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: May 10, 2023
This vehicle is affected by the same symptoms as the service bulletin 24-117 2023-2025 CRV with the "sticky steering" recall. After doing some homework, Honda clearly needs to expand the recall to include ALL affected vehicles, including 2019-2022 CRV. These are the EXACT sympoms my vehicle is experiencing and yet my VIN "isn't included". The problem has been happening since before the 23-25 model... Read more
Incident date: Feb 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the electronic power steering assist failed, and the steering wheel became stiff and difficult to turn. The check engine and power steering warning lights were illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact was informed that the VIN was not under reca... Read more
Incident date: Mar 23, 2025
Power steering quits working without notice and ford says it’s not a recall in this vehicle but it says everywhere that it’s a known recall issue
Crash
Incident date: Apr 6, 2025
I’m very concerned about the actual malfunction of my entire steering rack & pinion assembly at just over 6,000 miles. The failure on my 2023 F150 (bought as NEW in Sept. 2024 from dealer w/ 1200 miles) occurred at more than 80 miles per hour when I had punched it to pass another vehicle. The steering became very wonky and was 'soft-locking' in stuttering positions – about 2 degrees apart in... Read more
Incident date: Mar 3, 2025
Component/System Involved: Electric Power Steering (EPS) – specifically, a potential malfunction with the assist motor response timing. Description of Incident: While driving, primarily on the highway, I have experienced a recurring issue with the power steering system. The steering assist appears to delay activation after periods of inactivity—such as when driving straight. When I attempt a ... Read more
FORD
ESCAPE PHEV
(2022) - STEERING
Apr 7, 2025
Incident date: Apr 7, 2025
The contact owns a 2024 Honda Civic Hatchback. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V744000 (Steering); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that it was difficult to steer the vehicle, and excessive force was needed to steer the ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 4, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Honda CR-V. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel became sticky while turning. There was no warning light illuminated. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under recall or warranty. The contact was informed that the repair of the vehicle would be an out-of-pocket expense. Upo... Read more
FORD
BRONCO SPORT
(2021) - STEERING
Apr 7, 2025
Incident date: Apr 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while leaving a parking lot at approximately 10 MPH, the steering wheel seized. The contact turned off the vehicle and waited for a while before restarting the vehicle. The contact restarted the vehicle 3 times before being able to turn the steering wheel; however, the power steering functionality remained inoperable. The contact stated ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 18, 2024
When at highway speeds, steering “sticks” requiring extra effort to initiate a correction. This extra effort often results in an “overcorrection” and “lurching” of auto. Has not been confirmed by dealer, but seems to be worsening since first noted. No warnings lamps. No additional inspections.
Incident date: Apr 6, 2025
LEFT FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM RIGHT FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM LEFT FRONT STRUT ASSEMBLY RIGHT FRONT STRUT ASSEMBLY POWER STEERING FLUID LEAK ENGINE OIL LEAK GASKET NEEDED TO BE REPLACED REAR BRAKE LIGHT FAILED STARTER FAILED ALTERNATOR FAILED AIR FILTER GETS CLOGGED PREMATURELY POWER STEERING PUMP HOSES CRACKED AND LEAKED POWER STEERING AIR PRESSURE HOSES CRACKED AND LEAKED POWER STEERING INTAKE HOSE... Read more
Incident date: Mar 21, 2025
I stopped at a red light and when I went to pull of the car cut off. I had to restart the car to pull off. This is the second time that this has happened.
Incident date: Apr 4, 2025
While making a left U-turn my car suddenly restarted which caused a loss of power steering and acceleration. This issue occurred 2 more times until I was able to straighten the car out into the intended lane of traffic. During the vehicle restart, I noticed several dash lights appear in the left area of the dashboard, however could not identify the meaning.
