Consumer Safety Complaints
Search 2,215,138 safety complaints filed by vehicle owners with NHTSA — including 138,663 crashes, 56,255 fires, and 8,561 deaths.
What is a NHTSA consumer complaint?
A consumer complaint is a free-form report filed by a vehicle owner directly to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) describing a safety concern about their vehicle. NHTSA collects these reports through its Vehicle Owner Defect Report (VOQ) system and publishes them publicly. Each complaint includes the affected component, the date and circumstances of the incident, whether the failure caused a crash or fire, and any reported injuries or deaths. The owner's full narrative description is included verbatim — NHTSA does not edit or moderate the descriptions.
The database below contains over 2,215,138 individual complaints. NHTSA's investigators monitor it for clusters of similar reports — when enough owners describe the same failure mode on the same vehicle, NHTSA may open a Preliminary Evaluation that can lead to a recall. Many of the largest recalls in U.S. history, including the Takata airbag recall and the Hyundai/Kia engine fire recalls, started as patterns visible in this complaint database years before they became formal recalls.
How to interpret what you read
A few principles for reading consumer complaints usefully:
- One complaint is anecdote; a hundred similar complaints is data. NHTSA does not investigate the truthfulness of any individual report — that's the job of the Office of Defects Investigation, which looks at the full pattern. When evaluating a vehicle, look for whether multiple owners describe the same chain of events.
- Crash, fire, injury, and death flags are owner-set. They are not verified by NHTSA. They are still useful as a filter, because owners who tick those boxes are typically reporting more serious incidents than those who don't.
- Component categories are NHTSA-assigned, not owner-assigned. NHTSA standardizes the component field so that complaints can be aggregated. The owner narrative often goes into more detail than the component category captures.
- Complaint volume scales with sales volume. A best-selling model will accumulate more raw complaints than a niche model even at the same defect rate. To compare across vehicles, look at complaints per 100,000 units sold, not raw counts.
If you've experienced a defect
File a complaint. NHTSA's investigators rely on this database to detect emerging defects, and useful complaints — specific, concrete, with dates and mileage and clear descriptions of what happened — feed directly into the agency's pattern detection. The form takes about 10 minutes and is at nhtsa.gov/recalls under "Report a Safety Problem." Your complaint becomes part of the same public record that this page is built from. Owners filing detailed VOQs are how recalls get triggered.
Read more from our blog
Showing 379,511 complaints for FORD
FORD
EXPEDITION
(2025) — SEATS
Jun 11, 2026
Incident date: Nov 30, 2025
The metal emblem on the driver and passenger seats continuously pulls my hair. I believe it is the emblem itself (sharp lettering) and not how it is adhered to the seat. I am unable to drive the vehicle with hair down.
Incident date: Jun 11, 2026
Vertical Daytime Running Lamp is out and from doing multiple hours of research it looks as if it was a quality control issue. The LED board was not secured internally and it caused an LED to touch the tube and burned it. It is very common on 2021-2023 models and the manufacturer changed it for 2024. Please we need to get this as a recall.
Incident date: Jun 7, 2026
2018 Ford Escape SE 1.5L 4 cylinder EcoBoost engine. I was driving on a major 2 lane state road going 65 miles an hour when the warning light came on that the engine was overheating and pull over immediately. There was no prior warning. As soon as I stopped I looked at the temperature indicator and it returned to a normal level. I tried to drive again and got the same urgent message to stop. There... Read more
Incident date: Jun 11, 2026
While traveling at cruising speed (70 MPH) on Interstate 95 South, the vehicle suffered a catastrophic electrical and mechanical failure, resulting in an immediate engine stall. The vehicle lost all propulsion. Due to the sudden loss of power, the vehicle could not safely clear the active lanes of traffic, coasting to a stop near an exit ramp and dangerously blocking highway traffic.Upon attemptin... Read more
Incident date: Jun 11, 2026
While traveling at cruising speed (70 MPH) on Interstate 95 South, the vehicle suffered a catastrophic electrical and mechanical failure, resulting in an immediate engine stall. The vehicle lost all propulsion. Due to the sudden loss of power, the vehicle could not safely clear the active lanes of traffic, coasting to a stop near an exit ramp and dangerously blocking highway traffic.Upon attemptin... Read more
Incident date: Jun 11, 2026
While traveling at cruising speed (70 MPH) on Interstate 95 South, the vehicle suffered a catastrophic electrical and mechanical failure, resulting in an immediate engine stall. The vehicle lost all propulsion. Due to the sudden loss of power, the vehicle could not safely clear the active lanes of traffic, coasting to a stop near an exit ramp and dangerously blocking highway traffic.Upon attemptin... Read more
