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 117,788 complaints - component: STEERING
Incident date: Aug 14, 2026
Vehicle: 2018 Honda Civic EX Sedan VIN: [XXX] Mileage: Approximately 150,000 miles Component: Steering / Electric Power Steering (EPS) I am reporting a potentially serious steering safety issue with my 2018 Honda Civic EX sedan. The steering wheel has developed a sticky/notchy feeling when turning to the right. When making a right-hand turn, the steering does not feel smooth and at times feels a... Read more
Incident date: Mar 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds on several occasions, the steering wheel started sticking, making it difficult to steer turn the steering wheel to the left or the right, and the steering wheel overcorrected after making a turn. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the electronic rack unit... Read more
Incident date: Jan 20, 2021
There has been a recall in a certain number of honda civic vehicles due to this issue and mine was not recalled as well. While driving for more than 5 minutes, the wheel starts to stiffen making it harder to turn and drive straight. The car wobbles when the wheel isn't being turned and jerks itself either left or right depending on which side of the road I am traveling on. This started back in 202... Read more
Incident date: Jul 27, 2026
I am the owner of a 2022 Tesla Model 3. The front control arms on this vehicle are defective as manufactured. From the factory, these components have demonstrated premature failure, abnormal noise, loosening, and/or separation risk that is not consistent with normal wear on a low-mileage vehicle of this age. Symptoms experienced include [describe your exact symptoms clearly and factually — examp... Read more
Incident date: Aug 7, 2026
At speeds between 20-80mph, the steering wheel sticks while turning to the right. I have to force it to come back to center after the turn. It does not do this all the time but has become more frequent lately. As yet, it does not do this while turning to the left.
Incident date: Jul 21, 2026
Sometimes while driving I experienced my powered steering cut out while taking a ramp on/off of the highway, and sometimes when i was trying to park and back up into a parking space while steering at the same time. When the power steering cut out I got lights for "Service Power Steering", "Service ESC", and "Service Hill Assist" all at the same time, and once i got a power steering light. I looked... Read more
Incident date: Jan 15, 2026
Vehicle History Report 07/07/2026 05:37 PM 2026 BMW X2 M35I (A7) 4DR SUV Repair Order: 755783 Mileage: 2212 Total: $0.00 Open Date: 05/29/2026 Closed Date: 05/30/2026 Service: CSDR Customer states just test drove shop foreman stated steering wheel off centered and recommending alignment again. Complaint: Customer states just test drove with shop foreman and shop foreman stated steering wheel ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 3, 2026
While driving home in the center lane on the XXX[XXX] Parkway, my steering wheel locked suddenly, preventing me from turning left or right. As I used my full strength to turn right against the tightness of the steering wheel, trying to get off at the next possible exit, the power to the steering wheel abruptly returned, causing me to swerve out of control, past the right lane, onto the shoulder an... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2026
Component: Suspension: Front — lower lateral and compliance link assemblies; missing and backed-out lateral-link-to-subframe fasteners; torn bushings Beginning in XXX, the vehicle produced a reproducible knocking noise from the front end when reversing and turning at parking-lot speeds, with no dashboard warnings. Tesla Service ([XXX], invoice XXX) verified the noise and documented on the invoi... Read more
Incident date: Aug 13, 2026
I purchased the vehicle used. The issue I have been having is the steering feels sticky, heavy, or briefly resistant when turning. It is very prominent when turning the steering wheel to the left, especially going around corners and rotaries, but even bends in the road. When trying to straighten out after the turn, I have to jerk the steering wheel back to the other direction. This becomes a c... Read more
Incident date: Jul 27, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction. The service power steering message was displayed. The failure had occurred while the contact was in the middle of traffic. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 12, 2026
I have been had intermittent loss of power steering during gradual turns and then suddenly it returns. Very dangerous situation!!
Incident date: Jul 26, 2026
The driveshaft separated resulting in a loss of motive power while we were driving on the highway at around 65-70mph. We heard/felt vibrations, and a harsh noise then a loud popping noise right before/ during the failure. Then heard dragging as we came toward the guard rail. It caused a loss of control of the vehicle almost causing us to crash. We were able to pull to the side of the road while t... Read more
Incident date: Aug 3, 2026
I am filing this complaint regarding a serious steering safety issue with my 2024 Mazda CX-90, which I purchased on March 24, 2026, with approximately 40,000 miles. The vehicle previously underwent Mazda Safety Recall 6524A involving the steering system and increased steering effort. After purchasing the vehicle, it developed a serious steering problem. At approximately 50–65 mph, the steering ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 3, 2026
I am filing this complaint regarding a serious steering safety issue with my 2024 Mazda CX-90, which I purchased on March 24, 2026, with approximately 40,000 miles. The vehicle previously underwent Mazda Safety Recall 6524A involving the steering system and increased steering effort. After purchasing the vehicle, it developed a serious steering problem. At approximately 50–65 mph, the steering ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2026
The steering wheel sticks when going into a turn then pulls back . It’s been on going . I know they had issues and recalls with steering .
