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: Mar 3, 2025
The steering constantly sticks in warmer weather. Have reported to the dealer several times and they can not replicate or have any idea what I'm referring to (even though its very well reported to be an issue/recall). It is scary to drive at times because you are forced to jerk the wheel just to get it to respond making you almost swerve.
Incident date: May 1, 2025
While driving on the road truck locks up occassionally in a curve. i know of mulitple trucks its happening to and only in curves- will end up hurting someone if a fix for it isnt found - no one seems to know what is going on
Incident date: May 22, 2025
When you are driving down the road and get in a curve the wheels lock up like you are on ice or hydroplaining and have no control of vehicle. only happens in curves and i know of multiple trucks doing this - if another car is coming from other direction you will hit them as you cant control truck
Incident date: Apr 10, 2023
Steering sticks and releases under pressure at 60/65+ mph on interstate. Very difficult to keep vehicle in lane consistently. Constantly correcting both right & left to maintain straight line is extremely fatiguing especially on long trips. Safe driving at highway speeds is compromised and presents safety concerns for occupants as well as motorists nearby in addition to the apprehension it creat... Read more
Incident date: Apr 23, 2024
Accident Description: 2025 Kenworth T380 Model: 2025 Kenworth T380 VIN: [XXX] Date of Incident: [XXX] Location: Ontario, Canada On [XXX], while operating a 2025 Kenworth T380 on a straight section of highway in Ontario, Canada, the steering system suddenly became unresponsive while traveling at approximately 64 mph. I believe this failure is directly related to the USK tie rod ends, which are a... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
I received an NHTSA recall notice V06/NHTSA 19V-021 on or about April 2023, I brought this vehicle to Stat Line Jeep Dodge RAM located in Somerset, MA early April to fix the vehicle pursuant to the recall notice for a Drag Link problem/defect. Upon arrival the service department stated they had not received a welding machine necessary to fix the problem and to call for another appointment, On o... Read more
Incident date: May 22, 2025
Steering wheel locked up, had to replace rack and pinion, locking up when turning, therefore needing a wheel alignment.
Incident date: May 22, 2025
The steering gearbox mechanism is faulty. It causes the steering to be jerky and unstable, having to constantly adjust steering. We took it to the Honda Dealership in Ft. Walton Beach, FL for evaluation. They indicate "the steering gearbox is faulty and would need a new rack to fix issue". Cost to repair is approximately $4600. An independent mechanic locally also confirmed the same issue and... Read more
Incident date: Jan 15, 2023
Electronic steering assist. I was going down to road and all of a sudden my car was hard to steer and my steering wheel was shaking very hard. I carefully pulled it off the road before I lost control put it in park and shut it off. My steering wheel continued to shake and vibrate and it was also loud like the electronic part didn't shut off with the car. It continued to do this for about 10 minute... Read more
Incident date: May 13, 2025
I am filing this complaint due to a serious and unresolved safety issue with the steering system of my 2019 Volkswagen Atlas SEL 4Motion R-Line. The vehicle was diagnosed with a failed steering rack, which presents a significant safety hazard due to impaired steering response and potential loss of control. The part needed for the repair has been on national backorder for over a month, with no est... Read more
Incident date: May 12, 2025
Various vehicle systems fail to operate. Power steering may not work, parts of the powertrain may fail to operate. The vehicle has a code B273C-00 which Stellantis says their engineers are aware of but have no fix nor any timeline for a fix. This can rendee the vehicle inoperable or dangerous to drive as there is no knowing which vehicle systems will fail. This is an ongoing problem, not a one... Read more
Incident date: Mar 7, 2025
I have a 2016 Silverado 1500 I bought new. It only has 33000 miles on it. Last week I was backing my boat into the shop and the steering wheel jerked back and forth on its own pretty violently and a stabilitrac warning popped up and the radio screen kinda went dead for a second. Then last night I was pulling in a parking space at a restaurant and it did it again. This time it jerked and went dead ... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2020) - STEERING
May 22, 2025
Incident date: Jan 19, 2023
Steering feels notchie or sticky at speed on warm days. It makes very difficult to fine control the vehicle lane position. Several pounds of force are required to break free and move the wheel. The condition at first would show randomly, but is much more noticeable and frequent lately. It does this in the counterclockwise direction. It shows up on straight line driving. I am sure to the observes ... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
ATLAS CROSS SPORT
(2024) - STEERING
May 22, 2025
Incident date: May 21, 2025
I was driving about 65 MPH and was turning with the road and my Jeep started to shake violently. I just about lost control of the vehicle. I pulled over on the Interstate to check and see if I had a flat on a front tire or if the wheel was falling off of the Jeep. It was a very scary and unpleasant experience to have at 4:30 am going to work. Not sure what the problem is with the suspension or ste... Read more
NISSAN
PATHFINDER
(2017) - STEERING
May 21, 2025
Incident date: May 5, 2025
Was driving in heavy rain after about a 35 mile commute and put the car in park. After about 5 minutes of sitting in park the car turned completely off by itself for a couple of seconds and restarted. Warning message “engine stopped steering power low” popped up on dash and was visible smoke coming from under the hood with a slight burning smell. This is a first incident for the car as it has ... Read more
TOYOTA
HIGHLANDER
(2022) - STEERING
May 21, 2025
Incident date: May 21, 2025
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Steering rack. Steering wont return to center at 38,000 miles. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Car handles unpredictably posing safety risk to others and myself. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. Quoted $2,700 to r... Read more
Incident date: Apr 28, 2025
Power steering went out while driving , took the truck for inspection, noticed that went turn either way power steering motor will do the opposite , very dangerous in my opinion , seen in the news couple head to head collision involving a ram going into the oposite lane on a highway , multiple casualties were reported, that makes me wonder if the power steering was at fault , making the truck turn... Read more
Incident date: Aug 7, 2024
Steering made clicking sounds when turning. Injectors caused the car to run very rough!
