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: Feb 1, 2022
Car been smelling like gas for awhile engine light pop on and off. My car will not start I have replace the fuel pump car still won’t get gas . Replaced battery numerous of times battery keep won’t stay charge . I have a recall on my car I believe the suspension is under recall as well. I also had to replace my windshield wiper motor a few times slapped against my windshield and cracked winds... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Feb 1, 2022
Car been smelling like gas for awhile engine light pop on and off. My car will not start I have replace the fuel pump car still won’t get gas . Replaced battery numerous of times battery keep won’t stay charge . I have a recall on my car I believe the suspension is under recall as well. I also had to replace my windshield wiper motor a few times slapped against my windshield and cracked winds... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Feb 2, 2022
My car shutters and shakes when switching gear. My mechanic believes it’s transmission and or torque. My mechanic said he has fixed at least 6 of them recently as well and is very surprised there is no recall
Incident date: Sep 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2012 Buick Lacrosse. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a grinding sound coming from the rear-end of the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted; however, no additional assistance was provided. The contact stated that the fa... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2022
Unable to use radio/rearview camera putting at higher risk of crashing when backing out.
Incident date: Oct 1, 2021
The contact's uncle owns a 2012 Buick Regal. The contact stated that the front headlights were burned out. The contact was unsure whether there was a warning light illuminated. The contact did not provide further information. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer who diagnosed that there was condensation in the frontal headlights and that the front headlight assemblies... Read more
Incident date: Apr 30, 2019
When using adaptive cruise control, this vehicle will allow you to get close to the vehicle in front of you and aggressively apply brakes which throws you forward. The dealer has looked at this vehicle several times for this issue, changed several sensors but the problem still still exists. Because of this issue I cannot use my Adaptive Cruise Control.
Incident date: Apr 30, 2019
When using adaptive cruise control, this vehicle will allow you to get close to the vehicle in front of you and aggressively apply brakes which throws you forward. The dealer has looked at this vehicle several times for this issue, changed several sensors but the problem still still exists. Because of this issue I cannot use my Adaptive Cruise Control.
Incident date: Dec 13, 2021
Interior Chrome Driver Door Handle: The chrome film splits which caused a sharp edge on the edge of the chrome film of the door handle. I cut the edge of my finger on this sharp edge. When I took my vehicle in to have this handle replaced, I had to purchase the entire Driver's Side Door Panel just to get the handle. When speaking to my Service Rep, he informed me of another elderly customer tha... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Jan 29, 2022
Airbag light is on and car has not ben accident.
Incident date: Jan 27, 2022
In July of 2018, the brake pedal started to stick in the "on" position. The car was not driveable once the brakes stuck. It seemed to be associated with very hot weather. I replaced the entire brake pedal assembly with a factory brake pedal assembly. Now, in January of 2022, the replacement assembly is starting to bind. This appears to be a defective part. There are many postings on the internet a... Read more
Incident date: Nov 26, 2021
In driving cross country, filled up the fuel tank and resumed travel when the fuel gauge immediately went to empty (I didn’t even have time to drive up the highway ramp back onto the highway). The alerts started ringing and blinking and dash board told me there was no fuel. I went to a gravel area and inspected the engine compartment, under the car and the interior to be sure I was not missing... Read more
Incident date: Jan 24, 2022
