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: Aug 10, 2026
The contact owns a 2024 Nissan Titan. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in for routine service, the mechanic informed the contact that there was a steering fluid leak. The contact was informed that the steering rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 18,000.
HYUNDAI
TUCSON HYBRID
(2026) - STEERING
Aug 20, 2026
Incident date: May 29, 2026
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Aug 12, 2026
The contact owns a 2022 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving 30-35 MPH, the steering wheel failed to turn to the left or the right. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Action Number: PE26002. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that there was a loss of power steering assist function, which was caused by wate... Read more
Incident date: Aug 19, 2026
On August 19, 2026, my 2022 BMW X7 xDrive40i experienced multiple safety\-related warnings at approximately 50,411–50,427 miles\. The vehicle first displayed “Increased steering effort” and instructed me to drive carefully to a service center\. It then displayed a red power\-supply warning stating: “Stop carefully\. Do not continue driving\. Continued driving will lead to malfunction of s... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2026
The electric power steering intermittently sticks when the steering wheel is returned toward center after a turn. When this occurs, the wheel does not return to center on its own and requires noticeably increased effort to move. When the resistance releases, the wheel moves abruptly. Our local mechanic at Ashburn Auto Care reproduced the issue and he described it as “violently snapping back” T... Read more
Incident date: Jul 16, 2026
This is what happened: While Full Self-Driving (FSD) was engaged, the vehicle approached an intersection and appeared unable to correctly follow the roadway. Instead of following the intended road path, the vehicle continued forward, drove over the curb, and struck a road sign. The impact knocked the sign down, and the sign subsequently struck the vehicle, including the roof glass. The roof glass... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jul 30, 2026
Mechanic told us while replacing the suspension that the steering rack has to be replaced.
Incident date: Aug 18, 2026
The Steering appears to be sticky on highway speeds. Honda has the recall for this exact same issue but seems like 2022 CRV was excluded from the recall. This is a major safety issue which can easily lead to over correction as you need to add extra strength to adjust the steering wheel when driving on the road.
Incident date: Aug 16, 2026
SAFETY DEFECT REPORT: UNMAPPED RECALL EXPANSION / COMPONENT COMMONALITY My 2021 Tesla Model Y experienced a sudden, dangerous loss of electronic power-assisted steering (EPAS) while driving, instantly displaying the alert: "Steering assist reduced / Steering may require increased effort."An official diagnosis by Tesla Service (Estimate #3000-009-0038060635, attached) confirmed a catastrophic fai... Read more
Incident date: Aug 11, 2026
I suddenly lost the power steering when I spoke to my mechanic he said the problem was intermittent and he has to replace a computer part that’s associated with it and had to replace the entire unit I saw there was an open recall regarding this matter
Incident date: Jul 16, 2026
Vehicle wheel would suddenly jerk when driving. Video of steering wheel doing this was taken while parked. The suddenness of this created immediate dangers to the driver and any around due to the unpredictability of the steering. Vehicle was brought to a dealer/service center where they diagnosed a corroded wire harness that required the entire steering rack to be replaced. There were no warnings ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 14, 2026
Steering wheel has been making whining noises when turning. Previously replaced worm shaft on steering while under warranty due to malfunction when first purchased. Issue has resurfaced but no longer covered under warranty. Dealer quoted nearly $800.00 to replace worm shaft.
Incident date: Jun 19, 2026
The contact owns a 2023 Honda HR-V. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction. Additionally, the steering wheel was sticking and was firm. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with steering rack failure. The contact was informed that the steering rack needed t... Read more
Incident date: Aug 10, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that there was an abnormal popping sound coming from the vehicle while pulling out of the driveway and driving approximately 10 MPH. The contact stated that the steering wheel seized and locked up. The power steering, Hill Assist, and brake warning lights were illuminated. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V6320... Read more
Incident date: Aug 9, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH, the messages "Loss of Traction Control" and "Advancetrac Off" were displayed, and the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact safely pulled over to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the steering gear motor had failed and needed replac... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 3500
(2021) - STEERING
Aug 19, 2026
Incident date: Aug 13, 2026
On XXX the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado was taken to Mayse Automotive Group at [XXX] dealership for the complaint of the key getting stuck in the ignition and unable to remove causing a safety and security risk. Service department found that the transmission control in column needed to be replaced. The park switch control was defective and providing incorrect data. Service department confirmed that ma... Read more
Incident date: Jun 16, 2026
I purchased this 2026 Jayco Precept 34G Class A motorhome new in May 2026. During the first approximately 1,000 miles, it exhibited severe steering/handling instability requiring constant correction at highway speeds. As a first-time Class A owner, I initially thought this might be normal and continued operating it with family aboard. On XXX, a Ford commercial service center inspected the motorhom... Read more
Incident date: Aug 18, 2026
Driving down the road at medium speeds, steering seems to bind or catch at about "1-3pm" when turning to the right - had two near misses and several others that would have been if I had not been on alert. This issue developed in the last 200 miles. Current mileage is 99,995.
