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: Jul 30, 2024
When driving on a straight road (highway, avenue, etc.) steering wheel tends to stay “sticky” at the 12 o clock position and takes some force to get it to move to make minor adjustments in steering. This makes it overcorrect and causes me to constantly gave to be adjusting to keep the car straight
Incident date: Jul 28, 2024
The potholes on the highway caused my tie rods and tires to explode!
Incident date: Aug 2, 2022
The contact owns a 2019 Honda Civic. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel inadvertently seized. The contact stated that there was a knocking sound coming from the front of the vehicle. The contact also stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and steering to the right or the left, the steering wheel felt loose. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, whe... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Forte. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel made an abnormal sound and jerked abnormally. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the flexible coupling valves needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to an unknown recall and to Customer Satisfaction ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 2, 2024
ABS/VSA system module failing because of circuit board. Circuit board does not have all wires soldered onto system. Issue by manufacturer. This affects braking system, abs/VSA module, power steering and tpms sensors. Car is unsafe for driver and other vehicles on the road. Inspected by Honda and given code 123-11 for failing ABS solenoid. Highly dangerous.
Incident date: Jul 9, 2024
The 2021 jeep wrangler wheels wobble at moderate speeds. the dealer informed me that jeeps up til 2020 had this problem and it was covered under a extended warranty. I just had to spend over $300 to get the steering damper replaced and I cannot get anyone at jeep to talk to me about this problem, even though it IS a known problem.
Incident date: Jul 18, 2024
Complete loss of power steering around turn. Nearly caused a major incident due to EPS failure.
Incident date: Jul 1, 2024
Steering wheel makes a loud cranking/screeching noise when driving for long periods. You can also hear a knocking sound coming from the steering wheel. Have found several complaints of this issue amongst several online groups and forums
Incident date: Jul 2, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that the vehicle was serviced under an unknown recall repair for the power steering module. The recall repair was completed, and the vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to another dealer to be serviced for an alternator replacement. The contact stated that while at the dealer, the vehicle was started, and several u... Read more
Incident date: Jul 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the power steering malfunctioned, and the steering wheel was very difficult the turn in either direction. The contact stated that the failure lasted for approximately 10-seconds before self-correcting. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the steering rack and power steering module ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
While driving, without warning, the power steering went out and the Stabilitrak light came on. There was no power steering in the car, which almost resulted in an accident as my [XXX] son was turning a corner at a very busy intersection. When speaking to the mechanic he said this is a known issue that needs to be addressed by Chevrolet immediately. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM O... Read more
Incident date: Jul 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact became aware that the electronic power steering was not functioning properly, requiring increased effort to maneuver the vehicle. The steering assist warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the electronic power steering gear. The cont... Read more
Incident date: Jul 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that while in reverse(R) and reversing down a driveway at approximately 2 MPH, the power steering module fault warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel seized, and the contact was unable to turn the steering wheel to the left or right. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a dealer or independent mechanic. The ... Read more
Incident date: May 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed with his 12-year-old child in the vehicle, the steering wheel tightened up, and the vehicle drove straight and crashed into a sand barrier. The air bags deployed. The driver sustained injuries to his chest, head, and shoulder. There was no injury stated for the 12-year-old child who was also in the... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
Steering went out without notice. Unable to turn steering wheel.
Incident date: Jun 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Edge. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel and vehicle were shaking abnormally. There was an abnormal clunking sound detected. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who determined that the transmission case and drive shaft were cracked and leaking and needed to be replaced. The... Read more
Incident date: Aug 2, 2024
While driving the power steering stopped working. A red steering wheel light started flashing on the dash.
Incident date: Jul 6, 2024
Power steering stops working at random times and I have very limited control of the vehicle. Service power steering light appears on the dash. This has happen approximately 15 times without any warning. My truck has been at Ram Dealer in Panama City since July 8, 2024. They say I need Rack and Pinion gear part #R8573449AA but they have not been able to find the part.
