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 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the power steering malfunctioned, causing the steering wheel to become very difficult to turn in either direction. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the steering linkage was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the fai... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2022) - STEERING
Apr 10, 2025
Incident date: Feb 3, 2025
The steering wheel has a difficult time making small adjustments. The adjustments feel like the steering wheel is stuck and requires additional effort to make small adjustments.
Incident date: Mar 26, 2025
Steering not returning to center when coming out of turns. Many have reported this issue with the steering rack. Concerned that steering will bind and cause an accident
VOLKSWAGEN
JETTA
(2023) - STEERING
Apr 9, 2025
Incident date: Apr 9, 2025
Car began flashing multiple warnings including power steering, brakes, basically all warnings. Power steering and brakes both failed. Took to dealership. Found wires and wire harnesses burnt and melted. Delaliship says it was due to a pinched wire on an after market winch however the winch was installed in 2022 and never had any issue before. They cited damage underneath on the skid plate which is... Read more
Incident date: Apr 9, 2025
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost power steering functionality, and the steering became stiff and was difficult to turn. The Electronic Power Steering (EPS) warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the power steering... Read more
Incident date: Apr 2, 2025
The vehicle is equipped with rear wheel steering which is executed through a toe actuator device in the suspension attached to each rear wheel. The actuators are malfunctioning on my vehicle, causing it to swerve while driving on multiple occasions. The vehicle swerved in a fashion taking it out it its lane and could easily have put the vehicle into oncoming traffic with zero steering input from ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 16, 2025
clock spring in the steering column broke.
MERCEDES-BENZ
C300
(2008) - STEERING
Apr 9, 2025
Incident date: Apr 8, 2025
The contact owns a 2006 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while driving 15-20 MPH, the contact became aware of an abnormal burning odor, and there was smoke coming from under the hood. The contact stated that the smoke increased while at a complete stop in traffic. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact inspected the vehicle after pulling over to the side of the road and after arr... Read more
FORD
BRONCO SPORT
(2021) - STEERING
Apr 9, 2025
Incident date: Mar 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2008 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction. The contact stated that a message to remove the ignition key was displayed. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The contact stated that later, while starting the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start as intended. In addition, t... Read more
Incident date: Mar 30, 2025
Forward: While pulling out of a mall parking lot my steering failed causing me to momentarily block traffic. There were no warning lights, messages or audible alarms at this time. I was able to safely pull back into the parking spot, turned the vehicle off and turned it back on. Power Steering was restored and no messages/alerts were present. I assumed at that time that maybe the steering whe... Read more
Incident date: Mar 28, 2025
Steering sticks while cruising down the highway
Incident date: Mar 30, 2025
I keep getting a message "Action Required. Steering assist is reduced. Drive with care." The code I get is P0128. I hear this is a common problem and I think GM needs to recall this problem.
Incident date: Apr 9, 2025
This vehicle is going to kill someone. Not only does it have this unintentional steering issue, but the electrical system keeps going out. The dash has been replaced and there are still issues. The adaptive cruise control used to hard brake now it pulsates when lane changing which isn’t cool if you’re passing people because then you’re turn in front of them and braking right away. The radio ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 13, 2025
Power steering stopped working.
Incident date: Mar 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2025 Volvo New VN. The contact stated that the electrical outlets were inoperable. The contact stated that the vehicle lost power steering and brake line functionality, and the alignment was off. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed; however, the contact was advised that further diagnost... Read more
Incident date: May 10, 2021
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the power steering assist malfunctioned, and the steering wheel became difficult to turn in either direction. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was contacted, and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (STEERING). The contact st... Read more
Incident date: Dec 18, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the steering wheel seized. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V514000 (Steering). The vehicle was towed to the local dealer to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the steering wheel gear needed to be replaced. The D... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2025
When steering left or right especially when doing a u turn u can hear a clicking noise and this is a new Honda prologue with only 2,500 miles
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2023) - STEERING
Apr 8, 2025
Incident date: Apr 6, 2025
