Consumer Safety Complaints
Search 2,245,377 safety complaints filed by vehicle owners with NHTSA, including 140,173 crashes, 56,794 fires, and 8,580 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 2,245,377 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 384,293 complaints for FORD
FORD
BRONCO SPORT
(2021) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
May 1, 2026
Incident date: Apr 30, 2026
In January of 2026, I took my 2021 Ford bronco sport Outer Banks to the dealership because my car had a wrench light come on and it went into limp mode. Supposedly it was fixed and now it is April 2026 and my car went into limp mode again, it would not shift in the park and would not start and now the dealership is telling me that there’s transmission issues but from what I’ve read, there is c... Read more
FORD
BRONCO SPORT
(2021) - POWER TRAIN
May 1, 2026
Incident date: Apr 30, 2026
In January of 2026, I took my 2021 Ford bronco sport Outer Banks to the dealership because my car had a wrench light come on and it went into limp mode. Supposedly it was fixed and now it is April 2026 and my car went into limp mode again, it would not shift in the park and would not start and now the dealership is telling me that there’s transmission issues but from what I’ve read, there is c... Read more
Incident date: Oct 28, 2024
Sunroof material when opened sags down and blocks drivers rear view this needs to be a safety recall!
Incident date: Nov 27, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 Ford F-150. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V455000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse, the rearview camera became inoperable. The contact stated that the rearview camera image would sometimes appear blank and other times the image would flicker. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to complete the recall repair was not y... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while reversing, the rearview camera displayed a distorted image, causing a rear visibility safety hazard for the driver. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who informed the contact that the VIN was included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION); however, the recall remedy was not yet available. Additiona... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while reversing, the rearview camera displayed a distorted image, causing a rear visibility safety hazard for the driver. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who informed the contact that the VIN was included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION); however, the recall remedy was not yet available. Additiona... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2026
When turning right the left turn signal is triggered automatically 60-75% of the time. This mis direction signal has potential to cause confusion to surrounding drivers thus creating a potential driving hazard. The whole purpose of the turn signal is to declare driving intent to other drivers.
Incident date: Apr 15, 2026
On April 15, 2026, I brought my 2018 Ford Edge SEL to an authorized Ford dealership with a loud rattling noise at startup and an illuminated check engine light. Ford Motor Company had previously sent me two written notices (September 2022 and June 2023) identifying a known cracked flexplate defect on my vehicle under Customer Satisfaction Program 22N12, describing these exact symptoms. The defect ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 15, 2026
On April 15, 2026, I brought my 2018 Ford Edge SEL to an authorized Ford dealership with a loud rattling noise at startup and an illuminated check engine light. Ford Motor Company had previously sent me two written notices (September 2022 and June 2023) identifying a known cracked flexplate defect on my vehicle under Customer Satisfaction Program 22N12, describing these exact symptoms. The defect ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 15, 2026
On April 15, 2026, I brought my 2018 Ford Edge SEL to an authorized Ford dealership with a loud rattling noise at startup and an illuminated check engine light. Ford Motor Company had previously sent me two written notices (September 2022 and June 2023) identifying a known cracked flexplate defect on my vehicle under Customer Satisfaction Program 22N12, describing these exact symptoms. The defect ... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2026
Driving at 65 mph without warning car adaptive steering and airbag light comes on. Found there is a clock spring failure. There clockspring failures reported in 2020s. Ford haven’t achieved function of clocksprings
Incident date: May 1, 2026
Driving at 65 mph without warning car adaptive steering and airbag light comes on. Found there is a clock spring failure. There clockspring failures reported in 2020s. Ford haven’t achieved function of clocksprings
Incident date: May 1, 2026
Driving at 65 mph without warning car adaptive steering and airbag light comes on. Found there is a clock spring failure. There clockspring failures reported in 2020s. Ford haven’t achieved function of clocksprings
Incident date: May 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse, the rearview camera became inoperable. The contact stated that the rearview camera displayed a blank screen or the message “Camera not Available” intermittently. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2022
This recall has been open since 2024 with no available repair. My vehicle already experienced the failure while driving twice. I need this escalated to a regional service manager for resolution, or an alternative remedy if parts are still unavailable.”
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
Electric power steering failed at 65,000 miles. No power assist in the steering. Trying to steer the car with no power assist is very difficult and not safe.
