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 24, 2026
First time my 2015 Accord 4dr FWD V6 AT failed to turn, I was coming out of parking area onto busy highway when I suddenly wasn't able to turn steering wheel to right enough to complete the turn and crossed over oncoming traffic lane to opposite shoulder. I parked and tried turning both directions while stationary, and was able to get full range to the left smoothly, but continued to meet complete... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2026
Internal failure of the gearbox as diagnosed by the Honda dealer. Repair completed July 24, 2026. Car has less than 36,000 miles. Steering was binding and sticking. Unable to steer vehicle properly.
FORD
EXPEDITION
(2018) - STEERING
Jul 24, 2026
Incident date: Jul 18, 2026
I was driving in heavy traffic when the steering on my 2025 Acura TLX AWD froze up. Several codes were displayed. I managed to direct the vehicle to the right shoulder where I turned the engine off. I restarted the engine but the steering was still inoperable and the codes were still displayed. I turned the engine off again. When I restarted it the second time the codes were gone and I was able to... Read more
Incident date: Jul 16, 2026
‘Sticky’ steering has developed over the last few thousand miles driving this vehicle. It began with the car resisting turning when driving straight. More force than expected is necessary to turn the car and it is unpredictable for when it occurs, which raises a major safety concern. When I discussed this issue with Honda they said it’s likely the whole rack and pinion and they knew it was s... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
E350
(2014) - STEERING
Jul 24, 2026
Incident date: Jul 18, 2026
The steering is hanging up when turning to the left. We have had it diagnosed by a mechanic and says it is dangerous and needs to be repaired. The dealer says the only cars recalled our 2022 to 25. Ours is a 2021 but having the same problems as the ones that were recalled. The parts installed in the car are the exact same ones that are in the 22 to 25. After doing research, we see that this issue ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2025
On the freeway steering wheel feels like it’s getting stuck
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2024) - STEERING
Jul 24, 2026
Incident date: Jun 24, 2026
The contact owns a 2025 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that the steering wheel was loose. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V744000 (Steering). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the power steering rack needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was... Read more
Incident date: Jul 23, 2026
The vehicle exhibits an intermittent, completely silent sticking and binding sensation in the steering wheel during gradual turns at highway speeds (occurring across all speeds between 20–80 MPH). The binding defect triggers during both left and right-hand gradual turns, requiring the driver to apply sudden, manual physical force to break past a resistance "notch" point, which is followed by a s... Read more
Incident date: Jul 24, 2026
While driving, the vehicle suddenly lost power steering assist without warning. The steering wheel warning light illuminated on the instrument panel, and the steering immediately became extremely difficult to turn. The condition created a significant safety hazard because the vehicle was much harder to control while in motion. The steering remains difficult to turn after the incident. This appears... Read more
KIA
SPORTAGE HYBRID
(2023) - STEERING
Jul 24, 2026
Incident date: Apr 15, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while turning into a parking space, the steering wheel locked up, and the contact was unable to park the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent dealer where the failure was diagnosed as a corroded ground strap. While diagnosing the vehicle the dealer became aware that the ground strap in the passenger’s side whee... Read more
Incident date: Jul 10, 2026
Vehicle: 2021 GMC Sierra SLT | VIN: [XXX] Dealership: Carl Black GMC Roswell, GA (11225 Alpharetta Hwy, 30076) | Invoice #[XXX] | Service Date: [XXX] Paragraph 1 – Suspension Hazard: Dealership diagnosed a worn left upper ball joint (popping sound on left turns) and installed Rough Country aftermarket upper control arms on my stock-height Sierra SLT. These arms are designed for lifted suspensio... Read more
Incident date: Jul 24, 2026
I was backing out of my residential driveway when I suddenly noticed the steering wheel required much greater effort than normal, indicating a loss of power steering. There were no prior warning messages or symptoms before this event. As I began driving, multiple warnings appeared on the display, including “Steering Assist Reduced,” “Stability Control Disabled,” “Traction Control Disable... Read more
Incident date: Jul 10, 2026
Power steering and stabalink malfunction causing a radom and very dangerous complete power steering failure. GM was forced to do two recalls for this failure, one in 2016 and another in 2021 but they excluded any Canyon made after May of 2015. The recall should include these as well because their claimed fix did no such thing which is very dangerous to the occupants of the Canyon as well as other ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 18, 2026
The LKA system steers the vehicle into the oncoming lane of travel under specific and repeatable conditions. The defect occurs as follows: While the vehicle is traveling and the LKA system is following the left lane marking, the vehicle approaches a marked left-hand turn lane or turnout where no fog line is present on the right-hand side of the road. In this situation, the system abruptly attempts... Read more
HONDA
CLARITY PLUG-IN HYBRID
(2019) - STEERING
Jul 24, 2026
Incident date: Jul 14, 2026
The contact owned a 2021 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact stated that there was an abnormal odor inside the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact parked the vehicle and while inspecting the vehicle, the contact saw smoke coming from underneath the vehicle. The contact became aware of fire underneath the vehicle. The Fire D... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jan 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle intermittently experienced a loss of power steering assist. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the battery needed to be replaced. The contact purchased and replaced the battery, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not ma... Read more
ALFA ROMEO
GIULIA
(2018) - STEERING
Jul 24, 2026
Incident date: Jan 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2024 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 MPH, the steering wheel locked up and the vehicle stalled, and it rolled across an intersection and then stopped. The vehicle failed to restart. The contact stated that a tow truck arrived, and the tow truck driver could not shift into drive (D), but the vehicle was towed from the scene. The vehicle was towe... Read more
Incident date: Jul 2, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the steering wheel became firm and was sticking while driving. The contact used excessive force to turn the steering wheel while driving. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 15,000.
