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: Jul 2, 2026
Error ui_a020 "steering assist reduced" appears without any noticeable steering changes at the moment, but with a warning that steering may become increasingly harder and harder. There were recent recalls on other models of Tesla.
TOYOTA
HIGHLANDER HYBRID
(2023) - STEERING
Jul 9, 2026
Incident date: Mar 5, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH with her daughter and parents in the vehicle, an abnormal squeaking sound was heard emanating from the steering wheel. No warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the steering column needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 9, 2026
While driving 40-45 mph on a curvy mountain highway, the power steering suddenly stopped working. There was no warning message prior. Once the power steering ceased, a warning message displayed, "Service Stabilitrak". I was left in a situation which was challenging to steer the vehicle, and much more difficult to maneuver at slower speeds and turns. Soon after, I parked the vehicle and shut it of... Read more
Incident date: Jul 9, 2026
The electric power steering (EPS) is the affected system. While driving around curves in the road, the steering wheel intermittently sticks. This puts the safety of those in the vehicle as well as others on the roadway at risk. The problem has been reproduced and confirmed by a dealer to be an electric steering rack failure. There have not been any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms.
Incident date: Jun 5, 2026
The steering "sticks" on either right or left hand curves (more left than right) under normal driving circumstances on paved roads. This causes a "jerk" when returning the wheel to center, after or as the vehicle is coming out of the curve. Definitely concerning. Noticed shortly after we purchased the van with 100,000 miles on the odometer.
Incident date: Jul 9, 2026
2018 CRV owned since 2020 has had air bag and fuel filter recalls completed but now has another known defect that requires recall/repair: steering gear box. Two months ago, the steering wheel started to "stick" requiring driver to exert additional force to the steering wheel to direct the vehicle in the desired direction. There is an audible "tick or click" when the steering "catches" and pulls ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 20, 2025
I was driving then I shut off like I shut the car off and restart it while I was driving then my electric power steering symbol keeps coming on.
JEEP
GRAND WAGONEER
(2023) - STEERING
Jul 8, 2026
Incident date: Jun 27, 2026
blackout on the radio cluster, and dashboard instrument cluster intermittently goes completely black while I am driving and sometimes it just keep blinking off and on. front driver side tire when I turn it feels like theirs something wrong with the front and while turning the driver side rear tire sounds like it’s dragging or constantly on gravel. while driving, the vehicle intermittently displa... Read more
Incident date: Mar 2, 2024
Description of Incident:The electronic ignition module suffered a sudden failure due to unsealed manufacturer water intrusion, leaving the vehicle completely stranded with an immediate safety hazard. Component failed & available for inspection: Electronic Ignition Switch (EIS) module / Ignition Control Module. Yes, it is available for inspection. Safety risk: The sudden failure causes an immedia... Read more
Incident date: Jan 28, 2026
The one I put down are affected items the water pump could be bad the alternator the computer I’m not a mechanic so of the thing in the car on display don’t always work the cruise control is effected the front left tire wheel and axle feel bad and a times I think the steering wheel could fail and leave me going in that direction..!! The web says it may need an asymmetric rebuild I was... Read more
Incident date: Jul 8, 2025
My EPS Gearbox failed and resulted in swelling of the worm wheel when heated. This led to a steering rack assembly failure. All parts can be inspected upon request. At any point, I could've lost control of the steering of my vehicle and hurt myself or others. Honda inspected my vehicle. This problem has been confirmed to me by my Honda dealership. I started having my wheel "stick" or increase resi... Read more
Incident date: Jul 8, 2026
🚨 P0128 code, thermostat-related symptoms, Steering Assist Reduced warnings, increased steering effort, or other safety concerns while driving.
Incident date: Apr 21, 2026
The steering has become "sticky", the service shop says the steering gear box is bad and must be replaced. There were no warnings. It just suddenly seemed like when I tried to turn left the car steering was fighting me and trying to jerk back to straight. It was intermittent at first, then became regular with turning left, and recently began doing it when turning right --even slight turns. W... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2026
The vehicle pulls or "snaps/clicks" when wheel is moved at all speeds while driving manually. It is more prevalent at higher highway speeds. Tesla stated steering gear mechanism may need replacement and it is considered normal wear and tear. There are no alignment, nor wheel, problems. The steering issue has become a hazard on the highway due to the sudden "jerk" reaction from steering wheel input... Read more
Incident date: Jun 24, 2026
The steering column From the car has diminished causing dangerous shaking on highway at high speeds
Incident date: Apr 16, 2026
I had P0128 Code with a warning message " Steering assist is reduced, drive with care". My local mechanic told I need a new thermostat. I have replaced my thermostat and it cost me 700 dollars out of pocket.