Incident date: Mar 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the messages "Stabili-trak" and "Power Steering" displayed on the instrument panel, and the traction control warning light illuminated. Additionally, the transmission display switched from drive(D) to park(P) while driving, causing the vehicle to decelerate and stall. The rear-view camera also ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2026
While driving the 2021 Honda CRV in March 2026 on the highway (above 50 mph) the steering wheel would "lock up" causing me to be unable to guide the car back into my lane of traffic. Initially, it was thought the lane drift feature was activating. After it was determined that was not the case (experimenting by me), the "lock up" was noticed multiple more times over several weeks, especially when d... Read more
Incident date: Aug 7, 2026
- My electronic power steering failed. - My steering wheel would lock and not allow the car to turn. - It has been confirmed by an independent service center. They are having to replace the computer module steering service and steering rack and pinion. - No, it has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police or insurance. - The 2 times that the steering wheel would lock up, there would be a w... Read more
Incident date: Aug 12, 2026
see it’s a known things with rams that the electronic power steering goes out randomly because of how dodge made it and the dealerships don’t do recalls for it and it’s absolutely absurd to spend 2-4k$ for a fix
Incident date: Jul 27, 2026
This is a formal vehicle safety complaint regarding a manufacturer's active refusal to remedy a known safety defect under an active recall campaign guidelines.My 2015 Kia Optima Turbo experienced an active internal mechanical engine knock, violent sputtering, and a complete engine seizure. The vehicle is currently sitting un-driveable at an authorized Kia dealership.The required Knock Sensor Detec... Read more
Incident date: Aug 7, 2026
I was driving on the highway and went to turn on curve and the steering started became hard and then a jerk on the wheel made me veer off the highway . Once I was able to stop fully i checked the steering wheel it was hard to turn .
Incident date: Aug 11, 2026
Tesla recently introduced auto parking as part of its FSD technology (Software 2026.20.6.11). Whenever we set the car destination to “home”, the auto parking has been able to gradually maneuver the car and self park in our garage. On 8/11, around 8:30pm, the car made a mistake during the auto parking. During the auto reverse into garage, the car came too close to the side of the garage and th... Read more
Incident date: May 29, 2026
I Have notchy and sticky steering situation with this vehicle since approximately 60000 miles, vehicle has now approximately 96000 miles.The vehicle will almost over correct in a curve on interstate, almost feels like steering is stuck and you -must add to much pressure to turn it. I have been to dealership and they say I need a new steering rack. Honda doesn’t have a recall on this year model (... Read more
HYUNDAI
VELOSTER N
(2022) - STEERING
Aug 12, 2026
Incident date: Mar 19, 2025
steering rack failed once already and was replaced in entirety thru dealership now it is making creaking sound whenever turning wheel left or right at slow speeds engine issues two years into ownership- white smoke coming from exhaust and required two new spark plugs the blind spot warning has never worked and there is heavy documentation online from other owners stating it simply does not work ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 26, 2026
The steering wheel became extremely difficult for my husband to turn. Power steering went out on my 2025 Honda Pilot Trailsport. Numerous warnings were then displayed on the vehicle's dashboard screen, it was impossible to drive, and caused us to have to get towed. We had it towed to a Honda dealer for repair, where it was discovered that the steering wheel had more turns in one direction than the... Read more
Incident date: Jun 8, 2026
I am experiencing a commonly reported issue with the steering rack binding and failing to self-center after a turn. Turning the steering wheel left and right has become increasingly more stiff over time. Unreliable steering, especially during turns could potentially lead to an accident/collision.
Incident date: Jul 10, 2026
The contact owns a 2025 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to turn the steering wheel, the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V744000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The dealer was contacted and diagnosed vehicle with steering failure. The vehicle ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 7, 2026
On multiple occasions, the steering wheel became stiff or locked while driving or during start-up, multiple dashboard warning lights illuminated, and the vehicle could not be shifted from Park to Drive. This occurred repeatedly since the vehicle was purchased. The dealer inspected the vehicle multiple times; on the first attempts they could not duplicate the issue. On a later visit, the vehicle di... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2019) - STEERING
Aug 12, 2026
Incident date: Nov 20, 2023
Loss of electric power steering. Hard to steer the truck.
Incident date: Apr 9, 2026
Was driving on highway at 55 when the wrench warning light came on drove car to residence and turned it off, when car was cranked again it had no power steering. Vin number was not included in recall on same issue. Has not been fixed.
