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 ›

Clear

Showing 117,788 complaints - component: STEERING

Incident date: Jul 31, 2026

U.S. registered Tesla operating in [XXX]. Full Self-Driving engaged. Dark, nighttime conditions. Vehicle was traveling toward low traffic zones near the edge of [XXX] when the system made a severe mistake. The car went off the main road. Driver was forced to take control off-road after the system lost control. Damage to the rims occurred. At the time of this incident, manual speed control was sti... Read more

Crash

Incident date: Jul 31, 2026

So while I was driving my car going 60 on the highway it seemed to be having electrical issues all the lights on my dash popped on then popped off and only a few lights actually stayed on I can't remember exactly but the check engine and my abs stayed on and then on my screen it read to me warning power steering fault my headlights were dimming on and off like my car was going to die, so I had to... Read more

Incident date: Jul 29, 2026

At highway speeds (more than 40-50 mph) the steering wheel feels "stiff" when driving straight and requires effort to move to the left or right. This causes a jerky motion to either left or right which then requires effort to correct, which then may cause a jerky motion in the opposite direction. Reading forums and other complaints on this website, it seems like this is a known Honda issue and mus... Read more

Incident date: Jul 24, 2026

Following the previous steering recall we noticed that the steering wheel had started to stick when turning. We brought it in for maintenance and to have them look at the steering. It has been identified as an internal failure of the steering rack.

Incident date: Jul 25, 2026

The Full Self-Driving (Supervised) software on my 2026 Tesla Model Y repeatedly performs unsafe driving maneuvers requiring manual takeover to avoid collisions. Documented incidents with timestamps since June 3, 2026 include: selecting the incorrect lane and then attempting a route correction against a red light; activating the left turn signal while executing a right turn; attempting to enter a f... Read more

Incident date: Jul 21, 2026

The contact owns a 2018 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was shaking uncontrollably. The contact pulled over and had the vehicle towed to the dealer. The dealer determined that the front control arm had detached from the front passenger’s side wheel. The dealer replaced the front control arm, lateral link, and steering column. The contact ... Read more

Incident date: Nov 1, 2025

Power steering goes out while driving in towns or on hiways.frequently comes back on while parked for a few hours or days. Unpredictable while driving.dangerous.

Incident date: Jul 30, 2023

The Vehicle had a the BECM fail at 64,000 miles. This is a known issue that GM still refuses to recall, and is refusing to warranty

Incident date: Jul 31, 2025

The truck was being towed behind a motor home, while making a normal left turn from a complete stop the truck began swing wildly from side to side (death wobble). After stopping I found a dash warning "Steering Assist Fault, Service Required" and "Drive Mode Not Available". At that time the truck steering was very difficult to turn, the truck was not drivable. This is the second time this has happ... Read more

Incident date: Jun 10, 2026

Steering wheel sticks and is jerky. Requires constant adjustments to drive straight, especially at highway speeds. Seems like grease is no longer effective and pinion gear sticks in spots. Very dangerous in my opinion. Unsafe. Honda should offer to service this by simply injecting new OEM grease.

Incident date: Jul 22, 2026

The power steering has fully stopped working , the car cannot be steered, this started to happen on the road, I had to steer the entire weight of the car myself, at fast speed it was difficult but not impossible, at slow speed and zero speed or while the vehicle is stationary it was impossible or unmovable to steer. there were no warning lamps about this, the Ford dealer has not detect this in my ... Read more

Incident date: Jul 31, 2026

Car steering torque sensor not working properly causing power steering assist to be lost compromising electric power steering (eps) assist and increasing the risk of an accident. Ford has a recall 14S05/2014-193, but they are saying my car is not included on this recall at this time although it is exactly the same issue I am having now.

