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 21,483 complaints for CADILLAC
Incident date: Jan 1, 2020
Has seemed to have low battery for many many months At least 5 times we have had to jump start Rear hatch was beeping and did not want to close or respond to any buttons Passenger side window would not open or close with driver side buttons Took to dealer, battery failed and they replaced it I picked it up next day and still felt slow to start like battery was drained Now dealer stated ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 11, 2023
Was backing out of my parking space and the warning icons on my dash,(Service brake system,stabiltrack, traction control.4 years ago I had to replace a (yaw) that goes under the driver's seat because moonroof is leaking so I sealed the roof.the yaw controls the stabiltrack.i took it to a auto parts store to get diagnosed and it says speed sensor or possibly a wheel hub.ive owned cars for 50 some y... Read more
Incident date: Jan 11, 2023
There was a recall on my vehicle for the Knock Sensor. In 04/2019 this was fixed at the Stockton, Ca. Dealership. My car only has 69,654 miles on it. On 01/14/2023 my check engine light came on and my car started sputtering and cutting out. I took it back to the dealership first thing today, 01/16/2023. They said the Knock Sensor is out and will cost me $995.00 to fix. They said the part that was ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 11, 2023
I went into the store, came out 10 minutes later started the vehicle and it said service electric power steering, this also affected the stabilitrac, hill climb assist, 4wd, and traction control. If this would've happened while I was driving I would've caused an accident as the roads were icy. I brought it to a Ford dealership and the parts needed are on backorder with no lead time! You can't even... Read more
CADILLAC
ESCALADE NA
(2021) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jan 16, 2023
Incident date: Jan 14, 2023
The vehicle will die while driving it, it is a automatic so you loose power steering power brakes and the engine is completely shut off you have to safely pull over and not get hit to put vehicle in park sometimes it starts in park, sometime it just turns over and you have to wait 10 to 15 minutes for vehicle to start. Dealer keeps telling me there is no issue with the vehicle, and they cannot rep... Read more
Incident date: Jan 13, 2023
To whom this may concern,my safe belt and air bags light come on,please HELP!!!!!!!
Incident date: Jan 9, 2023
Squeaking noises in the front end sounds like rubbing also when you were at a stop and you turn the wheel from left to right sounds like a rubbing noise just purchased vehicle at the end of summer used started during the winter
Incident date: Jan 9, 2023
sudden, abrupt braking on multiple occasions when passing a specific location along NJ Garden State Parkway (near exit 89) while driving on auto pilot.
Incident date: Jan 9, 2023
sudden, abrupt braking on multiple occasions when passing a specific location along NJ Garden State Parkway (near exit 89) while driving on auto pilot.
Incident date: Jan 14, 2023
Details can be found in Service Bulletin 15-086. Shudder in vehicle steering wheel would make it harder to control. Metal shavings in ATF fluid from transmission grinding. Software update required to repair issue at the cost of owner.
Incident date: Jan 14, 2023
When attempting to turn off the vehicle, an error message "action required - shift to park" appears even though the shifter is in the park position.
Incident date: Jan 14, 2023
When attempting to turn off the vehicle, an error message "action required - shift to park" appears even though the shifter is in the park position.
Incident date: Jan 7, 2023
The screen on the the radio keep going out the tire get wore out quick even after rotation and balancing the Suspension makes noise
Incident date: Jan 7, 2023
Recently had my car into the local Madza dealer for oil change and break inspection. Soon after the oil change it started running rough. Then next thing I know it begins to overheat in the street at major intersection while driving home. Parked it let it cool down and then toed to Mazda dealer. Told antifreeze getting into the engine. I see Madza is aware of this issue and this engine is def... Read more
Incident date: Jan 7, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated while driving at various speeds the transmission inadvertently shifted from drive(D) to neutral(N), causing the vehicle to decelerate. The contact stated that occasionally the transmission randomly shifted from drive(D) to reverse(R) causing the vehicle to change direction. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the tr... Read more
Incident date: Jan 13, 2023
The R&R valve/oil separator unit failed on my 2015 Audi S4 at approximately 71,000 miles. This unit, when fails, can mix the oil and anti-freeze which can seize the engine. I was able to catch the problem before engine failure. Minneapolis Audi repaired the vehicle this week, 1/10/23. There were NO warning indicators except noise. Various media sources have stated that this is a known engine ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2019 Nissan Rogue. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the sunroof panel shattered without impact. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic to replace the sunroof glass. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 64,000.
