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.

2,245,377 Total Complaints

140,173 Reported Crashes

56,794 Reported Fires

8,580 Reported 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

How to Read NHTSA Consumer Complaints › How NHTSA Investigations Work › Used Car: 7 Recall Checks to Run First › The Takata Airbag Recall: Full Story › OBD-II Codes Explained › All Articles ›

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Showing 117,788 complaints - component: STEERING

Incident date: Jul 19, 2026

On numerous instances now, while travelling at highway speeds a small bump or uneven surface will cause the vehicle to experience the "Jeep Death Wobble" and will violently shake the entire vehicle out of control unless a rapid deceleration and / or stoppage occurs. I have brought it to a dealer who indicates that they were not able to reproduce the "Shimmy" (they also were unable to perform my sa... Read more

Incident date: Jul 18, 2026

While driving my 2025 Honda Pilot at normal road speeds, multiple warning messages suddenly appeared on the dashboard, including steering system warnings. The steering wheel became extremely difficult to turn and felt as though it had locked, creating a serious safety hazard. I had very limited ability to steer the vehicle and could have lost control, especially if this had occurred at higher spee... Read more

Incident date: Apr 17, 2026

I was driving the vehical when something went wrong. The vehicle showed a warning stating "ABS disabled". I was worried by this, when I saw further warnings appear including "Safety restraint system issue" "Power braking assist reduced" and something about steering. The dashboard also showed "Park Brake fault" and a red icon with a seatbelt and another with an airbag. Alarmed, I pulled to the side... Read more

Incident date: Jul 15, 2026

On 07/16/2026, I was driving my 2023 Tesla Model Y when the vehicle suddenly began swerving rapidly left and right across multiple lanes without my intended steering input. The vehicle became difficult to control, and despite my attempt to correct the direction, it continued to move unpredictably and resulted in a collision. There were no prior warnings or indications of a steering or control iss... Read more

Crash

Incident date: Jul 6, 2026

While day driving on a clearly marked interstate in slightly hazy weather from fires, the car suddenly, unprompted, steered to the left without any warning or any indicators going off. This caused the car traveling at highway speed to crash into a barrier wall, drive half way up before driver could regain control of the steering and then spun out across 4 lanes of traffic. Driver said cars lane a... Read more

2 injured

Incident date: Jul 6, 2026

Steering Rack and Pinion failure due to corroded electrical connection plug. This occurred in april, 2025, when the van had less than 15,000 miles on it. Took the van to Blue Ridge Chrysler Dodge dealership in Abingdon Va .for Warranty repair. Plug was taken off another vehicle to put on mine aaaand dielectric grease added to hopefully keep the replacement plug from corroding too. Location of pl... Read more

Incident date: Jul 16, 2026

the engine revs high and transmission wont shift and when you turn the steering wheel ya get a loud click and the steering wheels jumps

Incident date: Jul 19, 2026

Steering will get stuck on turns or curves causing excessive force and jerking to re-center wheel and avoid Vehicle driving in un-intended direction, almost causes accidents.

Incident date: Jul 18, 2026

JUST BOUGHT THE CAR AND THE CAR IS RECEIVING ERROR: "SHIFT TO PARK". THIS APPEAR TO BE A KNOW ISSUE FOR 2018 CHEVY MALIBU HYBRID. CAR CUT OFF IN MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC

Incident date: Jul 19, 2026

Started up vehicle, and (all the bashboard warning lights illuminated),tsa,check engine light,power steering, brake lights.....all of them. Doors won't lock, and the raido stays on, even when the vehicle is completely turned off. Vehicle purchased on:12/02/2024. 3 miles on the odometer. Currently 14,000 miles.. honda corporation attempting not honor the warranty. $8400 dollars, to fix,and to conta... Read more

Incident date: Feb 18, 2025

I purchased a used Hyndai Kona with 26,000 miles April 30 2026. I was told I have the balance of the manufacturer warranty of 5 years or 60,000 miles. I have not driven my car for 73 days because of extreme safety problems the Hyundai Kona. The car is very difficult to steer. The car pulls significantly to the right. One day after I purchased this vehicle the car jumped the curb and my face hit... Read more