Incident date: Jun 8, 2026
The transmission failed while driving. While accelerating to speed, there was a "clunk" and then the vehicle was unable to shift to another gear, stuck in 7th. The vehicle lurched continuously, decelerated suddenly, and I was unable to shift up or down. Cars behind me swerved to avoid hitting me. Luckily I was able to drive at below speed with hazards lights flashing to the nearby dealership. ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
My 2018 Ford Escape developed a severe engine problem at fewer than 30,000 miles. The Check Engine Light illuminated and diagnostic trouble code P0302 (cylinder #2 misfire) was present. The vehicle was also losing coolant without any visible external leak, and white smoke was observed from the exhaust. The engine now misfires so severely that I do not consider the vehicle safe to operate. The veh... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2025
My interior door handles have chrome-plated stickers. They have started to bubble and peel to the point where my wife sliced her finger requiring an ER visit and stiches. I've seen on Reddit that other vehicle owners have had the same issues. I noticed on June 9th, 2026 Ford issued a recall for its For Expedition, for a similar issue but with its center console, not the door handles. I believe ... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Apr 1, 2026
As I was driving, I heard a sliding sound and something bumping every time I braked. It was hard to tell where it was coming from, but It sounded like it was above the sunroof shade. When I stopped, I pushed the open button to open the shade and a large metal piece that goes between the sunroof glass pieces came crashing down. At the same time, the shade unhooked and snapped back into the headl... Read more
Incident date: May 29, 2026
Preston Automotive Group sold me a used truck that had a replaced odometer and offered and sold as if the vehicles odometer reflected correct mileage. When I brought to their attention they said this is not illegal and should not be a problem and offered no remedy!
Incident date: May 10, 2026
My 2014 Ford F-150 is exhibiting symptoms consistent with the Ford transmission molded lead frame safety recall 24S37. While driving approximately 55 mph late at night on a five-lane roadway, the vehicle suddenly and violently jerked, downshifted and came to a complete stop becoming stalled out as I was approaching a major traffic intersection. The truck was disabled in traffic and would not resta... Read more
Incident date: May 10, 2026
My 2014 Ford F-150 is exhibiting symptoms consistent with the Ford transmission molded lead frame safety recall 24S37. While driving approximately 55 mph late at night on a five-lane roadway, the vehicle suddenly and violently jerked, downshifted and came to a complete stop becoming stalled out as I was approaching a major traffic intersection. The truck was disabled in traffic and would not resta... Read more
Incident date: May 10, 2026
My 2014 Ford F-150 is exhibiting symptoms consistent with the Ford transmission molded lead frame safety recall 24S37. While driving approximately 55 mph late at night on a five-lane roadway, the vehicle suddenly and violently jerked, downshifted and came to a complete stop becoming stalled out as I was approaching a major traffic intersection. The truck was disabled in traffic and would not resta... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2026
The airbag light shown in the attached photo came on at an unknown period of time. We did not know when this came on that it was not a normal light. This is a safety issue as there are many causes for this light to come on, and with this light being on the airbag may not deploy properly or at all during a collision. We did take the vehicle to the Ford dealership for warranty work and they did not ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2026
10r80 transmission failure. Ford dealer told me that ford is aware of the defective components in the 10r80 pre 2022, issued guidance on what updated components they designed to replace defective ones, and never issued a recall. Said this is very common but company won’t take responsibility or assist with the $10K repair.
Incident date: May 4, 2026
Transmission began shifting very hard into 3rd gear. Later the transmission got stuck in 4th gear and would not shift out of it, even at a complete stop. Was able to manually shift down to 3rd gear after a few minutes, then it started to shift normal. Lately the transmission has shifted from 7th gear to 1st gear and back to 7th gear, from 8th gear to 1st gear back to 8th gear, and twice it has s... Read more
Incident date: Jun 11, 2026
The Molded-In-Color (MIC) hard top shows signs of delamination and cracking on the exterior skin of the roof panel. Models from the same production year were called under NHTSA Recall No.: 26V299. My vehicle was not included on this recall. I have attempted to have Ford inspect the issue and have refused since it is out of warranty. I am concerned that the delaminating sections will detach while... Read more
Incident date: Jun 4, 2026
Backup camera malfunctions. Goes black and picture is fuzzy, jumpy and distorted.
