those related to the charging system. Radio screen went off and then the power steering lost electrical boost while turning the steering wheel. Radio screen came back on its own but then it started cycling among its options (AM, FM, Bluetooth, etc) until settling in FM radio. Second occurrence was similar, although with diffe... Read more
Incident date: Sep 4, 2022
Vehicle started flashing multiple indicators on the dashboard, including those related to the charging system. Radio screen went off and then the power steering lost electrical boost while turning the steering wheel. Radio screen came back on its own but then it started cycling among its options (AM, FM, Bluetooth, etc) until settling in FM radio. Second occurrence was similar, although with diffe... Read more
Incident date: Sep 4, 2022
Vehicle started flashing multiple indicators on the dashboard, including those related to the charging system. Radio screen went off and then the power steering lost electrical boost while turning the steering wheel. Radio screen came back on its own but then it started cycling among its options (AM, FM, Bluetooth, etc) until settling in FM radio. Second occurrence was similar, although with diffe... Read more
Incident date: Jul 16, 2016
When stopped on a incline and you step on brake the transmission will go out of gear ,then when you start off you have to hold brake till transmission engages, it is really scary , I have almost rolled back into another car several times . Went back to place we bought the car new , they said it must be a safety feature, it is not ! My wife is scared to even drive , love the car except for this !
Incident date: Sep 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2006 Buick Lucerne. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Incident date: Jan 1, 2022
Having problems with the power steering, was a recall but was informed recall has expired. I didn’t purchase the vehicle until 2016, steering wheel is really tight, and going to cost thousands to fix, If this is a problem GM knew about they should at least be willing in some type of assistance to correct it.
Incident date: Feb 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Buick Envision. The contact stated that the front driver’s side seat belt strap had started to fray at the seat belt connection point. The contact indicated that the fraying became progressively worse over time. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage... Read more
Incident date: Aug 20, 2022
While driving my vehicle at 55mph on a country road, I went to brake, and then realized that I had no brakes. I had to coast to a near stop and put everything I had into pushing the little bit of brake pedal clearance left to the floor to come to a complete stop. I had NO warning signs or dash lights before this happened. Once I turned my car off and then back on, the service brake assist light c... Read more
BUICK
RENDEZVOUS
(2004) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Aug 29, 2022
Incident date: Aug 26, 2022
Electrical problems,manifold gone, ants under my battery the whole vehicle was infected with them, battery wouldn't unbolt tailgate wouldn't open, it overheated
Incident date: Aug 17, 2022
The check engine light comes on and off. The dealer pulled code P0008. Engine position system performance bank. There is a bulletin out for this code, indicating the crankshaft moves and gets out of time. They said the only fix is to replace the crankshaft. The dealer advised replacing the engine, since the cost is about the same, $9,864.21. I have kept up the maintenance on the vehicle, and it ha... Read more
Incident date: Aug 29, 2022
The contact owns a 2019 Buick Regal. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V465000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) 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. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The c... Read more
Incident date: Aug 26, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Buick Verano. The contact stated while driving at 25-30 MPH, the shift lock release button mounted on the gear shifter fractured and she was unable to shift into park (P). The contact drove to the nearest independent mechanic and maintained the brake pedal depressed in order to keep the vehicle idle. The contact stated that she was also able to shift into neutral. The indep... Read more
Incident date: Aug 20, 2022
The brakes went to the floor with very little stopping power. Took the car to the dealer and the left brake line failed. The dealership said they thought since there was minor damage to the left front of the car, that this was the cause of the failure. The brake line was replaced with an aftermarket part and brake lines flushed and replaced. We had another instance of brakes going to the floor wi... Read more
Incident date: Aug 24, 2022
Per your site, GM concluded a safety recall was necessary on the 2018-2020 Buick Regal on JUNE 30, 2022 due to partial or full loss of vacuum-brake assist pressure and warns that this "increase[s] the risk of a crash." On AUGUST 23, 2022, I received notice of the safety recall in a letter obliquely dated "August 2022". The letter states that a software fix "is not currently available", but also ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 24, 2022
Per your site, GM concluded a safety recall was necessary on the 2018-2020 Buick Regal on JUNE 30, 2022 due to partial or full loss of vacuum-brake assist pressure and warns that this "increase[s] the risk of a crash." On AUGUST 23, 2022, I received notice of the safety recall in a letter obliquely dated "August 2022". The letter states that a software fix "is not currently available", but also ... Read more