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
HYUNDAI
IONIQ PLUG-IN HYBRID
(2019) - STEERING
Apr 22, 2026
Incident date: Apr 3, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Wrangler JK. The contact stated that twice while driving approximately 40-60 MPH, the front end was violently shaking. After stopping, the vibration seized, and the vehicle was driven at slower speeds. While driving over a bump or expansion bridge, the failure recurred. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V343000 (Steering). The vehicle was... Read more
Incident date: Apr 17, 2026
My 2021 Honda CR-V Touring model, with around 59000 miles on the odometer, has developed a problem in which the steering wheel gets "stuck" and resists being turned. Then, when more force is applied to turn the wheel, the steering mechanism suddenly "lets go", and this is accompanied by a clunking sound from the front of the vehicle. I first noticed this a few weeks ago, and at first the resist... Read more
Incident date: Apr 21, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving and turning, the steering wheel was sticking and failed to return to the center as intended. The contact stated that the failure progressively worsened, and the steering wheel was difficult to turn while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be test-driven, and the dealer determined that the steering rack and pinio... Read more
Incident date: Dec 10, 2025
The vehicle experienced a failure of the steering system, specifically the steering gearbox. The steering intermittently sticks, binds, and resists input, followed by sudden release, causing unpredictable response and difficulty maintaining control. The vehicle also pulls unexpectedly, creating a serious safety hazard, especially at highway speeds. The vehicle is unsafe to operate and is currently... Read more
Incident date: Apr 19, 2026
I am reporting a serious safety issue involving my 2011 Chevrolet Malibu LS related to the electronic stability control (ESC), traction control, and electric power steering systems. My vehicle is currently experiencing the following problems: * “Service ESC” warning message * “ESC Off” displayed * Traction control disabled * Electric power steering warning * Airbag warning light illumina... Read more
Incident date: Mar 3, 2026
When starting the vehicle it turns over as if it wasn't going to start then it starts then put it in drive and it revs up without moving seems like its going to to pull out but barely moves while driving down the highway in curves it p pulls tords traffic like real hard my drivers side mirror hit someone On a corner because of the suspension the going up and down hill it almost put me in the ditch... Read more
Incident date: Sep 16, 2025
The power steering will intermittently go out when traveling down the roadway and when making right and left hand turns. Once the power steering goes out there is an alert triggered and the alerts the driver the power steering assist is malfunctioning and the steering wheel is very difficult to control or turn and jerks the steering wheel. Also, the power steering will re-engage and return to norm... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2022) - STEERING
Apr 22, 2026
Incident date: Apr 11, 2026
My wife was driving down the highway and out of no where there was a loud taping sound, the vehicle started running real bad (skipping), the vehicle lost power and she lost control of the steering. As a result, she ran off the road into a ditch. this is a known concern with the 6.2 liter engines and all signs are pointing to lifter failure. She could have ben seriously injured and GM is responsibl... Read more
Crash
VOLKSWAGEN
TAOS
(2023) - STEERING
Apr 21, 2026
Incident date: Feb 1, 2026
The front lateral links, compliance links, and stabilizer bar link on my 2018 Tesla Model 3 Long Range failed and required replacement in January 2026. Prior to failure, abnormal creaking and clunking noise from the front suspension began appearing weeks before the repair — no warning lights illuminated at any point. The failed components were replaced by a Tesla-certified Service Center and are... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2023) - STEERING
Apr 21, 2026
Incident date: Dec 16, 2023
The steering feels notchy or sticky around center when making small adjustments near the center of the wheel, even with LKAS off
Incident date: Apr 17, 2026
I own a 2021 Ram 1500, which I purchased on March 29, 2024, as a certified pre-owned truck, and the primary issue involves a serious failure of the front wheel assembly. On three separate occasions, the front wheels have detached from the truck while it was in motion—on June 14, 2024, February 26, 2026, and most recently on April 17, 2026, when the left front wheel came off. I was driving the ve... Read more
TOYOTA
SIENNA HYBRID
(2025) - STEERING
Apr 21, 2026
Incident date: Jul 1, 2025
Hi! I brought my car in to the Ford dealership in Lexington, SC to get a recalled A Frame Pillar repaired. They took the part off and didn’t repair it because they didn’t have the parts in. When I called corporate to check on the status of that part, I found out they had marked the recall as “complete” which was not the case. Corporate opened the case again for me, so it should’ve read i... Read more
Incident date: Jan 3, 2026
Over 1 year (2025) steering front end shaking began. Our dealership on oil changes did not tell us to watch for anything and we should have been warned. When the shaking occurred we changed Ford shock asborbers from Ford dealership. Problem still occured. We lost faith in Ford and our regular dealership. We then at Moore's tires purchased 4 Michelin premium tires for F250 heavy duty truck and tol... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2024) - STEERING
Apr 21, 2026
Incident date: Apr 21, 2026
Within approximately four days of delivery, my vehicle experienced multiple system failures during normal driving conditions. The following warnings appeared simultaneously: - Low voltage electrical system issue detected - Rear axle steering disabled – turning radius limited - Power reduced - Unable to charge – Service required - Additional system warnings These issues affected critical sys... Read more
Incident date: Apr 19, 2026
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Flex. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel seized, with the power steering fault warning light illuminated. The vehicle was restarted; however, the failure reoccurred, and the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the steering rac... Read more
Incident date: Jan 30, 2026
Airbag clock spring has caused my airbag light to illuminate every time the steering wheel is turned there is clicking as well. There has been no reason my airbag lights should be illuminated.
