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: May 9, 2026
My eps is going out. When driving and turning my wheel the wheel catches and is hard to turn. It is significantly harder to turn when driving compared to being parked. Also it seems to not do this during the evening and early morning when it’s cool out.
Incident date: Jun 2, 2026
Lost power steering driving down the highway. Service power steering light started flashing. This made vehicle very difficult to turn onto shoulder. Been to private shop has to replace entire rack cost unknown yet.
Incident date: Jun 2, 2026
Car would shut off shortly after using remote start on key fob then display a warning on digital instrument cluster for two days now. It would also show my speed going back and forth from 0 to 1mph while parked.
Incident date: Sep 15, 2018
When driving at highway speed, steering wheel feels like it sticks (catches) suddenly, then jerks when correcting. Steering wheel action is disconcerting, but not dangerous yet. Seems to be getting worse. The steering issue has not been inspected by the dealer, or any technician.
Incident date: Jun 3, 2026
The steering wheel is sticky when resetting position after turning left. This is a major safety issue as it requires force to get the steering out of that locked up position. This forces overcorrection and the car sways everytime. I can confirm 100s of people with civics have this issue on Reddit, YouTube and other Honda forums however the recall only applied to 2022 and above (known issue but s... Read more
Incident date: May 18, 2026
While driving my 2017 Chrysler Pacifica, the vehicle experienced a sudden, severe malfunction of the Electric Power Steering (EPS) system. The dashboard illuminated a "Service Power Steering" warning light, which was accompanied by an immediate, complete loss of power steering assist. The steering wheel became extremely stiff and heavy. It required immense physical force to steer. This failure occ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 3, 2026
My cars had a clunking type noise coming from the front left of vehicle, sounds happens on both left and right turns, and sometimes the steering wheel STICKS. Making a knocking sound and sometimes feels difficult to turn the wheel. I had to have the steering gearbox assembly replaced at cost of over $3015 before taxes.
CADILLAC
ESCALADE ESV
(2026) — STEERING
Jun 3, 2026
Incident date: May 21, 2026
The car engine stopped on the highway while driving. Wouldn’t turn back on all of my four children were on the car.
Incident date: May 10, 2026
-Complete steering and suspension failure occurred while driving on highway. Vehicle is currently sitting at Ford dealer. - The safety of all passengers was put at risk and nearly caused a fatal accident. -Dealer and another shop are saying it was lower control arm and bushing failure. They are unclear on path forward for repairs and it seems like something bigger is going on they do not want ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2026
Steering "sticky". Intermittently steering feels stuck, resistant to during turns requiring extra force on steering wheel to break free both in low speed maneuvering and at highway speeds. Sticky steering associated by a soft clicking noise. Jim Coleman Honda of Clarksville MD checked the vehicle and confirmed the sticky steering and associated clicking noise. Their remedy to the sticky steering ... Read more
FORD
F-150 LIGHTNING BEV
(2022) — STEERING
Jun 3, 2026
Incident date: May 1, 2026
Component Failed & Inspection Status: The front-left upper and lower control arms, ball joints, wheel hub assembly, steering knuckle, and front axle shaft have failed. Severe environmental corrosion has completely seized and fused the steering knuckle inside the wheel hub. All original failed components are currently intact and are fully available for physical inspection upon request. Safety Risk... Read more
Incident date: Jan 5, 2026
I bought this truck and its got 50000 miles on it and it has a clunking noise c coming from the steering shaft took it to ford to have trailer module recall fixed and had them inspect the noise and they said the whole steering shaft needs replaced and I have co workers with f250s and they have the same noise... something comes apart in steering shaft could cause a wreck and even death... dealer sa... Read more
Incident date: Jun 2, 2026
While using Highway Driving Assist/Lane Following Assist on Interstate highways, lane markings frequently disappear on overpasses and in construction areas. When this occurs, lane-centering assistance silently disengages. The only indication is a small dashboard icon changing color. There is no audible warning, steering wheel vibration, or other prominent alert. The vehicle may begin drifting befo... Read more
Incident date: May 19, 2026
am reporting a serious safety concern involving a 2025 Tesla Model Y, VIN [XXX] . On [XXX], the vehicle was being driven on [XXX] in Columbus, Ohio while the driver was traveling to Columbus Preparatory Academy. During the trip, the steering reportedly stopped responding properly, and the driver struggled to control the vehicle. Witnesses at the scene reported that the driver appeared to be fight... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jun 2, 2026
Upon starting my truck, the Service Power Steering light came on, and my steering wheel was locked, rendering me unable to move the truck and stranded. The system was scanned and reported that the internal EPS module had failed.
Incident date: Apr 15, 2026
The vehicle has an unresolved electrical/propulsion failure involving sudden shutdowns while driving and CAN C bus/lost-communication faults. Since the high-voltage battery was replaced through a recall-related repair, the vehicle has had repeated shutdown/loss-of-communication events, occurring dozens of times. In the most serious incidents, while driving at speed, the dash flickered, windshield... Read more
Incident date: Mar 15, 2026
The power steering has failed 4 times. This is the same problem that the 2015 Colorado's had. There was recall on the 2015 models. There has not been a recall on the 2016 models. but the problem still exists.
