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: May 8, 2025
Steering is popping and sticking when making a hard turn. It has gradually become worse. We're not comfortable taking it on long trips. A claim was filed with Honda this week. It has been 5 days and we only get voice mail when we call. Its very scary to think our steering could go out and the car only has 90,000 miles. It's going to cost $5,000 to fix. A recall for this problem was issued, ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 16, 2025
I am having brake indicator light popup 4 time in three week with some strange noise while driving high speed on freeway. I researched found some recall on my 2022 Honda Ridgeline. Based on the provided VIN, [XXX], it appears show my 2022 Honda Ridgeline may be affected by two safety recalls: 1. Rearview Camera Issue: The rearview camera tailgate wire harness might break, preventing the camer... Read more
Incident date: Jun 19, 2025
When turn left or right the steering did not want to turn right away, and when it did it was sudden release.
TOYOTA
LAND CRUISER HYBRID
(2024) - STEERING
Jun 20, 2025
Incident date: Jun 3, 2025
During interstate driving vehicle detected both road departure and engaged the emergency automated braking. The vehicle attempted to correct the "road departure" by steering the vehicle away from the perceived problem and engaged the brakes nearly causing a collision as it has done numerous times before. I have reported this to NHTSA and American Honda and await a repair of this dangerous issue. H... Read more
Incident date: Sep 5, 2020
Intermittent power steering failure causing dangerous driving conditions
Incident date: Oct 2, 2023
There is a Service Bulletin on the steering handle bars. The dealership I take it to is Go Az Flagstaff, AZ (928)526-7959. On a recall service appointment I was advised by the service manager of the loose handle bar service bulletin. It was addressed at that time. I had my motorcycle in for another recall and told them that the handle bars are still loose and American Honda told them they woul... Read more
Incident date: Apr 23, 2025
While turning the steering wheel to make small adjustments in direction, the steering wheel has some resistance to a point and then loses resistance causing some over steer. I would use the term "sticky steering" to describe it. The problem can be reproduced any time. Symptoms first appeared around January, 2025. No error/warning lights on dash. Vehicle has not been inspected by anyone.
Incident date: Jun 20, 2025
My truck for several years has intermittently turned off all safety features and steering control, i.e. air bags, traction control, anti lock breaks, and power steering all turn off randomly which in turn disables the cruise control, towing functions, etc. In the past I could turn the truck off then back on and the problems would dissappear, Now the problem has escalated and is occurring at shorte... Read more
HYUNDAI
TUCSON HYBRID
(2025) - STEERING
Jun 20, 2025
Incident date: Jun 16, 2025
Our power steering has stopped working and there was a recall on Ram 1500 models for this defect but not for the 2014 which has the same steering component. We would like the 2014 model and any model that has the same defective steering to be included. This is a very expensive fix and very dangerous to operate like this
Incident date: Jun 12, 2025
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel seized and failed to turn to the left or the right. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired due to the cost. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign N... Read more
Incident date: May 20, 2023
The recall for the Honda CRV is for 2023 thru 2025. 24-052. I am having the same "sticky" steering problems. The 2022 CRV's should be included in this recall.
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2020) - STEERING
Jun 20, 2025
Incident date: Jun 20, 2025
Automatic emergency braking and steering is unavailable along with a few other features. Service center and car manufacturer not doing anything about it.
Crash
Incident date: Jun 1, 2025
A repeated clicking or popping noise is coming from the electric steering rack when turning the steering wheel left or right, especially at low speeds or when stationary. The issue started with a faint sound and has progressively worsened. It now occurs in both directions and is clearly audible during tight maneuvers or while parking. This may indicate internal looseness or failure in the steeri... Read more
Incident date: Jun 20, 2025
Electronic steering rack Start to intermittently lose steering, causing random difficulty steering while in operation.
