Steering Problems
82,201 owner complaints · 208 model lines · median failure at 61,018 miles
Among 82,201 owner complaints for steering problems across 208 model lines, the most-reported vehicle is the 2010 Ford Fusion (1,661 complaints, typically failing near 102,000 miles). Across all vehicles the median failure mileage is 61,018 miles and the typical repair estimate is $700.
Key numbers
| Total complaints (NHTSA) | 82,201 |
|---|---|
| Model lines affected | 208 from 32 makes |
| Median failure mileage | 61,018 mi |
| Typical repair estimate | $700 |
| Severity mix | 545 severe · 380 moderate · 0 minor (of 981 vehicle-year patterns) |
| Related serious reports | 399 alleged fires, 2,655 alleged injuries, 4,102 alleged crashes |
Worst vehicles for steering problems
| Vehicle | Complaints | Typical failure mileage | Repair est. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 Ford Fusion | 1,661 | 102,000 mi | $700 |
| 2012 Ford Fusion | 1,511 | 83,300 mi | $700 |
| 2011 Ford Fusion | 1,433 | 90,000 mi | $700 |
| 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt | 1,291 | 60,900 mi | $700 |
| 2008 Ford Escape | 1,235 | 116,473 mi | $700 |
| 2006 Pontiac G6 | 1,219 | 75,000 mi | $700 |
| 2011 Hyundai Sonata | 1,171 | 73,200 mi | $700 |
| 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt | 1,137 | 61,305 mi | $700 |
| 2018 Jeep Wrangler | 1,116 | 8,000 mi | $700 |
| 2006 Chevrolet Malibu | 1,017 | 85,000 mi | $700 |
| 2012 Ford Focus | 933 | 79,000 mi | $700 |
| 2009 Nissan Altima | 858 | 80,000 mi | $700 |
| 2013 Ford Explorer | 836 | 96,000 mi | $700 |
| 2009 Ford Escape | 827 | 122,655 mi | $700 |
| 2019 Ford F-250 | 769 | 20,000 mi | $700 |
People also ask
What is the most common steering problem?
Based on 82,201 owner complaints in the NHTSA database, the most-reported failure pattern in this category appears on the 2010 Ford Fusion. Complaint volume reflects how many owners filed reports, not proof of a defect rate.
At what mileage do steering problems start?
The median failure mileage across vehicles in this category is 61,018 miles, but the range is wide — the 25th to 75th percentile on individual model lines can span tens of thousands of miles. Individual vehicles fail earlier or later depending on use.
How much does it cost to fix?
The typical repair estimate in this category is $700, with significant spread between model lines — complex components on luxury vehicles can cost several times more than the same repair on a mainstream car.
Are these complaints verified defects?
No. Owner complaints filed with NHTSA are unverified first-person reports. A high complaint count signals a pattern worth checking (open recalls, TSBs, investigations) — not a confirmed defect.
Other component categories
electrical · engine · powertrain / transmission · airbags & restraints · brakes · body & exterior · cruise control · visibility / wipers · lighting · fuel system · suspension · tires · wheels · seat belts · equipment / accessories
Checking a specific car? Decode its VIN to see the exact build, open safety recalls and crash-test ratings — free, no registration.
Source: ProblemsByVin (CC BY 4.0), aggregated from public NHTSA complaint and recall data. Owner complaints are unverified; volume reflects reporting, not per-vehicle defect rates. See Data Sources & Methodology.