Incident date: May 16, 2022
Vehicle VW Tiguan 2014 VIN:[XXX] Vehicle has been presenting several issues. Carbon Build up causing vehicle to stall and tremble turning off some times. Safety concern as it could cause an accident. Bad heater core as it gets restricted and reheats the vehicle possible outcome a fire, Safety concern due to live threatening condition. Misdiagnosed several times to change spark plugs, might be a co... Read more
Incident date: Jan 10, 2023
The contact owns a 2007 Toyota Camry equipped with Michelin Tires, Tire Line: Cross Climate 2, Tire Size: 215/60/R16, DOT Number: 1AP4909CX2022. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, he switched lanes to avoid crashing into another vehicle in front that had stopped abruptly. The contact nearly lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle inadvertently swerved, and the contact felt as ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 10, 2023
When I was driving in very dark areas I was trying to turn on my high beams. I have manual headlights so I have to push the lever back. I see the high beam logo on the dashboard, but no lights appearing higher than the low beams. I searched up that it’s a common recall for the 2019 Hyundai Elantra’s and I believe I have that problem with my car. I hope that this description helps out in makin... Read more
Incident date: Jan 8, 2023
Mil lamp illuminated, lost power and transmission would not shift while underway in traffic
Incident date: Jan 8, 2023
Mil lamp illuminated, lost power and transmission would not shift while underway in traffic
Incident date: Dec 29, 2022
After hitting a small pot hole, the car would not come to a full stop…pushing n pumping the the brakes to the floor. This is the 3 time in the past 3 months this has happened. I have new brakes n new tires, why is this happening? It’s very scary, almost got in an accident for the brakes would not engage after hitting the pot hole at no more than 35 mph. [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT T... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2022
Rear Differential is failing, making a loud grinding, howling, screeching sound. Cadillac has already recalled rear diff on same year CTS-V (some models), but not for this or other CTS models, but finding replacement parts is almost impossible because a LOT of people are having the exact same failure.
Incident date: May 3, 2019
The contact owns a 2006 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that he noticed that oil was leaking on the garage floor. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the oil-sending unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired five times, but the failure persisted. The dealer declined to repair the vehicle again. The manufacturer... Read more
Incident date: Jan 3, 2023
2016 CADILLAC SRX. CONSUMER IS SEEKING REIMBURSEMENT FOR REPAIRS MADE RELATED TO SAFETY RECALL.
Incident date: Aug 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2014 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that the front headlights were very dim while driving at night. The contact initially took the vehicle to a dealer where both headlamp bulbs were replaced; despite the bulb replacement, the failure worsened as the contact was forced to use the high beam headlights while driving at night. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and the conta... Read more
Incident date: Dec 25, 2022
My vehicle is not covered by the recall yet I had a faulty power steering pump hose which resulted in it spraying power steering fluid on my engine and eventually almost catching fire it finally broke and rendered the vehicle inoperable. All the heat and fluid damaged the pulley and caused the serpentine belt to fall off which driving.
Incident date: Sep 20, 2020
My 2016 Cadillac SRX has faulty just like the rest of the 2010 to the 2015 Cadillac SRXs front headlight assemblies that you cannot see at night and then they eventually just die out because of moisture getting in I've had to replace mine and it's cost me $2,400 to replace them GM is very well aware of this issue this is a dangerous situation people cannot drive at night we cannot drive during inc... Read more
Incident date: Sep 20, 2020
My 2016 Cadillac SRX has faulty just like the rest of the 2010 to the 2015 Cadillac SRXs front headlight assemblies that you cannot see at night and then they eventually just die out because of moisture getting in I've had to replace mine and it's cost me $2,400 to replace them GM is very well aware of this issue this is a dangerous situation people cannot drive at night we cannot drive during inc... Read more
Incident date: Dec 24, 2022
It is clear that it's a manufacturing problem with the seals for the headlights in this vehicle. There are many of the same complaints concerning visibility and water log inside the headlamps. I am having this same issue. Because of the water log inside of the headlamps, this could cause electrical damage. The seals in these headlamps aren't sealing correctly and water from rain is flooding the in... Read more
CADILLAC
ESCALADE ESV
(2021) - POWER TRAIN
Dec 30, 2022
Incident date: Dec 30, 2022
Ever since the lifters broke in the new vehicle (which the dealer now tells us is a defect in the engine and that the lifters keep breaking; it was not a "bad delivery of lifters" as we were initially told), the car idles very rough and has power surges. Today sitting at a red light with the foot lightly on the break, the car lunged forward against the break during one of the power surges. If we... Read more
CADILLAC
ESCALADE ESV
(2021) - SERVICE BRAKES
Dec 30, 2022
Incident date: Dec 30, 2022
Ever since the lifters broke in the new vehicle (which the dealer now tells us is a defect in the engine and that the lifters keep breaking; it was not a "bad delivery of lifters" as we were initially told), the car idles very rough and has power surges. Today sitting at a red light with the foot lightly on the break, the car lunged forward against the break during one of the power surges. If we... Read more
Incident date: Dec 28, 2022
