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: Mar 2, 2026
[XXX] was turning left onto [XXX] from [XXX]. Two lanes turn left. She was in the inside lane. The traffic light was red, and when it turned green, she started to turn. Partway through the turn, the steering became unresponsive. She couldn't get it to turn left, and she could not complete the turn, and crashed into the pole that holds the traffic signal. She traveled less than 100 ft total f... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jul 15, 2026
I have a 2019 Ford Fusion. The bolt holding the steering wheel to the steering shaft has come loose. in May 2018 there was a recall for this same loose steering wheel issue on 2014-2018 versions of the Fusion. There is no loose steering wheel recall for the 2019 Fusion. Ford's remedy for the loose steering wheel was replacing the bolt holding the steering wheel to the steering shaft with a longer ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 13, 2026
My steering completely locked up after driving for 2 mins. I could have crashed and killed myself or someone else. I had my truck towed to dealership lewis chrysler in fayetteville, arkansas 72704. They said i need to replace my REPLACE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING MODULE and will cost $5000. Here is a link to my invoice [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA),... Read more
Incident date: Jul 16, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, there was an abnormal whistling and dinging sound coming from the vehicle, and the powertrain malfunction warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle independently downshifted, and the rear driver’s side of the vehicle slid to the left, and the front passenger’s side of the ve... Read more
Crash
Fire
1 injured
Incident date: Apr 16, 2026
I was attempting to turn around in my driveway when the steering locked up and I could not control the steering. If I had been driving on the road instead of in my driveway I could have crashed into something or someone, potentially causing severe injury or death to myself or others. This was a horrifying experience in my driveway, let alone on the road! I had my truck towed to the repair shop, w... Read more
Incident date: Jul 16, 2026
I wrote Audi to request escalation of an unresolved issue involving my 2018 Audi Q5, related to Safety Recall 90S9 (NHTSA Campaign 21V947000) for the gateway control module. Summary of the issue: My vehicle recently experienced a complete gateway control module failure due to water intrusion. I lost steering and brake assist warnings while driving, and the vehicle would not restart after being pu... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2023
While operating my vehicle at road speed the electric steering rack failed. This rendered the steering inoperative. It was impossible to steer the vehicle. Not only is this situation extremely dangerous and deadly, there was no advanced warning. I received no prompts or warning lights before the incident happened. I researched and found that certain 2021 Dodge Challengers were involved in a warnin... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2020) - STEERING
Jul 16, 2026
Incident date: Nov 7, 2024
Subject: Formal Safety Complaint Regarding Steering Failure – 2017 Hyundai Tucson To Whom It May Concern, I am submitting this complaint to request that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) investigate a potentially serious safety defect involving the Motor-Driven Power Steering (MDPS) system in my 2017 Hyundai Tucson. I am the second owner of this vehicle. The vehicle curr... Read more
Incident date: Jun 29, 2026
I bought the 2020 equinox May the 9th 2026 the dealership concealed a lot of things going on this vehicle and I complain to them two days after purchase he told me I was stuck with it in the meanwhile as I drive the vehicle I have had repairs done but it's something going on with the acceleration it accelerates on its own sometimes and slow to pick up speed. The steering seems to get away from me ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 12, 2026
Please be advise that the 2021 model year of the Honda CR-V needs to be added to NHTSA Recall # - 24V-744. I am experiencing the "notchy" steering wheel problem described however this model year is currently NOT included in the Recall. It currently only covers years 2023-25. Please consider adding the 2021 year to this recall.
