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: Jun 4, 2026
Power steering harness has leak. Wiring is faulty
VOLKSWAGEN
JETTA
(2022) - STEERING
Jun 7, 2026
Incident date: Jun 2, 2026
SENCE PURCHACED the truck has a tie rod rattle, I have spoken to dealership and was informed no issue found. But as of late Vehicle wobbles very harshly when execrating or pulling away from stop signs passing another vehicle. Turns out it's a VERY common CV axle issue that the dealership doesn't have any sort of recall on. Feels very very unsafe to drive and its disappointing to see so many other ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 6, 2026
Steering wheel is sticking. It’s like the wheels grip and wanders to the left when go straight. If i slightly turn wheel to the right to correct steering it jumps/jerks to the right.
VOLKSWAGEN
TIGUAN
(2019) - STEERING
Jun 6, 2026
Incident date: Jun 1, 2026
I purchased a new 2026 Tesla Model Y Standard and took delivery on approximately 30 May 2026. Within the first week of ownership, the vehicle displayed multiple safety-related warnings, including: * Steering Assist Reduced * Power Braking Assist Reduced * Automatic Emergency Braking Unavailable * Lane Departure Avoidance Features Unavailable * Automatic Vehicle Hold Disabled The warnings have oc... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
The steering gets stuck or catches when driving on the highway. This cause constant over correction and potential safety hazards. It sounds like this is a common issue but I don’t see any recalls.
Incident date: Jun 3, 2026
Intermittent power steering failure while driving. Wife cannot turn it causing near misses during turns. Steering restored IF turn off ignition and restart engine.
Incident date: Sep 10, 2025
Loss of power steering while driving vehicle at different speeds ( when starting from a stopped position, also at speeds from 20 to 40 mph ) when trying to turn vehicle. Steering wheel pulses and shakes and is extremely hard to turn.
Incident date: Dec 18, 2025
A 2021 Tesla Model Y experienced steering/suspension warnings followed shortly by a steering-assist reduction event. On or around May 21, 2026, the vehicle displayed: “Steering alignment service recommended — OK to drive, schedule service soon.” The vehicle was brought to Tesla because the owner was concerned the car had detected a steering, alignment, suspension, or safety-related conditio... Read more
Incident date: May 21, 2026
Driving I15 and went to take my exit and the power steering went out and I almost rolled the truck now the eps won’t even come on. There needs to be a recall for my vin like there is for all other trucks that year. There was no warning just shut off immediately if my wife was driving she would’ve rolled the truck. It hasn’t been looked at but there is a ton of recalls for the same issue with... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2015) - STEERING
Jun 6, 2026
Incident date: Mar 3, 2025
Power steering failure, without incident. It started one morning, after turning off truck the previous day. Warning lights displayed as soon as truck was started. Very difficult to turn steering wheel. Too dangerous to drive. Dealer indicated the steering rack should be replaced.
ALFA ROMEO
GIULIA
(2019) - STEERING
Jun 6, 2026
Incident date: Jun 6, 2026
Electronic power steering is sticking and notching while driving on a highway once vehicle is warm. This is a safety hazard and Honda has a recall for later model years for the exact same reason. The internal worm gears heat and swell when warm causing internal grease displacement. We cannot safely drive this vehicle on a highway
Incident date: May 13, 2025
To start model Honda CRV 2018 did indeed have a recall in 11/2018 but only for 56 or 57 autos which mine was NOT one. My SUV with only 55k miles has started to have sticking in the steering wheel mechanism/hydraulics/or electrical systems relating to steering for the last 7 - 9 months. I was told by the service person in 04/26 that they would investigate the issue for $250+ bucks and if they ne... Read more
Incident date: Oct 8, 2025
This vehicle has chronic clicking when turning , when taken to a mechnanic i was informed the CV Axles both were torn and that it was a common issue for the 22 ford mavericks and they issue replacements for free. However when it comes to this they don’t cover it. The issue is still present and left untreated could be a dangerous issue.
Incident date: Jun 5, 2026
Upon taking hand off steering wheel car turns tires to the left all the way to the lock all by itself
Incident date: Apr 22, 2026
"While driving up an incline, the Electric Power Steering (EPS) system suddenly failed completely, causing the steering wheel to go violently stiff and dangerous to turn. The power steering warning light illuminated on the dashboard. After pulling over, turning the vehicle off, and restarting it, the system performed a soft reset and function temporarily returned. This matches the exact failure pr... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2022) - STEERING
Jun 5, 2026
Incident date: Jun 3, 2026
The power steering keeps going out after it was brought in for recall years ago and the recall is up the the issue keeps goin on with the car I don't understand what to do because the shop i brought it to said the power steering is brand new they don't understand why it's even doin it and also they couldn't even reprogram the system I wanted to know why doesn't ford fix this and why wouldn't they ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 5, 2026
The contact owned a 2024 Toyota Prius Prime PHEV. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, the vehicle was involved in a head-on collision with another vehicle that was traveling towards the contact's vehicle at approximately 50 MPH. The contact stated that during the impact, the steering wheel detached and hit the driver's body. The air bags failed to deploy. There was no warning light ... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jun 5, 2026
I had a engine replaced 1600 miles ago delarsship advised it was ok to drive gave me a vechicle back with abs light tracation control light on along with a exuast leak
Incident date: Jun 5, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Ram 3500. While attempting to have an alignment performed, the contact was informed that the steering drag link and the tie rod were both cracked. The failure caused rapid, premature wear on the tire. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V021000 (Steering); and believed that the welding that was performed in the recall r... Read more
Incident date: Jun 5, 2026
The contact owns a 2014 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality, the vehicle lost power steering assist, and the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The vehicle was towed to a dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure had previously occurred, a... Read more
Incident date: Apr 4, 2026
when driving I was approaching a curve and lost all steering for several seconds. I could turn the wheel completely all the way around and there was no control. After about 8 seconds steering was available again. This was not caused by hydroplaning as the roads are dry. speed was about 30 mph.
