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 ›

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Showing 117,788 complaints - component: STEERING

Incident date: Jul 10, 2026

I am experiencing the "Jeep Death Wobble" which occurs intermittently after hitting any road imperfections i.e. uneven road surface connections, potholes, or rumble strips, causing a violent and sudden shaking of the steering wheel at highway speeds. I feel like the wheels are going to fall off it shakes so bad!!! I either have to slow down to under 45 mph or less, or come to a complete stop in ... Read more

Incident date: Jul 7, 2026

Steering locks up at highway speeds. This vehicle has only 36,526 miles on the odometer. This is a serious safety issue and could easily cause a high speed crash. The dealer has road tested and confirms the problem. The dealer states the electric steering box is at fault. We are having the electric steering box replaced by the dealer.

Incident date: Jul 26, 2026

Incident date: Jun 30, 2026

I am submitting this complaint to request that NHTSA investigate a potential safety defect involving the engine coolant temperature monitoring system, thermostat/engine coolant temperature sensor system, and its relationship to reduced steering assist in 2019 GMC Acadia vehicles. My 2019 GMC Acadia, currently at approximately 61,500 miles, has experienced the following symptoms: • The engine t... Read more

Incident date: Apr 25, 2025

I was driving and the steering locked. I could not move steering wheel either way. Towed to ford repair… they replaced steering rack. Four times it was replaced..4 times it locked.

Incident date: Mar 1, 2025

Was traveling down the interstate at 75mph. The steering wheel jolted left and would not allow driver to turn the wheel back to the right causing a single vehicle accident. The vehicle left the roadway and hit the cable barrier in the median and traveled approximately 50 yards before stopping.

Crash

Incident date: Jul 11, 2026

While driving on a road with a round about as I entered into the round about turn the vehicle lane keeping assist pulled the wheels and caused me to slam into the curb damaging the passenger side front and back wheel. It shoved the front wheel back into the inner fender wheel well and made the vehicle unable to be driven. I tried to counter steer to prevent slamming into the curb but there was no ... Read more

Incident date: Jul 27, 2026

While driving the steering wheel stopped returning to center when in turns and also would occasionally get "stuck" in the turn. A few days after this began, was out driving, notice flashed "power steering failure" and then the steering wheel was not able to be turned. Turned off and restarted the vehicle, the steering wheel would not budge. Had it towed to a nearby mechanic, told me that it was no... Read more

Incident date: May 7, 2025

The contact owns a 2022 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, the steering wheel jerked to the right and the traction control warning light illuminated. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the electronic stability control, Forward Collision Avoidance, check engine, and power steering warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a deale... Read more

Incident date: Jul 23, 2026

ABS module has failed. Causing a number of other safety systems to be deactivated. Power steering, traction control, drive mode selection, and braking. All these lights are illuminated on dash. Independent auto repair shop verified this ABS module has failed and there is no replacement parts from Ford.

Incident date: Jun 8, 2026

No "incident" happened. When I purchased my vehicle, the body/fender/hood did not match up on either side. As soon as I purchased my car brand new, I started having multiple noises ( I am still hearing) when I turn my car, I got the steering gearbox recall over a year ago and the noise went away and came back. The sharper I turn, the squeakier the noise. My wastegate actuator makes a metal rattle ... Read more

Incident date: Jul 3, 2024

Component: Suspension: Front: Control Arm: Left Lower Arm Description: While operating the vehicle at approximately 5 mph, the left (drivers' side) front lower control arm suffered a catastrophic structural material failure, snapping completely into two parts by the ball joint without warning. The structural failure caused the front wheel assembly to collapse outward, ripping the axle out of the... Read more

Incident date: Jul 24, 2026

These new Jeep Wrangles came from the factory with an aluminum steering box and Jeep has made 8 new steering boxes to try to fix the "wondering" steering issue but has not made any recalls. This is a safety issue because while driving down the road if you hit the smallest of bumps the Jeep will be sent into oncoming traffic in cases. They are impossible to drive on little 2 lane roads that has a l... Read more

Incident date: Jul 23, 2026

The contact owns a 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving 80 MPH, the vehicle started leaning to the left and the right. The vehicle then overcorrected and abruptly swerved to the left and right again. The contact was concerned about the failure occurring while driving at higher speeds. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was not notified of the failu... Read more

Incident date: Jul 25, 2026

The contact owns a 2009 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction. The EPS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. In addition, the contact stated that an unknown recall with a similar description of the failure was completed in 20... Read more

Incident date: Nov 13, 2023

The contact owns a 2016 Land Rover Range Rover Sport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V514000 (Steering); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The ma... Read more

Incident date: Jul 26, 2026

The Steering Assembly is faulty in the vehicle. I purchase this vehicle as a used Certified preowned vehicle from Hart Infinity in Connecticut. I looked at several one year old Infiniti's as I had an accident in my 2019 and it was totaled. As I was looking, I notices that several of the vehicles had curb rash on the front rims as well as the one I purchased. After I bought mine in July 2024 I ... Read more

Incident date: Jul 17, 2026

Steering sticks when driving in straight line for extended time. Requires extra effort to make small adjustments Also becomes jerky when making adjustments

Incident date: Jul 3, 2026

IT FEEL AS IF THERE IS NO POWER STEERING. RAN CODE REPLACED THE Steering wheel angle sensor AND THAT DIDN’T SOLVE THE PROBLEM. I CANNOT STAIR THE STEERING WHEEL GETS LOCKED UP ..

