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: Sep 30, 2025
My name is [XXX] , and I am writing to formally submit a complaint regarding the loss of my vehicle due to engine fire. The vehicle was a 2021 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon, VIN [XXX] , with approximately 26,666 miles at the time of loss. I purchased the vehicle on May 13, 2021. The fire occurred on July 10, 2025. I was driving on the freeway, and my vehicle lost power and dashboard warning lights illu... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Feb 4, 2026
I experienced a sudden loss of power steering at 75 miles per hour on the freeway. This created an immediate safety hazard. I am requesting manufacturer goodwill repair assistance and for the dealer to open a safety case
Incident date: Jul 10, 2024
The steering wheel keeps sticking when turning left or right. It does not matter what speed you are going. I almost hit a car due to this. The previous steering recall has been performed without fixing the issue. I took the car to Mazda in Corpus Christi, TX and they claim they can not find an issue. I can repeat the issue l even parked.
TOYOTA
HIGHLANDER
(2016) - STEERING
Feb 5, 2026
Incident date: Feb 5, 2026
Steering wheel still sticks, even after multiple recalls and replacement of steering rack.
Incident date: Sep 20, 2025
While driving approximately 35–40 mph, the steering wheel locked unexpectedly. My [XXX] child was in the vehicle at the time. I was nearly unable to control the vehicle, creating a serious risk of a crash or fatal injury. The vehicle has a long history of electrical problems including repeated battery failures and a prior transmission replacement. Due to the steering failure, the vehicle is un... Read more
Incident date: Sep 20, 2025
I was on Hwy 27 headed south bound at Bellecita Rd in Davenpoerrt, Fl. This is a busy four way intersection. I moved into the left hand turn lane. When the left turn green light came on I began my U-Turn to head north bound. The steering wheel would not respond to my input and the vehicle kept going straight into oncoming traffic. It took a great deal of bodily force to get the vehicle to respond.... Read more
Incident date: Jan 8, 2026
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel was difficult to turn to the left or the right. The steering wheel seized, and the steering wheel symbol was displayed on the instrument cluster. The vehicle was turned off and restarted to reset the steering assist function. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and the c... Read more
Incident date: Feb 5, 2026
clicking noises from front of engine area/tire area whenever steeing wheel turned left or right turned out to be cv axels and replaced feb 2. 2026 -so far will monitor for recurrence - grand highlander forum with numerous such complaints
Incident date: Feb 1, 2026
When I’m going around the corner, the steering feels sort of sticky and either won’t stay in one place or feels a little bit stuck in one place. It sometimes feels like someone else is making micro adjustments to the steering as I’m holding the steering wheel. This has been happening for about the last 10,000 miles on the vehicle.
Incident date: Feb 5, 2026
Engine showing PO128 code. Steering Assist System reduced power. Engine fan constantly running. Engine temp on dash is stuck on the "C" mark, doesn't move. Thermostat and temp sensor replaced, issue continues. THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM ON GM VEHICLES WITH THE 3.6L AROUND THE 60,000 MILE MARK. GM NEEDS TO GET IT FIGURED OUT.
Incident date: Feb 1, 2026
The PS warning light has been coming on intermittently. The power steering goes out and the vehicle is hard to steer. My safety and others are put at risk if I lose power steering. We have done research online and plan to take it to a dealership to confirm the exact issue. The PS warning light has come on a few times over the last several months and the power steering comes and goes.
Incident date: Feb 5, 2026
Brake light comes on while driving and power steering also locks up..
Incident date: Feb 2, 2026
My 2013 Dodge Dart is subject to a shifter cable safety recall. The vehicle has been at an authorized Dodge dealership in Texas since November awaiting recall repair. The dealership has confirmed the vehicle is unsafe to drive, but the repair has been delayed for several months. No reliable transportation assistance has been provided during this extended delay. This safety recall has left me witho... Read more
Incident date: Feb 5, 2024
Car has had 2 separate, distinct failures of the DC/DC converter which result in electrical faults rendering all systems unusable (gearbox, steering, etc.) and making the care immobile. I have had it replaced once in September 2025 following a failure, and then the replacement failed in January 2026. This is incredibly dangerous while driving. Dealer and Land Rover are aware of widespread failure... Read more
Incident date: Feb 3, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Land Rover Range Rover Sport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V514000 (Steering); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the vehicle failed the State Inspection due to the open recall. The dealer was contacted but no assistance was provided. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded ... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2020) - STEERING
Feb 5, 2026
Incident date: Feb 7, 2024
Ref Investigation Number: RQ 23-003 Intermittent / Comp Loss of Power Steering I EXPERINCED A COMPLETE STEERING RACK SYSTEM FAILURE ON MY 2014 RAM SPORT. COULD NOT DRIVE VEHICLE. $4000 REPAIR BILL TO GET IT BACK ON THE ROAD.
