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: Dec 31, 2024
Burning a unnecessary amount of oil. The oil pump failed
Incident date: Mar 5, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while attempting to parallel park, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact drove back to the residence. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a related recall. The dealer confirmed that the vehicle was not previously repaire... Read more
Incident date: Feb 19, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the steering wheel was seized, and the power steering warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was restarted, and the contact stated that the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufactur... Read more
CHRYSLER
TOWN AND COUNTRY
(2016) - STEERING
Mar 4, 2025
Incident date: Jul 1, 2023
Power steering went out and exhibited the same symptoms as GM recall N182182760, but my vin is not included in the recall.
Incident date: Nov 11, 2024
I was in the collision accident on the service road when my new Honda CR-V 2023 started skidding to the left while I was making the smooth turn to the right, the vehicle was pulling to the left side of the road, hitting the metal guardrail on the driver side. Looked like I lost traction and skid from left then to the right , unable to control and maneuver the steering wheel. The vehicle was in s... Read more
Incident date: Feb 27, 2025
The steering wheel in my 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid Sport Touring is "sticking" when going around wide turns on the highway. This issue is not experienced while driving around city streets. It feels like the steering wheel gently locks into place, but can easily be dislodged by giving it a little more turning pressure. The sticking sensation feels as though it has progressively been getting more pr... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2024
The contact's granddaughter owns a 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the power steering assist failed to operate as needed. The contact stated that the "Steering Assist Reduced - Drive with Care" message was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact replaced the electronic power steering fuse; however, the failure returned soon after the repair. T... Read more
Incident date: Mar 3, 2025
The power steering fails. Chevrolet (manufacturer) and Pine Belt Chevrolet (NJ) both claim that our vehicle was in for the recall and did not have an issue. The power steering has failed since we bought the car new in 2006. The problem was intermittent for years, but recently the power steering fails 5 or more times during a 10 mile trip. We shut the car off and restart it and the power steeri... Read more
Incident date: Jan 15, 2019
Loss of power steering assist while driving. Safety issue puts driver and others at risk. Problem confirmed to be known by dealer service bulletin 15356. Special coverage has expired however many vehicles with issue still on the road. ESC light accompanies failure, restarting the vehicle resets system and allows function for short period until loss of steering while moving occurs again. Request GM... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2020) - STEERING
Mar 4, 2025
Incident date: Mar 4, 2025
The contact owns a 2009 Mercury Mariner. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact became aware that the electronic power steering was not functioning properly, requiring an increased effort to maneuver the vehicle. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not repa... Read more
MITSUBISHI
OUTLANDER
(2022) - STEERING
Mar 4, 2025
Incident date: Feb 4, 2025
The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact stated while driving at approximately 25 MPH and making a left turn, the steering wheel became stiff and made a hard right and the vehicle jumped the curb. The brake pedal was depressed, and the vehicle came to a stop. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the vehicle failed to steer correctly, and the ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 4, 2025
Vehicle stalled while driving. Causing sudden loss of engine power and related functions such as power steering. Cause was do to water intrusion from rear window leaking on to a control module RF Module. The leak is common in thousands of ram trucks over several years. They’ve attempted to address it for some years but not all. Having such an important piece of equipment under a window which ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 3, 2025
2023 Honda accord hybrid issue with steering wheel clicking sound when turn. I saw that issue on newer Honda civic recall list.