Incident date: Jun 1, 2026
Steering sticks at highway speeds, causing car not to steer properly. Police pulled me over thinking dwi. Please notify me of recall. Noticed the 2017 was recalled for that reason...
VOLKSWAGEN
TIGUAN
(2025) — STEERING
Jun 2, 2026
Incident date: Jun 2, 2026
The vehicle is experiencing a persistent and severe manufacturing defect regarding its steering wheel geometry and vehicle alignment. While operating the vehicle under normal driving conditions, the steering wheel alignment is visibly off-center, failing to achieve proper tracking geometry. There is comprehensive photographic and video evidence documenting that the steering wheel and tracking alig... Read more
Incident date: May 20, 2026
The horn on my vehicle activates (blows) when I turn the steering wheel to certain positions. I believe this to be a road hazard. Especially since I had to remove the horn relay to prevent the horn from blowing in traffic until I can get it repaired. Several other Ford vehicles have been recalled for this exact problem. Just to diagnose this problem at the Ford dealer is $170.00. Help!
MINI
COOPER S CONVERTIBLE
(2005) — STEERING
Jun 2, 2026
Incident date: Apr 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2005 Mini Cooper S. The contact stated while driving 10-15 MPH, the steering wheel was significantly loose and turned excessively. Additionally, the contact stated that the steering wheel felt like it would detach from the column. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not conta... Read more
GRAND DESIGN
IMAGINE
(2020) — STEERING
Jun 2, 2026
Incident date: May 30, 2026
I am filing a formal safety complaint against Camping World for structural equipment overloading, unauthorized safety component manipulation, and willful public safety endangerment. On May 29, the dealer hitched a 37' long trailer to my half ton truck frame. This combination violates critical highway stability standards. A 37' trailer requires a minimum 178" tow vehicle wheelbase to counteract lat... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
GLE 450E 4MATIC
(2025) — STEERING
Jun 2, 2026
Incident date: Aug 25, 2025
Shortly after we took possession of the car, I noticed that the warning that I was not holding the steering wheel would light up when I was holding the wheel with both hands in the 10-2 position. Flipping my fingers while continuing to hold the steering wheel was sufficient to switch the warning off. Also I was frequently being advised that the steering assist was inoperative and that the stop and... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2018) — STEERING
Jun 2, 2026
Incident date: Mar 1, 2022
Incident description: On three occasion I have had the same catastrophic Engine failure putting myself and my family along with the general public in harms way. Starting March of 2022 while driving at approximately 60 MPH on the West Shore Expressway my truck experienced a sudden and total loss of motor power. My engine stalled out and I lost my ability to safety steer and stop my vehicle. This a... Read more
Incident date: Apr 16, 2026
This is the second time the ICCU failed. The car is waiting for a full EV battery replacement. The first time the failure happened on 12/11/25, at 9,165 miles, the alert happened just before the car came to a full stop as we were driving along the road near our house, it was very difficult to steer, we were sort of stopped in the road and had to get it towed. The second time the alert came on 4/1... Read more
Incident date: Sep 23, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 FORD F-250. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: (25V626000 (STEERING) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. 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 had not experienced a ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 29, 2025
I have had a continuous problem with the steering wheel intermittently stiffen and bind. I brought this to the attention of the service manager, Tony Rocha at Ed Morse Honda. He agreed that there was a problem with the Powering Steering Rack (Gear Box) and that this has been an ongoing problem with the CR-V. However, at this time there is not a recall on the 2019, just on the newer CR-V's. I c... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2026
As I was driving the Tesla Model X, I received a steering assist reduced error on the dash. There was no immediate noticeability, but after about 5 minutes, it felt like there was ZERO power steering, with no additional warnings in the car. With zero power steering, car required extreme forces required to get to the shoulder. If attempting any kind of turn, car would require forces in excess of... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2026
The steering wheel gets stuck when doing gentle turns at moderate speeds (30-50mph). This is a safety issue because you have to fight hard to return the steering to neutral, leading to the possible to overcorrect. The problem seems to get worse when the vehicle is hotter, or after driving for several minutes. The problem has happened for several years and is getting worse and more frequent. Changi... Read more
Incident date: May 31, 2026
While driving, the vehicle experiences dangerous episodes of what is widely known as "sticky steering." Specifically, when initiating a sweeping left-hand turn, the steering wheel hits a point of sudden mechanical resistance, requiring an unexpected and sudden increase in steering effort to turn the wheel. When trying to maintain or exit the turn, this resistance causes the steering wheel to bind ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 17, 2025
The vehicle was purchased brand new from an authorized franchised dealership, sold and contracted as being equipped with a dealer-installed 2.5-inch suspension lift. At approximately 20,000 miles, a severe front-end squeaking symptom developed. The vehicle was brought to a separate authorized Toyota dealership service center for inspection. An authorized Toyota Master Technician formally inspec... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2025
Steering rack started to fail after only 15000 miles
Incident date: Apr 15, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 GMC Acadia. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speed, the steering assist reduced warning light illuminated. The contact's husband attached a portable diagnostic tester to the vehicle, and P0128 was the failure code. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall related to the failure. The manufacturer was made awar... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2026
