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) - STEERING Mar 11, 2026
Incident date: Mar 6, 2026
The contact's friend owns a 2026 Buick Envista. The contact stated that while driving 5 MPH into a parking lot, the vehicle stopped unexpectedly. The contact stated that the vehicle jolted as if the vehicle was in a crash. The steering wheel was unresponsive while attempting to turn to the left or the right, and the front wheels failed to respond as intended. After stopping the vehicle, the ABS an... Read more
FORD FLEX (2017) - STEERING Mar 11, 2026
Incident date: Oct 1, 2025
steering bind, notchy steering, off-center steering
FORD FLEX (2017) - AIR BAGS Mar 11, 2026
Incident date: Oct 1, 2025
The contact owned a 2009 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at approximately 40 MPH, another vehicle ran a stop sign and collided with the drivers front side of the vehicle and the air bags did not deploy as intended. The contact's daughter sustained chest, knee, and right wrist injuries, and she received medical attention. The contact added that the driver's door... Read more
Crash 1 injured
FORD FLEX (2017) - ENGINE Mar 11, 2026
Incident date: Oct 1, 2025
The car has been jerking and shuddering and losing power when I accelerate. Was told it needs a new transmission.
FORD EXPEDITION (2025) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER Mar 11, 2026
Incident date: Mar 9, 2026
Hello, I recently submitted a safety complaint regarding my 2017 Ford Flex. The complaint number is XXX. I would like to add additional information that I forgot to include in the original report. The vehicle’s power liftgate has intermittently opened on its own while the vehicle was parked. There have been occasions where I came outside and found the liftgate open overnight in my driveway. T... Read more
FORD EXPEDITION (2025) - VISIBILITY/WIPER Mar 11, 2026
Incident date: Mar 9, 2026
Hello, I recently submitted a safety complaint regarding my 2017 Ford Flex. The complaint number is XXX. I would like to add additional information that I forgot to include in the original report. The vehicle’s power liftgate has intermittently opened on its own while the vehicle was parked. There have been occasions where I came outside and found the liftgate open overnight in my driveway. T... Read more
FORD EXPLORER (2014) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER Mar 11, 2026
Incident date: Feb 10, 2026
While driving down I35 South of wellington Ks in our new 2026 Chevy Tahoe we experienced a vehicle shift to neutral and no transmission correction available. Coasted to ditch saw “Service Transmission” notice and so turned off and on engine . Went to Derby Ks and Davis Moore Chevy in Wichita where staff removed the warning service notice on driver info and we continued to Molle Chevy in Blue... Read more
FORD EXPLORER (2014) - POWER TRAIN Mar 11, 2026
Incident date: Feb 10, 2026
While driving down I35 South of wellington Ks in our new 2026 Chevy Tahoe we experienced a vehicle shift to neutral and no transmission correction available. Coasted to ditch saw “Service Transmission” notice and so turned off and on engine . Went to Derby Ks and Davis Moore Chevy in Wichita where staff removed the warning service notice on driver info and we continued to Molle Chevy in Blue... Read more
FORD EXPLORER (2014) - STRUCTURE:BODY Mar 11, 2026
Incident date: Feb 10, 2026
> Failed component is the front sun roof window > The shattering of the glass sounded like a bullet coming through the roof of the car. Sprayed me with glass from the implosion. I was in heavy rush hour traffic. >There are several complaints about the sun roof window just shattering. > Not at this time. >No warning or cracks in the sun roof were observed. > I was driving on the Highway at 60 mp... Read more
FORD F-250 (2019) - SERVICE BRAKES Mar 11, 2026
Incident date: May 1, 2025
The Parking Assist, parking, ABS warning continues. There is a recall on the year model but not my VIN. I have not even been able to afford the sales tax (over $1000 USD) and dealer refuses to assist with the cost of diagnostic or malfunction repair.
FORD FLEX (2017) - WHEELS Mar 11, 2026
Incident date: Jan 15, 2025
The Parking Assist, parking, ABS warning continues. There is a recall on the year model but not my VIN. I have not even been able to afford the sales tax (over $1000 USD) and dealer refuses to assist with the cost of diagnostic or malfunction repair.
