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: Apr 29, 2025
Horn stopped working. Steering wheel controls stopped working. Airbag clockspring bad. Several lights on, on dash. Several dealerships claim even though there is a recall, my Jeep is not covered.
Incident date: Aug 13, 2024
The steering went out on my 2013 Dodge Ram 1500. I purchased this vehicle used in July 2016 The dealership stated that this recall has already been fixed however if that's the case it wasn't fixed properly and failed again. To fix the problem is thousands of dollars. There was no warning lamps that indicated a problem. It acutely happened.
Incident date: Dec 29, 2023
It’s been a year since I have owned my 2021Toyota Rav and it has randomly been shutting off with the notice: Power Steering Voltage Abnormality. I have taken the vehicle to get checked but nothing is coming up indicating what the issue is. The battery is fine, the alternator is fine, and there doesn’t seem to be any electrical issues with the power steering. I have seen that there has been cer... Read more
Incident date: Apr 29, 2025
The steering on the vehicle will stop responding when turning at low speeds. The vehicle will feel like it hits the “bump stop” and then will come back to center. You can then turn past that point. This has almost cause accidents because you cannot effectively steer to avoid obstacles and cannot maneuver effectively at low speeds. It occurred randomly. Was troubleshot at dealership without r... Read more
Incident date: Apr 29, 2025
The contact's stepdaughter owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while his stepdaughter was driving approximately 20-30 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The driver was able to pull over to the side of the road. The contact stated that the failure had recurred on several occasions. The contact stated that upon turning off and restarting the vehicle, the power steering ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 29, 2025
ABS system went out 3 years ago. The truck was still drivable and used extreme caution when doing so. This morning the power steering went out which is directly related to the ABS system. I noticed that a recall was issued for 2017 and beyond models of the Ram, but why not 2015. My truck has less than 100,000 miles and is now completely undriveable because the ABS cant be fixed.
Incident date: Apr 29, 2025
When driving my Jeep Compass, there have been numerous instances of the vehicle stalling out when slowing down or stopping at a light/stop sign. This has happened on busy roads, at busy intersections, and on country roads. When it happens, I cannot control any aspect of the vehicle; the breaks no longer work, I cannot turn the wheel, I cannot change gears or easily put it into park, and it takes m... Read more
Incident date: Apr 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the steering wheel became very difficult to turn in either direction. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the EPS circuit control was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact was informed that the VIN wa... Read more
Incident date: Feb 13, 2025
The power steering failed, turning my steering wheel all the way to the left with excessive force. A safety recall exists for my type of vehicle but my vehicle VIN Number is not included recall, numbered 14S05 For Ford Escape model years 2008 - 2011
Incident date: Apr 28, 2025
On [XXX], I purchased a 2019 Honda Civic Si (VIN: [XXX] ) from Zeigler Toyota of Racine (WI). At the time of sale, the dealership concealed critical safety-related information, including three major prior damage events (roof, front, rear), multiple Illinois auction sales, and pre-installed aftermarket suspension modifications that prevented proper rear alignment. No disclosures were made. After p... Read more
Incident date: Apr 28, 2025
after shortly pumping gas, I received a alert on my car that I needed to check my fuel cap, after checking fuel cap I proceeded to drive on the highway during this time a multitude of sensors started to go off on my car, and it started to drive weird there were light such as my interlock, being deactivated, parking, brake, deactivated, malfunction of VSC, collision deactivated. Then suddenly while... Read more
Incident date: Apr 27, 2025
Power steering module malfunctioned when taking kids to school. Auto repair shop confirmed.