Incident date: Jul 15, 2026
The power steering goes out at random times after the steering warning light comes on. This usually happens after the secondary cooling system kicks in. I have had it looked at by one mechanic who thinks it's the rack and pinion portion of the steering, he was unable to find a replacement part. It is a danger when it happens especially on a curve, it will cause the steering to try and go straight ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 26, 2026
For the past 2 years ive been having issues of losing power steering. Lots of parts and modules have been replaced out of pocket. Still not fixed. When it goes out it can be out for days to weeks and is extremely hard to steer. Its gone out or come back in during a turn which is very problematic and unsafe. I always get the same dash message, "service power steering drive with care". The deal... Read more
Incident date: Aug 9, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a dealer for an undisclosed repair. The vehicle was picked up and driven for seven minutes down the road, and the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, and the following day the vehicle was diagnosed and determined to have a failed steering angle sensor.... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2015) - STEERING
Aug 12, 2026
Incident date: Aug 12, 2026
Lane Departure Avoidance is jerking the vehicle aggressively back into the lane and is creating a serious safety concern. I have already scheduled maintenance with Tesla regarding this issue, but I was told that there was nothing they could do about it. The issue occurs when driving in a lane and needing to move over quickly or make an immediate lane adjustment. If the turn signal is not activate... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2026
While driving at approximately 35 mph on a surface street with my wife and five-year-old son in the vehicle, the electric power steering system failed and steering assist was reduced. The instrument panel simultaneously displayed and cycled through multiple warnings including "Electric Power Steering System Problem — Steering Assist Reduced," "Brake System — Brake Hold System Problem," Vehicle... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2021) - STEERING
Aug 12, 2026
Incident date: Aug 3, 2026
I was driving home from the store like 4 blocks away and on the road there’s dip n the road you can’t avoid it so after i drive over it the airbag light comes on with hitting anything.
Incident date: Aug 11, 2026
Mazda dealership confirmed my car completed the Recall 24V-022, however, I am still experiencing a Sticky steering wheel. A sudden, brief increase in steering effort, a "notchy" or binding feel during minor lane corrections or long highway curves, and failure of the wheel to smoothly return to center.
Incident date: Aug 11, 2026
The steering wheel clicks when turning. Purchase dealership did nothing. 2nd Honda dealer ship replaced the clock spring and steering column. Helped for a day then the noise returned. Additionally, there’s a dead spot when turning. It feels like a pause and the the vehicle takes a minute to catch up. Very unnerving.
Incident date: May 5, 2026
Going thru a parking lot to a drive thru at a fast food place, rounding a small curve at a very low speed then trying go to 1 st lane out of 2 lanes the car suddenly went out of control and accelerated to center pole. The pole was a barrier protecting the support pole for the canopy. The car front center hit the pole so hard that the front collapsed. The hood buckled in the center and the pole wen... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Apr 3, 2026
This July (2026) I found the power steering to fail on two separate hot days, a similar issue also occurred in July of 2025. Using an OBDII reader it appears that it may have been related to a torque sensor.
SAFETY 1ST
JIVE
(9999) - STEERING
Aug 11, 2026
Incident date: Aug 7, 2026
The rear suspension oscillates and bounces violently over bumps, expansion joints, broken or uneven pavement, and washboard surfaces. It occurs at highway speed, at normal neighborhood speeds, and while slowing or coming to a stop over rough pavement. The rear suspension does not recover after a bump: it continues bouncing, the rear of the vehicle steps sideways, and steering correction is require... Read more
Incident date: Jul 28, 2026
Steering column is locked and stays locked either running or with key off and removed.
VOLKSWAGEN
ATLAS
(2022) - STEERING
Aug 11, 2026
Incident date: Jul 31, 2026
The contact owned a 2025 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was rear-ended, causing a chain reaction crash. The steering wheel became dislodged, and the steering wheel air bag failed to deploy. The vehicle was towed to a salvage yard by the insurance company. The front and the rear of the vehicle were damaged, and the vehicle was deemed a total... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Aug 25, 2024
National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration August 11, 2026. Dear Sir, Madame, I am writing regarding a safety issue with my 2020 Honda CR-V, purchased about one year ago. There is a serious issue with the steering column, and American Honda has declined assistance with repairs. I am seeking expedited assistance from NHTSA. This issue was first noted on the day I drove the vehicle to th... Read more
Incident date: Feb 11, 2026
The contact owns a 2025 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and making a turn, the steering wheel was making a clicking sound. The failure was recurring. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200.
Incident date: Jul 1, 2026
Subject of Complaint: Sudden, simultaneous failure of critical safety and driver assist systems originating from an electronic sensor/control module failure inside the electronic power steering (EPS) gearbox. Description of Safety Hazard and Dashboard Indicators: While operating the vehicle, the Driver Information Interface (DII) suddenly illuminated with multiple critical safety faults simultane... Read more
Incident date: Jul 11, 2026
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, the steering wheel was difficult to turn. There was an abnormal clicking sound coming from the vehicle and the vehicle was uncontrollable. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the coupling in the steering wheel needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The m... Read more
TOYOTA
SIENNA HYBRID
(2023) - STEERING
Aug 11, 2026
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that upon reversing, the rear-view camera displayed a blank screen. The message "See the Dealer" was displayed, and the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced a slight loss of automotive power while driving uphill and the steering became very loose. The contact stated that while turning... Read more