Incident date: Aug 11, 2026
The Electronic Power Steering (and EPS Module) failed, making it incredibly hard to steer especially at low speeds. Dealer confirmed that the power steering rack has failed. All power steering features and lights came on, rendering the vehicle inoperable while driving doen the road. This is a serious safety concern.
Incident date: Aug 3, 2026
The 2025 Nissan Sentra lost control in the steering wheel or driveshaft while driving down hill. The vehicle lost power lost steering and crashed. The vehicle stated "malfunction " when the crash occured. There was a leaking fluid coming from the front left underside of the vehicle after the crash when it became undrivable due to loss of power and loss of driveshaft control. I felt unsafe with the... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Aug 20, 2025
The Hydro Boost Pump Port Tube Assembly (Mopar P/N 04581758AA / 4581758AA) on my 2018 Ram 2500 6.7L Cummins has failed and requires replacement. My concern is that this component is part of the hydraulic assist system supporting critical steering/braking functions. A failure or loss of hydraulic pressure could result in significantly increased steering or braking effort and create a serious safety... Read more
Incident date: Aug 17, 2026
I have a 2011 Ford Escape AWD 3.0 engine. I took it for NY state inspection and it fails due the right side front subframe is rusted and unsafe. Ford has a recall on models up to 2004 but this vehicle has the same issue of the A/C draining on it causing the rust. I have been an auto tech for over 48 years, retired now, and strongly feel this should be a major concern and covered at least 50% by F... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2014) - STEERING
Aug 19, 2026
Incident date: May 19, 2026
The contact owns a 2014 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked and pulled to the right. No warning lights were illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that while driving over a bump in the road, the vehicle lost automotive power and shut off. The contact restarted the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independe... Read more
Incident date: Aug 17, 2026
The power steering fails very often making it hard to turn and happens when I’m on the highway going 60+ mph which is very dangerous and a threat to my safety. The only way to fix it in those moments is to pull over turn the car off which consists of me getting out of my vehicle and waiting two minutes. But usually when it happens once that day it occurs all day even if I reset the car and try a... Read more
Incident date: Feb 6, 2026
Clunky noise in front end, too much play in steering. Truck only had 103 Mile's on it. Took to dealer found both tie rod jam nuts were loose and could have caused loss of stearing. Dealer corrected and performed alignment.
Incident date: Aug 19, 2026
I started the car, put it in reverse, and started backing out of the driveway (car was moving fine). When I went to turn the wheel, it was locked. I could not steer. I hit the brakes, tried the wheel more (wouldn't move), so I put the car in park. Still couldn't move the wheel, so I turned the car off and started it again. The wheel worked / moved fine after that.
Incident date: Jun 24, 2026
-The power steering pump electrical wiring harness/connector. The vehicle is subject to active Mopar safety Recall 21D (NHTSA Campaign 26v-363) for an un remedied vehicle fire risk caused by high electrical resistance. Yes, the vehicle and affected component are available for inspection upon request. -Due to the electrical fire risk, the manufacturer has issued an urgent federal directive stating... Read more
HONDA
CIVIC TYPE R
(2023) - STEERING
Aug 19, 2026
Incident date: Aug 18, 2026
Sticky steering at highway speeds
Incident date: Aug 16, 2026
Check engine, ABS, Service Shifter suddenly pops up and the steering was hard to turn almost had an accident
Incident date: Aug 17, 2026
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? When I drive, whether at low or highway speeds, the steering sticks in place and needs to be yanked lightly to correct it. This behavior is described by NHTSA Campaign 24V-744, but Honda says that my VIN is not covered. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? I have to force corr... Read more
Incident date: Nov 14, 2024
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request Front steering and suspension. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Advertised as capable of 60 mph but between 40 and 45 mph it gets a death wobble and tries to throw you off the trike. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes 2 d... Read more
Incident date: Jul 11, 2026
Change the ending so it is completely accurate: The electric power-steering assistance and electrical/instrument-panel systems have repeatedly malfunctioned. Power-steering assistance failed while I was driving on August 3, 2026, and again on August 8, 2026. Each time, the steering suddenly became extremely difficult. I struggled to maintain control and pull over safely without being struck or ca... Read more
Incident date: Aug 17, 2026
2025 Kia Telluride, rental vehicle, 29,450 miles at failure. Driving XXX W toward the [XXX] exit with my wife and two children (ages [XXX] and [XXX]), the cluster lit with simultaneous failures: electric power steering, electronic parking brake, ABS, stability control disabled, tire pressure monitoring, forward collision-avoidance, lane keeping, master warning. I photographed it. Nothing about h... Read more
Incident date: Oct 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while driving at higher speeds and turning the steering wheel, the steering wheel was sticky and failed to return to the center. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V744000 (Steering), and the vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was inspected and determined that no repair was needed despite the failure. Th... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2024 Mazda CX-90. The contact stated that while turning the steering wheel to the left, the steering wheel became stuck momentarily and experienced resistance while attempting to return the steering wheel to center. The contact stated that additional force was needed to return the steering wheel to center. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle and ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 4, 2026
