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: Apr 24, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 15 MPH, the steering wheel became loose. The contact stated that there was an abnormal amount of slack in the steering wheel. The steering wheel failed to operate as intended. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed and it was determined ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 21, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and turning the steering wheel to the left or the right, the steering wheel failed to return to center. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the steering gear box needed to be replaced. The vehic... Read more
Incident date: Jul 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that the steering wheel was significantly difficult to steer and made an abnormal rubbing sound while turning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the power steering control module (PSCM) had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campa... Read more
Incident date: May 27, 2025
See attached document for complaint.
Crash
Incident date: Jun 10, 2025
I had to have the steering rack assembly replaced in my vehicle due to a leak. This is one of the complaints and a recall but I never got a notification.
Incident date: Jun 10, 2025
Subject: Ongoing Power Steering Malfunction – Safety Concern I am writing to report a recurring and now potentially permanent issue with the power steering system in my vehicle. The problem began approximately 2 to 2.5 years ago. Initially, it was intermittent — the power steering would occasionally fail at low speeds, then resume normal operation. During these incidents, the dashboard would... Read more
Incident date: May 22, 2025
I was on the Highway and the EPS stopped working and steering wheel became hard. I looked online and saw there was a recall for this certain model of vehicle and when I checked the NHTSA page there was no recall for my VIN. We had to continue using the vehicle to get back to out city and it suddenly worked again. Now it does it every few times. We’re scared we might crash. NHTSA Campaign Number... Read more
Incident date: Feb 22, 2025
Jeep randomly shuts off while actively driving. I have automatic JL. Screen shows to service clutch. All dash lights come on, no buss bar detected, ABS, No traction control, Airbags, park sense off, check engine, steering locks up. Engine shuts off while driving. MPH screen goes blank all electrical stops working. Connector behind stock bumper is expised to the elements causing shortage. Putting ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 10, 2025
2023 Maverik Hybrid at around 30,000 miles Vehicle would start shaking while accelerating. I took it to the dealership and they had to replace all the components in the front end of the truck. I know have about 60,000 miles on the vehicle and I'm having the same shaking problem while accelerating. It looks like this is a common occurrence with this vehicle. It is no longer under warranty and i... Read more
Incident date: Jul 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving over a bump in the road at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced the death wobble. The contact slowed down to 30 MPH to correct the failure. The contact stated that all four tires had previously been replaced. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was mad... Read more
Incident date: Jul 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Land Rover Range Rover. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V840000 (Steering); 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 dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experien... Read more
Incident date: Jul 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, the steering wheel seized. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact pulled over and restarted the vehicle however, the steering wheel remained locked. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer to be diagnosed and the contact was informed that the EPS system was faulty and ne... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2020
Within the last year I have replaced the right and left inner and outer tie rods, bought 4 new tires, maintained alignment and shortly after replaced the power steering hose and the driveshaft. Knowing I maintain my vehicle well, I drove myself and 4 friends 900 miles and the power steering fluid began leaking again. Mechanic tells me the rack and pinion needs replaced.I can hardly believe all thi... Read more
FORD
MUSTANG MACH E
(2022) - STEERING
Jul 22, 2025
Incident date: Jun 13, 2025
Although this 2020 Honda CR-V vehicle is not covered by the “sticky steering” recall we are experiencing the same symptoms reported by owners of newer model cars included in the recall. Our dealer says the only fix is to replace the entire steering box at a cost of $3,000. In addition the timeline to get and fix the problem is unknown because the part is on nationwide back order. The car has... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while driving over a bump at a high rate of speed, the contact experienced the death wobble and the contact temporarily lost control of the vehicle. The contact slowed down and the violent shaking ceased. The contact stated that the tie rods, ball joints, and other front-end parts were replaced to reduce the risk of the failure recurring.... Read more
Incident date: Jan 24, 2024
I was driving my car and it just became manual steering.I pulled over into a parking lot,not sure what happened.Ive only has the car a little over a year and had not driven it much.Still learning about everything.Thank God I knew what had happened, because another person might have freaked out. Anyway I proceeded to drive manually and then the power steering was just there again.Like it healed its... Read more
Incident date: Jul 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and turning the steering wheel to the right, there was an abnormal popping sound, with an abnormal tug of the steering wheel in the same direction. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed, and the contact was advised that the electric power stee... Read more
