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: Dec 6, 2024
The loss of ABS/ESC/Traction control may cause this vehicle to crash . Warning lights are present, I have a horse trailer and can not use this truck to pull it due to this danger. I have waited over a year for the remedy to be offered but there is no remedy from the manufacturer for these failures of the ABS/ESC/Traction Control.. This happens EVERY TIME I attempt to drive this truck. It has LOW M... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Land Rover Range Rover. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was difficult to control and felt as if the vehicle was floating. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V514000 (Steering); however, the part to complete the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnose... Read more
Incident date: Oct 14, 2025
There is an issue with our 2013 Kia optima steering coupler system. There is currently a TSB, but no recall and repair not covered. It seems to be a very common problem and I feel it should be recalled so repairs will be covered.
Incident date: Aug 21, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that occasionally, while driving approximately 57 MPH, the vehicle violently shuddered, causing the steering wheel to become difficult to turn in either direction. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was determined that the driver’s and passenger’s side front tires needed to be replaced.... Read more
Incident date: Aug 5, 2025
The problem occurs in my 2019 Jeep Wrangler, suddenly, typically after hitting a small bump or uneven section of pavement at around 60–70 mph. The entire front end begins to shake violently, and the steering wheel jerks rapidly back and forth, making it extremely difficult to maintain control of the vehicle. The only way to stop the shaking is to brake hard and slow down below 50 mph, which crea... Read more
Incident date: Oct 4, 2025
The contact owns a 2024 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled and started jerking, with the battery warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel was shaking abnormally during the failure. The vehicle was restarted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aw... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2025
On 10/10/25, I lost drive power after the OTA Uconnect update. On my drive, I abruptly had absolutely no acceleration, the gear indicator on the dash started flashing, the power mode indicator disappeared, an alert said shift into park and press the brake + start button, and the check engine light and red wrench lights came on. I was still able to steer and brake with power steering and brakes for... Read more
Incident date: Oct 14, 2025
The contact owned a 2020 Ford F-450. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the steering wheel failed to steer in the intended direction. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle had driven independently sideways and then into a deep ditch before coming to a stop. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle was uncontrollable. The vehicle was towed to... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Oct 13, 2025
My truck for several months now has been having an issue with power steering, gets a service vision system where at time I get no back up camera and a server trailer brake system. While doing research I've found dozens of posts and videos of issues with 2 ground straps on the vehicle thaylt have affected all 3 or these issues I am dealing with. The ground straps are under the truck near the right ... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2017) - STEERING
Oct 13, 2025
Incident date: Oct 11, 2025
Steering wheel seems to get stuck with minor corrections, and then “gives way” causing a serious over correction. This is mostly noticeable at high way speeds (45+) but can be felt even when the vehicle is stopped. Vehicle is Not lane assist equipped. Appears to be a sticky Rack or Pinion gear.
Incident date: Sep 12, 2025
After Tesla Berkeley performed an alignment on my 2024 Model Y on July 22, 2025, the car suffered a complete systems failure while driving on the freeway. Within minutes of leaving the service center, multiple safety systems shut down at once — steering assist, emergency braking, lane keeping, stability control, etc... all turned off, and the car went into manual mode. The vehicle became extreme... Read more
Incident date: Oct 10, 2025
I would be driving and get a notification in the panel that says power steering is out and to drive with care. It is extremely difficult to drive my vehicle, with no power steering. I would just be driving, and I would get the notification that power steering is out. The problem has been recently confirmed by a dealership. The mechanic at the dealership confirmed it was the same issue reported ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 10, 2025
"Steering Assist Reduced” warning message appears on dashboard display and temperature gauge stuck on cold on the dashboard display. I understand this such a common issue with the 2019 and 2020 Blazer that General Motors has issued Technical Service Bulletins but refuses to repair these vehicles for free. This is unacceptable! Issue a mandatory recall therefore GM must perform the repairs for... Read more
Incident date: Sep 20, 2025
The steering sticks when when turning in curve left and right turns causing me to sometimes over correct.
Incident date: Oct 3, 2025
Complete loss of power and power steering. Repeated every 1.5 minutes after restart.
Incident date: Oct 9, 2025
while driving vehicle, the engine light came on, the steering locked up and the car stalled.
