Component
STEERING:STEERING CONTROL MODULE
29 NHTSA complaints about steering:steering control module issues across 9 makes and 16 models.
The steering:steering control module is one of the standardized component categories NHTSA uses to classify consumer safety complaints. Across the public complaint database, it accounts for 29 filings from 9 manufacturers and 16 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 0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, and 0 fatalities. The most complained-about vehicle in this category is the FORD FUSION with 6 filings, followed by RAM 1500 and FORD EXPLORER. 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 | FORD FUSION | 6 |
| 2 | RAM 1500 | 4 |
| 3 | FORD EXPLORER | 4 |
| 4 | JEEP CHEROKEE | 2 |
| 5 | FORD ESCAPE | 2 |
| 6 | TOYOTA RAV4 | 1 |
| 7 | NISSAN ALTIMA | 1 |
| 8 | MERCURY MOUNTAINEER | 1 |
| 9 | MERCEDES-BENZ E350 | 1 |
| 10 | LINCOLN MKS | 1 |
| 11 | JEEP WRANGLER | 1 |
| 12 | FORD F-250 SD | 1 |
| 13 | CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500 | 1 |
| 14 | CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX | 1 |
| 15 | CHEVROLET MALIBU | 1 |
| 16 | CHEVROLET CORVETTE | 1 |
Recent Complaints
The contact owns a 2023 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle failed to restart. The contact called AAA and was informed
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle in cold weather, the power steering was inoperable. The power steering warning light was illuminated. The contact ca
The contact owns a 1998 Chevrolet Corvette. The contact stated that while the vehicle was with a local transmission mechanic for service, the technician was reversing out of the service bay when the S
The contact owns a 2014 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving approximately 50â55 MPH, the power steering functionality became inoperable. The red steering wheel warning light was illuminated a
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle became extremely difficult to steer the vehicle. The power steering assist light was illuminated. The contact
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle changed lanes independently. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road. The vehicle was ta
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while the vehicle was started, the steering wheel seized. The vehicle was towed to a dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to make a right turn, the vehicle briefly lost electric power steering (EPS). Due to the fa
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the power steering warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and de
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact related the failure to TSB: 13S14 (Steering). The vehicle was
The contact's husband owns a 2008 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the vehicle lost motive power and the power steering assist warning light illuminated. The vehicle wa
The contact owns a 2012 Lincoln MKS. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH and attempting to honk the horn, there was no sound coming from the horn. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the mecha
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the steering wheel became stiff with the power steering assist warning light illuminated. The contact that while accelerat
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at various speeds, the power steering assist failure warning light illuminated on multiple occasions. The vehi
The contact's wife owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at approximately 30 MPH, the steering wheel seized, and excessive force was needed to steer. The contact'
The contact owns a 2019 Ford F-250 SD. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH and driving over a speed bump, the vehicle started to shake uncontrollably. The contact stated that the vehicle was pulle
The contact owns a 2014 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that after shifting to park(P) with the engine running, the contact exited the vehicle and offloaded groceries. After returning to the vehicle
The contact owns a 2014 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the shifter module, ABS, door module for the driverâs and passengerâs side doors, the instrument cl
The contact owns a 2017 Ram 1500. The contact stated while attempting to drive the vehicle, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact stated that the power steering warning light was
2014 RAM 1500. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO DEFECTIVE CLOCK SPRING STEERING COLUMN CONTROL MODULE (SCCM).
Related Vehicle Components
Learn More
Related Safety Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How many complaints involve steering:steering control module issues? ▼
How dangerous are steering:steering control module defects? ▼
Which vehicles have the most steering:steering control module problems? ▼
Where does PlainCars get its safety data? ▼
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.