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: Mar 13, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the power steering assist failed to operate as needed. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that excessive force was needed to steer the vehicle because the steering wheel was stiff. The contact, who is mechanically inclined, inspected the vehicle and discovered that the failure was cau... Read more
TOYOTA
HIGHLANDER
(2022) - STEERING
Mar 14, 2025
Incident date: May 6, 2024
All of it. Car randomly shuts off and lose power steering. No. Dealership has inspected. ALL the lights in the dash light up, screen says battery discharge warning, car shuts off and lose power steering while driving down the road.
Incident date: Mar 1, 2025
Electronic power steering control has starting to glitch, bind, lock, and restrict turning. Occasionally it will be extremely rigid from one side and then it will proceed to be extremely loose and normal to another side. Varying at different times, and occurs randomly. Sometime it will lock in place while driving and other times it will be completely normal altogether.
Incident date: Mar 12, 2025
On my way home. Going through in town (slow)traffic all of sudden I notice I had no power steering & no brakes, no please pull out , I noticed if I keep my rpm about 1500, I would get a little power steering & brakes back!, 4 miles to get home , I drove home slowly What happened was I lost my serpentine belt tensioner!!! .MY MAIN Purpose, for my truck is to toe my fifth wheel RV!!, I live in the ... Read more
GRAND DESIGN
SOLITUDE
(2024) - STEERING
Mar 13, 2025
Incident date: Aug 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The message "Service Power Steering" was displayed. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and after several minutes the vehicle was turned off. The vehicle was restarted and driven to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notif... Read more
Incident date: Feb 25, 2025
I am writing to formally report a serious safety concern with my 2021 Honda CR-V EX. For approximately a year and a half, I have experienced a persistent issue with the steering system that has progressively worsened. Specifically, my vehicle exhibits a “sticky” steering sensation, making it difficult to smoothly turn or change lanes. This issue occurs most prominently when I first start drivi... Read more
Incident date: Mar 6, 2025
The eps failing. Losing steering.
Incident date: Mar 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH and after driving over a bump in the road, the vehicle experienced a "Death Wobble" causing the driver to lose control of the steering and crash into a garbage truck. During the crash, the front end of the vehicle was severely damaged but the air bag did not deploy. The driver sustained a head injury and... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Mar 11, 2023
Hi, My steering wheel turning very hard even though NHTSA issued the the recall last month but your website says your vehicle is not on recall. Also my rear camara is working still Tesla said needs to be replace again even though Tesla replace in 2023 which is I paid. My autonomy is not working even though I paid $8000 plus $500 tax when I purchase my model X in 2016 for full self driving/ Tesla d... Read more
Incident date: Mar 11, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Honda CR-V. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the seat belt and the steering wheel were deteriorated. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer where it was determined that it was normal wear and tear. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage ... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2024) - STEERING
Mar 13, 2025
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
I came to a stop on the highway due to a law enforcement traffic slowage. As I began moving again with the rest of traffic, my car suddenly started shaking and struggling to stay on. My check engine light came on and an alert popped up for “Engine stopped, steering power low” “pre collision system malfunction” and “parking brake malfunction”. I felt fearful for my safety as I was uns... Read more
Incident date: Mar 6, 2025
When you're at speeds greater than 15mph and hit a bump or encounter a surface irregularity (pothole, expansion joint, etc.), the Kia EV9 GT Line goes into a porpoising sway, causing the entire chassis to become unsettled. The swaying is much more pronounced when only one side of the encounters the irregularity, or if the car is not perfectly perpendicular to the irregularity and the left and righ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 2, 2024
I purchased a brand new truck, and within a week it died while I was driving. Check engine light came on, follow by battery power saving mode light, automatic stop/stop service disabled, touch screen for radio became unresponsive. I quickly turned settings to look at battery voltage while I was trying to pull over off the road. Saw it drop from 11 volts down to 9 volts while I was driving. As I w... Read more
Incident date: Mar 13, 2025
I contacted the dealer I purchased the car from on [XXX] Chapman Honda in Tucson Arizona, to schedule an appointment to complete the recall repair. I was told there was a shortage of parts available and I would be put on a waiting list and contacted when the part for my car was available and the work could be scheduled. That was over 60 days ago. This recall is 24V-744 INFORMATION REDACTED PUR... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Mini Cooper S. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the power steering feature malfunctioned, causing the steering wheel to become difficult to turn in either direction. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the steering pump had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the fa... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2025
I experienced and continue to experience intermittent sudden loss of Electric Power Steering while driving. The sudden loss of Electric Power Steering (EPS) is not accompanied by any warning light or alarm indicating there may be a problem. EPS returns intermittently. Other model years of the 5th Gen Explorers have been recalled for similar issues with the EPS system, but my vin has not been in... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Juke. The contact stated while driving 30-35 MPH, the steering wheel jerked to the left unintendedly, and the vehicle accelerated unintendedly. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that upon depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle responded as needed. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The contact's son met the contact on... Read more
Incident date: Mar 11, 2025
My vehicle shows that it has an electrical connection with the electronic power steering showing a U3000:49-8B code
Incident date: Jul 13, 2024
Our family was traveling from Lake George New York to Boston MA on Wednesday [XXX]. As we passed another vehicle in the far left lane on [XXX] the vehicle bounced and we lost control of the backend of the vehicle and it "fish tailed" across the highway nearly causing a collision at 65 miles per hour. The anti-lock breaks were activated and we nearly collided with several cars but managed to pull i... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Jan 4, 2025
When the vehicle achieves highway speeds of 65-75 mph, there is a tremendous vibration all over the vehicle. It feels like the tires are coming off and it is difficult to stear and maintain lanes, or control of the vehicle.
