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: Jan 6, 2026
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Forte. The contact stated that there was a ticking sound coming from the steering column while turning the steering wheel in either direction while driving at slow speeds. The contact stated that over time, the clicking sound became progressively louder. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who replaced the steering wheel coupler, and the vehicle was repaired. The... Read more
Incident date: Jan 7, 2026
Sometimes, when driving in a turn, either direction, and hands are released from the steering wheel, the vehicle does not return to center. Force is required to cause the steering to begin returning to center. Once it begins returning to center, seems to always continue to center. This is a dangerous departure from decades of common vehicle operation. An unsuspecting driver can drive into an obst... Read more
Incident date: Jan 12, 2026
Had safety recall for loss of power steering repair done in November of 2021. First incident: Leaving a grocery store parking lot, loss of power steering made the steering nearly impossible at low speeds. Message on display said to have steering serviced and dinged. Had a tow truck come and take it to the same dealership that did the repair. Low voltage code was reset, power steering was returned.... Read more
Incident date: Jan 15, 2026
Vehicle consistently vibrates at highway speeds, feels like a driveline vibration, wheel, tire or suspension issue. Almost feels like a tire is wobbling.
Incident date: Nov 26, 2025
My vehicles rear locker went out on me while driving on the road and completely destroyed itself. I have video evidence on how that looks at the shop where it cost me over 3k to get a new one because I could t drive it or I had to get a whole new rear differential. My steering is already been going loose at 70k miless
Incident date: Nov 13, 2025
1) Transmission vehicle is not able to be driven Driving on the highway taking kids to school as my vehicle would not accelerate put me the kids and all that were on the road that morning at risk because all i could do is coast to get off on the side of the highway. I had it towed to independent center No warning signs, lights or messages nor any other symptoms. 2)also faulty steering wheel cloc... Read more
Incident date: Jan 15, 2026
The “service ESC” light came on while I was driving on the freeway causing the steering wheel to lock up and I couldn’t turn the wheel. It was really stiff after it said “Service ESC” and “ESC Off”
Incident date: Jan 15, 2026
Since buying this car brand new it’s been nothing but problem after problem. Newest problem is one I’ve been researching and long history of this issue. Needs to be recalled. It’s a DcDc issue very well known parts are on lengthy back order and the cost is astronomical!!! Please help !!!
GMC
SIERRA 2500
(2024) - STEERING
Jan 14, 2026
Incident date: Jan 4, 2026
Steering wheel sticking or no response at all at highway speeds going around 60-80 miles per hour.
Incident date: Dec 30, 2025
The contact owns a 2009 Saturn Aura. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and making left or right turns on several occasions, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact stated that the steering wheel became firm and required added effort to turn the steering wheel while driving. The contact stated that simultaneously, the EPS warning light was illuminated. The v... Read more
Incident date: Jan 9, 2026
Sudden loss of powering steering
Incident date: Jan 13, 2026
Loss of motor power recall has been present since October 17, 2025 - #25V710. This is an issue that started with our specific Jeep prior to this recall. It is January now and no remedy has been found. The manufacturer will not provide a loaner or rental for us even though the car has shut off on us personally on multiple occasions. They asked us to take it into the dealer to perform a diagnostic, ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 26, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Land Rover Range Rover Sport. The contact stated that while driving approximately 10 MPH and making a right turn, there was an abnormal sound like a crack or pop coming from the front end of the vehicle. The contact stated that a week prior to the failure, there was a popping sound coming from the front end while driving and rolling over a depression in the road. The contac... Read more
Incident date: Oct 14, 2025
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while reversing, the vehicle lost power steering functionality and struck another unoccupied parked vehicle. The contact inspected the vehicle and noticed that the rear of the vehicle had sustained scratches. There was no injury sustained. No Police report was filed. The contact stated that the power steering failure was initially inte... Read more
Incident date: May 25, 2025
Car parked for 6 days while on vacation. Came back it started fine but 30 mins into travel, I lost power steering while on the highway next to a tractor trailer and the warning lights were shifting through a cycle of warnings of things not working. It told me to go to the dealership which I brought on my way home. They looked and said it was because i didn't drive it. The car is 1 year old and t... Read more
LAND ROVER
DEFENDER
(2023) - STEERING
Jan 14, 2026
Incident date: Jan 7, 2026
I received a recall notice (XXX-XXX-XXX.pdf) and informed to call Allwin Powersports Corp. (APC) at either [XXX] or [XXX] for remedy -- a replacement at no cost to me. the NHTSA Campaign Number is 26E001. I have called many times since receiving the notice, and there is no answer on either number - it only goes to a voicemail each time. there is a chance to leave a message, which I have done... Read more
Incident date: Dec 29, 2025
My 2015 Ram 1500, Electronic Power Steering stopped working while driving on a two lane road putting myself and others in serious danger, the wheel abruptly became difficult to turn and maneuver the car, causing me to drift onto the shoulder. The car had to be towed as it was unsafe to drive, and once diagnosed by a mechanic the whole unit has to be replaced as they are not serviceable.
