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: Sep 16, 2024
Vehicle makes a clicking noise when making a right turn. I believe it has done it a few times when making a left turn, but it seems to do it constantly when making a right turn
Incident date: Jan 8, 2025
Car will randomly stop while in reverse. This would happen even without obstructions or other vehicles in view. This happens at least every few days. I made sure to keep the camera free from debris and dry. The parking break will also enable as soon as it brakes.
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
There was a recall on these cars (22V-818) and manufacture said a software update would solve the issue. But the actual issue is the I-shaft, which is not sealed on those cars. Now the manufacture is replacing the I- shaft, with the same issues which they said that was corrected with a software update, by charging customers thousands of dollars with sealed ones. All those cars having the issue whi... Read more
Incident date: Nov 29, 2024
There is a clicking sound in the axel when making a sharp left turn.
Incident date: Jan 20, 2025
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while his wife was driving 10 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact stated that after restarting the vehicle, the vehicle regained power steering functionality. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering); however, the V... Read more
Incident date: Jan 17, 2025
01/21/25 While driving on Interstate 64 at posted 70 mph suddenly experienced a complete shuddering of the vehicle. I was able to maintain forward direction with speed. Control on by “gripping” tightly with both hands and then braking quickly to shoulder and engaging 4 way flasher. I thought at first I must have hit something in the road or experienced a sudden tire blowout. But myself, spouse... Read more
Incident date: Jan 7, 2025
There is clicking in what I believe are the CV axles while turning left and right. The heat does not work in the blistering cold which causes loss of visibility since the defrost won’t work. When this happens the vehicle gives a red warning light indicating “service high voltage system/battery.” I have taken it into the dealership 3 times now for the same reasons and each time they can’t d... Read more
Incident date: Dec 3, 2024
1.) While driving signalling for a right hand turn and then subsequently completing the right hand turn, the vehicle then signals left on its own accord. This is distracting for the driver and confusing to other motorists on the road. 2.) Blind spot monitoring system frequently turns on and or blinks rapidly (effects both driver and passenger side mirrors sporadically) when no other vehicles in ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 24, 2024
When I take sharp turns the passenger side has a loud clicking sound. It's concerning after less than 600 miles there is a loud clicking sound.
Incident date: Jan 21, 2025
I purchased a used 2009 Pontiac G6 3.9L almost 4 years ago. I have experienced white smoke pouring from under my hood 3 times so far. I've taken it to the dealership and first time was informed it was a bad power steering hose leaking onto the exhaust- preCat area. The second repair dealership said it was a faulty hose. The third time dealer said it was a bad motor mount. After extensive research ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 21, 2025
On a cold day the vehicle's baking system failed. It was would not move more than 62MPH and would not function. When dealer was contacted no assistance was given until Honda Corporation got involved. The problem cleared up on its own and I was advised that it should be fine at this point.
Incident date: Dec 19, 2024
Whenever it gets cold, the car will being to experience brake systems failure, it was suddenly only go 62MPH. On this particular occasion, the car died in the middle of the street, thus blocking the street and causing a police response. Contacted Honda Support and they advised it would be up to 2 hours to get it towed out of there. Police called their own tow truck, the tow trucks had issues wi... Read more
Incident date: Nov 25, 2024
Transmission light frequently comes on, car stalls/sluggish to respond. Has occurred while driving or at rest. No change despite several transmission servicing/towing expenses. Per online research, others experiencing same issues. Often resolves temporarily by turning off engine and restarting car. Recalls issued for other Mitsubishi models, but not for this car. Needs to be addressed to prevent i... Read more
CADILLAC
ESCALADE ESV
(2023) - STEERING
Jan 21, 2025
Incident date: Sep 11, 2024
The contact owns a 2025 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 17, 2025
WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY OVERPASS MY STEERING WHEEL "LOCKED UP" ON ME AND I COULD NOT SAFELY STEER MY VEHICLE. i SHUT OFF THE VEHICLE AND WHEN I MOVED OFF AGAIN IT HAPPENED AGAIN. THIS WAS VERY FRIGHTENING AS I COULD HAVE EASILY DRIVEN OFF THE OVERPASS AS THE ROAD TURNED AND I HAD NO OTHER OPTION BUT TO PUT ON MY FLASHERS AND STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY PUTTING MYSELF AND MY OCCUPANTS AN... Read more
Incident date: Jan 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2008 Saturn Vue. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact heard an abnormal grinding sound coming from under the dashboard on the passenger’s side. The contact stated that the abnormal grinding sound was also heard while the gear shifter was in park(P). There was no warning light illuminated. The contact ins... Read more
Incident date: Jan 20, 2025
Turn signal indicator blinks in opposite direction. When turning right and completing the turn the indicator blinks left causing confusion to other drivers who assume I’m turning left. On several occasions cars have pulled out in front of me nearly colliding. After many attempts to fix the problem the GM dealer replaced turn signal switches but the problem still persists.
