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: Jul 27, 2021
The power lift trunk closes unexpectedly. It has been doing it a few times and it is very dangerous as it does not stop when something stops it. It closed on my head and pushed me inside the vehicle - it injured my head with the impact drawing blood. It is scary how dangerous this is!!
1 injured
Incident date: Jul 2, 2021
The contact owns a 2021 Buick Encore GX. 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 dealer was made aware of the recall but informed the contact that parts were not available. The manufac... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2021
I HAVE ATTACHED A DOCUMENT TO THIS INCIDENT REPORT EXPLAINING THE ISSUES WE ARE FACING WITH OUR BUICK REGAL!! THE 2013 BUICK REGAL ALL MODELS NEED TO BE IMMEDIATELY RECALLED BECORE MORE PEOPLE BECOME SERIOUSLY INJURED BY THE CARELESSNESS OF GENERAL MOTORS
Incident date: Dec 31, 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 made a... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2011 Buick Lacrosse. The contact received a notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V764000 (Suspension) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that the part was not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount... Read more
Incident date: Jun 5, 2021
-The electrical system failed, causing the fuel pump to not work properly due to design flaw in the backseat putting pressure on the fuse box which is located under the backseat. The spot where contact is made to the fuse box, is where the fuel pump relay is. Pressure from the seat bracket (with or without a passenger in the seat) causes the pump replay to not make proper contact with the terminal... Read more
Fire
1 injured
Incident date: Jun 5, 2021
-The electrical system failed, causing the fuel pump to not work properly due to design flaw in the backseat putting pressure on the fuse box which is located under the backseat. The spot where contact is made to the fuse box, is where the fuel pump relay is. Pressure from the seat bracket (with or without a passenger in the seat) causes the pump replay to not make proper contact with the terminal... Read more
Fire
1 injured
Incident date: Jun 5, 2021
-The electrical system failed, causing the fuel pump to not work properly due to design flaw in the backseat putting pressure on the fuse box which is located under the backseat. The spot where contact is made to the fuse box, is where the fuel pump relay is. Pressure from the seat bracket (with or without a passenger in the seat) causes the pump replay to not make proper contact with the terminal... Read more
Fire
1 injured
Incident date: Jul 27, 2021
Low beam headlights intermittently go out. Work ok one minute, then go dark. Very dangerous. Known issue under GM recall # 14291. The national highway traffic safety administration campaign ID number 15V-519. Problem has been confirmed by West-Herr Dodge in Rochester NY. Per info I have found this does not appear to have been permanently fixed by GM. As such the repair should be done at no char... Read more
Incident date: Jul 19, 2021
THERE IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THIS MODEL AS WELL AS OTHER 2.4 LITRE GM ENGINES WHERE THE PCV VALVE MAY BECOME CLOGGED AND IF IT IS NOT FIXED IT CAN CAUSE THE REAR OIL SEAL TO BE DAMAGED, HENCE RENDERING THE ENGINE USELESS. THERE IS A SPECIAL COVERAGE BULLETIN THAT COVER THIS VEHICLE AND OTHERS UNDER CERTAIN VIN NUMBERS. HOWEVER MY VEHICLE HAD THE SAME ISSUE AND IS OVER $1`,000 TO DIAGNOSE AND FIX.... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2011 Buick LaCrosse. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 20V764000 (Suspension) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer 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 ma... Read more
Incident date: May 10, 2021
The contact's girlfriend owns a 2018 Buick Encore. The contact stated while his girlfriend was driving 35 mph, the vehicle inadvertently shifted to neutral and all the door latches unlocked independently. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated. The driver continued driving to her destination. The contact stated he also experienced the same failure while driving up a hill. T... Read more
Incident date: May 10, 2021
The contact's girlfriend owns a 2018 Buick Encore. The contact stated while his girlfriend was driving 35 mph, the vehicle inadvertently shifted to neutral and all the door latches unlocked independently. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated. The driver continued driving to her destination. The contact stated he also experienced the same failure while driving up a hill. T... Read more
Incident date: Jun 10, 2021
The trunk allows water to enter each time it rains. This causes water to collect in the spare tire department in the trunk. After it rains, trunk must be vacuumed out in order to retrieve water out of trunk. Unfortunately, this has caused my trunk liner to mold completely, as well as to begin molding under my back seat. My daughter and I have a mold allergy which has been affected by the mold in t... Read more
2 injured
Incident date: Jun 28, 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 not available. The contact stated that while driving 70 mph, the vehicle decelerated inadvertently almost to a complete stop. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and another dealer Wilkins Buick-GMC (6913 Ritchie Hwy, Glen Burnie, ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 28, 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 not available. The contact stated that while driving 70 mph, the vehicle decelerated inadvertently almost to a complete stop. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and another dealer Wilkins Buick-GMC (6913 Ritchie Hwy, Glen Burnie, ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 6, 2021
While driving on highway the engine stopped suddenly and steering wheel was locked. The car had to be towed to repair shop.
