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 2, 2021
Twice I was driving my car going about 35-45 mikes an hour. My car started to shake along with a loud humming sound. I lost my power steering and brakes. The over drive light was flashing both on the right under radio and on the dash. The RPMs started racing as well one time for sure. I was able to get to the side of the road and hit the emergency brake at the same time put it into park. I was so ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 2, 2021
Twice I was driving my car going about 35-45 mikes an hour. My car started to shake along with a loud humming sound. I lost my power steering and brakes. The over drive light was flashing both on the right under radio and on the dash. The RPMs started racing as well one time for sure. I was able to get to the side of the road and hit the emergency brake at the same time put it into park. I was so ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 2, 2021
Twice I was driving my car going about 35-45 mikes an hour. My car started to shake along with a loud humming sound. I lost my power steering and brakes. The over drive light was flashing both on the right under radio and on the dash. The RPMs started racing as well one time for sure. I was able to get to the side of the road and hit the emergency brake at the same time put it into park. I was so ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 24, 2021
The turbo charger is underboost and can explode the engine with oil flying everywhere
Incident date: Jul 23, 2021
We purchased this vehicle in May 2016 and from the beginning had strange issues with the engine. It was in and out of the dealer with them trying to figure out the exact problem. They could not, so they contacted GM for approval for an engine replacement. We were concerned about going this route but were assured it would be taken care of for the life of the car. After the replacement in July 2... Read more
Incident date: Jul 23, 2021
We purchased this vehicle in May 2016 and from the beginning had strange issues with the engine. It was in and out of the dealer with them trying to figure out the exact problem. They could not, so they contacted GM for approval for an engine replacement. We were concerned about going this route but were assured it would be taken care of for the life of the car. After the replacement in July 2... Read more
Incident date: Jul 23, 2021
We purchased this vehicle in May 2016 and from the beginning had strange issues with the engine. It was in and out of the dealer with them trying to figure out the exact problem. They could not, so they contacted GM for approval for an engine replacement. We were concerned about going this route but were assured it would be taken care of for the life of the car. After the replacement in July 2... Read more
Incident date: Aug 25, 2021
Replaced many components and still has cylinder misfire . Replaced coils . Spark plugs. Vvt solenoids . Pigtails for vvt and still jerks, stalls, and radio doesn't work.
Incident date: Aug 23, 2021
Brakes started grinding at 1000 miles. I will filed a complaint with the dealership and hope they record it. Now I have approximately 2100 miles on the car and it continues to sound and feel like my brake pad and rotor on the right front are grinding every time I apply the brakes. On July 23 2021 an own coming 18 wheeler did not see me and made a left turn in front of me at the traffic light . I s... Read more
Incident date: May 5, 2021
The contact owns a 1998 Buick Regal. The contact stated that the vehicle would not start. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 317,000.
Incident date: Aug 9, 2021
After shifting the vehicle into park and shutting off the engine I get a warning light on the dash that says shift to park. Even though the vehicle is already in park.
Incident date: Mar 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2017 Buick LaCrosse. The contact stated that while at a stoplight the fuel-saving feature activated and the engine shut-off. After removing his foot from the brake pedal the STOP/START feature failed to activate. The contact used the Push to Start button and restarted the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable to duplicate the failure. The failure pers... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2017 Buick LaCrosse. The contact stated that while at a stoplight the fuel-saving feature activated and the engine shut-off. After removing his foot from the brake pedal the STOP/START feature failed to activate. The contact used the Push to Start button and restarted the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable to duplicate the failure. The failure pers... Read more
BUICK
REGAL TOURX
(2018) - BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING
Aug 24, 2021
Incident date: Aug 27, 2018
The backup grid randomly disappears on the rear view camera when the vehicle is in reverse. This happens at least 1-2 times every trip, and sometimes as often as every other time I put the transmission in reverse.
BUICK
REGAL TOURX
(2018) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Aug 24, 2021
Incident date: Aug 27, 2018
The backup grid randomly disappears on the rear view camera when the vehicle is in reverse. This happens at least 1-2 times every trip, and sometimes as often as every other time I put the transmission in reverse.
Incident date: Aug 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2012 Buick LaCrosse. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 44,000.
