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 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Ram 3500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, the steering rack fractured, and the contact was no longer able to maneuver the vehicle. The contact strapped the steering wheel into place to maneuver the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the steering rack needed to ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 10, 2025
Vehicle head gasket blown. Stated by mechanic that this is a chronic problem with model due to cylinder head warming and gasket failure. Shortly after repaired the left rear Factory OEM rocker arm broke and damaged one of the overhead cams. Again stated by mechanic that this is a common problem due to known oiling problems with this model. Repaired once again. Vehicle drove less than 500 miles b... Read more
Incident date: Oct 2, 2025
Check engine was flashing in front of my house in Brookhaven Pa. Took to mechanic around the corner, diagnosed with a blown head gasket & oil in my anti freeze over flow. Internal engine failure. Had towed to Kia dealership in NJ
Incident date: Oct 2, 2025
While stopped at a stop light engine quit running and after three attempts to restart MIL appeared and stated low oil pressure. Safety hazards included; being stuck at an intersection blocking traffic and putting myself at risk of being rear ended. was below freezing temperatures and stranded for an hour before tow arrived GM dealership found engine to be bad and needs replaced.
Incident date: Jan 26, 2026
My vehicle has been in the shop since December due to the turbocharger needing to be replaced. Through this site I found the fuel injector recall which I had to fight ford to evaluate. My vehicle had 2 cracked fuel injectors. I have been fighting with ford that everything I read states that this can damage the turbocharger. I am not sure if this is theright organization to look for help but I need... Read more
Incident date: Feb 12, 2026
The drive train and motor slow to a near stop in traffic when trying to clear a lane and makes it very dangerouos for other traffic to have to wait for me to clear a lane. There is something wrong and we complained about this before the warranty ran out, but they could not find anything. The car stops in traffic unexpectedly. I am not sure if sensors are causing this or what, but it has put me ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 12, 2026
Rear glass window shattered due to the defroster getting too hot. Some smoke was noticed
Incident date: Mar 11, 2026
Trailer lights operate intermittently (basis of Manufacturer Recall Number 03D NHTSA Recall Number26V-059). Manufacturer states that the repair parts are available, but they are not allowing dealerships to make the repair for some undisclosed reason. The Manufacturer is misrepresenting that a repair is available when it is not and is not able to provide any more information on when this will be r... Read more
Incident date: Mar 10, 2026
I was pulling into my son's driveway to park, and my vehicle did not stop when using the brakes. I struck the rear of his vehicle parked in the driveway. When put in reverse, my vehicle would not stop when using the brakes. My vehicle crossed the street, hit a tree, and eventually stopped when it hit a house. A video of the incident was caught on my son's ring door camera. I will submit screen sho... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jun 20, 2019
While driving several times smelt gas and car cut out engine came on and car stopped mid driving multiple times. Says they replaced fuel pump reset car etc
Incident date: Jun 20, 2019
My car is a plug in hybrid and hybrid batteries have molars been replaced prematurely. This car has completely lost all power 3 times while I was driving and I had to have it towed to a Jeep certified dealer and it shat in the shop for 18 weeks. It has been in the shop 6 times and I haven’t even had it a year. It has had multiple recalls on this car and it’s still scary to drive. I don’t fee... Read more
Incident date: Jun 20, 2019
My car is a plug in hybrid and hybrid batteries have molars been replaced prematurely. This car has completely lost all power 3 times while I was driving and I had to have it towed to a Jeep certified dealer and it shat in the shop for 18 weeks. It has been in the shop 6 times and I haven’t even had it a year. It has had multiple recalls on this car and it’s still scary to drive. I don’t fee... Read more
Incident date: Feb 16, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Flex. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds on city roads, a trim piece fell off the vehicle, and the contact was unable to recover the trim piece. After losing the trim piece, the contact heard road noise and air entering the vehicle through the gap. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V732000 (STRUCTURE); however, the p... Read more
Incident date: Feb 16, 2026
I am the owner of a 2019 Ram 1500. An airbag deployment incident occurred and Stellantis initiated an investigation into the airbag system. During that investigation, Stellantis and/or its contractor Bosch extracted Event Data Recorder (EDR) crash data from the vehicle's airbag control module using Bosch Crash Data Retrieval (CDR) equipment. Despite multiple requests, Stellantis has refused to p... Read more
Incident date: Feb 27, 2026
Supplemental Restraint System Problem
Incident date: Feb 28, 2026
2020 CHR transmission failure. There were no lights no notice nothing appeared to warn me. The car started making a faint winding sound. Bought car brand new 2020 and Toyota Fred Anderson Raleigh diagnosed with internal transmission failure 2/28/26. The car is 20000 miles over warranty so they are telling me there’s no coverage for me and billed me 12000$ for a new transmission
Incident date: Feb 19, 2026
Failed cam phaser. Brought truck to dealership regarding loud rattling noise on cold starts. Prior to inspection, service technician mentioned it could be the cam phaser because they have had reported problems. Ford did not issue a formal recall but issued a Customer satisfaction program 21B10 to extend warranty coverage due to the known issue but only extended through 2022. I did not have a ratt... Read more
Incident date: Feb 19, 2026
Oil pum with plastic internals. Repeat hot and cold cycles cause premature failure of the plastic components and cause loss of oil pressure along with the pump grenading itself.