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2021) - STEERING
Apr 28, 2025
Incident date: Apr 11, 2025
On multiple occasions after 10-15 minutes of driving at various speeds, while turning either way, or while driving straight, a “Power Steering Unavailable” warning comes on the dash and steering stiffens and becomes almost immovable. Very similar to NHTSA Recall Number: 19V-016. On one occasion PS faulted while starting into a curve at 50 mph. Steering wheel hardened and nearly caused vehicle... Read more
Incident date: Apr 27, 2025
There is a "sticky" feeling when steering, particularly when veering or turning right. My local Honda service department identified it as a defective steering gearbox and estimates that it will cost about $5,100 to fix it. I contacted Honda and was told that my specific VIN is not part of the recall associated with steering issues; they also refused to add it or cover my repairs.
Incident date: Apr 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated while driving on the highway at 65 MPH and driving over a pothole, the vehicle started violent shake and the steering wheel seized. The contact pulled over, came to a complete stop and was able to continue driving. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed and the contact... Read more
NISSAN
PATHFINDER
(2014) - STEERING
Apr 28, 2025
Incident date: Aug 5, 2024
Driving at highway speed and steering was not normal.It made a clicking sound and steering was not smooth and hesitated. It continued at lesser speeds as well.
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2021) - STEERING
Apr 28, 2025
Incident date: Mar 11, 2025
Steering locked up. Very difficult to steer. Condition remains 4/28/2025 09:00. Dealer approx 30 miles away. Can't afford towing. Low speed (35 MPH) No crash, No injuries. Flashing steering wheel with (!). No other indications. No Codes. NOTE: BASED ON INFORMATION FROM MY TIME IN THE MILITARY AS A HELICOPTER PILOT AND ISSUES WE HAD WITH AIRCRAFT GROUNDS, I REMOVED AND CLEANED ALL TERMIN... Read more
Incident date: Apr 27, 2025
The component in question is the steering assembly. The vehicle which currently has approximately 55,000 miles has started having what I would describe as "sticky steering". The steering wheel does not operate smoothly, instead you have to force it out of a turn or merge. The vehicle issue has been confirmed by my local dealer where we purchased the car new. There are no warning lamps associated w... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2021) - STEERING
Apr 28, 2025
Incident date: Mar 16, 2025
- Power Steering Failed - Was driving highway speed - Suddenly steering wheel stiffened/locked - Dashboard warning light cam on and audible alert stating "Service Power Steering" Truck was able to be guided manually (very difficult - inexperienced driver or individual with less strength would not be able to turn steering wheel ) - not yet - This happened Sunday [XXX] - Truck is currently in the ... Read more
FORD
MAVERICK HYBRID
(2022) - STEERING
Apr 28, 2025
Incident date: Jun 20, 2022
My engine shut off (would not turn back on!) and displayed message: “Engine Stopped. Steering Power Low”. I brought it to the dealership the next morning. I was told that the power steering was electric, they could not duplicate the message, and to bring it back if it does it again. I’m concerned because what happens if it occurs again while I’m driving on the interstate?
CHRYSLER
TOWN AND COUNTRY
(2010) - STEERING
Apr 28, 2025
Incident date: Oct 28, 2024
Engine "Stop/Start" turned off when trying to make a turn. When it did the steering would not move. Also when "Stop/Start" turns off it was dangerous when turning. I email Honda and they called me back. They could have it disabled but it would cost $80 and I would have to buy the part and they would install it. This is a new truck bought last month.
Incident date: Mar 13, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Civic. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. The contact stated that the vehicle was still drivable; however, the contact stated that the steering wheel locked occasionally. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed or repaired by a dealer or independent mechanic. The manufacturer was not notified of t... Read more
Incident date: Apr 14, 2025
While driving the freeway at 70 mph, the truck flashed a message to service shifter. Windshield wipers starting going on their own, all messages popped up on dashboard, and the vehicle started gradually slowing down posing a safety issue. Speedometer was going from 0-50 mph back and forth and steering wheel was hard to maneuver. I was able to get off the freeway and into the frontage safely. Howev... Read more
Incident date: Dec 31, 2024
When I turned my car on to leave for work it was beeping and the menu said power steering system faulty and loss of power steering/ it will also randomly loss power steering while driving down the road
Incident date: Apr 15, 2019
THE RACK - POWER STEERING FAILURE. DAUGHTER IS DRIVING THE CAR ON THE HIGHWAY AND NO POWER STEERING. 2 YEARS AGO HAD THE DEALER PUT ONE IN, 3 TIMES TO GET IT RIGHT. JUST FAILED NOW. WARNING LIGHTS ARE STEERING POWER ASSIST, AND I BELIEVE TRACTION CONTROL.