Incident date: Jun 4, 2026
Backup camera malfunctions. Goes black and picture is fuzzy, jumpy and distorted.
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
I had to pay for a new transmission in my 2019 Ford Edge SEL after two Ford dealerships deemed it necessary. I spent over $5,000 on a used one from the same year vehicle to only have a second transmission failure in less than 24 months. Not being able to shift gears as normal has caused me to be almost hit by other vehicles when trying to enter highways that require high speeds.
Incident date: Jun 10, 2026
The car is a 2018 Ford edge titanium 2.0L Eco Boost engine.After 75,600 miles the check engine light came on. After a local auto repair shop diagnosed the problem as a coolant contamination in cylinder 3, I was instructed to take the car to a Ford dealer because a new engine was needed. The dealer confirmed the coolant intrusion in cylinder 3 and a new engine has been ordered. After calling Ford C... Read more
Incident date: Jun 6, 2026
The rear subframe bushing is torn, resulting in the rear of the vehicle to sway side to side when traveling down the road at highway speeds, making it difficult to maintain lanes. Bushings are not covered by the 60k power train warranty, and resulting in a 2-3,000 dollar repair due to subframe in rear of vehicle needing dropped and bushing pressed out or entire subframe to be replaced.
Incident date: Jun 1, 2025
The chrome/ brushed finish peeling along the top of the center console, resulting in sharp edges. The vehicle is just outside of bumper to bumper warranty and the fix is out of pocket. Vehicle current has 55k miles on it, and bubbling down both sides of the laminated trim.
1 injured
Incident date: Jun 15, 2025
The contact called on behalf of his son who owned a 2015 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while his son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the "malfunction" indicator was illuminated, the vehicle unexpectedly downshifted while there was ice on the road, and the front center of the vehicle crashed into a tree. The contact's son was pronounced deceased at the scene and the vehicle was pronounce... Read more
Crash
1 deaths
Incident date: Jun 3, 2024
The part behind the dashboard touchscreen for the radio went bad, they call it the APIM (Accessory Protocol Interface Module). It allows us to see the screen when in reverse among other things. They are incredibly common to go bad on certain model years of ford vehicles. Very expensive to fix as the module is programmed per VIN. The screen does not work, just stays black the entire time.
Incident date: Sep 15, 2025
I haven't had a issue yet, but I'm not comfortable continuing to drive my truck with a known safety recall that Ford has no solution for even though it's been a recall for several months. I live in a area with no Ford dealerships, so it's a little difficult to get warranty work done.
Incident date: Jun 26, 2025
Over a dozen times, when my car sits outside in the sun on a hot day, my drivers side seat belt becomes locked in the retracted position. I am unable to use my seatbelt until my car cools down which takes appoximately 15-20 of my AC running on MAX AC. During this time, I either have to sit in my car and not drive or I have to drive without a seatbelt until it unlocks. This is a safety hazard becau... Read more
Incident date: May 11, 2026
Vehicle has trouble turning back on after filling with gas. The engine clicks and sometimes will not start back up without a jump. The battery has been replaced. The check engine light is on.
Incident date: May 11, 2026
Vehicle has trouble turning back on after filling with gas. The engine clicks and sometimes will not start back up without a jump. The battery has been replaced. The check engine light is on.
Incident date: Jun 10, 2026
following up on Nov 20,2025 Manufacturer Recall Number25SC4 NHTSA Recall Number25V789 Recall StatusRecall Incomplete, remedy not yet available This recall has been out for 7 months - no remedy yet. We are not able to use our PHEV to the extgent is was designed.
Incident date: Jun 10, 2026
following up on Nov 20,2025 Manufacturer Recall Number25SC4 NHTSA Recall Number25V789 Recall StatusRecall Incomplete, remedy not yet available This recall has been out for 7 months - no remedy yet. We are not able to use our PHEV to the extgent is was designed.
Incident date: Jun 7, 2026
Engine fault warning flashed upon start for a few weeks, then check engine light came on and did not shut off. Took to shop and they said that it was leaking coolant and coolant intrusion was occurring requiring a new engine.
