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: Feb 6, 2026

Sticky Steering. noise in front left wheel when doing a right turn on slow speeds. steering wheel stays in place when doing a full right turn.

Incident date: Oct 5, 2025

While driving cross country, my dash warning light came on and said " In 50 miles your vehicle will lose power and you won't be able to drive more than 5 mph. DEF problem". I spent $70,000 on this vehicle used with 50K miles on it. Recall from 2024, this is unacceptable. Now another recall for steering. The steering column disengagement. I am afraid to drive it. The dealer keeps telling me no fix ... Read more

Incident date: Feb 8, 2026

Am smells as if wires are burning and vehicle turns off whilst driving causing me to nearly hit a pole in one instance. Car will shut off also whilst parked or when reversing to park. Emergency Brake light come on at random times during driving as well. Or the seatbelt light will come on whilst seatbelt is engaged.

Incident date: Jan 21, 2026

The electric power steering gets notchy and sticks instead of smooth turning. This causes the car to drift left and right in the lane. The hotter the day and longer the drive, the worse the problem gets.

Incident date: Oct 31, 2025

The steering is sticky, and jerky. It's hard for me to maintain a safe driving experience. I'm going to get pulled over. There is a recall on this problem but I have no recalls for my car!!!! The dealership will not acknowledge. And ot is getting so much worse. 52233 miles.

Incident date: Jun 18, 2025

I was driving and parked the car at the store. After checking out I went to the car got ready to leave and started backing out and the car would not turn to the left at all. I took it to the shop and was told they do not see anything wrong with my car but a steering message is coming up.

Incident date: Feb 1, 2026

Within 40 miles of purchasing and departing the dealership, this brand-new 2024 Jeep Wrangler 4 Door Sport S experienced two severe and uncontrollable steering oscillation events (commonly known as "Death Wobble"). The first incident occurred on I-265 East (from I-65) in Indiana after going over a standard bridge expansion joint/hump at approximately 60 MPH. The steering wheel and front axle shook... Read more

Incident date: Feb 8, 2026

Went to back out of a parking space got a “check lane keep assist” warning on dash as well as red steering light. Steering was totally locked up luckily I was parked but if I was driving It could’ve caused a serious issue. I’ve seen multiple other people with this vehicle have had this problem as well and still no recall.

Incident date: Aug 8, 2025

The steering has been sticking causing oversteering at different speeds. This has been getting progressively worse as time has gone on. This is a serious issue as the oversteering to get the car back in a lane is going to cause a serious accident especially at higher rates of speed on the interstates.

Incident date: Jan 2, 2026

While driving at highway speeds, my daughter experienced, without any prior symptom, a violent shaking of the vehicle in general, accompanied by violent shaking of the steering wheel, making the vehicle difficult to control. We have since discovered it is a known issue "popularly" known as the "Jeep Death Wobble". My daughter was startled and frightened by the extent of the shaking and nearly lost... Read more

Incident date: Nov 15, 2025

The steering wheel sticks when driving on highway and going around an extended turn or bend on the highway.

Incident date: Sep 17, 2025

POWER STEERING FAILURE. BY LOSING POWER STEERING IT PUTS ME AND OTHERS AT RISK BECAUSE THE VEHICLE IS VERY HARD TO STEER. WARNING LAMP STARTED COMING ON AND GOING OFF WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED. IT HAS SINCE STOPPED HAVING POWER STEERING AND THE LIGHT STAYS ON.

Incident date: Feb 8, 2026

Steering wheel is sticking between the 11:00 and 1:00 position starting around 40 MPH.

Incident date: Apr 6, 2025

I was driving at around 40mph, my vehicle turned off with all the lights in the dashboard being turned on. I had no power steering or breaks in my vehicle. With no ability to break my moving car I pulled into a parking lot almost crashing with another vehicle. I couldn’t turn out my car in parking and the lights in the dashboard stayed on.

Incident date: Jan 10, 2026

SUBJECT: Catastrophic Steering Failure and Erroneous Safety Recall Notification - 2014 BMW 335i 105,000 milles INCIDENT DESCRIPTION: While driving, the vehicle completely lost steering control. The electronic steering rack disengaged due to a failure in the aluminum mounting bolts. This incident resulted in a near-fatal accident in which the vehicle almost left the road and fell into a ravine. I h... Read more

1 injured

Incident date: Nov 21, 2025

This afternoon I was driving on a 35mph 4 lane road when my power steering suddenly went out. Because it was unusually light traffic and there are no turns or curves, I was able to safely maintain my lane until the power steering resumed just as quickly as it went out. Most women struggle with manually steering a normal sized car- a truck this heavy is nearly impossible. Had I been going any faste... Read more

Incident date: Feb 1, 2026

Our 2016 Ford F-150 experienced a sudden, forceful, uncommanded lane deviation while traveling at highway speed. Without warning or driver input, the vehicle abruptly jolted into the left lane. The steering was corrected and returned to our lane, but shortly afterward the truck again forcefully veered left. The movement felt comparable to being struck by another vehicle. There was no oncoming traf... Read more

Incident date: Jan 23, 2026

Driving down the road and the steering wheel light came on and I slowed down and tried to turn and it was locked in position and had to have it towed. Now I'm stuck with no vehicle as mine is about 3 hours away from home. Waiting on parts to come in.