Incident date: Feb 4, 2026
For the past two years ive been having problems with the steering in the car. the steering wheel constantly pulls to the right. i had to get 4 or 5 wheel alignments in one year because the problem is that bad. i have receipts for the fixes. i recently researched known issues and came across the recall of the "steering gear" affecting Grand Cherokees from 2019 - 2020. My car falls under the 2020 ye... Read more
Incident date: Aug 22, 2024
What component or system failed? The Steering and Suspension system failed. Specifically, the front axle hubs, track bar, and U-joints failed, causing a violent loss of steering control known as "Death Wobble." These components are currently available for inspection; however, they were diagnosed as "FAILED" and requiring immediate replacement to make the vehicle safe to drive. How was safety put ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 13, 2025
My rear differential keep locking and making noise while turning
Incident date: Oct 10, 2025
The power steering on my vehicle is not working. I believe it may be a malfunction with the torque sensor. It is available for inspection upon request. This was a safety risk because the steering wheel was shaking as I was driving. Thankfully, it never locked up on me while on the road, however if it had, it could've caused a life-threatening accident as I am constantly driving on large 4 lane hig... Read more
Incident date: Feb 2, 2026
apparently, there was a recall on these cars for the power steering suddenly shutting off. Apparently it’s also electric so there’s nothing you can do at home to remedy it. It is incredibly dangerous to drive. I just bought my car it has under 100,000 miles on it, but I guess they have also 10 year age policy that they won’t service the recall. This was a brand new car for me and it is very... Read more
Incident date: Feb 3, 2026
When traveling down a road normally, the steering becomes suddenly harder to manipulate. It has a sticky feel when trying to turn normally. This has caused occasions where the car veers out of lane temporarily due to not responding to steering inputs normally.
Incident date: Nov 27, 2025
ABS module internal electrical failure. Causes traction control, antilock brakes, and trailer brakes to fail. Brakes could lose power and cause a collision. Parts are unavailable new. No remedy available from manufacturer.
CHEVROLET
TRAILBLAZER
(2025) - STEERING
Feb 4, 2026
Incident date: Feb 4, 2026
On Feb 3, 2026, I purchased a used 2023 Ram 2500 with ~40,107 miles from a large national used car dealer for ~$46,000. I drove the vehicle with my son as a passenger. On Feb 4, I had it inspected by a third-party shop. Both upper ball joints were worn beyond spec — the wheel moved in and out by hand on the lift, indicating imminent wheel separation risk. All 4 shocks and both front struts were ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 19, 2025
The incident involved a 2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer, purchased new in late February 2025. The failure appears related to the vehicle’s electrical/charging system and associated control modules, resulting in a sudden loss of critical safety systems. The vehicle was towed by GM Roadside Assistance and is currently at an authorized Chevrolet dealership, where it is available for inspection upon requ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2025
When driving the vehicle and going into a sweeping turn on the road at highway speeds, mostly while turning into a left sweeping turn, the steering wheel will "jerk", and on a few occasions felt as if it was "stuck" and then would "snap" loose and allow the wheel to come back to center when coming out of the turn. I mentioned it to the dealer as there seems to be a growing number of people expe... Read more
Incident date: Jan 28, 2026
While driving, the vehicle will suddenly jerk taking control of the steering. As similar defect has been noted on other models. Took to the dealership and they said it is the automatic gear box.
Incident date: Feb 1, 2026
Steering wheel gets "sticky" and "clunky" when turning the wheel while at speed. Anytime I turn a corner or accelerate into a turn the steering wheel feels like it locks up and clicks back to center - almost like negative feedback.
Incident date: Dec 28, 2025
Power steering hose ruptured after a few days of snow and ice. I went to drive to the store but was unable to turn out of the driveway due to no power steering. I done some research to where I found out there was a recall for this same issue but evidently my VIN # isn't included in this recall as while as many others I have read about online. I think this needs to be looked into.
Incident date: Jul 30, 2025
I am writing to formally file a complaint and request resolution regarding a serious safety issue involving my 2012 Ford Fusion SEL (VIN: [XXX] ). I have been a loyal Ford customer for over 20 years and have owned only Ford vehicles. Unfortunately, my recent experience with Ford Customer Care and my local dealership has been extremely disappointing and concerning. A few weeks ago, my 2012 Ford F... Read more
Incident date: Jan 22, 2026
The steering wheel sticks especially when making long turns. It jutters and scares the driver. Some times it holds in place and you have to jerk it back to straight.
