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 8, 2026
Started vehicle, drove about 400 meters and the power steering went out while making a left turn. More than went out, as it felt like it actively fought me. I've driven vehicles without P/S before, and this was significantly worse. It almost caused me to overrun the turn and collide with an embankment. I restarted the vehicle after a bit, and the power steering worked fine again for about 400 me... Read more
Incident date: Sep 7, 2026
While driving the EPS went out displaying a warning message service power steering. I lost all control of power steering, had it scanned by a shop they stated I would have to replace to rack and pinion EPS unit. The issue is trying to find the part, not to meant it is going to cost between $3000-$4000 for the part and then the labor cost to change out. When looking to find parts i came across a re... Read more
Incident date: Aug 10, 2026
My Jeep has had a recall since December 2025. I initially went to Burgaw, NC Dealership where I Leased my Jeep, with no luck. I made appointment They did not have the part. I was told they would call when it is available. I checked in every month , no part. I called the recall line in the summer 2026 and they made me an appointment at National Dodge in Jacksonville, NCthe first week of August. W... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2026
Steering wheel showing red signal on the dashboard, and sometimes, when I park and want to restart the car , steering wheel block, not letting me start my car. Steering wheel block start about 5 months after I purchased the car and happened on August 2026.Steering wheel showing red signal start on July.
Incident date: Sep 5, 2026
Vehicle power steering and "PS" light, check engine light, and master warning light came on. Got it to Auto Zone for diagnostic tag and report says power steering needs to be replaced. There is a build up and the liquid is not going where it should, it is backing up and over flowing. Suggested to take the vehicle to the dealer there may be a recall because he's seen approximately 20 vehicles same ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 25, 2026
I am writing to report a critical structural safety defect involving the front steering knuckle (wheel carrier) on my 2016 BMW M4 GTS. Upon inspection, the original factory steering knuckle has developed severe structural cracks on both the top and bottom sections of the component. Safety Risk & Hazard:The steering knuckle is a primary load-bearing suspension component responsible for securing the... Read more
Incident date: Sep 30, 2025
I am reporting an urgent potential safety defect involving my 2025 Honda Ridgeline Sport, in Puerto Rico. Since the first oil/filter service, the vehicle has repeatedly developed a grinding/growling/knocking-type noise and physical sensation through the steering wheel and cabin, especially on rough, porous or uneven pavement and during minor road irregularities or braking/load changes. The conditi... Read more
Incident date: Sep 5, 2026
The steering wheel of the 2014 Honda Accord feels heavy all of a sudden.
Incident date: Sep 7, 2026
2019 Jeep Wrangler JLU experienced intermittent CAN-C communication failure. Vehicle has repeatedly experienced simultaneous loss of multiple electronic systems. On September 7th 2026, while driving, vehicle unexpectedly lost electric power steering, windshield wipers activated without command, ABS/TPMS/ESC warning lights illuminated, and vehicle subsequently would not shift into gear after stoppi... Read more
Incident date: Aug 28, 2026
I own a 2017 Honda CR-V Touring AWD, VIN [XXX]. While driving, the steering intermittently feels sticky, notchy, and jerky, like extra friction or sandpaper in the wheel. It is most noticeable at highway speeds during small lane corrections: the wheel momentarily catches or resists, then suddenly releases. This can cause overcorrection and makes it harder to keep a smooth, straight path. The probl... Read more
Incident date: Aug 15, 2026
My vin number isnt showing up for the steering rack recall but recently i got into my truck to get it out of the garage and the second i tried to turn the wheel it jerked and the steering shutdown so i couldnt turn the wheels.the truck has less than 12,500 miles on it. Its been in a air-conditioned garage its entire life. Its in the shop right now getting a new rack installed. $3500
Incident date: Jul 15, 2026
The steering wheel would suddenly become stiff (frozen or locked) during normal driving especially during turning. When it happened, I lost total control of the car causing dangerous situations on the road. A warning message appeared stating: "Changed steering effort, drive moderately and contact service center." At a BMW dealership, the problem was reproduced and confirmed. They replaced 12... Read more
Incident date: Jul 8, 2026
