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: Nov 3, 2025
The rack and pinion system needs to be replaced as a result of "normal wear and tear"
Incident date: Mar 6, 2026
The steering system produces a creaking noise while turning the steering wheel, most noticeable at low speeds and during parking maneuvers. The condition appears intermittently and is typically heard when the steering wheel approaches certain turning angles. Noise is more prominent during slow-speed operation where steering load is increased.
Incident date: Feb 27, 2026
I have not been involved in no incident or accident with anybody but my vehicle is installing up and dying in the middle of the road the power steering is locking up the battery is draining and the car is cutting off I had the battery replaced and I'm still losing power in my battery and I can't figure out why I'm not too long after the battery dying and the vehicle starting up and dying it starte... Read more
Incident date: Mar 5, 2026
I recently bought this vehicle, I think about three months ago, used obviously. I will be going down the road, and for no apparent reason the vehicle will lose power steering. Not often but about once a month. Also, the majority of the time I can smell fuel from outside the vehicle. It most definitely has a fuel leak. Today, I got down and looked behind the tire at the fuel intake and it seems to ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
While driving, I had a complete loss of power steering in my 2013 Ram 1500. It was followed a few seconds later by a “service power steering” dash message.
Incident date: Sep 11, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Harley-Davidson RH1250 Sportster S. The contact stated received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V590000 (Steering) and 26V075000 (Steering); and the vehicle developed a secondary failure in the steering bearings. The contact stated that the recall repair caused the damage, and the dealer refused to include the bearings in the recall repair or provide a no-cost rep... Read more
Incident date: Jan 12, 2026
we've had to replace the engine. Twice and the electric power steering quit, working completely.And now they want five thousand dollars to replace it.When it's a known problem.
Incident date: Aug 8, 2025
Truck is unsafe at highway speeds shaking violently and making lane changes scary and sways too much shakes at 65-70 and can’t see clearly out mirrors or concentrate as it sways from side to side at lane changes. Replaced new tires with new tires. Driveshaft service and alignments and balancing. No help. Dealer said to complain to factory and stopped working on it saying I should trade it off ... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
E400
(2017) - STEERING
Mar 5, 2026
Incident date: Feb 21, 2026
Hi, was driving Vehicle GMC 1500 Denali, vehicle Lost power, all Lites lite up on Dashboard, Vehicle Just lost power and i swerved off Road and sideswiped a Plant Holder on side of Road, damaging side passenger Rear door. I bought the truck to GMC Rvc and they said vehicle Blew Cam shaft and Lifters. I explained to them I'm very concerned for others safety in these Vehicles with the 6.2 Engine. So... Read more
Crash
TOYOTA
HIGHLANDER
(2022) - STEERING
Mar 5, 2026
Incident date: Feb 20, 2025
Loud clunking noise from front end when turning right or left and accelerating from a stop or slow speed. I’ve been told by dealer that this is from defective front CV axles. I’ve also been told that this could be a safety issue if the component fails completely. Both General Motors and Honda are aware of the issue.
Incident date: Jan 27, 2026
Experienced loss of electric power steering while driving at 60 MPH on interstate. Had 6 passengers in vehicle at the time and could have crashed if another vehicle was in other lane next to us during steering loss. Steering available for inspection. Have taken vehicle to dealer to fix issue. They diagnosed and replaced Negative and Positive wiring harness to battery; however, vehicle steering... Read more
Incident date: Nov 20, 2025
While driving the yellow EPS (electrical power steering) light came on. Steering felt more stiff than usual. After parking the vehicle and turning the engine off to make a stop and coming back to turn it on (approx. 5 minutes later) the light was now red. Power steering had completely failed and would not work at all.
