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.

2,245,377 Total Complaints
140,173 Reported Crashes
56,794 Reported Fires
8,580 Reported 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

How to Read NHTSA Consumer Complaints › How NHTSA Investigations Work › Used Car: 7 Recall Checks to Run First › The Takata Airbag Recall: Full Story › OBD-II Codes Explained › All Articles ›
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Showing 384,293 complaints for FORD

FORD ESCAPE (2020) - STRUCTURE:BODY Mar 23, 2026
Incident date: Mar 23, 2026
My passenger door latch pops open nearly every time I drive on the highway. The latches were previously the subject of Safety Recall 16S30. I had my vehicle inspected by a Ford Dealership. No repairs or work was deemed necessary at that time. In the years since, my door now comes unlatched. Infrequently at first and now with very alarming frequency. Safety Recall 20S30 was issued specifically to a... Read more
FORD EXPLORER (2020) - SUSPENSION Mar 23, 2026
Incident date: Feb 27, 2025
Purchased my 2020 Ford Escape brand new. Since owning it I have repaired/replaced the shocks and struts 3 times. They continue to leak. The car has not been used to carry heavy items or tow etc. Car is kept in a garage year round.
FORD EXPLORER (2020) - FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM Mar 23, 2026
Incident date: Feb 27, 2025
I am reporting a dangerous failure of the fuel supply control module in my vehicle, which caused the engine to stall and cut off during acceleration while driving in heavy, 45-60 mph traffic. While I was able to have the issue diagnosed and repaired by Newman’s Auto—with an invoice available—I believe this 44,000-mile vehicle experienced a premature failure. Given that this component is curr... Read more
FORD ESCAPE (2016) - FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM Mar 23, 2026
Incident date: Apr 15, 2025
The vehicle experiences hesitation when starting to move from a stop. So if i come to a stop and pull out into traffic it sometimes hesitates before applying the throttle that has been input via the pedal. This could cause serious injury because its almost impossible to determine when its safe to pull out into traffic because you do not know how long it will take for throttle to kick in.
FORD ESCAPE (2016) - POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY Mar 23, 2026
Incident date: Apr 15, 2025
The contact owned a 2022 Forest River Economy Hauler. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, the trailer rear axle detached and separated from the vehicle. The contact stated that the wheels struck another vehicle, while there were ladders, a saw, and a compressor inside the trailer. The dealer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The trailer was not re... Read more
FORD ESCAPE (2016) - SUSPENSION Mar 23, 2026
Incident date: Apr 15, 2025
The contact owned a 2022 Forest River Economy Hauler. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, the trailer rear axle detached and separated from the vehicle. The contact stated that the wheels struck another vehicle, while there were ladders, a saw, and a compressor inside the trailer. The dealer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The trailer was not re... Read more
FORD EXPLORER (2011) - POWER TRAIN Mar 23, 2026
Incident date: Mar 23, 2026
Front Differential failed at 51,000 miles
FORD EXPLORER (2015) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER Mar 23, 2026
Incident date: Sep 7, 2025
The shift to park keeps showing up and I had this issue taken care of last year at the dealership and it just started again. It is over $600 to have the repair done and should last more than a year before it needs to be replaced again. The lane assist pops up every couple weeks that it is not working.
FORD ESCAPE (2016) - ENGINE Mar 23, 2026
Incident date: Feb 24, 2026
On March 21, 2026 while traveling at approximately 70 mph on a public highway, the vehicle experienced a sudden and total loss of propulsion. The vehicle stalled in active traffic, creating an immediate and life-threatening hazard. Following the stall, the vehicle’s system failed, and the vehicle would not engage any gear, including “Park” or “Neutral.” Consequently, the vehicle could no... Read more
FORD ESCAPE (2016) - STRUCTURE Mar 23, 2026
Incident date: Feb 24, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 75 MPH, one of the windshield exterior A-pillar trims detached and was flapping against the driver's side window before separating from the vehicle. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure), and the dealer was contacted for the recall repair. The dealer sent a mobile technician to ... Read more
FORD ESCAPE (2016) - VISIBILITY/WIPER Mar 23, 2026
Incident date: Feb 24, 2026
Hello, I am writing to report a sudden rear windshield failure on my 2025 Nissan Rogue. On March 20, 2026, the rear windshield shattered without any impact or external cause. I am aware of ongoing reports and a recently filed class action lawsuit alleging rear windshield defects in 2021–2025 Nissan Rogues. Based on the circumstances, I believe my vehicle experienced the same defect. I have vid... Read more
FORD F-250 (2014) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER Mar 23, 2026
Incident date: Jan 30, 2026
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2010 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle suddenly stalled. The vehicle was restarted and driven; however, approximately one minute later, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was restarted and driven to a nearby parking lot. A certified mechanic arrived and inspected the vehicle. The mechanic diagnosed t... Read more
FORD F-250 (2014) - ENGINE Mar 23, 2026
Incident date: Jan 30, 2026
The contact owns a 2022 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH on the highway, the low oil warning light illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of oil. The manufa... Read more
FORD EXPEDITION (2014) - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:UREA INJECTION SYSTEM (DEF) Mar 23, 2026
Incident date: Jan 30, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle started to shake, and the steering wheel seized, with the DEF warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over, and the vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that there was coolant leaking from the EGR cooler, causing the EGR cooler to fail. The contact ... Read more
FORD EXPEDITION (2014) - FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS Mar 23, 2026
Incident date: Jan 30, 2025
Vehicle will not brake assist in the front even though all of the settings are selected it to work and assist in the event of needing to brake suddenly.
