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.

2,245,377 Total Complaints

140,173 Reported Crashes

56,794 Reported Fires

8,580 Reported 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

How to Read NHTSA Consumer Complaints › How NHTSA Investigations Work › Used Car: 7 Recall Checks to Run First › The Takata Airbag Recall: Full Story › OBD-II Codes Explained › All Articles ›

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Showing 117,788 complaints - component: STEERING

Incident date: Mar 27, 2026

The Powersteering is failing in my 2011 Chevrolet Malibu with 93K miles on it. The warning light on the dashboard appears randomly then it becomes difficult to steer. This has become a safety issue because when driving on the highway or trying to navigate turns requires a lot of strength and can be a hazard while driving in traffic or alone. I have taken the vehicle to an auto repair shop for a d... Read more

Incident date: Mar 26, 2026

In October, my son was driving our Jeep Wrangler 4xe when the vehicle suddenly lost power steering, acceleration, and braking while multiple warning lights were flashing on the dashboard. The vehicle became very difficult to control and created a serious safety concern. We have a video showing all of the warning lights flashing during this incident (it is not allowing me to upload a video below as... Read more

Incident date: Jan 14, 2023

The steering has been 'sticky' or 'notchy' since the vehicle was a few months old. With lane keeping off, driving in a straight line, when I perform a small steering input, it feels like the steering wheel is locked...when I push harder, it begins to act normally again. NHTSA recall 24V744 actually describes the symptom much better than I can. I have had the vehicle now 9 months and every time th... Read more

Incident date: Dec 11, 2025

The contact owns a 2026 BMW 230I. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 MPH in the Hospital Emergency Room Parking Lot, the steering wheel erroneously turned to the right, causing the driver to lose control of the steering wheel, and the vehicle drove over a curb. During the failure, the vehicle sustained front body damage, and the front passenger’s side tire was flattened. The ... Read more

Incident date: Mar 24, 2026

EPS light came on and we changed the part and it came back on again I spent $350 for this service but I saw online that Hyundai is having a recall for my year and model car to reprogramming eps but my vin is not included. Is it possible they can include my vin ?

Incident date: Mar 9, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel was difficult to turn to the left or the right. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent, but was a recurring failure. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that prior to the failure, there was an abnormal whining sound while turning the steering ... Read more

Incident date: Mar 1, 2026

Experiencing sticky steering and sudden increased steering effort. Previously addressed by recall 6524A.

Incident date: Mar 26, 2026

The steering is very "glitchy" almost sticky. When driving the steering wheel does not move freely when turned and will slightly stick in place.

Incident date: Aug 25, 2025

Steering rack makes a clicking/popping noise when turning the wheel. This began around 32,000 miles.There were no warning lights or messages when this issue began. It was not suspected to be as serious as thought. When taken to the dealership, service department stated that steering rack needs replacing, for around $5,000. This steering issue could cause the loss of power steering putting driver a... Read more

Incident date: Mar 14, 2026

The vehicle exhibits multiple critical safety defects that pose a severe risk to my life and the lives of my children. Most notably, the steering system performs sudden, unintended maneuvers and the steering wheel moves with dangerous abruptness without driver input. Additionally, severe electrical failures frequently prevent the doors from opening or the vehicle from powering down, creating a hig... Read more

Incident date: Mar 27, 2026

The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent but occurred while driving in a straight line or turning left or right. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle... Read more

Incident date: Mar 10, 2026

Intermittent power steering issues with steering wheel becoming “stuck” in one position. Also steering wheel gives resistance while turning at slow speeds, becoming jerky at times.

Incident date: Mar 12, 2026

Fue remolcado barrías veces , no arrancaba , se apagaba totalmente , multiples reparaciones , recall sin resolver , pérdida de uso y de confianza

Incident date: Mar 25, 2026

As I was driving,making a right turn and with out warning my steering wheel before excessively hard to control, turn. Because of the sudden wheel tightening as I was making this right turn I almost collided with a vehicle in next lane on highway. My brakes were in good standing but I had to really step down on my brakes to gain control of the steering wheel. I put in the shop and got a multi point... Read more

Incident date: Mar 23, 2026

Subject: Safety Complaint – Loss of Drive Power Prior to Recall Resulting in Crash (2025 Honda Accord Hybrid) I am submitting a safety complaint regarding a 2025 Honda Accord Sport Hybrid (VIN: [XXX]) involved in a crash on [XXX], which we believe is related to a recall issued later in January 2026. At the time of the incident, the vehicle was being driven under normal conditions, below the sp... Read more

Crash 2 injured

Incident date: Jan 2, 2026

The power steering has stopped working. After starting the car it shows a "Steering Assist Fault" message and the steering doesn't work. Thankfully this happened when the car was stopped. My car battery is fine so this must be a failure in the Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) system.