The car has severe rust on the frame to the point of the rust corroding a hole in the frame making it unsafe to drive. Black paint has been applied to conceal the extent of the rust, demonstrating clear intent to mislead and a disregard for human safety. The catalytic converter has been aftermarket welded into place and failing emissions. Other repairs needed cannot be done because the rust da... Read more
Incident date: May 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, she became aware that the electronic power steering was not functioning properly, requiring increased effort to maneuver the vehicle. The service power steering warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but a diagnostic result was not yet provided. The ve... Read more
Incident date: Apr 25, 2024
ihave?opntitle.2011fordfusionseflexfuel1OFTHEEXPENSIVEMACHANICALREPLACE ,TOREPAIR/ELECTRONICASSISTSHUTOFFTOMANUALSTEER:FORDWILLREPLACEAIRBAGREPAIR:DRIVEABLE'RUNS:ELECTRONICPOWERSTERINGASSISTANCESHUTOFF':DRIVABLE;REPAIRPALSAYONWED'.STEERINGASSIST/#VIN.TOO15YEARS,FORDDEALER,SERVICETELLSMEMILAGEW/YEARSOLDNOAPPLYbut$.288.00.DIAGNOSIS{FORDPROCONTACTCENTEROFEXCELLENCE./DIAGNOSIS288.00-300.00/SERVICEMAN/... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
TIGUAN
(2021) - STEERING
Apr 8, 2025
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated the failure had occurred while out of state on a family trip. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with an electric power steer... Read more
Incident date: Apr 8, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the message "Steering Assist Fault - Seek Service" was displayed , and the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The contact's husband assisted the contact in driving the vehicle to an independent mechanic. The mechanic diagnosed that the electric steering rack had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle ... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 2500
(2024) - STEERING
Apr 8, 2025
Incident date: Mar 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Land Rover Range Rover Sport. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH and making a right turn, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the steering wheel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the suspension upper knuckle joint was damaged and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2025
WHEN TURNING TRUCK, POWER STEERING WENT OUT AND MADE IT DIFFICULT TO TURN. CODE FOR SERVICE STABILITRACK AND SERVICE ELECTRONIC STEERING SYSTEM CAME ON DASH. COULD NOT PROPERLY TURN VEHICLE AND ALMOST CROSSED INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC.
Incident date: Mar 1, 2025
I was in the middle of a turn and the power steering went completely out
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2021) - STEERING
Apr 8, 2025
Incident date: Apr 3, 2025
I am the owner of a 2021 Tesla Model S Plaid (VIN# [XXX] ). At approximately 12,000 miles—well within the 4-year/50,000-mile Basic Vehicle Warranty—I began experiencing peeling on the yoke steering wheel. I reported this issue verbally at the time, but Tesla staff failed to document the concern, and the Tesla app provided no suitable method to submit the issue. Since then, I have made multipl... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2024
Truck was responding perfectly fine until we stop to watch a movie at the theater last night. After the movie I turn on the truck and notice my power steering was not working and everything else on my truck works fine.
Incident date: Nov 10, 2020
I am having an issue with the driver's front airbag clock spring assembly in my 2014 Hyundai Sonata. I see that there is a recall on the 2011-2014 Elantra vehicles, 2011-2013 Sonata vehicles, and 2011-2014 Sonata Hybrid vehicles for up to 15 years, but my 2014 Sonata is having the same issue. My car is not a hybrid, but what do I need to do in order to get this covered? Everything that the recall ... Read more
TESLA
CYBERTRUCK
(2024) - STEERING
Apr 8, 2025
Incident date: Apr 6, 2025
Vehicle vibrates at highway speeds starting at 65-70 mph and above. The vibration can be felt thought the steering wheel, after long periods of driving it leads to numb hands. The continuous vibration will cause premature damage to other systems of the vehicle (drive-train and fluid leaks).
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2020) - STEERING
Apr 8, 2025
Incident date: Apr 1, 2025
Driving vehicle home on main highway at 55MPH, had been driving for about 15 miles. vehicle completely shut down. Engine shut off, power steering failed, lights shut off, everything electric shut down. was unable to steer the vehicle to the shoulder and it rolled to a stop in the middle of the 2 lane road in the dark. once it stopped it locked into park and couldnt be pushed off the road. Hazard l... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that the dealer had previously repaired the vehicle under Voluntary Service Campaign: P9324 (Rear Lower Link); however, the failure recurred after the repair. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became loose. The contact experienced a loss of vehicle control, causing the vehicle to sway from lef... Read more
Incident date: Mar 23, 2025
Extreme steering wobble at speeds over 65 mph when hitting bumps on the highway. First time was with about 20,000 miles didn’t not know what it was, and it stopped after slowing down. After more times this happened I want to the dealer my warranty was expired and the want to replace the steering stabilizer to start. This problem now happens about every 5 miles on the highway and I fear losing ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 30, 2024
Engine shuts off on its own with the car continuing to run. No battery issue. Notice of “engine died steering power low” on the dash. Only happens in heavy rain.