Incident date: Jul 22, 2026
Power steering failure. Power steering comes and goes while driving creating a crash risk. Yes, the problem has been confirmed by dealer Only inspection by dealership No warning lamps or messages.
Incident date: Apr 25, 2026
When curving left my steering wheel will get “stuck”. It becomes heavy and then jerks back like it just “unlocked”. I haven’t had to pull it back forcefully, yet, but I’m sure it’s not far off. Went to Mazda dealership who state it’s mechanically related to a rack and pinion within the steering components. My car was part of the initial “sticky steering” recall which the previo... Read more
Incident date: Jul 20, 2026
2025 Subaru Ascent has a popping noise randomly usually when turning left. Dealership services can not find the source.
Incident date: Jul 23, 2026
The steering wheel is physically sticking at the 11:00 and 1:00 positions during gradual turns, requiring extra effort to return to center, very scary with my kids in the car. Please investigate, dealership acting like I’m making things up.
Incident date: Jun 4, 2026
The power steering went out. The dealership said it's the rack and pinion. This part is not available anywhere in the United States. I have been waiting over 3 weeks. I feel the part is unavailable as there is an issue with the rack and pinion and others who have the same vehicle ran into the same problem.
Incident date: Jul 19, 2026
My 2018 Ram 3500 had safety recall V06 (19V-021) performed, which involved welding the drag link. This recall remedy has caused a secondary safety defect: my vehicle is now severely out of alignment, causing rapid, uneven tire wear on the outside edges and compromising steering handling. I contacted FCA Customer Care (Case #97534845). They acknowledged TSB 19-001-19 exists for aligning welded truc... Read more
Incident date: Jul 23, 2026
With increasing frequency, at seemingly any condition or speed, a cluster of dashboard warnings, including power steering EPS, ABS, tire pressure TPMS, and others, flash on and stay on. Shortly after, the warnings appear power steering assist fails completely. This leads to uneasy and potentially dangerous circumstances as the car becomes minimally controllable as the physical effort required to m... Read more
Incident date: Mar 26, 2026
The contact owns a 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver’s side exhaust manifold shield fell into the steering linkage and caused the vehicle to run over a bush. There was no crash or injuries reported. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic, but there was no diagnostic information provided. The vehicle was not repaired. The... Read more
Incident date: Jun 24, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while driving at higher speeds and attempting to veer over to the left or right, the steering wheel failed to return to center. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approxim... Read more
Incident date: Jul 23, 2026
When turning the steering wheel at low speeds or when not moving, creaking and popping noise can be heard coming from the lower front end of the vehicle. I was told by Honda service that there is a known issue and that Honda was working on a remedy for the problem.
Incident date: Jul 13, 2026
The contact owns a 2006 Cadillac DTS. The contact stated that a recurring power steering failure had occurred at startup, and the steering wheel was firm. The contact stated that upon adding power steering fluid to the power steering reservoir, there was an immediate power steering fluid leak. Additionally, the brakes and check engine warning lights were illuminated on the instrument panel. The co... Read more
Incident date: Jul 22, 2026
This supplements my prior complaint, ODI #11751961, for the same vehicle. Following that complaint, an authorized dealer performed front camera and front radar ADAS calibration on 7/21/2026 and returned the vehicle as operating as designed; the manufacturer's representative confirmed in writing on 7/22/2026 that the camera had been within specification. On 7/23/2026, approximately 1:21–1:35 PM, ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 23, 2026
The car shuts off at random times during me driving . Its like the car locks up steering and shuts completely down . Have to pull over and give the car time . And it shuts back on in and drives with poor accelerate after each issuse. The car is now shaking and making popping sounds while driving .
KIA
SORENTO PHEV
(2025) - STEERING
Jul 23, 2026
Incident date: Jun 4, 2026
Due to braking system electronic failure vehicle automatically disables safety features such as ABS, parking collision sensors disabled, traction control, and vehicle will automatically and abruptly go into P (park) when coming to a stop while braking. This can be caused by wheel speed sensors, brake control module, or communication failure to PCM. Engine codes U0418, U0415, and U1003 linked to pr... Read more
ALFA ROMEO
GIULIA
(2017) - STEERING
Jul 23, 2026
Incident date: Sep 9, 2024
On 7/22/2026 between 6pm and 7pm PST, I was driving my Tesla Model Y on I-405 southbound in Orange County, CA, between the Westminster Blvd exit and Exit 73, with Full Self-Driving (Supervised) engaged. The incident occurred at an express lane ingress/egress transition zone where a physical barrier separates the express and general-purpose lanes. While in FSD mode, the vehicle initiated a lane cha... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jun 15, 2026
The steering wheel is sticky or “catching,” especially on straight away at higher speeds. This model was recalled for a similar issue in 2017-2018.
