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: Jul 19, 2022
Experienced loss of power steering, loss of brakes
Incident date: Jul 19, 2024
The car developed "sticky steering" when turning either left or right, and became very difficult to maneuver especially when returning back to center. Highly unreliable and unsafe to drive. I took the car to service department and they concluded that the steering gear box is the issues, where the "gears are disintegrating". The car only has 40,262 miles on it. I had no other option but replacing t... Read more
Incident date: May 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while reversing and turning the steering wheel to the left, the steering wheel seized. The contact stated that the power steering warning light illuminated, and the vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the rack and pinion had failed, and the electric power steerin... Read more
Incident date: May 30, 2025
Intermittent power steering loss. Steering becomes very difficult to turn and unsafe as it is unpredictable. The issue is persistent and ongoing.
MERCEDES-BENZ
C 300
(2019) - STEERING
May 30, 2025
Incident date: May 25, 2025
Vehicle loses power steering while driving and is near impossible to steer when this happens. If in a curve i'm afraid the vehicle will not respond in time and leave the roadway or cross into oncoming traffic.
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2022) - STEERING
May 30, 2025
Incident date: May 27, 2025
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Apr 15, 2025
The steering wheeled locked up and the dash showed error messages of check hybrid system and refill inverter coolant and car seemed to go into limp mode as I could barely accelerate forcing me to pull over. The messages and issue would go away upon turning off car and turning it back on, however the issue would eventually happen again. This has happened while driving on the highway and other vario... Read more
Incident date: May 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at 5 to 10 MPH, the power steering became inoperable and crashed into a pole. The vehicle was restarted, and he continued to drive. While driving the next day, the failure recurred. There were no warning lights illuminated. There were no reported injuries, fire, airbag deployment or police reports filed. The vehicle was towed... Read more
Crash
FORD
EXPEDITION
(2019) - STEERING
May 30, 2025
Incident date: Feb 10, 2025
Steering wheel sticks when driving. There is a recall by honda but not my vin. I feel it is a safety hazard. Their motto is”safety #1 concern”. Don’t think so.
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2021) - STEERING
May 30, 2025
Incident date: May 20, 2025
I was going from an on ramp to the hwy traveling approx 55 mph and my rdx lost power, the steering wheel either locked up or lost all power steering and warning beeps started and so did lights and brake warning systems. I was able to get it a few feet onto the shoulder of the HWY. after calling Roadside assistance and turning the car off and back on I was able to get the steering wheel to turn f... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
We have been having a problem with our steering wheel and have taken it to the dealership ,but they have been unable to replicate the issue with only test driving for several minutes. During a recent trip I experienced for 4 hours the steering wheel pushing left and right slightly like the lane assist was activated, which was not , but the steering was pushing me out of the lane almost causing a ... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2023
There's a grinding and clicking noise when turning the wheel left and right in a parked position and when slowing down. The dealership replaced the steering rack once already 1 year ago. Now the grinding and clicking noise is back and alot worse. The dealership is going to replace the steering rack for a second time. Spoke to Honda mechanics and told them that there must be another underlining... Read more
Incident date: May 29, 2025
Driving vehicle along highway, two alerts came on from the computer. Power steering warning, System advancetrac warning. Could hardly steer the vehicle appropriately. My vehicle does not fit in the May 17, 2010, and February 28, 2012, recall as it was manufactured in 08/12 so I cannot fix this issue. The vehicle is unsafe for travel and is just 6 months after the recall making me believe it is apa... Read more
ROYAL ENFIELD
INT 650
(2023) - STEERING
May 29, 2025
Incident date: May 29, 2025
The vehicle steering wheel has never been straight since the day I purchased it but I thought it was normal because of the roads I drive on then it got worse and worse. Now it pulls to the left when accelerating and the steering wheel is wobbly. The steering wheel is off center by about 1-4 degrees even when the wheels are going straight. After searching on the forums and NHTSA website I found tha... Read more
Incident date: May 29, 2025
It was around 7pm. It was raining & wipers were on. Auto stop/start setting is on. I was at a stop light waiting to turn left. The light turns green and I try to go, but the engine stalled. I was unable to move forward into the lane, and turn the wheel. A sign on the dashboard showed up saying "engine stopped, steering power low". I try to the turn the wheel and was unable to, I tried to turn off ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 19, 2025
The contact owns a 2007 Audi Q7. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle stalled intermittently, and failed to return to normal operation. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was self-diagnosed by the contact, and the contact determined that the steering column lock module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notifi... Read more
Incident date: May 10, 2025
Very loud abnormal ticking sound coming from the vehicle, failed actuators. Resulting in hvac loss. Arecall issued in 2014 for stabilitrak /abs for bad grounds on 2014 Chevy Impalas. HOWEVER 2.5 and 3.6 L engines were not included, BUT NEED TO BE!!! the car will drive rough and eventually just cut off in the middle of traffic highway or residential. This is what it did on me, putting me in a ver... Read more
Incident date: May 29, 2025
SCCM Internal failure that the dealer is calling an Air Bag Clock Spring failure. Safety Recall 33B and 14B already exist for my make and year of vehicle, but do not cover my VIN. The turn signal gets stuck leading to a hazard for the operator and those around.