Incident date: Jun 5, 2026
The steering system made clicking noises and while turning would lock up. I took this to Honda, and they replaced the steering rack. This was extremely unsafe, especially at higher speeds. I did not feel safe driving this vehicle with the steering system failing. This VIN was not included in a Honda recall for the steering system and the steering system failed. The cost of repair was $3400.00. Hon... Read more
Incident date: Jun 4, 2026
While driving, the power steering stopped and basically locked up the steering wheel almost causing an accident. At the same time, multiple warnings flashed on the dash. After restarting, the vehicle operated as should until the following day when it occurred again and we had to have it towed to the dealership. Water intrusion and corrosion damaged a wiring harness and rack and pinion. The cost to... Read more
Incident date: Mar 30, 2026
Hello, I have a 2021 Honda CR-V with 38K miles. The steering has become consistent in the way I can think to describe it as sticking then freeing up while driving. From things I’ve read, there was a recall for an issue titled “Sticky Steering,” that the description matches exactly to what I’m experiencing. This has been going on now for a few months. With just 38K on the vehicle, I wou... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2026
2022 Wagoneer Series III has major alignment issues and ruining tires with the outside tire edges cupping/wearing bald due to the alignment kicking out within an hour of being aligned and driven at highway speeds. Vehicle also has a death wobble when going over 65 mph and pulls hard to the right almost causing the vehicle to go off the road or into another lane if you are not bare knuckling the st... Read more
Incident date: Jun 5, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel suddenly became firm, causing the vehicle to pull to one side. The contact was able to continue driving until arriving to the residence, and the steering wheel became inoperable. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed but not repaired. The manufacturer was not... Read more
Incident date: May 30, 2026
After a day of heavy rain, the vehicle stalled at a stop light and would not restart. The steering wheel and transmission locked, preventing the vehicle from being placed in neutral, creating a safety hazard as the vehicle was immobile in traffic. No warning lamps appeared prior to the failure. The vehicle required a tow. The dealer confirmed water had intruded through the passenger side cowl/fir... Read more
Incident date: May 21, 2026
Steering wheel has begun to "stick" in place, extra force required to move the steering wheel. Turning the steering wheel is rarely a smooth effort. Can also hear a clicking noise from under neath the car while driving. Recently found a small oil/grease stain from underneath the vehicle in my garage. Took my vehicle to a Honda dealer, they determined that the rack and pinion steering needs to... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2026
The steering assist malfunctions. It almost always fails around curves. It also does it sometimes on a straightaway, but it is not as frequent as with curves. It gets too close to the line and overcompensates. It literally will drive you off of the road. I have been driving across country and if I had not been diligent, I would have crashed dozens of times. According to Grok, this is a common comp... Read more
Incident date: Nov 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Acura RLX. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle pulled to the right, with a creaking sound while turning the steering wheel to the left or the right. The contact replaced the brake pads and rotors every year, but the failure persisted. The contact stated that the failure persisted after the wheels were rotated. The vehicle was taken to the de... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2026
The electric power steering (EPS) suddenly failed while driving. Loss of this system created an unsafe situation in which it was extremely difficult to hold the vehicle within the appropriate driving lanes and especially difficult to make any turns at intersections. The problem occurred on June 2, 2026, the failure was confirmed by an independent service center and the vehicle is currently at... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
ATLAS
(2024) - STEERING
Jun 5, 2026
Incident date: Apr 11, 2026
Severe, life-threatening autonomous safety system and powertrain failures in a 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV. The vehicle exhibits sudden, violent unintended acceleration, unprovoked emergency braking, and steering lockups. On multiple occasions, including at 75 MPH on the freeway and 45 MPH on city streets, the vehicle abruptly applies maximum braking force down to a near-stop without driver input o... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2025
Driving at 70 mph on interstate, driver adjusted hands on steering wheel and accidently pulled both paddles, shifting car into neutral. Fortunately, there was little traffic, and the driver was able to move to the side of the interstate, out the car into park and shift back to drive. This was highly dangerous. Losing control of the vehicle while traveling at 70 miles an hour could have resulted ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 5, 2026
Severe, life-threatening autonomous safety system and powertrain failures in a 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV. The vehicle exhibits sudden, violent unintended acceleration, unprovoked emergency braking, and steering lockups. On multiple occasions, including at 75 MPH on the freeway and 45 MPH on city streets, the vehicle abruptly applies maximum braking force down to a near-stop without driver input o... Read more
Incident date: Apr 2, 2024
Not sure if this is a safety issue at this point but there is a rattling noise around the steering column when you drive over any bumps and hoping this will not lead to any safety issues.
