Consumer Safety Complaints
Search 2,192,899 safety complaints filed by vehicle owners with NHTSA — including 137,559 crashes, 55,854 fires, and 8,555 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 2,192,899 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 115,173 complaints — component: STEERING
Incident date: Jun 1, 2024
Headlight flickering causing vehicles infront of my truck to slow down or break. Been to dealership multiple times for headlight problem. Recent headlight assembly replacement. Headlight flickering still present in truck after headlight assembly replacement. Blind spot indicators intermittently work, on highway, had couple times I relied on indicators that did not illuminate. Dealer could not find... Read more
Incident date: Aug 8, 2023
1. The power steering, gauge cluster, multifunction display, wipers, door locks, ignition on/off, blinker and most other electronic aspects fail or operate without command. 2. The speedometer does not show speed, power steering fails entirely or intermittent including in turns, turn signals fail to indicate, traction control shows failure, abs shows failure, 4wd shows failure, airbags show failure... Read more
Incident date: Aug 6, 2024
My 2016 Ford Focus SE is stalling at higher temperatures while driving at high speeds, which is very dangerous. This issue occurs primarily during hotter daily temperatures. I have previously taken the vehicle in for the recall (NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000) related to the Canister Purge Valve (CPV) malfunction, which was supposed to address excessive vacuum in the fuel vapor management system... Read more
Incident date: Aug 6, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Honda CR-V. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) 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 contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicl... Read more
Incident date: Jul 29, 2024
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the steering wheel did not function as intended. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed steering torque sensor. The contact was advised that the steering torque sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact was informed of an unknown recall however, the VIN ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 6, 2024
When driving the car loses power steering and is harder to control. I am at risk because I cannot control the car how I am suppose to. I have called before but there are no Hyundai service dealers close to me. There was nothing prior but now that it is happening there are warning lamps on.
Incident date: Aug 6, 2024
Service power steering, drive with care
Incident date: Aug 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Buick Encore. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine overheated. The contact stopped the vehicle and added coolant and drove to the residence. The contact stated that the next day while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became abnormally stiff, making it difficult to maneuver the vehicle. Additionally, the radio and instrument... Read more
Incident date: Jul 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that after refueling the vehicle, the "Power Steering Assist Fault" message was displayed, and the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering assist. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was later towed to an independent mechanic, who determined that the steering rack assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repa... Read more
Incident date: Feb 6, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving out of the residence driveway at approximately 2 MPH, the traction assists and ABS braking assist warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel then seized. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle and the vehicle regained steering functionality. The contact stated that the failure was inter... Read more
Incident date: Aug 4, 2024
I started my Escape to come home (about an hour and half from home). I immediately got a message that said Steering Assist - Immediate Service Required . I turned the car off and restarted it and got the same message. I got really nervous, but thought maybe it would steer like a vehicle without power steering - which I have driven long ago. But the wheel would not turn at all. I could only go ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 6, 2024
The contact’s daughter owns a 2022 Kia K5. The contact stated that while the daughter was driving at 65 mph, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The driver lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a ravine. No warning lights illuminated. The driver sustained arm injuries due to the air bag deployment. No medical attention was received as of yet. A police report was filed. The vehicl... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Aug 6, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Edge. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel turned 45 and 90 degrees while the vehicle was going straight. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the steering wheel and module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The man... Read more
Incident date: May 10, 2024
I purchased this car in May 2024 and it has done this since the day I bought it. When I shift into park and turn the car off it alerts me that I need to shift into park but it already is, I have to squeeze/jiggle the button on the shifter to make it stop. I feel this could cause some serious problems
Incident date: Aug 2, 2024
I was getting a message on my display saying: Steering assist reduced Steering may require increased effort. But in reality, it requires all my strength, to turn the wheel. Very dangerous. Tesla charge to fix $4,100. I’ll have to pay it.
Incident date: Jul 18, 2024
2024 Nissan vehicle was sold from Rock Hill Nissan with open voluntary recall on FRONT RH LOWER LINK on 7.18.2024. DEALER RESPONSIBILITY It is the dealer’s responsibility to check Service COMM or Dealer Business Systems (DBS) National Service History for the campaign status on each vehicle falling within the range of this voluntary safety recall which for any reason enters the service depart... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
ID.4
(2023) — STEERING
Aug 5, 2024
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
When vehicle crosses an intersection it pulls vehicle into wrong direction. Mostly left to incoming traffic and I have to correct steering. Vehicle does not recognize road lines have stopped or different in an intersection
Incident date: Jul 27, 2024
Steering fault warning message came up service now and stability control lights engaged both on and off, I lost control of my steering and it completely tightened up as I was driving. I was driving 60 miles per hour when this happened. Depending on the severity of the failure, I was completely at risk with colliding with anything on the road. I brought it straight to the dealership where it has b... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
There is a squeak that comes from the front suspension at low speeds. I have taken it in for repairs twice, the last time it was in the dealership for one month. They replaced the bushings and stated the issue was resolved, however the squeak is still present.
