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: May 5, 2026
Steering wheel does not return to center; likely due to failing steering gear or rack due to faulty lubrication at factory.
Incident date: Apr 30, 2026
While driving, especially on the highway over the last few months, my steering has seemed to catch or stick to where you have to turn the wheel harder than you should have to in order to stay in the lane. It seems to be worse in warmer weather or on longer trips. Needless to say, both of these issues have created great safety concerns especially when trying to stay in my lane on a curve with a c... Read more
Incident date: May 6, 2026
I purchase my vehicle used around November 2025, in February 2026 we started to notice a little bit of stiffness while driving in curves it usually happens when taking a right curve. Now it has got worse to the point where it feels like the steering wheel is getting stuck while taking a curve. It looks like previous owner had already done a recall on this vehicle for that issue but it has started ... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
ATLAS
(2021) - STEERING
May 6, 2026
Incident date: Apr 28, 2026
I was parked in a parking spot and when returned to my car and turned my car on a loud bang came from the front of the vehicle. Both of my front tires were facing inward. The drivers side front tie rod snapped with a clean break for no reason. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where after inspection there was no obvious reason for this to happen, no damage to the tire, aluminum wheel, or any ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 23, 2026
Hello - the steering wheel has become very difficult to turn including inability to turn to the right or left at times, and seems to increase over time but has decreased while remaining stiff/difficult at times.I thought it was related to low/missing power steering fluid or the weather because the steering improved on a warm/warmer day. When I tested the weather theory it was another warm/hot day ... Read more
Incident date: May 4, 2026
I have experienced a persistent steering and suspension-related issue with my 2019 Toyota 4Runner since early ownership, beginning at approximately 6,800 miles. The vehicle repeatedly pulls/drifts to the right at highway speeds and requires constant steering correction. I have also experienced steering wheel vibration and instability, particularly at speeds above approximately 50–60 MPH. Over s... Read more
Incident date: May 2, 2026
The contact owns a 1997 Chevrolet Lumina. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the power steering became inoperable and the steering wheel would unexpectedly pull to the side with the service engine warning light illuminated. The contact also stated that the seat belts failed to detach properly. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 03V527000 (Steeri... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2019
The emergency steering will engage at random times. The car makes a loud noise, a light on the dashboard illuminates, and the car will try to drive into another lane. This happens at least once a week, and it has never happened when there was another car around, so I wasn't about to get into a collision. It has happened when there is construction and the lane markers are unclear, when the road is ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2019
The electronic steering lock (ESL) system on my 2014 Mercedes-Benz C250 failed without warning, leaving the vehicle completely unable to start. When attempting to start the vehicle, the key would insert but the vehicle would not crank or start, and the steering lock malfunction prevented normal operation of the vehicle. The vehicle became stranded and inoperable. This failure created a safety ris... Read more
Incident date: Mar 15, 2026
I am reporting a dealer's refusal to perform a safety recall repair (Campaign R1710) on my 2014 Nissan Murano. The local dealership in Montgomery, AL has repeatedly failed to schedule this repair, which involves a high-pressure power steering hose fire risk. Due to a chronic medical neck condition, I have requested email communication, but the dealer has not complied. I am requesting NHTSA's inter... Read more
Incident date: Apr 4, 2026
On April 29, 2026, my 2024 Mazda CX-90 Turbo S Premium Plus experienced a steering malfunction while I was entering a right turn. The vehicle had Mazda steering recall 6524A / NHTSA Campaign 24V-022 marked closed/completed before this crash. I was traveling on a familiar road and attempted a normal right turn that I make regularly. As I attempted to turn, with no warning lamps, warning messages, ... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Apr 3, 2026
We purchased a 2019 Atlas in 2020 and recently had to take it to the dealership in [XXX] multiple times with no answers as to why the steering is shaking and the car vibrating at speeds over 50 mph. Apparently according to this complaint link, [XXX] it is very common and consumers have had the same poor response from their dealerships to fix this safety concern. I got a quite (PARTS ONLY) for $... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
AMG GLE63
(2024) - STEERING
May 6, 2026
Incident date: May 6, 2026
Steering is horrible specifically to the left in a curve it doesn't go back to center when letting it you have to force it which is jerking car back right into other lane off the road. The brakes squeal awful the car has about 40,000 miles on it. Can't see any recall on any of this with my car but it definitely has issues.