Incident date: Jul 6, 2021
While driving on highway the engine stopped suddenly and steering wheel was locked. The car had to be towed to repair shop.
Incident date: Jul 22, 2021
All 4 Michelin Premier LTX 225 / 60 R 18 tires are worn down to (on 2 tires) and below (on 2 tires) the unsafe level, where the vehicle cannot even pass an insnspection, due to safety concerns. The mileage this occurred at is 26,175 miles. These tires are “rated” by Michelin for 60,000 miles. I say rated because they carry a 60,000 mile tread life warranty, in writing (and on their website) fr... Read more
Incident date: Jul 2, 2021
No accident. I bought this brand new car on May 29, 2021, and have been experiencing brake issues. When I apply the brakes, there is a weird noise, grinding type and it feels like there is less traction (like when slowing down on snow). I have to apply more pressure to my brakes to slow the vehicle and come to a stop. The problem occurs quite often.
Incident date: Jan 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2012 Buick Regal. 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 yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 22, 2021
High speed wiper function does not work.
Incident date: Jul 13, 2021
The contact owns a 2019 Buick Enclave. The contact stated while driving downhill, he shifted to a lower gear and was depressing on the brake pedal however, the vehicle inadvertently accelerated. The contact also stated that the RPM was very high. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated he continued driving but had to stop 5 times to allow the vehicle to cool down. T... Read more
Incident date: Jul 13, 2021
The contact owns a 2019 Buick Enclave. The contact stated while driving downhill, he shifted to a lower gear and was depressing on the brake pedal however, the vehicle inadvertently accelerated. The contact also stated that the RPM was very high. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated he continued driving but had to stop 5 times to allow the vehicle to cool down. T... Read more
Incident date: Jul 13, 2021
The contact owns a 2019 Buick Enclave. The contact stated while driving downhill, he shifted to a lower gear and was depressing on the brake pedal however, the vehicle inadvertently accelerated. The contact also stated that the RPM was very high. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated he continued driving but had to stop 5 times to allow the vehicle to cool down. T... Read more
Incident date: Jul 20, 2021
The contact owns a 2011 Buick Regal. The contact stated that after a rainstorm, moisture entered the driver’s side headlight housing causing the bulb to blow. The contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V484000 (Exterior Lighting) which he linked to the failure however, the Vin was not included. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mil... Read more
Incident date: Jul 8, 2021
While the vehicle was driving, there was a loss of power, at that moment sparks was seen emanating from under the hood, then the vehicle completely stopped running. Once pulled over smoke was bellowing out from the hood and subsequently ignited into flames. Fire department was dispatched and fire was extinguished. The vehicle was towed away and is still at the tow yard. The tow operator, based on ... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jul 8, 2021
While the vehicle was driving, there was a loss of power, at that moment sparks was seen emanating from under the hood, then the vehicle completely stopped running. Once pulled over smoke was bellowing out from the hood and subsequently ignited into flames. Fire department was dispatched and fire was extinguished. The vehicle was towed away and is still at the tow yard. The tow operator, based on ... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jul 8, 2021
While the vehicle was driving, there was a loss of power, at that moment sparks was seen emanating from under the hood, then the vehicle completely stopped running. Once pulled over smoke was bellowing out from the hood and subsequently ignited into flames. Fire department was dispatched and fire was extinguished. The vehicle was towed away and is still at the tow yard. The tow operator, based on ... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jul 16, 2021
The Service Side Detection System (SSDS) maintenance light appears on my dashboard and remains unless I cancel it out by pressing the menu button on the turning signal. Both sides of the vehicle cannot accurately detect when vehicles are approaching and passing…the SSDS indicator lights in the side mirrors come on and off randomly. Currently, my left mirror indicator light remains lit even whe... Read more
Incident date: Jul 16, 2021
The Service Side Detection System (SSDS) maintenance light appears on my dashboard and remains unless I cancel it out by pressing the menu button on the turning signal. Both sides of the vehicle cannot accurately detect when vehicles are approaching and passing…the SSDS indicator lights in the side mirrors come on and off randomly. Currently, my left mirror indicator light remains lit even whe... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2021
The contact owns a 2011 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 not notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin to... Read more
Incident date: May 30, 2021
I was driving on the 99 freeway when my car turned completely off! I could have been killed!!!!! The check engine light came on and service stabilitrak was on the screen. Then it would not start. There was no warning at all. I got it fixed (so I thought by one mechanic) and it happened again. So I took it to the Buick dealer and they fixed it(so I thought) and it happened again. It is now at... Read more
Incident date: May 30, 2021