The component or system failed or malfunctioned, is the accelerator, brakes, stirring and electrical. The car is available for inspection upon your request. The car is having problems coming to a stop and it is very difficult to control the vehicle because the steering becomes so hard when the power shuts down on the vehicle as I'm driving it. I think and believe that that poses a high risk of som... Read more
Crash
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2024) - STEERING
Sep 7, 2026
Incident date: Aug 23, 2026
My vehicle has experienced repeated and unresolved electrical system failures and unexpected loss of power steering assist. The problem involves multiple warning lights, module communication faults, drivability issues, and simultaneous malfunctions affecting systems including power steering, traction control, transmission, four-wheel drive, and other electronic controls. Repair records, diagnostic... Read more
Incident date: Sep 6, 2026
The problem is reoccurance in short periods of time. I had an alignment done at 14,000 miles, then at about 20,000 miles when the tires were replace. Now, the car has 34,000 miles and requires another alignment due to excessive tire wear on the inner portion of the tire. The car has only been driving under normal driving conditions for the area; 95% highway driving. There haven't been any impacts ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 21, 2026
**NHTSA Complaint Summary: 2023 Chevrolet Equinox Warranty & Safety Failure** * **First Stall & Initial Negligence:** After a factory engine replacement, the vehicle suffered a fuel system failure. Castle Rock Chevrolet falsely claimed it was repaired, leading to a catastrophic stall on a high-speed highway with raw gasoline and burning plastic odors. * **Second Stall & False Diagnosis:** Fol... Read more
Incident date: Aug 30, 2026
Power steering goes out while driving down the road. Sometimes it works, then it doesnt, it is intermittent and I have to manually steer my vehicle when it goes out. Service power steering with care, and service stabilitrak pop up on the dash while driving. If i turn the truck off and turn it back on, sometimes that will allow the power steering to work again. I have not taken my vehicle to a deal... Read more
Incident date: Apr 18, 2026
Multipurpose camera unit failure code U3000-49. My camera does not keep its lane assist accurately and sways from side to side when it is working. 9 out of 10 times it does not work. Other acura owners of the ILX 2019-2022 have experienced the same codes and issues around 90K miles+. I have lights on my dashboard like Adaptive cruise control, Automatic braking system, Foward collision warning, La... Read more
Incident date: Sep 4, 2026
My Jeep is in limp mode and won’t go further than a mile before the power steering shuts down and the vehicle won’t move. I bought the vehicle used in March 2026 and took it to a local dealership to have the blind spot monitor system looked at and I was never made aware of any recalls. & now I will probably have to tow my vehicle out of pocket to the dealership to have it fixed.
Incident date: Apr 8, 2024
Clicking and light ticking noise from the electric power steering (EPS) rack when turning the steering wheel, with the vehicle stationary or at low speed. No loss of steering control and no crash or injury. Repair history on this VIN for the same concern: the steering rack and pinion was replaced twice under the first owner (04/08/2024 at 5,566 miles and 05/21/2024 at 8,730 miles). The noise retu... Read more
Incident date: Sep 5, 2026
Unknown. During a basic collision Avoidance maneuver performed by myself on the highway at speed of aprox 60MPH the steering suddenly became non-responsive, resulting in my inability to maintain directional control and cause a collision. The vehicle continued traveling before coming to its final resting position. During this sequence, the driver-side front suspension assembly sustained a catastr... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Sep 5, 2026
This is a 2025 Porsche 911. The car came equipped with "Land Keep Assist" also referred to as "LKA". In operation it is at times terrible, and at other times genuinely frightening. The system, without warning, intervenes to change the direction of the vehicle by applying steering input. It is very, very, inaccurate and unreliable. When engaged it often is fooled by gaps in road paint markings... Read more
Incident date: Sep 6, 2026
Car has a history of showing a P07AE-09 code in the power steering control module. When the code logs in the computer the car loses power steering assist while driving causing the steering to be hard to turn. Upon researching the cars recall work we seen that the car had the power steering control module software updated but no steering gear changed. My wife and children ride in this car and I'm a... Read more
Incident date: Sep 4, 2026
Steering is sticking at 11:00 and 1:00 positions.