Incident date: Mar 6, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, the message "Service Power Steering - Drive with Care" was displayed. The contact used excessive force to pull over, waited for several minutes, and then restarted the vehicle. The vehicle resumed normal operation after being restarted; however, the failure returned once the contact reached the driveway at... Read more
Incident date: Mar 20, 2026
While driving the vehicle, the vehicle suddenly shutoff and powered on again. After do some diagnostics we determined is was the ECU/ECM. The ECM has corrosion on the top which caused salty water to eat through the lid. Doing some research this vehicle make and model has recall but doesn’t show up under my vin. I’ve contacted the manufacturer which was willing to help but the dealership seems ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 Honda Civic. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V744000 (Steering). The contact requested to be removed from the recall distribution list. The local dealer was contacted, and the recall repair was performed. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact did not experience a failure.
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2021) - STEERING
Apr 21, 2026
Incident date: Mar 20, 2026
The contact owns a 2024 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while attempting to make a left or right turn, there was a dragging sound coming from the front end of the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V744000 (STEERING); but the repair failed to fix the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure had occurred after the recall ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 26, 2026
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the message "Service Power Steering Now" was displayed and the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The vehicle was restarted and regained power steering functionality. The following day, the vehicle was taken to the dealer, and an appointment was scheduled for the vehicle to be diagnosed and repaired. Upon in... Read more
Incident date: Oct 15, 2024
Steering has become hard and pulsates at times. Feels unsafe when turning at intersections. Steering issue is unpredictable and dangerous. (many other RAM 1500 drivers seem to have this issue per RAM forums). Fix is to replace entire rack and pinion system which is not acceptable. This is something that should last life of the vehicle. ~$4,000 fix is very hard to swallow.
Incident date: Apr 18, 2026
The power steering randomly goes out while driving then resumes working fine after turning off and back on. Sometimes minutes apart it reoccurs other times its days apart. Issue seems same as the recall for 2015 models.
Incident date: Apr 20, 2026
Steering takes force to turn, making noise and feeling like turns are jolted while maneuvering. While making right handed turn, the truck requires a crawling speed, to ensure steering is on route. With the feeling worsening, the fear is that it will fail to turn at a crucial moment and cause injury to the driver or any other surrounding vehicles.
Incident date: Jan 5, 2026
My 2018 Pacifica Hybrid suffered a catastrophic suspension separation while driving—the exact failure described in Safety Recall V15. The driver fortunately arrived at home safely only seeing smoke coming out form the tire rubbing against the wheel hood. Although my VIN isn't showing as 'active,' this is clearly a safety defect. I would like to open a case for a Goodwill Repair or a 'Special Pol... Read more
Incident date: Feb 14, 2026
The contact ownED a 2017 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at 30 MPH, there was an abnormal clicking sound, and the steering wheel locked up, causing her to lose control and crash into an electrical pole. No warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V663000 (Steering). The yearly inspection was complete... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Apr 16, 2026
My engine coolant temperature sensor failed. Replaced it and still not fixing the issue. This takes my steering assist away as they are all interlinked? I have seen on forms this is a common issue. This has the potential to blow up my engine, I’m not sure how this is not a recall with so many 2020-2026 blazer owners having the same issue.
Incident date: Mar 25, 2026
While driving the Electric Power Steering Unit failed. would not steer. maneuvered vehicle to safe area; turned off vehicle; waiter about 5 minutes; vehicle started and steering reset to a usable steering. Drove home and parked. Next day started vehicle; steering would not work. This incident happened while driving. Hazardous to all around. In the past two months started vehicle and tried to... Read more
Incident date: Apr 19, 2026
Steering system failed while driving. Mechanic reported corrosion in wiring caused multiple failures in steering system and will cost $4800 to repair.
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
Steering rack need to replace after drive almost 1900 miles. It has knocking nosie when turn the wheel, the car had been in the shop for three weeks.