Incident date: Jul 2, 2024
Steering is clicking when turned from side to side. Also steering wheel shakes when coming to a stop or going over bumps. Checked with several people, including a service manager at Roseville Kia. The MDPS Flexible coupler needs replacing. They confirm its an ongoing problem. See Kia Technical Service Bulletin: MDPS FLEXIBLE COUPLING REPLACEMENT CUTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM (CS 1604). I spoke wit... Read more
Incident date: Mar 10, 2025
I am experiencing intermittent lose of steering control and a stabilitrak light flashing on the dash.
Incident date: Mar 16, 2020
The windshield cowl on this vehicle is poorly designed, allowing water intrusion from multiple points. This is not a minor leak but a severe design flaw that creates immediate and dangerous safety hazards while driving, particularly at highway speeds. The most critical issue is water pouring directly onto the serpentine belt and pulley system. While driving at highway speeds in heavy rain, I lost... Read more
JEEP
WRANGLER 4XE
(2024) - STEERING
Mar 12, 2025
Incident date: Mar 9, 2025
Known issue in previous VW models. Broken clock spring in steering wheel from normal <100k miles no connection for all steering wheel electronics (airbags, radio controls, etc)
Incident date: Mar 12, 2025
I have noticed on my Audi Q4 in about 4 different occasions that when I applied the brakes in situations like when traffic suddenly stops, the car and wheels shakes in an uneven, irregular way. Like I never expected before in my more than 45 years driving BMW, Mitsubishi, Mazda. Besides that also always noticed that my car reduces the speed almost to stop suddenly when there is a car already move... Read more
Incident date: Dec 29, 2023
When driving in bad weather the car started to slide when my husband tried to turn the steering wheel and the steering wheel locked not allowing him to turn the car to avoid the curb. My husband has driven in snow for years as he was born in upstate NY and he has never had a vehicle lock when sliding.
Crash
Incident date: Mar 12, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the oil pressure and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle lost motive power and the steering wheel seized. The vehicle was started; however, the vehicle failed to start as intended. The contact stated that the vehicle was stuck in the middle of the road. The vehicle was towe... Read more
Incident date: Oct 30, 2023
In December 2024, I brought my 2023 Acura Integra to the local Acura dealership to address a recall related to a steering gear manufacturing defect, as well as to perform an oil change. The service department at Acura efficiently completed the work on my vehicle in one hour. On December 24, 2024, while operating the vehicle, the dashboard lights illuminated, and the steering wheel abruptly veered ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Sep 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at 5 MPH, the steering wheel failed to respond as needed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact was attempting to straighten the steering wheel and the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start, and the gear shifter failed to move or operate as intended. The local d... Read more
Incident date: Jan 26, 2025
2 times now within 6 months my power steering has gone out. This is not power steering that makes it hard to steer. This is power steering going out which locks the steering wheel and leaves it impossible to steer the car. Fortunately I have been at home when this has happened and not on the road. I have managed to get it back after restarting the car several times, but I did not want to chanc... Read more
Incident date: Jan 22, 2025
I was involved in an accident due to what I believe was a malfunction in my Tesla’s steering system. While driving, the car unexpectedly turned the wheel to the left on its own and collided with a parked car. Despite my efforts to regain control by turning the wheel to the right and applying the brakes, the vehicle did not respond, and I was unable to prevent the crash. Given the lack of control... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Mar 11, 2025
Bought it back in July. Had it taken back that first month for the 3rd row headrest issue. Then the check engine light kept coming on, 1st time they said it was a cylinder misfire code, they rest it and said try getting gas from a different station.. light came on 3 more times, but by the time we took it in, they “can’t replicate the issues”. Then the tire sensors went out, took it in and th... Read more
Incident date: Mar 5, 2025
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds on several occasions and making a turn, there was a loud popping sound coming from the steering column and the wheels. Additionally, while attempting to shift into reverse, there was a popping sound coming from the steering column and floorboard. A mobile mechanic went to the residence where the vehicle wa... Read more
Incident date: Mar 12, 2025
The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. The contact stated that occasionally while driving at undisclosed speeds, the steering wheel became stiff and difficult to turn in either direction. The "Power Steering Assist Fault" message was displayed. In addition, the contact stated that the failure had worsened. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired due to the ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 12, 2025