Incident date: Feb 26, 2026
The entire car is dead from the engine to the key function completely dead. The car broke down 3 time in the middle of the street which could've caused a serious crash putting my safety and others at risk. The problem has been addressed to two different dealers and Kia corporate without resolution. I did make a police report about the mold infestation inside the car. I did now see any warnings pri... Read more
Incident date: Feb 26, 2018
The contact owns a 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) in November 2025 by the local dealer. The contact stated that the engine had passed the inspection, and a higher viscosity oil had been added along with the other steps stated in the recall. The contact stated that while driving approximately ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 26, 2018
The contact owns a 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) in November 2025 by the local dealer. The contact stated that the engine had passed the inspection, and a higher viscosity oil had been added along with the other steps stated in the recall. The contact stated that while driving approximately ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 26, 2018
I purchased a 2021 car in April 2024, which was originally side-swiped in November 2024. I filed an insurance claim and had to wait for the other insurer’s statement. In January 2025, the insurance company sent the car to one of their approved shops for electrical repairs, but the shop refused to work on it after noticing a missing airbag and flagged the car as a liability. They also mentioned t... Read more
Incident date: Feb 20, 2026
Lo que debes resaltar en el reporte: Kilometraje: 60,000 millas (especifica que el daño grave se notó a las 40,000). Componente: "Structure: Frame and Members" (Estructura: Chasis y travesaños). Riesgo: "Complete structural failure" (Fallo estructural completo
Incident date: Feb 20, 2026
Lo que debes resaltar en el reporte: Kilometraje: 60,000 millas (especifica que el daño grave se notó a las 40,000). Componente: "Structure: Frame and Members" (Estructura: Chasis y travesaños). Riesgo: "Complete structural failure" (Fallo estructural completo
Incident date: Feb 2, 2026
While using Tesla's Full Self-Driving (Supervised) software on the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) and other highways, the vehicle’s automated steering system repeatedly malfunctions by failing to maintain lane centering. Specifically, the car drifts or actively steers across double yellow lines into the lane of oncoming traffic. This issue is a persistent failure of the Advanced Driver Assistance S... Read more
Incident date: Aug 23, 2025
In April 2025 my vehicle had a recall (1: SC336 or 25V099), I brought it into a Kia dealership, they said it failed the test, and needed a new engine (i was without a vehicle for weeks, dealership said they did not have any loaners until after 14 days). They then call back weeks later saying the test was faulty, and i could have my car back. They said to keep an eye on it if there are any issues r... Read more
Incident date: Feb 20, 2026
Car had its ICCU fuse blow on 2/3/26. Been at the dealer ever since.
Incident date: Nov 29, 2024
Driving on the freeway vehicle suddenly enters limp mode with stop safely vehicle will shut off soon displayed. Transmission was replaced once already for this issue, a year later and I am experiencing the same thing. Very dangerous to lose all power while going 80mph in the third lane of a three row freeway and have to attempt to get all the way across lanes of traffic to safely stop while losing... Read more
Incident date: Nov 29, 2024
We get a power reduced code and the truck shuts down while driving. We have to pull over and put it in park and restart it. When we are on the freeway we can’t get over we put it in neutral and turn off the truck and restart it. It is very scary and dangerous! This has been happening since June of 2025.