LAND ROVER
RANGE ROVER SPORT
(2012) - STEERING
Oct 13, 2025
Incident date: Oct 1, 2025
As I was driving I lost all power to the vehicle as well as the steering wheel locked. I was able to pull to the side of the road but the back end of my car was hanging out into traffic. The car flashed a message reading to shift into Park which once I did I was able to turn the car off and back on again but the check engine light as well as a symbol of a tool remained up. Upon further investigati... Read more
Incident date: Oct 11, 2025
All lights related to Tire pressure, Sterring control, Vehicle Stability Assist and ABS comes up in dash board. The ABS control module suddenly fails because of very bad design and manufacturing (just dry solderings!). Search EBAY, one can find so many offering services to repair this failed ABS control module. For replacement ot costs 3500. This looks like is common failure. Very dangerous to dr... Read more
Incident date: Oct 13, 2025
I am writing to express my deep concern regarding ongoing safety and service issues with my 2024 Tesla Model X. This is the third Tesla vehicle we’ve owned, and while our previous two vehicles performed excellently, this one has presented serious and recurring problems with the Full Self-Driving (FSD) system. Since the second service visit, we have experienced four separate incidents in which t... Read more
Incident date: Aug 12, 2025
While driving the car just shit off.. put it in park put my hazzards on and started the car back up. Put it to the test again while backing out of the driveway and it shut off while I’m reverse. The stereo has been glitching for about a couple of month where it constantly has to reboot while driving. It has now caused the issues for the whole car to just die while in motion.. this is I huge safe... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2025
My young daughter lost control of our 2011 FORD HYBRID ESCAPE vehicle with 94770 miles after starting the vehicle on moving off. She crashed into the sidewalk to avoid hitting pedestrians. ALL ELECTRIC POWER STEERING ASSISTANCE was lost. Car was taken to AutoNation Ford, St Petersburg, FL. Service personnel stated and provided documentation showing that there was no recall for my daughter's vehic... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Oct 13, 2025
Vehiclr has been doing this since 4 montbs after purchase, then a recall came out we were told it would fix the problem. 3 times now since the recall the odometer screen and media screen will go blank while your driving. The car wont accelerate, turn signals, and steering colum becomes hard to operate properly. We have had to near accidents 1 being less than 2 hours in August of 2025 after Hyundai... Read more
Incident date: Oct 8, 2025
Sticky steering, very difficult to handle on highway. It lasted about 2 weeks, then went away.
Incident date: Oct 13, 2025
Check engine light went on while D on shifter simultaneously began flashing. Car lost power and steering locked.
Incident date: Oct 11, 2025
When we go to turn a certain way the wheel sticks while In drive, mechanic says it could be steering tie rods or rack and pinions
KIA
SPORTAGE HYBRID
(2023) - STEERING
Oct 13, 2025
Incident date: Aug 23, 2025
Purchased vehicle [XXX]. Vehicle power steering quit working on [XXX], Dealership stated power steering control module rack is not working. Part ordered, back ordered, Part has a tracking date of October 24,2025. Dealership is Expressway Jeep 3900 Hwy.62 East Mt, Vernon, In 47620 phone number 1-812-831-3333. Service department said vehicle not safe too drive . I have been driving rental since Sept... Read more
HYUNDAI
SANTA FE HYBRID
(2025) - STEERING
Oct 12, 2025
Incident date: Jul 29, 2025
Vehicle completely lost power while driving nearly resulting in an accident. Engine cut off and loss of power occured including power steering. Vehicle stated to put car in park while Vehicle was still in motion. Vehicle restarted but then the same thing happened. This occured 4 more times. I was able to make it to the dealership near by. I had young children in the car at the time.
Incident date: Oct 11, 2025
I stopped for gas; my car would not start. The power steering fluid light came on. I went inside to purchase some but when I returned to the car, there was no place to pour it. After a few minutes the car started. About a month later, my husband stopped for gas and the car killed right after he left the gas station, about 10 minutes later, it started. Took it to a mechanic, they couldn't find any... Read more
Incident date: Oct 12, 2025
Due to negligence of gmc wright of wexford during the replacement of 3rd new transmission they did not clamp a hose together causing coolant to leak and my thermostat to come on n off. Causing further damage to my vehicle
Incident date: Aug 1, 2025
Having problems with the key not being released from the ignition I have to; > turn truck off /on several times > put the truck in neutral and back in park several times before the key is released
Incident date: Oct 11, 2025
The car model year is 2018 and has 49,580 miles when it was taken to the Honda dealer for inspection. The steering wheel was 'sticking' as if it were in a groove. Turning the steering wheel became somewhat difficult. It was if the steering wheel needed to be turned with enough force to get it up and over the lip of the groove so the car would turn. It also made a ticking or cracking sound when... Read more
Incident date: Sep 18, 2025
After applying an OTA (over the air) update from Jeep on 10/11/25 at approximately 1pm EST, the vehicle would drive for about 100 yards and then lose all power. Check engine light came on and a message saying to put in park. This happened when I pulled out of a parking lot and was lucky enough to have enough momentum to get to the side of the road. Restarted the Jeep, drove another 100 yards in... Read more
Incident date: Oct 12, 2025
While driving on a regular basis steering wheel is sticking. Have to jerk the wheel to get it unstuck. It is scary when having to jerk wheel and not lose control when it unsticks. Took it to dealership advised needs new steering rack for almost $4000.