Incident date: May 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the remedy was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufactur... Read more
Incident date: Apr 9, 2026
Vehicle Safety Complaint – 2021 Ford F-350 I am submitting this complaint regarding a safety-related failure involving my 2021 Ford F-350. While driving under normal conditions, the vehicle suddenly entered “limp mode,” resulting in a significant and immediate loss of power. Approximately 20 miles later, the vehicle completely shut down, leaving me stranded and requiring the truck to be towe... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2026
pre-collision assist does not give audible, alert or brake did over 50 high risk test with people, automobiles and boxes at high speeds Test drove another F350 at the Dealer lot with the same problem I believe this is a module build issue with the Software [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Incident date: May 1, 2026
pre-collision assist does not give audible, alert or brake did over 50 high risk test with people, automobiles and boxes at high speeds Test drove another F350 at the Dealer lot with the same problem I believe this is a module build issue with the Software [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Incident date: May 1, 2026
pre-collision assist does not give audible, alert or brake did over 50 high risk test with people, automobiles and boxes at high speeds Test drove another F350 at the Dealer lot with the same problem I believe this is a module build issue with the Software [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Incident date: Mar 30, 2026
I am submitting a formal complaint regarding a safety-related issue with my 2025 Ford F-150, 5.0, that began immediately following recent recall service on the brake booster system. Since the recall work was completed, the ABS system has been producing a loud electrical rattling or grinding noise during vehicle takeoff. This noise is consistent and occurs at low speeds when accelerating from a st... Read more
Incident date: Mar 30, 2026
I am submitting a formal complaint regarding a safety-related issue with my 2025 Ford F-150, 5.0, that began immediately following recent recall service on the brake booster system. Since the recall work was completed, the ABS system has been producing a loud electrical rattling or grinding noise during vehicle takeoff. This noise is consistent and occurs at low speeds when accelerating from a st... Read more
Incident date: Apr 29, 2026
This is the 2nd time the transmission has went on this vehicle. First time was 12/2022 when my son was on his way home from [XXX] to [XXX] from school. Towed to Ford in MA. Ford stated there was a recall on the TCM. Vin did not fall under the recall. Thank god we had Mechanical breakdown with Geico. Had transmission repaired. April 29, 2026, car will not go in reverse or forward once again!... Read more
Incident date: Dec 31, 2025
Vehicle loses coolant over time and requires periodic refilling. There is a medium white smoke puff from exhaust on startup after the vehicle has been sitting for a few hours. Smoke disappears after initial startup. No constant smoke while driving. Mechanic suspects possible coolant intrusion issue.
Incident date: Oct 3, 2022
I purchased my truck brand new in July 2022 from Auto Saver Ford in New York. Roughly between 5000 and 10,000 miles at a certain speed the 10 R 80 transmission in my truck would unexpectedly violently slam into a lower gear, causing my truck immediately go to a slower speed, and that I was not ready for. I brought it back multiple times to the dealership under warranty. They told me they fixed the... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2026
The rear axle snapped and rear tire separated and rolled behind vehicle on the expressway causing the potential for injury/fatalities to our driver and surrounding passenger vehicles by recall 24S05. At no point did we receive communication from Ford that the vehicle should not be operated. We scheduled the recall repairs for next week, 5/4/26 however this morning, 5/1/26 the rear axle snapped a... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2026
The rear axle snapped and rear tire separated and rolled behind vehicle on the expressway causing the potential for injury/fatalities to our driver and surrounding passenger vehicles by recall 24S05. At no point did we receive communication from Ford that the vehicle should not be operated. We scheduled the recall repairs for next week, 5/4/26 however this morning, 5/1/26 the rear axle snapped a... Read more
Incident date: Mar 26, 2026
A-Pillar Trim flew off on the highway and almost caused a accident. The second one is also coming off. There was a recall for certain VINs but somehow mine wasn't included in the recall.
Incident date: May 1, 2026
My engine needs to be replaced at 55,000 miles due to a known coolant leak issue that I had no knowledge of when I purchased the vehicle. The issue has been confirmed by the dealer. The vehicle shakes when turning on.
Incident date: May 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2023 Ford F-150. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V512000(POWER TRAIN); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware... Read more
Incident date: Apr 25, 2026
The contact owns a 2024 Ford Bronco. The contact stated that while the vehicle was idling, a fire originated near the dashboard area without warning. The occupants inside the vehicle first noticed an abnormal smoke odor inside the vehicle. Shortly afterwards, the contact and passenger’s eyes started burning and their throats became irritated. The driver opened and then closed the windows and the... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Apr 23, 2026
Coolant is leaking into the piston heads because of a commonly understood design flaw with the cooling systems between the piston heads. Ford knows about this flaw but refused to replace it.
Incident date: Apr 22, 2026
Transmission shifts hard and downshifts with a huge clunk. Jerking the vehicle very big known issue for these trucks and am extremely low miles. Under 50k miles A bad safety issue and huge repair bill for the consumer.