I hooked up a 20' car hauler trailer with trailer brakes to my 2023 Cadillac Escalade and proceeded to go on a trip when immediately I received a message on the dash that said, "service trailer brakes" and then proceeded by another message that says "trailer brakes have been disabled". I took the trailer to a trailer shop where they checked all of the wiring, connections and brakes on the new 2023... Read more
Incident date: Dec 20, 2022
The contact owned a 2013 Cadillac XTS. The contact stated that they parked their vehicle and approximately 5-10 minutes afterward the vehicle caught fire. The fire department arrived on the scene and extinguished the fire. A police report was filed. There were two vehicles and a bicycle nearby that caught on fire as a result of the contact's vehicle fire spreading. There were no injuries and medic... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Dec 20, 2022
The contact owned a 2013 Cadillac XTS. The contact stated that they parked their vehicle and approximately 5-10 minutes afterward the vehicle caught fire. The fire department arrived on the scene and extinguished the fire. A police report was filed. There were two vehicles and a bicycle nearby that caught on fire as a result of the contact's vehicle fire spreading. There were no injuries and medic... Read more
Fire
Incident date: May 6, 2022
Back in 2020 I believe there was a known headlight issue with Cadillac vehicles. Communication was sent out to owners for a headlight reimbursement program. We unfortunately didn't receive any communication regarding this. Back in March 2022 my husband had a work trip which required him to travel hours away and during the evening. This is what prompted me to call the Cadillac Customer Service nu... Read more
Incident date: Nov 18, 2022
In November of 2022 I noticed that after I would fill my 2018 Cadillac with fuel that it was extremely difficult to start. This same issue I had over the previous 4 years with my 2012 Buick Lacrosse twice and each time it was a GM #12690512 Vapor canister Purge Valve each time at over $300.00 to correct the problem. I could leave the car running while fueling but that is not safe to do. I believe ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 6, 2022
headlights fill with moisture and condensation causing headlights to not function properly and creates a safety issue when driving at night. Condensation also results in premature headlight bulb failure. This problem is well documented by customers of these vehicles however no repairs of this manufactured defect have been provided by the manufacturer.
Incident date: Dec 22, 2022
OIL SENSOR UNIT FAILURE CAUSING ENGINE TO LOSE OIL. a REALPROBLEM.
Incident date: Dec 22, 2022
OIL SENSOR UNIT FAILURE CAUSING ENGINE TO LOSE OIL. a REALPROBLEM.
Incident date: Jul 22, 2022
so when I give it some gas the blower Moter for the ac /heat with go Fater then when the rpms go down the fan goes down with it same with the lights they flicker. i had changed the brake pads an rotors an blew compressed air on the caliper an seen a pin hole on the rubber seal.
Incident date: Jul 22, 2022
so when I give it some gas the blower Moter for the ac /heat with go Fater then when the rpms go down the fan goes down with it same with the lights they flicker. i had changed the brake pads an rotors an blew compressed air on the caliper an seen a pin hole on the rubber seal.
Incident date: Jul 22, 2022
so when I give it some gas the blower Moter for the ac /heat with go Fater then when the rpms go down the fan goes down with it same with the lights they flicker. i had changed the brake pads an rotors an blew compressed air on the caliper an seen a pin hole on the rubber seal.
Incident date: Dec 22, 2022
Headlights are very dim and do not provide sufficient lighting at night. This is a known problem with this model and GM has been aware since 2010 that this is an issue. The exterior housing unit fails and allows moisture into the headlight unit and can cause dim lights and shorts. Car is unable to be driven at night without high beams on and this causes distress and blindness to other drivers. ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2022
While driving at higher speeds the multiple CT4 vehicles that I have driven share steering issues. While driving straight, there are no issues. If following gentle bends in the highway to the RIGHT, randomly the vehicles will increase the force required to maintain the current ground track. This causes the vehicle to slightly pull away from the desired track to the left. It does NOT occur when ste... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2022
While driving at higher speeds the multiple CT4 vehicles that I have driven share steering issues. While driving straight, there are no issues. If following gentle bends in the highway to the RIGHT, randomly the vehicles will increase the force required to maintain the current ground track. This causes the vehicle to slightly pull away from the desired track to the left. It does NOT occur when ste... Read more
Incident date: Dec 7, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Cadillac ATS. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, there was a clicking sound coming from the vehicle. The brake pedal was depressed to the floorboard; however, the vehicle failed to stop as needed. The contact activated the parking brake, and the vehicle was able to stop. The vehicle was towed to the residence. An independent mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and stated t... Read more
Incident date: Dec 21, 2022
The headlamps do not shine as brightly as needed to illuminate the road. Affects driving safety not to be able to see on unlit roads at night.
CADILLAC
ESCALADE ESV
(2021) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Dec 21, 2022
Incident date: Sep 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV. The contact stated while her husband was driving 15 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the electrical system and engine to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been ... Read more