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 20, 2025
In January work related to recall 95B was performed on the Jeep. The next day the issues started with a warning light indicating the Hybrid System needed service. The Jeep has been in repair for this issue 6 times and over 56 days with no resolution. It is currently in for repair. A buy back request was made but both FCA and the arbitrators indicate it is not a safety concern. There are saf... Read more
Incident date: Dec 11, 2024
The steering of the car sticks during continuous turns when the car has been driving for a significant amount of time (over 15 minutes). This problem started out as slight sticking when making large turns on the highway but has become increasingly more noticeable especially on lower speed roads and turns. My VIN number is not connected to a recall however this issue seems to be the same as a recal... Read more
CHEVROLET
TRAILBLAZER
(2021) - STEERING
Jun 11, 2025
Incident date: Jun 8, 2025
Purchased the car on 5/16 and it’s been at the dealership since 5/23. Was driving and I received a message telling me to “stop safely, vehicle will shit off soon”. Car immediately slowed drastically and the wheel jerked forcing my car to swerve into the next lane on the interstate. Was barely able to pull the car over safely without getting crushed on the highway. Have opened a case with Jee... Read more
Incident date: Jun 10, 2025
Steering Wheel Misalignment, 2024 Ford F-350 Platinum (VIN: [XXX] ) I am submitting a safety-related defect complaint involving a visibly off-center steering wheel in my 2024 Ford F-350 Platinum. The steering wheel remains misaligned to the left when the vehicle is traveling straight, impacting driver perception, confidence, and potentially overall safety. In January 2025, the dealership perform... Read more
Incident date: May 29, 2024
The contact owns a 2010 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel seized, with the power steering warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the steering column had failed and needed to be replaced... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2025
The steering wheel "sticks." When driving in a straight line or a wide turn angle (like a freeway exit), attempting to make small adjustments to maintain direction results in a jerking motion. The steering wheel feels stuck until it suddenly overcorrects. I have attempted to manage this better by keeping a very firm grip on the steering wheel in order to personally "control" the issue, but it is ... Read more
Incident date: May 28, 2025
This is a major safety issue --- we got an error that steering assistance was "reduced" for about 12 hours. Then on [XXX] at around [XXX], we were pulling out of a parked area (after being parked for 2 hours) -- and proceeded to increase speed on [XXX] in Newark, the car steering wheel abruptly LOCKED ITSELF - you couldn't even move the steering wheel. It just locked and shut down completely. ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 11, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Honda Civic Hatchback. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction. The contact stated the failure had occurred at various speeds. In addition, the contact stated the failure was persistent. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with power steering control module (PSCM) failure. The contact was in... Read more
Incident date: Sep 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while his mother was driving and stopped at a traffic light, the vehicle lost power steering functionality and the vehicle became difficult to maneuver. The contact stated an unknown message was displayed on the instrument panel before the steering wheel seized. After several attempts, the vehicle was restarted, and the vehicle returne... Read more
Incident date: May 12, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle shuddered upon depression of the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that while at a complete stop, there was an abnormal popping sound coming from the vehicle while depressing the accelerator pedal. The failure persisted, and the contact stated that the steering wheel was loose while operat... Read more
Incident date: Jun 11, 2025
This car is equipped with four wheel steering. The actuators that control the real wheels activate when the steering wheel has not turned. This occurs when the car has completed a turn and is moving in a straight line.
MERCEDES-BENZ
E350
(2014) - STEERING
Jun 11, 2025
Incident date: Jun 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. 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 steering wheel jerked in the opposite direction and seized. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle had not yet been diagnosed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or... Read more
Incident date: Jan 11, 2022
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while making a turn in either left or right direction, the Traction Control warning light had displayed, and the vehicle had reduced speed independently. During failure, the contact lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a mailbox. During the crash, no injuries were reported. No police report was filed and the vehicle was driven ho... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jan 11, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while driving 35–40 MPH, the steering wheel was moving to the left and right and was sticking while being corrected. The steering wheel was difficult to turn. The contact stated that the failure occurred while driving at higher speeds. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Ca... Read more
Incident date: May 9, 2025
In June 2022, the vehicle exhibited abnormal engine behavior, specifically fluctuating revolutions per minute (RPM), while at a complete stop, creating a risk of engine stall. Newport Beach Lexus dealership opted to replace the fuel injectors and gaskets as a corrective measure. Previous invoices also show that there were concerns related to fuel equipment prior to this incident. Subsequently, in... Read more
Incident date: Jun 9, 2025
I have noticed my Honda civic 2016 steering wheel gets stickier while its on highway.