FORD F-150 (2022) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Mar 23, 2026
Incident date: Mar 20, 2026
This is ongoing from the purchase of the car. 1) Infotainment computer screen daytime illumination is so dark as to be a major safety issue as it causes too much time looking away from the road to operate the system. If you wear sunglasses you cannot see the screen at all. The dealer says nothing can be done to improve the problem. 2) Right rear tail light stopped working after 500 miles. Replace... Read more
FORD F-150 (2021) - ENGINE Mar 23, 2026
Incident date: Mar 19, 2026
This is ongoing from the purchase of the car. 1) Infotainment computer screen daytime illumination is so dark as to be a major safety issue as it causes too much time looking away from the road to operate the system. If you wear sunglasses you cannot see the screen at all. The dealer says nothing can be done to improve the problem. 2) Right rear tail light stopped working after 500 miles. Replace... Read more
FORD EXPEDITION (2022) - POWER TRAIN Mar 23, 2026
Incident date: Feb 10, 2026
When accelerating, the car feels stuck to gear up. After 2 seconds of loud revving, it would switch and have a prominent jerk motion that it finally switched gears. There have been times the car wouldn't go past 30 mph, stuck at the gear making a loud noise. This is dangerous! There's absolutely no way I can get on the freeway never getting past 30ish mph. I checked recalls for this vehicle and th... Read more
FORD F-350 SD (2024) - ENGINE Mar 23, 2026
Incident date: Mar 13, 2026
Engine Seized at 79,000 miles on Kia Niro Hybrid on 3/8/2025. Oil was changed at 78,225 miles on 12/16/2025. No issues with vehicle until approx. 1,000 miles later and just a month and a half later when car suddenly lost power on a highway forcing me to try to safely and quickly navigate off the road. This could have caused risk to my life and other lives. The car could not be restarted. Kia... Read more
FORD F-350 SD (2024) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Mar 23, 2026
Incident date: Mar 13, 2026
The contact owns a 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQB 300 4Matic. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V073000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact was advised to only charge the vehicle to a maximum of 80% battery capaci... Read more
FORD EXPLORER (2016) - FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM Mar 23, 2026
Incident date: Jul 9, 2025
My vehicle shutters like it’s is going to die/shit off. When will this issue be resolved with the fuel pump system failure? I will be doing some research with the BBB to find out if this will be an actionable lawsuit. Most consumers who own these types of SUVs are mothers! This needs to be resolved asap!