Incident date: Jul 7, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the steering wheel became difficult to turn, and excessive force was needed to turn the steering wheel to the left or the right. The Electronic Power Steering (EPS) warning light was illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that while driving approximately 5 MPH attempting to make a left turn, the st... Read more

Incident date: Nov 21, 2025

On Friday 7/24/2026, I was driving and all the sudden my steering went out. Dash flashed No Power Steering Assist / AdvanTrac System Fail. I pulled over immediately to turn around & get home with zero power steering. The amount of strength to steer/control was extreme. To turn was almost impossible. I took my car to Ford AutoNation on Arapahoe in Centennial on 7/27/26, they ran full diagnostics &... Read more

Incident date: Jul 24, 2026

Vehicle steering wheel would eventually seize up, then snap out while driving on all types of roads, causing the whole car to jerk left or right. Happens at all speeds on any road type Upon inspection from Schofield Honda in Wichita KS, they determined that it was the electronic power steering module that failed and needed to be replaced. A $4,949.31 bill for parts and labor. This vehicle just hi... Read more

Incident date: Jul 20, 2026

The contact owned a 2024 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 MPH, black smoke was coming from the exhaust, and the husband smelled an abnormal burning odor entering the cabin of the vehicle. The contact pulled over to the shoulder of the road, and a fire started coming from under the hood. The contact stated that while her husband was attempting to unlatch the hoo... Read more

Fire 1 injured

Incident date: Jul 31, 2026

At only 61,083 miles, the rack and pinion on my 2011 Honda Accord was diagnosed as leaking by Baierl Honda in Wexford, PA. The dealership documented the issue as: “FOUND RACK AND PINION LEAKING; PARTS/LABOR (INCLUDING ALIGNMENT AND POWER STEERING FLUID) $2,777 PLUS TAX.” This is a major steering component that should last well over 150,000 miles under normal conditions, yet mine failed extreme... Read more

Incident date: Jul 20, 2026

I was backing out of my drive way when a shift system fault message appeared on my dashboard. When I went to change gears the rotary dial locked up and shifted to park. My safety as well as other people’s safety was put at risk because my car stopped in the middle of the street with little warning. My problem was confirmed by an independent service center with a obd scanner.

Incident date: Jul 25, 2026

While driving a few days ago, power steering abruptly stopped working and a service power steering message appeared. It was very difficult to steer the vehicle back home. I've tried replacing the battery and resetting the steering sensor to no avail.

Incident date: Jun 15, 2026

The steering is heavier on the car and does not return to center after turning. This causes danger while driving if someone cuts off in front of me or I have to stop suddenly due to an animal or any other conditions. I am also assuming this will be dangerous to drive in wet weather as well. I took it to the dealer to check it, and it was diagnosed as a failing steering system; the rack and pinion... Read more

Incident date: Jul 22, 2026

The steering shaft on my 2026 Colorado Trail Boss is faulty and needs to be replaced. There was no accident but feel like this could be a safety issue that needs to be addressed and reported.

Incident date: May 15, 2025

Steering catches and sticks while driving and you have to tug to get it to release to get control back. This has happened several times that has caused me to almost wreck numerous times. I do not feel safe driving it but it is my only vehicle. Dealership said it is more than likely the epf system, or the electrical steering system that is faulty.

Incident date: May 13, 2026

The contact owns a 2024 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the electronic power steering seized, and the vehicle became difficult to maneuver. The contact depressed the brake pedal and stopped the vehicle. The vehicle failed to return to normal operation. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the ele... Read more

Incident date: Jul 13, 2026

The contact owns a 2010 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering assist. The traction control warning light was illuminated. The contact decelerated and pulled over to the side of the road. The vehicle was turned off and restarted. The vehicle resumed normal operation. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mec... Read more

Incident date: Jul 30, 2026

On many occasions, over several years of ownership, ''NEW in 2018, the trans has had violent shift Problems. I could only find 1, ONE instance where a person was "injured'' by ANY of the GM 8L transmissions. My neck is hurting Now. I'm compelled to do this for Others who been Scammed by GM as they still sell a 8 speed rewrapped. I can't believe this has been protected against being called a SAFETY... Read more

Incident date: Jul 23, 2026

The contact owns a 2019 Honda HR-V. The contact stated that while inspecting the vehicle for an Emissions test. The contact stated that it was determined that the vehicle had failed the inspection due to a steering box failure. The contact stated that the failure of the part occurred every two years, and the current failure was the third occurrence. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle w... Read more

