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: Jan 30, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-350. The contact stated while driving 65-75 MPH over a bumpy road surface, the vehicle experienced a death wobble. The contact stated that the steering wheel and the front end of the vehicle were shuddering violently, nearly causing the contact to lose control of the vehicle. The contact stated that upon decelerating to 20 MPH, the vehicle failure ceased, and the con... Read more
Incident date: Jan 15, 2025
Back in 2017 there was a recall on my 2016 Audi Q5 regarding the fuel pump. Audi's solution to this recall was to replace the fuel pump if it had any cracks, but if there weren't any cracks their protocal was to just put a protective shield on the fuel pump. Since my car was only a year old, all that Audi did was the protective shield. A few weeks ago, my car started smelling like leaking fuel. Af... Read more
Incident date: Dec 21, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-250. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, the steering wheel seized with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The vehicle was restarted; however, the failure recurred. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failu... Read more
Incident date: Feb 6, 2025
A previous NHTSA complaint was filed on [XXX] regarding a critical steering issue in the vehicle, indicated by the error message "Steering Fault Assist." Following this complaint, the vehicle was inspected by Ford, which determined that the power steering column, including the rack and pinion, required replacement. However, the cost of the repair was placed on the customer, who paid $2,002 out of ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 5, 2024
On 2/20/25 I was driving making a turn it was hard to turn I checked to power steering fluid and it was fine. I checked for any leaks there was none. Then I took it to the mechanic and they said I need a new Steering Gear Assembly ( around $4,000) 🤦♀️ I see there are a lot of other people having the same problems with the Ram1500.
Incident date: Oct 15, 2024
after prolonged driving steering becomes "sticky", steering wheel will jerk when steering, causing over correction on straights and turns
CYBEX
ATON G SWIVEL
(9999) - STEERING
Feb 26, 2025
Incident date: Dec 1, 2024
When driving over uneven surfaces, like typical urban and suburban roads and highways, the rear end seems so wobble and slide. It feels like the heavy EV is about to break traction and slide sideways. It porpoises as well. It makes every passengers heart skip a beat. These are on dry roads, obeying speed limits, with the stock tires. An expansion joint, seam of two types of road material, utility ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 21, 2024
Nissan dealership said the front control arms are cracking and recommended having them replaced.
JAYCO FIFTH WHEEL
NORTH POINT
(2024) - STEERING
Feb 26, 2025
Incident date: Nov 29, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Honda CR-V. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V763000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) and 24V744000 (STEERING); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was not made aware ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 3, 2025
We Reported in February of 2022 To Kia of Port Charlotte in Florida that our steering wheel was sticking so bad we had to use extraordinary effort to keep the car going straight. They told us they were unable to replicate what we experienced. Starting in February of 2025 we started to experience the same thing. We brought it [XXX] to Kia of Sebring Florida. They diagnosed that there is a sticking ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 21, 2025
I was driving over an overpass on to the free way. It was about 11am. The steering wheel locked in a turning position, driving the car off the overpass. I was able to yank the wheel and get it back straight. The auto pilot was not on, the cruise control was not on. I drove it straight to the service center, i though i should call so i put the car in curise control to pull out my phone but decided... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
ID.4
(2023) - STEERING
Feb 26, 2025
Incident date: Feb 26, 2025
At highway speeds,60+ the jeep starts an extreme wobbling and shaking when I hit a bump. Sometimes I can slow down and it stops and other times I have to pull Over and come to a complete stop. I just bought this jeep less than two weeks ago and it’s now in service getting a new steering damper. Everything I’m reading online says this is just a Bandaid. My husband knows about Cars and he said ... Read more
GRAND DESIGN
SOLITUDE
(2023) - STEERING
Feb 26, 2025