Incident date: Nov 1, 2025
Steering Effort Control Module failed. This is a known concern with these vehicles. Many Super Duty's have this happen. It is a very expensive repair. The steering effort changes, the vehicle becomes out of alignment and other things like cruise control, wipers, etc may fail as part of this issue.
Incident date: Jan 9, 2026
The dealer replaced some steering components around 25-30k miles. The problem with the steering sticking and locking up as never stopped. The dealer is saying it's the gearbox. I have 45,000 miles, now the dealer wants to charge me $4,000 to replace the gear box. It should be covered under a recall or replaced when I first took the car in for repair, while it was under warranty.
LAND ROVER
RANGE ROVER EVOQUE
(2022) - STEERING
Jan 14, 2026
Incident date: Jan 14, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving 5 MPH, the vehicle lost proper steering ability, and the steering wheel became loose and spun around in a circle. The air bag message was later displayed on the instrument panel. Upon inspecting the vehicle, the contact discovered that the bolt connecting the steering shaft was missing. Due to the failure, the vehicle w... Read more
Incident date: Feb 20, 2025
Clicking noise from CV joints when turning left and right at 7717 miles.
Incident date: Jan 12, 2026
Safety recall on steering. Ford dealership says it is under the recall and the steering column has to be replaced. Part is on back order and he said it could be 3-6 months even a year before the part comes in. This is my main source of income being impacted. I am still paying on the car so a second car loan is not ideal. Is there anyway to get it repaired sooner.
Incident date: Dec 16, 2025
Steering binds or sticks while steering wheel is on center requiring diligence to maintain the vehicle's course. The steering also will periodically act as if the road departure system is engaged even when that feature and lane assist are turned off. The vehicle will dart to the right, but not to the left. Vehicle front suspension was re-aligned, but problems still persists.
Incident date: Jan 8, 2026
The issue started with power steering failure warning light flashed and then went of a couple times. I could also hear the fan kick on high, then the power steering warning light came on and stay on. When it stayed on, I lost power steering and barely could make a u turn on a 2 lane divided high way. This problem went on randomly for approximately 2+ weeks. The fact that all power steering is ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 14, 2026
The power steering was intermittently not working at slower speeds. This went on for 4 months. Now the power steering has completely stopped working which happened while driving making it extremely difficult to control.
TESLA
CYBERTRUCK
(2024) - STEERING
Jan 14, 2026
Incident date: Jan 14, 2026
The vehicle has experienced ongoing steering-related noise and vibration during driving since early ownership. The issue is noticeable at various speeds and road conditions and affects confidence in steering control and overall vehicle stability. The vehicle has been inspected and serviced multiple times at an authorized dealership, but the condition has not been resolved. During prior service vi... Read more
Incident date: Dec 12, 2025
My father is a mechanic when I bought this car the first thing we noticed is it had a problem with actually driving so we tried fixing a couple things to get it to drive no matter what we do the car lags I cannot step on the pedal hard enough in some cases I have almost been hit I have two kids this car is absolutely a danger on the road. As I was driving my children to school the wheel became ver... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE L
(2024) - STEERING
Jan 13, 2026
Incident date: Dec 25, 2025
Electric Power Steering failed
Incident date: Dec 26, 2025
December 12, 2025 I had to drive 20-30 miles an hour the car would not break I had to use parking break. When I would try to Stop it would continue to roll. The pedal was Hard! This is very dangerous and other cars have crashed There are also class action lawsuits regarding just this! Vehicle vacuum pump The Bill was $5200 I am asking for reimbursement! Vehicle vacuum pump engine light on tire se... Read more
Incident date: Nov 15, 2025
When I’m driving at highway speeds my steering wheel gets stuck and when this happens I’m over correcting my steering which is causing my car to swerve . I since took the vehicle to the dealership and had the steering rack and pinion replaced.They told me there has been several complaints of this happening and for now they do not have a updated parts as of yet . So they gave me a 12000 or 1 y... Read more
Incident date: Jan 13, 2026
This compliant is based on the manufactures unwillingness to provide a rental car despite the fact the car is in the shop now for over a week. They have stated in writing that they will not provide a rental car or alternative transportation until the repair for NHTSA recall number 25V-766 or 78C is determined. This leads me without a usable vehicle for an unknown period of time and their refusal t... Read more
Incident date: Dec 13, 2025
While driving straight, my 2019 Honda Pilot activates collision “BRAKE” warnings and applies steering wheel torque when there are no vehicles or obstacles present. The system intervenes unexpectedly and repeatedly. The attached documents show that I reported this issue to a Honda dealership and Honda Customer Relations (case #16094868). No diagnosis has been completed yet. This is a safety con... Read more
Incident date: Oct 13, 2025
Vehicle shakes violently on or about 65 to 70 mph. Upon slowing to approximately 60 mph the shaking stops. Also at slower speeds the vehicle pulls to the right. Contacted Ford Fairfield, California dealer two days ago; left voicemail no reply at this writing.