Incident date: May 10, 2025
The contact owns a 2025 GMC Sierra 2500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, after driving over a small pothole on the road, the alignment was dramatically altered, causing the vehicle to slightly veer out of the intended lane even though the steering wheel was centered. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechani... Read more
POLESTAR
POLESTAR 2
(2021) - STEERING
Jun 10, 2025
Incident date: Jun 6, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction. In addition, the contact stated that the steering wheel was stiff. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with rack and pinion failure. The contact was informed that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle w... Read more
Incident date: Apr 27, 2025
Reporting this early. Left a message with the dealership today. Steering is clicking and pulling to the right. I do not see a recall yet for 2019 yet but do see for other years of CRV.
Incident date: Jun 3, 2025
Attempted to back out of garage when the steering became very difficult to turn. Could not safely drive the vehicle as the steering was extremely hard to turn. Service steering message appeared on console. Vehicle towed to dealership for repair. Dealer advised this repair will require replacement of the steering rack at a cost of over $3,000.00. While there may not be a specific recall based on my... Read more
Incident date: May 20, 2025
While going 70 on the freeway, I lost power assist on my steering. I immediately slowed and drove to a gas station. I read in the manual it was still safe to drive. I highly disagree. After turning it off and restarting the engine, the steering returned to normal. My mechanic told me it was the steering sensor based on the error message. He suggested I drive it to see if it repeats. I am afraid th... Read more
Incident date: Jun 10, 2025
I would like to request a SAFETY INVESTIGATION on my 2016 Honda Civic - My steering wheel is sticking as I drive. I thought it needed an alignment and have taken it to get an alignment twice (7/29/2021 and 3/4/2025). However, it is still sticking to the point I am scared to drive it as it seems I may lose control of the steering wheel trying to keep it in the road. This is a serious safety issue /... Read more
Incident date: Dec 10, 2024
while turning a corner the power steering module shorted out the power steering rack gear assembly causing the vehicle to have control of the steering and unable to turn the wheel almost colliding with other vehicles. the power steering module light comes on along with the hill start assist, the forward collision warning, the ESM lights all come on. The steering wheel does not turn and had to tow... Read more
Incident date: Jun 10, 2025
The power steering keeps going out while I’m driving. Sometimes it will reset and work again after restarting my truck but now it’s staying out. This has been a problem for two months now. This almost caused me to crash twice.
Incident date: May 19, 2025
1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? -The entire electrical system failed and the power steering, SRS, and ABS systems malfunctioned. Yes, it’s available for inspection. 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? -Last night around 9 pm CST we crank the car and started to drive, (no warning light at that time) a... Read more
Incident date: May 4, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. 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 was stuck. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent; however, the failure had since become a persistent failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with rack and pin... Read more
Incident date: Jun 10, 2025
On 05/27/2025, my rear back-up camera started to malfunction. Last week my dash started to malfunction electronically. When I would start my vehicle, all of the lights would start to turn on and stay on on my dash. My speedometer would not move while I was driving, so I could not see how fast I was going. I believe this is a severe safety issue for myself as well as others. The tachometer would ju... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2025
Steering has become sticky when making minor steering adjustments, has become more prevalent over past few months. Very concerning, fearful of failure if driving highway speeds.
Incident date: Jun 9, 2025
While merging onto the highway an error message showed up on the dash stating "Steering Assist May be Reduced" upon immediately after the steering froze and could only be moved slightly using significant force. Approx. 75lbs. I am athletic and work out and had trouble moving the car to the side. If my wife or daughter had driven the car they would not have been able to steer and this could have ca... Read more
Incident date: May 17, 2025
There is a steering issue with this car and there are numerous complaints of this online. The steering as become very "sticky". This causes the need for constant steering corrections to be made often times causing over corrections because of the sticky nature of the wheel. This is very unsafe and can lead to accidents on the road. I have read this is an issue with the EPS system on the car.
