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: Aug 3, 2024
On or around December 15 while driving I lost the ability to steer the car without using considerable strength
Incident date: Dec 6, 2024
Power steering failed while driving. Replace the power steering rack (dealership replaced it). It still failing due to the torque sensor or the steering wheel, a steering wheel angle sensor being faulty,. Very dangerous if the vehicles power steering randomly stops doing its job while in motion.
Incident date: Dec 14, 2024
I was going down the road around 50 mph and advancetrac lights came on , service power steering now . Showed up on dash . Couldn't steer vehicle almost crashed
Incident date: Dec 19, 2024
Steering issues, Suspension issues when reversing, power steering, braking system locking. recalls on other edges but not this vehicle
Incident date: Dec 19, 2024
Power Steering As I was making a right hand turn the red warning power steering icon flashed on the dash and I was unable to complete the right hand turn and proceeded to drift in to the oncoming traffic lane and ended up on the sidewalk facing the on coming traffic lane. The problem has not been reproduced or confirmed at this time The vehicle or component has not been inspected at this time Thi... Read more
Incident date: Dec 15, 2024
When driving straight on a highway, probably 40+ mph, the steering wheel does not respond to small left or right adjustments to maintain a straight line. It feels like the steering wheel is sticky, and takes extra effort to break through the "stickiness." This results in an overcorrection when the steering system finally does respond. This can cause the vehicle to veer slightly into another lane o... Read more
Incident date: Dec 20, 2024
My car is showing power steering now and I was told it was just reset in September of 2015. I did not have the car around that time so I can’t confirm that it was except for what I’m being told.
Incident date: Dec 1, 2024
The vehicle's steering wheel became very loose at ~50k miles making it wobbly and potential to fall off which could cause danger while driving and possibility of airbag deployment. As seen in the attached pictures, there was no thread locker on the bolt that tightens the steering wheel down. I was able to remove it simply with my hands upon a few twist.
Incident date: Dec 18, 2024
I was driving on the turnpike on or about [XXX][. I drove over some ridges on [XXX]. My jeep starting violently shaking out of control it felt like the wheels were gonna pop off. I had to grip onto the steering wheel to try to keep the vehicle from hitting any other cars. It went on for about five minutes then it stopped, but I could feel a change in the way, the steering felt. There was no warnin... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
JETTA
(2008) - STEERING
Dec 20, 2024
Incident date: Dec 18, 2024
I was driving down the road around 50 mph and the steering wheel locked up on me and has not let goes in any electrical in the car keeps glitching radio the dash light
Incident date: Dec 20, 2024
While driving, the power steering disengaged and made the vehicle difficult to steer. The power steering warning light illuminated in the dash and the vehicle went into safety mode. After letting the vehicle remain shut down, the error code rectified itself and the power steering warning disappeared. Vehicle was serviced by the dealership and a power steering module update was performed. The rack ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 18, 2024
To start of with the steering seems to loosen up while driving, it's hard to explain but while driving the vehicle it is very noticable that the car is jurking side to side , if your used to a certain pressure put on the steering wheel to turn or keep in a constant turn(like a long turn or steady turn on a long bend in a road , the steering loosens to the point that the pressure you are holding th... Read more
Incident date: Dec 3, 2024
The rack and pinion needs to be replaced with just over 63k miles. This appears to be a common occurrence amongst 2008-2012 Honda Accords but it appears Honda is ignoring the issue. I have included a forum of complaints from owners that have very low mileage. Could you please look into this? [XXX] [XXX] , [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552... Read more
Incident date: Nov 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Dodge Durango. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the steering wheel locked, and the contact depressed the brake pedal but was unable to turn the steering wheel. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the power steering rack pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact rela... Read more
Incident date: Dec 18, 2024
I experienced a death wobble at 60mph this was a recall that i had done. I have not contacted the dealer about this yet. The mileage is about 47000