EVENFLO
REVOLVE360 SLIM
(9999) - STEERING
Jul 22, 2025
Incident date: May 16, 2025
The steering coupler for this vehicle is a cheap part that wears out easily. After just 110,000 miles my steering wheel now has a significant amount of "play" and makes a loud clicking sound while driving, even without moving the steering wheel, due to the amount of "play" in the steering. This is an expensive repair due to having to disassemble the steering column all because the cheap part wea... Read more
Incident date: Jul 21, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Land Rover Range Rover. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed over a speed bump, there was an abnormal sound coming from the front driver’s side wheel. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V840000 (Steering); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that after her son started the vehicle, the steering wheel was difficult to turn in either direction. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V167000 (STEERI... Read more
Incident date: Nov 4, 2023
Rack and Pinion steering failure. Sticking, hard to make wheel adjustments. loss of steering control. issue confirmed but Honda Dealership. Honda Dealership contacted Honda North America and was rejected as warranty issue. repair will exceed $7500. This issue corresponded with the fuel Pump recall and failure of the AC system which were covered under warranty recall. Due the High volume of failure... Read more
Incident date: Jul 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that the steering wheel was sticking while driving, causing the steering wheel to remain turned towards the left. The contact stated that an excessive amount of effort was needed to straighten out the steering wheel. The contact stated that while turning left and right, the steering wheel was making a clicking noise. The contact stated that th... Read more
Incident date: Jul 17, 2021
I’m having power steering issues , when i start my vehicle the power steering light comes on and my steering wheel locks up
Incident date: Jul 21, 2025
The electric steering in my 2022 RAM 1500 Classic pickup failed at 40,000 miles and about 2 years & 11 months after I bought it new. It went from driving fine when pulling out from our vacation rental cabin to absolutely no power assistance 1/4 mile down the long driveway out to the highway. Thank goodness I was driving slowly because I was caught totally off guard and barely stopped before I woul... Read more
Incident date: Jul 11, 2025
The vehicle lost steering at 10 mph as a bolt from the front suspension's upper control arm and lateral link fasteners became loose and detached rom the vehicle. The wheel was completely misaligned, and the vehicle was not drivable. The vehicle could not be moved to the side of the road, putting my safety and the safety of other drivers at risk. I fear that this could have been a fatal accident ha... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2025
My 2025 Chevy Silverado ZR2 has experienced the same dangerous system failure five times. While driving, every warning light on the dash activates, I lose power steering, and the vehicle completely shuts down and won’t restart. This creates an extreme safety risk — the first failure happened on a local road, but most recently, it occurred while my family was driving out of state during a holid... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2025
I was driving to AZ from a CO vacation with my two kids in the car when the steering in my 2013 Ford Explorer locked up. I had exited the freeway and was on a 2 lane country blacktop. I approached some curves in the road and at that point noticed I had absolutely no steering whatsoever. I noticed warning lights came on around that same time. I started slowing down, as the road continued to curve I... Read more
Incident date: Jun 11, 2025
The contact owns a 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that for the past eight months, the contact was unable to remove the key from the ignition. Several warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that to start the vehicle, the contact had to plug in the two fuse boxes and connect the battery cable. The contact feared the vehicle might catch on fire. The contact received notificati... Read more
Incident date: Jun 29, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to complete a turn, there was an abnormal clicking sound coming from the front of the vehicle with the steering wheel vibrating violently. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the tie rods. After investigating the failu... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the power steering assist became inoperable. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that an independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the steering rack and pinion needed to be r... Read more
Incident date: Mar 27, 2025
As I was pulling away from the stop sign my power steering quit working and I was almost hit by another vehicle. The dash light flashed and said there was Drive System problems. I was able to get the truck turned back around and headed back home. I got into my garage and checked the power steering fluid and it was full. I started my truck back up and was able to drive to the dealership (Everett GM... Read more
Incident date: Jul 21, 2025
While driving my 2016 Honda Civic on the freeway, I consistently experience a sticky or notchy steering wheel—especially when making small adjustments near the center position. The steering resists input slightly, then suddenly gives way, making it difficult to make smooth lane corrections. This issue is more noticeable at higher speeds and creates a safety concern, as it affects my ability to m... Read more
Incident date: Jul 11, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a loud clunking sound coming from the steering wheel while attempting to make a turn. There were several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
TIGUAN
(2020) - STEERING
Jul 21, 2025
Incident date: Jun 1, 2025