Incident date: Jul 22, 2026
Tesla took off from a parking lot and was uncontrollable, went through the grass, crossed the street and construction before hitting the barricades and fell into a sewer as the road ended there. There were 2 passengers in the car and luckily both passengers came unharmed. But FSD needs to be investigated on why this happened.
Crash
Incident date: Jun 20, 2026
After having my car for a month I noticed the steering wheel making a cracking noise when turning going down a parking garage. It made this sound when turning both left and right along with suddenly making it hard to turn the wheel in certain angles. The vehicle was taken to service where I was told that it was normal to happen but would still inspect it, the steering wheel clock spring was replac... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2024) - STEERING
Jul 23, 2026
Incident date: Feb 17, 2025
My kids and I went into a football game and when we came out I used the key fob to unlock the doors but the vehicle didn’t recognize my key fob when I tried to start it. There were no lights or warnings leading up to this incident. The dash didn’t say anything besides “remove key from ignition”. We were stranded for 5 hours before I had to have it towed. It cost roughly $2000 to have it re... Read more
Incident date: Jul 20, 2026
While driving at highway speeds, the vehicle suffered a sudden, simultaneous failure of multiple electrical and safety systems. Without warning, the Check Engine light, VSC (Vehicle Stability Control) light, Traction Control light, and SRS Airbag light all illuminated simultaneously on the dashboard. Immediately upon illumination of these fault lights, the vehicle lost computer-assisted stability ... Read more
Crash
3 injured
Incident date: Jun 2, 2025
While leasing this vehicle from Hertz via Priceline out of Seattle the vehicle was always was extremely difficult to keep in is own lane. Didn't matter if you were doing 20 mph or 60 mph. This was brought to Hertz via Priceline and they have not answered back to what the issues were other than saying no one else complained about it an apparently are investigating the problem. This vehicle was pick... Read more
Incident date: Jan 2, 2026
The recall 25v467 was filed july 2025. Since then there has been no fix and my car has no steering due to this recall. Ford will not fix it or do anything. The escape has 106,000 miles. I am still paying payments and have no way to drive my vechile for the last year.
Incident date: Jul 20, 2026
2nd incident. As I was driving on the highway, approaching an exit on my righthand side. I kept following the straight path in my lane, the lane assit of my vehicle assumed I was exiting my lane and jerked the steering wheel from my hands. My car dangerously veered into the lefthand lane.
Incident date: Jul 10, 2026
The steering gearbox failed. Once we have the car fixed we will be able to submit the part if needed. Yes, our safety and the safety of others was very much at risk. We were told the steering could have binded at any moment, leaving the wheel completely stuck in place. This would likely have resulted in a very serious crash. Yes, the vehicle had a diagnostic ran at a Honda dealership. There were... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2026
The contact's wife owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at various speeds, the steering wheel became firm, and the steering wheel was difficult to turn to the left or the right. No warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mile... Read more
Incident date: Jun 29, 2026
We were on vacation driving from [XXX] to [XXX] and experienced the Death Wobble. I though we were going to die. We stopped in [XXX] and took to a dealership there and they replaced the track ball joint for $757.59. We left there and 25 miles down the road it happened again. Went to [XXX] and they kept the truck and we had to rent a truck to continue our vacation. We rent back on our way back ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 15, 2022
Steering wheel started notching after taking left turns. The wheel would not smoothly return to center and would stick which would lead me to over correcting the steering wheel to get it unstuck. This often made it extremely difficult to stay in the lane and take tight turns. The problem started when I would go above 60 mph, but it started occurring more frequently as I continued to use my car. Ad... Read more
Incident date: Jan 15, 2022
While driving the 2019 Toyota RAV4, I found that the steering wheel was getting hard to turn and the car kept making grinding sound when turning. Due to I was short on time, I asked an old mechanic friend to check the RAV4 out before my road trip. He was unable to get the vehicle back; therefore, I used my other vehicle. While I was out of town the Mechanic contacted me, and ask if the car had bee... Read more
Incident date: Jun 6, 2026
There is an ongoing problem with the electric power steering on my 2018 Honda CR-V that has begun malfunctioning. The steering sticks near the center position and requires additional force before it releases. When it releases, the steering changes from tight to loose, making it easy to overcorrect. It sometimes feels as though gears are catching inside the steering system. There is also a clickin... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2024
When I stop at traffic lights, my car does not immediately turn back on (it has the auto stop feature). It flashes "parking brake released" on the dashboard. Then, it starts back up. Sometimes, it has not started back up right away & the steering wheel seizes. It has also said, "Assisted Steering Reduced" & "Stabilitrack Not Engaged (or something to that effect)." When the issue started, I tried ... Read more