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2021) - STEERING
Dec 20, 2024
Incident date: Nov 19, 2024
vehicle shakes uncontrollable on the front passenger side when driving over 50 mph. took to the repair shop and was diagnosed with the death wobble. told it's unsafe to drive until repaired and repair will be over 1,600.00
Incident date: Nov 30, 2024
I went to go start my vehicle to commute home from work and had no power steering. I did some research and saw that my vehicle model from 2007-2016 was recalled for this issue
NISSAN
PATHFINDER
(2014) - STEERING
Dec 20, 2024
Incident date: Dec 20, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became inoperable. The contact stated that the steering wheel felt loosened. The contact stated that the steering wheel made it difficult to turn to the left or the right. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was dia... Read more
Incident date: Dec 6, 2024
Power Steering loss of function.. Power steering module and motor failure.. Inoperable Steering Rack.. This is a documented problem in the 2014 Focus models, why not the 2015 Focus models.. My Power Steering is dead, my Steering Rack is Inoperable, and my Power Steering Module and Motor are dead.. My problems started happening in January 2024
Incident date: Dec 20, 2024
The power steering goes in and out intermittently, while making aturn the power steering went out making it difficult to steer, i crossed the double yellow line stopping just short of the curb. if there was a vehicle traveling in the opposite direction i definitely would of collided. it was 5 am and traffic was slow. it appears this is a known problem for RAM trucks . And there appears to be a NH... Read more
Incident date: Dec 14, 2024
The power steering and hybrid system failed and vehicle completely stopped in middle of busy freeway with no prior warnings or issues before. The safety of my son and I, and others around me during the abrupt stop of the engine. I could not move out of way. The vehicle has been serviced for this exact issue during a recall campaign lasting from 2011 to 2014. Ten years later and it is still happen... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2024
When driving on local streets under 40mph steering sticks in position and has to be forcefully recentered. It also makes a clunking sound when turning the steering wheel at low speeds. At highway speeds when making slight adjustments steering wheel sticks, causing me to overcorrect which in turn jerks the car back and forth. This issue starts after driving the car for about 10-15mins. I have tried... Read more
LAND ROVER
DISCOVERY SPORT
(2016) - STEERING
Dec 20, 2024
Incident date: Dec 16, 2024
With only 10,000 miles on the Jeep wrangler vehicle, we are experiencing the death wobble. We contacted Jeep and they advised us this was not covered under our warranty any longer since past 3 years. We had the dealership request reconsideration on our behalf since this is a known issue and they agreed to pay for 60% of the repair, however They should be liable for all of it since this is an ongoi... Read more
FORD
F-150 HYBRID
(2021) - STEERING
Dec 20, 2024
Incident date: Dec 18, 2024
The steering was completely lost, and the car was not controllable. Land Rover is aware of the problem and a recall was made in the UK, but not the USA. Service Dept report: No power steering, no warning on dash. Found that power steering assist electric motor is no longer bolted to steering rack, all 3 ALUMINUM bolts holding motor to rack have sheared off. Can move motor side to side at rack... Read more
Incident date: Dec 4, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Honda CR-V. 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 not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution discon... Read more
Incident date: Dec 20, 2023
2023 model X is NOT equiped with a center steering wheel horn, instead a small button on the right of steering wheel which is nowhere to be found when you need in an emergency, i almost got in to 3 accidents for lack of horn. Tesla must replace these for traditional horn button
Incident date: Dec 20, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. No further information was available. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the power steering control module (PSCM) and the electric power steering unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was being repaired. The manufacturer ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 19, 2024
Vehicle control arms need to be replaced as suggested by the service department. They are currently clicking because they are not secure. I truly believe this is a safety hazard. Arms cannot be replaced for another month. Seems to be a widespread issue from my research. If arm fails, driver would lose control of the vehicle.
