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: Jan 12, 2025
I was scheduled to receive the 2.2 software update November 12 and noticed a low voltage battery warning some time earlier in the day, November 11 - this is not the main battery, as it was charged around 70%. Was this related to the download maybe? From reading threads, the best way to charge is to drive, so I went for a drive through local parks for about 30 minutes. Fast forward to later that ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Oct 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, the "Power Steering Fault" message was displayed, and the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Incident date: Jan 7, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that the trim on the steering wheel had started to peel off. Due to the failure, the edges of the steering wheel where the trim was located had started peeling off and were sharp, causing serious concerns while driving the vehicle. The local dealer was notified of the failure, and the contact was scheduled for an appointment; however, the ve... Read more
Incident date: Jan 13, 2018
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 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 not... Read more
Incident date: Jan 8, 2025
While driving my truck the power steering completely went out and caused me to run off the road. Luckily no injuries and no damage to the truck. But if traffic would have been coming towards me it would have resulted in a crash most likely. Took the truck to a repair shop and told it need a complete steering system including rack and pinion and steering gears. I got online and seen where your... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 3500. The contact stated while driving 65-68 MPH over a bumpy road surface, the steering wheel and the front end of the vehicle shuddered significantly. The contact decelerated, exited the freeway, and pulled over to the shoulder of the road. The contact was able to continue driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the vehicle ha... Read more
Incident date: Jan 13, 2025
After the steering Lock anti theft activated, steering lock ESCL module does not allow to turn on the ignition even keys are inserted.
VOLKSWAGEN
GOLF ALLTRACK
(2017) - STEERING
Jan 13, 2025
Incident date: Apr 12, 2024
LOSING STEERING FUNCTIONS (PER LIMITED RECALL). MY TRUCK WAS NOT LISTED IN THE RECALL OF ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING FAILURE
VOLKSWAGEN
GOLF ALLTRACK
(2017) - STEERING
Jan 13, 2025
Incident date: Jun 13, 2024
I am facing an issue with my car where it tends to roll back even when it's in park, regardless of whether the engine is on or off. The only time it remains stationary is when I apply the brakes and engage the emergency brake. This situation poses a safety concern for me and my family, and I would like to find a solution to ensure our vehicle stays securely in place when parked.
Incident date: Jan 11, 2025
Queja por reparación defectuosa de recall en mi Ford Explorer Estimados Señores: Por medio de la presente, me dirijo a ustedes para expresar mi profunda insatisfacción con el servicio recibido en su concesionario relacionado con un problema de recall en mi Ford Explorer [indicar modelo y año del vehículo], cuya reparación, realizada bajo su supervisión, no ha sido adecuada. En los primeros ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 2, 2023
Driving my Rivian R1S on a road trip with family from Seattle, WA to Ketchum, ID (about 600miles.) Stopped to recharge outside of Boise, ID for about 20mins. Started driving again and in about 5 minutes the car started warning (visual message and audible alarm). The following events then occurred: -- The warning message stated something along the line of "Pull over immediately the car will sh... Read more
Incident date: Jan 10, 2025
Purchased new from dealer. At 3500 miles, noticed rattling and clunking noise under front end, more noticeable at speeds less than 35. Took to dealer who diagnosed as worn struts, saying shocks and struts need to be replaced, but they need to order parts. When asked if safe to drive, was told "yes", but "avoid potholes". Now waiting to hear from dealer when parts come in. They stated it would ta... Read more
Incident date: Jan 7, 2025
Power steering assist. I can not turn my wheels and and was sliding on the ice. No. Unknown. Unknown
Incident date: Jan 10, 2025
THE NOTIFICATION APPEARS AS STEERING SYSTEM FAULT SERVICE REQUIRED, BLIND SPOT SYSTEM FAULT, AND CROSS TRAFFIC FAULT THIS HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING LOST ABILITY TO STEER CAR DOSENT CRANK, THIS POSES A SERIOUS RISK OF INJURY/DEATH.