Incident date: May 20, 2025
The contact owns a 2024 Mazda CX-90. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed low speeds and making a turn, the steering wheel jerked and vibrated, causing the vehicle to become difficult to maneuver. The contact stated that the steering wheel was pulling while veering to the right or to the left. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the cau... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
S 560 E
(2019) - STEERING
May 21, 2025
Incident date: Jun 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to turn the steering wheel, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact stated that the failure had recurred intermittently and had progressively worsened. A message advising of a power steering failure and to drive safely was displayed. The vehicle was not diagnosed o... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2025
While driving power steering warning lights come on and power steering goes out. The power steering warning lights come on and go off with loss of power steering intermittently but only after unit heats up. Loud noise such as a fan comes on prior to the steering warning lights coming on and power steering going out. Had a mechanic diagnose the issue and he said the power steering rack and pinion n... Read more
Incident date: May 16, 2025
Needs Steering Gear Box replaced. Vehicle has 88,800 miles RACK ASSY., POWER STEERING (EPS)(SERVICE) (STEERING GEARBOX) Steering majorly affected. Confirmed by the dealer and currently at a dealer for repair Called Honda Customer service and they suggested that I put in the notice as there is a recall on the same part for CRV's but not my VIN number No warning lamps or messages, steering ju... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2018) - STEERING
May 21, 2025
Incident date: Apr 18, 2025
I was driving on the highway, when the car steering started to pull to the left, and an alarm chime was heard from the dash, and a wrench light on the dash came on, as well as a service steering system soon message appeared on the message display. This happened multiple times. I contacted the local Midland Ford Dealer about this issue, as they had replaced the Electronic Rack & Pinion Assembly pre... Read more
Incident date: Oct 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Honda CR-V. The contact stated upon taking the vehicle to the dealer for an alignment, the contact was informed that the steering rack needed to be replaced. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel was moving and bouncing abnormally. The contact stated that the failure was more significant while driving at faster speeds. The vehicle was taken ... Read more
AUDI
A4 ALLROAD
(2020) - STEERING
May 21, 2025
Incident date: Mar 12, 2025
The contact owns 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle vibrated abnormally. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that no failure was found with the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The appro... Read more
ROSENBAUER
COMMERCIAL F-550
(2019) - STEERING
May 21, 2025
Incident date: May 21, 2025
The car started to shake uncontrollably at highway speed without warning. Steering was very difficult. It was difficult to even see out of the vehicle due to extreme shaking. The car is going to the dealer to be examined. This is a low mileage daily driver, completely stock, with no modifications.
Incident date: Nov 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the rear end of the vehicle unintendedly lowered. The contact stated that while driving over a bump or depression in the roadway, the vehicle was bouncing. There was no warnings light illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determin... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2025 Honda CR-V. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the steering wheel was firm. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V744000 (Steering); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for routine maintenance and the deale... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 3500
(2020) - STEERING
May 21, 2025
Incident date: May 21, 2025
The electric power steering will stop working while driving. The power steering warning light will come on and spotentially causing intermittent and complete loss of power steering assist. At times I am unable to move the steering wheel and control the direction of the Ram 1500. I have had this vehicle in for repart multiple times.
Incident date: Sep 1, 2024
My Toyota RAV 4 the power steering light comes on and says low & it always happens when it’s heavy raining and my wipers are on. The car just stops & wont start again for about 20 mins. This is super dangerous and has happened 4 times now
Incident date: Feb 14, 2024
Description of the Problem: On May 19, 2025, the steering wheel intermediate shaft or column of my 2020 Toyota Camry LE Hybrid began to malfunction. The steering became unexpectedly hard and stuck, significantly affecting my ability to safely control the vehicle. This problem occurs intermittently but poses a serious safety risk as it can happen while the vehicle is in motion, especially during t... Read more
Incident date: Jan 22, 2025
Steering linkage and tie rod issues. Steering not working properly. I see that my vehicle is not listed in the recalls. Although. I am having steering issues. Constant tail light replacing.