Cluck noise when turning at slow speed leaking oil both sides from the axel
TOYOTA
HIGHLANDER
(2015) — STEERING
Jun 1, 2026
Incident date: May 31, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the infotainment screen would go blank and the system would turn on inadvertently. This issue became more frequent, occurring approximately every 10 seconds. The power steering warning light also illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an auto parts store where a handheld diagnost... Read more
Incident date: Apr 15, 2021
Steering sticks. Wont re-center when turning corners. This is a safety issue for sure when it wont steer well at all. Yes. I took it to an alignment shop and the tech drove it and said he nearly hit a curb as the wheel did not re-center when turning a corner. Two independent shops checked it and both thought it was the steering gear box. It has never steered well since it was new. I th... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2026
We are experiencing the dangerous 'Sticky/Notchy' electric power steering (EPS) conditions in our 2022 Honda CR-V, identical to the symptoms described in NHTSA Recall 24V-744. The steering wheel momentarily binds or sticks, particularly at highway speeds and when attempting to complete or recover from a turn. It requires noticeable extra physical effort to 'break' the wheel free from this sticky c... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the power steering became inoperable. While reversing, the steering wheel became inoperable but corrected itself. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering). The local dealer was called, who confirmed there were only certain vehic... Read more
Incident date: Dec 15, 2025
My vehicles started experiencing a Service Power Steering Code and Service Stabilitrak warning after I Replaced my Sway Bar Bushings and Sway Bar Links and Started Giving Me A Code On My Scan Tool Of CO55C:00, and Lost Of Communication With Electronic Brake Module(UO121:00) Code. I Also Have A Multi-Axis Acceleration Sensor Code. Power Steering Module, When I Disconnect my Battery Completely It Ma... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving, the steering wheel became loose and grabbed. The vehicle felt like it was traveling into another lane. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V663000 (Steering). While her husband was driving, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the lo... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2025
Noise coming from front driver side suspension or steering column/components. The noise is very light, but sounds like a clunking/rattle and can be felt through the steering wheel. It is intermittent. Because I am unsure what is actually causing the noise, I cannot state whether it is actually part of the suspension system or steering column area. The dealership cannot replicate the noise, so it h... Read more
Incident date: May 30, 2026
On XXX at approximately 12:30–1:00 PM, I was backing my Tesla Model Y out of my garage. While reversing, I felt unusual vibrations coming from the vehicle. After backing out, I shifted the car into Drive and attempted to make a left turn. At that point, the vehicle would not turn, and it began producing significant noise and vibration. I exited the vehicle to inspect it for any obvious issues, ... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2021) — STEERING
Jun 1, 2026
Incident date: Mar 29, 2026
power steering locked up while driving. has been inspected and repaired by manufacturer. recall.
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2021) — STEERING
Jun 1, 2026
Incident date: Mar 29, 2026
power steering locked up while driving. multiple dash lights turned on, on its own after the issue, 4wd, emergency brake, abs, and other ones im not sure what they are. took it to the dealership for a recall and told them the issue that happened.
Incident date: May 24, 2026
I went out to start my car and the power steering assist fault came on and wouldn't let me turn the wheel easily. When I looked up the problem the code came back to one of the recalls Ford has on those escape. But now my car is not in the recall but it was made with in the years and the plant the they recalled for
Incident date: Apr 13, 2026
The Ford dealership completed repairs on my vehicle and returned it by parking it in front of my garage. I have a long driveway and additional parking and needed to park the vehicle somewhere else (maybe 20-30 feet away). I reversed the truck ~20 feet and when I tapped the gas lightly to turn the car left to pull into the parking space it accelerated rapidly. I pressed the brakes repeatedly and th... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Mar 29, 2026
When we are driving around small curves as well as straight, the steering locks up. I am reporting as I was told to because this happens in all of these vehicles. If I move the wheel a little bit it comes out of it. This is our main vehicle and it just did it on the interstate going 80. It is a complete safety concern and extremely dangerous to be dealing with it especially when you have your chil... Read more
Incident date: May 31, 2026
The steering wheel of my 2013 ford fusion S.E 2.5 Lm was tightly connected to the steering system until now. It has start wobbling over time and the problem have greatly increased as of 05\31\2026. I fear that if I can’t this problem fixed soon the whole steering wheel will disconnect one day. When I told a mechanic about the problem he told me there was a recall put out by Ford Fusion Motors on... Read more
Incident date: Mar 16, 2026
The steering at highway speeds sticks. This causes the vehicle to drift left or right until the steering engages to correct. It feels unsafe.
Incident date: May 30, 2026
The vehicle has repeatedly lost electrical power while driving. During one incident at approximately 50 mph, the vehicle’s electronics shut off and power steering assist stuttered/lost assist for several seconds, causing reduced vehicle control. During another incident while turning/in a turning lane, the engine and electronics shut off and the vehicle had to be restarted. Afterward, the vehicle... Read more