Incident date: Jan 10, 2026
I am submitting this complaint regarding a known defect with the steering wheel coupler in my 2012 Kia vehicle. The steering coupler is a component that has been subject to recall concerns due to premature wear. When this part becomes worn, it can result in looseness or failure in the steering system, creating a serious safety risk for the driver and others on the road. Despite this being a known... Read more
Incident date: Jan 8, 2026
Abs control module defective per dealer diagnostics (110 bucks) , abs light on, brake light on, traction control light on , little car on downhill slope, safety issues are driving without brake control and steering, parts on back order alot of people flooding internet with same issue, as well as oil cooler, who puts plastic in the middle of a hot motor and thinks that wont break, that should h... Read more
Incident date: Apr 30, 2025
The vehicle had multiple unresolved safety defects from the time of purchase. The radio and electrical system never functioned correctly and could not be repaired despite repeated dealer visits. The stabilizer bar failed and fell out while driving, causing loss of steering stability. The vehicle is currently subject to an open federal safety recall for ABS/ESC/traction control loss with no repair ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 19, 2025
I've noticed the steering is off and uneven.
CHEVROLET
SUBURBAN 1500
(2025) - STEERING
Jan 13, 2026
Incident date: Sep 26, 2025
Power steering hose is too short from factory, mine came loose while driving and I lost power steering assist unexpectedly. In checking forums, this is an EXTREMELY common problem and has existed since at least 2018 - mine is a 2022.
Incident date: Dec 24, 2025
September 2025, we were on a vacation when we noticed that the column gear shifter on our 2021 Ford F150 seemed a bit "loose" when shifting. No issues getting into the appropriate gear…but a weird loose feeling. My husband pulled off the leather boot on the column (not sure if this is what it is called, I believe it keeps dust out) and found the problem. Two missing bolts! Earlier that year, I ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 9, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 30 MPH on two occasions, the vehicle lost power, and the brake pedal and the steering wheel became stiff. There were no warning lights illuminated during the failure. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road and turned off because the contact was nervous to drive the vehicle. The vehicle was to... Read more
Incident date: Oct 18, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Land Rover Range Rover Sport. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle started shaking while depressing the brake pedal. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V514000 (Steering). The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was n... Read more
Incident date: Dec 17, 2025
I am experiencing a “sticky, notchy” steering issue on my 2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid. When the steering wheel is approximately 1–2 degrees off center (either left or right), the steering resists movement and then suddenly jerks when correcting. This makes it difficult to make smooth corrections and maintain a steady lane position. The issue only occurs after driving for about 30–40 minutes, w... Read more
Incident date: Jan 13, 2026
All four tires on my 2025 Toyota Tundra experienced severe and abnormal outside edge wear at approximately 13,000 miles. The vehicle was purchased new and maintained according to manufacturer recommendations, including tire rotations every 5,000 miles at authorized Toyota dealerships. An authorized Toyota dealership inspected the vehicle, documented the abnormal tire wear, and performed alignment... Read more
Incident date: Jan 19, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while attempting to make a right turn from a traffic light, the vehicle lost power steering functionality, and the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact depressed the brake pedal the vehicle started operating as intended. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic to b... Read more
KAWASAKI
NINJA ZX-6R
(2025) - STEERING
Jan 13, 2026
Incident date: Jan 3, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Land Rover Range Rover Sport. The contact stated that the rear passenger side door failed to close after repeated attempts to securely close the door. Upon investigation, the contact discovered Manufacturer Recall Number: N986 (Latches/Locks/Linkages) and NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V514000 (Steering); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The loc... Read more
Incident date: Nov 6, 2025
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the power steering warning light was illuminated, and the message "ESC OFF" was displayed. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced an intermittent loss of power steering while driving. The contact stated that upon restarting the vehicle, the vehicle operated as intended; however, the failure initially became a persistent fai... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
GLC 300 4MATIC
(2023) - STEERING
Jan 13, 2026
Incident date: Jan 5, 2026
ABS,BRAKE Warning lights on. Brakes locked up during emergency stop which resulted in loss of steering control. Cleared ABS code and it immediately reappears. Appears ABS Module is defective. When I called dealership to order ABS module was told not available due to engineering hold. I know other year Ram models have active recall on same issue and component.
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2025) - STEERING
Jan 13, 2026
Incident date: Jan 12, 2026
CV joints making a clicking noise when turning. Right Honda in Scottsdale AZ diagnosed it Nov 2025. As of Jan 2026, there are still no parts to repair after calling the dealership to get an update.
Incident date: Dec 3, 2025
The emergency braking system keeps coming on every time I go to drive, my car automatically shifts into neutral gear when driving and I have an error message saying that I can’t reverse. My seat will Not go further back and I have an air bag issue light