Incident date: Dec 19, 2024
Vehicle experiences death wobble in the front suspension system. While driving, vehicle suddenly shakes violently and is difficult to control. Vehicle was repaired at an authorized Ford dealership in 2021 but has since experienced the same dangerous affects of death wobble. Vehicle was inspected by the authorized Ford dealership prior to repair who confirmed the presence of death wobble. There wer... Read more
Incident date: Dec 9, 2024
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? There were multiple component and system failures that were experienced. My vehicles autopilot and full self driving took over causing my vehicle to crash head on into a tree. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? My safety and others were at risk because I had no control over my ... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Nov 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ram 1500. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle and shifting to drive(D), the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact stated that upon turning off and restarting the vehicle, the power steering became functional. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring upon starting the vehicle and while driving. The power steering warning light was illu... Read more
Incident date: Dec 19, 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 recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that several undisclosed dealers were contacted and confirmed that the parts for the recall repair ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 28, 2024
Incident Report Vehicle Information: Year: 2016 Make: Chevrolet Model: Suburban I am experiencing a recurring issue with my 2016 Chevrolet Suburban involving the steering column lock module and the theft deterrent system. The truck intermittently fails to start, displaying a "Theft Deterrent" warning message on the dashboard and lighting get dim on the display. On some occasions, af... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 2500
(2020) - STEERING
Dec 19, 2024
Incident date: Oct 24, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the power steering became inoperable. The power steering failure warning light was illuminated. The service track error message was displayed. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who informed the contact there... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2024
steering wheel locks into the direction of turning (sometimes more than needed for the corner) and causes over-steering at all speed (from 20mph to 45mph). at low speed the steering can be forced to turn back, but at higher speed such as onramp or offramp, after fighting the oversteering, the steering disengages for a brief second while fighting oversteering which I think can/will cause inexperien... Read more
Incident date: Dec 18, 2024
I am having a persistent issue with this vehicle involving the lane keep assist and pedestrian collision sensor. This issue has been present since purchasing the vehicle in December of 2021. I have had it in to two separate dealers a total of 6 times with no solution yet. The issue occurs when traveling down the road above 35 with the active lane assist enabled. Intermittently the vehicle will act... Read more
Incident date: Jul 19, 2024
While driving vehicle at highway speeds, steering wheel feels sticky at center position. It feels unsafe while driving. The problem is not noticeable at low speeds or city driving. My vehicle has 50,000 miles and just started noticing this issue. I drove it to the Honda dealer (Rick Case Honda In Weston Fl) to report the issue, but they notified me that there is no recalls for 2021 Honda CR-V st... Read more
Incident date: Dec 4, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the steering motor sense fault message was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel operated as needed; however, the contact was concerned about the message that was displayed and a possible failure while driving. The local dealer was contacted; ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2024 Honda CR-V. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 234V744000 (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 stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the steering whe... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the power steering became inoperable for two seconds and then returned to normal independently. The contact stated that during the second failure, an attempt was made to start the vehicle; however, several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the failur... Read more
Incident date: Dec 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V744000 (Steering) and 24V763000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was not made... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Honda CR-V. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V744000 (STEERING); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aw... Read more
GRAND DESIGN
MOMENTUM
(2022) - STEERING
Dec 19, 2024
Incident date: Jan 31, 2023
Popping noise from steering and play in steering wheel. Was informed by a local mechanic that is was the steering coupler for the MDPS unit. Checked and saw a recall for the same issue with the Kia Soul but saw nothing for the Forte even though Hyundai had a recall for the Elantra and Sonata for the same issue. This is a vital part of the car and if it breaks as easy as it does it needs to be ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 13, 2024
car stalls when trying to accelerate like its going to turn off...The Wheel alighnment is not correct.Doors will not lock Bad lighting i cant see because front lights are doll
Incident date: Jan 27, 2024
After completing a right turn with a right turn signal, the vehicle will sometimes signal a left turn for 3 blinks. I believe this is because the turn signal stalk 'bounces' down to the left turn signal area when returning back to normal position from a right turn. This is a safety issue because the vehicle is signaling a left turn when no turn is intended. This could cause confusion to oth... Read more
Incident date: Dec 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became inoperable. The contact stated that the steering wheel became difficult to turn with the power steering warning light illuminated. The vehicle was restarted; however, the failure recurred. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufactur... Read more
Incident date: Nov 23, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact stated that the power steering failure warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to an independent mechanic or the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was informed that the VIN was ... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2011) - STEERING
Dec 18, 2024
Incident date: Jun 6, 2024
Front struts are leaking which are causing the vehicle to drive inconsistently. The struts should not have to be replaced this soon when the vehicle is being used on normal condition roads. After researching, it appears this is a manufacturer, Toyota, issue, that is known, and Toyota should be issuing a recall for replacement due to the number of incidences that are known on the 4-Runner.
VOLKSWAGEN
PASSAT
(2014) - STEERING
Dec 18, 2024
Incident date: Dec 18, 2024
I have brought two new Gm pickups this years a Denali and a high county and they both been hack into they take over the brakes and steering and everything of the vehicle that’s 80000 thousand a piece truck Gm need to do something before they kill me onstar has report of them in the vehicle
Incident date: Dec 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at approximately 35 MPH and making a right turn, the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The contact stated that the failure was self-corrected, and proper functionality returned. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had reoccurred. The contact had taken the vehicle to ... Read more