Incident date: Jun 21, 2026
Since fall of 2025, my 2023 KIA Sorento has repeatedly been in the shop for multiple issues. Most notably, a completely wrecked steering column. This issue was fixed after being in the shop for 12 days. Then in December, I started noticing the shift would lock while in park. I would need to open the top plate and stick an item down into the shifter to emergency release in order to drive. Then all ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 29, 2026
Steering wheel at speeds usually above 25mph causes the steering wheel to feel stuck. This is a big safety issue as this causes over correction, leading me to steer into other lanes. No warnings, ect. I just purchased the vehicle last weekend so I have not had a chance to get it into the shop just yet but after researching this seems to be a common problem. This is a road hazard that can absolutel... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2026
I was attempting to turn around in my driveway to go someplace when the steering locked up and I could not control the steering. It stopped working. If I had been driving on the road, instead of driving in my driveway, I could have crashed into something or someone, potentially causing severe injury or death to myself or others. This was a horrifying experience in the driveway, let alone on the r... Read more
ACURA
MDX TYPE S
(2023) - STEERING
Jul 15, 2026
Incident date: Jul 1, 2025
Yesterday evening, my power steering went out (EPAS), it did that when the car had been parked for the night and not in motion thankfully so nobodies safety was at risk, but I don’t know if and when it’ll happen again. According to Ford, it has been a recurring problem with ford fusion modules similar to mine, that the EPAS has been defective, and therefore making it dangerous to drive. My ex... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Wrangler. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V363000 (Steering); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted several times and informed that the earliest availability for a vehicle inspection was August 4, 2026, and the vehicle could possibly be repaired in September. The contact stated that the m... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
GLK350
(2014) - STEERING
Jul 15, 2026
Incident date: Jul 11, 2026
The scope of repair required fixing a recalled tie rod that suffered a catastrophic failure, which directly caused the vehicle’s ADAS, Advanced Emergency Braking (AEB), and collision detection systems to crash. Berman Nissan promised a legally compliant, safe repair but breached this agreement by returning an unsafe vehicle, failing to road-test the steering component (verified by identical chec... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
GLK350
(2014) - STEERING
Jul 15, 2026
Incident date: Jul 11, 2026
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction. The steering wheel seized, and the power steering warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The failure was intermittent. The dealer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by... Read more
TOYOTA
PRIUS PRIME
(2023) - STEERING
Jul 15, 2026
Incident date: Jun 5, 2026
The car lights have dimmed tremendously, I replaced lights by myself with no luck over the years. It has just come to my attention, they knew and addressed reported problems but never sent a recall or safety notice that the reflective material designates. My car is at the dealer and confirmed this is the problem, your help would be great. Also, a steering recall and the part was replaced with the ... Read more
TOYOTA
GRAND HIGHLANDER
(2025) - STEERING
Jul 15, 2026
Incident date: Jun 17, 2026
Key cannot be removed from the ignition. Issues with putting car into park and wont shift into park causing danger to others around me and myself. Issues starting up because of this shift cable issue because car thinks its not in park. It was looked at by dealership service department at Berman Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Dealership in Oak Lawn. There is still one outstanding recall that I was told ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 31, 2023
The contact owns a 2026 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The contact stated that the brake pedal was depressed to the floorboard, and the vehicle gradually came to a stop. The service brake and service power steering warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed... Read more
Incident date: Jul 9, 2026
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while parking the vehicle, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. There was a flashing triangle symbol associated with the power steering fault displayed on the instrument panel. The power steering service message was displayed. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Action Number: RQ23003 (Steering). The vehicle was taken to... Read more
Incident date: Jul 10, 2026
The contact owns a 2024 Jeep Gladiator. Upon research, the contact discovered that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V363000 (Steering); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact had not yet received the notification of the recall but was concerned about the fire risk associated with the recall. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, an orange steering symbol appeared on the instrument panel accompanied by the message: "Power Steering Malfunction, Steering Power Low, Visit Your Dealer." An initial inspection by an independent mechanic indicated that the electrical power steering and the rack and pinion assembly needed to be repl... Read more
Incident date: Jul 7, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while driving approximately 10 MPH in sand, the vehicle stalled, and the steering wheel seized. The contact turned off the vehicle, jiggled the steering wheel, and waited approximately 10 minutes before restarting the vehicle to continue driving. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who was unable to duplicate the failure. T... Read more