Incident date: Feb 3, 2026
I'm driving down the road and unexpectedly the power steering completely goes out and the car is almost impossible to steer. When I shut the car off it usually resets sometimes for only a couple seconds, sometimes longer before the power steering fails again. It has happened in the middle of multiple turns, highways driving, city driving and is very dangerous. If you look online it is a very commo... Read more
Incident date: May 9, 2025
I am not sure this the the right form for filing my complaint. I was issued a recall letter in November about my car catching on fire. I have seen videos of other BMWs catching on fire. I am not sure if legally I can take it to a mechanic? What if something happens while it is at the mechanic? Legally do I have to take it to the dealership? What if it catches on fire and my neighbors property gets... Read more
Incident date: Jan 31, 2026
Steering is sticky/requires extra effort to center when turning left
Incident date: Feb 4, 2026
Steering wheel sticks when turning at a high rate of speed, on freeways ect.
Incident date: Nov 12, 2025
On [XXX] my 2017 Acadia Denali started driving poorly and a steering assist reduced message appeared. I had O'Reilly scan for error messages and they were: P0128 and P0826-00. The dealership confirmed that they would need to replace the thermostat. The Buick GMC Beaverton technician made a video of my vehicle: [XXX] My safety was put at risk due to the risk of my steering going out. My car i... Read more
Incident date: Dec 9, 2022
Repeated episodes of “sticky” steering. Requires a lot of effort or force to move the wheel. Highly problematic in turns. Have had to yank the wheel so hard to straighten it, it caused the entire car swerve. Very dangerous. After research, appears this is a wide spread issue with this particular vehicle.
Incident date: Feb 4, 2026
Forscan showing torque sensor malfunction, the same issue that was recalled in 2014. Causing loss of power steering
GENERAL TIRE
GRABBER HD
(9999) - STEERING
Feb 4, 2026
Incident date: Jan 30, 2026
Vehicle has electrical issues with headlamps flickering and power steering loss (which is electronic) at lower speeds. Power and radio intermittently cut out momentarily and on occasion a "stabilitrac loss" warning flashes. Looking online, many consumers experience this issue which appears to be due to faulty ground or battery connections and many have reported complete loss of power at highway s... Read more
Incident date: Jan 24, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 BMX X3. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The RPM was elevated; however, the vehicle failed to respond as intended. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the road. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic an... Read more
LAND ROVER
RANGE ROVER SPORT
(2023) - STEERING
Feb 4, 2026
Incident date: Jan 30, 2026
The car steered on its own without warning of Lane Departure
Crash
1 injured
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2021) - STEERING
Feb 4, 2026
Incident date: Jan 30, 2026
Clicking/tapping noise heard when turning either left or right.
Incident date: Dec 4, 2025
After a dealership repair to the rear differential, my 2022 GMC Yukon XL experienced a sudden driveline failure. A component detached underneath the vehicle, resulting in loss of control and immediate disablement. This occurred shortly after service and without warning. The vehicle is routinely driven at highway speeds while transporting multiple minor children. This appears to be a serious post-r... Read more
Incident date: Feb 4, 2026
The contact owns a 2025 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel was slightly locked while making a left or right turn. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was scheduled for a diagnostic test in the upcoming da... Read more
Incident date: Dec 9, 2025
The power steering went out on the car as I was driving down the highway going 65 mph
LAND ROVER
DEFENDER
(2023) - STEERING
Feb 4, 2026
Incident date: Feb 1, 2026
I'd like to join the open investigation for RQ26002 [XXX] ). Our car has had jerky steering when doing a long turn at the same angle for well over a year. We brought in the car multiple times to the Mazda dealership and they said they couldn't find an issue, essentially ignoring our request. It makes the car unsafe to drive on the highway (and other roads) because the steering wheel jerks when it... Read more
Incident date: Feb 4, 2026
While driving the vehicle warnings alerted me that the battery was low and to start the vehicle ( it was running as I was driving) then the alert changed to pull over when possible. At this time the power steering and power brakes started to fail by the time I pulled into a parking lot the vehicle completely died and I had to push it into a parking spot. I called Land Rover they towed it to a deal... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2025
Reporting multiple safety-related defects on my 2024 Mazda CX-90. Steering system: At approximately 5,000 miles, the vehicle developed abnormal steering behavior, including inconsistent steering response and abnormal feel during normal driving and turning. The condition affected my ability to steer the vehicle predictably and raised safety concerns, particularly during low-speed turns, parking ma... Read more
Incident date: Dec 15, 2024
Sunday [XXX] downtown Sacramento, driving about 25 mph. Heard a loud bang—bolt sheared off front subframe. Steering felt lagging upon making a right turn vehicle proceeded in a very wide turn, pulled into parking lot. Wheel locked right as I exited [XXX] parking spot; steering went slack, brakes scraped rotor. Two witnesses saw hardware hit pavement. AAA tech removed tire: lower control arm bolt... Read more