Incident date: Oct 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. The contact stated that the second-row seats had been making an abnormal rattling sound. Additionally, the contact stated that there was an abnormally strong foul odor inside the vehicle. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle to the car wash, the contact was informed that the foul odor was coming from the steering wheel. The contact stat... Read more
Incident date: Dec 5, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Land Rover Range Rover. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V514000 (Steering); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasona... Read more
Incident date: Mar 4, 2026
POWER STERING RACK IS DEFECTIVE AND LEAKING, THERE IS A RECALL FOR 2022 AND NEWER HONDA CRV'S ONLY WITH THIS ISSUE. HONDA NEEDS TO ACKNOWELEDGE THIS ISSUE EXTENDS FURTHER BACK AND FIX THE ISSUE. THIS IS A CONCERN WHILE DRIVING MY VEHICLE AND POSES A SAFETY RISK FOR ME AND MY FAMILY. AUTONATION HONDA IN CORPUS CHRISTI HAS INSPECTED AND CONFIRMED THIS IS THE ISSUE AND WANTS TO CHARGE ME $4,539.39 TO... Read more
TOYOTA
SIENNA HYBRID
(2025) - STEERING
Mar 5, 2026
Incident date: Mar 5, 2026
am writing again regarding serious safety concerns with my Chevrolet Equinox EV RS. This is my fourth attempt to contact Chevrolet, as my previous emails have not received a response. These issues present a significant safety risk and require immediate attention.The problems I am experiencing include: Unintended lane movement: The vehicle shifts into another lane without any steering input from me... Read more
Incident date: Feb 10, 2026
On highway taking an exit. The brake pedal sank and did not engage at normal pressure, I had to push the brake all the way down for it to engage. Concurrently the steering wheel locked up where I could not turn the wheel at all. I drove straight through the exit ramp to the entrance ramp, luckily no one was entering the highway at the same time. I very well could have hurt some one else or myself... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2018) - STEERING
Mar 5, 2026
Incident date: Feb 19, 2026
Vehicle communication failures. One point unable to start the vehicle. Then the wipers and all warning lights came on without being able to turn the vehile off. Had to disconnect both batteries while the wipers destroyed themselves on a dry windshield. This is also causing a Service Shifter warning light then total loss of power steering while driving down the road at any speed. This includes high... Read more
Incident date: Dec 10, 2025
I currently have a failed ABS module on my truck. The warning lights have come on for brakes, ABS and traction control. I attempted to go to my local dealer but was told the part to replace has been backordered for over 2 years. I am unable to locate a new part, or a company that will rebuild the ABS module. I've had this condition for ~ 9 months. Additionally, just recently within the last 3... Read more
Incident date: Mar 2, 2026
When driving at speeds over 45 mph and making turns (eg on high ways) the van will sway and rock. I have installed new shocks, had an alignment, had ball joints and sway bars inspected, and had tires restated. I’m wondering if there is some sort of an issue with the electronic assist power steering that senses g forces and compensates inappropriately. It is extremely dangerous and we have nearly... Read more
Incident date: Mar 3, 2026
We have had the death wobble happen several times when driving. It was so violently shaking we tried to stop quick on a 75 mph hiway. Very dangerous and scary. This has happened many times over the last month. Had wheels realignment and new shocks. Still happening
Incident date: Mar 4, 2026
While driving home from work on the interstate, the steering locked up and became stiff. The power steering light came on the dash. It was very scary as it was on a high speed interstate with no ability to control it. The safety of myself and others were at risk as I could no longer fully control the vehicle. It has not been taken to a dealer as of yet. The component has not been inspected as of y... Read more
Incident date: Aug 28, 2025
I am reporting a suspected defect involving the front suspension or steering system of my 2026 Tesla Model Y AWD. The vehicle produces loud popping, knocking, and rattling noises from the front end when turning the steering wheel at low speeds, particularly when the steering approaches full lock in either direction. The issue is most noticeable when entering or exiting uneven surfaces such as slo... Read more
Incident date: Jan 4, 2026
I have had to put a new engine in my 2019 ford ecosport 3 times due to the open recall on the vehicle. It is currently at the ford dealership due to coolant leaking into the head gasket. The problems with the vehicle have been confirmed by the dealers. And no there were ZERO warnings or signs before the vehicle completely failed on us on the highway the first time. Then the same issue happened yet... Read more
