Consumer Safety Complaints
Search 2,215,138 safety complaints filed by vehicle owners with NHTSA — including 138,663 crashes, 56,255 fires, and 8,561 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 2,215,138 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 116,327 complaints — component: STEERING
Incident date: Apr 3, 2026
The car started locking up my steering wheel. I took it to the mechanic and they ran the codes and said it is the ABS control system module. I called the dealer to get the part and they said it is on back order nationally and it may be months before they can get the part. The 2018 model for Chevrolet traverse has been recalled for this exact thing but my model has not even though this is a known i... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2026
Rack and Pinion loud creaking, popping, or crunching noise, particularly at low speeds or while parking
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLTRXS
(2020) — STEERING
Apr 18, 2026
Incident date: Apr 12, 2026
I own a 2020 Harley-Davidson Road Glide equipped with keyless ignition, where the motorcycle is started using the right handlebar run/stop switch. The ignition switch on the triple tree remains installed and is used only for the fork lock. The motorcycle can be started and operated while the ignition switch is in the fork lock position. The fork lock does not fully engage unless the handlebars are... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Apr 1, 2026
My vehicle makes a clunk noise when the vehicle is in motion and i press on the accelerator it also makes a little jerk. This mainly happens @ low speeds and on a incline hill. There some type of oil or grease stains where the cv axle goes into transmission. ive felt my vehicle with less power and pulls to the left. Took the vehicle to chevrolet and they said they couldnt duplicate the issue or th... Read more
Incident date: Apr 17, 2026
Driving down the road and my steering wheel light comes on sporadically and then I lose control of the steering wheel like it locks up and is almost impossible to turn or rotate and then other dashboard lights come on and I lose headlights. When that happens traction control light on dashboard, the ABS light, battery light and steering wheel light that has an exclamation mark to right of it comes ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 17, 2026
While operating the vehicle, the steering column became detached, creating an immediate and severe safety hazard. Upon inspection, the column appeared to be improperly secured using hose clamps instead of proper manufacturer components.
Incident date: Apr 17, 2026
Steering wheel feels sticky, heavy and not always returns to center. Increased steering effort makes it harder to steer increasing the risk of a crash. Honda Dealer indicated my vehicle was not under recall and would cost approximately $3000 to fix the steering rack.
Incident date: Apr 17, 2026
Car would not steer in a turn, steering wheel locked up. Was making clicking sound prior to wreck
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jan 1, 2026
At highway speed, the steering has ratcheting feel. Move it by 0.5 degree, and it tries to boost the move by 1 degree or 2. At parking lot speed, when the steering is turned to dead ends, the stepped boost is also noticeable. This is likely related to the "sticky steering" recall (NHTSA 24V-744). The problem still persists for vehicles manufactured after the end date of the recall
Incident date: Nov 1, 2024
Truck will randomly refuse to turn left.
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
The steering wheel in the car is sticky when turning both right and left, it is more pronounced in deeper turns such as on and off-ramps.
Incident date: Mar 10, 2026
Power steering went out, only had manual steering.
Incident date: Apr 17, 2026
The contact owns a 2007 Pontiac G6. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel seized, with the air bag warning light and check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel became difficult to turn, and the vehicle was nearly involved in a T-bone crash. The contact forcefully turned the steering wheel to regain control of the v... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2026
2020 Chevy Blazer RS 3.6L V6: having intermittent issues with ‘check engine’ light activating and giving code P0128 - indicating “Coolant Thermostat (Coolant Temperature Below Thermostat Regulating Temperature)”. Symptoms include: - Temp gauge drops to reading “C” (cold), - AC blows warm/hot air, - Dash displays message, “Steering Assist is Reduced, Drive with Care”, - Radiato... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2016) — STEERING
Apr 17, 2026
Incident date: Apr 7, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, the message “Service Stabilizer” was displayed and the power steering warning light was illuminated. The vehicle lost its power steering function, and the vehicle was difficult to steer. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2019
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Power steering / steering wheel responsiveness steering wheel "stuck" in position. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? On curved roads or roads at highway speeds, small steering corrections are not always possible. Excessive force must be used to "snap" the steering wheel out o... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2025
The power steering (the Eps, worst system ever) has been randomly cutting in and out driving down the road and traffic making turns shutting down and making it almost impossible to drive or Park stay between lines adjust as needed and it cuts in and out it has been fixed per recall once but it still continues to do it it hasn't even been 14,000 miles since the recall was fixed and it is still cutt... Read more
Incident date: Apr 17, 2026
The sticky steering issue has returned even after the initial recall repair. Instead of replacing the entire steering rack, they only applied a temporary fix with grease the first time. The steering wheel stickiness comes and goes, which makes it even more frustrating and unpredictable. At times, the steering wheel even locks up during turns at speeds of 45+ mph, especially on highways and ramps, ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2025
Steering wheel module buttons are not working . / needs a sensor replaced - recalibration.