FORD
BRONCO SPORT
(2021) - STEERING
Apr 6, 2025
Incident date: Mar 30, 2025
I have 2020 Range Rover HSE. Its a known issue with the steering knuckle cracking causing a safety issue. JLR is not including my VIN as part of the recall. This issue is affecting all years
Crash
Incident date: Apr 5, 2025
Safety recall notice received in November, 2024. Called dealership (AutoNation Honda) November 27 to make appointment for repair and was told the necessary part was not in stock and would receive a call back. Upon not hearing back, contacted dealership again on 12/16, with no results. Contacted dealership again on 1/8/2025 and was told I was on list of recalls and would call me when they get to... Read more
Incident date: Apr 5, 2025
The Steering Wheel Lock up on me while Driving on the interstate without any warning. I could have been kill. I panic.
KIA
CARNIVAL HYBRID
(2025) - STEERING
Apr 5, 2025
Incident date: Apr 5, 2025
The steering wheel is sticky and takes some effort to steer. The issue makes the vehicle dangerous to drive, as maintaining control of the vehicle is more difficult. I brought the issue to the attention of the service department at Honda of the Avenues in Jacksonville, Fl, on 5/26/2023. The response was that they could not see the problem. Now, on 4/5/2025, I again brought up the same issue. This ... Read more
BRIDGESTONE
DUELER H/L ALENZA
(9999) - STEERING
Apr 5, 2025
Incident date: Mar 25, 2025
When driving straight at interstate speeds, there seems to be a catch in the steering. It is as if the steering does not want to turn and additional force has to be used to turn. This someone results in over correction of the steering.
Incident date: Apr 5, 2025
After starting vehicle the steering wheel locked up. It would allow you to drive forward and reverse but would not allow the steering wheel to turn. Prior to failure my wife and I noticed sometimes while driving down the interstate or highway it was difficult to turn steering wheel. Although random it was concerning checked power steering fluid and belts all looked good. Yesterday had to have vehi... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2020) - STEERING
Apr 5, 2025
Incident date: Mar 16, 2025
The front passenger wheel turned out at a 45degree angle while going straight at 40mph causing loss of control and turning the car right into a curb. After looking the ball joint separated from the control arm
Crash
Incident date: Apr 4, 2025
The steering sticks really bad when going around a curve or turning. It has been doing it for months, but it keeps getting worse.
Incident date: Apr 15, 2024
Unknown, Electric steering no longer works, ABS light, traction control light engine light air bag light and tool light are on the, brakes will be faulty at times mainly when ABS and traction control light turn on. There is Google fact that 2008 Mazda had recall for EPS, also faulty air bag and more the vehicle recalls need to be fixed desperately it's going to cause safety problems while driving ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 4, 2025
There is a high whining noise followed by a loss of power steering. There is a recall for the EPs system that stopped in 2019; however, 2020 is still using the same part. The recall should be extended to cover all vehicles manufactured using the part numbers associated with this issue. My truck is only at 50k miles, never off-roaded or abused, and maintained religiously by my personal mechanic. ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 3, 2025
Electronic power steering intermittently fails while driving. This truck has had this issue for months, happens regularly once or twice a week or every 100 so miles. Two repair shops could not replicate the issues. And there is no codes on the scanner. After researching this seems to be a common concern and safety issue on this model/year of ram 1500.
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2021) - STEERING
Apr 4, 2025
Incident date: Feb 14, 2025
Steering wheel appears to stick in position until a large amount of force is applied often resulting in an overcorrection.