The contact’s daughter owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving on the highway at 55 MPH, the steering wheel seized, and the power steering assist was disabled. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and turned off and restarted the vehicle however, the power steering assist... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2006 Ford F-350. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, the front passenger wheel drove over a small dip in the roadway and the vehicle started to shimmy. The contact stated that the vehicle was difficult to steer. The contact continued driving at a slower speed to allow the shimmy to self-correct. There was no warning illuminated. The contact had taken the ... Read more
FORD
C-MAX ENERGI
(2014) - STEERING
Jul 21, 2025
Incident date: Jul 4, 2025
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the electronic power steering was not functioning properly, requiring an increased effort to maneuver the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact relate... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2011) - STEERING
Jul 21, 2025
Incident date: Jul 12, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was a creaking sound coming from the steering column, and the steering wheel was momentary sticking while turning the steering wheel in either direction. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the steering gear box and steering magnet was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicl... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2020) - STEERING
Jul 21, 2025
Incident date: May 16, 2025
My power steering went out within 5 minutes of the "service power steering now" and the "lane keeping system malfunction service required" lights came on while I was driving on the interstate at 75 mph. When I turned off the explorer and turned it back on the power steering was completely gone. I checked on Ford's recall website and they show that there is a "Customer Service Program" for the Epas... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2025
The steering wheel becomes sticky and stiff. There is also a clicking noise when I try to center it. It is difficult to keep the car within my lane of traffic. There is presently 38,565 miles on this vehicle. I keep up with required maintenance. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by the dealership. There is a Safety Recall for 2017-18 civic: steering box . My VIN number is not included on thi... Read more
Incident date: Jul 17, 2025
improperly produced steering gearbox worm wheel, the wheel can swell during use, reducing the grease film thickness between the worm wheel and worm gear. In addition, the worm gear spring preload was set improperly high, increasing the sliding force between the components. As a result of the reduced grease film thickness and increased sliding force, friction between the worm wheel and worm gear in... Read more
KIA
SPORTAGE HYBRID
(2025) - STEERING
Jul 21, 2025
Incident date: Jun 23, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, he became aware that the electronic power steering was not functioning properly, requiring increased effort to maneuver the vehicle. The power steering warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 21, 2025
My four month old Kia Sportage suddenly lunged forward two times. sudden Acceleration incident. [XXX]
Crash
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2018) - STEERING
Jul 21, 2025
Incident date: Jul 19, 2025
Our 2019 Honda CRV is experiencing steering problems. The steering sticks or feels heavy and makes a clicking noise. When driving, especially in curves, the steering sticks and causes over steering. This almost caused an accident when it stuck going around a curve and I had to apply additional pressure to the steering wheel to correct the turn. The problem began around may of 2025 and has grown mo... Read more
Incident date: Jul 2, 2025
Failed power steering gearbox. Rack and Pinion. Steering wheel gets stuck at center position when driving 4k+ repair quote
Incident date: Jul 12, 2025
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while his wife was driving 40 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact stated that several messages were displayed. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V632000 (STE... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
I went to have car checked and mechanic said it was a recall and the problem is an unstable electrical connection within the sensor that measures the force the driver applies to the steering wheel during turns and can result in the power steering feature being disabled. I can have inspection done at any time. I drive my family to work and my infant grandson around. I don’t want to have an accide... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the steering wheel became sticky, making it difficult to steer the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2023) - STEERING
Jul 21, 2025
Incident date: Jul 20, 2025
Power steering will turn off randomly while driving. It makes it very hard to turn and is extremely dangerous to drive. It is a safety hazard for me, my family, and anybody on the road nearby. The problem has happened multiple times with no warning. The power steering will work fine for a period of time but randomly cut off. Vehicle was brought to a dealer but they are unable to replicate the issu... Read more
Incident date: Jun 6, 2025
Steering issue. The steering wheel sticks in place,, specifically during right turns. The problem seems more prevalent when the wheel is consistently turned past the 1-o’clock position (for example, when entering a highway via a right hand cloverleaf). I’ve seen other NHTSA reports on this condition. Most participants have received unsatisfactory service/fixes. NHTSA, please address this ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 30, 2025
We called our local Ford dealership, Matthew Ford of Pryor (Oklahoma) and made an appointment for the safety recall of replacing the clock spring. They proceeded to attempt the replacement and in the process damaged the steering column module, part no. GC3Z3F791KA. We are now being told that Ford does not have the necessary steering column module part and nobody manufactures it for our trim leve... Read more