1 injured

Incident date: May 10, 2021

We have had the steering wheel replaced twice in this vehicle since purchasing it brand new. This is not the 3rd steering wheel in the truck. From what we can tell this is extremely common with this VW. There is an issue with the wheel ring that causes the circuitry to "freak" out and cause the lane assist system/warning to come on/off repeatedly on the dash. It happens when you turn the wheel an... Read more

Incident date: Jul 1, 2026

I am submitting a safety complaint regarding my 2014 Ram 1500 Tradesman. While driving, the vehicle suddenly experienced a complete loss of power steering without any warning. At the same time, the power steering warning light began flashing and the dashboard lights started flicker. Because the power steering failed unexpectedly, I was unable to steer the truck normally. We nearly crashed into a... Read more

Incident date: Jul 13, 2026

I had a complete loss of steering and had to have the truck towed to the dealership. This could have caused a very serious accident. There was no previous warning - it just went out. The dealership charged me $2183 to replace the steering gear. According to the literature, the steering function should last to well past 100K miles (my truck had 66,552 miles on it). In addition, there are mul... Read more

Incident date: Apr 3, 2026

I just purchased a 2017 Honda Civic yesterday that seems to be experiencing issues similar to the electric power steering (EPS) malfunction involved in Honda’s EPS gearbox recall, even though my VIN is not included. The steering becomes stiff and jerky when trying to turn the wheel, particularly at higher speeds (especially on the highway) and when trying to slightly move the wheel to remain in ... Read more

Incident date: Jun 19, 2026

While out on vacation in [XXX] on XXX at around 11 am I had just finished charging the Tesla at a supercharging station. I was headed to go eat breakfast at the intersection of [XXX] and XXX on the right lane. I stopped briefly prior to making a right onto [XXX]. Upon making the right turn the vehicle kept turning all the way right and making a sharp right turn instead of a soft right. When I noti... Read more

Crash

Incident date: Jul 16, 2026

Driving down the road service eps light came on and went back off. Went to make a turn and the truck did not turn. The steering wheel would not turn

Incident date: Jun 10, 2026

I bought a vehicle used and it malfunctions in six days. It is a safety hazard to me the driver and other drivers on the roads. The vehicle is weighing heavy on the passenger side the car is not parallel. Also the vehicle stalls while driving. The pedal stops giving power to the car. I attempted to fix the car and the problems still persist. The mechanics said the car need shocks, struts, and... Read more

Incident date: Jul 10, 2025

Firstly, we were driving in the center lane on I-84W (three lanes), with Full Self Driving (FSD) at 55 mph. The car veered left on it owns (under FSD) into the center median with the front driver side of the vehicle struck the metal beam guardrail causing both air bags to deploy on the driver and left rear passenger sides. The car continued to move forward in the next 4-6 seconds under FSD (approx... Read more

Crash

Incident date: Jul 15, 2026

Several times while driving at highway speed, my vehicle transmission will shift all by itself into baha 4wd mode, or 4wd mode causing my truck to become a hazard on the road. Should someone be following me and my transmission implodes due to this issue, people could be seriously harmed or killed.

Incident date: Jul 17, 2026

The power steering system, failure. completely without warning I see recalls on this model. But do not see it on the website. Nor will ford repair it

Incident date: Jul 18, 2026

I am submitting this complaint because I believe this issue presents a serious safety concern. My 2014 Hyundai Sonata experienced a failure related to the steering angle sensor, causing the ESC, ABS, and traction control warning lights to illuminate while driving. As a result, these important safety systems lost functionality and were no longer available to assist in maintaining vehicle stability ... Read more

Incident date: Jul 17, 2026

The issue my car is having happens when the car is but I am at a complete stop and the auto on/off stop engages. I start again and turn the wheel all the way to the left and begin to drive. The wheel locks, then violently snaps back. In some instances it will set off the sensors and disengage the vehicle while I’m pulled out into traffic. I have brought this to the dealerships attention as well ... Read more

Incident date: Jul 17, 2026

Driving on I4 to Orlando noticed steering wheel sticking at 11 & 1 o'clock and steering wheel not returning to the straight position. No engine or any other lights illuminated. At dealership for two weeks waiting for back ordered steering rack.

