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.

2,245,377 Total Complaints

140,173 Reported Crashes

56,794 Reported Fires

8,580 Reported 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

How to Read NHTSA Consumer Complaints › How NHTSA Investigations Work › Used Car: 7 Recall Checks to Run First › The Takata Airbag Recall: Full Story › OBD-II Codes Explained › All Articles ›

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Showing 117,788 complaints - component: STEERING

Incident date: Jul 13, 2025

Power Steering and stabilitrak warnings were displayed while I was driving and I immediately lost power steering while trying to execute a turn off the highway. This almost resulted in an accident. Warnings have been displayed twice now without prior incidents, and no warning that I will lose power steering.I have not taken my vehicle in yet, but other owners of 2016’s have reported the same iss... Read more

Incident date: Jul 5, 2025

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? My steering rack is damaged and needs replacement (confirmed by Honda Dealership). This causes the steering wheel to get stuck into place (mainly left side). To dislodge it you need to jerk it to the other side which causes the vehicle to become unstable. I first noticed this problem on March 20, 20... Read more

Incident date: Jul 24, 2025

The power steering assist in my vehicle is becoming progressively worse, I would welcome an inspection. Basically, the power steering assist will vary throughout the sweep of the steering wheel. During a turn or lane change the power steering may feel normal, be non-existent, or alternate between the 2 conditions, often requiring significant force to steer the vehicle (vehicle speed seems to make ... Read more

Incident date: Jul 24, 2025

I was driving my truck and my power steering went out. I had very little steering and almost ran into a cement wall. My steering wheel will barely turn. I got it to a mechanic, and I was told I need an entire new steering rack. Part number 68628858AA. I had zero notification that this was going to happen. It was driving fine. This is almost $4000 to fix. I only have 68,000 miles on my truc... Read more

Incident date: Jan 1, 2025

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. While the contact's daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction, and the steering wheel seized. The steering fault warning light was illuminated. The driver coasted the vehicle into a nearby parking space. The contact arrived at the location where the vehicle was parked, and the vehicle was driven to... Read more

Incident date: Jul 11, 2025

my electric power steering has failed more then twice on me, steering wheel pushed back against my efforts to steer. I don't feel safe and I have noticed this has happened to other owners of the 2015 GMC Canyon. I can't afford to repair something that should be a re-call.

Incident date: Jul 9, 2025

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction. The service power steering warning light illuminated, and the steering wheel seized. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The dealer was made aware of the failur... Read more

Incident date: Jul 25, 2025

While driving down highway 65 mph, abs system activated causing right rear brakes to activate causing vehicle to activate steering control making truck head towards on coming traffic before able to control vehicle to shoulder of roadway. Would like to know if, when, and who and where any previous recall work has been performed to this vehicle, bought at a dealership in Oklahoma with check engine ... Read more

Incident date: Jun 30, 2025

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while his wife driving at an undisclosed speed, the electronic power steering was not functioning properly, requiring increased effort to maneuver the vehicle. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an inde... Read more

Incident date: Jun 28, 2025

The contact owns a 2024 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while driving approximately 15 MPH and slowing for a traffic light, the brake pedal was depressed, and the vehicle started shaking violently and then stalled. The contact stated that the check battery warning light was illuminated. The failure was intermittent but became a recurring failure. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or indep... Read more

Incident date: Jun 1, 2019

while driving at approximately 45 miles per hour electronic power steering system failed and and it felt like the motor in the steering column was trying to pull the car hard right. the EPS warning light on the dash flashed red. Safely stopped the car on the shoulder of road. turned car on and off and resumed driving. problem repeated (this time with steering trying to lock at center) another 1/... Read more

Incident date: Jul 15, 2025

Kia opted for Leather like material for the steering wheel cover. This material with only 14, 828 miles on the vehicle is starting to peel off causing a bad gripping scenario. The material is more like a vinyl instead of leather. I have brought the vehicle to the Dealer who is attempted a warranty submission but I believe they will maybe only replace it with the same material and it will do it... Read more

Incident date: May 29, 2025

I have had issues with this car since a few months from me getting it. My rear camera wouldn't work half the time and sometimes turns the images upside down. My heat and cooling system started malfunctioning and the driver's side doesn't blow or temp the same as the passenger side. It has been like that at least 2 of the 4 years I have had this car and have taken it in multiple times and spent tho... Read more

Incident date: Jul 24, 2025

This vehicle has had multiple issues with starting. But now there’s a “Steering Assist Fault” that clearly ford is aware of but has decided that manufacturing this vehicle anyway was the way to go. The vehicle won’t start again now because of this issue. What happens is the vehicle loses its assisted steering and sometimes while driving which is extremely dangerous.