FORD
EXPEDITION
(2019) - STEERING
Apr 7, 2025
Incident date: Mar 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Tesla Model S. The contact stated while attempting to park the vehicle, the brake pedal was depressed and failed to respond. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact depressed the brake and the vehicle kept rolling forward. The contact opened the door for the vehicle to come to a stop. On another occasion, the contact stated that the ADAS feature engaged and wh... Read more
Incident date: Mar 31, 2025
I was driving over 120 MPH and my car slid and hit the front car. My car later caught fire and ruptured shortly after. The FD extinguished it and it was a total loss. I have no clue as to where it was taken after the accident. Sorry :(
Crash
Fire
HONDA
ACCORD HYBRID
(2023) - STEERING
Apr 7, 2025
Incident date: Mar 14, 2025
My power steering assist failed. This put my life and my kids lives at risk, as well as anyone else on the rroad.
Incident date: Mar 31, 2025
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving on a main road at 30 MPH, the power steering assist became disabled, and the steering wheel became stiff and difficult to turn. The power steering assist fault warning light was illuminated. The contact continued to drive the vehicle to the residence. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufact... Read more
KIA
SPORTAGE PHEV
(2023) - STEERING
Apr 7, 2025
Incident date: Apr 5, 2025
I was parking and my steering went out with no warning.
Incident date: Mar 19, 2025
On Arpril 4 2025, after dropping off my kids at daycare I was turning left at a 6 lane intersection and the power steering completely failed while turning. This rendered the truck inoperable and nearly caused a collision and stopped right before ending in a ditch. I turned the truck off and then restarted and the power steering started to operate again. I took the truck to the shop and in route th... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2019) - STEERING
Apr 7, 2025
Incident date: Mar 19, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Camaro. The contact stated that while driving 37 MPH and approaching a curve in the road, the “Service Power Steering” warning light illuminated, and the steering wheel seized. The contact used an excessive amount of force to steer the vehicle and drove to a nearby parking lot. After the vehicle was parked for approximately 6 hours, the contact restarted the v... Read more
HONDA
CR-V HYBRID
(2022) - STEERING
Apr 7, 2025
Incident date: Apr 5, 2025
I was in a parking space at the local library, waiting on my children. It was raining, and had been raining most of the day. I had driven about 60 miles in the rain before going to the library. The car was on, but in park. The car started slightly shaking (like a big truck was going by), and it looked like some smoke was coming out of the engine. The car then flashed some lights on the dash and ga... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
CLE 300
(2024) - STEERING
Apr 7, 2025
Incident date: Mar 22, 2025
After 4 to 5 years vehicle has begun to sporadically upon the first 10 minutes of driving to show a low power steering error message. The error message turns on and turns off within one second many people have been reporting the same issue with even their newer model RAV4’s. This is not acceptable.
Incident date: Apr 7, 2025
Steering will stick when turning and require additional force to correct. This is a safety hazard as steering could become stuck or result in overcorrection and leading to an accident.
Incident date: Apr 6, 2025
Rod, piston breaks and punctures tire after losing ability to steer, accelerate, brake. MANUFACTURER DEFECT/RECALL on stated parts not revealed until after car crashed. No test drive given. Car began experiencing horrible loud banging noise immediately after leaving dealership. WAS NOT OFFERED TO TEST DRIVE. Took to dealer next day to check problem (noise) and was told NOTHING IS WRONG after... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Apr 6, 2025
Check engine light illuminated...Service Shifter displayed, auto start/stop illuminated followed by loss of power steering ans vehicle would not shift automacially into to passing gear/ lower gears. Stopped shut off truck cleared code ..resumed Driving. This happened 4 times in last 3 weeks. Made appt at local dealer to correct issue. We ll see how it goes. This is a known issue with Jeep and tgey... Read more
Incident date: Apr 4, 2025
I got a message in the dash saying "service power steering".... then the steering wheel began to shake violently until I pulled the car off the road. After I shut the car off, the car was still shaking for a total of 2 minutes. The front wheels and steering wheel appeared as if the car was having a seizure. I shut the car off for 20 minutes, turned it back on and it was like nothing ever happened... Read more
Incident date: Mar 29, 2025
The contact owns a 2024 Honda Accord. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle became difficult to turn with a popping sound coming from the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed with rack and pinion. The contact stated that initially after the repair, the rack and pinion part was defective, and another rack and... Read more
Incident date: Mar 26, 2025
Death Wobble Severe steering problems occur with this vehicle. Especially when hitting even a slight bump in the road. When pulling a trailer across a bridge, it became so severe that the truck and trailer changed lanes and I had NO control. This problem occurs regularly and is a very dangerous situation!