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: Oct 24, 2025
On [XXX], while operating my 2024 Tesla Model Y in Full Self-Driving (Supervised) mode, the vehicle experienced an Uncommanded Steering Input leading to a collision. The vehicle was traveling at a very low speed of approximately 5 mph in a clear, simple environment. Despite this walking pace, the FSD software failed to identify a visible concrete curb and initiated a sudden, sharp turn directly in... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jan 12, 2026
No accident occurred. I just believe that the symptoms our car has are the exact same issues that caused a recall. I’m just relaying information to help set the parameters of the recall. Secondly I am curious why the service manager didn’t mention about a recall possibly concerning our car. Even though it isn’t in the window of the recall ( but shows all symptoms). Guess I’m feeling a litt... Read more
Incident date: Jan 9, 2026
While driving, Steering looses power, so steering is very difficult. Car needs to be restarted to gain control of steering. Took it to a mechanic and he explained that Honda accords have this problem. He scanned the vehicle and received a DTC code 53-02 and advised to visit Honda dealer for repairs or possible recall fix. The car vin number search does not list any outstanding recalls.
Incident date: Jan 12, 2026
Hi. I noticed my vehicle was randomly making a clunking noise in the rear end. Also, on the highway, it would drift and was difficult to steer. I took it to dealership to be examined because it was still under warranty. They showed me that the driver's side rear trailing arm was disconnected. The bolt was not even there. They stated that it was caused by outside influence, possibly from hitting so... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2025) - STEERING
Jan 12, 2026
Incident date: Dec 27, 2025
When driving on the freeway for an extended amount of time I started to notice the steering wheel feeling "sticky" during minor adjustments. It almost feels like I'm moving the wheel off of the backside of a Post-It Note. It's subtle enough to be annoying but not significant enough to be dangerous unless it becomes worse.
TOYOTA
RAV4 PRIME
(2023) - STEERING
Jan 12, 2026
Incident date: Sep 12, 2025
Out of nowhere, we started our vehicle that was no more than a year old, and all of the emergency alert indicators on the dash came on. All of the warning lights in the dash. The power steering went out and would go from very stiff to very loose. the car would shutter and then drive normal for a few min and then slow way down without warning. Again, all dash warning lights and alarms would go of... Read more
Incident date: Jan 6, 2026
Vehicle drive shaft makes clicking noise at the CV joint.
Incident date: Jan 5, 2026
Two issues that I want to make known. First is a classic jeep issue with the death wobble. I currently have the jeep back in the shop for the current recall and having them fix the wobbling again. This would be the second time that it has happened. worried because the warranty is about to expire. Next is a problem that I almost forgot about until recently because I started driving a rental jeep ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 16, 2025
I notice every morning when leaving for work, making left turns, there is an unusual knocking sound while turning. Sometimes it happens turning right, but mainly on left turns.
Incident date: Dec 16, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Land Rover Range Rover. The contact stated that upon entering the driveway at a slow speed, the contact believed that the vehicle had hydroplaned. The vehicle was shifted into park(P) before reversing and then parked in the garage. Upon inspection of the vehicle, the contact noticed that the front passenger's side tire had turned inward while the other tires were facing for... Read more
Incident date: Jan 9, 2026
After driving vehicle for about 30 minutes I noticed the steering had become notchy and felt like it was getting stuck while going straight and on slight curves. This is a known issue with Honda Civics in which a previous recall was announced for earlier models
Incident date: Dec 27, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Land Rover Range Rover Sport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V514000 (STEERING); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, an abnormal sound was coming from the vehicle while turning to the left or the right. In addition, the vehicle was vibrating abnormally. No wa... Read more
Incident date: Jan 12, 2026
The power steering rack and pinion intermittently loses power especially at low speeds or when the vehicle is powered on. It is available for inspection upon request and has been inspected by a certified ram technician. This same issue is described in campaign number 19V812000 published by the nhtsa among other vehicles of this same make and model. There were no prior warnings or indications of th... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
While performing routine maintenance on my 2018 Acura TLX, I discovered a critical structural failure in the front right (passenger side) lower control arm. The factory weld connecting the stamped steel control arm to the compliance bushing housing has failed and separated. Visual inspection reveals a clear manufacturing defect: there is a significant crater and void in the weld bead, indicative o... Read more
Incident date: Nov 15, 2025
So just recently I was on my way home from my parents house, and I take a highway to get there from my home. It’s a direct shot, fastest way to get to and from. I was merging right to get in the turn lane to the highway I take, and I heard a click, and my steering wheel felt like it locked up. I look at the dash, and see it says “power steering” and then “ESC OFF”. The turn to merge onto... Read more
Incident date: Jan 12, 2026