Incident date: Jun 25, 2026
I am reporting a serious safety failure in my 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee L (1,483 miles). On XXX, the vehicle was parked with my wife and young children inside. Upon starting it, the vehicle would not shift into gear, the steering wheel locked, and the front windows stopped working. The lane departure symbol lit up during the failure, and the vehicle would not shut off through normal controls. After... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE L
(2025) - STEERING
Jul 8, 2026
Incident date: Jul 6, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the message "power steering failure" was displayed, and the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact stated the failure was recurrent. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with complete power steering failure. Repairs were pending due to parts unavailability. The manufacture... Read more
GRAND DESIGN
MOMENTUM
(2021) - STEERING
Jul 8, 2026
Incident date: Jun 17, 2026
Front axle snapped. Power steering rack faulty. Leaks all fluids other than oil! Tire stud snapped sent me into a ditch. Transmission has been rough and leaking and only 160k miles. Manual says no need to warm up car as it's got a magic part. Well transmission is blown after following manual to the T on matinece and operation. My family is a ford family! Minus one after this 08 edge can't believe ... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
My 2015 Colorado has begun to periodically lose power steering. I have now several times been driving. I here a warning ding and a warning on the dash, then my power steering is completely gone. Steering becomes very difficult. This is a significant safety issue. Once I am able to safely pull out of traffic, and restart the truck, the power steering returns.
Incident date: Jun 25, 2026
The contact owns a 2023 Jeep Wrangler. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V363000 (Steering); however, the part to complete the recall repair was not yet available. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Incident date: Jul 8, 2026
I am reporting a safety defect involving my 2025 GMC Hummer EV 3X (VIN: [XXX]). On XXX at approximately 18,880 miles, I first presented the vehicle for steering/alignment, suspension, and handling concerns. As of this complaint, the vehicle has approximately 26,840 miles. I have driven nearly 8,000 miles while repeatedly reporting unresolved safety concerns and transporting my two children (ages ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 7, 2026
My steering suddenly got extremely stiff on the highway while driving. There was a warning that assist will be reduced but no assist was present. I had to use all my strength to turn the steering and pulled into a parking lot with great difficulty. Then I reset the main computer and the power steering was functional again. I was lucky since the traffic was moving slower than usual but it could hav... Read more
Incident date: Jun 8, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the steering wheel would stick when turned approximately to the one o'clock position, requiring to be jerked to operate as intended. The contact stated that when the failure occurred, the auto start-stop warning light illuminated, and the check engine warning light would intermittently flash on and off. The... Read more
TOYOTA
RAV4 HYBRID
(2026) - STEERING
Jul 8, 2026
Incident date: Jul 7, 2026
I am filing a safety and compliance complaint regarding execution of Federal Recall Campaign #26V365 by Valley Stream Acura and sales fraud by Paragon Acura. I purchased this 2016 Acura MDX from Paragon Acura on May 29, 2026. I have driven it only 550 miles, placing it strictly within the statutory New York State 60-Day Used Car Lemon Law Warranty window. A certified 6-page independent ASE forensi... Read more
Incident date: Jul 6, 2026
"Steering Assist Is Reduced – Drive With Care" warning appeared while the vehicle is in motion. This may require increased steering effort and could affect a driver's ability to respond to changing traffic conditions. Any steering-related warning that appears unexpectedly while driving deserves serious attention. P0128 code was shown. The cause was a faulty thermostat housing assembly and neede... Read more
Incident date: Jul 7, 2026
When I’m driving on the highway, I get a message on my dashboard saying steering assist reduced, drive with care. I have taken to the GMC dealership and they will not cover this repair even though it would be covered for 2021 GMC. When this happens, my car makes a loud noise and my steering wheel does not feel right. I do not feel safe.
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
The steering rack and gear went completely while we were driving 60mph on the highway. We had absolutely no steering all of a sudden and ended up missing a cliff and veering/driving 40 feet into a pasture at 60mph. No warning lights came on, the steering wheel pulled for a minute and then went completely loose with no steering. We had the vehicle towed. Steering rack and gear are completely o... Read more
Incident date: Jul 7, 2026
Power steering malfunctioned and stopped working in the middle of driving. It works intermittently.
Incident date: Jun 29, 2026
Steering assist reduced is the warning. The AC will no longer work and the fan runs constantly. From what I’ve read, it is a popular problem for Acadia owners and the thermostat and sensor has to be replaced. We have not been able to replace ours yet because of the cost.
Incident date: Jul 3, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel was off centered and the vehicle vibrated. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle vibrated while making a turn. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a passenger-side rear detached inter-tire rod and bushing and a driver's side rear in... Read more
Incident date: Jun 12, 2026
I was on my way to work, and the power steering stopped working as I was making a turn. The power sterring light came on in the dash. The mechanic told me he had worked on a few with the same issue, and that it was probably the rack, but he checked the fuses and wiring first. A new rack is $3800.