Incident date: Jan 5, 2025
I brought my 2023 Honda CR-V into my local dealership on December 7, 2024 to address a “creaking” noise coming from the front end of the vehicle. Upon checking in with the service adviser, I was advised that my vehicle had 2 active safety recalls - the fuel pump, and the EPS gear box. I received an email from the dealership with an “inspection video” attached. Within the video, the technic... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
AMG SL43
(2023) - STEERING
Jan 21, 2025
Incident date: Apr 23, 2024
The steering wheel sticks in either direction when driving. It makes it difficult to drive straight on the turnpike especially on the tighter sections of the road. Making small corrections becomes difficult when the steering wheel sticks and I end up snapping back and forth on the lanes. I have brought the issue up to the dealer twice a year apart and they won't confirm the issue because the compu... Read more
Incident date: Jan 5, 2025
My mom and I were in her car brand new Mercedes adaptive cruise was on the car started to act up with all the warning lights again, which shut all safety systems down air back seatbelts, adaptive cruise, Tronics and the engine wall between 18 wheeler and the freeway wall slammed the vehicle into the freeway hall causing about $5000 worth of damage tires and wheels. Both on the left side had to be ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Apr 1, 2024
Steering rack problem don't work Steering is lock and the cluster say is the Steering problem now is on the dealer ford coggin deland fl
Incident date: Jan 15, 2025
Power steering (EPS) warning flashes when the temperature drops below 32 degrees. Wheels immediately become difficult to turn.
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
Check axel joint problems. Every time the car turns either way there is a loud clicking sound. This could be a big problem because it is a steering system. It has been confirmed by the dealership and part are on order. They said it is not a safety issue but I feel the steering and axle is a big component and if it fails it could result in damage of property or life. This has not been inspected by ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 21, 2025
The steering adaptive controls have malfunctioned causing the steering wheel to become misaligned.
Incident date: Nov 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact stated that the steering wheel seized, with the steering warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering module had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaire... Read more
Incident date: Sep 22, 2024
Power steering went out and can’t back on
VESPA
GTS 300 HPE
(2020) - STEERING
Jan 21, 2025
Incident date: Nov 4, 2024
The contact owns a 2024 Honda Civic. The contact had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V744000 (STEERING). The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed an abnormal sound was coming from the front of the vehicle. The contact stated the sound was heard while turning to the right or left. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; how... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2023) - STEERING
Jan 21, 2025
Incident date: Dec 11, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The message "Loss of Power Steering - Pull Over to the Side of the Road for Safety" was displayed. The contact stated that the steering wheel had seized, which prevented the contact from pulling to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the residence of a family memb... Read more
Incident date: Jan 14, 2025
Safety issue 1 Automatic collision breaking is too sensitive when going in reverse. The vehicle locked up the brakes several times when I was trying to reverse causing myself and my family‘s heads to snap back suddenly. Safety issue 2 -knocking sound coming from the CV joint when backing up and turning at the same time. This usually happens when it’s cold outside. This is a safety issue becau... Read more
Incident date: Jan 17, 2025
Subject: Safety Complaint Regarding Steering Airbag Trim and Steering Axle Issues Dear National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), I am writing to formally file a complaint regarding serious safety issues with my GMC vehicle. Specifically: 1.The steering airbag trim has begun to crack, which raises concerns about its structural integrity and potential interference with airbag deploym... Read more
Incident date: Jan 21, 2025
The battery wasn't being charged which caused some problems. However, it was the alternator that was bad. Since the battery wasn't being charged and the alternator was failing, there were problems with steering and engine power which almost caused a collision at highway speeds.
