Consumer Safety Complaints
Search 2,215,138 safety complaints filed by vehicle owners with NHTSA — including 138,663 crashes, 56,255 fires, and 8,561 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 2,215,138 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 116,327 complaints — component: STEERING
Incident date: Feb 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost power steering assist functionality. The message "Loss of Power Steering Assist - Danger - Have Unit Serviced" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who retrieved DTC: C0545. The mechanic had not yet informed the contact of what part needed to be ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 7, 2026
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel was stiff and was difficult to turn in either direction. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with rack and pinion failure. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired be... Read more
Incident date: Mar 14, 2026
On March 14, 2026, at 20:54:21 UTC, while the Autopilot system was engaged, the vehicle malfunctioned by initiating a sudden, unprompted right-hand steering command within 0.3 seconds, resulting in a collision with another vehicle traveling in the adjacent right lane. Telemetry data from the event confirms the system failed to maintain the lane despite the Primary Steering Torque Sensor measuring ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Mar 1, 2026
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The steering gear in this vehicle began to fail around 40K miles. It clunks at low speed, doesn't roll out of turns, and recently has begun to oscillate during straight driving. I will keep the old part for inspection once replaced. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The cars s... Read more
Incident date: Dec 20, 2024
The white paint on my 2016 Honda Civic keeps peeling, which looks bad and is leading to structural rust developing in several areas of my car. Fixing it will be costly, and the paint quality on these vehicles isn't very good, causing frustration for owners. Furthermore, my steering wheel has been sticking for some time, and I've consulted several shops for their thoughts. This also comes with a he... Read more
Incident date: Jan 10, 2025
My 2019 accord gets stiff at speeds over 25-30mph and resists driver input, so much that you tend to over-compensate and make constant steering corrections every second so you don't crash. The car does not track straight at any speed, and does the same when the Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) is off or on. When LKA is active the car will not go straight on a straight smooth road. The car wanders dangero... Read more
Incident date: Apr 3, 2026
On April 3rd, 2026 my steering started to intermittently lock up on my 2022 Ford Bronco. I immediately took my vehicle to my local dealership where they were able to recreate the problem. The vehicle was also throwing the code U3000:49-8A for steering gear failure. This issue appears to be consistent with the Ford Safety Recall 23S09. There was no warning prior to the issue. There were no warning ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 14, 2024
UNKNOWN, Steering stick when drivining down the road. You turn the steering wheel and just sticks.
Incident date: Apr 8, 2026
The contact owns a 2023 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel seized, with the power steering warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the wiring harness connection related to the steering wheel had failed and needed to be rep... Read more
Incident date: Apr 4, 2026
2022 Honda CRV with 39,000 miles: When driving at high speeds (55+) when coming out of a turn/curve in the road, the steering wheel sticks/grabs for a split second, then releases, making steering seem unsafe. Issue seems more likely to happen in warmer temperatures 60 degrees and above. Also gets worse if car is driven for longer time. Since first noticing the issue in early April, now sometimes... Read more
Incident date: Jan 9, 2025
Steering exhibits a sticking sensation during gradual turns, "particularly when the steering wheel is positioned near the 11 o'clock or 1 o'clock position." Also Power Steering Service light comes on when car is started but then turns off when car is placed into drive on a semi regular basis, probably about 4 out of every 10 start ups.
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Steering wheel is constantly getting stuck, then unstuck. Vehicle can be inspected upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? my safety was questionable on highways when trying to switch lanes or on long turns. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or in... Read more
Incident date: Apr 6, 2026
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at 20 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to continue driving, but the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the steering gear had failed and needed to b... Read more
Incident date: Jan 5, 2026
The same issue that was recalled on every Aura from 2004-2007 Malibu 2004-2009 G6 2005-2009 Sudden loss of electric power steering randomly locks up when I'm driving.g.almost caused me to crash a total of 7 times with children in the vehicle. I am requesting this be replaced at no.coast to me immediately do to it's safety recall issue that is clearly been one in every model.
Incident date: Mar 21, 2026
Sticking steering, mainly at higher speeds. Dealer said it showed no codes. They said they could not make it do it, but it continued after inspection. I had another person drive and they noticed right off on the interstate that the steering was sticking and making vehicle shift across lane on its own. It does it all the time at any speed more noticeable higher speeds.
Incident date: Apr 1, 2026
Steering would get stuck when turning, then let loose. Fortunately I didn’t lose control. Happens all the time now when driving. Had the car towed to dealer. They diagnosed failed steering shaft. This Bronco has approx 28,000 miles on it. Ford Motor Company refused to help me pay for the approx $1000 repair. Finally, the dealer worked with a contact at Ford for them to cover most of the cost. Fo... Read more
Incident date: Apr 7, 2026
The steering light comes on , and "engine stopped, steering power low" comes on. The car just stops, usually when I've braked and come to a compete stop, and just completely shuts down. It's done it in the middle of traffic, I don't know why it's an issue.
