Component
STEERING:RACK AND PINION
3,508 NHTSA complaints about steering:rack and pinion issues across 42 makes and 349 models.
The steering:rack and pinion is one of the standardized component categories NHTSA uses to classify consumer safety complaints. Across the public complaint database, it accounts for 3,508 filings from 42 manufacturers and 349 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 115 crashes, 15 fires, 89 injuries, and 13 fatalities. The most complained-about vehicle in this category is the PONTIAC GRAND PRIX with 231 filings, followed by DODGE INTREPID and FORD TAURUS. 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 | PONTIAC GRAND PRIX | 231 |
| 2 | DODGE INTREPID | 231 |
| 3 | FORD TAURUS | 148 |
| 4 | FORD WINDSTAR | 117 |
| 5 | CHEVROLET CAVALIER | 111 |
| 6 | OLDSMOBILE INTRIGUE | 101 |
| 7 | DODGE DAKOTA | 97 |
| 8 | FORD EXPLORER | 87 |
| 9 | CHEVROLET MALIBU | 81 |
| 10 | BUICK REGAL | 80 |
| 11 | CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY | 78 |
| 12 | CHRYSLER CONCORDE | 72 |
| 13 | DODGE GRAND CARAVAN | 70 |
| 14 | CHEVROLET LUMINA | 70 |
| 15 | DODGE CARAVAN | 66 |
| 16 | CHEVROLET VENTURE | 59 |
| 17 | CHRYSLER LHS | 48 |
| 18 | MERCURY SABLE | 47 |
| 19 | CHRYSLER 300M | 45 |
| 20 | PONTIAC GRAND AM | 40 |
| 21 | TOYOTA AVALON | 38 |
| 22 | BUICK CENTURY | 36 |
| 23 | PONTIAC SUNFIRE | 35 |
| 24 | FORD FUSION | 33 |
| 25 | PONTIAC BONNEVILLE | 30 |
| 26 | OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS | 30 |
| 27 | CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO | 30 |
| 28 | PONTIAC TRANS SPORT | 29 |
| 29 | DODGE RAM 1500 | 29 |
| 30 | CADILLAC DEVILLE | 27 |
Recent Complaints
The contact owns a 2021 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while driving at 10 MPH and attempting to slow down to park in a parking spot, the steering wheel started shaking unexpectedly. There
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at night in the rain at approximately 40-45 MPH, the contact drove over an unavoidable puddle, and the electri
The contact owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while her mother was driving 55 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to turn while making left or right turns or while driving straight.
The contact owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle jerked and made an abnormal popping sound. No warning lights were illuminated. After researching, the contact l
The contact owns a 2024 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while idling in the driveway, the steering wheel became inoperable. Additionally, the contact stated that after parking the vehicle, th
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH and attempting to make a left turn, the vehicle lost power steering functionality, and the steering wheel became firm.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle started pulling and veering to the right, while driving on uneven pavement. The power steering assist warning
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion Hybrid. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel was turned; however, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended directio
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while his wife was driving 50 MPH, the service power steering warning light illuminated. The contact stated that his wife pulled over to the s
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle intermittently lost power steering functionality. There was no warning light illuminated. The veh
See attached document for complaint.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Edge. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and making a right turn, the vehicle lost motive power and the steering wheel locked. The traction control w
The contact owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the steering wheel was sticking. There were several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local
The contact owns a 2015 GMC Canyon. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact stated that the power steering warning light was illuminated. Th
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that while her husband was starting the vehicle, the power steering assist warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where
The contact's wife owns a 2023 Honda Civic Type-R. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel seized in the direction that the steering wheel was turned. The contact stated
The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz C300. While driving at various speeds, the contact could hear an abnormal sound from the transmission. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic where
See attached document for complaint
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the steering wheel became very firm. The power steering assist fault warning light
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality and the steering wheel seized. The message "Service Power Steering" was display
Related Vehicle Components
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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.