I Have only had this truck for 2 months. I was driving and making a turn and the electrical power steering stopped working and the steering wheel locked. I almost crashed and drove into a ditch with my whole family in the truck. Including a [XXX]. I had to slam on the breaks and barely able to keep the truck from crashing. Dashboard said " Power Steering unavailable Service Required". I turned off... Read more
Incident date: Feb 25, 2025
Car shut off and the radio kept going on and off red light on dash board and steering was hard
Incident date: Sep 2, 2024
Power steering occasionally cuts out during low speed manoeuvres, such as parallel parking, parking, and turning while stopped. When trying to forcibly replicate the issue (by moving steering wheel lock to lock while doing parking manoeuvres) computer showed codes EPAS3P_a122_olpActive and EPAS3P_a074_overHeatProtect. Tesla says this is "working as designed" and will not fix. I have asked the c... Read more
Incident date: Mar 6, 2025
At about 32,000 miles after making a 5 hour drive I noticed that the steering wheel was starting to stick on long curves. The steering wheel would not return to neutral when released but would hold in its turned position until forced back. The problem was intermittent and first and then became consistent. As it became consistent it would stick in the same way but also started roughly kicking ba... Read more
Incident date: Feb 27, 2025
See attached document for complaint
Incident date: Sep 22, 2023
Parked my truck and service power steering light came on. Took it to the dealer and they confirmed that it is the power steering control module failed internally. I see that there is a common problem with the same issue, I bought this truck and it only has 37,000 miles on it
Incident date: Mar 11, 2025
Power Steering assist is completely disabled. No power steering. Intermittent problem increasing in frequency. Diagnosed as defective rack'n'pinion steering gear and related electrical components. 63,000 mi. 2017. Tiguan. After many restarts or left over night steering assist may return.
Incident date: Mar 12, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel intermittently became firm, and excessive force was needed to steer the vehicle. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The local dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V812000 (STEERING)... Read more
DODGE
GRAND CARAVAN
(2018) - STEERING
Mar 12, 2025
Incident date: Jan 1, 2022
While driving, a series of warning messages flash on the dash quickly, ending with "Service Stabilitrack" and the power steering of the vehicles is disabled. Putting the vehicle in neutral and restarting the engine temporarily fixes the issue sometimes for several days, others for just a few minutes. Chevy denies ever hearing similar issues from this specific make or model, yet I've found hundre... Read more
Incident date: Apr 30, 2024
I own a 2018 Ford F-150 with 56,000 miles, and I have been experiencing serious and unpredictable transmission issues. These problems first started around 48,000 miles, but at the time, I assumed it was normal behavior. However, the issues have progressively worsened, and by 55,000 miles, a wrench warning light started appearing intermittently. Symptoms: •While driving at highway speeds, the tr... Read more
Incident date: Mar 3, 2025
Vehicle drives fine but a week ago the steering, traction, ABS, & brake lights all lit up on my Accord's dashboard. Took car to our regular mechanic, who then conducted diagnostic testing. This in turn, indicated that the ABS control module is the cause. Steering, traction, & braking are quite vital in the safe manuerving of stopping & controlling a vehicle in motion. If unable to manageable do so... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2022) - STEERING
Mar 11, 2025
Incident date: Mar 11, 2025
My truck wonders down the highway. It has been to the dealership well over 4 times. They have aligned the truck multiple times, changed the steering gear box, changed the power steering pump, changed tires and nothing fixes it. It takes constant adjusting of the steering to stay in my lane on any road. Quite pitiful for a $90,000 truck. It is currently at the dealership for the THIRD time in the p... Read more
Incident date: Jan 4, 2025
Steering sticks and makes it difficult to stay straight. Have to use extreme effort to keep it in the lane. Complained to Kia in 2022 and dealer saw problem with the rack mounted motor driven power assembly but that it was within their specs. They did a software update on the eps and said system now operating as designed. The miles were 35,774 at that time. Started having same issues in february ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 11, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 Ram 3500. The contact stated that while driving on a main street at 10 MPH and attempting to make a turn, the vehicle experienced a loss of steering. The contact stated that the steering linkage had disconnected. The contact stated there was a clunking sound underneath the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. Upon inspection, the contact noticed that a bolt secu... Read more