Incident date: Mar 23, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and turning the steering wheel to the left or the right, the steering wheel failed to return to center. The contact was constantly making steering corrections while driving in a straight line because the steering wheel was turning independently to the left while driving. The contact stated that there was no... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2022) — STEERING
Apr 8, 2026
Incident date: Apr 3, 2026
Engine failed at high speeds on interstate. When my Truck shut off the steering and braking system went out and getting to shoulder of interstate was difficult with others around me. Express lanes were limited on emergency shoulder therefore my truck was partially on the high speed driving lane. 911 was called out to block freeway lane. Check engine light blinked right when truck shut down.
Incident date: Apr 6, 2026
While performing a low-speed reverse turn into a driveway, a loud clunk was heard and the driver side front wheel completely separated from alignment. The vehicle became immediately undrivable. Upon inspection, the ball joint retaining nut was found to be absent from the front driver side suspension assembly. No torque verification mark was present on the fastener. The vehicle is currently at an a... Read more
Incident date: Mar 30, 2026
Steering wheel locked - Available for Inspection - Can not Steer the vehicle - Diagnostic by independent service center - Unknown (Inspection by Manufacturer) - Massage (Power Steering Assist- Drive with care)
Incident date: Feb 23, 2026
I called way scarff ford to have the safety recalls taken care. Got my appointment, stopped the car off in the morning. They kept the car for 3 days and after the 3rd day they said everything is good to go. Go there in Auburn WA couldn't find my car. Took 4 people or including myself. Then it took another half hour to 45 min to find my car. Go get in the vehicle and something doesn't seem righ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 7, 2026
The power steering system software problem undriveable. The AWD failed said undriveable. Only 30k miles on it and it just locked and couldnt steering right to left in the middle of traffic. Could have caused a bad accident lycjuly my kids weren't in the car. The computer software took over completely made my car uncontrollable. Have a video of all warnings that came on.
Incident date: Apr 1, 2026
Steering sticks in a spot and requires extra push to make it turn which can cause a jerky motion.
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2022) — STEERING
Apr 7, 2026
Incident date: Feb 10, 2026
This is separate for VIN [XXX] I had to change dealerships because Beck & Masten South / GMC would NOT provide me with a loaner after being told I was on the list and I was next in line. I waited a month and drove to them and spoke with the girl who oversaw loaners. I explained I had severe safety issues such as front-end wobble which is related to transmission issues. And the oil consumption iss... Read more
Incident date: Apr 7, 2026
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH and making a turn, the message "Service Power Steering" was displayed. The vehicle lost power steering functionality and the vehicle almost crashed into a school bus. The driver veered into a ditch to avoid the crash. There was no injury sustained. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact was a master auto te... Read more
TOYOTA
COROLLA CROSS
(2026) — STEERING
Apr 7, 2026
Incident date: Nov 20, 2025
Front end vibrates and floats around at highway speeds. Vibration through the floor from the rear. rear of the vehicle steps out and wanders with weight in the vehicle causing passengers to get concerned. tires have been replaced, no change to front or rear or handling.
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2022) — STEERING
Apr 7, 2026
Incident date: Apr 7, 2026
Please Append these work orders to this Complaint number and VIN COMPLAINT: NUMBER XXX VIN: [XXX] Three Repair Orders from Beck & Masten GMC South attached. Thank you!!! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash
Incident date: Apr 4, 2026
To my best assessment I was driving and while turning the steering wheel was like it was locked and then it loosen up.I made it home and the next morning cranked up foot on brakes a red circle light came on red ⚠️ saying steering needs serving.I have scheduled a diagnostic appointment.Not Pryor to me leaving the house on 4/4/2026 did I experienced this incident which put me and my family’s l... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2022) — STEERING
Apr 7, 2026
Incident date: Jan 7, 2025
This is in addition to the first report regarding my 2022 GMC Sierra SLT with 10-Speed Transmission. I had previously filed a complaint (NHSTA Tracking# 11728418.) regarding the OnStar and Internet quitting on me. Which was the Serial Gateway Module. I had reported that I was put off many times regarding a loner vehicle so i could get back and forth to my Oncologist for treatment of Head and Neck... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Apr 6, 2026
A complaint is being filed regarding a **2025 Honda Civic** involving failure to diagnose and repair a safety-related suspension defect during the warranty period. While under warranty (~20,000 miles), a **clunking noise from the rear suspension** was repeatedly reported to Tamaroff Honda [XXX] ). Despite multiple service visits and complaints to both the dealership and American Honda (Case #XXX... Read more
Incident date: Apr 3, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality with the steering assist warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed. The dealer associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V198000 (POWER TRAIN); however, the VIN was not associated with the recall. The vehicle was not repaired... Read more
Incident date: Apr 2, 2026
ON 3 APRIL 2026 I WAS DRIVING MY 2011 BMW Z4 SDRIVE 30I E89 N52K (MANUAL TRANSMISSION) THAT HAS 31,000 MILES ON IT, SUDDENLY A STEERING ASSISTANCE MALFUNCTION TROUBLE LIGHT APPEARED AND I LOST ALL ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING. THIS SUDDEN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT!! THEN SHORTLY THEREAFTER THE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING CONTROL RETURNED. ON APRIL 4 I LOST THE STEERING CONTRO... Read more