MERCEDES-BENZ
GLC 300
(2021) - STEERING
Apr 28, 2025
Incident date: Mar 20, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated that while attempting to adjust the steering wheel, the steering column failed to lock into place. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed and determined that the steering column was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provid... Read more
Incident date: Apr 28, 2025
Power steering stopped working - understand there is a recall on manufacture years 2015 and newer - mine falls in the date range but my VIN is not a part of the issued recall "S19"
Incident date: Apr 28, 2025
The contact owned a 2021 GMC Denali. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at 25 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering. The vehicle failed to turn and crashed into a tree. There were no reported injuries. There were no warning lights. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V455000 (Steering). The vehicle was taken to his residence. There was no poli... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Nov 1, 2024
Jeep caught on fire in engine bay while parked in a parking lot. Vehicle was not running at the time. Vehicle had not been running for 20 minutes.
Fire
Incident date: Apr 28, 2025
Stearing Column makes a clicking sound when you move the wheel during stearing
Incident date: Nov 30, 2024
I bought my G6 in 2022. After about a year of having it, issues started happening. Everything was fine up until my passenger side airbag warning appeared on my radio screen and it won't go off. Could be a serious issue with the airbag. Maybe around the end of 2023 I started having problems with my power steering. I could drive down the road and all of a sudden my steering wheel would lock up. I co... Read more
Incident date: Apr 27, 2025
I have clicking,ticking noise coming from the stering wheel area during low spedd turning. i notice the noise around the front lef and right wheel area when I pulling in or out of parking spot
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLTRX
(2024) - STEERING
Apr 27, 2025
Incident date: Apr 22, 2025
Two years ago my vehicle started loosing electrical power steering.. there is a recall for this issue… my vehicle was not experiencing this issue at the time of the recall. I have not been able to drive my vehicle because it randomly looses power steering deeming it extremely dangerous to drive.. I informed mazda who stated there system shows it was repaired during the recall will not cover the... Read more
Incident date: Jan 10, 2025
The steering sticks when moving it from the null position. It feels as though there is a lock of some sort and one has to exert more force that normal to move the steering wheel in either direction. This is very noticeable when driving on a straight road or highway where normal steering adjustments are just slightly to either side of null. I find myself over adjusting for things like the crown/pit... Read more
Incident date: Apr 21, 2025
The Blazer is having a recurring P0128 code. We have informed the dealership. This has been going on for 2 years or so. I reset the code with a code reader and it stays off for a few months usually. Tried to have the dealership look at it one of the last times it happened but they wouldn't just look at it...they wanted to set up an appointment. We needed the car so I reset the code again. No... Read more
Incident date: Apr 27, 2025
While driving my Model X 2022 I noticed the warning "Steering assist reduced, Steering may require increased effort". I was then at a red light and I started to make a left turn and I could BARELY turn the wheel it was like it was almost locked up. Luckily I had enough strength and I was driving into a parking lot where I needed to have my car towed. Tesla service just said there was moisture i... Read more
Incident date: Jun 12, 2024
Traveling back from Tennessee I stopped for fuel when I started my truck to leave the warning light was on the dash for service power steering and I had no power steering I have checked the fuse but it does not appear to be bad I will take my truck to the shop tomorrow morning Monday 4/28/2025
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2019) - STEERING
Apr 27, 2025
Incident date: Apr 1, 2024
When parking, parked or when I put it in drive and turn the wheel to drive off turning Steering wheel there is a deep gridding noise. Comment: This could be due to issues with the steering wheel assembly, suspension component, a sign of manufactory defects in the bearings, bushings, or other parts of the steering system. Driving with this noise that appears only when using the Steering System can... Read more
Incident date: Apr 27, 2025
Purchased a **2025 Sienna XSE** with severe alignment issues since new. After **two failed repair attempts** at Fort Bend Toyota, the steering is now worse, and they damaged my wheel without offering solutions. This is a **safety hazard**—the car drifts dangerously at slow and highway speeds. The dealership dismissed my concerns, forcing me to escalate to **NHTSA** and **Toyota Corporate**. Avo... Read more
Incident date: Apr 27, 2025
I bought this truck new in March 2015 there was a recall for the steering shortly after which I had done, everything was ok for three years. Then I had power steering failure. After shutting off and everything is normal, until it happens again. It is now 10 years old and it has hapened 7 times in 10 years. there is no pattern to the occurrences.