Incident date: Jul 23, 2025

We have noticed a clicking noise and her steering has begun to stick. Took to Honda and they told us they have been seeing this issue and even sent video telling us they see this is an ongoing problem. Filed claim with Honda. They refused to fix the faulty part because there is not recall with my VIN even though many have been recalled. Again, multiple managers at service told us they are just wai... Read more

Incident date: Jun 24, 2025

My engine seized at approximately 80mph on the interstate [XXX] ). The engine light came on only after I lost power. I only avoided a multiple car accident due to quick reaction and taking an exit ramp. Police came to my stalled vehicle and helped my push it off a major road to a nearby parking lot. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Incident date: Dec 30, 2024

The Emergency brake light, ABS light, and esc light all come on while driving & speedometer goes to 0. The speedometer also stops tracking mileage when these lights come on. This used to happen on & off, but now it’s almost permanent. Hundreds are reporting the same exact issue online, but mechanics cannot figure out what the problem is. Me and countless others have taken the vehicle to mechanic... Read more

Incident date: Jul 24, 2025

I noticed a loud squeak when driving over bumps at lower speeds. Almost sounds like a bad shock or spring. I am not sure.

Incident date: Jul 13, 2025

On July 9 while waiting at a red light car randomly turned off, had to put car in park and restart On July 19 while driving about 55mph on an extremely busy interstate highway car shut down completely. I could not restart or shut the car off, car was in drive and we had full power, no issue with battery, no warning signs, we were nearly killed by an 18-wheel truck traveling at normal high speed on... Read more

Incident date: May 1, 2025

Initially, turbo charger issues. Dealer after 2 weeks corrected issues with the turbo charger. We were provided loaner. Dealer took 28 days, the second time, to supposedly remedy Transmission/shifting issues. First we were told it was a valve port body. Then we were told they had to remove the pan, etc., all part of the process. Then the parts were on backorder. Finally, at the 11th hour, they i... Read more

Incident date: Jul 23, 2025

Was driving on small town road, pulling into gas station, and 'steering malfunction, stop car immediately' notice popped up, with red steering wheel icon above message with line across wheel and exclamation mark. I lost power steering at the same time, immediately. Very difficult to drive, and thankful it was not on busy, interstate road, and that nothing more happened. Very tough to drive, and s... Read more

Incident date: Jun 20, 2025

The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction. The contact stated that the steering wheel seized. In addition, the steering failure warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufactu... Read more

Incident date: Jul 23, 2025

While parked, ASC system service required indicator light came on. Car was then disabled and unable to be started for approximately 1-2 hours. That happened twice in 2023. While driving on the highway in 2025, ASC system service required, abs system service required, four wheel drive system service required, power steering system service required indicator lights all came on and total loss of powe... Read more

Incident date: Jul 24, 2019

I called Kia Consumer Assistance in reference the MDPS flexible coupling. I spoke with a Kia representative named Gina. I specifically asked if this item is covered under my vehicles warranty (i gave the vin number of the vehicle to her. She stated if it was diagnosed as the MDPS flexible coupling, it would be covered. I made an appointment (it took two weeks) with Spitzer Kia at 3414 Brookpar... Read more

Incident date: Jul 14, 2025

Incident date: Jun 3, 2024

The contact owns a 2017 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall related to the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The ... Read more

Incident date: Jul 8, 2025

POWER STEERING WENT OUT AND WATER PUMP

Incident date: Aug 5, 2019

RANDOMLY 'SERVICE ADVANCE TRAC', 'PRE-COLLISION ASSIST NOT AVAILABLE', LANE ASSIST NOT AVAILABLE', POWER ASSIST STEERING NOT AVAILABLE', HILL ASSIST NOT AVAILABLE', WARNING LIGHTS APPEAR. WHEN THEY DO I COMPLETELY LOSE POWER STEERING. WHICH IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS WHILE DRIVING. MOST THE TIME I CAN TURN OFF AND RESTART THE CAR AND IT GOES AWAY. HOWEVER, NOW IT HAS BECOME MORE FREQUENT AND HAS START... Read more

Incident date: Jul 23, 2025

Multiple issues having to do with battery replacement, Alternator, and starter. Discussed this same issue with Honda they have ignored the issue had the vehicle inspected by dealership multiple times and by local mechanics. The vehicles also for many years would lock steering wheel and starter would lock wouldn't allow driver to start also when vehicle starts it’s a full force at once and you fe... Read more

Incident date: Dec 24, 2017

I am writing to report significant safety concerns regarding my 2008 Scion [include model, e.g., tC or xB]. After purchasing the vehicle, I discovered multiple serious mechanical and structural defects that make the car unsafe to operate on public roads. 1. Suspension/Struts – The struts are severely worn and are causing premature and uneven tire wear. This creates a major risk of tire blowout o... Read more

Incident date: Jul 3, 2025

At speed the steering sticks when turning.

Incident date: Jul 20, 2025

The stirring wheel very stiff it's hard to drive smoothly.