Incident date: Apr 1, 2025
While reversing out of a parking space, the steering wheel on my 2024 Audi A4 Allroad wagon suddenly locked completely and could not be turned in either direction. A warning message appeared stating “Steering malfunction. Safe to drive.” However, the vehicle was not safe to drive due to complete loss of steering functionality. Restarting the vehicle multiple times did not resolve the issue. Th... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel seized, with the power steering warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the power steering module had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure m... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
RA1250
(2021) - STEERING
May 29, 2025
Incident date: Apr 7, 2025
My vehicle about a year ago started to display the dash lights for the VSC, ABS, and Emergency Brake however there was no indication from the feel of the brakes as they were applied, or any indication that something was wrong with the vehicle. I had my brakes replaced on my rear tires, and for a time the lights went off. In April of 2025, the lights came back on however this time there was a disti... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
Steering is notchy, when making a turn at highway speeds, the steering will lock in the position of the turn. Takes force to get it to free up and allow you to straighten out the wheels. It also causes the car to wander and is notchy in the 12 O'clock position. Feels like it is sticking, then releases. The issue becomes worse the longer the drive time is.
Incident date: May 29, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Honda Civic. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the steering wheel was sticking while turning. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on several occasions. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V744000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was taken to the lo... Read more
Incident date: Oct 30, 2023
Loss of stability control,power steering,anti lock brake system,air bags,speed control. Has been at Dodge Dealer multiple times with the exact reoccurring problem.
Incident date: Feb 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Acura RDX. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle while turning to the left or the right. The contact stated that the steering wheel failed to function as intended. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the steering gear and su... Read more
Incident date: May 14, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that while washing the vehicle, the contact became aware that the entire inner sidewall of the tires were warped and damaged, and the TPMS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed, and the contact was advised that a cause for failure could not be determined; however, the tires were replac... Read more
Incident date: Mar 5, 2024
Honda Accord 2019 could not start after parked in garage for 6 weeks. Instrument panel showing: 1) Brake Hold System Problem 2) Brake System Problem. Brake Performance May Be Reduced. 3) Electric Parking Brake System Problem. Parking Brake Not Available. 4) Electric Power Steering System Problem. Steering Assist Reduced.
Incident date: Feb 19, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became inoperable with the power steering warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the steering control module had failed and needed to be replaced.... Read more
Incident date: May 25, 2025
Vehicle gives warning that steering assist is disabled. I should drive carefully. Also cooling fans run on high and temp gauge reads zero. P0128 I'd code given by computer. When code is cleared vehicle returns to normal operation. I read many, many people have this same problem with no clear correction. Many have replaced thermostat, temp sensors, and problem returns. Sounds like defective wiring ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 15, 2024
Steering system, potentially related to electric power steering (EPS) or driver-assist systems (lane keeping or steering assist). While completing a routine right-hand turn, my husband began to straighten the steering wheel when the steering system suddenly and sharply turned further right without any driver input. This caused the vehicle to strike a curb, damaging both passenger-side wheels and ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jan 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2009 Saturn Aura. The contact stated that while driving at speeds of 20 MPH or slower, the power steering function failed to operate as intended. The contact stated that the loss of power steering warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and turned off and then restarted the vehicle to regain power steering functionality. The contact found i... Read more
Incident date: Sep 11, 2024
Steering began to "stick", especially at highway speeds and when trying to keep car centered in lane, causing frequent overcorrection and difficulty maintaining lane control. No warning lights, messages, etc. Dealership confirmed and the diagnosis was that the motor powering electric power steering was faulty and steering rack needed to be replaced. First noticed the issue during summer of 2024, b... Read more
Incident date: May 20, 2025
While driving through a hard rain and some standing water (which was totally unavoidable)one afternoon, I began having Electric power steering problems. It stared off with grinding noises for a couple days and on the day i took it to be checked is when I loss all power steering with EPS warning light engaged. After searching for the part continuously, through manufacturers and auto parts dealers,... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
XL883C
(2004) - STEERING
May 29, 2025
Incident date: May 28, 2025
While replacing 3 motor mounts, engine oil pan,transmission oil pan, also CV axles, wheel bearings needed replaced. When i got my car back the power steering wasn't working. My mechanic said there was a recall for my year, make and model for the power steering assist. I haven't gotten this fixed yet due to lack of funds . I am filling this out to see if is recalled.