Incident date: Feb 18, 2026
•I am an Indiana resident. •I purchased a vehicle from a private seller in Ohio (seller operates through an LLC) on 1/16/2026 •Fraudulent title activity was discovered by mechanic on 1/26/26 (taken to mechanic due to sudden and unexpected issues) •The purchase agreement and price ($9,000) were confirmed via text message; there was no written bill of sale and no “as-is” agreement. •Pr... Read more
Incident date: Feb 18, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Edge. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse, the rearview camera became inoperable, and the image appeared blurry. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V572000 (Back Over Prevention) and 25V544000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The dealer was contacted. The vehicl... Read more
Incident date: Feb 18, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Edge. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse, the rearview camera became inoperable, and the image appeared blurry. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V572000 (Back Over Prevention) and 25V544000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The dealer was contacted. The vehicl... Read more
Incident date: Feb 8, 2026
The driver side passenger door will open by itself when the key fob is near. Today it injured me while pumping gas and almost knocked the gas tank door off and gas pump out. I locked my vehicle to go inside to pay for gas. When I came back to my car to open the gas tank door and inserted the gas pump, the sliding door opened and smashed my wrist in between it and the gas tank cover door. It almost... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Feb 19, 2026
The component that appears to have malfunctioned is the front axle integral carrier (front subframe) and the related front suspension geometry, as the vehicle now exhibits a persistent pull to the left and degraded steering stability after the dealer replaced the front lower control arms, engine mounts, and performed alignments; this area of the vehicle is fully available for inspection upon reque... Read more
Incident date: Feb 19, 2026
The component that appears to have malfunctioned is the front axle integral carrier (front subframe) and the related front suspension geometry, as the vehicle now exhibits a persistent pull to the left and degraded steering stability after the dealer replaced the front lower control arms, engine mounts, and performed alignments; this area of the vehicle is fully available for inspection upon reque... Read more
Incident date: Feb 19, 2026
I was entering a highway when my vehicle lost the ability to accelerate. Complete loss of acceleration, audible and visual notifications on my dashboard that were difficult to read as I was dealing with a dangerous situation. I was fortunate that there was a pull out immediately ahead and no traffic that allowed me to quickly get to safety. Had I been further up the highway or on a freeway, my lif... Read more
Incident date: Feb 19, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 3500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS warning light unexpectedly illuminated with a chiming sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the cruise control and 4WD became inoperable. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair... Read more
Incident date: Feb 19, 2026
Car seat was purchased for CPST certification course, it was stored in the box it was shipped in 2/10/26. Upon using the seat on 2/13/26, it was noticed that the entire recline indicator moved within the shell of the seat (a video can be provided, unable to upload here). Because of this movement, an accurate reading of the indicator cannot be achieved. Upon closer inspection, we realized the pl... Read more
Incident date: Jan 9, 2026
Traveling on interstate preparing to exit on ramp. Press start button displayed, car immediately sounded like it geared down hard and then lost power, unable to control well, all I could do to come to a safe stop, while praying that the car behind me didn’t hit me. The car basically locked up while preparing to exit the interstate. So scary, terrifying and dangerous.
BUICK
PARK AVENUE
(2001) - SEATS
Feb 18, 2026
Incident date: Feb 4, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V393000 (SEATS); 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 made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Incident date: Apr 1, 2022
The transmission shift cable does not work on the vehicle and will not shift out of gear, Unable to use vehicle due to the break in the cable.
Incident date: Feb 18, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was firm and unresponsive, and the vehicle was difficult to stop. The vehicle eventually came to a stop with the ABS warning light illuminated. The vehicle was driven back to the residence. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failur... Read more
Incident date: Feb 18, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that while driving at 55 MPH, the engine made a knocking sound, and the vehicle started shaking before starting to smoke. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who determined that there was a hole in the engine block and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 30, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while the vehicle was stopped at a stop light, the accelerator pedal was depressed, and the driver’s and passenger’s side rear wheels locked up. The contact stated that after several seconds, the vehicle started operating as intended. Neither an independent mechanic nor a dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer o... Read more
Incident date: Jan 30, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (Structure) and 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The contact stated that whenever it rained or snowed, water was enterin... Read more
Incident date: Dec 8, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-350. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V572000 (Back Over Prevention); 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 contact stated that while in reverse, the back-over prevention camera intermittently displayed a... Read more
Incident date: Dec 8, 2025
I am reporting a series of safety concerns regarding my 2017 Chevy Volt, which have persisted despite multiple attempts to address them with the dealership. These issues pose significant risks to my safety and that of others on the road. On January 18th, 2024, I brought my vehicle to the dealer after experiencing reduced propulsion power while driving on the highway, coupled with the illumination ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 8, 2025
I am reporting a series of safety concerns regarding my 2017 Chevy Volt, which have persisted despite multiple attempts to address them with the dealership. These issues pose significant risks to my safety and that of others on the road. On January 18th, 2024, I brought my vehicle to the dealer after experiencing reduced propulsion power while driving on the highway, coupled with the illumination ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 18, 2026
Sun Roof has leaked. The Sun roof leaked a considerable amount of water and it came through the head liner around the ceiling mounted control panel as well as the back of the car. This is the second time it has happened and I have been told it is not covered under warranty. Through online blogs and forums I have found that this is a common issue with 2021 and newer tahoes and suburbans. And that ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 16, 2026
Catastrophic engine failure within 700 miles Requires full engine replacement Problems began around 150 miles on odometer Message: Reduced accelerated speed Check engine light Service transmission system Service variable valve timing system