Consumer Safety Complaints
Search 2,215,138 safety complaints filed by vehicle owners with NHTSA — including 138,663 crashes, 56,255 fires, and 8,561 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 2,215,138 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 116,327 complaints — component: STEERING
Incident date: Jan 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the steering was difficult to maintain as the vehicle drifted and the steering wheel was stiff. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the front end needed to be aligned. The vehicle was repaired, but the same and additional failures reoccurred ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 22, 2025
Steering rack binds and requires extra effort to return to center. Specifically for me, when proceeding on a long curve that requires me to turn my steering wheel left more than like 40 degrees the steering will "stick" in place and won't automatically return to center when releasing the wheel requiring me manually start returning the wheel to center before it will auto center. It happens after h... Read more
Incident date: May 11, 2026
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at 40 mph, the steering wheel was hard to turn. The low tire pressure message was displayed. There was another unknown system message being displayed. The contact indicated the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined... Read more
Incident date: May 18, 2026
The vehicle exhibits a severe, structural inability to retain its factory suspension and steering alignment specifications under normal driving conditions, creating a severe tire blowout and safety hazard. At approximately 8,400 miles (January 2025), the dealership documented that the alignment was heavily out of specification. At approximately 9,400 miles (February 2025), a certified third-party... Read more
Incident date: May 14, 2026
On 5/14/26 around 8:00am, I just dropped the kids off to school and entered onto the 5 lane freeway, 290, driving into work. Driving 70 miles an hour, the steering light and a warning light came on and then other lights started flashing. The engine shut off, and the steering wheel felt like it locked-up. I managed to exit off the freeway and the car came to a stop. The car would not restart. A tow... Read more
Incident date: May 16, 2026
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The vehicle experiences a severe front-end steering and suspension oscillation commonly referred to as “death wobble.” After driving over uneven pavement, bridge joints, potholes, or rough highway surfaces at highway speeds, the steering wheel begins violently shaking side-to-side and the front ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 9, 2026
I was driving on a highway going around 75 mph on a curve, when all of a sudden I lost power steering and wheel jerked the opposite way to where I was steering. I had my wife and two boys with me and if I hadn't held the wheel so tight I probably would have went off road . There were no signs prior to that. No dashboard lights at all and no check engine light. Problem is persistent and can be repl... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2025
Sticky steering, steering feels like it is catching or bumping, worse at high speeds
Incident date: Feb 12, 2025
I bought this vehicle used in 2022 from CarMax. According to Jeep (Stellantis) Co. multiple recalls were fixed by the previous owner, but the patch available for 2018 Jeep Wranglers was not done. In 2024 my iphone and Mac laptop were hacked and shortly after I began having problems with my 2018 Jeep Wrangler. My alarm system started going off while I was in my home without touching or being near t... Read more
Incident date: Jun 26, 2025
Steering rack and pinion worn with approx 38,000 miles. Dealerships (2) advised the” clunking” was “normal” on the model. Another dealership advised it was more likely the CV-axles worn. Took to two independent garages who advised steering rack was bad. I advised them the dealer stated it was CV-axles. They stated the axles were fine. No wrecks, no driving off-road, and no driving in a ma... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2026
There is a recurrent steering wheel issue. The issue was first addressed during the national recall campaign 6524A / NHTSA 24V-022 where it received the recall repair. The exact same dangerous issue has returned. The issue currently, is best described as having to wrestle with the steering wheel at all speeds when minor corrections are needed. That is, the steering becomes binding, catching, and c... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2026
In August/September 2025 my mother's Tucson would randomly shut down on her (completely stall while driving) and she would not be able to turn it back on. If she waited a little while, then she would be able to turn the car back on but it was unknown when the issue would happen again. We took it to the dealer several times after each shutdown and the dealer stated it was not throwing a code and... Read more
Incident date: May 16, 2026
While driving at low speed performing a turn in a residential area, the vehicle suddenly displayed a “Steering Assist Fault” warning message and the steering wheel became completely locked with essentially no movement possible. I attempted to turn the wheel with extreme force but it would barely move, creating a serious safety hazard. I was fortunately driving slowly at the time. If this had o... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2026
P0128 code produced when scanned. Cooling fans on high. No ac. Steering Assist Warning. Had to replace the thermostat. ECM also replaced and caused the tire pressure sensors to fail and had to replace the tire sensors. There is a recall on models 2021 to 2025 but none on the 2020 for the thermostat. I have paid $3500.00 to have my vehicle fixed.