Incident date: Dec 31, 1969

After starting the car the steering wheel jumps off center and the steering is all over the place. have to start the car again and the steering wheel jumps the other direction. I strongly suggest this is exactly what the June 13, 2016 NHTSA campaign number 16V43000 the software may reduce steering ability and increase risk of crash.the direct steering system my experience an error at vehicle start... Read more

Incident date: Jun 24, 2026

Vehicle: 2021 Honda Civic Hatchback Current Mileage: ~24,400 miles Component: Steering / Electronic Power Steering (EPS) Gearbox / Steering Rack Summary of Issue: Vehicle is experiencing severe "sticky steering" (mechanical binding) in the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) assembly while driving, most noticeably at highway speeds. The steering wheel feels stuck when trying to make minor lane adjustm... Read more

Incident date: Jul 6, 2026

The contact owns a 2019 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and attempting to make a left or right turn, the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver, with an abnormal clicking sound coming from the steering wheel. No warning light was illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed; however, the result was unknown.... Read more

Incident date: Jul 15, 2026

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The message "Power Steering Assist Fault" was displayed. The failure was a recurring failure. The first failure was serviced by the dealer under NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering); however, a year later, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was th... Read more

Incident date: Jul 1, 2026

Due to the loss of power steering the tech at Rainier Dodge of Olympia performed electrical testing per diagnostic chart and found water intrusion into steering harness that has corroded wiring from the body harness into electric steering gear motor/module unit. The electric power steering gear assembly and harnesses must be replaced. The vehicle recieved a fault code U0140 stating loss of communi... Read more

Incident date: Dec 1, 2025

Steering capability malfunctions regularly and it is available for inspection upon request. When driving at highway speeds, the steering wheel will "jump" and turn slightly. It will also vibrate when held still while driving. This occurs whether staying in a lane or changing lanes. It does not matter if the road is smooth or uneven. No, the problem has not been reproduced by a dealer or service ... Read more

Incident date: Jul 7, 2026

Clockspring Recall. Horn not working, buttons on steering column not working, when turning steering wheel it makes a clicking noise, sounds like spring being pulled, driver side air bag light is illuminated on dash.

Incident date: Jun 30, 2026

2019 Honda CR-V, 74,429 miles. Steering wheel exhibits stickiness/notchiness when turning or making slight corrections and does not return to center on its own. Matches other CR-V owner reports of "sticky steering," the subject of an NHTSA investigation/recall on related model years and Honda/Acura platforms sharing the same EPS rack/gearbox. COMPONENT: Electric power steering (EPS) rack/steering... Read more

Incident date: Dec 12, 2025

My 2022 Honda CR-V has a "sticky steering" issue. This is a well-documented problem that has resulted in the recall of many Honda vehicles. It occurs regularly and results in the need to apply additional pressure to the steering wheel in order to correct the vehicle direction on a curve. This often results in an over-correction.

Incident date: Jul 26, 2026

Power steering has failed. The vehicle is available for inspection. The steering without power assist is worthless. There is no way to avoid any kind of emergency incident. An independent repair shop has verified that the steering doesn't work. No one else has inspected the vehicle. In the dashboard information panel there is a flashing red warning light that was on when the vehicle was started. T... Read more

Incident date: Jun 1, 2024

CRV began a slight resistance feeling when steering coupled with a slight screeching/rubbing sound. Took vehicle to Gilman Honda, in Rosenberg Texas. They kept the car over 24 hours and told us they didn’t notice anything. We went to dealer and drove the vehicle with technician. He stated the noise wasn’t worth a fix and the car was ok to drive until the noise got worse. He stated the car woul... Read more

Incident date: Jun 23, 2026

The forward collision light has been on but has not been affecting driving. Since I saw that here I figured it was worth mentioning. I have mentioned this to the dealership that is handling the current recalls as well. The more pressing issue is the steering. It happened once before where I was backing up and the steering wheel became difficult to rotate and violently jerking back against the dir... Read more

Incident date: Jul 26, 2026

While driving, most noticeable at highway speeds and after 30 or more minutes, especially during hot temperatures, the steering wheel experiences sudden momentary binding,sticking, or catching when making small lane corrections. It requires a distinct, manual force to break the wheel free from this sticky point. This resistance frequently results in an abrupt over correction, causing the vehicle t... Read more

Incident date: Jun 19, 2026

Within the first month of ownership I began hearing a noise from the right front of the vehicle consistent with a brake or suspension issue. I reported this to the selling dealer repeatedly during that first month; it was not resolved. The noise continued and worsened over the following year, eventually also affecting the right rear. At approximately 20,000 miles, an independent licensed inspectio... Read more

Incident date: Feb 9, 2026

Begin with cliff, I was not wanting to lock or locked or start the vehicle as I was driving. I stopped at the light vehicle started shaking, and as I drove through the light to pull over power steering assist failure, terrain, failure, and control failure.