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2021) - STEERING
Apr 4, 2025
Incident date: Feb 15, 2025
The vehicle has difficulty following a center line, higher than normal steering wheel input is required. Feels like the vehicle is being driven in strong crosswinds at any speed above 55 MPH. The vehicle is very, very difficult to keep centered when crosswinds are present. The steering wheel input feels sticky and not smooth at any speed above 40 MPH. A 4-wheel alignment revealed a 0.3 degree ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 13, 2022
Vehicle Make/Model/Year: 2022 Jeep Wrangler 4xe Component Affected: Steering / Suspension or wheels not sure Mileage at First Incident: 30000 approx Odometer Now: 33150 approx Complaint Summary: My 2022 Jeep Wrangler 4xe has experienced repeated incidents of "death wobble" and uncontrolable shake , where the steering wheel shakes violently and the vehicle becomes difficult to control. Both my h... Read more
Incident date: Mar 15, 2025
I recently acquired this 2006 Chevy Malibu that belonged to my parents. It only has 29K miles on it to date. It is mint inside and out, and has been well taken care of in regard to routine maintenance. Looking through repair records I see a pattern of various power steering issues with this vehicle. The car was purchased new in 8/2006, then in 4/2009 the power steering shaft had to be replaced at ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 10, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 14V252000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) and 15V269000 ( SEAT BELTS); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at 50 MPH, the steering wheel vibrated and seized. The... Read more
Incident date: Apr 4, 2025
I was on cruise control, and it randomly decided to go 81 MPH instead of 50 mph i set it to, it did not respond when I tried to turn off the cruise control, and I ended up crashing into a semi, I survived but my [XXX] daughter died. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash
Incident date: Apr 4, 2025
I get a power steer warning and the steering wheel locks while driving. I can absolutely not turn the steering wheel while the vehicle is running.
Incident date: Feb 19, 2025
The abs keeps randomly disabling and then coming back on. When this happens, the cruise control is canceled which causes a sudden change in speed unexpectedly. Also, the 4x4 gets disabled. I believe the issue is this: hydraulic control unit can malfunction, impacting ABS, electronic stability control, and traction control performance software issue in the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) control... Read more
Incident date: Apr 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Rav4 Hybrid. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction. The contact stated that the steering wheel was pulling to the left, almost causing the vehicle to crash into a wall. The contact’s minor child was an occupant in the vehicle at the time of the failure. The contact stated that the fail... Read more
Incident date: Apr 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while parking the vehicle at the residence, the messages "Service Power Steering” and Check Stability" were displayed. The contact stated that the vehicle steering wheel had seized and was unable to turn to the left or the right. The vehicle was not taken to an independent mechanic or dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 4, 2025
buttons such as the selector wheel on the left side of the steering wheel stick and it keeps wanting to cycle through settings because of it. There is no way to pop it back out, and it remains stuck. From reading online many people have had this issue and the only thing Nissan will do is offer to supply you with a new steering wheel. One person has a 2023 and they are on their third or fourth stee... Read more
Incident date: Feb 22, 2023
car is 119 miles. I was driving and steering wheel stopped working out of nowhere.
Incident date: Oct 16, 2024
When turning left from a stop, there is a clicking sound that is coming from the front left wheel area. I don't know if this is safety risk. I have not had a dealer inspection yet. There are no warning lights or messages in the car relating to this problem. It has happened several times. I first heard it at about 350 miles. The car now has about 700 miles. I have heard the noise at least 4 ... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
C300
(2015) - STEERING
Apr 4, 2025
Incident date: Apr 4, 2025
Front axle started making knocking noises when making sharp turns
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2014) - STEERING
Apr 4, 2025
Incident date: Mar 25, 2025
The truck has a body frame that was cracked in several spots and welded back together in more then 5 different spots and the welding job is very poor. The truck has a power steering line leak, cvs axle leaks and a exhaust manifold leak. The dealership fixed upper ball joints when we agreed on lower and upper in the front. They added a exhaust but did not do the job correctly with completing the jo... Read more
Incident date: Oct 30, 2024
The vehicle was sold to us with pre-existing major damage to the control arms, bearings and a brake rotor. We heard a metal on metal scraping noise when turning left and immediately took it to a certified Honda dealer who then provided us details of the extent of the damage. The damage to the brake rotor could have caused brake failure and damage to the control arm could have caused on accident. I... Read more
Incident date: Apr 4, 2025
I want to say my first issue started in December 2024 the vehicle began to slow down lights started flashing in the vehicle the steering became difficult to turn I pulled over waited in the vehicle for over an hour with my [xxx] son and grandchildren in the car then the vehicle started I thought it was fine so I'm thinking this car is really smart it fixed it self then January it happened again I ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 21, 2025
Steering assist reduced, traction control disabled, stability control disabled. When trying to drive steering heavy and car coasts unless holding brake pedal, which is unusual for a Tesla at it normally auto holds. Traction control and stability control also disabled, unsafe to drive.