Prior to receiving official recall repair instructions, I experienced sudden and unexpected issues with the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) system. These issues resulted in a loss of steering control, which caused my vehicle to become involved in an accident [XXX]. This incident not only caused significant damage to my vehicle but also resulted in personal injuries for which I am still recovering.... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Dec 3, 2025
I am writing to formally report a serious safety defect in my Genesis vehicle and to request immediate investigation, documentation, and corrective action. Following a recent crash event, my vehicle’s diagnostic scan revealed DTC B1378, which is associated with a fault in the airbag system circuitry. This code is widely recognized as an indicator of an airbag defect and is consistent with condi... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Nov 6, 2025
I am reporting a series of safety concerns regarding my 2017 Chevy Volt, which have persisted despite multiple attempts to address them with the dealership. These issues pose significant risks to my safety and that of others on the road. On January 18th, 2024, I brought my vehicle to the dealer after experiencing reduced propulsion power while driving on the highway, coupled with the illumination ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 11, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Jaguar XJ. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 50 MPH, the steering wheel unexpectedly seized with no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that as a result of the failure, the vehicle hydroplaned and collided with a jersey wall. The contact sustained back and neck injuries; however, no medical treatment was received. A police report was filed. T... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jan 12, 2026
In August 2025 my 2022 Kia Sorento S began having the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) Malfunction Indicator light flashing. It comes on, flashes for a while, then goes off again. Shortly after the first time this happened (a week or so), my steering began losing all power steering intermittently at random. I took it to the local Kia dealership, but they did nothing even though I am still under war... Read more
Incident date: Jan 7, 2026
The low pressure power steering hose is leaking and can't get part for it. Been having to invest in tons of power steering fluid and want to know if this is gonna be a recall. It is very frustrating that we can't get parts for the problem.
Incident date: Jan 12, 2026
Unknown my Steering wheel locked up while driving
Incident date: Nov 1, 2025
The steering wheel is very sticky/notchy at highway speeds. Makes steering difficult especially with minor adjustments. Very unsafe as it can stick and cause you to drift if you’re not on top of the steering or even overcompensate
Incident date: Dec 24, 2025
My truck is been having a death wobble for years now. It's scary, I changed tires suspension and I still have the issue.
Incident date: Aug 1, 2025
The EPS light started coming on intermittently back in Nov. 2025 and power steering became very difficult. I could get it to reset by turning off the car and turning steering wheel all the way to right and then left and then back to center and restart. The steering ability returned but the light eventually came back on. I had Firestone look at this in Nov. and they recalibrated but advised if prob... Read more
Incident date: Jan 2, 2026
I’m writing to ask for you all to honor the recall for my jeep. I purchased a 2022 Jeep Wrangler in April of 2025 Months after the purchase I began to notice that on certain road conditions that my vehicle would shake violently back and forth at higher speeds if I hit a bump. As you can tell this causes great concern for mine and my children's well being. My teen son is also driving my vehicl... Read more
Incident date: Jan 3, 2026
2014 Ram 1500 lost power-steering while driving
Incident date: Apr 10, 2025
System that failed/malfunctioned: power steering (EPS) system How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Power steering went out while driving. Steering wheel immediately became stiff and made it extremely to turn the wheel in either direction. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? The problem was confirmed at an independent servi... Read more
Incident date: Jan 11, 2026
Event Description - Car began veering off the road to the left - Driver attempted to correct the unintended maneuver, but the car increased in speed, despite braking - The car then lost all steering and braking capability, - In an attempt to control/stop the car, it instead proceeded uncontrollably performing a doughnut on the roadside embankment, and another doughnut that landed the vehicle b... Read more
Incident date: Jan 5, 2026
UNKNOWN: Not had problems since I got it. 66000 miles on it and now it’s losing electrical power at random. I’ll be driving normally, but my dash will go black, all lights go out and the engine will go into neutral. When I let off the throttle and coast, it will come back to life and go back to normal.
KIA
OPTIMA HYBRID
(2014) - STEERING
Jan 10, 2026
Incident date: Dec 12, 2025
this vehicle was purchased from Don Chalmers Ford in Rio Rancho on 1129, 2025, upon purchasing a 2018 Toyota foreigner Limited I traded in a 2020 Acura RDX with only 50,000 miles. The salesman seemed to trustworthy. He showed me the Carfax Clean had no accidents no recalls then I receive some paperwork stating this vehicle is eligible for a buyback. I still have not received the license plate or r... Read more
Incident date: Jul 14, 2021
Backing out of a driveway. Stopping and put the car in drive. Started to drive. Turned the steering wheel and heard a metal crunch. Steering failed because the bolts that hold electric motor attached to the steering mechanism sheered. Broke off from the mount. A very dangerous situation. Could have hit other cars as there was no control.