Incident date: Mar 1, 2025
Vehicle: 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid Component: Steering (Electronic Power Steering / EPS Gearbox) Description of Safety Defect: While driving at highway speeds (above 45 mph), the steering wheel experiences a severe "sticky," "notchy," or binding sensation. It catches when making minor directional adjustments, requiring excessive and abrupt physical force to break the wheel free. This causes a dange... Read more
FORD
EXPEDITION
(2020) - STEERING
Jul 7, 2026
Incident date: Jun 28, 2026
The incident occurred while my 2008 Allegro Bus was towing my 2022 Ford Escape PHEV. Incident occurred on Sunday, 21 Jun 2026 about a mile from my home. I had just started a left hand turn and was in the intersection when I felt a thump-thump at the back of the coach. I did a quick inspection and saw no apparent damage and all tow connections were secure, so I continued to my home. While uncouplin... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2026
I am writing to formally escalate an unaddressed, severe safety defect regarding my 2025 Acura Integra Type S (Current Mileage: ~5,000 miles). My vehicle is experiencing the exact mechanical "sticky steering" and steering gearbox binding symptoms outlined in NHTSA Campaign 24V-744. While driving at highway speeds, the steering wheel sticks in the dead-center position and requires a sudden, jerky p... Read more
FORD
ESCAPE HYBRID
(2021) - STEERING
Jul 7, 2026
Incident date: Jul 4, 2026
I own a 2015 Kia Sportage VIN in detail. On 7-2-2026, an authorized Kia dealer completed the anti-theft ignition campaign. Within days of that repair, my daughter was driving at highway speed when the ignition moved from the ON/RUN position to ACC. The engine shut off, resulting in loss of power steering and brake assist. Fortunately, she was able to safely pull over. The servicing dealer has sta... Read more
Incident date: May 17, 2026
The contact owns a 2023 Toyota RAV4. The contact stated that while driving at 46 MPH in heavy rain, a warning message indicating that the pre-collision sensor was blocked and needed to be cleared, was displayed temporarily, and the contact continued driving. The contact stated that the vehicle suddenly lost motive power shortly after, and the message "Steering power is low; please contact dealer"... Read more
FORD
EXPEDITION
(2019) - STEERING
Jul 7, 2026
Incident date: Jul 1, 2026
On XXX, while my wife was driving our 2017 Honda Pilot Elite (VIN: [XXX]) southbound on [XXX], approaching the intersection with [XXX], the vehicle experienced a complete engine stall due to the Auto Idle Stop feature. The engine shut off at a stop but failed to automatically restart when she released the brake to proceed. All dashboard warning lights flashed, and the vehicle became inoperable in... Read more
Incident date: Jul 5, 2026
The contact owns a 2025 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH on a highway, the steering wheel seized, resulting in a loss of steering control. The contact was able to pull the vehicle onto the shoulder and then drove off the highway to a gas station, where the vehicle was towed. The contact stated that the power steering warning light, the brake warning light, a... Read more
Incident date: Feb 6, 2026
I have gone to multiple Hyundai dealerships to remedy the open recall on my vehicle. None of them are able to accomplish it due to lack of equipment. My electronic power steering recently failed after multiple attempts to accomplish the recall. The most recent attempt was at the Hundai dealership at Doug's Hyundai, 22130 Hwy 99, Edmonds, WA 98026, in 2026. Previous attempts were at Hyundai dealers... Read more
Incident date: Jul 6, 2026
The steering get sticky when on highway speeds
Incident date: Apr 20, 2026
Here’s the revised version with that important detail added naturally: For the past two years, my vehicle has experienced the same recurring steering problem during long highway trips. The issue consistently begins after approximately 1–2.5 hours of highway driving and always occurs during very hot or humid weather. The steering wheel starts to stick when making small corrections while drivin... Read more
Incident date: Jul 5, 2026
The steering sticks in a gradual turn when at highway speed and will not return to neutral on its own. When this happens you must use some force to break the steering free and the vehicle swerves drastically. Dealer confirmed the steering issue today at Honda World in Louisville KY. No warning indicators are provided. This is a known issue on the 2022 year models and a recall has been issued f... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2024
This event occurred after a history of ABS system issues as well as Infotainment system issues since 10k miles. During morning commute at approximately 60 mph, all dash warnings began to chime associated with the Touring features of the sedan. TPMS, Collision Avoidance, Braking System, Lane Departure, etc. AND Electric Power Steering. The steering wheel clicked and immediately became difficult t... Read more
Incident date: May 6, 2026
Unknown, 2016 Honda Civic, Sticky Steering on the highway
Incident date: Jul 2, 2026
Unknown, 2016 Honda Civic, Sticky Steering on the highway
Incident date: Jun 8, 2026
EPS sticks once engine is up to temperature and car is moving at or just below highway speeds. Same symptoms as in 11th gen Civic.
Incident date: Jul 1, 2026
2024 Rivian R1T has a persistent pulling defect and safety hazard. Four repair attempts at Rivian Denver Service Center all failed: 1. Jul 16, 2025 - WO-1452784, 16,117 mi: Alignment performed. Defect continued. 2. Aug 11, 2025 - WO-1530133, 16,936 mi: Same-day return. Second alignment. Defect continued. 3. Nov 3-4, 2025 - WO-1745098, 20,520 mi: Rivian lead technician ride-along confirmed p... Read more
Incident date: Jul 5, 2026
While driving down the highway the vehicle radiator fan kicked on high (could hear it from the cab) then my electronic power steering went out seconds after receiving the “Service Electronic Power Steering” dash light. Since then it is intermittent, EPS returns and then goes out again, each time accompanied by the high fan noise.