Incident date: Aug 16, 2021
The contact owns a 2014 Buick LaCrosse. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 mph, the power steering suddenly failed, and the steering wheel became very difficult to turn in either direction. During the failure, the power steering warning message had displayed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who reprogrammed the power steering module however, the failure recurred. Th... Read more
Incident date: Aug 19, 2021
AT 3:30PM THE DRIVER APPLIED THE BRAKES IN A LINE OF CARS AT ABOUT 25 MPH. THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR AND THE BRAKES FAILED COMPLETELY. THE CAR THEN ACCELLERATED INDEPENDENTLY AND STRUCK ANOTHER CAR IN FRONT. ROAD WAS WET, SLIGHT GRADE. THE 2007 BUICK WAS A TOTAL LOSS.
Crash
Incident date: Aug 19, 2021
AT 3:30PM THE DRIVER APPLIED THE BRAKES IN A LINE OF CARS AT ABOUT 25 MPH. THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR AND THE BRAKES FAILED COMPLETELY. THE CAR THEN ACCELLERATED INDEPENDENTLY AND STRUCK ANOTHER CAR IN FRONT. ROAD WAS WET, SLIGHT GRADE. THE 2007 BUICK WAS A TOTAL LOSS.
Crash
Incident date: Jun 16, 2021
The contact owns a 2021 Buick Encore. The contact had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V440000 (Equipment) however, the part to do the recall repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair however, the dealer removed the emergency jack and c... Read more
Incident date: Aug 3, 2021
The contact owns a 2012 Buick Enclave. The contact stated that while his wife was driving 45 MPH and approaching a stop sign, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact managed to coast the vehicle to the shoulder of the roadway and attempted to restart the vehicle however, the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the pisto... Read more
Incident date: Aug 16, 2021
When I fill my gas up my gas gauge goes to empty, the low fuel light comes on, and my check engine light comes on. I can run out of gas and another can hit me. This is very unsafe, not just for me but others. Buick needs to fix this before someone gets seriously hurt or killed. This is a law suit waiting to happen.
Incident date: Feb 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2013 Buick Lacrosse. The contact received a notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V764000 (Suspension) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer on 4 separate occasions and was informed each time that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer had been notified of the recall. The contact stated that the man... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2021
When I shift the car from park to drive it does a VERY HARD jerk. And vehicle has no codes on dash or anything
Incident date: Aug 1, 2021
When I shift the car from park to drive it does a VERY HARD jerk. And vehicle has no codes on dash or anything
Incident date: Aug 1, 2021
When I shift the car from park to drive it does a VERY HARD jerk. And vehicle has no codes on dash or anything
Incident date: Apr 30, 2021
Headlight housing leaks water into headlight. This appears to be a problem with this vehicle as I read numerous complaints about this.
Incident date: Aug 13, 2021
2012 BUICK ENCLAVE. CONSUMER WRITES SEEKING REIMBURSEMENT TO FOR VEHICLE REPAIRS. THE CONSUMER STATED AIR CONDITION LINE HAD A SMALL HOLE CAUSED BY IMPROPER INSTALLATION. THE LINE RUBBED AGAINST THE ADJACENT TUBE.
Incident date: Aug 12, 2021
To start things off the car would crank but not start. My wife did some research and these cars have a problem with the fuel pump relay shorting out. So I replaced it and it fixed the problem for a few days. I was driving home from work and the car shut off. I could smell plastic burning. I pulled over and pulled the fuse box cover off which is located under the rear seat and I pulled the relay ou... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2012 Buick Lacrosse. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V764000 (Suspension) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2021
After buying car from Car dealer named Carizona in Mesa Arizona. 1 week later car needs new engine. Initially message appeared stating Engine Performance reduced after leaving the car dealer. How is it that a car dealer purchases a car not ensuring safety of its vehicles. Was there even a safety check. What if I or someone else got hurt after driving that vehicle. There are multiple safety reports... Read more
Incident date: Aug 9, 2021
The contact owns a 2012 Buick Lacrosse. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V764000 (Suspension) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The man... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2018
Electrical System/Technical Issues with Intellink features. Vehicle will not come out of VALET Mode. Wifi shows several addresses of info I'm never used & I'm not using. The Cruise Control feature of vehicle Has Never worked since car was purchased Brand New off the lot. Warning signal constantly appears on dashboard in red for a second but unable to read it* too brief. The dealership has all the ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2018
Electrical System/Technical Issues with Intellink features. Vehicle will not come out of VALET Mode. Wifi shows several addresses of info I'm never used & I'm not using. The Cruise Control feature of vehicle Has Never worked since car was purchased Brand New off the lot. Warning signal constantly appears on dashboard in red for a second but unable to read it* too brief. The dealership has all the ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2018
Electrical System/Technical Issues with Intellink features. Vehicle will not come out of VALET Mode. Wifi shows several addresses of info I'm never used & I'm not using. The Cruise Control feature of vehicle Has Never worked since car was purchased Brand New off the lot. Warning signal constantly appears on dashboard in red for a second but unable to read it* too brief. The dealership has all the ... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2016
The contact owns a 2017 Buick Envision. The contact stated while driving 45-50 mph, a week after purchasing the vehicle, she noticed that the headlights were significantly dim. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact stated that the failure recurred while driving. The dealer was made aware of the failure... Read more
Incident date: Nov 3, 2020
Rear suspension Reported March 19 2020. Campaign # 1ov110000 It sounds terrifying. Like the whole back of the. Back ankle will fall off going down the road. And then. If you have to back up. It sounds worse
Incident date: Aug 8, 2021
Door locks somtimes would lock or unlock and other times not work at all. Made it a issue when parking or entering the car. I had to replace the lock mechanism in the doors. The car has 99135 miles on it but should not have a problem especally the back doors since they are not used very often.