Incident date: Jul 11, 2026

Without prior warning my power steering went out. This could have been life threatening. I had to have it towed to the dealership (Voss Chevy, Centerville OH). The truck had 66,552 miles on it and the extended warranty that we purchased thru Voss expired on 26 Mar 2026 and although we were under the 75K mileage, they would not honor it (planned obsolescence?) So they replaced the steering ge... Read more

Incident date: Jul 4, 2026

PAWS system component failure causing the steering angle to misalign, throttle response to decrease, and drivability to decrease severely

Incident date: Jun 23, 2026

Caught fire while driving

Fire

Incident date: Sep 20, 2024

Year/Make/Model: 2022 Jeep Gladiator RESPONDENT DEALERSHIP DETAILS Business Name: Lake Norman Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Physical Address: 20320 Chartown Dr, Cornelius, NC 28031 On July 17, 2026, the vehicle referenced above was presented to Lake Norman Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram for the express purpose of executing the mandatory remedy under NHTSA Campaign 26V363 (Mopar 21D). This recall governs an... Read more

Incident date: May 8, 2025

The vehicle experienced a sudden, complete failure of the electronic power steering assist while operating, resulting in a dangerous increase in steering effort and an immediate safety hazard. A professional OBD-II diagnostic scan retrieved active trouble codes C1277-20 (Steering Wheel Angle Sensor Signal Failure) and C1963-20 (Stability Control Inhibit Warning). This internal sensor failure match... Read more

Incident date: Jul 3, 2026

The steering wheel is jerking or sticking and now it is making a clicking noise when slightly going left or coming back from the left. After reading on line there is a lot of the same problem going on with others. It ended up the Steering Gearbox and from your site 5 out of 5 things has been recalled with this type of Honda CRV #5 was a recall for the steering. It said consumers were not notified.

Incident date: Jul 17, 2026

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and attempting to start the vehicle, there was a popping and knocking sound coming from the steering wheel. No warning light was illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of ... Read more

Incident date: Jul 15, 2026

My 2007 Honda CR-V was repaired under NHTSA Recall 23V-228 for corrosion in the rear frame at the trailing arm mount, a condition Honda's own filing says can allow the trailing arm to detach while driving. My vehicle received the support-brace remedy rather than a full structural repair. Since that July 18, 2023 repair, the vehicle has developed Right Rear (RR) tracking instability, whooshing and ... Read more

Incident date: Jun 26, 2026

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Engine, steering. Purchased the car from a certified dealership in January 2026. After 3 months of driving, the car began exhibiting performance issues. During a normal acceleration pattern, the car would go into a ‘limp mode’ where all dashboard lights would turn on and the car’s performance ... Read more

Incident date: Jul 17, 2026

The contact owns a 2026 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, the messages “Service Stabili-track” and “Steering Assist Reduced” were displayed. The vehicle was difficult to control while driving. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the driver's side wheel speed sensor was not properly secured in the hub. The vehicle... Read more

Incident date: Jun 1, 2026

The vehicle touch screen stopped working. It doesn't allow the options to be chosen (radio, audio, and general settings) . The screen remains frozen. The estimated cost for repair is $2,000. The steering wheel vibrate and makes noises when vehicle speed is 40 or above. Diagnostic reports a steering column replacement. Estimated cost $ 800- 2,000

Incident date: Nov 6, 2025

Steering wheel sticks with minor adjustments makes it dangerous when driving . Research shows it's already a recall on other years of the same model.