Incident date: May 6, 2026
I purchased this vehicle in September 2025 with 9K miles. About a month after purchase, the steering wheel started to stick and it was difficult to keep the car center of lane. The car progressively got worse and is not drivable. I took the car to a local mechanic and an alignment was done along with tire balance, and rotation. The issue continue to get worse I took the car to Jeff Wyler Nissan fo... Read more
Incident date: Apr 30, 2026
My 2024 Honda CRV was part of the recall for potential steering gearbox issues. Recall repair took place on 4/2/2025. Steering problem has persisted ("sticky steering") and when I had the steering checked today (5/6/2026) during a regular maintenance appointment, I was notified entire steering gearbox assembly should be replaced. Upon further research I discovered this is an ongoing issue 2023-202... Read more
Incident date: May 8, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 Coachmen Sportscoach 354QS built on the chassis of a 2023 Freightliner XC-S motorhome chassis. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was play in the steering wheel. Upon inspection of the steering wheel shaft, the contact discovered the bolt had mild rust and was loose on the end. The vehicle was not diagnosed by an independent mechanic or dea... Read more
Incident date: May 6, 2026
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the power steering became inoperable with the electronic power steering warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the rack and pinion had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted. The vehicl... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2026
The lane keep assist has never worked. It doesn't not keep you in the lane, it just chimes when you drift out of it. The bigger issue is the axles. I only owned the car for 1 month when the axles started loudly clicking with every turn. Honda is claiming this is just a cosmetic defect and it does not affect safety, but I don't believe that for a second. Clicking axles are NOT normal, and could o... Read more
Incident date: Apr 8, 2026
Sudden loss of power steering. Turning off of the main road into my neighborhood I completely lost power steering. The power steering warning light was in the dash at that point. I managed to get the truck home. Checked fuses and all way good. After restarting my truck everything was working as expected. The warning light was gone. Every other model of ram this year has been recalled except this ... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
TAOS
(2022) - STEERING
May 6, 2026
Incident date: Nov 20, 2024
Honda has issued a recall for the “worm gear spring” issue on there vehicles that causes the steering of the vehicle to be sticky and jerky at high way speeds. This is an issue I have been having for over a year. I seen they put out a recall that addresses my issue but only include newer years for the car. It is completely unacceptable they are only addressing the issue for recent models when ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 29, 2026
This is the 2nd steering rack and started to show failing signs similar to the original one that came with the vehicle from factory.
Incident date: May 5, 2026
Steering rack was making an audible clicking noise when turning the wheel lock to lock regardless if in motion or stationary.
Incident date: May 5, 2026
While in motion at about 25-30 miles per hours, slightly stepping on the brake to slow down, the car just… wouldn’t, I was forced to swerve, preventing damage to cars ahead, I went over a curb
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Apr 12, 2026
My 6 year old son and I were coming down the road and came up on 2 deer and I was coming up on a sharp curve and when I hit my brakes my steering wheel LOCKED up completely and the steering wheel is so bent where I tried my best to control it but I failed and we hit a tree head on. Broke my nose and my sons leg broke in between the back seat air bag and door air bag
Crash
2 injured
MITSUBISHI
OUTLANDER
(2023) - STEERING
May 5, 2026
Incident date: Dec 5, 2023
I have the warning power steering on my dash and it’s getting harder to steer and turn then it quits and does it again it’s not safe at all
Incident date: Feb 10, 2026
The steering wheel has started to jerk left then comes center and goes right. (Likely sticky steering). Under 100k miles and happens mostly on the highway but has started to be on slower roads. No accident as of now, but common issue with this vehicle.