Incident date: Sep 24, 2024
I bought the car with 0 miles on it. The first instance happened at 7000 miles. The steering rack failed again at 17000 miles, and the steering rack failed again at 48000 miles.\n First 2 times were replaced by the dealer under warranty. The third time they are choosing not to repair it. So I had to hire a lemon law, attorney they are currently an arbitration with Honda. I feel though as it is a ... Read more
TOYOTA
COROLLA CROSS
(2023) — STEERING
Apr 17, 2026
Incident date: Feb 13, 2026
I was driving on a cold day. When I stopped at a stoplight seeking to make a left turn, the car would not accelerate when I pressed the gas pedal. I looked down and saw the following warning sign "Engine Stopped, Steering Power Low" appear on the dashboard. However, since the car was not in park, it had rolled forward and was close to the being in the nearest lane of oncoming traffic. It was also ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 16, 2026
Steering seems to feel "sticky" while driving on highways straight. Steering wheel seems to stay in place until I tug just a little on wheel to bring the wheel to correct position
Incident date: Mar 30, 2026
ABS- TRACTION CONTROL- BRAKE- POWERSTEERING ALARM APPEARS STATING TO DRIVE WITH CAUTION- HAVE TAKEN THE VECHICLE IN FOR SERVICE AND THEY STATE THEY CAN NOT REPAIR THE ALARM- I ASKED IF THIS WOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED A RECALL ISSUE DUE TO SAFTEY ISSUE. AS THE CAR STATES IT IS NOT SAFE TO BE DRIVEN- AS I SEE THIS A AN IMMINATE SAFTEY HAZARD AS THE POWER STEERING DOES NOT WORK AND ABS BRAKE DOES NOT ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 27, 2026
While driving, the steering gets really tight, feeling like the power steering is going to fail. Sometimes it is much worse than others. It is intermittent. No warning lights and no messages at all. We called V & H for service, they'd fix it but wouldn't look into the recall for other 2019 1500 Ram trucks. Our vehicle does not have the recall, but we would like to see about expanding the recall f... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2026
EPS rack and pinion failing at 140,000km. Steering gets tight when driving long distances and at higher speeds. Intermittent loss of power steering happening daily. This is super concerning safety wise as this happened when i was on the highway and could have been a serious accident. Not to mention I have to pay over $4000.00 to have this repaired.
Incident date: Apr 14, 2026
This has happened 3 other times. It just stalls out when stopped. Not to do its SMART thing but it clunks-like and turns completely off. Its a bit scarey. And now heat issues just like the last 2 summers. It has issues!
Incident date: Jul 1, 2025
Since about 9 months ago, the steering wheel has been “pulling/tugging” when driving on a curb, even the slightest curb, specially when over 50mph. No warnings lights on, vehicle has has an alignment in the last year. And it is not a “line assist” problem. I turned that off for a while be sure. Vehicle was inspected by an authorized Mazda service provider, and they suggest changing the ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 26, 2025
THE VEHICLE HAS UNEVEN RESPONSE WHEN TURNING OR DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD TURN SIGNALS DO NOT CANCEL PROPERLY AND IT HAS A PERSISTENT CLICKING SOUND COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. MY SAFETY IS AT RISK AS THE STEERING ISNT CONSISTENT WHILE DRIVING. VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BUT THEIR TECHNICIANS WERE UNABLE TO FIND ANY OF THE ONGOING PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE INCLUDING WORN SUSPENSION COMPONENTS.THIS PE... Read more
Incident date: Nov 5, 2025
My car is experiencing steering problem- it is sticking and makes it hard to steer, I took it to get diagnosed today and I was told I need a new steering gear box because it is faulty. This is a common recall for the year make and model car I have and I was told that my vin number doesn’t not have any recall yet it is still experiencing the same exact problem as the recall. The car is a year old... Read more
Incident date: Apr 15, 2026
We bought our van new in 2019. It has always made a grinding noise when making hard turns. The dealer said it was normal. Flash forward to a few weeks ago when we hit 105k miles. We started noticing more grinding noises and sensations when turning the wheel. Additionally, we noticed a tugging sensation on the wheel when going over 60 mph. It felt like the lane assist was turned on, but it wasn’t... Read more
Incident date: Apr 9, 2026
The steering rack makes noise and lots of Honda accord owners are complaining about this. The noise comes when stopped or driving slow it makes cracking noise when steering and when you are driving at highway speeds the steering doesn’t stay aligned. And unfortunately I have been hearing this noise for a long time since I got the car brand new but never took it serious and when I started realizi... Read more
Incident date: Apr 10, 2026
report “sticky” or unexpectedly heavy steering, even after a recall repair.the steering wheel feeling jumpy or locking up, with sudden changes in effort.