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
Was leaving work today and power steering quit working learned about this is a common issue after I finally made it home with no power steering
Incident date: Dec 1, 2023
The steering like to jerk or stick. It’s sometimes hard to control. It looks like I’m drunk driving to stay in the lane. I think the component that controls the lane assist or lane keep is malfunctioning. Driving on the highway is even more terrifying. Just trying to keep the vehicle in the lane. The dealerships have found nothing wrong and have no idea what I’m talking about. No lights or w... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
While I was driving my car going 40 mph down the road the wheel stuck and I couldn't turn or do anything. I had to pull over and reset the car by shutting it off and turning it back on. I've had to do that before when I first started the car and tried to back up in the wheel froze and it wouldn't move anywhere. I went to the garage today and they told me that it's my power steering.
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 Nissan Sentra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V581000 (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 ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 21, 2024
Ongoing issue with steering sticking near center of range when driving. This causes a constant need to oversteer in order to free it from sticking. The issue increases with speed, to that point that highway speeds require a constant level of slight swerving to correct course. Has been duplicated by independent mechanic and dealer. Dealer diagnosed "internally binding power steering rack" that requ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel seized. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the steering assembly and rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the local dea... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
The right turn signal button has become stuck for a few seconds at random times and on multiple occasions. While driving on the freeway, I pushed the button to turn the turn signal on, but the button won't push down. I keep trying to push the button, but it is stuck for a few seconds. I either have to change lanes without a signal or wait until the button works again. It is unsafe because I look d... Read more
Incident date: Jul 26, 2024
On July 26, 2024, I was driving my 2018 Acadia, with my cruise control set to 48 in a 45 MHP zone. Nearing a bad curve, I sneezed. When this happened, I tapped the brakes to disengage the cruise control, my passengers side tires exited the road and with both hands on the wheel I tried to slowly bring my tires back to the road. However, I was unable to gain control and totaled the vehicle. A witnes... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jul 1, 2024
The steering wheel is making a noise and is having a caution sign with the steering wheel on it
Incident date: Jul 10, 2024
Steering wheel sticks and is more noticeable at speeds over 50 mph which results in the car feeling jerky in curves and could cause the vehicle to swerve out of lanes or off the road.
Incident date: Jul 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the power steering assist failed to operate as needed. Additionally, the "Steering Fault Assist" message was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact stated that excessive force was needed to steer the vehicle due to the failure. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic; however, the mecha... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
Steering wheel doesn't return to center after a turn, it must be turned back manually. If left unfixed this can cause the steering to lock up entirely when the steering gear fails.
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
I noticed the steering wheel became very loose one day randomly. If you placed your hands and the 9 and 3 position on the steering wheel it would rock back and forth very freely. I carried the truck to a shop and they looked into the steering wheel and found the bolt the holds the steering wheel onto the steering column was loose. It was spinning freely is was so loose. If the bolt would have loos... Read more
Incident date: Jul 22, 2024
Power Steering just went out with no warning. Plus 3 other failures Service advance Trac Power Steering fault and Terrain Management Fault. All these occurred at the same time.
Incident date: Jul 29, 2024
Steering UJoint exposed to elements, eventually causing it to bind during normal use/wear.
VOLKSWAGEN
TIGUAN
(2022) — STEERING
Jul 31, 2024
Incident date: Jul 26, 2024
Crack spontaneously appeared near VW logo on steering wheel. The crack is growing. Volkswagen dealership said the airbag and steering wheel plate cover need to be replaced but unwilling to cover under warranty. Steering wheel plate cover looks to be swollen and other visible areas show stress marks. Dealership is ordering replacement part to replace next week. Dealership did not say this is a safe... Read more
Incident date: Jul 31, 2024
The steering wheel is very “sticky” and “jerky”. The steering wheel will momentarily get stuck in its place until enough pressure is applied to unstick it, resulting in the car jerking constantly. It is especially noticeable at high speeds which is more dangerous. Online I see a lot of owners experiencing this exact same issue. I believe there needs to be a recall or extended warranty for ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 28, 2024