Incident date: Jan 28, 2024
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 contact stated that the dealer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue but informed the contact that the recall repair could not be performed until De... Read more
Incident date: Jan 21, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the steering wheel seized with the service power steering warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the EPS gear assembly had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer confirmed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 19E077000 (Steering). The ... Read more
GMC
YUKON DENALI
(2019) - STEERING
Jan 21, 2025
Incident date: Jan 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2002 Mini Cooper S. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45-55 MPH, the steering wheel seized. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was coasted to the side of the road. The contact restarted the vehicle and continued driving normally. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact relate... Read more
Incident date: Dec 31, 2024
The car reports this message: Drive carefully. Changed steering effort. Have the problem checked by the service center.
Incident date: Jan 21, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the steering wheel became stiff. The contact stated that an unknown message was displayed. The vehicle was steered into a parking lot. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then towed to another i... Read more
Incident date: Dec 27, 2024
My car is very low miles 2600 and has a clicking sound on the right front CV joint. The Dealer diagnosed and said there is nothing they can do. Honda is aware of it. He said it's a known issue with the Honda Prologue that thousands are affected.
Incident date: Jan 5, 2019
CV Axle makes clicking/creaking noises and may fail, causing steering steering. suspension safety issues. The dealer identified the left axle as failing and replaced it. However, the problem has since recurred in both front axles. Dealer claims car is safe to drive.
Incident date: Jan 21, 2025
Driving and suddenly lose power steering. Service ESC comes on and service power steering. Seems dangerous has happened multiple times past few years
Incident date: Feb 10, 2023
Electrical system turns off power steering while driving Dashboard lights up like a Christmas tree service track service brake stability Had this service back in 2022 August the problems have resurfaced there are no recalls have spent lots of money and still failing Spent almost a year at the dealership fast forward to years later the same problem is occurring I am running out of money
Incident date: Nov 20, 2024
Since this vehicle came out new from the dealer, every time I make a U-turn it makes a sound in the cv joint, especially when it is on the left side.
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2021) - STEERING
Jan 20, 2025
Incident date: May 13, 2023
El volante al girar a lado del pasajero rechina al igual cuando va de reversa, fui con el comerciante BIG O TIRES por porque el ruido es bastante (esa fue la primera vez) no le encontraron nada, pensé que era falta de líquido de frenos, pero después de hacer el chequeo y revisar que estuviera bien igual siguió con el chirrido, luego lo lleve por segunda vez allí mismo a BIG O y encontraron q... Read more
Incident date: Jan 20, 2025
2 months give/take few days power Steering locked up.Was not able to steer. Had to use flashers & carefully vere off road.Turned car off.Gave myself minutes to think. Started car tried turning steering wheel & bam it was fine. Hesitant I got back on road & went home w/no problem.2nd incident was same which happened 2nd wk Jan 2025.There was no warning of any kind either time.It has not been taken... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
The steering rack and pinion system failed, which caused a loss of power steering while driving. The failure of the steering rack and pinion system resulted in a complete loss of steering control while I was driving on the highway at high speeds. This sudden and unexpected malfunction left me unable to steer the vehicle, putting both my safety and the safety of others on the road at immediate an... Read more
Incident date: Jan 17, 2025
Jeep Wrangler 2021 death wobble. This is the fourth time I’ve had a death wobble in two years out of nowhere. The vehicle will also of a sudden go into a shaking moving wobbling scenario, which feels completely unsafe to drive. I have brought this vehicle into Jeep four times in the past two years for this problem. I am requesting a buyback. They refuse to buy it back based on this very unsafe s... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
Car has less then 4000 miles on it and needs both front CV joints replace as they loudly click when turning left or right. Parts are on indefinite back order.
Incident date: Jan 20, 2025
Steering went out on vehicle, very difficult to steer. Got it to the dealership, they say it is not in the recall. The power steering assist fault light came on and service advance trac. Is costing almost $1500 to fix.
Incident date: Jan 20, 2025
Power Steering system failure warning message followed by a Stabilitrac system failure warning which caused the drivers front side brake to apply. I could not duplicate the brake application issue with the dealer but the other failures which included loss of power steering at highway speeds and lack of stabilitrac system was repeatable. A full replacement of power steering rack was performed wi... Read more
Incident date: Jan 19, 2025
I was driving this morning and the steering wheel became very hard to turn. I slowed down because I didn’t know what was happening, tried to turn into my workplace and had to use all of my strength to turn the steering wheel. No dashboard warning lights. It was sudden and was a scary situation.