AUDI
A4 ALLROAD
(2020) - STEERING
Jun 19, 2025
Incident date: Jun 16, 2025
Was driving down the interstate going around a curve and the service power steering message was displayed and lost power steering. Almost went into other lane of traffic almost causing an accident at 70mph. Was able to get vehicle to side of road. Turned off and back on then power steering worked. On the way home the power steering failed again almost causing another wreck. Turned truck off and ba... Read more
Incident date: Apr 2, 2024
In Driver info center messages displayed are ESC “this is anti lock cracking system not working”. Steering assist reduced “this is lane departure steering assist not working” Parking brake. “not working” Also cruise control is not working Buick service tells me this has happened often enough in other vehicles that there is a repair bulletin on it. Also the initial cost to repair... Read more
Incident date: Aug 23, 2023
Sticky steering with mild clicking noise. Started within past few weeks. While turning the wheel there is a slight resistance and the a release, which could get worse and potentially cause steering issue. Reported to local Honda Dealer and quoted replacement of rack and pinion for over $4,000. Repetitive issues but not consistent. Noted other Honda models and years with same issue already un... Read more
Incident date: Jun 19, 2025
The steering on my 2019 Honda Civic has gotten progressively "sticky" when driving at all speeds but it is worse at highway speeds (50-75 mph). I have experienced several close calls lately when the steering wheel sticks when turning into a highway curve and causes my car to veer into the oncoming traffic lane. I took my vehicle into the local Honda dealer service department and they told me they ... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2025
While I’m driving it starts to stall. Especially after I press on the breaks and try to press on the gas again it being ins to like jerk and not want to go. I thought it was my suspension or that it needed a wheel alignment but after paying for those to get renewed it’s still having that problem and the mechanic said it was most likely the transmission.
Incident date: May 20, 2025
Vehicle drive shaft making a clicking sound at the CV joint when making a left hand turn. Problem started at 10,000 miles.
Incident date: May 15, 2025
The front suspension knuckle on my 2016 Range Rover developed a visible crack, which caused severe play in the steering and made the vehicle unsafe to drive. On even small bumps, the vehicle would suddenly and forcefully pull into other lanes, creating a serious hazard. My safety, my [XXX] child’s safety, and the safety of others on the road were clearly at risk. I brought the vehicle to an au... Read more
Incident date: Jun 19, 2025
I have been experiencing the loss of steering assist. This occurs at any time while driving and that, once assist is lost, a message is displayed on the Driver Information Center (DIC) and a chime sounds. Steering control is maintained in manual mode, but requires greater driver effort at low vehicle speeds. In the next ignition cycle, power assist is typically regained and the DIC message is no... Read more
Incident date: Jun 6, 2025
My vehicle keeps losing power steering and abs and traction control lights come on, there was a recall for this issue but not for the month my vehicle was manufactured
Incident date: Apr 1, 2025
The steering wheel starts to get sticky on freeway after roughly AFTER 45 mins drive, that gives me harder to follow the lane or make a lane change either to the left or right side. My wife experiences that issue for years, she had not brought that into my attention until two weeks ago we took our 2016 Honda Civic for trip to California and I was a driver. I have heard lots of complaints related ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 5, 2025
When driving vehicle over the past month, vehicle turn signals on the steering wheel fail to respond to commands and feel almost as if the controls are locked out by a steering wheel software fault. Upon further inspection, checking service mode, found the SCCM service alert to correlate with the exact moment of turn signal unpressability directly. No debris or liquid has ever entered the area, an... Read more
Incident date: Jun 10, 2025
The steering wheel "sticks" when steering, particularly when veering or turning right. My local Honda service department identified the issue as a defective steering gearbox, with a repair cost of $5,115.44. I contacted Honda and was told that my specific VIN is not part of the recall associated with steering issues. Honda refused to add my VIN to the recall and initially refused to cover my repai... Read more
Incident date: May 29, 2025
Our car is now having two issues: 1. The first issue is extremely scary, but we found a temporary work around so have been dealing with it for months as we needed are car. If the auto stop/start is not turned off (which has to happen ever time the car is started), the car essentially puts on an emergency break and shuts down the car at the first for second stop. This happened in the middle of a bu... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2020) - STEERING
Jun 18, 2025
Incident date: Jun 4, 2025
STICKY STEERING LIKE THE 2022 RECALLS
Incident date: Oct 9, 2021
The contact owns a 2019 Ford F-350. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at 75 MPH, the vehicle started shaking violently. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over to inspect the vehicle; however, the contact found no fault with the vehicle. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was informed that the V... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2020) - STEERING
Jun 18, 2025
Incident date: Jan 26, 2024
Lost power steering! Almost impossible to make any turns. The dash has ESC fault and power steering fault. Says drive careful! How can I drive careful if I can't turn the truck? Only 79k miles! GM must recall their bad design and replace it with a design that is proven not to fail!