Incident date: Feb 6, 2026

-I had just exited from the highway and was driving into my town. While doing so, I had both hands on the steering wheel and suddenly the car started beeping and flashing warnings/ alerts indicating that my hands were not on the steering wheel, which they were. Within seconds the car began to deaccelerate and pull me off the road to my right hand side. I initially had no control over the vehicle. ... Read more

Incident date: Jul 1, 2024

I purchased this vehicle on 10/16/25 through Affordable Auto Sales 692 Pleasant St Fall River Ma as it is a buy here pay here. It had 97,626 miles on it day of purchase. I noticed trouble with power steering as it is electric and kept locking up and asked several times to fix it. It didn't get repaired until the week before Christmas. On 1-10-26, took it for first oil change and it had 100,837 m... Read more

Incident date: Feb 7, 2026

Steering will stay stuck in left or right position when turned slightly, a couple of inches. The wheel has to be jerked back to center. Vehicle will not go back to center. No lane assist of any kind are on. Excessive tire wear. Consistent issue especially when it’s hot weather. Steering wheel tilts to left when brought to centerz Cannot be reset to stay centered. Dead spot in steering.

Incident date: Dec 31, 2025

I have a faulty electric power steering, it prevents the steering wheel to return to center.

Incident date: Feb 7, 2026

Nissan of Macomb, ALL of them know us by name Mike & Bev Steering issue- does not drive straight down the highway, Slightest touch and off it goes in whatever direction you touched the steering wheel, and it will Not Recover, it will continue that direction until corrected.. DANGEROUS TO DRIVE Nissan of Macomb, alignment one of 7 (with Hubcaps ON, broke a hubcap, Never replaced ), worse than wh... Read more

Incident date: Dec 21, 2023

While picking up my daughter from school this week, I entered a school parking lot and began a low-speed right turn to pull into a parking space. During this maneuver, the car unexpectedly and abruptly accelerated forward. I reacted immediately and applied the brakes, but the car traveled approximately two car lengths beyond the intended parking spot. I came to a stop across two parking spaces. T... Read more

Incident date: Feb 5, 2026

While driving vehicle between approximately 30-50mph and making a slight turn left or right and lane changes, vehicle steering would stick. Power steering would get stuck and driver would have to manually correct the steering wheel in the opposite direction after lane changes or slight turn to prevent further veering off of the vehicle. Only occurs when vehicle speed is approximately 30-50mph.

Incident date: Jan 15, 2026

Approximately 4 months after purchasing our 2024 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy we started experiencing a serious steering issue. When driving slow while making turns, either right or left whether going forward or reverse the steering wheel intermittently abruptly stops mid turn and locks with a big bang. It forces me to apply the breaks because I cannot complete the turn. After about 10-15 secs the... Read more

Incident date: Nov 24, 2025

While driving under normal conditions, the vehicle suddenly became unstable and difficult to control. Steering response was abnormal, and the vehicle did not behave as expected, creating a loss of stability and control. The incident occurred without warning and required the vehicle to be towed. This event raised serious safety concerns, as the vehicle appeared prone to instability and unsafe oper... Read more

Crash

Incident date: Feb 3, 2026

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction. The power steering warning light was illuminated. The failure had occurred while taking a minor child to school. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle was diagnosed with an electric power steering... Read more

Incident date: Feb 6, 2026

The vehicle was returned to me after a manufacturer-authorized high-voltage battery replacement that was completed on December 10, 2025. Immediately after pickup, the vehicle began exhibiting safety-related issues. I experienced abnormal and hard steering operation, repeated low coolant warnings, and battery management system (BMS) and electrical warning messages. These warning messages appeared ... Read more

Incident date: Dec 12, 2025

Prior to this incident, I had been having issues with my fuel management system give a “reduced acceleration” warning (codes P0087, P228B) in weather below 28-30F. It was in the shop 3 times prior: first time was “bad fuel”, second had my fuel rail and fuel filter replaced, and third time I had my high pressure fuel pump replaced (also had a rear crank seal leak). While approaching a stop... Read more

Incident date: Feb 5, 2026

Driving down the interstate I noticed the steering wheel lightly jumping intermittently like it wanted to take control and turn itself. A few minutes later the power steering completely went out and the dash board display ESC OFF, Power Steering. I had no control of the vehicle. After turning the car off and then back on it would go away but happen later. Tried the recommended disconnect of the ba... Read more

Incident date: Feb 6, 2026

While attempting a left-hand turn, the steering wheel suddenly became stiff and unresponsive, as if the mechanical gear had bound. This sudden resistance made it impossible to complete the turn, causing the vehicle to strike a curb at low speed. A post-accident inspection at Lee Johnson Mazda (RO# 649854) confirmed extensive damage, including a bent inner tie rod, a damaged front wheel bearing/hub... Read more

Crash

Incident date: Oct 24, 2025

When turning right or left during 90-degree turns or U-turns, a loud clicking noise is heard. Already had the front axle replaced during first maintenance and the problem came back within 2 months of normal driving.