LAND ROVER
DISCOVERY SPORT
(2020) - STEERING
Mar 4, 2025
Incident date: Feb 18, 2025
I've noticed ever since the car was new that it had a poor sense of straight ahead especially at freeway speeds. When the lane departure chime was active it would sound constantly{has since been turned off but lighted markers in gauge cluster still fire all the time}. When I take my attention off road for a second to adjust fan speed or temp, the car is close to going into the other lane. Lots ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 3, 2025
I am writing to express my serious concern regarding an ongoing issue with my vehicle, which began pulling to the left at around 3,500 miles. I promptly brought my vehicle to Bay Ridge Honda's service department for inspection, where I was advised to return when the regional service technician was available for a more thorough diagnosis. I returned to the service department at 6,600 miles, and af... Read more
HONDA
CR-V HYBRID
(2020) - STEERING
Mar 4, 2025
Incident date: Mar 2, 2025
Our Jeep has the Death Wobble and its been to the dealership twice. First trip, they had us replace the front shocks and the steering stabilizer/damper. Did not help at all. Now they are saying we should try a Tru-Center Stabilizer, by looking on the web, they think that will fix it. Really don't want or think we should have to keep tossing parts and money into this, hoping it might fix it. R... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2025
There was no crash, but it is the second time within a month the vehicle stalls on the highway. The engine keeps running gives a loud banging sound. Also, the hybrid batteries are drained quickly to 0. The first-time the car started work again as normal after 1/2-1 hour standing on the side of the highway. The second time we turned the vehicle off/on, and it started to work again. In both cases th... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
ATLAS
(2023) - STEERING
Mar 4, 2025
Incident date: Jan 4, 2024
Immediately after getting off of the expressway on the drive to work, there is a stop light at the intersection of city streets. While sitting at the stop light, foot on the brake, the vehicle stopped running, the brake pedal went to the floor, and the Service Power Steering warning screen was flashing and chiming. I immediately put my hazard lights on to warn oncoming traffic that I wouldn't be p... Read more
FORD
BRONCO SPORT
(2021) - STEERING
Mar 4, 2025
Incident date: Dec 1, 2024
Turning the wheel causes a popping and crackle type of noise. The sound is continuing to worsen and I can hear it from inside and outside of the car. Local Honda dealer told us there isn’t a replacement part as of now and this is a factory defect that hasn’t been recalled at the present time. I feel it could be a safety issue related to the ability to steer and control the car when it sticks... Read more
GRAND DESIGN
MOMENTUM
(2022) - STEERING
Mar 4, 2025
Incident date: Mar 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while turning the steering to the left or right while driving at various speeds and while the vehicle was idling, the steering wheel seize approximately a quarter way into the turn. The driver had to manually turn the steering wheel to continue the turn or to merge. The failure occurred intermittently but became more persistent. There... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2022
It has been very cold here in the North East. Under freezing for more than a month. My door lock sensors stopped working about 4-5 weeks ago. Two days ago I was driving and the power steering stopped working. Then after about 2 days it began working again. Just as the temps went above freezing. And the door lock sensors started working again. I had noticed over the last month or so that papers I h... Read more
Incident date: Feb 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving at approximately 10 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to turn in either direction, with the message "Service Power Steering" displayed. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was ... Read more
Incident date: May 6, 2024
EPS RACK. steering sticks turning left and right
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2024) - STEERING
Mar 3, 2025
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
The steering system in my 2021 Honda Civic appears to be malfunctioning, causing the steering wheel to feel "sticky" when making small adjustments while driving on the highway. This issue is most noticeable at speeds between 45-70 mph, where the steering momentarily resists movement before suddenly adjusting, making it difficult to maintain smooth lane control. The steering system appears to be th... Read more
CADILLAC
ESCALADE ESV
(2022) - STEERING
Mar 3, 2025
Incident date: Dec 5, 2024
GM claims to have already completed a safety recall for Power steering, but I didn't see any issues with the power steering prior to them doing this service except for the "Power steering" message on the display. The only reason I brought in at that time (5/18/2023) was to replace the gauge cluster which they also had to replace a second time due to faulty replacement. And now the new issue wit... Read more
Incident date: Jun 22, 2024
The ABS Light, steering light, FCW, LDW, and brake light came on. I did not experience anything indicating an issue with the car before this happened. I took my car to Open Road Honda in Edison, NJ. The dealer performed a diagnostic test which showed the module(solenoid) had fried. This resulted in the "VSA" System warning lights to appear (ABS Light, steering light, FCW, LDW, and brake warning l... Read more
Incident date: Feb 3, 2025
On 5/20/2024 - At 39,254 miles, both my CV axles lost stability, and were replaced. Less than a year later on 3/3/2025 - At 59780 miles both the CV axles started wobbling and were replaced. In doing a little research online, found many Ford Maverick Hybrid vehicles were having the same issue from poor quality parts. I would request for the NHTSA to take this issue up with Ford and address it... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2022) - STEERING
Mar 3, 2025
Incident date: Mar 3, 2025
Steering is sticky at highway speeds. Momentary inability to turn steering wheel while driving.
