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: Mar 16, 2022
Sunroof messing up electrical system clogs up easily radio and everything else don't work right electrical all messed up because it clogging sunroof crankshaft won't relearn
Incident date: Mar 16, 2022
Sunroof messing up electrical system clogs up easily radio and everything else don't work right electrical all messed up because it clogging sunroof crankshaft won't relearn
Incident date: Jun 27, 2021
The contact owns a 2012 Buick LaCrosse. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after a while. The contact stated that the service stabili trac warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the error code. The vehicle was not repaired. The conta... Read more
Incident date: Jun 27, 2021
The contact owns a 2012 Buick LaCrosse. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after a while. The contact stated that the service stabili trac warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the error code. The vehicle was not repaired. The conta... Read more
Incident date: Jun 30, 2021
The contact owns a 2012 Buick Lacrosse. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle stalled on several occasions. The stability trac and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after several attempts. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The mechanic was una... Read more
Incident date: Jun 30, 2021
The contact owns a 2012 Buick Lacrosse. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle stalled on several occasions. The stability trac and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after several attempts. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The mechanic was una... Read more
Incident date: May 27, 2022
My Buick Regal 2013 ( VIN = 2G4GS5EV6D9229705 ) has needed (3) out of the (4) wheel bearings replaced. It only has 55,000 miles. I am not clear whether a wheel bearing is a safety issue, but I believe it could be.
Incident date: May 29, 2022
Traction control and abs. Acceleration jerking
Incident date: May 29, 2022
Traction control and abs. Acceleration jerking
Incident date: Apr 15, 2022
Vehicle has been to GM dealership many times for problems related to reduced engine power, stabilitrack, and traction control issues. Dealer replaced relay switches, problem appeared to be fixed. While driving on a busy road, engine power reduced, stabilitrack, and traction control warnings illuminated. Car reduced speed nearly causing an accident while driving and power steering failed. Police n... Read more
Incident date: Apr 15, 2022
Vehicle has been to GM dealership many times for problems related to reduced engine power, stabilitrack, and traction control issues. Dealer replaced relay switches, problem appeared to be fixed. While driving on a busy road, engine power reduced, stabilitrack, and traction control warnings illuminated. Car reduced speed nearly causing an accident while driving and power steering failed. Police n... Read more
Incident date: Apr 15, 2022
Vehicle has been to GM dealership many times for problems related to reduced engine power, stabilitrack, and traction control issues. Dealer replaced relay switches, problem appeared to be fixed. While driving on a busy road, engine power reduced, stabilitrack, and traction control warnings illuminated. Car reduced speed nearly causing an accident while driving and power steering failed. Police n... Read more
Incident date: May 26, 2022
The contact owns a 2011 Buick Regal. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 25 MPH, there was a squeaking noise coming from the wheels and the vehicle was driving very loosely. The contact noticed that the lower control arm in the rear of the vehicle was fractured. The contact was a certified mechanic and diagnosed that the rear suspension needed to be replaced. The dealer was not ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 31, 2022
Leased this car at the end of March. When I attempted to install the car seat for my grandson I could not find the LATCH anchors. My sales rep attempted to find them and could not. I finally was told to make a service appointment and the service manager could not find them. He contacted GM and after getting a response from them told me they are an "option" and I could have them order parts 2078822... Read more
Incident date: May 6, 2022
Hard to turn steering wheel when braking, parking, and completely stopped. No leaks and fluid is full.
Incident date: Jul 1, 2020
The contact owns a 2016 Buick Cascada. The contact stated that the rear windshield glass had begun to separate from the convertible top headliner. The contact attempted to repair the failure by using epoxy glue, but the failure returned over time. The contact took the vehicle to a dealer where she was provided a quote to replace the top. Upon investigation, the contact discovered a service bulleti... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2020
The contact owns a 2016 Buick Cascada. The contact stated that the rear windshield glass had begun to separate from the convertible top headliner. The contact attempted to repair the failure by using epoxy glue, but the failure returned over time. The contact took the vehicle to a dealer where she was provided a quote to replace the top. Upon investigation, the contact discovered a service bulleti... Read more
Incident date: Jun 29, 2020
I was driving and service power steering message came on and all of a sudden my steering wheel got so hard i couldn't even turn my wheel it was so hard to pull over i put my hazard lights on so i could let traffic know im having trouble with my car it happened 3times the first time 2020 second time 2021 and 2022
Incident date: Jun 29, 2020
I was driving and service power steering message came on and all of a sudden my steering wheel got so hard i couldn't even turn my wheel it was so hard to pull over i put my hazard lights on so i could let traffic know im having trouble with my car it happened 3times the first time 2020 second time 2021 and 2022
Incident date: Jun 29, 2020
I was driving and service power steering message came on and all of a sudden my steering wheel got so hard i couldn't even turn my wheel it was so hard to pull over i put my hazard lights on so i could let traffic know im having trouble with my car it happened 3times the first time 2020 second time 2021 and 2022
Incident date: May 20, 2022
while driving, the check engine light came on, traction assist light and then the car lost power steering. Very scary.