Incident date: Aug 2, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the steering wheel was difficult to operate. The contact stated that the Hill Start Assist Not Available, The Terrain Management System Fault, and Service Advance-trac message was displayed on the instrument panel. The Traction Control and TPMS warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not drivable. The vehicle ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 5, 2024
I was pulling up to my house when the power steering failed , there was no warning light prior and I immediately could not turn my wheel. Had I been making a turn on the thruway I would have seriously injured myself and/ or others. I have not taken it to a dealer yet as it just happened today and it is 6 pm. The power steering has not worked yet since the incident.
Incident date: Jul 22, 2024
I spoke with Ford today because my 2012 Ford Fusion keeps saying Power Steering Assist Fault, and also throwing DTC code (U3000-96). This DTC code is under a Safety Recall which on Fords website does not expire. Customer Satisfaction Program Recalls can expire by date or mileage. Ford continues to say that the recall has expired. Being forced to drive the car is starting to take a physical effect ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 28, 2024
prior complaint # 11588279 steering wheel "sticks" while driving, Honda replaced part # 53620-TLA-A30 power steering rack on 5/22/24 mileage 33,781. 7/28/24 same issue, nearly caused a collision when vehicle was "directed into oncoming lane" during a low speed left hand turn in a residential area. Vehicle taken back to local dealership, same part they replaced on 5/22/24 is being replaced aga... Read more
Incident date: Jul 28, 2024
I bought this car brand new with 51 miles on it on 7/24 and have taken it to the dealership mechanics twice for the same problem. Within 3 seconds of “letting go” of the steering wheel, the car veers and pulls directly into the right berm. The car requires continuous redirection of the steering wheel to get it to drive straight on. The dealership where I purchased this has not reported this de... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
Electrical connectors within the power steering system are corroding, which is causing the power steering system to stop working.
Incident date: Aug 5, 2024
The turn signal buttons on the wheel frequently fail to turn on the turn signals when pressed. It always seems like when I most need to use them, they fail. I already had the wheel replaced by tesla and was told "this is just how they are" To be clear, when I press the turn signal button on my steering wheel, it will feel like the button will not depress, the turn signal will not turn on, and att... Read more
Incident date: Aug 3, 2024
Wrench light comes on, but truck goes into limp loses power very dangerous don't know if it's going to cause me to be rear-ended, steering goes back and forth right to left can't hardly hold it in road
Incident date: Jul 29, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the electronic power steering was not functioning properly, requiring increased effort to maneuver the vehicle. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The power steering assist warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent m... Read more
Incident date: Aug 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Acura RLX. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the front end of the vehicle. The contact then became aware that the electronic power steering was not functioning properly, requiring increased effort to maneuver the vehicle. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence.... Read more
Incident date: Aug 5, 2024
I am having the dealer look at my car next Thursday due to my steering wheel randomly going limp. It seems the car only does it when the engine is warmed up. I’ve noticed this issue when driving straight and mainly going around curves. When the steering goes limp, it cause me to over correct in which my car swerves. There are no warning lamps. This problem started around 70k miles for me and I a... Read more
Incident date: Jun 19, 2024
Steering has become loose and unsafe due to coupler malfunction. Unable to control wheels while driving and clicking noise while turning.