Incident date: Jul 11, 2026

The contact owns a 2003 Chevrolet Corvette. The contact stated that while reversing from the driveway, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 04V060000 (Steering). The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who replaced the relay and wiring harness kit. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. T... Read more

Incident date: Jul 15, 2026

Rattling noise started coming from the steering wheel, it can be felt through the steering wheel. Doing an inspection it's coming from the the U joint area and steering wheel. The steering wheel also doesn't properly turn back into place when turning at lower speeds. Issue started around 40k miles. Searching the online the issue lots of people are having the same issue. Per Chevy Dealership, I... Read more

Incident date: Jul 16, 2026

The contact's father owns a 2024 Jeep Wrangler. The owner received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V363000 (Steering); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted and informed that the earliest availability to inspect the vehicle was July 24, 2026, and the vehicle would be repaired later if necessary. The contact stated that the vehicle served... Read more

Incident date: Jul 7, 2026

Same issue as in recall 14S06. However, I do not see this recall under my VIN, nor has this vehicle been repaired in the past for this issue. I was hoping that possibly the recall doesn't show up because it was established in 2014. I just want to get it corrected, as the electric power steering is disabled.

Incident date: Jul 17, 2026

The contact owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, attempting to come around a curve on the right side she could feel hesitation in the steering wheel and the vehicle began to maneuver in the opposite No warning lights illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed the electrical steering rack assembly needed to be replaced. ... Read more

Incident date: Jul 17, 2026

Power steering failed. It is currently at the dealership having the rack and pinion replaced.

Incident date: Jul 1, 2026

Both left and right CV axles make loud clicking, grinding noise when turning. I reported this issue to Honda at around 6,500 miles. At first I was told we are waiting for a solution. Now the dealership's service manager says that there is no safety issue and that Honda has no intention of fixing the problem. The car currently has less than 16,000 miles and the clicking just keeps getting louder. ... Read more

Incident date: Jul 10, 2026

While driving, the vehicle will drift to the left and I have to pull on the steering wheel to correct. Tires are aligned, so this is not the problem. When I correct the drift to the left, the car is jerky with my correction. Even passengers in the car feel the jerk. This happens frequently while driving. Took car to local mechanic and he said there was a safety recall notice for the 2017-18 C... Read more

Incident date: May 1, 2024

Purchased vehicle new in June 2025, July 2026 it prematurely wore the outside of both passenger tires to the point the chords were showing with 25,000 miles on original factory tires. Dealership replaced tires and said they found nothing wrong with alignment. We have owned 5 new vehicles over the past 15 years, and we have always gotten at least 50,000 miles out of factory tires. Something in vehi... Read more

Incident date: Jul 17, 2026

Driving on May 20, 2026 near my home in Florida, power steering assist failed suddenly making it very difficult to steer. Red light on dashboard lit up indicating steering failure. According to a search of the NHTSA records, this is a known issue with these cars. (NHTSA Campaign 15V452000, Audi Action Code 48M1. If I had been on a highway or busy street, the sudden failure would have likely caus... Read more

Incident date: Jul 4, 2026

While driving, a “Service ESC” warning message appeared and the vehicle suddenly lost power steering assist, causing the steering to become extremely difficult and creating a serious safety risk while the vehicle was in motion. The vehicle was taken to a service center, where technicians found multiple loss-of-communication codes involving the electronic power steering system. Further inspecti... Read more

Incident date: May 1, 2026

I was driving in Houston and I tried to turn left to avoid someone hitting me from the back do to a slow down and I couldn’t turn left my gear was too stiff to turn. I got hit from behind and it turn into a hit and run. That affected me a lot due to the hurt and lack of work due to it all became behind and I am still suffering from that accident. I informed Honda and requested a buy back and hel... Read more

Crash

Incident date: Jul 16, 2026

I went to this dealership today to get my steering column control module reprogrammed. Which includes What the Dealer’s Reprogramming Usually Covers (Standard & Expected) • SCCM (Steering Column Module)programming/configuration — Loads the correct software and vehicle-specific data into the new module.• Steering Angle Sensor (SAS) calibration — Teaches the system the straight-ahead wh... Read more

Incident date: Jun 10, 2026

The steering rack in my 2023 Tesla Model 3 is defective and I can show it for inspection. 1.5 years ago it failed and the torque sensor in the rack is showing that there is a constant demand (even when parked and my hands off the wheel) to turn the wheel to the right that you can see in the cars diagnostics menu. I took it in and showed the service advisor the raw data and took a drive with the te... Read more

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Consumer Safety Complaints

What is a NHTSA consumer complaint?

How to interpret what you read

If you've experienced a defect

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