Incident date: Jan 11, 2025
Feels like the steering keeps going in and out one second it is okay the next it is very hard to steer were you can barely turn the wheel at all at any speed
Incident date: Jan 6, 2025
The electric power steering failed without notice on 12-12-24. I was driving all day with no incident. I stoped for about 5 minutes and when I restarted my truck the steering wheel was stiff. Received a warning light to service power steering. I had no choice but to drive back home without the power steering working with much difficulty. I then scanned the truck and it gave me fault code C2217 sta... Read more
Incident date: Sep 6, 2024
I have a 2021 Chevy Blazer that has 31,0000 miles and my steering locked up. I was driving and barley got into a parking lot. Told by a certified dealer it is the power steering gear and possible the power steering module. No parts available and no ETA. This does not make sense that the steering with such low miles has gone out. I have read on the GM forum that multiple people have had this issu... Read more
Incident date: Nov 6, 2024
When ever I hit the breaks in a small bump the vehicle vibrates "steering wheel and the brake pedal" not able to control the vehicle almost bump into the car in front of me. I when to my local dealer for it to be inspected and I show the my dashcam videos and one of the mechanics joined me in a test drive for them to diagnose what's happening the same vibration happened when I brake while passing ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
On [XXX] my power steering system completely froze in sub-0 temperatures. The wheels were unable to steer right or left. After idling for some time, it unfroze resulting in a grinding noise and very stiff steering. This has continued where the steering freezes in cold temperatures and continues to grind. The vehicle was brought to Main Motor in Johnstown NY (dealer) to inspect this and they de... Read more
Incident date: Dec 29, 2024
I took my 2013 into the Kia dealer on 1/19/21 to checkout an issue with the steering wheel it felt as though when you went to turn the wheel the steering of the tires took a while to catch up. The service advisor wrote it up to replace the power steering coupler and it was repaired. The mileage at that time was 28,300. It is now April of 2022 I went back to the dealer for other work a... Read more
Incident date: Dec 22, 2024
This first began when we went to Oregon from dry Central Valley in California and hit rain. Multiple error messages appeared: Service Advance Trac, Check 4x4, Hill Assist Not Available, ABS, Steering Assist Fault, etc. Power steering assist was lost and is now intermittent which creates a dangerous situation. The ABS brakes made load groaning noises. I went to O’Reilley’s and used their OBD2 s... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 2500
(2021) - STEERING
Jan 10, 2025
Incident date: Jan 8, 2025
My 2020 Honda Pilot steering wheel locks or sticks while driving, which terrifies me. After researching the problem online, I found that 2020 Honda vehicles have been recalled due to a manufacturing defect in the steering gearbox assembly. My vehicle is NOT on the list. Please advise. Thank you!
Incident date: Jan 10, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Edge. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving the vehicle out of a parking lot, the "Power Steering Assist Fault" message displayed on the instrument panel. The driver parked the vehicle, and had the vehicle towed to a local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the power steering module was faulty and needed to be replaced. The contact r... Read more
Incident date: Dec 14, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at slow speeds on several occasions, while making left or right turns, the steering wheel was shaking abnormally. The contact stated that the “Steering assist fault - Service Required" and "Traction - Steering Assist Failure” message was displayed on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2023
I was sitting in idle staying warm in car. When I decided to leave, I noticed I couldn't turn the steering wheel or that it was very difficult to steer. I have not had this issue inspected. The warning lights that was on before was "service advancedtrac", "collision warning not available" "drive control malfunction service required". I called Sons Ford Auburn where they stayed there was no recall ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 10, 2025
My 2021 Jeep Gladiator Mojave began experiencing "Death Wobble" in early December, 2024, at highway speeds after hitting a bump in the road. I purchased this vehicle new from the dealer in 2021. I put new tires on the vehicle at 60,000 miles in September, 2024. The wobble is violent and sustained resonant shaking of the front end that continues until the vehicle speed decreases below 30 MPH. I... Read more
Incident date: Dec 13, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Silverado. The contact stated while driving at approximately 65 MPH the "loss of power steering" warning illuminated. The contact felt the steering wheel was hard to turn to the left or right. The contact was able to stop the vehicle and turn the vehicle off, when he turned the vehicle on the power steering was engaged, however, the failure was reoccurring. The co... Read more
Incident date: Nov 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2024 Honda Civic. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V744000 (Steering) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the remedy parts were not available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the is... Read more
Incident date: Jan 6, 2025
While traveling at low speeds, power steering fails. Dash indicates a warning message “Power steering service unavailable”. There is a recall for this exact issue, same year and model, but my VIN is not included. Diagnostic at dealership shows issue is same as recalled issue but is not able to repair under recall due to VIN. Dealership states cost to repair is $3400.
MERCEDES-BENZ
C300
(2012) - STEERING
Jan 10, 2025
Incident date: Feb 1, 2024
While driving I made a left hand turn and when straightening the steering wheel it was 90 degrees out of alignment which caused the truck to steer to the right almost striking another vehicle. The dash had a warning message come on stating adaptive steering fault service required. I have taken it in for service and the steering wheel needs replaced which is a recall on some ford super duty’s the... Read more
Incident date: Aug 8, 2024
The power steering is leaking constantly as soon as u pour it in the car drive it 2 miles all leaks out and have to refill in order for the power steering to work correctly and there is a recall for it on this vehicle.