Incident date: Mar 19, 2026

steering gets stuck or requires intense effort to move from center, specially on freeway or slight turns. feels dangerous specially when being on the freeway. took it to get looked at & they want me to pay for a repair that is listed on other cars that were recalled.

Incident date: Mar 23, 2026

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became extremely stiff. The steering wheel was extremely difficult to turn. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 160,000.

Incident date: Mar 26, 2026

The SRS spiral cable assembly (clock spring), located directly behind the driver's instrument display in the steering column, is producing an intermittent crackling noise. The component is available for inspection upon request. Safety risk: The clock spring is a safety-critical component responsible for airbag deployment, horn operation, and steering wheel controls. A malfunctioning clock spring ... Read more

Incident date: Mar 24, 2026

My horn started to honk on its own the front windshield wipers will not stop and the turn signals does not work anymore I was told the clock spring needs replaced there is a recall on google but now showing with my vehicle

Incident date: Mar 16, 2026

The contact owns a 2023 Ram Promaster 2500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel was shaking abnormally. The Forward Collision Avoidance warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the failure had occurred while driving over a speed bump or while turning the steering wheel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where... Read more

Incident date: Mar 16, 2026

The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35-40 MPH, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering assist. The EPS message was displayed, and the air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Action Number: RQ23003 (Steering). The manufact... Read more

Incident date: Mar 8, 2026

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel started to shake while driving at slower speeds, and the shaking ceased while driving at higher speeds. The message "Steering Fault - Service Now" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed an ABS and power steering failure and determined that th... Read more

Incident date: Mar 26, 2026

The vehicle experienced significant vibration at highway speeds and during braking within the first 6 months of ownership. The issue was confirmed by a dealership, and the rotors were resurfaced as a corrective action. The problem has now returned, and the rear brakes have worn down to metal-on-metal at approximately 35,000 miles. The rear brake pads are also unevenly worn, while the front brake ... Read more

Incident date: Mar 12, 2026

My infotainment system is brikecked ! I cant turn off my lane assist and its like a battle to keep it in roads that dont have lines and especially when you get stuck in a groove of a road. Its scary! I got put into a grove my car being awd the rest followed and I get out of the grove and lane assist put me back in amd it almost put me all the way into the same gaurdrail I just avoided. My car is ... Read more

Incident date: Jan 26, 2024

I am reporting a safety-related electrical failure involving the heated steering wheel system in a 2023 Jeep Wrangler. While driving, the heated steering wheel malfunctioned and produced smoke from the steering wheel area. This created an immediate safety concern due to the presence of smoke and the potential for electrical overheating or fire in a critical driver control component. This was not a... Read more

Incident date: Mar 24, 2026

While driving the car, the steering locked up making the vehicle unable to turn. Thank got it happened in a parking lot where the truck blocked traffic for hours before getting towed. The dealer took 6 weeks of guessing the problem with Ford engineers. Replacing numerous parts in an attempt to guess what the issue was. After contacting Ford directly and expressing my concerns over the safety o... Read more

Incident date: Mar 20, 2026

Vehicle steering wheel fails to return to center after sweeping turn. Found it’s a common issue and is incredibly dangerous and should be recalled!

Incident date: Mar 26, 2026

There's a very common issue with these vehicles where the steering rack breaks and causes a number of issues including a clunking noise when driving over bumps and a rattle in steering wheel when turning left and right. However the most important and dangerous issue is that the steering wheel stops returning to center after making a turn. The steering wheel will move about 1/2 of the way back to c... Read more

Incident date: Oct 15, 2025

I own a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu LTZ (VIN [XXX] ) with an electric power steering (EPS) issue that matches GM’s known EPS defect and recall 14V‑153 / bulletin 15356 for 2007–2012 Malibus. The steering is very stiff and hard at low speeds, the car feels like it is dragging, and the steering wheel shakes back and forth while driving, especially at low to moderate speeds. A Chevrolet customer‑se... Read more

Incident date: Mar 25, 2026

The contact owns a 2005 Hummer H2. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, fluid started to leak from the steering wheel. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000.

Incident date: Mar 6, 2026

I have a 2022 Tiguan SEL R-Line with constant beeping of Lane assist not available.The steering wheel was replaced before but now i'm no longer in warranty but the lane assist not available is still happening. there is a NHTSA Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 2070207/1 but it only applies for warranty coverage vehicles.