The car cuts off whwn you're driving it without warning. I have had the crankshaft position sensor replaced two times and it continues to fail. There are even reports in the internet that list this as a problem with this vehicle. I am afraid that someone will hit me from the rear and cause me injury or death. I am about to have this sensor replaced for a third time. It's absolutely ridiculous that... Read more
Incident date: Jan 24, 2022
I was driving at night switched headlights to high beams - few minutes later switched back to low beams and ALL LIGHTS dash and head lights went completely out . Tried to pull head light knob and nothing - pitch black . Luckily i was a short distance from my home. This is EXTREMELY DANGEROUS ! I have found 33 complaints (so far) about this same problem. This definitely should qualify and b... Read more
Incident date: Jan 24, 2022
I was driving at night switched headlights to high beams - few minutes later switched back to low beams and ALL LIGHTS dash and head lights went completely out . Tried to pull head light knob and nothing - pitch black . Luckily i was a short distance from my home. This is EXTREMELY DANGEROUS ! I have found 33 complaints (so far) about this same problem. This definitely should qualify and b... Read more
Incident date: Jan 24, 2022
I was driving at night switched headlights to high beams - few minutes later switched back to low beams and ALL LIGHTS dash and head lights went completely out . Tried to pull head light knob and nothing - pitch black . Luckily i was a short distance from my home. This is EXTREMELY DANGEROUS ! I have found 33 complaints (so far) about this same problem. This definitely should qualify and b... Read more
Incident date: Jan 24, 2022
Fuel pump relay under vehicles back seat fried out due to the back seat hitting the fuse box cover and grounding out the fuel pump relay. My child was in the back seat and said there was smoke coming from the back seat and the fuse box nearly caught on fire. After reading online I am appalled that this has not been recalled yet. There was 0 warning, no lights on dash, I did not file a police repo... Read more
Incident date: Jan 24, 2022
Fuel pump relay under vehicles back seat fried out due to the back seat hitting the fuse box cover and grounding out the fuel pump relay. My child was in the back seat and said there was smoke coming from the back seat and the fuse box nearly caught on fire. After reading online I am appalled that this has not been recalled yet. There was 0 warning, no lights on dash, I did not file a police repo... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2011
Electronic Stability Control Systems (ESC) activates a couple times a week every other month for several years. Multiple Warning lights flash, needles on two dials rotate erratically resulting in sudden changes in vehicle handling and deceleration, and on wet roads which cause me difficulty in maintaining the vehicle's desired path of travel and desired vehicle speed, and could result in a crash ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 3, 2019
1.Passenger airbag- warning light gives me a daily message to service the airbag. I worry about whether the airbag will deploy at any moment or may not deploy if an accident occurs as I travel with my children daily. 2.Power steering- My power steering locked as I was driving 2 years ago. The auto shop has replaced/repaired the power steering system multiple times, however steering continues to wh... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Jan 20, 2022
2012 BUICK LACROSSE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO NHTSA SAFETY RECALL 20V-764 THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE BEGAN ZIG-ZAGGING AND BECAME DIFFICULT TO DRIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AT A LOCAL AUTO REPAIR SHOP DUE TO THE PARTS BEING UNAVAILABLE AT THE DEALER. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED TO BE REIMBURSED FOR THE COST OF REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED, BUT DENIED REIMBURSEMENT ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 18, 2022
When I tried to stop at the traffic light, the car suddenly accelerated and went forward. At that time, the car brake was engaged. On the same day; When I tried to go forward at the traffic light, the car suddenly accelerated. The dealer service center said, "We cannot find any issue with the transmission."