DODGE
CHALLENGER
(2022) - STEERING
Jan 10, 2025
Incident date: Dec 1, 2024
loss of steering while driving, fluid loss multiple times since late september 2024(all while driving and no lights or warnings came on), 2 snapped serpentine belts, key ignition sticking(would not turn), dashboard not lighting up, rpm no longer rests below 1.5 - 2, car struggles to accelerate(especially uphill), car turns over and struggles to start, even though has newer battery. 1/9/25 driving ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 15, 2024
It has happened 3 times, every time I have been driving and an alert with flash on the dash that there is an object in the road and it will brake check me, but there isn't anything infront of the vehicle. One time it happened getting off the highway and 2 other times it has happened when I was in a residential area. 2 out of 3 times, a vehicle behind me had to swerve to the shoulder of the road, s... Read more
Incident date: Jan 3, 2025
The adjustment on the steering column for telescopic/up/down adjustments doesn't hold the steering wheel in place, even under light pressure like trying to honk the horn, the column just pushes in. Since the column cannot stay in place under light pressure, it won't stay in place if the driver's airbag is deployed possibly causing severe injury or death. I first noticed this problem back in 2015, ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
The power steering quits working intermittently. It has always been extremely cold when it happens. So far, it has only happened when the vehicle has been started, then driven. Turning the ignition off, then on, does not fix the problem. So far, it eventually starts working again at a later start up. When it happened before, the problem had resolved itself when I took it to the dealership and they... Read more
Incident date: Dec 9, 2024
On January 9, a little after 12:30 pm, on Indian Head Highway (MD route 210) northbound near the Manokeek exit, after limiting drive power owing to battery degradation and cold weather (about 30 F) drive power and power steering failed entirely. There was no warning to pull over so I suspect this is an undocumented failure mode. After the car was towed home, it would not charge when plugged in unt... Read more
Incident date: Nov 26, 2024
My steering column will make a clicking sound, and the steering wheel and column will vibrate excessively.
Incident date: Dec 14, 2024
The electric power-steering assist is failing while my vehicle is in motion. I lose power steering and have to use significantly more effort and may lead to a crash, at any speeds. I was driving on the highway when this happened, although it has happened at slower, neighborhood speeds. When this happens, I see a warning message on the dashboard stating the power-steering assist failed and service ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes Benz GLC 300. The contact stated while attempting to park, a loud clanking noise was coming from the steering wheel as the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the clock spring in the steering wheel which caused the steering wheel to fail and the steering module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not... Read more
Incident date: Jan 8, 2025
A random day the cars steering wheel light came on,the abs light came on,the tire pressure light came on,and the traction control light came on
Incident date: Dec 17, 2024
The contact owns a 2024 Honda HR-V. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V744000 ( STEERING) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer 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 disconnect.
VOLKSWAGEN
JETTA
(2024) - STEERING
Jan 9, 2025
Incident date: Jan 8, 2025
Was driving down a busy road with my [XXX] and [XXX] , when all of a sudden my steering wheel got super tight and the car shut down. A message stating "power steering assist fault" popped up on my dashboard. There was ZERO warning before it happened. I just bought this car 3 months ago from a facebook marketplace car dealer. When this incident happened 2 weeks ago, I googled 2011 ford fusion reca... Read more
Incident date: Jan 9, 2025
I received a safety recall notice for my vehicle in November and immediately called 3 different local Honda dealerships in the area to try to get it serviced. None were able to accommodate me or schedule me for service. I was put on a wait list at some, but still have not been called to schedule. Today I followed up again and still can not get an appointment as they say they don't have parts. You... Read more
Incident date: Jan 3, 2025
* When I turn the steering wheel, especially when parking, there are noise coming from the suspensions, especially as if they are coming from the head of the suspensions.
Incident date: Nov 1, 2023
I bought this truck for my father and her was drinking it and fortunately he got home and then with no warning the electric power steering went out when he tried to go back out. No serious harm but he could have easily been in traffic seeing that he uses this truck to drive to his caner appointments.
Incident date: Jan 8, 2025
I first encountered the “death wobble” at 18,000 miles. It happened to both me and my husband within a hundred miles of each incident. I took my car in for an oil change and talked to the technician and he said that he could try the fix that Jeep put forth to attempt to fix it, but it never really fixed the issue. Well, it was not that bad and happened infrequently and life moves on. Fast forw... Read more
Incident date: Dec 6, 2024
I took my 2019 Toyota 4 Runner Limited Edition for maintenance/repair and it was identified the entire under carriage and frame is rusting out creating safety issues. This vehicle has never has never been flooded or exposed to northern salted roads. The garage repair shop was afraid to repair the vehicle as they identified this is a huge safety issue. They could not understand that a 5 year old ca... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the contact noticed that the power steering warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering rack failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The VIN was not available The approximate... Read more
Incident date: Dec 27, 2024
Check engine light has been on and white smoke coming from exhaust and engine Been in for recall repairs several times. Steering wheel feels unstable when driving Suspension is unreliable. This is a very dangerous vehicle to be driving and needs to be recalled for these Known issues.
Incident date: Dec 16, 2024
While driving down the highway, the power steering quit working totally. Causing me to go off the road into the ditch. There was a recall on the power steering gear that ford refuses to fix. They state it was fixed with a power steering module reset that did not.
Crash