Incident date: Jul 24, 2026

I am filing a formal safety complaint regarding a catastrophic Electronic Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) failure and severe electrical short circuit on my 2015 Ford Mustang. This vehicle is exhibiting hard fault code B137F:09 (Steering Wheel Left Switch Pack: Component Failure / Short to Ground or Open). This electronic failure creates an immediate, severe safety hazard that goes entirely outside ... Read more

Incident date: Sep 30, 2025

When I bought the car, I noticed that it was drifting and I was having to have steer harder to keep it in the lane and I'm assuming it's contributed to the steering box or the gearbox, where there was a recall and nobody informed me about that and I would like to get that fixed as soon as possible but Clark not Honda in Pharr Texas keeps on telling me that they don't have appointments and that the... Read more

Incident date: Apr 6, 2026

Incident date: Jul 26, 2026

The tire repair kit busted on me and the steering wheel is having problems I'm guessing assuming to the steering box being defective but I've called Clark Knapp Honda and they told me that they couldn't make an appointment with me even though I'm driving around with defective equipment and it's kind of an emergency but they're telling me I have to wait for you guys to send me a letter.

Incident date: Jul 11, 2026

Incident date: May 7, 2026

Beginning at approximately 104 miles (shortly after delivery at 75 miles), this vehicle exhibits a persistent vibration felt through the steering wheel, seat, and floorboard at highway speeds — specifically beginning around 55 mph, again at 61–63 mph, and most noticeably between 68–74 mph. A second defect involves rear-end instability where the rear of the vehicle feels loose and sways side ... Read more

Incident date: Jul 10, 2026

The TCU/TCM has been going in and out of control. Sometimes it will work then others it will shut off. Speedometer won’t work, power steering won’t work, cruise control won’t work, etc. and when you do the transmission reset for it, it won’t work at all.

Incident date: Jul 24, 2026

On June 7, 2026, I was driving westbound on I-290 in the leftmost lane in a 2024 Tesla Model Y. I recall FSD (Supervised) was engaged and making a lane change into the left lane. Instead of settling in the lane, the vehicle continued left and struck the divider/median. I braked. The vehicle then bounced back and moved right toward a large truck and collided. I did not receive a takeover warning be... Read more

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Jun 7, 2026

The vehicle went into BAJA Mode 4wd high then 4wd low range out of nowhere while driving. It shot me off the road , and ive been researching it. There is a 6 page thread about new rangers and ranger raptors doing this on 6G ranger forum, tons of people with the same issue. Super scary. Fear injury or fatality will happen from this as it shoots you hard off the road

Incident date: Jul 24, 2026

Abs traction control and e brake lights are on every time I go to crank the truck. I also get a check engine light with three codes causing my power steering and speedometer and odometer to stop working, I can sometimes clear the codes but the check engine light reappears when I’m going down the road. It has caused me to almost hit a light pole in the rain when I was going around a curve under 2... Read more

Incident date: Nov 25, 2025

I was driving and all of a sudden the traction lights turned on and the sterring wheel is hard to turn. Almost go in a car accident. The windows just stopped working and the brakes light constantly keep getting burned out.

Incident date: Jan 7, 2026

Steering binds when turning right exiting to a highway off ramp

Incident date: Jun 1, 2026

I was camping at a state park outside of Kenton Ohio. On Sunday July 19 2026 while backing up my travel trailer I lost power steering to my 2019 Silverado 1500. then a message came on my display saying service power steering soon and then a check wiring harness warning. I turned off truck and restarted it and warnings cleared and power steering came back. The following morning July 20th started th... Read more

Incident date: Jun 1, 2026

While driving, the front passenger side ball joint failed catastrophically. The wheel completely separated from the control arm and folded under the truck, causing the vehicle to drop hard onto the suspension and nearly lose control. I was extremely fortunate not to be involved in a crash or killed. Photos taken immediately after the failure show the wheel collapsed under the truck and the damaged... Read more

Incident date: Jul 19, 2026

Approximately one week ago I was driving at a safe speed on a two-lane highway. Suddenly, my steering wheel and truck jerked to the right. For 8-10 seconds a warning message was displayed "Power Steering ... Drive Carefully." I took the truck to my local dealership. They scanned for trouble codes. The technician said something about an interruption communicating with the electrical system. My serv... Read more

Incident date: Jul 8, 2026

The power steering light is on and will not steer properly. The vehicle is well maintained with only 70k. I have read some other issues with steering.

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Consumer Safety Complaints

What is a NHTSA consumer complaint?

How to interpret what you read

If you've experienced a defect

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