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 29, 2021
I was driving 55mph (speed limit) down a curvy country road when the steering wheel became stiff and wouldn’t turn. A red light flashed and said I had lost steering. I was barely able to get stopped before going of a steep embankment. I was stoped in a dangerous spot with no way get out of oncoming traffic. My vehicle flashed a yellow light that said Terrain management system failure. No o... Read more
Incident date: Sep 29, 2021
Car makes clicking/creaking sound when performing a left or right turn from a full stop. Noticed this issue around 4500 miles. Other reports indicate CV joint issue and that the part is out of order.
Incident date: Nov 1, 2024
Starting at around 600 miles, there was a clicking sound from what I believe is the CV joint when turning full lock in both directions. Now at 1700 miles it happens when turning before the wheel is locked in either direction.
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2019) - STEERING
Jan 18, 2025
Incident date: Jan 13, 2025
When turning sharply and accelerating at low speeds or from a stop, vehicle makes clicking sound. Vehicle is brand new, and I noticed this with about 600mi on the vehicle. I'm concerned this could lead to future loss of steering and cause an accident or render vehicle not drivable. I have taken it to the dealer and their mechanic confirmed hearing the same clicking noise and is awaiting guidance ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 2, 2025
Car has a clicking noise when turning sharp both right and left. Dealer has said it most likely is the cv joints. They are a known issue and on backorder.
Incident date: Dec 19, 2024
Clicking in the area of the CV axles began to occur when making turns after a few thousand miles and has progressively gotten worse over time. Dealer eventually confirmed and ordered the part but it is on back order indefinitely.
LAND ROVER
RANGE ROVER
(2016) - STEERING
Jan 17, 2025
Incident date: Jan 17, 2025
CV Joint/ Axle. Also, rear collision warning system. CV Joint/Axle makes a very audible clicking sound when accelerating during a turn. Rear collision warning system hard brakes whenever you reverse even when there isn't anything there. the only solution is to disable it. I brought the vehicle to the honda dealership where i purchased it from and they confirmed there's an issue but said it's "... Read more
Incident date: Jan 16, 2025
I have a clunking sound during either left or right turns. Sound started around 5,500 miles on the odometer and has become increasingly more pronounced and frequent. If these parts fail while negotiating a turn the chance of an accident and possible injury is high. Dealership service department can reproduce the issue and confirmed the CV joints should be replaced. Dealership informed me parts are... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
The CV joint in the steering system clicks when turning to the right and left while accelerating.
Incident date: Jan 17, 2025
any time you take a tight turn in either direction you hear a clicking in the steering column.
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2016) - STEERING
Jan 17, 2025
Incident date: Jan 17, 2025
There is an increasingly loud clicking noise when turning. The dealer states that there is an ongoing issue regarding the steering rack but the parts are out of stock, they advise to keep driving until the part is back in stock.
Incident date: Nov 10, 2024
When turning the steering wheel all the way to the left or right (full lock turn), a clicking sound is noticed on either the front driver or passenger sides of the vehicle. This happens whether the vehicle is moving forward or in reverse. This is a safety concern as a failure could lead to a loss of steering, endangering the driver, occupants and others on the road. The problem has been reproduced... Read more
Incident date: Jan 16, 2025
Truck lost power and died while making a low speed right turn. Attempted to start vehicle but was unable to immediately after losing power, after trying again for about 30 seconds I was able to get it to start and pull it off the road. I lost control of the steering as the steering wheel locked up. When I turned it back on the truck required me to roll the driver window down and back up and radio ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 14, 2024
The car has a clicking sound when turning left or right. The dealership says that it is caused by a failing CV Axel. This apparently has been happening to dozens and dozens other Honda Prologues. I have not contacted the manufacturer about this issue as the dealerships are aware. This failure could lead to safety issues as it is related directly to steering and power train. There are not any notif... Read more
Incident date: Jan 14, 2025
The vehicle makes a knocking sound when turning - left or right. It seems to be an axle problem.
Incident date: Jan 15, 2025
Vehicle makes a clicking noise at the CV joint. Honda dealer said it was a "known problem but safe to drive." At first I thought it only happened if I had to make a sharp turn and accelerate from a stopped position. Now, it occurs far more frequently even with gentle turns like from a red light.