Incident date: May 20, 2022
We own a 2017 Buick Envision with approximately 42,000 miles on it. While on her way home from work, my wife experienced brake failure that almost caused her to be in an accident. I checked the fluid and the brake fluid level was low. I added fluid and it leaked out as soon as the brake pedal was depressed, which to me points to a failed brake line.
Incident date: May 21, 2022
HID HEADLIGHTS MOISTURE ACCUMULATION INSIDE HOUSING MANUFACTURING DEFECT CAUSE IS EITHER A CRACK IN HEADLIGHT HOUSING OR SEAL COULD CAUSE DAMAGE TO BULBS AND/OR BALLAST/WIRING
Incident date: May 21, 2022
Moisture in headlights causes light to fail while driving .
Incident date: Jan 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2010 Buick Enclave. The contact stated that after entering the vehicle, there was a knocking noise coming from the vehicle prior to starting the engine. After starting the vehicle, the noise became louder. While operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated and a humming noise was present. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who indicated tha... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2010 Buick Enclave. The contact stated that after entering the vehicle, there was a knocking noise coming from the vehicle prior to starting the engine. After starting the vehicle, the noise became louder. While operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated and a humming noise was present. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who indicated tha... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2010 Buick Enclave. The contact stated that after entering the vehicle, there was a knocking noise coming from the vehicle prior to starting the engine. After starting the vehicle, the noise became louder. While operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated and a humming noise was present. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who indicated tha... Read more
Incident date: Jan 10, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Buick Verano. The contact stated that the front driver’s side seat was no longer adjustable. The contact was unable to adjust the height in order to see over the steering wheel. Additionally, while operating the vehicle the check engine warning light remained illuminated; the vehicle failed to properly accelerate. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dea... Read more
Incident date: Jan 10, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Buick Verano. The contact stated that the front driver’s side seat was no longer adjustable. The contact was unable to adjust the height in order to see over the steering wheel. Additionally, while operating the vehicle the check engine warning light remained illuminated; the vehicle failed to properly accelerate. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dea... Read more
Incident date: Dec 17, 2021
The contact owned a 2008 Buick Enclave. The contact stated while driving at 20 MPH, a warning message indicating that the vehicle was overheated illuminated. The contact pulled into a nearby parking lot. The contact then opened the hood of the vehicle by engaging the power release button inside of the vehicle. The contact saw black smoke and flames coming out from underneath the hood. The contact ... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Apr 20, 2022
The fuel pump relay kept burning out. And caused the fuse box terminal heat damage. Almost started on fire and started smoking. Vehicle stalled out on the freeway and the Dept of Public safety towed my vehicle off the freeway.
Incident date: Apr 20, 2022
The fuel pump relay kept burning out. And caused the fuse box terminal heat damage. Almost started on fire and started smoking. Vehicle stalled out on the freeway and the Dept of Public safety towed my vehicle off the freeway.
Incident date: Apr 20, 2022
The fuel pump relay kept burning out. And caused the fuse box terminal heat damage. Almost started on fire and started smoking. Vehicle stalled out on the freeway and the Dept of Public safety towed my vehicle off the freeway.