The complaint was filed on behalf of the contact's employer. The contact's employer owns a 2019 Ford F-550. The contact stated that while the driver was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was swerving from side to side. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the road. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times; however, the failure was not du... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2026
My 2016 Honda Civic EX-T intermittently experiences a sticky/notchy steering condition, particularly while driving at highway speeds. When making small steering corrections around the straight-ahead/center position, the steering wheel sometimes resists movement and feels as though it is sticking or binding. Additional steering effort is then required to overcome the resistance, after which the ste... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and turning left, the steering wheel was making a clicking sound and became difficult to turn the steering wheel back to center. The contact associated the failure with Technical Service Bulletin: 24-011 (that addressed a sticky steering, increased steering effort, or clicking noises caused by excess... Read more
Incident date: Aug 5, 2026
The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Azera. The contact stated that while driving approximately 5 MPH uphill, the steering column suddenly locked up. The contact was able to pull into a parking lot. After restarting the vehicle, the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) warning light illuminated. The contact was able to safely drive the vehicle to the residence. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, wh... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2026
Multiple occasions of the ADAS lane centering system operating unsafely. The worst one was on a gentle left-hand curve on a concrete surfaced bridge at night. The system allowed the vehicle to slowly drift to the outside of the lane. When it was fairly close to the white line, it jerked the wheel back to the left and then released the steering to my control while pointed hard into the oncoming ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel momentarily became difficult to turn, and the steering wheel was sticking. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where a diagnostic test determined that the electronic power steering unit was inoperable and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was noti... Read more
Incident date: Sep 14, 2025
When turning the vehicle, a clicking noise can be heard, intermittently. I have reported this to the dealership, they tell me they heard nothing. The car now has 20,000 miles and will need a tire rotation soon, I will then report it again. It appears the cv joint is the problem with many of these 2024 Honda Prologues. I’ve read, that a broken cv joint could cause loss of power, broken brake li... Read more
Incident date: Aug 12, 2026
Pursuant to a manufacturer-issued safety recall (V06) on a steering assembly component, the manufacturer's remedy permanently damaged an otherwise functioning, adjustable steering component and created a financial barrier to basic vehicle maintenance. The component, post remedy, now would have to be replaced in order to allow adjustment to put the vehicle steering system into correct alignment. ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 15, 2026
I have a sticky steering wheel while driving a freeway speeds. I have notice that others have reported this same problem. 150000 miles
Incident date: Aug 15, 2026
When driving at faster speeds on the highway, the steering gets kind of sticky - it sticks, then when you slightly move it - it jerks to over correct. I have talked to a few people, and they think it's a mechanical issue with the Electronic Power Steering, EPS, rack. The people I mentioned said its a widely documented defect, and Honda should do a recall to fix the issue - but I ran the search a... Read more
TOYOTA
CAMRY HYBRID
(2025) - STEERING
Aug 18, 2026
Incident date: Aug 15, 2026
On August 15, the car with 55611 miles the car gave the error Power Steering malfunction. Steering power low. Also lights indicating cruise control, lane departure and collision warnings have been disabled. On August 17, I drove the vehicle to the Toyota dealership where I purchased it and they gave me a quote for $5492.72 to fix the issue because it was out of warranty and I did not buy an extend... Read more
Incident date: Aug 17, 2026
Backing out of driveway, the steering wheel was very hard to turn. The dash indicated the steering assist feature wasn't working. After restarting the software and the problem persisting, I investigated the assist motor/pump and found that the ground to the chassis was very corroded. I attempted to remove the nut to clean contacts and it sheared off. The grounding post had corroded through (white ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2025
Vehicle experienced loss of power steering so it was hard to steer.When I called a ford dealership I was told my vehicle didn’t qualify for any power steering recalls so I would have to pay full price which is unaffordable
Incident date: Aug 1, 2026
My 2024 Honda Prologue (VIN [XXX]) produces a loud clicking/knocking noise from the front drive axles when turning, most noticeable during low-speed turns and when accelerating out of a turn. The noise began shortly after I acquired the vehicle at low mileage, consistent with the widely reported front CV joint/axle defect affecting 2024-2026 Prologues. This is a safety concern, not merely a noise.... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2026
The steering on my 2018 Honda CR-V intermittently sticks around the center position. When making small steering corrections, the steering wheel does not move smoothly and requires additional force to move past the center position. This creates difficulty making precise steering corrections and is a safety concern, particularly at highway speeds. I am concerned about a potential steering gearbox/EP... Read more