Incident date: May 11, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 RAM 1500. The contact stated while driving the vehicle at an undisclosed speed, the Electric Power Steering (EPS) system is leaking fluid, which is causing the vehicle to be inoperable by losing power of steering. The vehicle was seen by a mechanic where it was diagnosed to having a failing rack and pinion. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the ... Read more
LAND ROVER
RANGE ROVER SPORT
(2015) — STEERING
May 18, 2026
Incident date: Mar 18, 2026
The contact owns a (YMM) 2010 Hyundai Elantra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was/was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was/was not made aware of the issue. The vehicle was taken to the ... Read more
Incident date: May 18, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the Service Power Steering light would illuminate and the power steering would fail. The contact would have to pull to the side of the road, turn off the vehicle, and wait a while in order to reset the vehicle's computer system and re-activate the power steering. The traction control, stability, tr... Read more
Incident date: May 18, 2026
Steering is loose and unresponsive at times. Just bought the 2013 truck, used, from a dealer. Dealer stated no issues, but discovered while driving it home on the highway. Feels very unsafe and by researching other complaints, with same make and model, it appears this is a serious issue replicated across many different owners, with similar make/model/year.
Incident date: Apr 8, 2026
Vehicle steering issues. Steering wheel binds, jerks, increased effort while turning.
Incident date: May 17, 2026
when driving my car from the airport at Bradley International in CT (parked for a week), I experienced a terrible vibration in the steering wheel which has been intermittent. The vibration went away at lower speeds. I brought the car in to the shop on 5/18/2026 with 74,000 miles on the car. They told me I had to replace rotors, brakes, calipers, brake fluid, and do a front end alignment because ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 3, 2026
Two separate compounding defects. The first and most critical - on many occasions the lane keeping system in my SQ7 has unexpectedly and aggressively engaged and attempted to steer the vehicle into barriers, other vehicles and construction workers. This occurs despite positive driver steering input, normal driving (cruise control off), and creates a condition where I must “fight the wheel” to... Read more
Incident date: May 17, 2026
The steering is sticking when driving. This is especially concerning on highway driving or on curved roads. I have to fight the steering wheel to move, even slightly. The known recalls were for newer models. This recall needs to be extended to cover older models as it is a known issue.
LAND ROVER
DISCOVERY
(2022) — STEERING
May 18, 2026
Incident date: Dec 27, 2025
I was driving home from work late at night in December 2025. A Signal came on that said pull to safety or something like that and then I lost power steering and brake control and my entire dash in my vehicle went pitch black. I was in the middle lane on route 290 and I was very lucky not to hit any other vehicles, but it was incredibly scary because I had no control of my vehicle and there were ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 10, 2025
When driving, the steering wheel sticks and I have to jerk it to correct. Sometimes it overcorrects making it dangerous. I only have 47000 miles on it. It is now doing it really frequently. Was only at high speeds, now all speeds. I took it in but dealer said they couldn't duplicate it. There is a recall but only for newer models. There needs to be one for older models also.
Incident date: Feb 28, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the power steering suddenly failed, and the vehicle began to decelerate. The Service 4-Wheel Drive warning was illuminated. The contact pulled to the side of the road where smoke began coming from underneath the vehicle near the power steering unit. The vehicle was towed to a certified mechanic, who ... Read more
LAND ROVER
RANGE ROVER SPORT
(2017) — STEERING
May 17, 2026
Incident date: May 15, 2026
There is a recall on the Range Rover that does not have a remedy. This is a vehicle that generates income off renting out which can not be done until recall is resolved.
Incident date: May 17, 2026
Steering wheel sticks at high speeds and after driving longer periods of time. Presents a danger by needing to over correct the steering to “unstick” it
Incident date: Apr 30, 2026
Unknown power steering just stopped working and vehichle wont drive
Incident date: May 1, 2026
Truck began scrolling warnings that pre-collision braking, hill start assist, forward collision, adaptive cruise control, and more were all not working. Alerts came out of no where while driving on highway and continued every 30 min to hour of drive time. Cruise control was disabled with this failure. Diagnosed with faulty steering-rack. This has been recalled on other 2022 Ford Broncos, but f... Read more
Incident date: Mar 7, 2026
As I'm driving I hear a chime and the radio says power steering and I just loose power steering it's scary and I really wish gm would have made this a permanent recall
Incident date: May 15, 2026
2025/2026 Tesla Model Y Juniper experiences noticeable vibration starting at approximately 75 mph on smooth highways. The vibration is felt throughout the entire vehicle: steering wheel, doors, seats, and pedals/floor. It is not limited to the steering wheel. Tire balancing, alignment, and foam checks have all been performed with no resolution. Tesla service states the issue is ‘normal/within sp... Read more
Incident date: May 16, 2026
Power steering has gone out.
Incident date: May 4, 2025
While driving at any speed when steering wheel is at the 1 to 2 o' clock position on a right turn, steering wheel wobbles and regardless of road condition. Stabitrack warning light comes on occasionally.