Incident date: May 8, 2022
I was driving down the highway at 75 mph with my kids in the car and the vacuum pump for the brakes went out which caused my brake pedal to seize up and car brakes would not work while in traffic. I was barely able to get off the highway and get the car to stop. This issue with the pump failing also put debris into the motor and caused motor failure. There was no warning lights on the dash and ... Read more
Incident date: May 8, 2022
I was driving down the highway at 75 mph with my kids in the car and the vacuum pump for the brakes went out which caused my brake pedal to seize up and car brakes would not work while in traffic. I was barely able to get off the highway and get the car to stop. This issue with the pump failing also put debris into the motor and caused motor failure. There was no warning lights on the dash and ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 11, 2020
A "Service Side Detection Error" is causing multiple electrical issues in the front dash: prevent defrost and heat from working in the middle of a Vermont winter. This prevents me from seeing where I am going. This has also caused erratic problems with any function/feature on my electric panel, and erratic errors that come and go. There is a VERY HIGH NUMBER of Buick drivers who have had this e... Read more
Incident date: Dec 11, 2020
A "Service Side Detection Error" is causing multiple electrical issues in the front dash: prevent defrost and heat from working in the middle of a Vermont winter. This prevents me from seeing where I am going. This has also caused erratic problems with any function/feature on my electric panel, and erratic errors that come and go. There is a VERY HIGH NUMBER of Buick drivers who have had this e... Read more
Incident date: Dec 11, 2020
A "Service Side Detection Error" is causing multiple electrical issues in the front dash: prevent defrost and heat from working in the middle of a Vermont winter. This prevents me from seeing where I am going. This has also caused erratic problems with any function/feature on my electric panel, and erratic errors that come and go. There is a VERY HIGH NUMBER of Buick drivers who have had this e... Read more
Incident date: Apr 2, 2022
My car continues to run on battery. I’ve had the battery and alternator replaced
Incident date: Apr 21, 2022
Currently my vehicle has issue with dash board and instrument panel getting hot to the touch after driving for approximatly an hour also causing an odor. The heater/ac stays on continuesly never turns off and the heating up issue exists with either temperature.
Incident date: May 11, 2022
This auto has 34,000 on it. The problem is sudden acceleration. This would be the third time this happen for this auto. If there are any questions that you might have my email address is [XXX]. Best Regards! [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Incident date: May 4, 2022
I went to turn my wheel and it wouldn't turn left then the rack and pinion broke the wheel just turns 360 to the left but no movement in turning lost all steering
Incident date: May 8, 2022
The contact owns a 2008 Buick Enclave. The contact stated while driving 3-5 MPH and making a turn, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact's husband was able to continue driving the vehicle however, extra effort was needed to steer the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving. The contact stated that up... Read more
Incident date: May 6, 2022
Both headlights have condensation and are not working.
Incident date: May 6, 2019
The contact owns a 2006 Buick Terraza. The contact stated that the antitheft alarm engaged inadvertently, causing the vehicle to shutoff while driving. The START/STOP Disabled message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that a steering wiring cable might be detached. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred twice while driving. The vehicle was... Read more
Incident date: May 6, 2019
The contact owns a 2006 Buick Terraza. The contact stated that the antitheft alarm engaged inadvertently, causing the vehicle to shutoff while driving. The START/STOP Disabled message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that a steering wiring cable might be detached. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred twice while driving. The vehicle was... Read more
Incident date: May 6, 2019
The contact owns a 2006 Buick Terraza. The contact stated that the antitheft alarm engaged inadvertently, causing the vehicle to shutoff while driving. The START/STOP Disabled message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that a steering wiring cable might be detached. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred twice while driving. The vehicle was... Read more
Incident date: Feb 6, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Buick Encore. The contact stated while his daughter was driving at various speeds, the check engine warning light illuminated and the vehicle stalled inadvertently. The contact's daughter was unable to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic on three separate occasions where the turbo charger, the under-boost sensor, and spark plugs were replac... Read more
Incident date: May 6, 2022
Vehicle has been in and out of shop since Feb 2022 for 'limp mode' disabled due to faulty booster or something. Vehicles leave driver stranded unable to accelerate or maneuver vehicle to avoid a collision. I'm told this is a well known problem for both this vehicle and the chevy cruze although no recalls are out for this huge safety issue. Somebody is seriously going to get injured if driver is u... Read more
Incident date: May 6, 2022
Vehicle has been in and out of shop since Feb 2022 for 'limp mode' disabled due to faulty booster or something. Vehicles leave driver stranded unable to accelerate or maneuver vehicle to avoid a collision. I'm told this is a well known problem for both this vehicle and the chevy cruze although no recalls are out for this huge safety issue. Somebody is seriously going to get injured if driver is u... Read more