FORD EXPLORER (2016) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Mar 23, 2026
Incident date: Jul 9, 2025
I am writing to formally report a serious and ongoing safety issue involving the Telematics / Data Communication Module (DCM) installed in Toyota vehicles. This issue presents a clear risk to driver and passenger safety and warrants immediate corrective action. The DCM is responsible for critical telematics and safety systems, including SOS Emergency Assistance, Safety Connect, and Remote Connect... Read more
FORD F-150 (2024) - FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL Mar 23, 2026
Incident date: Aug 1, 2025
The Forward facing camera has failed causing the cruise control automatic, breaking land departure, and other various electrical problems due to the malfunction of the camera
FORD F-150 (2024) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Mar 23, 2026
Incident date: Aug 1, 2025
This is a Post-Remedy Failure of Recall 25V-274 (GMC 6.2L L87 Engine). Following a full engine replacement performed by the dealer under this safety recall, the vehicle has suffered a catastrophic electrical compromise. The vehicle is currently throwing codes P2534 (Low Ignition Voltage) and U3018 (BCM Communication). Safety Hazards: The vehicle experiences sudden loss of power, engine stalling a... Read more
FORD F-150 (2024) - LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION Mar 23, 2026
Incident date: Aug 1, 2025
This is a Post-Remedy Failure of Recall 25V-274 (GMC 6.2L L87 Engine). Following a full engine replacement performed by the dealer under this safety recall, the vehicle has suffered a catastrophic electrical compromise. The vehicle is currently throwing codes P2534 (Low Ignition Voltage) and U3018 (BCM Communication). Safety Hazards: The vehicle experiences sudden loss of power, engine stalling a... Read more
FORD EXPEDITION (2017) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Mar 23, 2026
Incident date: Sep 13, 2022
The contact owns a 2024 Ford F-150. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V512000 (Power Train) and 25V104000 (Electrical System, Exterior Lighting); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasona... Read more
FORD FOCUS (2012) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER Mar 23, 2026
Incident date: Mar 20, 2026
On Friday March 20, 2026, we traded in a Chevy Equinox to get a newer model which is the VIN number we listed in this complaint. Driving home from the dealership the vehicle went from drive to park on its own (driving at 65 miles/hr) and my husband had to immediately put the car physically back into drive. Once we finally got the vehicle to our house, I went out to check it, and the vehicle woul... Read more
FORD FOCUS (2012) - ENGINE Mar 23, 2026
Incident date: Mar 20, 2026
On Friday March 20, 2026, we traded in a Chevy Equinox to get a newer model which is the VIN number we listed in this complaint. Driving home from the dealership the vehicle went from drive to park on its own (driving at 65 miles/hr) and my husband had to immediately put the car physically back into drive. Once we finally got the vehicle to our house, I went out to check it, and the vehicle woul... Read more
FORD FOCUS (2012) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Mar 23, 2026
Incident date: Mar 20, 2026
On Friday March 20, 2026, we traded in a Chevy Equinox to get a newer model which is the VIN number we listed in this complaint. Driving home from the dealership the vehicle went from drive to park on its own (driving at 65 miles/hr) and my husband had to immediately put the car physically back into drive. Once we finally got the vehicle to our house, I went out to check it, and the vehicle woul... Read more
FORD FIESTA (2012) - POWER TRAIN Mar 23, 2026
Incident date: Mar 18, 2026
Enterprise car sales sold me this vehicle when it had 3 open recalls on it. The vehicle itself was a problem from the beginning. When I took it in for it's first oil change the mechanic told me it had no oil in it. He said they sold me a car that is notorious for consuming oil and or seizing or blowing up. I had the engine replaced on this car already and I just took it in for it's first oil chang... Read more
FORD F-150 (2016) - STRUCTURE:BODY Mar 23, 2026
Incident date: Feb 7, 2020
The structure of the frame is deteriorating bad. If someone can come to my house to inspect it. I feel it is not safe to drive on the highway. The frame could break and hurt or kill other drivers and myself. I found out this is a huge safety issue with 2nd gen dodge rams. I haven’t had an official manufacturer inspection. I did have my mechanic look at my truck because it started vibrating reall... Read more
FORD EDGE (2020) - FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE Mar 23, 2026
Incident date: Feb 23, 2026
The contact owns a 2014 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle shut off unexpectedly with several warning lights displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and was diagnosed with a defective fuel pump. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure, but offered no assistance. The contact was given a case number. Upon investig... Read more
FORD EDGE (2020) - ENGINE Mar 23, 2026
Incident date: Feb 23, 2026
The vehicle experienced a sudden engine failure while driving. Prior to failure, a flashing check engine light appeared along with severe engine misfire, sputtering, and loss of power. The vehicle became unsafe to operate and required towing. The vehicle had recently undergone recall service (PTU recall 01C) at an authorized dealership. Shortly after that service, the engine failure occurred. It ... Read more
FORD EDGE (2020) - POWER TRAIN Mar 23, 2026
Incident date: Feb 23, 2026
I have noticed transmission slipping when transitioning from 3rd gear to 4th. It has done this is owning the truck. There is also a noticeable lagging when accelerating.
FORD ECOSPORT (2018) - SUSPENSION Mar 23, 2026
Incident date: Jan 15, 2025
Truck started to make loud clunking noise when driving taken it to two shops and wrong parts were installed as stated below. Bought from a used car dealership and they sold it as is now with the wrong parts.
FORD ECOSPORT (2018) - STRUCTURE:BODY Mar 23, 2026
Incident date: Jan 15, 2025
Truck started to make loud clunking noise when driving taken it to two shops and wrong parts were installed as stated below. Bought from a used car dealership and they sold it as is now with the wrong parts.