Incident date: Jan 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2020 Buick Regal GS equipped with Continental ProContact TX Tires, Tire Size: 245/40/R19, DOT Number: 6Y66WBR71819. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the TPMS warning light indicated that the rear driver’s side tire air pressure was low. The tire lost air pressure and became flat. Also, later the front passenger’s side tire developed bubbles and had to b... Read more
Incident date: Sep 6, 2021
When the car is in auto engine shut off mode, when the brake is released the steering power assist message displays, the steering wheel locks up, the doors unlock and the interior and exterior lights flash. The car will start back up but it takes a second to start. The car is also starting to not start back up and completely shut off at the light. All of the lights will start flashing. This is... Read more
Incident date: Sep 6, 2021
When the car is in auto engine shut off mode, when the brake is released the steering power assist message displays, the steering wheel locks up, the doors unlock and the interior and exterior lights flash. The car will start back up but it takes a second to start. The car is also starting to not start back up and completely shut off at the light. All of the lights will start flashing. This is... Read more
Incident date: Sep 6, 2021
When the car is in auto engine shut off mode, when the brake is released the steering power assist message displays, the steering wheel locks up, the doors unlock and the interior and exterior lights flash. The car will start back up but it takes a second to start. The car is also starting to not start back up and completely shut off at the light. All of the lights will start flashing. This is... Read more
Incident date: Dec 10, 2020
The contact owns a 2013 Buick Lacrosse. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V764000 (Suspension) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that there was a waiting list for parts. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer wa... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2007
On the SVC list, the traction control will turn off unexpectedly & the check engine light will come on. Recently, when this occured, 01/09/2022, the vehicle would start to jerk & lose power. The vehicle eventually recovered after a few minutes at reduced speed. Speed of vehicle during these occurences was any where from 30 to 45 mph, on good asphalt road, driving at a constant speed. Will retu... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2007
On the SVC list, the traction control will turn off unexpectedly & the check engine light will come on. Recently, when this occured, 01/09/2022, the vehicle would start to jerk & lose power. The vehicle eventually recovered after a few minutes at reduced speed. Speed of vehicle during these occurences was any where from 30 to 45 mph, on good asphalt road, driving at a constant speed. Will retu... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2007
On the SVC list, the traction control will turn off unexpectedly & the check engine light will come on. Recently, when this occured, 01/09/2022, the vehicle would start to jerk & lose power. The vehicle eventually recovered after a few minutes at reduced speed. Speed of vehicle during these occurences was any where from 30 to 45 mph, on good asphalt road, driving at a constant speed. Will retu... Read more
Incident date: Jan 5, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Buick Lacrosse. The contact stated that upon reversing, he noticed that the steering wheel had lost power steering functionality. The “Power Steering Failure” warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that he was able to forcefully steer the steering wheel and drove to his residence that was not too far away. The contact stated that the next day, he restarted th... Read more
Incident date: Oct 25, 2021
On the morning of October 25, 2021 at approximately 7:05 am, I was fixing to leave to go to work. The carport light was on, so I open the door to my car, slid into the driver’s seat, started the car up and the lights came on. As I was starting to get out of the car to go turn the carport lights off, I realized the car was going backwards. I tried to get back into the driver’s seat to try to... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Oct 25, 2021
On the morning of October 25, 2021 at approximately 7:05 am, I was fixing to leave to go to work. The carport light was on, so I open the door to my car, slid into the driver’s seat, started the car up and the lights came on. As I was starting to get out of the car to go turn the carport lights off, I realized the car was going backwards. I tried to get back into the driver’s seat to try to... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jan 6, 2022
Driver's seat plastic frame components came apart from one another on left side. This area contains electric seat wiring and motors and connectors. Parts of plastic connectors have broken and seat must be held together with strapping tape. This was (several years ago) "repaired" twice under warranty but continues to fail. I fear the electrical components within the seat frame are at risk. The... Read more
Incident date: Nov 25, 2021
The contact owns a 2015 Buick Lacrosse. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, he noticed that the steering wheel did not have power steering. The warning message "Service Power Steering" was illuminated. The contact was able to take the vehicle to the dealer by forcefully steering the steering wheel. The dealer test drove the vehicle and diagnosed that no issues were found. The contac... Read more
Incident date: Dec 9, 2021
The contact owns a 2008 Buick Enclave. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the traction control warning light illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was appr... Read more
Incident date: Nov 18, 2021
While driving, I received a call that routed through the Bluetooth hands-free system. Within seconds of receiving the call, the entire system seemed to blitz out and shut the car off completely. Luckily I was not going fast and was able to glide to the side. I lost almost all the ability to control the car. If this had been on the freeway it wouldn't have ended as well.
Incident date: Nov 18, 2021
While driving, I received a call that routed through the Bluetooth hands-free system. Within seconds of receiving the call, the entire system seemed to blitz out and shut the car off completely. Luckily I was not going fast and was able to glide to the side. I lost almost all the ability to control the car. If this had been on the freeway it wouldn't have ended as well.