Incident date: May 4, 2026
2025 Dodge Charger EV | VIN: [XXX] | Purchased: April 11, 2026 | Dealer: Thunder Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, Bartow, FL I am reporting multiple active, unresolved safety system failures that began within 24 hours of purchase and remain unrepaired after two dealer visits. On April 15–16, 2026, the dealer documented NINE fault codes across FIVE modules, including an active Electronic Throttle Modu... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2020) - STEERING
May 5, 2026
Incident date: Feb 17, 2026
The steering wheel sticks while driving. More noticeable at highway speeds. You have to force it and it jolts trying to make small steering adjustments, making it difficult to keep the car straight. Definitely mote noticeable when temperatures are higher than 75 degrees.
Incident date: Apr 4, 2026
This vehicle is a 2019 Honda CR-V with less than 70,000 miles on it. Which is less than 10,000 miles a year. The steering wheel consistently sticks, gets jammed, or even locks while driving. The experience is mostly felt while making turns while driving. After taking into Honda of Kirkland in Kirkland, WA the service team confirmed that the rack and pinion need to be replaced. My safety, my fami... Read more
TOYOTA
HIGHLANDER
(2019) - STEERING
May 5, 2026
Incident date: Nov 6, 2025
I am reporting a Safety Recall Violation at Davis Honda [XXX] ). My 2023 CR-V was serviced for Recall 24-117. I was charged $175.66 for the alignment. Per Service Bulletin 24-117, this is a mandatory free part of the recall. Charging for a safety recall is a federal violation. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
TOYOTA
HIGHLANDER
(2019) - STEERING
May 5, 2026
Incident date: Nov 6, 2025
My check engine light is on there is a note that says steering assist is reduced. I took it to O’Reilly’s to get it scanned. The code that comes up is P0128 indicating that the coolant thermostat has a fault. There are other GMC‘s that have a recall for this, but apparently not mine.
Incident date: May 3, 2026
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? After diagnostics of multiple 'no communication' codes, it was determined that the CAN buss star connector was faulty. The part has been replaced, but is available for inspection. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The malfunction caused repeated warning lights and loss of steer... Read more
Incident date: Feb 27, 2026
My 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid with only 16,000 miles on it has been having an intermittent steering problem for approx 2 months. I have seen this same issue reported by other 2023 Accord owners. When making a sharp turn, parking, etc. I hear a sort of clicking/tapping sound that seems to be coming from the front/steering rack of the car. Almost sounds like a gear needs lubricating. I reported this t... Read more
FORD
EXPEDITION
(2019) - STEERING
May 5, 2026
Incident date: May 5, 2026
Dealer is refusing to acknowledge the known BSG defect (TSB 2058831/13) and is instead attempting to charge for secondary electrical failures (ABS/AC) caused by the primary charging system failure. 2023 Audi A3 2.0T, VIN [XXX] . Recurring 48V BSG (Belt Starter Generator) failure causing complete loss of power steering and brake assist. First documented under warranty October 29, 2025 at 45,500 mi... Read more
Incident date: May 4, 2026
The contact's wife owns a 2023 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights illuminated, and the messages "ESC" and "Fuel Low" were displayed even though there was half a tank of fuel. The transmission failed to shift out of park (P). The contact stated that the failure occurred twice. The vehicle was towed to the dea... Read more
ALFA ROMEO
STELVIO
(2020) - STEERING
May 5, 2026
Incident date: May 4, 2026
Clicking noise coming from the front axles when turning either right or left. ADAS settings seem to be too sensitive. Car slams on the emergency brake when backing out of a parking spot with no obstacles in view. Forward warning system alerts occur even though there is nothing in front of the car.
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2021) - STEERING
May 5, 2026
Incident date: May 2, 2026
On May 3, 2026, while operating my 2024 BMW i5 on public roads, the vehicle suffered a sudden and complete loss of power steering with no prior warning. I could not turn the steering wheel at a stop. The instrument cluster simultaneously displayed: "Vehicle may roll. Brake manually," "Drive carefully. Changed steering effort," "Drive carefully. Chassis stabilization," and "Parking assistance malfu... Read more
Incident date: Apr 10, 2026
The steering wheel gets stuck in lock position making the steering wheel feel sticky. Issue happens at highway speeds of around 40-60mph causing to overcorrect while driving.