FORD
EXPEDITION
(2017) - STEERING
Jun 10, 2025
Incident date: Jun 10, 2025
My steering rack had to be replaced at less than 55,000 miles. I asked the dealer if this was covered under warranty and they said no. I was charged $4,800 for this repair. I contacted Hyundai USA and they refused to cover the repair. I then realized that I had received a letter from Hyundai stating my car had the extended warranty of 15 years/150m miles for this exact repair. I am on the phone wi... Read more
Incident date: May 5, 2025
Steering gets really hard and jerks acts like the steering isn't working
Incident date: Jun 9, 2025
While driving on [XXX] in Selden, NY on [XXX] @ the speed of approximately 45-50 mph my 2013 Honda Accord Sport (sedan) abruptly, unexpectedly and violently lurched to the left on it's own while I was holding the wheel with my fingers. Thank God I was already in the left lane because my vehicle went off the left shoulder and began to go onto the grass in the median but I was able to recover befor... Read more
Incident date: Jun 2, 2025
I was driving my truck down the road and the power steering went out. I pulled over in a parking lot and turned the truck off. I waited about 5 minutes and restarted the truck; the power steering came back. I proceeded to head home, and the power steering locked up and the truck would not turn at all. I was in a residential area and was able to stop as far right on the road as I could. I again tur... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2018) - STEERING
Jun 9, 2025
Incident date: Jun 7, 2025
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became inoperable. There were several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the power steering module had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehi... Read more
Incident date: Feb 7, 2024
The steering wheel all of a sudden got really loose and will pull away from the steering column. I called Ford service at the dealership I bought it from. They said my extended warranty has just expired. They also say there are no active recalls for this issue. This is not something that should ever happen. I have never had this problem with and vehicle I have ever owned in the 30 + years of ... Read more
HYUNDAI
IONIQ HYBRID
(2017) - STEERING
Jun 9, 2025
Incident date: Jun 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel was sticky. The contact stated that upon using excessive force to turn the steering wheel, the steering wheel jerked while turning to the intended direction. An unknown warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with steering gear box internal f... Read more
Incident date: Jun 9, 2021
THE 12V ION BATTERY SYSTEM PART NUMBER 37507-G2120 (ICCU) BATTERY FAILED WHILE DRIVING, CAUSING GAS ENGINE TO TURN OFF, WHICH CANCELS POWER BRAKING AND STEERING, MAKING VEHICLE IMPOSSIBLE TO CONTROL. READ MANY REPORTS ON REDDIT AND IONIQ FORUMS OF THIS HAPPENING. NO. IT IS UNOPERABLE THERE WAS NO WARNING WHAT SO EVER. NO LIGHT, NO SYMBOL, NOTHING. WAS TRAVELING 40 MPH ON A BUSY ROAD WITH FAMILY... Read more
Incident date: Feb 15, 2025
Purchased this Ram 1500 Tradesman 04/14/2025. Upon highway driving noticed a severe pull to the right at speed 70 mph. Called dealer to explain the problem and they suggested an alignment that was done on 05/01/2025. Dealer said numbers were green alignment was good. I did highway test again same problem pulling to right. Returned to dealer at 618 miles 05/07/2025 for reset electronic power steeri... Read more
Incident date: Jun 9, 2025
Power steering goes out during driving. In order for power steering to work again, you must pull over, shut off the car and restart it. It has mostly happen while we have been driving on straight highways and roads and luckily it hasnt happened during any curvy roads or turns. This is one of our main cars we use to drive around town and travel with for adults and children. We took it in to mech... Read more
Incident date: May 22, 2024
2022 Honda CR-V: When driving, either local speed or highway speed, the steering sticks on slight turns. At first, this was very subtle, but now is more prominent and just recently, I can hear a clicking sound or noise whenever I move my steering wheel. I am afraid that steering will fail or "stick" and not come out of it causing an accident. I am also concerned that I could overcorrect. I feel t... Read more
Incident date: Oct 7, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver observed that the steering wheel stiff. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic however, the failure was not duplicated. The contact stated that on another occasion while driving 10 MPH, the steering wheel became stiff. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was d... Read more
Incident date: Jun 9, 2025
Loss of power steering assist while turning, second occurrence Rover issued a TSB N614NAS2 UPS8021-5B for this very issue however our 2021 Evoque is not listed There is no loss of fluid , contributing to this issue First occurrence showed SOS message in display Second occurrence showed lane assistance The dealer is Baker Jaguar and Land Rover of Charleston The vehicle was towed to their ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 21, 2021
The contact owns a 2015 Ram 1500. While the contact's wife was driving approximately 65 MPH, several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle slowed, and the RPMs fell to nearly zero. The contact stated that the vehicle also experienced power steering failure, and the transmission shifted into park (P) and could not be taken out of park (P). The contact stated that t... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
E 300
(2018) - STEERING
Jun 9, 2025
Incident date: May 27, 2025
steering gear locked up and could not turn steering wheel. happened 3 different times over several months. did this on start up of vehicle not while driving fortunately.warning light came on warning of power assist steering failure. took to Ford dealer to fix and said my vin # not on recall list and would not cover repair though thousands of other 2013 Ford Taurus are . still at dealer now and wi... Read more
Incident date: Nov 27, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Honda Civic Hatchback. 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 became difficult to turn. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mi... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
The steering wheel sticks when beginning to turn it. Occurs at all speeds and seems to be more prevalent at warmer temperatures.
Incident date: Jun 9, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the message “Service Power Steering” was displayed. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic, and the steering wheel seized. The message "Service Power Steering" was displayed. The contact stated that the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The vehicle was t... Read more
Incident date: Aug 13, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to turn into the intended direction. In addition, the contact stated the vehicle failed to remain in the intended lane while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the shocks and struts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was re... Read more