Incident date: Feb 7, 2026
The contact owns a 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V111000 (Visibility ), 24V132000 (Suspension, Steering), 25V576000 (Electrical System), and 25V741000 (Electrical System); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was m... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2021) - STEERING
Mar 4, 2026
Incident date: Mar 4, 2026
In December 2025, the vehicle was towed to the dealer after it shut off and would not restart. No warning lights displayed, no low fuel light displayed either. Dealer attributed stall to low fuel (fuel range showed 30 miles remaining), found no diagnostic codes, attributed it to low fuel, added gas, and released the vehicle and charged a DX fee. In February 2026 (approximately two months later), t... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Feb 9, 2026
When I started my truck, a "service power steering" error was displayed in my DIC. My power steering lost all control. After driving for 10 minutes and then shutting the truck off for about 5 minutes, the system reset. This looks very similar to the recall #N212333900, but 2021 Silverados were not included with the recall. This is the 2nd time it happened. The first time was in 2023. It's pr... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2025
I was driving to work when suddenly my steering wheel gets supper heavy as I was making a turn shook the life out of me my eps went out if you could please do a good will repair or see if there’s any extended warranty please check for a TSPs
Incident date: Jan 24, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with an electronic power steering module failure. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer. The contact was infor... Read more
JEEP
WRANGLER 4XE
(2024) - STEERING
Mar 4, 2026
Incident date: Sep 4, 2025
Jeep Wranglers in the older/early models had aluminum steering steering boxes that would have excessive play do to thermal expansion. Jeep never made it recall but did provide a TSB NUMBER: 08-074-20 REV. B GROUP: 08- Electrical DATE: September 26, 2020. The TSB would recommend the aluminum steering box be replaced with a steel one. The issue is that many dealers refused to do the fix/change part... Read more
Incident date: Mar 4, 2026
What happened? While driving my 2025 Honda Odyssey, the engine failed to restart during an Auto Idle Stop event at a 4-way stop/intersection. When releasing the brake to take my right-of-way, the engine stalled completely. The vehicle became immobilized, the power steering went heavy/stiff, and the brake pedal became difficult to depress. I had to manually cycle the ignition by shifting to "Park" ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 31, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Lexus RX. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the steering wheel was shaking and vibrating, and it was loose. The vehicle was taken to a local independent dealer who replaced the control arms, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the power steering rack needed to be replac... Read more
Incident date: Mar 3, 2026
The power steering goes out at times. When I start up or when I am driving my steering will get harder and I get a power steering warning on the dash. If I shut the car off, sometimes it goes away but most of the time it does not.
Incident date: Feb 18, 2026
On 5/28/2019 Recall V06 was completed on my 2014 Dodge Ram 2500. As part of that repair the adjustment nuts on the steering drag link were welded to prevent loosening and potential separation. On 3/3/2026 I had new front suspension components installed by Les Schwab Tire Center. During that service the technician advised a wheel alignment could not be performed because the welded drag link nuts p... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 2500
(2024) - STEERING
Mar 4, 2026
Incident date: Feb 27, 2026
My airbag light is on after picking it up from a KIA dealership service and they are refusing to correct the issue that was caused by the dealership. I escalated the issue to KIA America and filled a formal case#25916418 on 2/26/2026. On 3/4/206 Tori at Kia Customer service informed me that it will not be covered because the dealership claims its a pre-existing issue. The dealership has failed to ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 2, 2026
Moisture in the air has corroded the wiring harness and connections to the Rack and Pinion causing the power steering to freak out and jerk the sheen all over the place and then cut out while driving.
TOYOTA
HIGHLANDER
(2017) - STEERING
Mar 4, 2026
Incident date: Mar 3, 2026
humming from the hydroboost pump, actual issue is the high pressure steering line has a nylon tube inside the hose that breaks apart and moves throughout the system. Dodge had one revision of the hose on the early model years but this issue has gone unresolved. I am afraid if i cant get it fixed it may possibly cause the brakes or steering assistance to fail.