Incident date: Dec 30, 2020
The contact owns a 2010 Buick LaCrosse. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 20V764000 (Suspension) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not yet... Read more
Incident date: Aug 2, 2021
The contact owns a 2013 Buick LaCrosse. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign number: 20V764000 (Suspension). The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The part was not available for the repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not ava... Read more
Incident date: Jul 27, 2021
While driving at approximately 55 mph, my power steering went out (at first I thought I had blown a tire). It became almost impossible to perform any quick/reactionary steering changes. I put on my hazards and drove to the dealership and then for a second opinion with my local trusted mechanic. Both advised the electronic steering assembly went bad, that there is a new part #, indicative of a h... Read more
Incident date: Jul 27, 2021
While driving at approximately 55 mph, my power steering went out (at first I thought I had blown a tire). It became almost impossible to perform any quick/reactionary steering changes. I put on my hazards and drove to the dealership and then for a second opinion with my local trusted mechanic. Both advised the electronic steering assembly went bad, that there is a new part #, indicative of a h... Read more
Incident date: Jan 21, 2021
Our steering went out on Interstate 65 while traveling about 70 miles per hour. We were near an exit and I was able to pump my brakes and get off without causing an accident that could have caused a multiple pile-up, injuries and potential deaths. The problem was diagnosed and repaired by a GM Dealership. The car was towed directly for repair—no manufacturer (other than GM repair), police or ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2017
The contact owns a 2010 Buick Lacrosse. The contact stated that the passenger occupant sensor would fail to operate with an occupant in the seat. The contact also stated that the service air bag warning message would intermittently illuminate on the instrument panel while driving at various speeds, with a passenger seated in the seat. The dealer was notified of the failure but offered no assistanc... Read more
Incident date: Jan 3, 2021
The contact owns a 2014 Buick Lacrosse. The contact stated that while driving 70-75 mph, the steering wheel popped up to the dashboard and became inoperable, however, the contact was able to exit the highway. The power steering assist service message was displayed. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the power steering housing and power steering... Read more
Incident date: Jul 19, 2021
The contact's niece owns a 2012 Buick LaCrosse. The contact stated that while driving various speeds, the battery warning light would illuminate on the instrument panel as the vehicle would stall. The "service battery charging system" warning message would also appear on the instrument panel as the vehicle would fail to restart. The contact was able to assist his niece by towing the vehicle to his... Read more
Incident date: Jul 31, 2021
Rear door with the automatic open/close feature. While accessing the rear portion of the vehicle (looking in boxes, accessing under floor storage compartment,etc) I have experienced on several occasions where the door starts to close. I was able to turn around, push the door upwards and the door stopped closing and reversed to the open area. This happened to our Buick Enclave that we own in Canada... Read more
Incident date: Aug 3, 2021
The contact owns a 2013 Buick LaCrosse. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V764000 (Suspension) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 3, 2021
The contact owns a 2013 Buick LaCrosse. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign number: 20V764000 (Suspension) 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 manufacturer was notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool c... Read more
BUICK
ROADMASTER
(1996) - STEERING
Aug 2, 2021
Incident date: Sep 1, 2016
The contact owns a 1996 Buick Roadmaster. The contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed, the steering wheel was steering to the left while the vehicle was going to the right as well as while steering to the right the vehicle was going to the left. The dealer or independent mechanic was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The fa... Read more