Incident date: Nov 30, 2025

On [XXX] 1512PM. Drive on [XXX] with auto pilot driving. Seen on construction and hit some object driver side by front bumper , fender, Side mirror,Door and Wheel. Couldn't avoid crash by control handle. There is none of airbag action. All deployed. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Feb 3, 2026

I am having power steering issues. I reached out to Chevrolet and they said in their system the recall was performed in 2019 prior to me purchasing the vehicle in 2021. I should not have to pay for an issue that was recalled. I’m unaware of what was done prior to my purchase of the vehicle in 2021

Incident date: Mar 23, 2026

The contact owns a 2026 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the message "Brake System Failure" was displayed. The contact turned off the vehicle, waited for a while, and then restarted the vehicle. After restarting the vehicle, the message "Steering System Not Engaged" was displayed. The contact turned off the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who inform... Read more

Incident date: Jan 9, 2025

I purchased this car 2 weeks ago and noticed when I drive over 45 mph the steering wheel kind of freezes up and shakes. A warning sign pops up that say steering required and has a symbol of a steering wheel with hands on each side of it. This lasts for about 10 seconds or so, then goes away. Feels really scary like I could get into an accident. This is the first place I have reported the probl... Read more

Incident date: Mar 21, 2026

Sudden loss of power steering at slow speeds. There was no warning lights prior to loss of power steering. I was able to avoid accident by moving quickly into a parking lot There is recalls for The EPS from 2013 to 2015 manufacturing date starting January 22nd of 2015 My truck was manufactured January 6th. There are two recall numbers s19 covers 2013 to2015 along with VB9 covers 2013 to 2019.

Incident date: Mar 16, 2026

Incident Date，March 07, 2026] Current Mileage, 31625 miles I am reporting a catastrophic structural failure of a safety-critical suspension component on my Tesla Model Y. Upon inspection, I discovered that one of the bolts securing the driver-side lower control arm has completely detached and fallen off. A second bolt is approximately 50% loose. This has caused a significant safety hazard... Read more

Incident date: Mar 25, 2026

The vehicle experienced a failure of the air suspension system, initially presenting with warnings indicating the vehicle was raising and advising not to drive to avoid damage. Shortly thereafter, the vehicle became visibly uneven, tilting approximately 2–3 inches to the driver side. I took the vehicle to Rivian service, where they confirmed the air suspension had failed. The repair was not cove... Read more

Incident date: Mar 25, 2026

Description of the issue: While driving, the steering wheel suddenly develops a significantly increased resistance. This resistance can only be overcome by applying noticeably higher force. The steering feels as if it is “sticking” or momentarily binding. Driving conditions where the issue occurs: - Frequently on highways - Also on rural roads - Occurs both while cornering and while driving s... Read more

Incident date: Mar 15, 2026

I purchased a Certified Pre-Owned Mazda CX-70 that exhibits intermittent and unpredictable steering behavior, creating a significant safety concern. The steering will intermittently stiffen and then pull the vehicle left or right without driver input, at times toward oncoming traffic or the breakdown lane, requiring immediate correction. On straight roads, the vehicle does not consistently track a... Read more

Incident date: Mar 25, 2026

Steering gear box. Very sloppy while driving . not safe

Incident date: Mar 25, 2026

According to your recall that states: Recall date 2024-01-17 Recall no. 24V022000 Mazda North America Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2024 CX-90 vehicles. An assembly issue with the worm gear in the steering system may result in a sudden loss of power steering assist. Recall consequence Loss of power steering assist while driving increases the risk of a crash. My car is not included in ... Read more

Incident date: Mar 15, 2026

I experienced a total steering lockup and loss of vehicle control immediately following a steering column and suspension repair at a certified Tesla service center at [XXX] . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Incident date: Mar 24, 2026

Power steering assist failure on the message board. Making it hard to turn come on and off at different times. Changed rack and pion and steering wheel sensor. Started in Dec 2025 continuing to present

Incident date: Mar 17, 2026

The contact owns a 2018 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction. There was an abnormal clicking sound coming from the steering wheel. No warning lights were illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that the failure had occurred while making a right turn. The contact stated that excessive force was n... Read more

Incident date: Feb 28, 2026

Purchased the Mazda Cx-90 2024 and was told that all recalls had been cleared and completed. Steering recall for worm gear and grease had been cleared. Not consistent but when taking turns will have a sudden jerk and increase in steering, especially with left turns. called and reported to Mazda dealership and told by mechanic that this needed to be reported due to an undergoing investigation on re... Read more

Incident date: Jan 19, 2026

Stick steering wheel. Excessive force need to steer while making a turn.

Incident date: Dec 9, 2025

When moving forward at very slow speed, the steering wheel bounces as if it had been hit by something and we hear a loud "thunk". The whole front end of the car vibrates. This has also happened once while completely stopped at a traffic signal. This has been happening for several months, and we know that others have reported the same problem, but the dealer is unresponsive. We are worried ... Read more

Incident date: Mar 23, 2026

I was driving approximately 35mph and the steering got extremely difficult. I had to use all my strength to try to turn the wheel. I pulled into a gas station parking lot, turned the car off, restarted the car and steering was back to normal. Has happened 2 times since. I had a mechanic friend look at it and he couldn't find a reason why it would do that.

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Consumer Safety Complaints

What is a NHTSA consumer complaint?

How to interpret what you read

If you've experienced a defect

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