Incident date: Jan 16, 2025
When turning the steering wheel when accelerating there is a popping noise in the front of the vehicle.
Incident date: Dec 15, 2024
My 2019 Tesla Model 3 (RWD) began alerting error messages on the primary dashboard screen saying "Steering assist reduced. Steering may require increased effort." and "Lane Departure Avoidance features unavailable", followed by the power steering going out completely. Steering required significant effort, which was dangerous while turning through intersections or navigating parking lots, and almo... Read more
Incident date: Jan 17, 2025
About two weeks into having my Honda prologue. I started noticing a clicking sound. Every time I took sharp sharp turns my steering wheel is not centered. I took it to the dealer, thinking that it was a wheel misalignment. They told me that the alignment was in perfect shape I the steering wheel is still not Centered. when I drive. but dealer said they found no issues.... The rear crossing warning... Read more
Incident date: Dec 5, 2024
Vehicle is making a clicking noise from the front end when making left or right turns and sometimes when reversing out of driveway and turning left or right. Dealership inspected the vehicle, confirmed the front axles were clicking, and special ordered driveshaft parts. The parts are backordered due to a nationwide shortage because of the same defect found on multiple 2024 Honda Prologues. The dea... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2024
The steering doesn't return to the center after a hard turn. This requires me to manually return the steering to a neutral forward setup. Additionally, when it's rainy, the emergency rear braking is overly sensitive and will randomly activate.
Incident date: Aug 31, 2024
When driving i hear clicking sounds in the steering column and then the power steering goes out and it becomes very difficult to steer.
FORD
EXPEDITION
(2024) - STEERING
Jan 17, 2025
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
The steering of the vehicle completely went out with NO warning lights/no warning whatsoever. If this had happened at speed or a sharp turn, this would have likely resulted in a collision. There are only 50,000 miles on the vehicle, so there is no way that the steering should completely go out. I see there are other vehicles that this has occurred with as well in this model/year; I feel that th... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2019
When vehicle hits pot hole front end steering wheel vibrate shakes steering wheel and whole car. I took it to Jeep dealership in Beeville Tx and was told it’s not under warranty
Incident date: Nov 1, 2024
Axels makes clicking noise at the CV Joint when turning. Vehicle has less than 3,000 miles on it. Vehicle part is backordered due to nationwide shortage caused by vehicle defect on numerous 2024 Honda Prologues. There is no code on dashboard. Honda service has looked at vehicle and stated noise is caused by the CV joint for the drive shaft. Still says to drive due to backordered parts with no r... Read more
Incident date: Dec 16, 2024
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Dec 16, 2024
The ford is a ford F150 2021 with only 47,000 miles on it. It is a well taken care of truck with all routine maintenance done. The power control steering module has completely gone out in my truck. Unfortunately this problem began to occur with my children in the car when a warning light came on and then the power steering completely went out making it extremely difficult to turn and steer the car... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2024) - STEERING
Jan 17, 2025
Incident date: Dec 2, 2024
Leaking Cv joint causing clicking when making a tight turn
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2024 Honda HR-V. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V744000 (Steering); 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 manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experience... Read more
Incident date: Nov 4, 2024
Unknown other than noise and knocking
Incident date: Dec 1, 2024
There is a clicking noise that started when turning left. The sound comes from the front of the vehicle. I think it's tied to the steering, because it changes with me turning the steering wheel. I have not contacted the dealer as according to online information there's no fix available.
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
The car just emergency brakes for no reason. This is an issue because what it decides to break one day while another car is near by or I am on the highway. Also, there is a cv joint clicking issue and there was a red car with a ! That popped up too, when I took it to the dealership they were no help.
Incident date: Sep 26, 2024
The car makes a clicking noise when turning left or right under acceleration or deceleration. The seems to be a low droning sound when turning right at moderate speed. No lamps or messages of any error is displayed. Dealer inspected and confined the noise but did not specify a permanent fix. The back order part to attempt repair is a driver's CV axle. The part is said to be back ordered about 3 we... Read more
Incident date: Dec 26, 2024
Vehicle makes clicking noise in driver side front wheel area when making a sharp left turn and moving vehicle from a stopped or parked position. Vehicle was taken to dealership for inspection and was told by dealership that the issue was compared to a "known good" vehicle which reproduced the same sound. Dealership said this is considered normal. Dealership test drove vehicle with me and confirmed... Read more
Incident date: Dec 26, 2024
Sterring does not return to center when coming out of a turn. This is a MAJOR safety issue. I could be forced off the road or worse, into another vehicle or pedestrian if I am not quick to force the car to straighten out. Has not been inspected. I was informed this is a known issue by the dealer. No warning lamps
Incident date: Jan 7, 2025
When coming out of a corner, the steering does not return to center.