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2025) - STEERING
Mar 4, 2026
Incident date: Dec 23, 2025
My wheel is not stable when I drive, it sticks, but at the same time car attempt to go to one side and, when I try to re-take my lane, the wheel is not smooth to the point that requires extra force to come back, and I feel I am going to invade the other line, this gets worse in long drives and warmer weather. This feels at one point dangerous and not safe to drive, because I get tired trying to ke... Read more
Incident date: Sep 19, 2025
On a rainy day after driving on the interstate, I pulled into a drive thru. Once there and idling for a few minutes, I tried moving forward and the car rough idled, shows message on dash "Engine Stopped, Power Stering Low" and had reduced engine power and no power steering and then stalls out. I tried turning it back on and it stays on for less than 3 seconds and shuts off. I had it towed to the d... Read more
Incident date: May 25, 2025
My car is giving me various problems with a gear box(a) and accelerations(b). a. It shift from one gear to another on its own. The gear can be put in Reverse, but the light would indicate Park, and the car would not move. Sometime I put the car into Drive and the Parking Break would come up and wont let me release it until I put the car back into Park mode. I've already had multiple"glitches" lik... Read more
Incident date: Mar 4, 2026
Steering wheel frozen in position on morning cold start below 20 degrees Fahrenheit even when car is put in drive. I must warm the cabin for 15 minutes to thaw the steering column or manually pull down on wheel to loosen the column. Below 10 degrees, steering wheel is firm and power steering does not return wheel to original position going around turns unless physically coaxed. Problem goes away a... Read more
Incident date: Mar 18, 2025
When driving my car the steering wheel was sticking really bad I had to use both hands just to keep it in control. I’m only on disability so when the McConnell Honda car here in Montgomery Al said it wasn’t the year that was recalled for this problem and it would cost me over 4600.00 I was floored. 2016 was recalled not 2017 . This is a safety problem and I’m asking you to help me get it fix... Read more
Incident date: Jan 15, 2026
The steering feels notchy on the highway and if is difficult to make small steering corrections
Incident date: Mar 3, 2026
I was cruise control 80mph and my.power steering went out. Esc power steering warning on dash. Car is incredibly hard to steer. When I turn car off and back on it might go away for a few minutes but then come.back randomly in a scary scenarios. Thing is a death trap.
Incident date: Jun 22, 2024
In 2020, I received multiple red recall notices in the mail regarding a safety issue. I scheduled an appointment with a Chevrolet dealership in Los Angeles and have a voicemail confirming the appointment. At the time, I did not follow through with ensuring the repair was fully completed, which I take responsibility for. However, the vehicle has continued to experience the same dangerous symptoms. ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 9, 2026
Experiencing reoccurring “sticky steering” when making left hands turns at highway speeds (as when taking off ramps). When the steering wheel is turned it will notch or stick at a certain point in its travel and not freely return to center. You have to apply a small amount of force to free it from the stuck position. If the wheel was to lock up when driving at high speed it could cause a sign... Read more
Incident date: Dec 22, 2025
2024 Prologue has a knocking sounds when turning left and right. It has only gotten worse. Honda has provided no solution and there are no parts available at Service Centers as confirmed by a Service Adviser in Escondido, CA. Honda is aware I feel unsafe driving this vehicle and made no attempt to remedy the situation.
Incident date: Nov 6, 2025
I was driving the vehicle and suddenly the steering wheel started to getting hard to turn it and the dash board doesn’t show any failure I went right away to dealership close by they inspected the vehicle they states there is a power steering failure but the car never showed any failure on dashboard or safety system
Incident date: Feb 18, 2026
1. Electronic power steering modular issue. My 2018 GMC SEIRRA 1500 CREW CAB JUST LOST ALL POWER STEERING. THEN WHEN I PARK IT. Assist notifications come on, ABS notices, BRAKE light stays on, trailer/tow notifications, trailer assist, parking brake, etc SUDDENLY A LOUD thump & feels like the whole truck just drops like 5” inches, settling. I cannot afford an inspection (ID theft in... Read more
Incident date: Feb 25, 2026
The clock spring assembly makes a noise whenever I turn the steering - this was once fixed through replacement by long beach honda and a couple of months later the issue came up again. Now, the dealer says Honda should be addressing it. The issue today till exists on vehicle and Honda refuses to take any action which is very weird as many users on online threads report the same issue. I am not sur... Read more