Incident date: Mar 7, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the contact became aware that the electronic power steering was not functioning properly, requiring increased effort to maneuver the vehicle. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the failure persisted. The service power steering warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an indepen... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
PASSAT
(2014) - STEERING
Feb 26, 2025
Incident date: Oct 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Flex. The contact stated while driving and making turns, the steering wheel was sticking and required to be turned in the opposite direction and back to the intended direction for the vehicle to respond as needed. Additionally, the contact stated that the steering wheel failed to return to center after making a turn. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 14, 2025
While driving and attempting to make a right hand turn, all of the sudden the power steering went out. There were warnings that stated traction control was out and power steering were out. There were also warning chimes. But these did not happen BEFORE i lost control. I almost hit another vehicle that was at the stop sign on the street I was attempting to turn onto. It jerked the steering wheel ou... Read more
Incident date: Feb 6, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 Honda CR-V. 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 manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect... Read more
Incident date: Feb 25, 2025
Power steering assist fault. While driving power steering stopped working. No matter what i do to reset it will not work Took to dealer found there was a recall the pscm had been previously flashed under 15s18 recall. The steering gear was not replaced which put it under 15n01 program Now the internal angle sensor on rack has gone out.so in short they did half the recall repair. Called ford th... Read more
Incident date: Feb 24, 2025
I was pulling out of my work parking lot and my power steering cut out completely. A warning came up on my dash saying something along the lines of steering assist system fault. I was able to get it back into the parking lot but had to really force the steering wheel. After turning the flex off and back on again everything worked fine. I was very fortunate to be driving at low speed at the tim... Read more
Incident date: Feb 22, 2025
My power steering has suddenly become intermittent. It works sporadically during a turn. I am receiving no warning signs or codes for this problem. I have read on line that there was a study being done by NHTSA (2003) about a possible recall for this issue. Can you tell me the results of the findings? Has the study been completed?
KIA
SORENTO HYBRID
(2025) - STEERING
Feb 26, 2025
Incident date: Jan 29, 2025
Electric Rack n Pinion had to be replaced due to it binding while driving greater than 40 mph. Was a safety issue as the steering wound get 'stuck' trying to make adjustments to stay in the lane. Causing over steering. It started in January and continuely worsened. I believe there is a recall for later models with the same issue, why not 2016's? Cost me approximately $4,000 to replace.
Incident date: Feb 25, 2025
1. I believe my power steering is not working properly. I can feel it. 2. I believe it is getting worse and I could get into an accident. 3. No 4. No 5. No. I just feel it getting hard to steer.
Incident date: Sep 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2024 Honda Civic. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V744000 (Steering); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a... Read more
Incident date: Feb 26, 2025
Power steering assist fault, and power steering EPS system failed while driving! Was replaced by Ford in 2015 and has already locked up while driving! Tire pressure sensor constantly stays on even after replacement.
Incident date: Jan 10, 2025
UNKNOWN I had the lane assist feature on and was taking the second lane from right to turn off to exit when the alarm went off, the wheel turned itself and it started braking. There was nothing where it was trying to avoid and actually almost had me run into another by turning me left back onto the freeway while trying to stop. It’s never happened to me before and I take that way regularly.
MERCEDES-BENZ
GLE 450E 4MATIC
(2025) - STEERING
Feb 25, 2025
Incident date: Feb 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and depressing the brake pedal, the steering wheel vibrated, and the vehicle stalled. The parking brake warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle; however, the failure recurred a short distance later. Neither the dealer nor independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was n... Read more
DODGE
GRAND CARAVAN
(2018) - STEERING
Feb 25, 2025
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
At 667 mi. car started making a clicking noise when turning left from a complete stop.
