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 22, 2025
1)The display on dash reads upon start up, “Steering Assist Reduced”. 2)There is no Engine temperature readout displayed on cluster. 3)When the vehicle is turned off, the coolant fan stays running for a few minutes at full speed. All of these issues are correlated. Also, many XT5’s & XT6’s have had this issue in the past.
Incident date: Apr 15, 2024
First the battery was drained and needed replaced. Then message on center navigation screen displays “System Off to Save Battery. Please turn ignition off or start engine” when entering the car before trying to start it. Then I was notified of a recall that needed to be done. The recall was for “the body control module bcm and powertrain control module pcm calibrations may be unable to detec... Read more
Incident date: Jan 15, 2025
After driving vehicle and parking vehicle turn key off key will not turn all the way off to pull key out of ignition switch. The vehicle had 35,750 miles when brought to dealership I had told them this has happened multiple times I had to restart vehicle move vehicle shift vehicle manually or drive around block park again and then key would turn all the way off and come out, When I was contacted f... Read more
Incident date: May 6, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that while attempting to straighten the wheels while in the driveway, the contact discovered that the steering wheel was inoperable. No warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that a dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed and the contact was informed that the power steering electrical motor an... Read more
Incident date: Jan 19, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Ford F-350. The contact stated the adaptive steering fault light was illuminated and then the adaptive steering failed to operate as designed. The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to accelerate, and was ambling forward instead. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed and determined that the failure was related to recal... Read more
Incident date: Jan 29, 2025
This vehicle has a death wobble above 50 mph when hitting a slight bump in the road causing loss of control. It has been repaired multiple times with no resolution. We tried arbitration but because we continued to drive it, they ruled in the manufacture's favor not understanding we had no choice but to continue driving it to take my wife's father to cancer treatments. It now has 56000 miles on it ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 7, 2023
Having issues with the vehicle Power Train, Steering, Steering wheel locked, Suspension, Blind Spot Warning, Parking Collision, Automatic Emergency Braking are just a few I can remember. After all these dashboard lights started flickering the truck wouldn't turn back on leaving me stranded at least 3 times. I have called the local Volkswagen dealership since my lease is up in a few weeks and they ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 25, 2025
Have a recall for a gear box worm wheel, steering problem #24V-744. This goes back to Oct 24. I called 11/25 to the dealer called them again 12/5, said they have no replacement part, they may have it at the end of the year. Today 1/29/25 I called Honda Cust support 888 234-2138 they said they don’t have the parts? Manufact doesn’t have parts? I have been told each time I call , they don’t h... Read more
TOYOTA
HIGHLANDER
(2014) - STEERING
Jan 29, 2025
Incident date: Dec 1, 2024
I purchased this car from a dealer in Sarasota Florida. Driving it home from the dealer, I was driving approximately 70 mph on [XXX] near Sarasota. The vehicle suddenly braked and pulled to the left simultaneously. I have taken it to a repair shop that specializes in Corvettes, and trying to ID the problem. In doing research, evidently it is related to the active handling system. There is a r... Read more
Incident date: Jan 23, 2025
My F-150 has been a nightmare since I purchased it in April. Ford dealers are unwilling to even look into my complaints. It has now got to the point where I cant drive the vehicle on the interstate because it is too unstable at those speeds. As in the steering wheel moves one way and the truck steers another. The truck is on its 3rd set of tires with only 30k miles on the odometer, but Ford al... Read more
Incident date: Dec 23, 2024
On January 27 I started my truck to drive and within minutes the power steering became extremely difficult and impossible to turn . I believe it's the EPS system failure which I have found out is know to fail in the trucks ., There were not any warning messages until it happened.it is available for inspection
Incident date: Jan 28, 2025
I am reporting a critical safety issue with the Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) modulator in my 2013 Honda Accord Ex. The VSA modulator has failed, causing significant safety concerns, including erratic braking behavior, a complete loss of anti-lock braking (ABS) functionality, and compromised stability control. Only after avoiding near collision while driving on I5 freeway the failure illuminated... Read more
Incident date: Nov 4, 2024
The car pulls to the left while driving. The steering wheel turned to the left when I stopped. I have taken it to the dealer three times but the problem is not resolved.
Incident date: Jun 1, 2024
I was driving east bound on [XXX] near the [XXX] exit and using the fully automated driving (where I am watching the road to take over if necessary but the vehicle was maintaining speed and steering) I received the following errors: (I symbol error) Reduced driver assistance, (triangle error) Forward Collision Mitigation, (triangle error) Assisted Driving, (I symbol) Lane Change Assistant. Dire... Read more
Incident date: Jan 21, 2025
The contact owns a 2025 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 contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was mad... Read more
Incident date: Jan 28, 2025
Driving my jeep to work and a bunch of warning lights come on - air bag, power steering, camera, front collision detection, abs system, parking brake, etc. I also lose power steering. Mechanic cannot find cause and all modules appear to be working - codes clear and return after about 30 miles of driving. Car isn't safe to drive and has been in the shop for 11 weeks with no answers. It is about ... Read more
TOYOTA
HIGHLANDER
(2019) - STEERING
Jan 28, 2025
Incident date: Jan 16, 2025
The Module Steer in the steering wheel has failed in my 2019 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon.