Incident date: Mar 28, 2026
I am the 2nd owner of my 2016 Ford Escape 1.6L ecoboost, my aunt and uncle were the original owners. Between us we have every maintenance record of every on time and professionally performed requirement the Escape has needed and it ran beautifully. Then, in February 2026 the idle started to get a bit rough and I was preparing to put in the OEM sparkplugs when 3/28/26 the engine overheated, I was s... Read more
Incident date: Mar 28, 2026
I am the 2nd owner of my 2016 Ford Escape 1.6L ecoboost, my aunt and uncle were the original owners. Between us we have every maintenance record of every on time and professionally performed requirement the Escape has needed and it ran beautifully. Then, in February 2026 the idle started to get a bit rough and I was preparing to put in the OEM sparkplugs when 3/28/26 the engine overheated, I was s... Read more
Incident date: Mar 28, 2026
I am the 2nd owner of my 2016 Ford Escape 1.6L ecoboost, my aunt and uncle were the original owners. Between us we have every maintenance record of every on time and professionally performed requirement the Escape has needed and it ran beautifully. Then, in February 2026 the idle started to get a bit rough and I was preparing to put in the OEM sparkplugs when 3/28/26 the engine overheated, I was s... Read more
Incident date: Apr 25, 2026
Transmission started shifting erratically, clunking, downshifting from 10th gear to 3rd gear driving at 50 mph. Jumps from 1 to 3 then hesitates every gear after
FORD
BRONCO SPORT
(2021) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
May 1, 2026
Incident date: Mar 27, 2026
I have 130,000 miles on my 2021 Ford Bronco sport. With no warning I'm unable to put vehicle in gear. I attempt to put the car into drive, then reverse and it will not go. The gear gets stuck in park, but unable to park, The car instructs me to intiated emergency park with many warning lights appearing. when driving it jerks , make grinding noises, and I even lost momentum. Ford said the help lin... Read more
FORD
BRONCO SPORT
(2021) - POWER TRAIN
May 1, 2026
Incident date: Mar 27, 2026
I have 130,000 miles on my 2021 Ford Bronco sport. With no warning I'm unable to put vehicle in gear. I attempt to put the car into drive, then reverse and it will not go. The gear gets stuck in park, but unable to park, The car instructs me to intiated emergency park with many warning lights appearing. when driving it jerks , make grinding noises, and I even lost momentum. Ford said the help lin... Read more
Incident date: Apr 24, 2026
Coolant hose on bypass valve came off. Dumped coolant and engine overheated. Tech said it just came off, service advisor said I “hit a bump”.
Incident date: Apr 30, 2024
The brake pedal sunk all the way to the floor before braking. This has happened multiple times and now there is a leak in the ABS which we are in need of a ABS pump. Was told by mechanic that this is an ongoing problem with the Ford Edges. And, the real problem is the mechanic cannot find a replacement pump for it. Multiple locations were contacted but nothing is available. My Edge is a 2011 and c... Read more
Incident date: Apr 30, 2026
I have taken the vehicle to 2 auto places both have confirmed it has engine failure. It only has 140,000 miles
Incident date: Apr 30, 2026
I am reporting a serious engine safety issue involving coolant intrusion into the engine, resulting in misfires, loss of power, and potential engine failure while driving. My vehicle began experiencing rough starts after sitting overnight, including shaking and hesitation. in a few dayna, the issue worsened and is now accompanied by the following: * Coolant loss requiring refill approximately ever... Read more
Incident date: Apr 3, 2026
The 2026 Ford Bronco Outer Banks instrument cluster has gone blank on two occasions (4/3/26 and 4/23/29). The first time the service department at Joe Mahan Ford, Paris, TN reported the display returned when connected to thier computer, but kept the Bronco for several days trying to replicate the condition. I returned it to the dealer for the same fault on 4/27/26 and it is still in the shop. With... Read more
Incident date: Aug 25, 2025
The primary failure is the engine assembly and turbocharger, specifically caused by the failure of the oil pump drive belt and tensioner system (subject of Safety Recall 23S64 / NHTSA 23V-905). Despite an attempted recall "remedy" on August 25, 2025, the engine suffered internal oil starvation due to belt debris (rubber fibers) remaining in the oil passages. The dealership has confirmed in writing... Read more
Incident date: Aug 25, 2025
The primary failure is the engine assembly and turbocharger, specifically caused by the failure of the oil pump drive belt and tensioner system (subject of Safety Recall 23S64 / NHTSA 23V-905). Despite an attempted recall "remedy" on August 25, 2025, the engine suffered internal oil starvation due to belt debris (rubber fibers) remaining in the oil passages. The dealership has confirmed in writing... Read more