Incident date: Apr 26, 2025
My car started shaking while driving at high rates of speed. Also while hitting bumps at high speed or the brakes. I took it to the VW dealer and they told me the steering rack was going out. When trying to get it fixed I was told the part is on back order for months. They told me there was 400 people ahead of me. This seems like it should be a recall with so many people reporting the problem. And... Read more
Incident date: Apr 18, 2025
Vehicle was accelerating down hill when ENGINE STOPPED LIGHT came on STOP IN A SAFE PLACE. I could not accelerate the gas or control the steering vehicle glided halfway to the side of the road before stopping. Engine stopped completely when exiting the vehicle smoke was coming out of the front hood. I could not shift the vehicles gears the system was completely locked up. STEERING POWER LOW light ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 26, 2025
Experience a "sticky" feeling in the steering wheel, increased effort to turn, and even difficulty controlling the vehicle, especially at higher speeds on highway.
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2023) - STEERING
Apr 26, 2025
Incident date: Apr 25, 2025
I have a 2015 Ram 1500 Laramie that I've owned for just over a year. I have already had to replace the EPS rack and pinion once, due to losing all power steering while driving with my kids. I paid $1,800 for the rack and pinion with a limited warranty. The warranty is now up and I am having to buy another rack and pinion from $1,800-$2,500. When I was driving my kids to school, my steering wheel c... Read more
Incident date: Mar 17, 2025
Sticky steering, generally after about 10 minutes of highway driving. Dangerous to make small changes as it takes more effort to move wheel then vehicle over-corrects due to steering input.
Incident date: Mar 15, 2025
Steering wheel is “ sticky “ at highway speeds and causes over correction. Honda is aware of the issue with other year models ( and has issued recalls ). Dealer has diagnosed and quoted $6,000 to repair. This is ridiculous, to rob customers on the repair of an obvious issue. Recall is needed for all models with this same steering system. Serious safety issue !
Incident date: Mar 15, 2025
2013 Ford explorer lost steering while driving. Determined to be steering link. Incidentally also issue with toe link on rear. This were both recall issues in past
Incident date: Oct 24, 2024
The manufacturer sent a third party to fix an airbag recall. Before the third-party technician touched my truck for the recall, both my horn and cigarette lighter worked. Now, after their repair, neither works. Therefore, something they did caused an electrical fault. I advised whoever sent the technician and they said they would send the guy back. No one will answer my calls and no one has fixed ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 26, 2025
Driving on Pa turnpike twice this year and at 70 mph my 2012 ford f 250 with 79000 miles on it started shaking uncontrollably , had my wife and granddaughter with me and they cried and screamed till it stopped. Going to the dealer to see what Ford is going to fix for me before someone is killed ! Hopefully a recall or free fix! I have been educated that this has been an on going issue in many F250... Read more
Incident date: Apr 25, 2025
When turning, there is a rapid knocking noise from the front end. Usually on left turns.