Incident date: Jan 26, 2026

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while attempting to turn the steering wheel, the steering wheel seized, with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the power steering module had failed and needed to be replaced. The ... Read more

Incident date: Jan 18, 2026

While driving, the vehicle displayed a “Stop Safely Now” warning and immediately began limiting operation. At the same time, steering effort increased significantly, similar to a loss or reduction of power steering assist, making the vehicle difficult to control. I was unable to safely pull over when the warning appeared and was forced to limp the vehicle into a nearby residential street to av... Read more

Incident date: Feb 5, 2026

Ford sent this recall letter in October, 2025. It’s unbelievable, and unacceptable that Ford would describe a “potential loss of steering control resulting in a crash or injury (or death). However we don’t instruct you to stop driving your vehicle. Parts to fix your defective steering column which could come apart in your hands while driving down the interstate with loved ones, or towing (fu... Read more

Incident date: Feb 6, 2026

The contact owns a 2016 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the steering wheel seized, with the power steering warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the power steering gear had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repai... Read more

Incident date: Feb 3, 2026

On initial in-service inspection the following issues were found. 1) R/S steering column not secured. Multiple screws loose. (picture attached) 2) Brake air system found to be out of compliance. When tested and air was released from one tank, both tanks drained completely. Lines are look to be plumbed incorrectly.

Incident date: Feb 4, 2026

The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was stopped at a traffic light or stop sign, the vehicle experienced rough idling. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact was adding engine oil every 3,000 miles. The contact stated that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was ... Read more

Incident date: Jan 28, 2026

The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the steering wheel seized. The vehicle had lost power steering functionality. The contact was forced to pull over to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and repaired without the owner’s consent. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 150,000. The... Read more

Incident date: Jan 22, 2026

NHTSA Safety Complaint Summary Component: Braking System / Electronic Stability Control / Electrical System Incident Date: November 5, 2025 Vehicle Mileage: 5,207 Description of Defect: While operating the vehicle at highway speeds on the Grand Central Parkway, the vehicle suffered a sudden and complete loss of primary braking function. Simultaneously, the dashboard displayed multiple critical sy... Read more

Incident date: Oct 1, 2025

The corolla cross 4WD steering is in question. At 40mph it suddenly went from power steering to manual steering. It lasted only 1-2 secounds and then returned to normal P.S. Toyota dealer ship doesn't know because it wasn't doing it for them. I am searching u-tube for similar experiences now. It was startling and am watching. no accident but could cause one if it is a symptom of anything furthe... Read more

Incident date: Jan 6, 2026

The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving out of a parking spot, the steering wheel inadvertently jerked to the center position on several occasions. The vehicle was restarted; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that when the vehicle was restarted, the steering wheel became very stiff. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed, and it w... Read more

Incident date: Nov 3, 2025

Vehicle makes a loud clicking noise and shake from front left - worse when turning. Dealer advised CV BOOT/Axle issue but will not fix.

Incident date: Jan 19, 2026

While driving on a public road, the vehicle experienced multiple simultaneous, dangerous malfunctions: Dashboard Warnings: All lights illuminated, including engine (flashing), ABS, traction control, airbag, TPMS, and parking brake, which stayed on though disengaged. Engine & Transmission: Tachometer fluctuated wildly in park; engine revved without accelerator input. Shifting to drive/reverse cau... Read more

Incident date: Nov 27, 2024

My Power steering and Serpentine belt needs replaced as well with the pulley.

Incident date: Feb 2, 2026

While driving, the engine catastrophically failed without warning, causing an immediate loss of power-assisted braking and steering. The failure occurred while traveling downhill. I was unable to slow or control the vehicle properly and was forced to proceed through a school bus’s flashing lights to avoid a potentially catastrophic collision, resulting in a traffic citation. My son was in the ve... Read more

Incident date: Dec 1, 2025

I bought my car from a dealership. Owned it for 2yrs 2mo. 107k miles First issue came up after 3-4 months. Faulty power steering. Took it to service at a dealership they said I would need my wire harness assembly replaced as well as a steering gear. Problem still persists. Also one of the mechanics there showed me that the previous owner glued harness connector components together which is why I s... Read more

Incident date: Feb 2, 2026

I was driving the vehicle when all of a sudden all of the lights appeared on the dashboard.i took it in to the dealership and was told it was due to PO172 code.

Incident date: Dec 26, 2025

Brakes have been really squeaky and seems like a common problem for other CX90 but no fix. Steering tends to feel “sticky” when doing certain turns and locks when you’re at the max radius and won’t return back

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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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