MERCEDES-BENZ
GLE350
(2016) - STEERING
Sep 6, 2026
Incident date: Aug 28, 2026
While driving my 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350, the vehicle suddenly shut off and lost propulsion without warning. There was no check-engine light or other warning before the failure. The engine would crank afterward but would not restart, leaving the vehicle disabled. The vehicle has an open NHTSA safety recall (22V-955) involving the fuel pump control unit and potential loss of propulsion. The vehi... Read more
Incident date: Sep 5, 2026
Steering sticks on occasion when turning at highway speeds both left and right around the 1 and 10 o'clock position
Incident date: Sep 4, 2026
When in gentle right turns, the steering "sticks" at about 1:00 and I have to apply force to remove the steering wheel from that position. It results in oversteering, particularly at higher speeds.
Incident date: Dec 17, 2025
Heavy and sticky steering. While cornering or turning steering wheels can become stuck and does not return to central position and is very heavy. Reported to Mazda USA but they refuse to fix even though this is a know issue with a recall. Concen for the safety of my family while driving the car.
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
There are steering problems with our 2021 Honda CRV. My wife & I notice two issues: 1. When driving on the interstate, we notice the steering wheel seems to grab or stick when we try to slightly turn it. It causes the car to suddenly jerk. 2. When driving on the interstate, we notice that we constantly have to constantly adjust the steering wheel (either to the left or right) to keep it movi... Read more
Incident date: Dec 5, 2025
There is a clicking sound when turning right or left which seems the axle is broken. It is still under warranty but the dealer is refusing to fix it saying this breaks on all Prologue cars and they do not have a fix for that
Incident date: Sep 5, 2026
Mainly driving on highways at the end of long curves the steering is sticky and it is difficult to change the steering wheel back to 12 o'clock. Unpleasant and probably unsafe driving, as overreacting could occur, if it will stick more. It is happening more and more often.
Incident date: Sep 5, 2026
Reference: NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: PE25009 In the last month, I've noticed steering problem with my mini van. I have to use both hands to steer in a curve and it jerks when coming out of the curve. It feels as if i am loosing control of the van. It also happens when i am changing lanes and steer the wheel past 11 and 1 oclock. It feels as if the car is fighting me to steer.
Incident date: Aug 31, 2026
when turning the steering wheel would momenterily stick. germain honda of college hills said steering motor bad. replaced motor ,but still was sticky,said needed steering rack also. that fixed it for a total of 7500 hundred dollars. complained but have not receive any compansation.
Incident date: Aug 12, 2026
Car acclerated and steering pulled right, which pulled me off the road doing damage to steering gear and linkage, wheels, front suspension, exhaust system and slight body damage. Could be defect in car causing safety issue. With dealer, GM is involved but have been unable to determine why it happened. Insurance involved to cover damage. no warning lamps or failures appeared.
Crash
Incident date: Jul 21, 2026
I own a 2018 Honda Civic Sedan LX and am experiencing a steering problem where the steering wheel feels sticky and notchy instead of turning smoothly. The problem affects the steering and creates a potential safety concern because it can make the vehicle more difficult to steer smoothly and predictably. I took the vehicle to DCH Kay Honda, an authorized Honda dealership, for inspection. The deale... Read more
Incident date: Sep 3, 2026
At low speeds the Electronic power steering hesitates and i have to force the wheels to turn. Once upto speed of 35mph or higher the power steering works flawless. This is an issue for me as a first responder and is a safety concern.