Incident date: Jan 7, 2025
When turning, the car makes a very loud clicking noise that comes from the front wheel area. Sounds like a CV joint going bad.
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
Due to the Pasadena wildfires the car has been highly affected due to the extreme heat and the ashes
Fire
Incident date: Jan 10, 2025
There is a clicking, or a light clunk, sound that *I THINK* is coming from the front passenger side of the car. The sound only occurs when accelerating, most often from a stop but not always, and occasionally when breaking. It is not a repeated click. It happens once at the beginning of the acceleration or breaking process. The problem is easily reproducible. My dealer did a repair under warranty... Read more
Incident date: Jan 16, 2025
My car suddenly stopped in the middle of the road with message "Hybrid system stopped steering power low". Safety concern to this happen on the middle of road during rain or cold.
Incident date: Jan 16, 2025
I brought the vehicle in to have recalls addressed on 12/30/24. Starting the next day we noticed the car was weaving without any steering, but thought it might have been icy road conditions and waited to see if it reoccured. The car has since weaved intermittently, but has righted itself after releasing the accelerator. However, on 1/15/25 while traveling about 50mph, the car started weaving on it... Read more
Incident date: Jan 15, 2025
With less than 35,000 miles on a 2021 jeep wrangler, I have started to experience extreme shaking when going over a bump. Otherwise, known as the “Death Wobble”. The steering wheel shakes uncontrollably and could cause a serious accident while driving. I was told that the 2021 and newer models would not have this problem due to manufactures addressed the design flaw. Jeep has known about this... Read more
Incident date: Dec 3, 2024
When driving at low speeds, for example looking for parking in my work parking lot, my 2014 Honda accord coupe lost power steering. Steering wheel became heavy and hard to turn. The screens flickered on the radio and the car felt like a manual car when it stalls. With every turn of the wheel the car would try to shut off. No warning light came on the dash. There was a car behind me when it happene... Read more
Incident date: Dec 10, 2024
I have a 2021 Jeep Wrangler Sport that only has 24k miles on it (all oem stock components with zero modification) and I have been experiencing death wobble issues when traveling at highway speeds and driving over seam transitions where the road meets bridge crossings. The vehicle shakes uncontrolably and it's absolutely terrifying. The only way to get it to stop is to remove my foot from the gas p... Read more
Incident date: Jan 14, 2025
While driving previous year 2024 the steering wheel became stiff and hard to turn. I was going around 60MPH and the Reduce Steering Drive with caution appear. Took it to the nearest Autzone no codes. We removed battery for 30 min and the steering wheel worked. Again changed my battery and the steering wheel will not turn. Had to disconnect for a day and the steering wheel worked. Fast forward 2025... Read more
Incident date: Sep 4, 2024
About 70-75 mph the entire vehicle shakes briefly, and steering wheel will wobble, the steering wheel will wobble uncontrollable on bumps at HWY speed. There doesn't appear to be any worn or damaged parts.
Incident date: Aug 13, 2024
Power steering failure when temperature drops below freezing.
Incident date: Nov 27, 2024
As I was driving home on the highway, something happened with my car where I couldn't control the car. It swerved back and forth on it's own until it finally stopped and cut off on it's own. There were no messages or symptoms prior to the failure. My car has been with Nissan who said they were going to investigate it and I cannot get a call back from Nissan Consumer Affairs.
Incident date: Jan 2, 2025
The contact called for her partner who owned a 2020 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the dashboard had warped near the passenger side's glove compartment when purchased. The dealer had been informed of the failure and informed the owner that the dashboard needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that while the vehicle was stopped and idling at a traffic light, the... Read more
Incident date: Jan 2, 2025
See attached document for complaint.