Incident date: May 12, 2026

Loss of power steering, Truck repaired by GM dealer, he stated it was the same failure mode described in Recall notice N2023254 10. The repair even though the same as the previous failures was not covered by GM because my VIN was not in GMs recall notice. Looking at this website there a number of reports of power steering failures for later model Colorado and Canyons that were not covered by the... Read more

Incident date: May 11, 2026

My 2017 Sorento has sticky/notchy steering. When trying to move the steering wheel, it initially sticks and requires extra force to get it to provide a steering input. Once it gets past the initial resistance, it jerks the car in the direction you are trying to go which required compensation in the other direction. Upon correction, it jerks the car in the opposite direction causing a continual n... Read more

Incident date: Jan 20, 2026

Backing my truck out of my garage the power steering needs service came on and immediately I had no power steering. The truck was very difficult to steer and had I been driving on the road this would have been a major oroblem. I only have 42000 miles on the truck.

Incident date: Jul 27, 2026

Steering is binding, does not return to center when turning, it has play in the steering, and rattles and shakes when driving in the highway. Dealer said it needs a steering shaft replacement. The car has been doing this since it had less than 50k miles. There were no warning lamps or messages. Since this is steering, it is dangerous and puts others at risk. The steering binding is a safety issu... Read more

Incident date: May 24, 2026

Read out is showing power steering assist fault. Steering is locking up and screaming. Shows there was a recall for this but that this vin was not on the recall. now it is saying service advance trac.

Incident date: Dec 4, 2025

While driving in a snow storm, the power steering suddenly quit and my truck was forced off the highway and into a ditch. My truck had severe front end damage as a result. Luckily I wasn't hurt. After which the steering was normal for awhile, then suddenly did it again. Now the truck is essentially undriveable.

Crash

Incident date: Jul 29, 2026

When the car is cold and driving around town the electric power steering is fine. But once the car heats up and especially when driving on the highway there is a noticeable issue with the steering. When trying to maintain my position in the lane or making a gradual turn on a curve, the steering sticks for an instant. This continues for the entire trip. It is difficult to have a smooth drive with ... Read more

Incident date: Oct 11, 2025

The contact's husband owned a 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 54 MPH, the steering wheel jerked to the left and sent the vehicle over onto the opposite side of the road, where the vehicle struck a steel electric pole. The contact stated that the two front and two side air bags deployed. The Police Department, Sheriff's Office, and the Fire Departm... Read more

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Jul 17, 2026

The contact owns a 2017 Infiniti QX30. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the air bag warning light remained illuminated. Additionally, while reversing into the garage there was a popping sound coming from the steering column and the horn became inoperable. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was not yet contacted. The manufacturer was notified of th... Read more

Incident date: Jul 30, 2026

RTSCM FAILED TO BE REPAIRED resulting in life long issue. Recall Y80 from December 2021 was performed and then erased from my vin history. 14a associated with same failing part was completed and issue never went away.

Incident date: May 1, 2026

Got error message that said "Forward Smart City Brake Support Malfunction" slso fot "smart brake malfunction" while driving. The ac stopped, the car speedometer kept going from 50 to zero. The car died and couldn't open doors, windows. Lost steering while driving. We were able to get off road and restart and fine for 2 weeks. While at still light tonight, the car turned off. Windows were up, coul... Read more

Incident date: May 1, 2026

The front bump stops rest on the leaf springs seeming to indicate overload of the suspension. Ford initially stated this was a problem, then updated assertion to state it is normal. Upon crossing over some bridge joints and pot holes on highways while traveling at or below speed limit and when well-below GVWR, impact energy transmitted through the steering wheel is mildly painful and immediate an... Read more

Incident date: Jul 29, 2026

Dealer sold flood damaged 2020 Atlas 98k miles as safe vehicle. Found severe rust corrosion on steering column that could break while driving causing loss of control crash death. Also found 7 areas of toxic mold inside causing allergic reaction and breathing problems. Mold in seats, carpet, AC system. Dealer refused to repair and forced trade for overpriced 2023 Explorer with high loan. Vehicle un... Read more