Incident date: May 11, 2026
While driving car turns on its own almost causing accident
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2026) — STEERING
May 16, 2026
Incident date: May 9, 2026
2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Safety Issue Summary: I am filing a complaint regarding critical safety defects with my vehicle. The truck displayed warning messages for traction control service and brake system failure on the instrument panel while parked in my driveway, prior to the vehicle becoming inoperable, I experienced dangerous driving conditions including swerving similar to hydroplaning o... Read more
Incident date: May 16, 2026
steering feels sticky & i have to apply force just to keep the steering wheel centered when traveling at a high rate of speed as it feels as if the steering wheel is stuck causing me to over correct my steering. when driving through a curve, my steering wheel gets stuck and i can let go of the wheel and it will remain in place. this happens every single time i drive. i have taken my car to the de... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2025
The steering wheel on the car will often get stuck and not return to the normal position when turning. Happens at low speeds on on/off ramps and at interstate speeds when the road slightly shifts. “Jerking” the steering wheel is often required to get the car to drive straight and return to normal driving position.
Incident date: May 15, 2026
While cruising on a 2-lane road or a freeway, the vehicle will cross over the adjacent line, either left or right. This generally happens between 50 to 75 mph. The event happens either when cruise control is on or off. Wind is not necessarily the problem. The solution requires one to take the necessary immediate steering correction. At times, the departure from the lanes may repeat. This ma... Read more
Incident date: Mar 18, 2026
2025 Honda Accord Hybrid experiences a severe, loud knocking noise when turning the steering wheel while stationary or at low speeds. The dealership attempted to grease the components but the mechanical knock remains. This is a known EPS/steering rack defect on the 11th generation Accord and poses a steering failure/binding safety risk at highway speeds.
Incident date: Nov 20, 2025
This is a common issue with these S197 Mustangs. The steering position sensor failed. While driving, this can cause the "Service Advancetrac" warning to come on, meanwhile the wheels spin at different speeds as the car attempts to correct a low traction scenario that isn't happening, causing the driver to crash. This caused me to temporarily lose control of my vehicle. Luckily I didn't hit anythin... Read more
TESLA
CYBERTRUCK
(2026) — STEERING
May 16, 2026
Incident date: May 7, 2026
Purchased truck on May 5th. May 7th scuba valve went bed causing air suspension failure. Low voltage system had critical safety failure causing loss of steering and throttle control. Received vehicle back from Tesla shop said they could not repay the issue. Next day while driving system had total low voltage crash resulting in vehicle loosing all power. Loss of steering no throttle response all sy... Read more
Incident date: May 6, 2026
While driving, car engine stutters and stops. The infotainment system went black while driving. The system is hard to steer often while turning. The trunk would not open when touching button for it to open. Took out the key fob and it also would not respond. Used the door release from dash and still would not open. Cancel the control unit then tried again and key fob worked that time. I went to de... Read more
Incident date: Apr 29, 2026
I was slowing down to turn left and felt a stutter, like when antilock brakes activate. Then a red triangle appeared on the display on the dash that said something like "pull over safely vehicle will turn off soon." I came to a stop to wait for oncoming traffic. When I hit the gas again it had barely any power and the power steering had disengaged. I was able to get through the left turn at about... Read more
Incident date: Apr 26, 2026
the steering on the '25 Hybrid Sport L is a little loose? Even small movements make the car drift, and it's hard to keep it straight. the feels like the car won’t track straight. The Lane keep assist does not work like the 10th gen. It’s like a ping pong bouncing off the lines. Who’s experiencing this as well.
Incident date: Mar 15, 2026
When turning on gradual curves at highway speeds the steering sticks then suddenly releases resulting in the need to correct the steering in the opposite direction rapidly. This could cause the driver to over-correct the steering leading to a potential accident. From what I understand, Honda is recommending a full steering rack replacement which is estimated between $3k-$5k+. Serious issue.
Incident date: May 15, 2026
The steering is tight/sticking when I back out of my driveway or drive slowly around turns. It does seem stiff on highway speeds as well. Also my auto stop start check light is on about 2 months after replacing both batteries and I did have the recall somewhat associated with this completed
Incident date: May 15, 2026
We purchased this vehicle used from Mazda of Orange in July 2025 with 52,399 miles on it. After 6 months of ownership and approximately 3,000 miles there was a burning smell. We took it to our local mechanic and the following repairs were required: Replacement of cracked belts, Replacement of cracked axle boots, Replacement of an excessively loose front axle, Replacement of valve cover gasket. ... Read more
Incident date: May 8, 2026
This vehicle makes a noise that sounds like your driving over rumble strips. The front end shakes and there is a hard vibration. I purchased this vehicle used on 5/5/26 and it’s been in the dealership twice already. The Onstar module is defective and now this noise and vibration. The shaking starts upon accelerating. The dealership, Central GMC/Buick of Jonesboro, AR. told me that GM knew about ... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while steering the vehicle at various speeds, an abnormal, grinding sound would emit from the vehicle without warning. Upon investigation, the contact discovered that the vehicle was NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V162000(SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). The contact made an appointment and spoke with the dealer about the failure. The contact was in... Read more
Incident date: May 13, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Kicks. The contact stated that while the fiancé was driving approximately 30 MPH, and turning left the power steering and power brake suddenly failed causing the fiancé to loose control of the steering and and crash to a traffic pole. The contact indicated that prior to the incident the crash detection warning light had activated. During the crash the air bags dep... Read more
Crash
1 injured