Incident date: Jul 14, 2026
I am reporting that the vehicle is having a constant knocking sound and weird rocking driving problem when in motion leading to pulling to one side and uneven balancing even with perfect alignment and no alignment issues. Vehicle has been serviced at the dealership without any remedy to the problem and was informed that other vehicles for the same model type Jeep 2021 Grand Cherokee L. Control Arm... Read more
Incident date: Jul 14, 2026
Since taking delivery on June 20, 2025, this vehicle has exhibited a vibration at highway speeds, most severe at approximately 72 mph. The steering wheel visibly shakes and the vibration is felt through the steering column. It is fatiguing over long drives and I have become unwilling to use the vehicle for family highway travel. I reported it to the selling dealer within days of delivery. Authoriz... Read more
Incident date: Jul 12, 2026
On July 11 at approximately 6:47 a.m., I was operating my Tesla Model 3 on Interstate 65 in Hart County, Kentucky, with Full Self-Driving (FSD) engaged during normal highway travel. Approximately one hour earlier, I had departed a highway rest area after sleeping from the previous day’s travel. Rain developed during the trip, but I observed adequate visibility, apparent roadway traction, and I w... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jul 13, 2026
I’ve noticed within the last couple months that every once in a while the steering seems to stick. It will happen randomly, we will be driving and if turning the steering wheel to the 3 o’clock or 9 o’clock position it feels like it sticks. We really feel it sticking at random times when we are traveling at slower speeds and turning sharply, it will stick and then all of a sudden let lose ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 9, 2026
The contact owns a 2025 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel started sticking and was difficult to turn to the left or the right. The steering wheel was sticking while accelerating around corners. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V744000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicl... Read more
Incident date: Jul 14, 2026
On XXX My 2011 Milan, experienced a total loss of steering assist. Am original owner & have original invoice from former dealer (Vista Ford )dated XXX, Invoice #XXX shows the dealer only did a software patch under 15N01 because there were no error codes at the time. My physical defective steering gear was never replaced, and now suffers a total mechanical electrical failure. The manufacturers s... Read more
Incident date: Jul 14, 2026
My 2018 Honda CRV is experiencing steering problems it started a year ago and has gotten progressively worse. There has been no warning lights or messages. When turning the steering wheel it feel stiff, resistance and I hear creaking noise during the turn. I know on some 2017 and 2018 Honda CRV's there was a recall involving steering components. I called the Honda dealership and they said it wasn'... Read more
Incident date: Jul 6, 2026
Vehicle steering or at least power steering failed catastrophically. Started with some electronic sounds at extremes of turning radius but subsequently failed completely and rendered car undriveable. Hyundai repair center attributed this to "excessive dirt and dust" or some external force, but was unable to substantiate or demonstrate any damage to parts they say need replacing. Ultimately thi... Read more
Incident date: Jul 10, 2026
I was driving on the highway and lost all power steering. Almost in an accident. complete loss of power steering
Incident date: Apr 6, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while driving at 50 MPH, the vehicle went into the death wobble and started shaking violently. The contact pulled off the roadway and parked the vehicle. The failure was a recurring failure. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be repaired; however, the failure persisted. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2025
Vehicle Safety Complaint On XXX, between approximately 9:45 PM and 9:52 PM, we were driving our Tesla Model Y eastbound on [XXX] and exited at [XXX] toward [XXX]. As my husband was making a left turn after exiting the freeway, the steering wheel suddenly became stuck or extremely difficult to turn. There was no warning, no unusual driver input, and no use of Autopilot or Full Self-Driving. The v... Read more
Incident date: Jul 11, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 80 MPH, the steering wheel was abnormally loose, and the vehicle became uncontrollable. The contact stated that the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the road, and the brake pedal was depressed to the floorboard. The brake pedal was depres... Read more
Incident date: Jul 2, 2026
While driving my 2017 Chrysler Pacifica at highway speeds the steering wheel locks or sticks in a curve and is extremely scary! This happened to me back in 2022 and took several trips to the dealer to determine the problem as they could not recreate the occurrence. After several attempts they found recall V53/NHTSA 19V-348, they followed the recall and returned the vehicle to me in August of 202... Read more
Incident date: Apr 2, 2026
The contact owns a 2025 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and turning the steering wheel, the steering wheel made an abnormal clicking sound. The failure was a recurring failure. The dealer was made aware of the failure and associated the failure with air bag and an incorrect installation of the steering wheel. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure pers... Read more
Incident date: Jun 30, 2026
Steering wheel sticking at 11 and 1 o clock position, has become very difficult to turn and feels like overcorrecting to keep vehicle in center of lane.