Incident date: Apr 15, 2026
Brakes, rotors, tires and now steering column and starting gear is needing replaced after recall of rear toe link in 2019 ford explorer
Incident date: Apr 9, 2026
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. While driving at slow speeds, the contact stated that while turning the steering wheel there was a lack of resistance, and there was a pulsating sensation in the steering wheel. No warning lights were illuminated. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 168,000... Read more
Incident date: Dec 18, 2025
I bought a 2023 Honda Civic Sport from Carvana four months ago. Ever since I bought the car I have been experiencing sticky steering and rattling in the front of my car. It is constant, and even worse at high speeds. I had it diagnosed at Honda, and the Power Steering Rack needs replaced. As far as I can tell from all of my research online this is a KNOWN issue with my vehicle, but there is no re... Read more
Incident date: Apr 16, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Tesla Model X. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel seized. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel became difficult to control and was pulling to one side, almost causing a crash with another vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but it was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2026
So when I turn the steering wheel to the left it sticks on the return to front position. I thought it was the safety features but I turned off everything I could and it still does it. It’s a little scary . I just brought the car if for an inspection to the dealer and they said everything was ok with the car . I noticed this more and more after the inspection. It happens all the time now .
Incident date: Apr 16, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated that while driving out of the driveway, there was a loud snapping sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that while attempting to drive back to the residence, the steering wheel became inoperable. Additionally, there was a grinding sound coming from the rear passenger’s side of the vehicle. The failure persisted, and the vehic... Read more
Incident date: Mar 19, 2026
Vehicle has 48283 miles with a failing eps. Dealer stated that it’s out of warranty due to mileage stating that I would have to pay for a new one. Even with the mass recall they said they can’t do anything. Popping noises occurred a little over a year ago and was diagnosed as tire cupping and that it needed tires to fix the noises.
Incident date: Mar 1, 2026
I am writing to formally report a serious safety defect regarding the steering system of my 2024 Mazda CX-90. While driving at various speeds, the steering wheel frequently exhibits a "sticking" or "binding" sensation. In several instances, the steering wheel has become momentarily stuck in a fixed position, requiring significant physical force to "break it loose" and regain control of the vehicl... Read more
Incident date: Dec 31, 1969
When driving along a straight stretch of road, the steering sticks and must be jerked or forced to adjust direction of vehicle. The steering makes a clicking noise with minor movements of the steering wheel. The condition is much worse in hot humid weather. We just returned from several months in Florida where the problem was significantly worse. It is also bad on long interstate drives. The prob... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2025 Acura RDX. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70-75 MPH, the steering wheel was pulling to the right, and the vehicle unintendedly attempted to switch lanes. The contact swerved to avoid another vehicle. Several unknown lights were illuminated. The Lane Departure/Lane Keep Assist feature was previously turned off by the owner. While driving around a curve, ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 10, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving 75 MPH on the interstate, the vehicle started shuddering. The vehicle was pulled over safely to the side of the road. The AWD, Hill Descent Assist, power steering, and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The contact checked the manual and continued to drive. While driving days later, there was an abnormal fuel odo... Read more
Incident date: Feb 21, 2026
The steering rack is the component that has failed. On multiple occasions while I am driving on the freeway the steering will randomly pull in the opposite direction of the turn that I am on. Or if it the pavement is uneven it will hit the bump and stick and get harder to steer or pull one way or the other. I have been in 3 near accidents at freeway speeds. I have taken it to the dealer and they s... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2026
Steering gets "sticky". Brought car to Honda dealer and just by test driving the car they want $6000 to replace bad bearings, steering motor and gearbox. No diagnostic test was done or parts looked at physically. I brought car to a local mechanic who also test drove car and did a diagnostic test and they said the steering motor and gearbox are fine and said nothing wrong with car. Honda has had ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 11, 2026
The contact owns a 2024 Ford F-250 SD. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH on the highway, the steering wheel failed to turn as intended. Due to the failure, the vehicle struck a curb. There were no injuries or property damage. The vehicle was turned off, and it was shifted into park(P). The brakes were inoperable during the failure. The vehicle was towed to a dealer to be i... Read more
Incident date: Apr 2, 2026
Car is out of alignment resolutions in the rear passenger tire to wear down at an abnormal rate. Had the vehicle inspected by a local mechanic and two different dealerships. All three inspections came back with the same answer. The camber and the toe for the right rear tire can not be set to a center good alignment. Leaving it in the red zone that will result in excessive Tire wear, handling and ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 11, 2026
Three separate safety incidents occurred within the last 3 months. INCIDENT 1: On at least two occasions while turning, the steering felt aggressive and notchy, resisting or jerking unexpectedly during the turn. INCIDENT 2: While driving on the Florida Turnpike at approximately 80 mph southbound around 7:00 AM, the vehicle suddenly reacted as if detecting an obstacle and applied what felt like eme... Read more
Incident date: Mar 23, 2026
Multiple times, with the Pilot Assist system engaged, the vehicle has pulled me out of my intended travel lane when on a curve, near an on / off ramp, and generally tends to drift from the left to right of the intended lane of travel on straight sections of road. It will drift to the rumble strip and sometimes into the next lane with both hands firmly on the wheel. I find myself fighting the sys... Read more