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2021) - STEERING
May 28, 2025
Incident date: Apr 1, 2025
My electric power steering has gonna out then came back and now its not working. There's been a recall for that on my so not sure if my car is available.
Incident date: Feb 28, 2025
I turn the truck on to leave said place, put the truck in reverse, try to turn steering wheel and it wouldn’t turn. Then a steering wheel light comes on with an ! Exclamation point. I start looking up issues on rack and pinion steering issues for the Vin number. That shows that a lot of people have been having the same issues so I take my truck to the dealership after calling and confirming that... Read more
Incident date: Feb 28, 2025
There’s a plastic clip inside the control lever control that is cheaply made, multiple trucks affected. Have pictures to share
Incident date: May 28, 2025
I am writing to formally report a concerning issue I’ve experienced with my vehicle's power steering system. The steering intermittently "sticks" or resists turning, requiring slight but deliberate manual force to free it while driving. This occurs unexpectedly and is especially noticeable when taking a slight curve at a lower-speed. The sticking sensation feels as if the steering wheel moment... Read more
Incident date: Dec 9, 2024
Steering Column cover was rattling and felt coming apart. When Right side Turn signal was activated and the turn was completed, automatically left side turn signal was activated. Both of the above concerns were addressed by the GM Chevrolet authorized dealer on 8/26/2024. Again the Turn signal started malfunctioning as stated above, and the vehicle is now at the same GM authorized dealer for ser... Read more
Incident date: May 27, 2023
On 3 separate occasions the truck has completely broken down while traveling 60-84mph. Each time, while in motion, the check engine and battery lights come on on the gauge cluster. Voltage starts rapidly draining from the battery indicator before systems start being shut down. Fiirst is entertainment, then climate, the ABS, then steering, and then all power and engine loss. I almost lost control t... Read more
Incident date: May 28, 2025
I was driving my explorer in a residential area when my power steering assist went out, causing me to not be able to control the steering wheel. I had 3 passengers in the vehicle at the time. I came close to crashing into a ditch but was able to stop the vehicle. It terrified me and my passengers. I struggled to steer it to a restaurant parking lot. After my power steering stopped working, and ala... Read more
Incident date: Mar 28, 2025
MDPS failing when driving randomly. Steering locks up and vehicle is uncontrollable, while the vehicle is moving. This has occurred at varying speeds, while turning and while driving straight. Dealer has unsuccessfully got the issue to replicate, but independent service center was able to replicate it and found the extended warranty and recommended dealership visit since issue is covered. Vehicle ... Read more
Incident date: May 27, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ram 1500. 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 the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the electronic steering module and rack had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle wa... Read more
FORD
BRONCO SPORT
(2021) - STEERING
May 28, 2025
Incident date: May 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel seized. There was no warning light 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 steering gearbox had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacture... Read more
Incident date: Jan 28, 2025
When battery was beginning to get old/need replacement but vehicle would still start: 1. The power steering assist stopped working intermittently (virtually impossible to steer even at speed) 2. Power brake stopped working intermittently (very hard to get vehicle to stop) Unsafe for me, would have been very unsafe for certain without significant physical strength.
Incident date: May 15, 2025
The steering of my 2018 Chevy Bolt is sticky. At moderate speeds and going around sweeping corners and curves, the steering becomes sticky and does not want to return to center - you must guide steering back to center and there is friction involved in pulling it back to center. This is a safety issue because the sticking does not allow the driver to sense true road conditions especially in adver... Read more
Incident date: Apr 22, 2025
A "Check Power Steering" light on the dashboard came on suddenly leaving me unable to steer the car at all. After re-starting the car several times, the light went off. The car manual indicated pumping the accelerator may cause this symptom, and--given the light had gone off--I drove the car home. However, after trying again to drive the car, the light is back on. Online Acura forums indicate ther... Read more
Incident date: May 24, 2025
When picking up speed, the steering wheel is difficult to turn. And not working line keep Assistance. U0416 code in ecu (eps). No any errors on dashboard.
Incident date: May 23, 2025
The steering does not return to center at lower speeds. This appears to be a very common problem affecting these cars after about 40k miles due to faulty part. Repair can cost $3k. Worried that the steering could lock up and cause an accident. My wife didn't even notice until I drove her car and brought it up. Some people could be driving for years without knowing.
Incident date: Apr 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality, and the vehicle became difficult to maneuver. The contact was unable to turn the steering wheel to the right or the left. The contact stated that two passengers inside the vehicle assisted with steering the vehicle. The message "Power Steering Assist" was displayed on the ... Read more