Incident date: Aug 28, 2026
I left my home for work on XXX. I noticed a lack of propulsion upon stepping on the gas & air conditioning blowing warm air. At a stoplight ([XXX] and [XXX] in [XXX]), I attempted to restart the vehicle in hopes that a reset may fix any issues. What I found was that my vehicle would not restart and I could not remove it from park in a busy intersection. After 30 minutes of trying, I was able t... Read more
HYUNDAI
VELOSTER N
(2021) - STEERING
Sep 4, 2026
Incident date: Sep 3, 2026
The power steering motor fails at random and without warning, creating an imminent wreck hazard. At any time, the wheel will lose all power steering and simultaneously illuminate a red steering wheel warning on your dashboard. It takes significant force to turn the wheel once this happens. Secondly, when turning, a normal cars steering wheel will naturally "unwind" after a turn and smoothly straig... Read more
Incident date: Sep 4, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Honda HR-V. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel failed to operate as needed on several occasions. The contact stated that occasionally there was an abnormal fuel odor inside the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The dealer confirmed the fail... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2026
While I am driving there is a stickiness in my steering wheel and it causes me to overcorrect my steering and becomes an issue. Feels dangerous to me. This has gotten worse over time.
Incident date: Jul 15, 2025
Sticky steering especially at highway speeds and when air temp in hot. Stickiness is now apparent at slower speeds in hot wx. Current Recall is only for 2023-2025. This CRV is 2018. Problem has been apparent for over a year. Local dealer could not replicate issue on two occasions when car was in Honda dealership.
Incident date: Sep 2, 2026
On September 2, 2026, I purchased a used 2020 Audi Q5 with disclosed Lemon Law Buyback title branding. Approximately two hours after taking delivery, the vehicle began exhibiting a pronounced vibration/judder in the drivetrain when turning the steering wheel at low speed, approximately 1-5 mph. Initially occurring only at full steering lock, the symptom has progressively worsened and now occurs du... Read more
Incident date: Sep 4, 2026
The vehicles power steering randomly stopped working. I checked the fuse box 10amp and 125amp battery connection and no power issues with it. There is power to the rest of the vehicle.
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLTRXSTSE
(2026) - STEERING
Sep 4, 2026
Incident date: Aug 27, 2026
On August 27, 2026, after riding approximately 6 miles and less than two hours after taking delivery of this brand-new 2026 Harley-Davidson CVO Street Glide ST (5 miles on the odometer from the factory), VIN [XXX], I came to a complete stop at [XXX]. When I attempted to turn right after stopping, the handlebars suddenly locked or jammed, preventing the motorcycle from turning. The bike continued o... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Aug 15, 2026
Component failure: potential thermal (heat-related) breakdown of the EPS control module, steering rack electronics, or associated wiring harness. Description: After approximately two hours of continuous highway driving, a critical Red Steering Wheel Warning Light illuminates intermittently in the center dashboard. This indicates a severe system fault and imminent threat of total loss of power s... Read more
Incident date: Aug 25, 2026
The electronic power steering (EPAS) system/steering gear malfunctioned. Tesla diagnosed fault code EPAS3P_A072_mot and recommended replacement of the steering gear/rack, part number 1188832-00-B. The vehicle is currently available for inspection upon request. If the steering gear is replaced, I will request that the failed component be retained or otherwise made available for inspection if possib... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
JETTA
(2024) - STEERING
Sep 4, 2026
Incident date: Apr 26, 2026
When driving using cruise control, the vehicle will alarm if the driver is not holding the steering. If the driver does not take control of the steering wheel, a secondary alarm will alert the driver on the dashboard to take over steering. If the driver does not take over steering, the vehicle will aggressively pulse the brakes to alert the driver. In this vehicle, the alarm may trigger when hol... Read more
Incident date: Aug 30, 2026
Subject: Steering Rack Failure Reimbursement Request, VIN [XXX] To Whom It May Concern, I am requesting review and reimbursement for an electronic steering rack replacement on my 2021 Ford truck, VIN [XXX]. The electronic steering fault first appeared at start-up and when turning the wheel to full lock. Initially, I could pull over, shut the truck off, restart it, and the warning would clear. A... Read more
Incident date: Sep 4, 2026
The steering wheel has begun "sticking" when driving >35 mph (estimate, not measured). It seems to stick somewhere in the 10:00/1:00 range, and can be resolved by giving a small but firm counter-tug. So far, there has been no accidents, and seems to be resolved easily but there is a small concern that perhaps it could get worse or happen at an inopportune time which could be dangerous.