Incident date: Feb 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The message "Power Steering Assist Fault" was displayed. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle, and the vehicle responded as needed. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring more often. The... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2024
The problem doesn't seem to appear until after I've been driving on the highway for an hour or so. When it does appear it manifests itself as a bind in the steering. For example, if I want to make a small adjustment - say to recenter the vehicle in the lane - the normal amount of pressure on the steering wheel does nothing. The wheel won't turn. If I apply more pressure then suddenly the steering ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 5, 2024
I got a recall notice on the tie rods of my car the recall started in August 2023 it is now August 2024 and the dealership states to me that they still do not have the parts to fix my recall
Incident date: Aug 3, 2024
2017 Corvette power steering assist failed while driving as described exactly in NHTSA recall NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V086000. Dealer claims recall is not included for my vehicle identification number. Car only has 5100 miles on it and failed exactly as recall described and nearly caused a collision as the vehicle is extremely hard to steer when power assist fails. I believe my VIN should be inc... Read more
Incident date: Sep 17, 2021
We have had numerous incidents with our vehicle starting at about 20,000 miles and still happening at 39,000 miles. While driving all of the lights come on, on the dashboard while at the same time the car loses power - losing brakes and power steering. Most recently, the car locked itself after closing the door, the radio has completely turned off to a black screen, eventually restarts itself. Wh... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2021
The steering wheel becomes stiff and won’t move.. I can not turn it at all if I’m driving.. which can cause me to have an accident because I can’t even turn the wheel. Also I called Ford here in Mississippi and they said my particular VIN was not in the recall for power steering problems but it was in the years that were recalled. My teenager drives this car and that’s how we found out, sh... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2014) — STEERING
Aug 5, 2024
Incident date: Jul 27, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost power steering functionality, with the stabili-trak warning light illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle had since lost steering functionality. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not made awa... Read more
Incident date: Aug 4, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel seized, and it became difficult to steer the vehicle. The contact stated the vehicle failed to respond while the brake pedal was depressed. No warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle shuddered and almost caused the vehicle to crash against a guard rail... Read more
Incident date: Jul 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Compass. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The coolant temperature warning light was illuminated. In addition, the contact stated the steering wheel seized and the vehicle became difficult to steer. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, but the failure could not be replicated. The local dealer informed the contact th... Read more
Incident date: Aug 2, 2024
On Friday August 2nd. 2024 approximately 11am I was driving my 2019 ram 1500 laramie. At about 28 mph my truck lost power steering. Message in my dashboard says Power steering unavailable. The steering was very hard, harder when the engine is not running. I pulled over and waited 10mns and restarted the truck and everything went well. And I drove off it happened again within 10mns or 5mi. Same th... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2020) — STEERING
Aug 4, 2024
Incident date: Jul 17, 2024
SERVICE POWER STERING AND SERVICE ESC WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON, LOST POWER STERRING. AFTER 30 MINUTES RESTRATED THE TRUCK AND EVERYTHING WAS FINE. TOOK TO CHEVEROLET DEALER, THEY FOUND NO CODES AND COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE ISSUE, HAD NO SOLUTION FOR HELP, TOLD TO BRING BACK WHILE ITS DOING IT, YOU CAN NOT DRIVE IN THAT CONDITION. VEHICLE HAD 16,880.00 MILES ON IT WHEN PROBLEM OCCCURED,
Incident date: Jul 25, 2024
Steering was acting funny, return of the steering wheel to the straight position was becoming difficult. Electronic rack and pinion system then failed while driving. Luckily the issue occurred while in my driveway. Entire system was then replaced for roughly $2500.
Incident date: Jul 8, 2024
The steering wheels sometimes don’t control the wheel and it is wobble.
Incident date: Jul 27, 2024
While traveling on a highway at a speed of around 55 MPH, I experienced an abrupt and complete failure of the electronic power steering system in my 2014 Ram 1500. The steering wheel became extremely difficult to turn, and I lost the usual responsiveness and control I have come to expect from my vehicle. This sudden loss of steering assistance occurred without any prior warning signs, such as unus... Read more
Incident date: Aug 3, 2024
at highway speeds steering sticks making it so i have to put temporarily more force into it.
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2017) — STEERING
Aug 4, 2024
Incident date: Aug 3, 2024
The vehicle while driving just rapidly steers to one side out of nowhere and some of the times even breaks.
Incident date: Jul 25, 2024
UNKNOWN. Power steering assist fault message appeared. After driving the car on the road and stopping to fuel up and turning off the car the error message appeared. The power steering was not working making the steering wheel hard to turn. No warnings or errors prior and as well no error codes found via OBD reader. Safety was put at risk as I was not able to turn the wheel when trying to take off ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 30, 2024
The steering in the truck prevents us from safely making necessary left and right turns when backing up and driving forward. It has caused near accidents and had it investigated at the local RAM dealership. The steering is defective, but will cause us thousands of dollars to replace because a recall has not been solidified. Fix this please for the safety of my children.
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
The cars power steering keeps going in and out as I’m driving down the road. I’ve noticed similar incidents reported concerning this issue and I am unsure why my vehicle is not included in the recalls.