Incident date: Apr 17, 2026
A steering control module in my steering wheel failed which makes the lane keeping warning not operate correctly and the steering wheel not straight it's set at an angle to the right so when you're driving down the road you have to have it constantly turn to the right a little bit in order to go straight down the road in order to fix it you have to replace the entire steering wheel which is about ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 24, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Land Rover Range Rover Sport. The contact stated that there was a slight shaking coming from the steering while driving at various speeds. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was concerned about driving the vehicle. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V514000 (Steering). The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was no... Read more
Incident date: Nov 23, 2025
The contact owns a 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that twice while driving 50 MPH, an unknown message was displayed, indicating that the vehicle was not detecting a passenger. The horn inadvertently beeped three times, and the vehicle stalled and lost steering and braking functionality. The vehicle was restarted each time. On the second occasion, the vehicle was taken to an independent... Read more
Incident date: Apr 18, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 - 70 MPH, the steering wheel was stuck while veering towards the left or the right. While turning the steering wheel, the steering wheel jerked in the opposite direction. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who confirmed that there was no recall associated with the ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 20, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the steering wheel was stiff and failed to turn as needed. The message "Steering Assist Failure" was displayed with an unknown warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The vehicle was then taken to another independent mechanic, where ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 25, 2021
Electronic Power Steering (EPS) failure resulting in loss of control of vehicle.
Incident date: Apr 2, 2026
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality, and only manual steering was available. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road, and the vehicle was towed to the residence. When the vehicle was purchased, the contact was informed that the vehicle was previously included in NHTSA Campai... Read more
Incident date: Apr 18, 2026
April 3, 2026: my 2025 Subaru Outback Premium (VIN [XXX] , 2,052 miles) suffered simultaneous failure of multiple safety-critical systems due to corrosion on a CAN bus pin in the driver door wiring harness (Subaru part #XXX) at its dash harness connection, caused by water intrusion into the cabin. Trip start: EyeSight, collision avoidance, blind spot, and lane assist all offline; BRAKE indicator i... Read more
Incident date: Mar 20, 2026
Reduced steering effort error message. No accident or injuries. Seems to be a known issue on BMWs. Likely covered under warranty but I feel should be reported
Incident date: Apr 10, 2026
The contact owns a 2025 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated that while their son was driving approximately 45 MPH, a loud pop sound came from the right side of the engine department, and then the steering wheel seized. The driver attempted to apply the brakes; however, the brakes failed. The vehicle ended up crashing into a nearby pole post. The air bags deployed. The driver received a hematoma on... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Apr 14, 2026
The steering rack on the vehicle had failed and was inspected at the Honda dealership upon request. It causes a distraction, putting myself and others at risk. The problem has been reproduced and confirmed by the dealer. The steering rack was refused to be replaced under warranty by Honda. There were no warning indicators or symptoms prior to the steering rack failure.
Incident date: Aug 8, 2025
On my 2011 Ford Fusion the power steering has failed and it seems to be covered by 15V340000 (15S18), specially supplement 3 but the dealership doesn't wish to acknowledge the warranty replacement. Currently the vehicle cannot be driven safely. I have had several mechanics look at the vehicle including a Ford authorized dealership. The suggested fix is as explained in the 15V340000 (15S18) and 1... Read more
Incident date: Apr 2, 2026
steering wheel is clicking due to the steering rack malfunctions by the manufacture.
Incident date: Apr 2, 2026
While turning into a parking lot the lower control arm snapped (broke in half, approximately). The picture I sent is of a front lower control arm, however it is not a picture of the actual control arm that broke. After it broke, the car was forced into a sharp left turn, resulting in the car crashing into a telephone pole. The pole was not damaged but there was damage to the car.
Crash
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
This is regarding the earlier recall where drivers can feel a clicking noise in steering wheel, I did my recall year ago and this issue is resurfacing again. I reported this to dealer this week and I was said they will replace the parts since it's under warranty. But I wanted to report this issue. Is there a permanent fix?
Incident date: Apr 18, 2026
Was driving thru and turning right when my steering just started pulling and had to turn other way to correct my trucks path and then it just wouldn't turn much and got real stiff.... Afraid to drive it anymore and seen this issue was being investigated... This issue almost got me and my 3 boys into a wreck!
Incident date: Oct 16, 2025
Steering clunks during low speed maneuvers, shimmy started while rounding a curve at highway speed on uneven pavement. Local garage has identified it as a broken steering gear. Car has only 36000 miles.
Incident date: Apr 18, 2026
Steering is sticky during highway driving, causing a lack of confidence and a tendency to overcorrect. It makes the driving experience less secure and more open to harm.
Incident date: Dec 29, 2024
While vacationing in Myrtle Beach with my family the vehicle alarmed and then progressed to critical failure of safety functions while traveling at approximately 55mph on Friday April 3, 2026. The vehicle was brought to Myrtle Beach Hyundai where it was eventually diagnosed and repaired as an Alternator issue that I have found to be common with this specific vehicle. The issues I have experienced... Read more
Incident date: Mar 29, 2026
In the past month or two the steering has become sticky, stiff or notchy initially occurring while completing turns on sweeping highway entrance ramps. This exact issue has now progressed to all driving conditions even when making minor steering adjustments on straight roads. I have not yet contacted the dealer or manufacturer with this concerning safety problem.