Incident date: Apr 2, 2025

Stick in steering while driving; slight clunking noise when steering wheel is moved and same noise heard while backing out of parking spots slightly turning the steering wheel .

Incident date: Jan 1, 2023

Steering wheel making a clicking noise when turning both ways, stationed and moving, also rattles a lot when going over speed bumps, seems like a manufacturer defect as this is a common thing heard around these Kia’s

Incident date: Jul 17, 2025

The vehicle is unstable and easy to lose control! The vehicle height is asymmetrical! The vehicle body shakes! The tires are abnormally worn! The geometry deviation of the vehicle's rear axle is too large

Incident date: Jul 23, 2025

The power steering became reduced and diminished while driving. Tesla is stating that there is corrosion on the wiring harness ports on the power steering rack. There was no warning until after the incident, but now a “reduced power steering” annunciation appears in the screen. The Tesla repair station has confirmed the condition.

Incident date: Jun 23, 2025

I noticed a loud grinding noise and reduced braking power coming from my 2020 Honda Accord while driving at normal city speeds. A local mechanic inspected it and found that the rear brake caliper was sticking and causing premature wear. I contacted Honda service, but they refused to cover the cost or inspect it under goodwill, even though similar issues have been reported with other Honda models. ... Read more

Incident date: Jul 14, 2025

Component/system failed: Electric Power Steering (EPS). The system intermittently fails during normal driving, showing a "Service Power Steering" warning. Diagnostic codes include U113E (lost comm w/ EPS), C2217 (SAS not calibrated), C2210 (EPS internal fault), P058C (low voltage), and P1009 (hybrid module MIL request). The issue began immediately after a Chrysler recall service where the main cha... Read more

Incident date: Jul 16, 2025

Steering become stiff and sticky while driving it was sudden and I was unable to turn the steering wheel specifically to the left. The other driver stopped short so an accident was avoided. Brought the car for service and was told there is a gearbox issue with swelling causing stiff/sticky steering and the rack and pinion needs to be replaced. It is the same issue that newer model Honda HRVs hav... Read more

Incident date: Jul 4, 2025

The contact owns a 2018 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while attempting to make a left turn, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. No warning light was illuminated. A dealer and an independent mechanic were contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and then taken to an independent mechanic, where both diagnosed that the steering assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not... Read more

Incident date: Jul 23, 2025

The contact owns a 2016 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds during hot weather, the steering wheel felt sticky and failed to turn to the left or the right as intended. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed; however, the cause of the failure was not determined. The contact related the failure to an unknown r... Read more

Incident date: Jul 22, 2025

CUSTOMER STATES THERE IS A CLICKING/POPPING NOISE WHEN MAKING SLIGHT STEERING ADJUSTMENTS. - POWER STEERING RACK REPLACEMENT

Incident date: Apr 22, 2025

Steering Module went out for no apparent reason. I was able to find a used one and have it repaired for just under $1000. I had git two quotes for to auto shops that specialize in Audi repairs and they were both over $5300 to repair this steering module. This is unacceptable.

Incident date: Jul 23, 2025

While driving, the steering wheel occasionally starts to stick. There have been several instances where it became severely jammed while turning, making it extremely difficult to steer. On a few occasions, it nearly led to a crash because the wheel locked up. This issue has occurred multiple times and seems to be getting progressively worse.

Incident date: Nov 15, 2024

The contact owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became inoperable. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel was sticking while attempting to make a turn. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and it was determined that the steering gearbox had failed and needed to b... Read more

Incident date: Jul 21, 2025

ABS failing. Loss of Traction Control & Possible Brake Failure. Vehicle Manufacturer failing to provide parts.

Incident date: Jul 23, 2025

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode and stalled. The power train warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road, turned off, and restarted the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the steering gear rack and pinion ne... Read more

Incident date: Jul 18, 2025

The vehicle randomly started giving me a service power steering system message. Just got into my vehicle and now the power steering system will not work.

Incident date: Mar 1, 2024

Battery saver ignited comes on and and the entire dash flickers and turns off ! This happened in a middle of an intersection and I could move my car. We jumped it and went to the nearest auto zone replaced the battery . It was pulling 89 amps . The next day it popped up again and we replaced the alternator. Upon replacing this there was oil everywhere! And we don’t know where it is coming from... Read more

Incident date: Jul 23, 2025

When driving across railroad tracks, or at lower speeds primarily when turning sharp or into parking spaces, a power steering assist fault light flashes and steering becomes difficult unless truck is moving. The only remedy that I know is to put the truck in park, turn off, and restart. This corrects the issue until the criteria mentioned above is met and then it happens again, and again...... T... Read more

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Consumer Safety Complaints

What is a NHTSA consumer complaint?

How to interpret what you read

If you've experienced a defect

Read more from our blog