Incident date: Jul 9, 2026
Steering yes it is available for inspection upon request The steering becomes so out the vibration becomes so violent that you can NOT HOLD THE WHEEL you have to pull over anyone driving could be in danger including vehicles around you with how violent the steering wheel vibrates When taken for alignment was told there definitely was a problem said could be a brake caliper hanging up so we put ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 18, 2025
The lower plastic trim/bezel piece at the base of the steering wheel repeatedly detaches from the steering wheel while the vehicle is in use. It has come loose [and fallen off] on multiple occasions. The component is still in my possession and is available for inspection upon request. I believe the retaining fastener securing this trim piece was overtightened during manufacturing, which stripped o... Read more
Incident date: Mar 11, 2021
When driving my 2018 Honda Civic, the steering wheel exhibits a distinct "sticky," "notchy," or "binding" sensation, making small, incremental lane adjustments difficult. While trying to make minor steering corrections, the steering wheel feels locked or caught in place. I have to apply intentional, extra physical force to overcome this resistance and break the steering wheel free. Once it breaks ... Read more
Incident date: May 31, 2026
Steering coupler issue. When turning the steering wheel. It is making a clunking noise even when in park and making it feel not smooth to turn the wheel either way. Very distracting and awkward when driving. When speeding up you can feel the issue with the steering coupler more. You can feel the noise and clunk feel when driving over bumps and turns. There has been a campaign/recall for other make... Read more
Incident date: Jun 4, 2026
The steering on my ‘25 Honda HRV is sticky, at freeway speeds it makes even slight corrections dangerous. What was meant to be a slight curve turns into a swerve. Steering feels sticky and requires more force to move. I was driving on a curve and attempting to follow the curve on the freeway and the wheel wouldn’t smoothly go
VOLKSWAGEN
TIGUAN
(2022) - STEERING
Jul 13, 2026
Incident date: Feb 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2024 Jeep Wrangler 4XE. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the engine sputtered and the vehicle failed to start. While opening the hood, the contact became aware that the insulation on the wire connected to the fuse box had melted. Additionally, the lid on the fuse box was melted. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V3630... Read more
HYUNDAI
SANTA FE SPORT
(2013) - STEERING
Jul 13, 2026
Incident date: Apr 19, 2026
I started noticing my steering being sticky and jerky around May 1, 2026. The problem has become more severe (especially when making a large turning circle on interstate highway) so I took my vehicle to Jay Wolfe Honda on July 6, 2026. They identified the problem as a failed EPS Gear box assembly. Part 53620-TLA-A13. They replaced it at a parts cost of $4030.32 and labor $1050. Also did alignm... Read more
Incident date: Nov 22, 2025
This is a huge issue across the board with Honda vehicles regarding sticky/notchy steering when exceeding speeds of 50 mph. There should be a recall on the 10th generation Honda Civics because the steering wheel sticks and causes overcorrection to unlock the steering wheel, creating a huge safety risk for the driver, passengers, and everyone else on the roadways, which could cause serious accident... Read more
Incident date: Oct 13, 2025
Bought brand new, I am at almost 68,000 miles. I have had vibration, rattling, etc near the front left of the car. After inspections and diagnostics. They said I need a new steering rack. It seems pre-mature to need a steering rack. No damage or high impact things have happened. Please investigate this issue to see if it could be manufacturing issue. Thank you! I am having it repaired ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 10, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal clicking sound coming from the vehicle, and the steering wheel was sticking. The contact stated that the steering wheel was continuously turned while attempting to prevent it from sticking. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was a persistent... Read more
Incident date: Jun 29, 2026
On July 8, 2026, the vehicle unexpectedly stalled while I was driving in the middle lane on the I-95 highway, creating a safety concern. There was complete loss of engine power and low power to steering. The vehicle had to be towed to BMW of Peabody, Massachusetts. The vehicle had 30850 miles during the incident. During the inspection at service centre, I was informed that the safety fuse box an... Read more