Incident date: Apr 20, 2026
Started car and check engine light was on. Started to drive it and the battery and other lights came on. Engine sounded funny and electric motor was not available. As I was trying I needed to pull off because it was not moving smoothly and was jerky. I pulled over into a parking lot and put in park and the lights indicated it was in charging mode. After repeated attempts to turn the vehicle comple... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
ATLAS
(2019) - STEERING
May 5, 2026
Incident date: Apr 28, 2026
Steering assist reduced drive with care display, air conditioning turned off, stop and start disabled, temperature monitor at cold, fan blows hard Why my 2020 model was not covered under the special coverage N252508350 NHTSA ID# 11024390
Incident date: May 1, 2026
I parked my car fully functioning with no lights on the dash board, after getting back in the car i had the abs light, brake light and stability light on. I checked the codes and i had a C2200 code.The ABS module is bad and the part has been back ordered since 2021 from Jeep/Stelantis. Now the part is discontinued and there is no solution at this time. These cars are driving on the road with no AB... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2025
This was a recall on some of the 2015 Chevy Silverados but my VIN was not included even though I am experiences the same problem as other 2015 that were recall for this problem.
Incident date: Oct 7, 2025
Every summer, on particularly hot days—typically after driving for about 10 minutes—the steering wheel feels as if it is jammed; turning it becomes extremely stiff and difficult. However, when the weather cools down, the steering becomes perfectly smooth again, with no issues whatsoever. Since my English proficiency is limited, I visited the dealership's service department; unfortunately, beca... Read more
Incident date: Apr 30, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering power seized. The contact had to use force to pull to the side of the road. The power steering eventually worked, and the contact was able to drive to the residence. The contact took the vehicle for an oil change, and the employee informed the contact about a recall issued by the ma... Read more
Incident date: Apr 24, 2026
We are reporting serious safety-related faults involving my leased 2026 Audi A6, VIN [XXX] , and a same-model 2026 Audi A6 loaner provided by Audi Central Houston. Core safety issues: 1. My vehicle previously displayed a Park/rollaway warning indicating Park could not be engaged. 2. My vehicle has had repeated starting-system faults, including: “Engine start system: malfunction! Please contact S... Read more
Incident date: Jan 2, 2026
The steering sticks both left and right while driving. The danger of overcorrection and/or running off the road. This has not been looked at by anyone yet. I know this is a reportable defect but it's not attached to this vehicle yet. No warning lights. This was noticed within the first week of owning the vehicle (second owner).
Incident date: May 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2004 Dodge Ram. The contact was informed that the vehicle had four notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 13V528000 (STEERING), 16V352000 (AIR BAGS), 15V313000 (AIR BAGS) and 09E001000 (STEERING). However, the parts to do the recall repairs for both air bags are not available. Two local dealers were contacted and confirmed that the recall parts were on back order and it was un... Read more
Incident date: May 4, 2026
I am filing this complaint regarding multiple serious safety defects in my 2021 Subaru Outback purchased in July 2021, currently at 48000 miles THERMO CONTROL VALVE FAILURE (26,307 miles) While traveling in the center lane on [XXX] southbound in [XXX] the evening of 1/6/2024 my vehicle suddenly experienced a complete loss of control. It seemed that the car was accelerating and braking at the s... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2023) - STEERING
May 4, 2026
Incident date: Oct 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the steering wheel became loose and then tightened inadvertently. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the failure could not be replicated. The contact also stated that on several occasions while driving, the vehicle puttered and a grinding noise was heard emanating from the engi... Read more
Incident date: Dec 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel seized with no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel became difficult to turn, and the electronic stability control warning light illuminated after the failure. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was ... Read more