Incident date: Jan 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 20 MPH, the steering wheel became stiff, and difficult to turn to the left or the right. The contact was able to veer into a parking lot for an errand and upon restarting the vehicle the vehicle resumed normal function. No warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was no... Read more
Incident date: Nov 30, 2024
Multiple mechanics working at and including but not limited to: Firestone, discount tires, Midas, Walmart, independent mechanics have informed me the rear wheels can not be realigned with the front wheels due to how it was designed. This has caused my rear wheels to become more and more out of alignment with no way to repair the misalignment. So all steering components have been more and more har... Read more
Incident date: Jan 16, 2025
Technician detected a leak on the power steering cable on my Sprinter [XXX] that a previous recall for the same model year as mine but the VIN is not currently associated with the recall. The defect is apparently the same, however, I am required to pay the maintenance to fix it for $657 How can I get this to be covered or reimbursed by the recall? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2024
When i turn the car off the key will not allow me to remove it from ignition to the proper position to remove the key. This is a safety hazzard. I have to mess with the brakes, steering wheel and parking console and keep starting and turning off the car to get key removed. The dealer said they could not locate the problem however several of your other GM vehicles are having this issue. Please as... Read more
Incident date: Jul 10, 2020
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact stated that the steering wheel failed to turn to the right or the left. The power steering failure message was displayed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failu... Read more
Incident date: Jan 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact attempted to start the vehicle, and the electric steering fault message was displayed. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where is was diagnosed that the steering gear assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign ... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2022) - STEERING
Jan 28, 2025
Incident date: Jan 27, 2025
The contact owns a 2024 Honda CR-V. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V763000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) and 24V744000 (STEERING). The contact stated while her wife was driving 45 MPH around a bend, a deer crossed the road. The contact's wife swerved to avoid crashing into the deer however crashed into a wall at the bottom of a culvert. The driver’s and passenger’s ... Read more
Crash
1 injured
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2022) - STEERING
Jan 28, 2025
Incident date: Jan 27, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds over bumps in the roadway, the vehicle experienced a "death wobble". The failure caused the front of the vehicle to shake uncontrollably, causing the contact to temporarily lose control of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer on several occasions where the front steering damper and tie rods were... Read more
Incident date: Dec 19, 2024
I purchased my 2022 GMC SIERRA XLT in February of 2022. I have had it in the shop 4 times for recalls. They couldn’t or didn't put an inspection sticker on the truck because I honestly don’t think it could have passed inspection. The truck sounds like a truck on Transformer when I turn it off breaking town like a robot. On yesterday which was 1/27/2025 while backing up to turn around the truck... Read more
Incident date: Aug 31, 2024
Ill be driving and my car will whip me right off the road
Incident date: Dec 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that after restarting the vehicle, an unknown message was displayed on the instrument panel, and the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact stated that the steering wheel was difficult to turn in either direction. The vehicle was towed to a local independent mechanic and the steering rack, steering gears, and the stabilizer bar... Read more
Incident date: Jan 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle shook violently while driving above 40 MPH. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the steering coupler needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Incident date: Feb 22, 2022
The contact owns a 2025 Honda CR-V. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V763000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact was also informed by the dealer that the VIN was also included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V744000 ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 20, 2025
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 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 disconnec... Read more
Incident date: Jan 16, 2025
There’s multiple issues I’ve had with this car since day one. One of them almost causing a crash on the interstate going 70mph. The car shut down though the lights remained on and the message service ESC electronic stability control came on, service AWD system, service electric power steering, service brake system and at the time I just left a certified dodge dealership where they did a “”... Read more
Incident date: Aug 19, 2024
CV joint is making a clicking noise when turning. The dealership, Shottenkirk Honda of Cartersville, Ga. was able to duplicate the issue. They told me I need to wait until the part comes in and I was not given an ETA.
