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 30, 2025
Turn Signal is barely audible when turning. If the radio is on, or at higher speeds on the highway, it is impossible to hear the turn signal. Sometimes, you may miss hit the turn signal when changing lanes, and may not actual signal, when you meant to.
Incident date: Nov 7, 2025
While driving my 2019 Honda Accord, after about five minutes on the road, multiple warning lights suddenly appeared on the dashboard. The emission system, brake system, power steering, TPMS, ACC, hill start assist, collision mitigation, and vehicle stability assist warnings all came on at the same time. The alerts caused concern for safety, as several major systems such as steering assist, braking... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
JETTA
(2017) - STEERING
Nov 7, 2025
Incident date: May 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Infiniti Q50. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel felt loose and made an abnormal knocking sound while making a turn. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to manually move the steering column from underneath the steering wheel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who retrieved DTC: C1130 and... Read more
Incident date: Jul 8, 2024
Power steering seems to have a defect. There have been other Dodge Rams affected by a power steering recall. When we called our local Dodge service provider they stated that our VIN was not affected by this recall, but there is definitely something wrong with our power steering. It’s very difficult to turn the vehicle and doesn’t seem safe to drive.
Incident date: Oct 26, 2025
When you try to accelerate quickly, even when you’re switching lanes on the interstate or just driving down the road, the car will sometimes pop out of gear or something and almost comes to a complete stop causing you to almost get rear ended. I’ve almost been hit several times because the car stops and won’t go.
Incident date: Nov 4, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver became aware that the electric power steering was not functioning properly, which required the driver to increase the efforts to steer the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure had been recurring while driving. No warni... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2025
We have a continuing issue with the Pacifica of showing a dashboard warning of "STOP SAFELY VEHICLE WILL SHUT OFF SOON''. The power becomes diminished and with a few minutes, all power is lost, including lights, engine, all dash warnings are gone. After sitting on the side of the road for a few minutes, the vehicle will restart like nothing happened. Occurrences shown in order by date, location an... Read more
Incident date: Jul 24, 2025
When driving the vehicle the steering wheel sticks when I turn, change lanes, etc. It is most noticeable at highway speeds. If I am moving to the left, the steering wheel sticks and doesn't want to freely move back to the right/straighten up. Obviously the reverse occurs when I go to move to the right- it sticks and pressure is required to straighten the steering wheel. to date the steering wheel ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 7, 2025
Power steering turn off for 2 seconds if I hit a bump or in the middle of a turn. It will then sometimes turn right back on or just not turn back on. Recalls are on many rams for this issue but not on my truck specifically even though its the same issue other rams are having in the recall list
Incident date: May 14, 2023
The steering is inconsistent. Sometimes it requires more or less effort to turn. The steering has been sticking around turns lately. This issue started over a year ago. They applied grease and it made the sticking go away but it has came back after 9 months.
MITSUBISHI
OUTLANDER
(2023) - STEERING
Nov 7, 2025
Incident date: Nov 7, 2025
During a head-on collision on [XXX] in Georgia, the electrical system in my 2022 Tesla Model 3 lost power and the electric door releases stopped functioning. The vehicle interior caught fire and I was trapped inside. I was unaware of the location of the hidden mechanical emergency door release because it is not visibly labeled, not explained upon delivery, and not intuitive in an emergency. I was ... Read more
Crash
Fire
1 injured
Incident date: Mar 26, 2025
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The vehicle’s steering system (specifically the electric power steering assist and/or steering rack assembly) began exhibiting stiffness, resistance, and intermittent loss of assist while turning. The steering system is still installed on the vehicle and is available for inspection upon request by... Read more
Incident date: Nov 7, 2025
I’m not happy with just a change in oil viscosity because the car has already been on the road for 70000 miles before we were aware of the recall on the engine. Changing the oil viscosity doesn’t help when there is a underlying engine problem it should be replaced not just change your oil and send you on your way because now I’m always wondering and worried if the engine will still fail when... Read more
Incident date: Oct 20, 2025
My vehicle has issues with the power steering. At random times, day or night, the wheel steers to the right and I have to force my grip on the wheel to avoid crashing. It last between 3-5 seconds. No lights or alerts light up on the dashboard. Dealerships have been unable to assist me, I have gone to three different ones. They cannot identify the issue. Loss of power steering assist increases cras... Read more
HYUNDAI
SANTA CRUZ
(2022) - STEERING
Nov 7, 2025
Incident date: Oct 31, 2025
I would be driving then radio would blink off and the steering would lose power but the car does not shut off. Radio will come back on and then able to steer again. Ac blower is stop or get low. Lights will blink dim on dash and headlights.I took it to the shop and they can’t find the problem. The car shop googled this and a lot of Buick Veranos have this same problem but can’t find a solution... Read more