FORD ESCAPE (2022) - ENGINE Mar 23, 2026
Incident date: Oct 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2011 Nissan Juke. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light unexpectedly illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was informed that the failure could be related to a turbo charger failure. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The... Read more
FORD BRONCO SPORT (2022) - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING Mar 23, 2026
Incident date: Jul 16, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the check engine warning light was frequently illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact had taken the vehicle to various independent mechanics and was informed that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer for service, and upon ins... Read more
FORD BRONCO SPORT (2022) - POWER TRAIN Mar 23, 2026
Incident date: Jul 16, 2025
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Auto On/Off is becoming less reliable. Hesitant and jerking upon restart at times. Consistent with Recall 26V081 Throttle/Power Train. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Car hesitates upon restart when Auto On/Off is on. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer... Read more
FORD EXPLORER (2018) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Mar 23, 2026
Incident date: Feb 1, 2026
I was driving on March 20, 2026 at about 12:00 PM when I suddenly noticed smoke, a strong gasoline smell, an oil smell, and a burning odor coming from the vehicle. I pulled over immediately because I believed the vehicle was unsafe and at risk of fire. The vehicle had to be towed. An independent repair shop later found a fuel leak at the high-pressure fuel line / fuel pump area, a loose ground wi... Read more
Fire
FORD ESCAPE (2018) - ENGINE Mar 23, 2026
Incident date: Mar 18, 2026
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The vehicle is exhibiting abnormal engine noise consistent with Recall 26V080 (Engine Bearings). There is a high pitched/white noise sound that consistently increases as the car's speed increases. I have turned off the speaker sound item, and all electronics and it is still there. How was your safet... Read more
FORD F-150 (2013) - STEERING Mar 23, 2026
Incident date: Oct 23, 2022
Steering is sticking at highway speeds. Have to jerk the steering wheel to correct. Is getting worse. Many are reporting this problem.
FORD EXPLORER (2021) - STRUCTURE Mar 23, 2026
Incident date: Mar 6, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the front passenger’s side A-pillar trims detached. Several local dealers were contacted on several occasions. The contact stated that the manufacturer... Read more
FORD EXPLORER (2017) - VISIBILITY/WIPER Mar 23, 2026
Incident date: Mar 23, 2026
SUNROOF SHADE SAGS WHEN OPENING IT, IMPEEDING REARVIEW VISABILITY
FORD F-150 (2021) - ENGINE Mar 23, 2026
Incident date: Mar 19, 2026
The contact owned a 2023 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500. The contact stated that while driving at 25 MPH, the vehicle hesitated upon depression of the accelerator pedal. The contact then heard a hose burst, followed by white steam emitting from the engine. The contact then heard a second burst, and upon inspection of the vehicle, the contact discovered a fire in the engine compartment. The contact ca... Read more
Fire
FORD F-250 (2021) - POWER TRAIN Mar 23, 2026
Incident date: Mar 22, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that upon parking and attempting to turn off the vehicle, the message "Shift to Park" was displayed while the gear shifter was already in park(P). The contact stated that the vehicle responded after several attempts to shift to park(P). The dealer and the manufacturer were not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The f... Read more
FORD F-350 SD (2024) - BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING Mar 23, 2026
Incident date: Mar 22, 2026
I am reporting a recurring safety-related malfunction involving the backup camera, proximity sensors, and infotainment system on my 2024 Volkswagen GTI. These components are still installed on the vehicle and available for inspection upon request. I purchased the vehicle on August 5, 2024, from King Volkswagen in Gaithersburg, MD. The following day, the system began failing repeatedly. When the i... Read more
FORD EXPLORER (2021) - LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST Mar 23, 2026
Incident date: Mar 27, 2023
The lane keep assist never works properly, it vehicle doesn’t stay in lane, also gps has never worked properly, it’s been to the dealers several times and parts have been replaced with out any success
FORD FUSION (2019) - SUSPENSION Mar 23, 2026
Incident date: Nov 23, 2024
I brought in my car for a software udpate recall this past Saturday 21MAR26. I also mentioned that at low speeds and turning the wheel I can hear a clicking sound from the front axel. The software recall was addressed but the dealership mentioned that that there is a known issue with front axle CV joints but at this time the car is still driveable.
FORD FUSION (2016) - STEERING Mar 23, 2026
Incident date: Mar 22, 2026
Incident Description: On multiple occasions in January and February 2026, while operating a 2024 Mazda CX-5 in reverse on low-friction surfaces (snow/ice) with a slight incline, the vehicle suffered a total systemic failure. System Failures: While reversing at low speeds, the engine spontaneously shut off without warning. This resulted in an immediate loss of power braking and power steering. Si... Read more
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