Component
STEERING:COLUMN
1,716 NHTSA complaints about steering:column issues across 45 makes and 369 models.
Data updated August 2026. Counts render from the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation standardized component field; severity flags cross-reference NHTSA ODI complaint flags for owner-reported crash, fire, and injury markers. This page is for informational purposes and does not replace NHTSA recall notices or a vehicle-specific inspection. Methodology · Corrections.
NHTSA ODI component intake brief
ODI category STEERING:COLUMN
1,716 filings · 369 models · 45 makes · vintage August 2026
- FILINGS MODERATE 1,716 ODI rows
- MODELS 369 nameplates citing this part
- MAKES 45 manufacturers in corpus
- CRASH 4.8% 82 crash-flagged
- RANK #114 of 696 categories
- SEV INJURY 3 deaths · 59 injuries
Filing-volume peers
STEERING:COLUMN sits MODERATE on ODI intake volume (#114 of 696 standardized categories) with a INJURY severity stamp (3 reported fatalities across 369 models). Open Chevrolet Malibu (category leader) →
STEERING:COLUMN filing-volume reading
The standout signal for steering:column is ODI intake volume: 1,716 filings (MODERATE band · #114 of 696 standardized categories) across 369 nameplates. Crash-flag share is 4.8%.
Moderate-volume categories still show a fingerprint in the model table below, cross-check each nameplate's recall and investigation history before inferring a defect pattern.
Next step: compare Chevrolet Malibu against POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE on filing totals before treating steering:column volume as a purchase signal.
Most Affected Vehicles
| # | Vehicle | Complaints |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chevrolet Malibu | |
| 2 | Chevrolet Corvette | |
| 3 | Ford Focus | |
| 4 | Ford Explorer | |
| 5 | Chevrolet Impala | |
| 6 | Chevrolet Cobalt | |
| 7 | Chevrolet Silverado | |
| 8 | Toyota Camry | |
| 9 | Pontiac G6 | |
| 10 | Pontiac Grand AM | |
| 11 | Ford Escape | |
| 12 | Chevrolet Silverado 1500 | |
| 13 | Chevrolet Cavalier | |
| 14 | Ford F-150 | |
| 15 | Chevrolet Tahoe | |
| 16 | Dodge Dakota | |
| 17 | Toyota Avalon | |
| 18 | Dodge Durango | |
| 19 | Dodge RAM 1500 | |
| 20 | Jeep Grand Cherokee | |
| 21 | Saturn VUE | |
| 22 | Saturn ION | |
| 23 | Pontiac Bonneville | |
| 24 | Nissan Frontier | |
| 25 | Dodge Caravan | |
| 26 | GMC Sierra | |
| 27 | Chevrolet Suburban | |
| 28 | Chevrolet Monte Carlo | |
| 29 | BMW Z4 | |
| 30 | Toyota Sienna |
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 contact’s son owns a 2024 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that after coming to a complete stop, the “Service Traction Control” message was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact turned
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
Related Vehicle Components
Verify with NHTSA · consumer-reported counts are not verified defect findings.