Incident date: Jun 1, 2026
While driving, the hood of my vehicle flew up and broke my windshield and caused damage to body by the hood hinge on both sides. There were no warning lamps or signals that warned me that the hood was loose. I had limited visual to pull over and close the hood. Fortunately I was going slow and there were not other vehicles that were impacted. Because the hood is opened inside with the double pull ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2026
While driving, the hood of my vehicle flew up and broke my windshield and caused damage to body by the hood hinge on both sides. There were no warning lamps or signals that warned me that the hood was loose. I had limited visual to pull over and close the hood. Fortunately I was going slow and there were not other vehicles that were impacted. Because the hood is opened inside with the double pull ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 2, 2026
Misfire due to cracked cylinder wall letting coolant leak into the cylinder in the 2.0L turbo
FORD
EXPEDITION
(2018) — POWER TRAIN
Jun 11, 2026
Incident date: Jun 1, 2026
We have and continue to experience severe transmission slipping in our 2018 expedition limited. It can create a dangerous loss of control situation when it slips severely or upshifts or downshifts rough.
Incident date: May 28, 2026
The EPAS (Electric Power Assisted Steering) module experienced an internal sensor failure, causing a sudden and complete loss of power steering assist. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request and the EPAS module has been retained. The loss of power steering occurred without warning while the vehicle was in motion, requiring significantly greater physical force to maintain control of ... Read more
Incident date: May 28, 2026
The EPAS (Electric Power Assisted Steering) module experienced an internal sensor failure, causing a sudden and complete loss of power steering assist. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request and the EPAS module has been retained. The loss of power steering occurred without warning while the vehicle was in motion, requiring significantly greater physical force to maintain control of ... Read more
Incident date: May 28, 2026
The EPAS (Electric Power Assisted Steering) module experienced an internal sensor failure, causing a sudden and complete loss of power steering assist. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request and the EPAS module has been retained. The loss of power steering occurred without warning while the vehicle was in motion, requiring significantly greater physical force to maintain control of ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 26, 2024
I am filing a complaint regarding a safety recall on my 2016 Ford Explorer that remains unrepaired despite repeated attempts to have it fixed. I purchased this vehicle from a dealership in 2024. At the time of purchase, the dealership did not disclose any outstanding safety recalls. Within a few weeks of purchasing the vehicle, I noticed the exterior trim panels were loose and beginning to separa... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Jun 10, 2026
When car in parking spot (running or started after overnight parked); when put into reverse nothing happens. Backed into a slot today; had to pull forward and redo; but when put into reverse nothing happened. Would, when in drive, go forward but not in reverse. Drove a couple 100 feet and tried reverse again - worked. Six months earlier when parked after starting and putting into reverse same i... Read more
Incident date: Dec 3, 2024
Due to a known defect for which there is already a class action lawsuit against Ford, the head gasket seal failed allowing coolant to seep into cylinders 2 and 3. In turn, this caused a crack in the engine wall requiring over $10,000 in repairs.
Incident date: Jun 4, 2026
Initially; I thought someone rear ended my truck, but it turned out to be a severe shifting problem when accelerating. I took the truck to a Ford Authorized Service Dealer and they told me about the well documented "10R80 mechanical hardware defect (CDF drum migration)" transmission problem for Ford model years 2017-2022. There were no warning messages or symptoms that I remember. The truck has... Read more
Incident date: Apr 2, 2026
Vehicle began randomly downshifting while driving causing the wheels to lock up. Would have to pull over and shut the vehicle off. Showed Engine code for lead frame which I had replaced but ford does not want to reimburse me because they have not released an official remedy for the recall.
Incident date: May 22, 2026
As I was backing my 2013 Ford Explorer Base model out of my garage I heard a pop and then my steering started making a grinding/dragging noise. When I pulled onto the street I noticed that my steering wheel would "stick". I went a short distance further down the road and it seemed to stop sticking. When I went around a curve towards the left, my steering stuck again and it was harder to get it to ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 13, 2026
Power steering message popped up on dash in a flash and disappeared while I was driving. Same message popped up a couple miles down (I pulled into a parking lot to check message.) Steering wheel locked and left me stranded in need of a tow truck to move car to mechanic and get home. Message pops up and disappears quickly not leaving much time to read or react.
Incident date: May 22, 2026
After hitting 100,000 mile my car electronics failed and caused my steering to fail and all other safety equipment like airbags and brokering system
Incident date: May 22, 2026
After hitting 100,000 mile my car electronics failed and caused my steering to fail and all other safety equipment like airbags and brokering system
Incident date: May 22, 2026
After hitting 100,000 mile my car electronics failed and caused my steering to fail and all other safety equipment like airbags and brokering system