Incident date: Jun 15, 2025
steering sticks and requires extra effort to start movement but then moves with normal effort. there is a recall for this on ‘22 cars but not my ‘21, sadly
Incident date: Jun 18, 2025
I was driving hit a puddle of water, then all the sudden my power steering went out. I took it in to get looked at, and I'm being told it will cost several thousand dollars to fix the power steering. In addition, this vehicle has air in the suspension, but it now makes sounds when it lifts and takes a longer period of time to lift than normal. Something is effected in my suspension, as well. M... Read more
Incident date: Jun 8, 2025
On [XXX] my vehicle had a collision warning signal, then tire pressure, then brake lights and entire dash instrument panel. I parked the vehicle, then later in the evening test drove it again and the panel lit up again, in addition to the loss of the speedometer, tachometer, gear display, and drive mode display, so I immediately drove it to Courtesy Kia in Altoona, PA. On 4/18/25 Wendy Giordano o... Read more
Incident date: Jun 11, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Flex. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction. No warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was drifting in different directions. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a failed rack and pinion. The contact was informed that... Read more
Incident date: Nov 18, 2024
Sticky steering on highways. Takes effort to make micro adjustments on the wheel. Steering wheel makes a sound when trying to turn or change lanes, especially on the highway.
MERCEDES-BENZ
GLC 300
(2022) - STEERING
Jun 18, 2025
Incident date: Dec 1, 2024
-Electric power steering system. Yes, it is available for inspection. -My safety is high risk with this issue. -No. -No. -Yes. A message saying "Steering Assist Fault Service Required" few time would pop up and the steering wheel couldn't move. I would turn off the vehicle and turn it back on, the message would go away.
Incident date: May 16, 2025
I purchased this car about a month ago in April of 2025 as of today June 2025 I have lose my power steering it’s so hard to turn and I’ve called the dealership and they told me the car has already been fixed for the recall and it was odviously not because the problem is still present!
Incident date: Jun 4, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle was lost power steering functionality. The message "Steering Fault" was displayed. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the electric power steering gearbox had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 4, 2025
I’ve owned the truck for about a month with 0 issues up to this point. I was driving home after work on June 17th 2025, when all of a sudden the service power steering light appeared on my dash and my power steering completely stopped working. It became almost impossible to turn the vehicles steering wheel and I almost ran into a building. After doing some research, this issue is apparently a co... Read more
Incident date: Jun 13, 2025
Shortly after starting the vehicle and entering roadway, the power steering failed and shortly following an error came on regarding the ABS system. I was able to pull the vehicle over safely, restart and the issue seemed resolved in that use. Next day, shortly after starting vehicle, same errors occurred, but self corrected. The day after that, shortly after starting the vehicle, all systems on... Read more
Incident date: Jun 15, 2025
On 4/5/2025 I was driving at 35mph and the steering wheel began to violently shimmy. The vehicle became difficult to steer putting safety at risk. Slowed to 25mph but shimmy did not stop. ABS warning light came on and Stabilitrak warning light came on and warning that steering was being was being automatically reduced. Driving became very difficult. Stopped and had car towed to Chevrolet. Car w... Read more
Incident date: Jun 16, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving at various speeds on several occasions, the vehicle lost power steering functionality, and the steering wheel became very firm. Additionally, the message "Power Steering Service Required" was displayed. The contact stated that the vehicle was restarted after each failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 18, 2025
Steering assist not working, could not steer the vehicle
Incident date: Jun 18, 2025
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed around a roundabout, the vehicle independently veered toward the right before the steering wheel became firm. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the electronic steering column needed to be replaced. The l... Read more
Incident date: Jun 15, 2025
Recurrent intermittent power steering failure and intermittent engine stall. Steering wheel gets stuck when turning right while driving at speed on highway. Steering wheel gets very heavy and requires some force to get it back to center. If I let go of the steering wheel, it would stay in the same position until I move it back. When driving at slower speeds, usually when navigating around turns ... Read more
Incident date: May 28, 2025
Unknown/. When Press on brake car still moves. Also when put in parked car will move forward or backwards a few inches. Steering wheel does not feel right as if feels not secure when driving.when trying to go in right lane on freeway steering wheel was not all the way responding as if felt like it was loose and not connected to what pairs it’s spose to be. And almost crashed
Incident date: Jun 7, 2025
While driving vehicle at normal speeds the steering assist goes out and becomes very hazardous to drive. It is intermittent and does not do it all the time. When connected to dealer diagnostic machine it throws several codes. I have read on several GM sites this problem is widespread and GM is actively saying they haven’t heard of this problem. When the problem occurs it is almost impossible to ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 17, 2025
The steering wheel sticks when moving it. Can't make any subtle moves on the steering wheel because of this and have to jerk the wheel.
Incident date: Jun 16, 2025
June 5, 2025 stopped at red light turned green tried to turn left and the jeep flashed the electric red bolt symbol and check engine light came on lost all power would not go when gas pedal was pushed. a/c lost power started blowing hot air and engine turned off. Restarted engine finally got it to go enough to pull out of traffic. Turned off engine opened hood checked battery cables, fuses and al... Read more