Incident date: Feb 16, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-350. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V957000 (Fuel System, Diesel), 25V626000 (Steering), and 25V686000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the parts for two of the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the recalls and confirmed that parts for two of the recalls were not yet available; however, parts fo... Read more
Incident date: Dec 7, 2025
The contact owns a 2024 Ram 3500. The contact stated that the steering wheel buttons had become inoperable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with clockspring failure. The contact was informed that the clockspring needed to be replaced. The mechanic related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V199000 (Air Bags, Steering); and referred the contact to the d... Read more
Incident date: Apr 6, 2026
The bolts attaching the front passenger wheel's lower lateral link to the body fell out. Luckily this occurred while pulling into a parking lot. Once both bolts had fallen out the vehicle was not steerable. There have been many instances of this reported online, but usually they occur with far fewer miles and I was not experiencing the symptoms. The day prior there was an alert stating that an ali... Read more
Incident date: Apr 7, 2026
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and occupied, while starting the vehicle the contact became aware that the vehicle had lost power steering functionality. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle and the vehicle operated as intended. Neither an independent mechanic nor a dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer nor... Read more
LAND ROVER
RANGE ROVER SPORT
(2017) — STEERING
Apr 7, 2026
Incident date: Apr 7, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Land Rover Range Rover Sport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V514000 (Steering); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer confirmed that the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue... Read more
Incident date: Mar 16, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel seized, and the vehicle lost the power steering assist feature. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who replaced the electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) system. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure... Read more
Incident date: Jan 2, 2026
Warranty work has not been completed and I have had this issue for months.
LAND ROVER
RANGE ROVER SPORT
(2017) — STEERING
Apr 7, 2026
Incident date: Apr 7, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Land Rover Range Rover Sport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V514000 (Steering); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed that parts were not yet available. The dealer was asked to perform an inspection of the vehicle, but the request was denied. The contact was inf... Read more
Incident date: Mar 9, 2026
| Issues first appeared recorded on 3/9/2026, while odometer read 49,663 miles. Check engine light was caused by error codes P0128 and P01F0. This causes the following issues: * Check engine light to appear on the dashboard. * Engine temperature gauges to be unreliable at times or completely non functional at others, as it will constantly read the engine temperature "Cold". * Air conditioning ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2025
The steering went out on the car and I was unable to steer. Almost causing me to have a accident. I had to have a tow truck come and pick it up off the road. Thank God I was alone and my whole family was not in the car. There needs to be a recall on this there has already been so many accidents. If it has not already happen there is going to end up causing a fatality. What is it going to ta... Read more
Incident date: Apr 7, 2026
The steering gets stuck trying to return wheel to center after going around a curve or slight turn. It usually happens at 10/11 and 1/2 o'clock positions. It gets stuck and then i have to either slow down and turn the wheel again a little farther, then try to turn it back to center to get it unstuck. This has been replicated by an independent service center. This has been going on for the past... Read more
Incident date: Mar 31, 2026
All gauges on dash starting going up and down, Anti theft light, power steering light, low fuel light. Car slipping or having hard time going and possibly the key transponder ignition / chip key anti theft shut down.
Incident date: Apr 5, 2026
This is a known death wobble problem of jeep which i got while driving on highway with my family and could have got into an accident if would not control vehicle that time. My dealer is charger me for this issue which is costing me around 1200 usd and they are going to change the parts 1. Damper, Steering, 2. Tie rod end-outer-right or left for both sides. This is something which should have be... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2024
Drag link recall for my 2014 Ram 2500 was performed in 2019 and failed in 2024 causing the steering component to became loose while driving. When I had it "re-fixed" by Folsom Lake Dodge and Chrysler dealership they re-welded it without aligning the steering column so my steering wheel has been off ever since(not centered). This needs to be fixed not band aided.
ACURA
TLX TYPE S
(2022) — STEERING
Apr 6, 2026
Incident date: Apr 4, 2026
Subject: Vehicle Data Submission for Investigation DP26001 To the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI), I am submitting maintenance data for my Acura TLX Type S (VIN: [ВСТАВ ТУТ VIN]) to assist with the ongoing DP26001 investigation regarding the AWD Transfer Case (PTO) splines. The vehicle is a US-specification model currently operated in [XXX] . Maintenance Facts: At 29,000 km... Read more
Incident date: Mar 23, 2026
having problem with power steering. there is no place to add power steering fluid in my 2018 toyota camry. (this is my 4th toyota camry). steering rack and pinion probaly need to be replaced. i have read online that this is a known problem with toyota camrys
Incident date: Apr 6, 2026
Loss power steering while driving the vehicle, on the Highway and in a parking lot. The Turck as now at the dealer as it is nit safe to drive