Two separate events - In parking lot, started the vehicle, backed out of the spot, pulled forward and received an alert regarding a power steering assist failed. The ability to control the car at slow speeds with regards to steering was extremely impacted. I could barely turn out of the way of traffic and pull back over into a safe area. I turned the car off then stared it back up and the error... Read more
Incident date: May 2, 2024
* Having to adjust the wheel to maintain a straight path while driving * Steering resistance for minor adjustments while driving at highway speeds * The wheel sticks, causing the driver to need more force than usual to turn * When more force is applied to break the wheel free from its stick, the car may overcompensate in that direction * When turning, the wheel will maintain its position, not slid... Read more
Incident date: Jul 31, 2024
Problem: turn signal based on buttons on the wheel (Tesla removed the stalks) After three months of ownership, I still can't signal in case of emergency, when a fast lane change is required, or when exiting from parking with the wheel turned. Issues: 1. I Can't find the buttons when the wheel is turned (buttons rotate with the wheel) 2. The buttons are located below the hand and not above it, so I... Read more
Incident date: Jul 24, 2024
Hyundai Ioniq5 acquired new in September 2023 - mileage at the time of incident 10,800 miles - Michelin Primacy AS 235/55 R19 - OEM tires installed by the manufacturer. Front tire started to go off balance causing steering wheel vibrations and shaking that increased with speed - car was not drivable above 55MPH due to excessive shaking and vibrations of steering wheel - this presents safety concer... Read more
Incident date: Jul 30, 2024
On July/30/2024 at around 6:15pm EST I got inside my vehicle to drive it and the steering wheel was extremely hard and difficult to move. A message popped on my screen saying "Steering assist reduced" error UI_A020. This made it completely impossible to drive my vehicle and ended up having to call a tow truck to take it to the dealership. If this incident had occured while I was driving I consider... Read more
Incident date: Jul 29, 2024
DRIVING ON INTERSTATE, SERVICE POWER STEERING LIGHT CAME ON AND INSTANTLY LOST ALL POWER STEERING. LUCKILY I WAS GOING STRAIGHT, IF I WAS ON A CURVE IT COULD HAVE BEEN VERY BAD. THERE WAS NO PREVIOUS NOTICES OR C.E.L. THE EPS SYSTEM IS ONE WHOLE CONTAINED UNIT. DEALER SAYS IT IS NOT SERVICEABLE. IF ONE THING FAILS YOU LOSE STEERING COMPLETELY. CURRENTLY LOOKING AT A $4000 DOLLAR REPAIR BILL FOR A ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the steering column was stiff to turn and had seized. The Lane Keep and power steering warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failu... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2017) — STEERING
Jul 31, 2024
Incident date: Jul 31, 2024
My vehicle has on two separate occasions experienced a failure where the steering locks up, the engine shuts down, and the dash displays warnings about stabilitrac and trailer wiring. The vehicle has had random electrical glitches for some time, but they have escalated to a safety issue. In doing research, my issues sound very similar to those issues which resulted in a recall to earlier vehicle... Read more
Incident date: May 31, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while turning the steering wheel to the right, the front end of the vehicle made an abnormal popping sound. The contact stated that the failure occurred while the vehicle was idling and while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the rack and pinion steering gear had failed. The dealer determined that the... Read more
Incident date: Jul 30, 2024
Was driving 40mph when my power steering failed, came up with a warning message: “Power Steering Unavailable Service Required,” then the engine shut off WHILE STILL DRIVING. I had two of my kids with me in the truck. Fortunately I was able to coast through a green light and muscle the powerless truck into a parking lot. Waited for about 15 min and the truck started back up with no check eng... Read more
Incident date: Jul 5, 2024
Electrical power steering went bad out of the sudden, and almost lost control of the vehicle. It was so hard to steer. I had to replace that whole EPS racking and pinion. New part was on back order, so my only option was to get a used part.
Incident date: Jul 30, 2024
I was driving my new 2025 Honda Pilot when I went to make a right turn and the steering system locked on me. I couldn't turn right and was almost in a horrible accident. Thank God that the other vehicles were able to stop in time. But I had to get the car out of traffic with the help of good samaritans. I cut the car off and all the systems dispalyed a error and said to see dealer. It was the mos... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2019) — STEERING
Jul 31, 2024
Incident date: Jul 30, 2024
The power steering light comes off and on and I lost power steering here and there.
HYUNDAI
SANTA CRUZ
(2024) — STEERING
Jul 31, 2024
Incident date: Jul 30, 2024
When the lane keeping assistant is operating, a constant, fairly loud buzzing sound emanates from the steering column, accompanied by a slight vibration on the steering wheel. When driving at low speeds and in traffic jams, this makes you nervous and distracts you from driving. The dealership cannot identify the problem and determine the cause. This sound has not been noticed on other cars of this... Read more