Incident date: Feb 21, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle became difficult to maneuver. The failure occurred on several occasions. The contact stated that the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure... Read more
Incident date: Feb 9, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Edge. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH, the power steering failed to function as intended. In addition, several unknown messages were displayed on the instrument panel with several unknown warning lights being illuminated. With help from neighbors, the vehicle was taken to the residence. A dealer was not contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repai... Read more
Incident date: Feb 18, 2025
The contact owns a 2024 Honda CR-V. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V744000 (Steering); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experience... Read more
Incident date: Feb 21, 2025
The contact's friend owns a 2011 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the power steering assist failed to operate as needed. There was no warning light illuminated. Despite the failure, the contact drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic who informed the contact that the steering column, including the rack and pinion, needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was noti... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and making a sharp turn, the steering wheel seized, the vehicle lost motive power, stalled, and shut off. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed and the contact was informed that the ECM was losing power and that further testing was needed to diagnose the vehicle.... Read more
Incident date: Jan 9, 2019
The contact owned a 2022 Ford Maverick. The contact stated that while her grandson was driving at various speeds, the steering wheel locked and the vehicle lost power steering and functionality. The vehicle flipped over several times. An unknown warning light illuminated. It was unknown if the air bags were deployed. A police report was filed. The contact’s grandson was taken to the hospital vi... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jan 25, 2025
My car has two recalls, including EPS recall #24V-744, which I’ve been informed won’t be completed until February 2026. However, my recall letter from Honda states that repairs should be completed within **60 days** of contacting the dealership (February 25, 2025). This delay is far beyond a reasonable timeframe, especially since the recall involves a potential safety issue. I’m concerned ab... Read more
Incident date: Nov 24, 2024
Steering started acting funny, I called Kia 800 333 4542 about their Technical service bulletin and spoke with TY he stated this is not a manufacturer defect and is not covered for repair since there wasnt a recall. MDPS Flexible Coupling Replacement Technical Service Bulletin Ref: CHA074 REV 2 Date of Issue: April 3, 2019 Kia - 2014 Forte Group: Chassis
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2018) - STEERING
Feb 25, 2025
Incident date: Feb 7, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while turning the ignition on and off, there was a knocking sound coming from the dashboard. After pulling into a parking lot, a red exclamation point illuminated the instrument panel, and the steering wheel seized. The contact was able to coast out of the way by driving forward. The vehicle was turned off and towed to the dealer. The deale... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2024
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Jan 13, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the front passenger's side and driver's side windshield exterior A-Pillar trims had detached and were flapping while driving. The contact stated that the failure had caused water to leak in... Read more
Incident date: Feb 25, 2025
Ford issued recall 15s18 for electrical issue in sterring gear in 2015 Our fords power steering system failed on 01/13/2025 Huntington Ford dealership refused to repair after diagnostic shows a power steering system fail claiming that we are not covered for the recall
Incident date: Jan 18, 2025
Steering wheel started to make a snap noise when being turn either to the left or right. Didn't happen every turn but would come and go and became more frequent. Took to dealer for diagnosis and they said it's the same noise the 1500s have when the clock spring failed or broke. He tried to see if we had that recall since it was on some 1500s and some 2500s but ours wasnt so we had to pay out of po... Read more
Incident date: Feb 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Honda Accord. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle was pulling to the left. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that another vehicle was approaching close by on the right and the contact attempted to steer over to the left. The vehicle was extremely close to the highway grooves and the steering wheel seized to the left. The contact who... Read more
Incident date: Feb 25, 2025
The contact's wife owns a 2019 Honda CR-V. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel became sticky while attempting to steer the vehicle. The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not under recall. Upon investigation, the contact linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V744000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not in... Read more
Incident date: Dec 2, 2024
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Feb 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became firm and difficult to turn in either direction. The power steering warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaig... Read more
Incident date: Dec 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle drove over a bump in the roadway, and the body of the vehicle was shaking and vibrating as if the body was going to be detached from the subframe. In addition, the contact stated that due to the failure, the contact was concerned that the wheels were going to detach from the vehicle. The contact decelerated... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
While driving the vehicle, or sometimes upon starting the vehicle, the Power Steering Assist will intermittently malfunction and I will have no power steering. When this happens while I am driving it puts me and others at risk because I have reduced my ability to steer. I have not had this diagnosed by the dealer, but I will soon. I have not had the component inspected by anyone at this time. When... Read more
Incident date: Jan 14, 2025
EPS went out while driving. No warning lights
Incident date: Feb 24, 2025
Vehicle makes clicking noise went to dealer many times no answer till they decide to change front right axe noise went down 70% but the noise is coming back up 2 weeks after repair. Is a new car. My spouse bought another same brand and model is is starting to do the same. Noise is louder and louder. When turning any direction, worse when turning and applying brakes.
Incident date: Feb 21, 2025
EPAS, electronic power steering assist, not a question of "if" it will go out, but "when". Ford has acknowledged an issue but classified it as a "CSP" so they don't have to do anything about it as opposed to a recall, this issue effects multiple models in multiple years, the unit in question is near an exhaust manifold with a small heatshield, and over time the heat shield isn't enough to protect ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 24, 2025
While driving at 45mph, a bump in the road caused the steering shaft to uncouple from the spline shaft on the steering gearbox. Control of the vehicle was lost but an accident was avoided. This problem has been reported in a few forums by other people who also installed the same part on their vehicles. The problem appears to be a design flaw in the set screw that is supposed to ensure the shaft is... Read more