1 injured

Incident date: Jun 30, 2026

On XXX at approximately 465 miles, multiple critical safety systems simultaneously failed on my 2024 Tesla Model X (VIN: [XXX]). Dashboard warnings indicated that ABS, stability control, traction control, steering assist, and automatic emergency braking were all simultaneously disabled. The vehicle was taken to Tesla Service immediately. Tesla diagnosed the issue as a faulty wheel speed sensor and... Read more

Incident date: Dec 3, 2024

Sticky Steering" or "Notchy Feeling": The steering wheel feels like it is catching on a notch or a "detent" when centered, rather than rotating smoothly.

Incident date: Jul 20, 2026

On Monday, July 27, 2026, my vehicle suffered a complete failure of the EPS system at startup in my garage, making the steering wheel lock and rendering the vehicle completely non-operational. The vehicle did start and would go into gear but there was a severe increase in steering effort, creating an emergency situation and an extreme safety hazard on public roads if it was driven. The vehicle was... Read more

Incident date: Jul 27, 2026

while vehicle is driving multiple dash alarms will start cycling through including stop/start, service electronic stability control, speed control messaging unavailable, service airbag system, service 4WD, engine light and ABS light, anti skid lights all come on, the speedometer goes to zero, and the power steering goes out. Driving highway speeds and suddenly having no power steering is a safety ... Read more

Incident date: Jul 13, 2026

While driving the HVAC stops working, radio locks at current setting (cannot turn volume up or down, etc.), screen goes blank or locks, windows do not open or close. Their are multiple warnings about sensors not working. Malfunctioning driver assist jerks wheel when driving through a restaraunt drive-thru. Had the sensor replaced for the adaptive cruise control and it did not correct the cruise is... Read more

Incident date: Jul 23, 2026

Steering flexible coupling was a recall over 10 years ago, it was replaced. The steering wheel “sticks” and it’s catching again and they will not do anything. I’m not happy that this is an ongoing problem and can be dangerous if it sticks at the wrong time!

Incident date: May 19, 2026

I am submitting this complaint regarding a suspected safety defect involving a 2025 Kia K4. On XXX, the vehicle was involved in a single-vehicle crash in the Town of [XXX]. According to the driver, the vehicle unexpectedly steered off the roadway when the Lane Keeping Assist/Lane Centering steering system appeared to intervene. The driver attempted to maintain control but was unable to keep the v... Read more

Crash 2 injured

Incident date: Apr 29, 2026

I own a 2023 Honda Accord Touring Hybrid. At approximately 42,000 miles, all of the warning lights illuminated while driving. The warnings included Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Warning, Parking Collision Warning, and multiple other system alerts. At the same time, I experienced a loss of electric power steering assist, increased steering re... Read more

Incident date: Jun 12, 2026

The VSA module failed, causing 5 warning lights to illuminate. This module controls ABS, traction control, and power steering. All of these systems involve the safe operation of the vehicle. The module failed due to a flawed design; the module contains 20-30 very fine connecting wires that frequently break due to vibration and temperature changes. VBS module failures are extremely common on 2008-2... Read more

Incident date: Jul 29, 2026

When driving normally OR pulling a camper (same day), power steering seems to "stick" as I exit either a moderate RH or LH corner. I must apply extra effort to the steering wheel to straighten out, and that invariably leads to an over-correction and departure into either the shoulder or the opposite lane. Problem is not sensitive to speed or weather conditions. The symptoms are not necessarily wo... Read more

Incident date: Jun 27, 2026

Campaign 6524A Recall was completed in JUNE 2024. The recall repair has now failed and the steering is sticking/malfunctioning when you turn the steering wheel. Reliable Mazda dealership in Springfield Missouri informed me yesterday the recall was already completed and now I will be responsibility for the bill to repair the failed RECALL repair. Which the repair was a new spring and grease.... ... Read more

Previous 1 2 3 4 5 ... 13 14 15 ... 2355 2356 Next

Vehicle Safety

Consumer Safety

Infrastructure

Public Health

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