Component
STEERING:COLUMN
1,716 NHTSA complaints about steering:column issues across 45 makes and 369 models.
The steering:column is one of the standardized component categories NHTSA uses to classify consumer safety complaints. Across the public complaint database, it accounts for 1,716 filings from 45 manufacturers and 369 distinct vehicle models, a footprint large enough that defect engineers can isolate part-family patterns across different platforms that share the same supplier or the same federal motor vehicle safety standard.
Among filings citing this component, owners have reported 82 crashes, 32 fires, 59 injuries, and 3 fatalities. The most complained-about vehicle in this category is the CHEVROLET MALIBU with 87 filings, followed by CHEVROLET CORVETTE and FORD FOCUS. These severity counters are what separates a nuisance complaint trend from a pattern NHTSA is likely to escalate into a Preliminary Evaluation.
Component-level analysis is how the Office of Defects Investigation spots cross-manufacturer supplier issues — the same airbag inflator, the same takata-style ignition switch, the same brake hose material — before they become industry-wide recalls. When you see a single component accumulating large complaint volume across several unrelated nameplates, that is usually a signature of a shared supplier or a shared federal standard being stressed by real-world conditions. Use the affected-vehicles table below to see whether the pattern is concentrated on a handful of models or distributed evenly, and cross-reference each model's full recall and investigation history before drawing conclusions about any one nameplate.
Most Affected Vehicles
| # | Vehicle | Complaints |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | CHEVROLET MALIBU | 87 |
| 2 | CHEVROLET CORVETTE | 78 |
| 3 | FORD FOCUS | 49 |
| 4 | FORD EXPLORER | 46 |
| 5 | CHEVROLET IMPALA | 43 |
| 6 | CHEVROLET COBALT | 41 |
| 7 | CHEVROLET SILVERADO | 40 |
| 8 | TOYOTA CAMRY | 37 |
| 9 | PONTIAC G6 | 33 |
| 10 | PONTIAC GRAND AM | 32 |
| 11 | FORD ESCAPE | 32 |
| 12 | CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500 | 27 |
| 13 | CHEVROLET CAVALIER | 27 |
| 14 | FORD F-150 | 26 |
| 15 | CHEVROLET TAHOE | 26 |
| 16 | DODGE DAKOTA | 23 |
| 17 | TOYOTA AVALON | 22 |
| 18 | DODGE DURANGO | 22 |
| 19 | DODGE RAM 1500 | 19 |
| 20 | JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE | 17 |
| 21 | SATURN VUE | 16 |
| 22 | SATURN ION | 16 |
| 23 | PONTIAC BONNEVILLE | 15 |
| 24 | NISSAN FRONTIER | 15 |
| 25 | DODGE CARAVAN | 15 |
| 26 | GMC SIERRA | 14 |
| 27 | CHEVROLET SUBURBAN | 13 |
| 28 | CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO | 13 |
| 29 | BMW Z4 | 12 |
| 30 | TOYOTA SIENNA | 11 |
Recent Complaints
The contact owns a 2019 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while cleaning the steering wheel, the steering column became loose. No warning light was illuminated. An Independent mechanic was contacted
See attached document for complaint.
The contact owned a 2012 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated that while attempting to shift to drive(D), the gear shifter detached from the steering column. No warning light was illuminated. Neithe
The contact owned a 2019 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while driving at 20 MPH and attempting to adjust the steering wheel, the steering column and the steering wheel detached and fell in the co
See attached document for complaint
The contactâs son owns a 2024 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that after coming to a complete stop, the âService Traction Controlâ message was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact
The contact owns a 2022 Ford F-350 SD. The contact stated while pulling into the driveway approximately 5-10 MPH, the steering wheel separated and fell into the contact's lap. The vehicle was towed to
The contact owns a 2024 Honda Civic Hatchback. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V744000 (Steering); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The lo
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving their vehicle at various speeds they noticed that an abnormal clicking sound can be heard from the steering column. The conta
See attached document for complaint
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed a popping sound coming from the steering column. The contact stated that the fai
The contact owns a 2005 Nissan Titan. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and making a right turn, there was a pop in the steering column. The vehicle was taken to the local
See attached document for complaint
The contact owns a 2017 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel began jerking. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was
The contact owns a 2023 Kia Carnival. The contact stated there was oil leaking from the vehicle onto the floorboard nearby the brake pedal. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who diagnosed tha
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while his son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering column became inoperable; however, the contact's son was able to safely driv
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel seized. The contact was able to safely stop the vehicle. The vehicle was towed
The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated while driving over a speed bump, the contact heard a ratting sound coming from the steering wheel. There was no warning light illuminated. Th
The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that the steering wheel intermittently stiffened while driving straight and while making left and right turns. No warning lights were illuminate
The contact owns a 2011 Mazda Tribute. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the steering wheel became firm and failed to respond to driver input. The contact stated that several unkn
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Data Sources
Vehicle complaint data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints database. Includes consumer-reported safety issues filed with NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Severity counts cross-reference NHTSA FARS (Fatality Analysis Reporting System) for fatal incidents where a corresponding FARS record exists.
Component categories are standardized by NHTSA. Crash-test ratings where shown are drawn from the NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Complaint counts, crash reports, fire reports, and fatality data reflect consumer-submitted reports and may not represent all incidents.
Disclaimer: This data is for informational purposes only and should not be used as the sole basis for vehicle purchase decisions. NHTSA complaint data is self-reported by consumers and has not been verified or investigated. A high complaint count does not necessarily indicate a defect. Always consult a qualified mechanic and check official NHTSA recall notices before making safety-related decisions.
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.