Incident date: May 1, 2025
The vehicle was operating in Autopilot mode as it approached a right turn but was in the incorrect lane. The vehicle accelerated in an apparent attempt to merge into the correct lane and initiate the turn, but it approached the turn at an unsafe speed. I pressed the brake pedal, which disengaged Autopilot as expected, but the vehicle failed to slow down or stop. I attempted to manually complete th... Read more
Crash
2 injured
GMC
SIERRA 2500
(2011) - STEERING
May 20, 2025
Incident date: May 20, 2025
My Steering has been very sticky on oy 2019 CRV. It makes creaking noises when I even slightly touch the wheel. They told me today I need a new rack and pinion. I only have 76,000 miles on this vehicle. There was a recall early on that had to do with steering and I feel like this is related. They're acting like it's not. I just don't think I should have to spend $5,800 on a car that I should be ab... Read more
Incident date: Feb 14, 2025
Since April of 2024, my steering has been sticking when making the slightest of turns. It has progressively gotten worse. I initially thought that I needed power steering fluid but that did not correct the issue. This sticky causes my vehicle to veer to the left and right abruptly into other lanes. I am fighting to keep the vehicle straight. I can hear the sticking noise constantly due to the lack... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2024) - STEERING
May 20, 2025
Incident date: Oct 25, 2024
The vehicle intermittently enters a state in which Lane Keeping Assistance (LKA) and Power Steering simultaneously fail, indicated by lights and notifications on the cluster and resulting in complete loss of power steering. This malfunction can occur at any point in the vehicle's operation, which includes when the vehicle is parked, and lasts until the vehicle has had the battery disconnected or p... Read more
Incident date: Jan 31, 2025
Driving the vehicle when arriving to my destination going a speed below 10 mph, the steering became extremely heavy and an alert showed on the cluster screen stating "power steering failed". I had to exert substantial physical effort to maneuver the vehicle to a safe location to investigate the issue. At that moment the Check Engine Light (CEL) did not illuminate, but I suspect there must have bee... Read more
Incident date: May 20, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and attempting to complete a left or right turn, the steering wheel failed to return to center and was sticking. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed; however, the contact was informed that further diagnostic tests were required to det... Read more
Incident date: Nov 11, 2024
Steering stopped working power assistance and it shows it’s a recall concern with your agency. They Deny it’s a recall item this is dangerous. So I started a case number 93065509.
Incident date: Apr 1, 2025
Midway home I got a message on my dashboard “steering assist reduced - drive with care”, but my power steering was still functional. I parked my car in the driveway, shut it off, and the cooling fans started blowing excessively. This continued for 5-ish minutes before shutting off on its own. Then I noticed that the engine temp gauge wasn’t working. Unsure if this is a problem with the therm... Read more
Incident date: May 20, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle started to wobble violently. There was no warning light illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure milea... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2023
My electronic power steering (eps) rack and pinion completely failed out of nowhere. I took it to the dealership and they told me the module basically fried itself and that I had to replace it. I've only owned the truck for 5 months now and can't really afford to pay 4,000+ dollars to repair this defective part.
Incident date: May 19, 2025
My Bolt has 87k miles and the steering sticks in various rotation spots. Accelerating doesn't affect the auto-straightening, as power steering should. I've been told to pull the boots back on the steering rack and regreasing the rack. My mechanic won't do this due to a safety. There are 100s of folks on Reddit experiencing the same issue. Some of these folks have less than 50k miles on their car... Read more
Incident date: May 19, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 BMW 535I. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, a steering wheel image was displayed on the instrument panel. The computer then informed the contact to carefully drive the vehicle to a dealer for service. The contact stated that excessive force was needed to steer the vehicle during the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where a diagnostic test was pe... Read more
FORD
BRONCO SPORT
(2021) - STEERING
May 20, 2025
Incident date: May 4, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Blazer. The contact stated that the transmission was slipping while driving in the lower gears. The contact stated that the message “Reduced Steering - Drive with Caution” was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure persisted, and the vehicle became inoperable. The manufacturer was i... Read more
Incident date: May 19, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated while driving at various speeds over puddles, the vehicle shuddered and made an abnormal sound. The contact stated that while the dealer was servicing the vehicle, the dealer informed the contact that the power steering gear was detaching. The dealer determined that the steering rack and gear and the tie rods needed to be replaced. The ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 10, 2025
There is a safety issue involving inaccurate detection of the driver's hands on the steering wheel. The vehicle frequently provides a warning on the driver's information display that I need to place my hands on the steering wheel despite both hands being firmly on the steering wheel already. Sometimes, I can get the car to recognize that my hands are on the steering wheel by firmly squeezing the w... Read more
Incident date: Mar 7, 2024
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: May 13, 2025
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving 45-50 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The message "Service Power Steering" was displayed. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The contact's husband was able to drive the vehicle to the residence without power steering assist. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed t... Read more
Incident date: May 19, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the air bag and brake warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel became inoperable, and the brake pedal was firm. The contact used the parking brake to slow the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle was sputtering and rattling abnormally. The vehicle was shifted into park. The contact... Read more