Incident date: Jan 10, 2026
My name is [XXX] I am a [XXX] widow, and I am also a 100% Disabled (Combat Wounded, Purple Heart receipient) Marine Corps veteran. I purchased my 2017 Kia Sorento brand new from Lion County Kia in State College Pennsylvania. After a couple of years, I noticed while driving on several random trips, that my Kia's steering felt like it had stopped working, and I had to fight to keep my Kia cente... Read more
Incident date: Dec 22, 2025
While driving yesterday vehicle lost power steering and almost cause a crash. Upon talking to multiple shops and online researching we all came to a conclusion it was the can bus board (controller area network) shops stated this is a very know problem with jeeps. I feel as this is a safety factor for this. Now I am at the point in fixing it and trading in the vehicle due to my family and trying to... Read more
Incident date: Dec 5, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel was sticky, making the vehicle difficult to maneuver. There was no warning light illuminated. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V663000 (Steering); however, the vehicle was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and con... Read more
TOYOTA
GRAND HIGHLANDER
(2024) - STEERING
Jan 9, 2026
Incident date: Dec 23, 2025
The power steering, steering assist, has failed in my daughter's 2009 Ford Escape which has less than 90,000 miles on the odometer and very light use. There is zero steering assist. The dealership explained the whole column needed to be replaced. The vehicle was brought to the dealership, we were informed the repair is $3,400.
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2015) - STEERING
Jan 9, 2026
Incident date: Jun 2, 2025
Steering is sticking. Difficult to keep straight and keep the vehicle tracking straight; difficult to add steering input from center. Sticks to move left and right to keep the vehicle centered in the lane.
Incident date: Sep 29, 2025
My vehicle has a jerk in the electronic power steering. The exact same year make and model vehicles already have a verified recall. I understand my vin number says my vehicle isn’t affected. But it’s having the exact same issue and its exact same year make and model. I do not have the 170.00 dollars to get it diagnosed and Honda is saying they will not upfront cover the cost the diagnose the ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 19, 2025
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the message "Electric Steering Fault" was displayed. While driving out of the driveway, the steering wheel became extremely difficult to turn, causing the vehicle to drive across two lanes of traffic. The vehicle was driven to the local deale,r who diagnosed that the steering gear was faulty and needed to be r... Read more
Incident date: Jan 7, 2026
UNKNOWN I WAS TOOD IT WAS DUE TOA RECALL AND EVEN WITH MY EXTENSED WARRANTY I AM BEING REFUSED AND MY VWHICLE HAS BEEN AT WILLOWBROOK FORD FOR TWO MONTHS, I cannot afford the repairs up front and sunbilt will only approve for $500 financing. Please help me if there are any solutions to fix my only means transportation and have the customer satisfaction service codes approved for repair
Incident date: Jan 7, 2026
The electric power steering intermittently resists driver input during low-speed maneuvers and near full-lock turns. Steering effort suddenly increases and feels as if assist is being applied against driver input. This behavior matches the failure description in Honda EPS torque sensor magnet recall (2017–2018 Civic / CR-V, campaign C2N / P20). Honda confirmed my VIN is excluded, but the vehicle... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
Without any warning my steering wheel locked up and started jerking resulting in lack of steering and drivability. I was backing out of my driveway and started to turn onto the street when this happened. This could have been very dangerous if I had been driving on regular roads. The van is currently parked on the street and available for inspection as I was able to gently maneuver it to a safe spo... Read more
Incident date: Jan 5, 2026
Question 1: Vehicle has experienced a total loss of power steering, a known issue on these trucks that is actively under an NHTSA ODI investigation. This report should be added to ODI investigation number RQ 23-003 as an identical example of the issue. Problem began at around 70,000 miles and gradually became worse until power steering control was completely non functional. Vehicle is available fo... Read more
Incident date: Nov 28, 2025
My transmission blew up and I almost wrecked my truck. No engine lights came on, and still no engine lights are coming on it only has 69,000 miles on it and has never missed a service. Its currently at the dealership where I bought it from
Incident date: Sep 1, 2025
When coming from a stop the steering wheel jerks and a warning message appear on the dashboard display, "Power Steering Assist Is Reduced. Drive with care."
Incident date: Jan 7, 2025
When I turn to the left or right I hear a clicking/popping noise. Took it to the dealer and they said it was the CV axle. So they replaced the driver side. After the repair, it would make the same sound from time to time so I took it back in to the dealer(Northside Toyota in San Antonio, TX) they couldn't recreate the sound and notated my account. This was all when the car had less than 30k miles.... Read more
TOYOTA
HIGHLANDER
(2022) - STEERING
Jan 8, 2026
Incident date: Nov 19, 2025
The vehicle began popping when turning left near the axel. Once brought up to Honda we were made aware that they know about the issue but my vehicle didn’t fall as necessary to fix…..yet and they are hoping for a recall in order to address my issue. Till then I’m supposed to drive around with a potentially broken axel with my children.
Incident date: Oct 20, 2025
The contact called on behalf of the owner of a 2009 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that after the windshield was replaced by Safelite Auto Glass, the employee at Safelite attempted to start the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to start, and the steering wheel had seized. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined t... Read more
Incident date: Oct 15, 2025
I was driving on the road when the steering started to get stuck, it got hard to move it, I got the warning on the car about a steering fault, stop safely. fortunately I was able to pull over with no risk, I had to call tow, but it could have caused an accident.