Incident date: Jan 25, 2025
- when driving on the highway, vehicle and steering wheel will shake uncontrollably if going over any bumps or grooves. vehicle is available for inspection and is currently being inspected by nearest dealership. - car would begin shaking and steering wheel would begin shaking and locking up. - problem is currently being assessed by nearest jeep dealership. - no warning signs or messages appeared p... Read more
HYUNDAI
SANTA CRUZ
(2023) - STEERING
Jan 28, 2025
Incident date: Dec 26, 2024
- (1) failed/black instrument cluster/panel. unable to see mileage, fuel level, engine temperature, tire pressure, etc. - I can hear multiple warning lights going off, but I'm unable to see any. - the vehicle has been brought in for servicing at my nearest jeep dealership - the vehicle is currently being inspected at my nearest jeep dealership - there were no warning messages or lamps prior to fai... Read more
FORD
MAVERICK HYBRID
(2024) - STEERING
Jan 28, 2025
Incident date: Apr 1, 2024
Wandering steering at highway speeds, unable to maintain safe control of the vehicle
Incident date: May 16, 2023
I am writing to report a serious incident involving my 2015 Toyota Camry LE (VIN: [XXX] ), which I believe is connected to a potential defect or recall issue. On [XXX], I was involved in a car crash that resulted in my vehicle being totaled. The circumstances of the crash strongly suggest that it was caused or exacerbated by issue sudden loss of power steering assistance The details of ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jan 28, 2025
There is a loud knocking or banging sound when making sharp turns. Particularly a turn of 90 degrees or sharper. It sounds almost like something under the car coming from the wheels area. It goes away as you release the steering and straighten back out. But it is loud enough that I am thinking of going back to the dealership to get it checked out.
CHRYSLER
PACIFICA PLUG-IN HYBRID
(2020) - STEERING
Jan 28, 2025
Incident date: Jan 11, 2025
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH, the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The power steering fault assist warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was like NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering). The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirme... Read more
Incident date: Dec 30, 2024
Issue with sticky steering. Car is unsafe to drive. Steering sticks as you are driving making it hard to turn. A issue Honda has with many of there civics but will do nothing about tell someone is serious injured. I called honda and told them about problem. but the will do nothing. The car has been inspected by certified Honda dealer. They told me steering gearbox is bad. He also stated is a docu... Read more
Incident date: Jan 25, 2025
Within a few hundred miles of owning, the CV joint started clicking. Dealer says they can't even locate the part. Told me to keep driving it, but it seems unsafe. Problem seems to be getting more severe and dealer still has no eta on the part to fix the problem. Concerned that CV joint will fail while driving - but dealer keeps saying it's fine.
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
Lost of drive power and the vehicle steering wheel locked on my mercedes from a damaged malfunctioning steering lock actuator module due to mechanical issues within the steering column such as bad steering wheel assembly, faulty steering lock module or issue with the wiring or other electrical components and the mercedes dealer is the only one who solves this issue no other mechanic in general. My... Read more
Incident date: Jan 25, 2025
1. After driving the car and turning it off, I get a loud bang coming from a gas tank. 2. Sometimes when making a hard right or left turn steering wheel vibrates, and the warning light for all wheel drive system comes on. When I turn the car off and restart it, it goes away. 3. After software installs due to recalls, when I accelerate my radio occasionally shuts off on its own, and then we’ll co... Read more
Incident date: Jan 24, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH, the steering wheel failed to respond. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and the steering wheel failed to respond as needed. The contact slowly drove to the residence. The failure persisted while driving or while the vehicle was stationary. The vehicle was not taken to be... Read more
Incident date: Nov 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Honda Civic Hatchback. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V744000 (Steering); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that upon further inspection, the vehicle was consuming an abnormal amount of engine oil. The message "Maintenance Required" was displayed on the instrument panel. In addition, several ot... Read more
Incident date: Dec 6, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Land Rover Range Rover. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the front end of the vehicle. The suspension warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V840000 (Ste... Read more
Incident date: Jan 23, 2025
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving in a parking lot at 15 MPH, the steering wheel became inoperable. The steering wheel was difficult to turn. The power steering assist failure warning light was illuminated. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering). The local dealer and an independent mechanic were contacted; howe... Read more
Incident date: Jan 22, 2025
I was driving normally down the road and all of a sudden I lost control and couldn’t turn my vehicle apparently the control arm rusted from the subframe, causing me to swerve hit a curb and cause more damage to the front end. Thank God I was on a not so busy street! I could have killed myself or someone else all because this company’s metal rusted out.
Crash
Incident date: Jan 27, 2023
I was driving on the interstate when the power steering failed. I was on a straightaway so I was able to force the vehicle to the side of road and have it towed. If I was in a corner, I would have crashed. It was repaired at Chevrolet Dealership.
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2018) - STEERING
Jan 27, 2025
Incident date: Nov 27, 2024
The indicator buttons randomly disable and also disable if the user rests their finger lightly on an indicator button for some number of seconds. The car is available for inspection on request. Tesla looked at it and said it's "normal" and "expected" for the buttons to disable if you simply rest your finger on the button for too long prior to clicking it in. When this occurs, BOTH indicator butt... Read more