I was driving on the 99 freeway when my car turned completely off! I could have been killed!!!!! The check engine light came on and service stabilitrak was on the screen. Then it would not start. There was no warning at all. I got it fixed (so I thought by one mechanic) and it happened again. So I took it to the Buick dealer and they fixed it(so I thought) and it happened again. It is now at... Read more
Incident date: Jun 27, 2021
The Buick did a hard turn to the left, without any action of the driver, and went into an uncontrollable counterclockwise spin and hit the concrete divider. Prior to the accident the Buick was traveling in the right south bound lane of US 75 with the traffic flow. There was a light rain and no one was changing lanes or speeding. No other vehicle skidded or went out of control. The cause of the... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Jun 27, 2021
The Buick did a hard turn to the left, without any action of the driver, and went into an uncontrollable counterclockwise spin and hit the concrete divider. Prior to the accident the Buick was traveling in the right south bound lane of US 75 with the traffic flow. There was a light rain and no one was changing lanes or speeding. No other vehicle skidded or went out of control. The cause of the... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Jun 27, 2021
The Buick did a hard turn to the left, without any action of the driver, and went into an uncontrollable counterclockwise spin and hit the concrete divider. Prior to the accident the Buick was traveling in the right south bound lane of US 75 with the traffic flow. There was a light rain and no one was changing lanes or speeding. No other vehicle skidded or went out of control. The cause of the... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Jul 3, 2021
A message popped up on my dash that said service charging system right before it died and I haven't been able to get it running since cause the 12v battery keeps draining and when I charge the battery separately then reinstall it and start the vehicle I can smell something burning from an unknown place
Incident date: Jul 12, 2021
I noticed today as I was stopped at a red light with my foot on brake the vehicle was kinda jumping like it was trying to go while foot was on brake. I drove a little further and the service stabilitrak light came on followed by the reduced engine power. The car proceeded to die in the middle of a busy street. After a few minutes it did restart and I was able to get it home. This seems to be a com... Read more
Incident date: Jul 12, 2021
I noticed today as I was stopped at a red light with my foot on brake the vehicle was kinda jumping like it was trying to go while foot was on brake. I drove a little further and the service stabilitrak light came on followed by the reduced engine power. The car proceeded to die in the middle of a busy street. After a few minutes it did restart and I was able to get it home. This seems to be a com... Read more
Incident date: Jul 12, 2021
I noticed today as I was stopped at a red light with my foot on brake the vehicle was kinda jumping like it was trying to go while foot was on brake. I drove a little further and the service stabilitrak light came on followed by the reduced engine power. The car proceeded to die in the middle of a busy street. After a few minutes it did restart and I was able to get it home. This seems to be a com... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2012 Buick Lacrosse. The contact received a notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V764000 (SUSPENSION) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated while driving 40 mph, the vehicle began to drift from side to side with check engine warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The dealer had been notified about the failure and con... Read more
Incident date: Jul 4, 2021
I was driving and all of a sudden my power steering light came on telling me to drive with care. The wheel tightened up within seconds my abs lights on, no all wheel drive, stabilize for tracation went off. All safety equipment went hairwired. We looked up the part and found out that there was a recall on the steering power prior however everyone is telling us not for our car. I only had it for le... Read more
Incident date: Jul 4, 2021
While driving at highway speeds, with cruise control set the vehicle started to violently shake almost causing me to lose control of the vehicle. After having the vehicle inspected I was informed that the transmission is known to have an issue with the 3rd and 5th clutch pack causing the vehicle to shake when they are trying to engage. This is no lights on the dash and no other warning signs of sa... Read more
Incident date: Jul 8, 2021
Unknown. On Highway total loss of power, unable to steer.
Incident date: Jun 30, 2021
The engine shuts off when I slow down to make a left turn,this has happened twice. It does start again. I am afraid to drive it know.
Incident date: Apr 1, 2021
Brakes started grinding at 300 miles. I have filed a complaint with dealership who did record it and advised that it was a known issue that GM is working to resolve. I now have approximately 2000 miles on the car and it continues to sound and feel like my brakes are grinding every time I apply the brakes. Occasionally, when I apply the brakes and they are making the grinding feeling - it feel... Read more
Incident date: Jun 28, 2021
Timing belt and engine stopped working. Mechanic says needs engine replaced
Incident date: Jun 28, 2021
Timing belt and engine stopped working. Mechanic says needs engine replaced
Incident date: Jul 7, 2021
While on free way transmission stopped functioning properly after exit unable to move vehicles in gear. Dealer said it was a computer programming issue. Another instance 9 months later care emergency break would not dis engage even after shutting vehicle off and restarting several times that transmission would stop shifting soon received messages dealer said it was a computer programming error ... Read more