Incident date: Dec 29, 2021
Have had the car in the Buick dealership numerous times to get these things fixed. Each time was told it was fixed and I paid for parts and labor. 1. Engine Light keeps coming on. 2. traction light keeps coming on. 3. Power steering goes out 4. Press on gas and have to floor it in order to just crawl to a place to stop. 5 Hard jumps after stopping at a light Have had this in to Tasca Buick a... Read more
Incident date: Dec 29, 2021
Have had the car in the Buick dealership numerous times to get these things fixed. Each time was told it was fixed and I paid for parts and labor. 1. Engine Light keeps coming on. 2. traction light keeps coming on. 3. Power steering goes out 4. Press on gas and have to floor it in order to just crawl to a place to stop. 5 Hard jumps after stopping at a light Have had this in to Tasca Buick a... Read more
Incident date: Dec 29, 2021
Have had the car in the Buick dealership numerous times to get these things fixed. Each time was told it was fixed and I paid for parts and labor. 1. Engine Light keeps coming on. 2. traction light keeps coming on. 3. Power steering goes out 4. Press on gas and have to floor it in order to just crawl to a place to stop. 5 Hard jumps after stopping at a light Have had this in to Tasca Buick a... Read more
Incident date: Nov 28, 2021
I purchased the vehicle in 07/2021 through the Drive time Dealership. The first concern is that as you go over the agreement the cost of the vehicle is well over the actual blue book value which $24,000 plus. But then there is the blinded words which cover the interest rate and the false mathematics that is used to confuse you. I realized that in the end of that process it is stated that I would ... Read more
BUICK
REGAL
(2019) - EQUIPMENT:MECHANICAL:ACCESSORY SCISSOR/SCREW/BOTTLE JACK/LIFT:STAND
Dec 22, 2021
Incident date: Dec 20, 2021
In attempt to change a flat tire (front passenger side), I loosened the 5 lug nuts (1/4-turn), raised the vehicle (Buick Regal Sportback) and the jack collapsed to one side at the hinge points at both ends of the threaded shaft as I was about to remove the 5th lug nut. Note the slotted connections at the hinge/pivot points (see attached photo).
Incident date: Dec 22, 2021
I pulled out of a gas station and about 1 mile down the road my car all of a sudden would not accelerate; it was stuck at a maximum of 35mph. The transmission/check engine light did not go on for at least another mile until I was able to pull off the side of the road. Car was towed to a local AAMCO where it was determined that entire transmission failed with no warning whatsoever.
Incident date: Dec 22, 2021
I pulled out of a gas station and about 1 mile down the road my car all of a sudden would not accelerate; it was stuck at a maximum of 35mph. The transmission/check engine light did not go on for at least another mile until I was able to pull off the side of the road. Car was towed to a local AAMCO where it was determined that entire transmission failed with no warning whatsoever.
Incident date: Jan 4, 2021
The climate control systems have stopped working. The temperature is locked to the last set temperature and blower zone (blowing lightly on feet only). It is available for inspection upon request. This is a significant safety issue as the climate control panel will not power on, affecting defrost for all windows. This is especially dangerous in Michigan during the winter months due to the need fo... Read more
Incident date: Dec 2, 2021
The Body Control Module went out. I had it replaced. I do not know how long my back running light were out. I had brake and tag lights. There were no warning messages.
Incident date: Dec 16, 2021
The contact owns a 2015 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the power steering assist warning light illuminated and the steering wheel was locked. Additionally, a burning odor was detected, and the tachometer was inoperable while driving. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure an... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Dec 16, 2021
The contact owns a 2015 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the power steering assist warning light illuminated and the steering wheel was locked. Additionally, a burning odor was detected, and the tachometer was inoperable while driving. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure an... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Dec 1, 2021
Drivers airbag light stays on - immobilisation light stays on, car won't start. Both of these issues were addressed by TSB and complaints