Incident date: May 19, 2026
Bolts for front lower lateral links in suspension backed themselves out over time, eventually causing the suspension to suffer a total collapse and trigger a complete loss of steering authority.
Incident date: Jun 1, 2026
My 2016 Ford F-150 is currently subject to Recall 26S28 / NHTSA Recall 26V237. Prior to the recall remedy becoming available, the vehicle began experiencing erratic transmission shifting and illuminated the check engine light, wrench symbol, and codes P0720 and P0722 were present. I brought the vehicle to an authorized Ford dealership for diagnosis. The dealership documented that the vehicle was ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 4, 2026
Car has sticky steering when going into curves and likes to wandered when drive straight, matches the symptoms of the current recall for certain vin numbers
Incident date: Jun 3, 2026
4wd and power steering is off due to some recall issue that affects my make/model/year but for some reason my vin# wasn’t able to be repaired. Alignment is off and I constantly buy used tires
Incident date: Apr 3, 2026
I have taken my vehicle or rather had my vehicle towed back to my dealership on three different occasions for repair of a Shift Cable Replacement I can have a very bad accident in my vehicle or lose my life or injure someone else the first time I didn't understand why my vehicle shutdown while I was driving on a very busy highway I was very upset, and I had to pray that none ran into me Lucky for... Read more
Incident date: Mar 20, 2026
Honda has made it extremely easy for thieves to steal the front radar sensor on all 2024 CR-V models. Mine was recently stolen, and there is currently no approved protection or deterrent offered by Honda to prevent this. Even after replacing it, the risk of it being stolen again remains very high. As a result, losing this sensor completely disables key Honda Sensing safety features, making the veh... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2025
I purchased this vehicle at 0 miles in July 2025 from Honda Accord in Pensacola Florida. I reported in July 2025 that there was a noise and I was unhappy with the vehicle and would like to exchange the vehicle within the 30 days months later, the noise got louder, and I took it in to see what the problem was I was told there was no issue that this is the loud start noise when you first crank the c... Read more
TOYOTA
HIGHLANDER
(2011) - STEERING
Jun 4, 2026
Incident date: Sep 14, 2025
Front subframe on the right side prematurely rusts, causing the vehicle to loose steering and pull to the right.
Incident date: Jun 2, 2026
The jeep is towed behind our camper. When the camper truck turns, the wheels on the jeep stay straight and drag the jeep through the turn sideways. On a highway off ramp with a curve at higher speed the jeep wants to pull the camper off the edge. Lane assist is off but I was forced to pick something below. The issue is with the jeep steering not tracking behind the camper causing a hazardous co... Read more
Incident date: Jun 2, 2026
Steering Gearbox Replacement. I have 29407.00 mileage as of XXX service date. This has been going for several months. I have no wear and tear on my car. I have the original tires on the car and are still good It basically brand new. Honda service in [XXX] did a diagnostic test and said that was the problem. I feel my safety is at risk. I no warning messages or other symptoms just had to steer th... Read more
Incident date: Jun 4, 2026
The rack and pinion steering system failed. This was a definite safety issue, with vehicle being unsafe to drive. There were no warning messages but the steering itself was sticking and binding at travel speeds. This vehicle had 40525 miles at the time of repair and just fallen out of warranty.
Incident date: Jun 4, 2026
My 2009 Hyundai Sonata was taken to the Hyundai of Lincolnwood dealership on May 19th. The certified technician formally diagnosed severe structural corrosion on both front and rear subframes (engine cradles), declaring the vehicle completely unsafe to drive. The dealership is withholding the vehicle under safety custody but refuses to provide a loaner or rental car. Hyundai Motor America states t... Read more
Incident date: May 28, 2026
Service Power Steering alerted. Power steering is out. Took truck to shop, shop recommended I take to dealership for a recall that was issued for EPS recall. Believe my truck just so happens to have been built some months outside the window the manufacturer claims were impacted vehicles. Awfully suspicious. I have not yet taken vehicle to dealership but wanted to document this consumer report... Read more
Incident date: Apr 20, 2026
The steering wheel in my 2017 Chrysler Pacifica is sticking or catching, especially during turns or when trying to return the steering wheel back to the centered position. Unknown cause. The steering system nearly consistently exhibits a sticking sensation during gradual turns, particularly when the steering wheel is positioned near the 11 o'clock or 1 o'clock position, and very noticeably at h... Read more