Incident date: Nov 6, 2025
The ABS warning light turned on when the vehicle reached approximately 82,033 miles. After driving about 100 additional miles, at around 82,133 miles, the braking system overheated and nearly failed, producing a burning smell and loud noise. The vehicle became unsafe to operate and left me stranded at night near Lonoke. I had to wait for the brakes to cool and then drive slowly to a repair shop th... Read more
EVENFLO
REVOLVE360
(9999) - STEERING
Nov 6, 2025
Incident date: Nov 6, 2025
During multiple dealership visits in 2025, my 2018 Hyundai Sonata Limited 2.0T was repeatedly returned in unsafe condition. Southern Hyundai installed both front CV axles and torqued them incorrectly. The right axle was later confirmed under-torqued by about 50 ft-lbs, and the left axle was later found over-torqued 40ft-lbs Priority Hyundai later identified and corrected the under-torqued right a... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2025
While the vehicle is powered on, rapid or quick input to the steering wheel will cause sudden loss of power. The electrical system and engine will power off. I am experiencing issues with my infotainment screen and my window switches as a result of continued power loss. I am able to reproduce the problem any time I turn the steering wheel quickly. The vehicle has gone in for its state mandatory ... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
ATLAS
(2018) - STEERING
Nov 6, 2025
Incident date: Nov 3, 2025
The steering is notchy during turns when the steering wheel is off center, making fine turning adjustments very difficult especially during turns. If any bumps are encountered during a turn or any turning adjustments need to be made, the steering will catch and release and move in a different direction than expected. It requires constant adjustment but the adjustments are not smooth, there is a bi... Read more
Incident date: Oct 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-250. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V572000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION). However, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the rearview camera displayed a white screen while the vehicle was in reverse(R). The contact stated that the failure obstructed the driver's visibility, which prevented the driver ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 4, 2025
I lost power steering while driving, making the wheel hard to turn. While the car is idle, the steering wheel shakes. Also “ESC” pops on on the dashboard.
Incident date: Nov 6, 2025
Power Steering Assist stopped working while on the road. A couple days later, power steering stopped working completely.
Incident date: Sep 27, 2025
POWER STEERING ISSUE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS CONDITIONS: LANE CENTERING TURNED OFF. LANE DEPARTURE TURNED OFF. STRAIGHT LINE HWY DRIVING. OCCURS AFTER CONSTANT DRIVING OVER 60 MINUTES. MOST NOTICEABLE ABOVE 50 MPH ISSUE BEGAN AFTER ABOUT 15,000 MILES SYMPTOMS: WHEN VEHICLE DRIFTS SLIGHTLY OFF CENTER LINE RIGHT OR LEFT WITH ABOUT PLUS OR MINUS 5 DEGREES STEERING INPUT FROM STEERING CENTER POSITION.... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2024
Steering column damage, it started with the horn not working and not allowing me to use the bottoms on the wheel I thought it was an electric thing ,but then I notice a noise when I was driving over 60 mph then when I was braking or turning
Incident date: Dec 6, 2024
I find replacing the light bulbs for head lights and brake lights and flood lights more often than any other cars I have owned. The steering wheel makes a noise when turning left. And a noise is getting louder not sure what it’s related to.
Incident date: Oct 31, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-350. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V957000 (FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL), 25V626000 (STEERING), and 25V686000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2012 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became difficult to steer in either direction. No warning light was illuminated. The message "Power Steering Assist Fault" was displayed. The contact stated that the failure had progressed over time. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it remained for further investigat... Read more
Incident date: Nov 6, 2025
Vehicle: 2005 Pontiac G6 VIN: [your VIN] Mileage: 185,000 Issue: Sudden **total loss of power steering assist** — **same symptom as NHTSA Recall 14V153000 (GM 14116)**. Recall **was completed years ago**. **Replacement part installed by GM failed in under 5 years**. GM Customer Assistance **refused coverage** under **Special Coverage #14299 (repeat failure after recall)**. Told m... Read more
Incident date: Nov 6, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60-70 MPH, the steering wheel was clicking while attempting to turn to the left or the right, and the vehicle became difficult to steer. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the steering rack and pinion needed to be replaced. Th... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2025
There is an intermittent loss of the electric power steering assist. The car can't be steered during this loss of power, leading to an extremely high risk of a crash. Toyota issued a recall for the 2015 RAV4 for this exact problem, but they did not include my car's VIN in the recall. The problem has not been confirmed, as Toyota informed me that this could only be done at my expense. The vehicl... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2025
Safety of all people are affected by driving my truck with a steering wheel that might separate and cause a crash.. no loaner until fixed ...