Incident date: Mar 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 17V608000 (STEERING), 22V096000 (AIR BAGS) and 19V120000 (ENGINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); however, the dealer and manufacturer informed the contact there were no recalls associated with the VIN. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 15, 2024
I own a 2022 Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid, which is affected by Recall 24S79 (NHTSA Recall 24V954). This recall involves a high-voltage battery defect that could result in a fire or sudden loss of vehicle control while driving. Ford has confirmed that there is no fix available until at least the second quarter of 2025, leaving affected owners without a solution for well over a year. However, Ford re... Read more
Incident date: Feb 19, 2025
After activating the turn signal fully, it will often spring past the neutral/off setting and straight into signaling the opposite direction. Occasionally this is with enough force that the signal will stay on, but it is usually only with force sufficient to tap the other signal and register only 2-3 blinks before stopping. This is a safety issue because it looks like erratic signaling behavior t... Read more
Incident date: Aug 3, 2024
On or about [XXX], I was traveling on [XXX] in Thomasville GA. As I turned left onto [XXX} The steering wheel suddenly, without notice, locked left a spun right to 12 o'clock,, straight alignment which caused my left risk to to snap and I believe would have been broken if I had not let go of the steering wheel. This caused the vehicle to veer into the left lane slightly across the center lane wher... Read more
Incident date: Mar 2, 2025
Something going on with my electrical in my steering 1 minute I'll have great steering the next minute extremely hard to turn everything is functioning properly boo when you turn it doesn't feedback like it's supposed to you actually have to turn it back so when you turn a curve or corn actually have to pull back or turn the wheel back to get it to go back straight doesn't just kind of follow back... Read more
Incident date: Mar 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Ford F-150. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, excessive force was needed to steer the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V316000 (Steering); which the contact linked to the failure. The contact called the manufacturer and was referred to a local dealer for the recall repair. T... Read more
Incident date: Feb 7, 2025
56310-D3050 Steering Column Assembly 56400-D3000 Steering Joint Assembly Steering wheel would jerk hard enough to lose grasp of it. Hyundai dealer confirmed Steering Column Assembly was "Faulty". "Faulty" Steering Column Assembly was replaced by Hyundai dealership. No warning lights.
Incident date: Mar 1, 2025
Violent side-to-side movement of the front end “Death wobble” when driving over a bump at a certain speed. This is my 2nd Jeep, but my 2013 Wrangler also had the same issue. From my experience, this is a consistent issue with Wranglers / Gladiators that should be investigated and / or addressed with free repairs or extended warranties.
Incident date: Feb 25, 2025
The contact owned a 2019 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, he became aware that the vehicle was not responding to operator inputs—acceleration, braking, or steering. As a result, the contact briefly lost control of the vehicle, only coming to a complete stop after, running a stop sign, leaving the roadway, and colliding with a tree and ravine where it cam... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Nov 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel seized, with the power steering and traction control warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufactur... Read more
Incident date: Feb 17, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact became aware that the electronic power steering was not functioning properly, requiring an increased effort to maneuver the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the gearbox assembly. The vehicle was rep... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
PASSAT
(2014) - STEERING
Mar 3, 2025
Incident date: Mar 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at 45 MPH, the steering wheel had become stiff and experienced difficulty in steering the vehicle. The contact continued to drive his vehicle until reaching his residence where the vehicle was parked and inspected, upon restarting the vehicle a message appeared on the instrument panel stating "Power Steering Ass... Read more
Incident date: Dec 13, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 GMC Canyon. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality, and the steering wheel became significantly difficult to steer. The power steering, the transfer case, and the anti-sway warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle, and the vehicle op... Read more
Incident date: Feb 28, 2025
My local dealer has failed to remedy the defect on my vehicle within a reasonable period of time. It has now been 4 months since I first contacted my dealership about the issue but I have yet to be addressed.
Incident date: Jan 3, 2025
Lost complete steering with no warning or lights on the dash At risk none was parked and steered perfectly prior to parking There is a recall open for other vin numbers associated with the same issue
Incident date: Dec 16, 2024
The electric power steering system failed while I was driving. I was travelling at approximately 20mph the first time it stopped working and had just finished a turn onto a residential street. The dash said "service power steering" and the check engine light came on. I pulled the vehicle over, turned it off, then turned it on again and the power steering started working again but the check engine ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 2, 2025
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Mar 3, 2025
The steering wheel doesn't comes with a horn. Meaning on a regular car, when you need the just press the airbag but in Tesla there a tiny button needs to press in order to get the horn which is impossible to do in case of an emergency.
Incident date: Mar 2, 2025
It is the death wobble. I took the car in once. My cars started violently shaking when I would hit 58 Miles per hour and curve to the left, or the right and shakes so uncontrollably that I would have to tap the brakes but not too hard. Is I did not want to go off the road period there were cars that were behind me. That would shoot off to every direction trying to get around me. And yes, of course... Read more
Incident date: Mar 2, 2025
Power steering went out while I was driving it on 3-2-25. It happened before, on 2-5-25, and I took it to my service person right away. There was a message that said no power steering. Turning was a danger to myself and others because I do not have the arm strength to turn very well.
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2021) - STEERING
Mar 2, 2025
Incident date: Mar 2, 2025
Description of problem/issue: Dear Reader: I recently purchased a new (certified preowned) vehicle and ever since then I have been experiencing some concerns with its handling on the road. This letter seeks to communicate this matter to the proper establishment for some possible recourse. On level roads while the steering wheel is centered straight up (near/over 40mph), the car tends to autom... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2025
When I drive the car the steering binds up. After doing some research they are several vehicles that have this issue. The steering does not return to center and you have to make sure you forcibly turn back to center when driving. I have never drove a vehicle that it would not return to center and drive straight. Please review the complaints on this issue.