CHEVROLET
TRAILBLAZER
(2021) - STEERING
Apr 3, 2025
Incident date: Mar 26, 2025
I have two recalls (1, improper production of the high-pressure fuel pump; and 2, improperly produced steering gearbox worm wheel) on my car that I have called multiple dealerships about remedying - each time, they have let me know the necessary parts to repair are on back order. I'm most worried about my future safety being at risk considering I have plans to travel long distance soon (one way tr... Read more
Incident date: Mar 16, 2025
I can’t recall the exact mileage or the date, but I started having this issues but I’d say around 40-45K miles I started having what I’ve heard been called “sticky steering” when driving down the road the steering wheel almost gets a stuck feeling and I have to try and correct it back center, it mostly will try to pull towards the left side and I have to pull it back to the center. It do... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2024) - STEERING
Apr 3, 2025
Incident date: Mar 23, 2025
At high speeds and exceptionally worse during rainy weather, my steering is very sticky and fights me to maintain my lane. It is tough to make micro adjustments to stay straight and it sticks harder making a curve and coming back to straight. I have made my concerns with my dealership who said they felt it but blamed it on high winds at the time. It has not been rectified in non windy weather. I... Read more
Incident date: Feb 3, 2025
The electronic power steering is not working in my 2017 Hyundai Elantra. My vin# is showing as unaffected for this specific recall, however I am having the same issue that the recall is for. I have a code that came up for the electronic power steering. It is quite a coincidence.
Incident date: Mar 31, 2025
Death wobble, while traveling down any road that has a bump or is not smooth as glass I get the front end wobble, the only way to stop it is to slow down, have had a couple near miss accidents because of this. This jeep is all original, second time in shop was told all original parts are fine no wear no loose parts. They are putting a steering damper on it. Was told by the dealership where it w... Read more
TOYOTA
HIGHLANDER
(2021) - STEERING
Apr 3, 2025
Incident date: Apr 3, 2025
Steering wheel power assist became inoperable when turning into a store parking space. If the steering assist had failed while at higher speed and/or in other conditions the results may have resulted in a potentially life threatening situation. There was no prior messages or symptoms the problem prior to the event. It was discovered that the GM service bulletin 23-NA-201 includes my vehicle as ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 31, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Land Rover Range Rover. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at the dealer for inspection, the contact was informed that the front suspension knuckles were fractured. The contact was advised not to drive the vehicle because of the failure. In addition, the contact was informed that the parts were not available to repair the vehicle. The contact received notificatio... Read more
Incident date: Mar 27, 2025
While driving my truck and making low speed turns the dashboard (including center console) cuts off, along with my power steering. The truck has also shut off completely making u-turns causing me to almost crash. This also happened while driving around 60mph on the freeway, the entire dashboard went out, loss of steering, and truck shut off, almost causing an accident. When it does happen, it will... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2025
CUSTOMER STATES CLICKING NOISE IS HEARD WHEN MAKING LEFT TURNS, PER CUSTOMER - THE NOISE IS COMING FROM THE LEFT FRONT AREA. INSPECT AND ADVISE. NOISE FROM THE LEFT FRONT AREA. * REPLACE THE LEFT FRONT AXLE **PART IS CURRENTLY ON A NATIONAL BACKORDER. POSSIBLE RELEASE IN MAY**