VOLKSWAGEN
GTI
(2001) - STEERING
Nov 6, 2025
Incident date: Nov 4, 2025
Okay let me first start by saying I have had problem after problem with this car in less than a year. I’ve had to replace my purge valve. The transmission on this car is horrible. I had my car less than a year and at not even 70k miles I had to get my transmission replaced because the car would stutter between 25-45mph thankfully my warranty covered everything. Now let’s get to my current issu... Read more
Incident date: Nov 5, 2025
during a regular drive the check stabiltrack system message popped up on the dash in the middle circle and then the little car with the squiggly lines behind it popped up and the check engine light came on and started blinking. Immediately I noticed lack of steering control, the car's speed was accelerating and decelerating on its own, jerking and stalling also was observed. As of now the car sits... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Nov 5, 2025
During my ownership, the vehicle experienced multiple dangerous failures. It suddenly lost power while driving with my 2‑year‑old child onboard, and on another occasion the steering wheel locked for several seconds on the freeway. The car has had numerous recalls, and the dealer later confirmed an EV motor failure but offered no buyback. These defects created serious safety risks and caused si... Read more
MITSUBISHI
ECLIPSE CROSS
(2023) - STEERING
Nov 5, 2025
Incident date: Aug 23, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while driving at various undisclosed speeds, the stabili-trak activated independently, and the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. In addition, the message “Service Power Steering” was displayed. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while reversing out of the driveway, the steering wheel became difficult to... Read more
Incident date: Oct 29, 2025
Uneven wear pattern.The wear often occurs on inner shoulder of the tires 5k to9k miles,which can be dangerous tire can wear down to belts on inside edge while the outer tread still looks fine. i have brought this to dealership multiple time with NO FIX but to sale me new tires and alignments.I have spoke to multiple owners of 2020 mercedes c63 and they have the same problem. This is a safety issue... Read more
Incident date: Oct 2, 2025
This car has stalled 9 times while I was driving. I live in a very busy, densely populated area where car stalling in the middle of streets can get me badly injured or killed. The car stalls in Drive, while I'm braking, and slowly coasts along about an extra 2 feet before completely stopping. I cannot tell that it has stalled because I can't hear the engine, and the Dash always says "Run" with all... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Camaro. The contact stated that the steering wheel was shaking abnormally with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer on three occasions, where an unknown diagnosis was provided. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. While driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was jump-started... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
While driving the "Service Power Steering" light came on. Made it very difficult to pull to the side of the road because the steering was very stiff
Incident date: Nov 3, 2025
Warning light on dash indicating "Service Power Steering Now" suddenly while driving car. Nearly complete loss of steering.
Incident date: Nov 5, 2025
On Thursday, October 30, 2025, while driving the truck in Gulfport, MS, the power steering locked up several times. I was able to get the vehicle home. On Monday, November 3, I took the truck to Mandal, Dodge Chrysler, in D'Iberville, MS. Upon doing a diagnostic test, Mandal informed me I would need to have new rack and pinion system with the cost being $4500. I refused the repair work. My researc... Read more
Incident date: Oct 29, 2025
Steering will not return to center. After going around a turn, or even a curve like an exit ramp, the steering will remain locked in position and not re- center. It requires close attention and considerable force to return it to center and continue along a straight road.
ALFA ROMEO
GIULIA
(2018) - STEERING
Nov 5, 2025
Incident date: Oct 9, 2025
and cause in your description. am writing to formally report a recurring and dangerous issue with my 2015 Ford Edge, which is currently driven by my 16-year-old daughter. Despite reporting this problem multiple times, it remains unresolved and poses a serious safety risk. The backup camera activates while driving at high speeds, distracting the driver and creating a hazardous situation. The steeri... Read more
Incident date: Oct 19, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Tundra. The contact purchased the vehicle in January 2023 and had several mechanical and tire related failures with the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle was not handling normally. The contact stated that that the steering wheel was constantly turning to the right and needed to manually be returned to center to remain in the intended lane. The contact stat... Read more
Incident date: Oct 28, 2025
I own a 2018 Tesla Model 3. The vehicle experienced a sudden loss of steering assist while driving, and the steering wheel became extremely difficult to turn, eventually locking up to the point where the vehicle could no longer be safely controlled. There were dashboard warnings related to steering and low-voltage system faults. The vehicle had to be towed because it was unsafe and not steerable. ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2025
I have lost steering power on two separate occasions in the last week. When this happens the steering wheel locks in place. Once while I was reversing, I went to turn the wheel and the steering wheel was frozen in place. I pulled back into the spot put the car in park and then back in reverse and the wheel was still locked in place. I had to shut off the car and restart it 5 times for the wheel ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 5, 2025
Concerned about a knocking/creaking type noise made at stop and low speeds when turning the steering wheel. This seems to be a common issue and Honda hasn't acknowledged the issue publicly. But I'm concerned about letting it go long term if American Honda does not want to provide a rack replacement.
VOLKSWAGEN
TIGUAN
(2019) - STEERING
Nov 5, 2025
Incident date: Oct 21, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Cadillac SRX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V473000 (Suspension). The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the steering wheel began shaking violently and the vehicle fishtailed and failed to steer as intended. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road and restarted. The vehicle was then taken back to the residence. The vehicle was not d... Read more
Incident date: Oct 22, 2025
Power steering no longer works.