Incident date: Oct 1, 2025
I did the telematics update from 10/10/25 on 10/11/2025 and I lost power and complete control while driving car just shut off told me to put it in park but I couldn’t shift to park check engine came on. I was able to restart the car and it happened two more times before I was able to get to safety and call for a tow. It seems to be a wide spread issue. That could have caused serious accidents.
Incident date: Oct 10, 2025
The high pressure power steering hose on my car is leaking. Issues with Air bags
Incident date: Oct 12, 2023
I was informed from the Volkswagen dealership of where I purchased the vehicle that there are malfunctions with the Lane Assist system and other driver assistance functions caused by a fault in the steering wheel. However, I was also told that Volkswagen no longer manufactures or provides a replacement steering wheel for my vehicle. This leaves me without a viable solution to restore the safety sy... Read more
Incident date: Sep 14, 2024
Driving car stopped said to put in Park, engine light comes on. Restart start driving put into park again .. whilst on freeway! Just stopped
Incident date: Oct 11, 2025
I drove to Regal Cinema Hacienda Crossing for a 3:20 PM movie. Upon returning to the car, I noticed extremely slow and inconsistent responses from both the accelerator and the brake, making the vehicle nearly uncontrollable. I decided to drive cautiously toward the Stoneridge Dodge Service Center via [XXX] and exited at [XXX] . At the intersection of [XXX] and [XXX] , I stopped at a red light. W... Read more
Incident date: Oct 9, 2025
On 10/11/25 approximately 9pm my vehicle completed an OTA update initiated by the manufacturer. Upon completion of the update, I went for a drive. At approximately 30 mph, the vehicle suddenly shut off, shifted into neutral, and ceased to operate leaving me stranded in the middle of the road. The vehicle would not start, shift into neutral, or operate in any manner. Several warning instrument ligh... Read more
Incident date: Oct 9, 2025
While driving my vehicel, seems that an update were installed that caused a sudden hard stop, the check engine signal turned on and the system asked to change from D to P. We had the fortune that it was in traffic, so the vehicle was almost stopped. After a restart, I was able to drive but 3 minutes later... It happened again. I was not being able to accelerate and the system asking to change to... Read more
Incident date: Oct 11, 2025
Just financed vehicle from M Auto group nj they sent my vehicle to Mercedes dealer prior to me taking ownership and the dealership advised them of issues with truck they only fixed the water pump . The problem is that same day I drove home ACTIVE CURVE MALFUNCTION and hydraulic fluid is constantly leaking under my hood and on hot turbo on passenger side which is a safety hazard I advised and drove... Read more
Fire
POLESTAR
POLESTAR 2
(2021) - STEERING
Oct 11, 2025
Incident date: Oct 10, 2025
Jeep released an update for uconnect box. After it was automatically installed my Jeep wrangler lost engine power and steering while in the middle of a round about. Barely had enough momentum to make out of the closest round about exit and no power to pull off the road. Dashboard flashed shift into park. Shifted into park and restarted the engine. Turned off the main road and it died again. This d... Read more
Incident date: Jun 12, 2025
After an Update, the Jeep died completely in the middle of the road with a bunch of errors on the dash and would not restart. After about 10 minutes, it restarted but died again shortly after. A third try a while later and it ran in manual transmission mode to where we could get it home. Check engine light is on and vehicle is still acting odd.
Incident date: Oct 10, 2025
After a software update, the car would drive a few miles and then shut down in the middle of driving. You would be required to stop the car, put it in park, and restart the car. The car check engine light comes on and is in a crawl mode, with little acceleration. This is a wide spread issue across all 2024 Jeep Wranglers 4xe
Incident date: Oct 10, 2025
Car stopped “bricked” in the middle of freeway. Had gas half full
Incident date: Oct 10, 2025
When driving on a main road, my engine suddenly lost power with no advance warning. I was forced to coast to side of the road in order to put it back in Park and restart the engine. This happened 7 times during a 10 mile drive. It continues to happen no matter the distance driven
Incident date: Jul 31, 2025
Vehicle completely shut down, lost all engine power and power steering while driving in the middle of traffic, completely blocked an intersection. Had to restart vehicle.
Incident date: Oct 10, 2025
On October 11, 2025, in the morning, shortly after installing a software update recommended by Jeep via the vehicle's infotainment screen panel, I experienced a sudden and complete loss of vehicle power while driving on the road at approximately 45 mph. This failure prevented me from controlling the vehicle, as the steering wheel locked up, causing the vehicle to veer off the road and into a ditch... Read more
Incident date: Oct 10, 2025
The car performed an automatic update last night. Driving it today, the car automatically shut down multiple times on a busy street. My life was in danger multiple times. There is no solution and this is negligence.
Incident date: Aug 21, 2025
Driving at normal rate of speed, Power steering quits and almost lost control of vehicle. I had to struggle with steering to park vehicle away from traffic. Steering wheel becomes very stiff.