FORD FLEX (2017) - FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM Mar 11, 2026
Incident date: Jan 15, 2025
2019 Ford F-250 original fuel pump or related part connected cause hard and prolonged starting in vehicle. Prolonged starts can damage other parts if left unfixed. This is a Ford manufacturing issue and could cause a person possible harm from an unknown development from the pump and related affected parts. Dont wait until humans are injured to address this problem especially when dealing with pot... Read more
FORD FLEX (2017) - POWER TRAIN Mar 11, 2026
Incident date: Jan 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while shifting into park(P), the gear shift indicator failed to display that the vehicle was in park(P) on the instrument panel, even though the vehicle was in park(P). The gear shifter was shifted continuously until the gear shift indicator recognized that the vehicle was in park(P) on the instrument panel. No warning lights were illumin... Read more
FORD EDGE (2020) - STEERING Mar 11, 2026
Incident date: Jan 7, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became firm and was sticking while driving forward. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 59,000.
FORD EDGE (2018) - VISIBILITY/WIPER Mar 11, 2026
Incident date: Jan 14, 2026
The camera visibility systems on this vehicle become extremely dark and largely unusable at night. This affects multiple cameras, including the rear backup camera, which is the most problematic. In low-light conditions, the display does not provide a usable image of the area around or behind the vehicle. When reversing at night, the rear camera image becomes so dark that pedestrians, obstacles, o... Read more
FORD F-150 (2021) - LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH:EMERGENCY MECHANICAL RELEASE Mar 11, 2026
Incident date: Jun 1, 2024
The contact owned a 2024 Lexus RX 350H. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and running, it unexpectedly turned off with the electronic malfunction error message displayed. The vehicle could not able to be restarted, and the contact was unable exit the vehicle due to the failure of the power locks. Roadside Assistance assisted with removing the contact from the vehicle. The vehicl... Read more
FORD TAURUS (2018) - AIR BAGS Mar 11, 2026
Incident date: Mar 15, 2023
0 The vehicle has a CVT transmission failure causing severe shuddering, jerking, and progressive loss of acceleration. Initially the vehicle would not exceed 20 mph, then worsened to 15 mph, then 10 mph, and now will not exceed 5 mph. The issue consistently occurs after the vehicle has been driven for more than approximately 2 minutes. There are no warning lights or alerts prior to the failure. Th... Read more
FORD ESCAPE (2018) - FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS Mar 11, 2026
Incident date: Dec 15, 2024
On numerous occasions while driving on the highway with no other vehicles in the vicinity of my vehicle the forward collision active braking activates aggressively and brakes for no reason this is concerning at 70 mph with a vehicle behind that may be following to close on a slippery road surface. vehicle is available for inspection any time upon request. vehicle has not been inspected by any one ... Read more
FORD ESCAPE (2018) - SERVICE BRAKES Mar 11, 2026
Incident date: Dec 15, 2024
On numerous occasions while driving on the highway with no other vehicles in the vicinity of my vehicle the forward collision active braking activates aggressively and brakes for no reason this is concerning at 70 mph with a vehicle behind that may be following to close on a slippery road surface. vehicle is available for inspection any time upon request. vehicle has not been inspected by any one ... Read more
FORD EDGE (2016) - POWER TRAIN Mar 11, 2026
Incident date: Mar 3, 2026
While driving the 2021 slingshot R it will randomly be thrown into neutral! I was on the side roads and then got onto highway and it slammed into neutral when I had a F350 right on my butt and almost killed me!
FORD EDGE (2016) - SERVICE BRAKES Mar 11, 2026
Incident date: Mar 3, 2026
While driving the 2021 slingshot R it will randomly be thrown into neutral! I was on the side roads and then got onto highway and it slammed into neutral when I had a F350 right on my butt and almost killed me!
FORD EDGE (2016) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING Mar 11, 2026
Incident date: Mar 3, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that the headlights failed to properly illuminate the roadway while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact was informed that the fog covering the headlights could not be removed and that the vehicle was not covered under recall. The dealer informed the contact that the headlight assemblies needed to be replaced. The ve... Read more
FORD FUSION (2015) - POWER TRAIN Mar 11, 2026
Incident date: Mar 10, 2026
Transmission shuddering at low speeds. Losing acceleration getting on to highway. Hard shifting and slippage.
FORD EXPLORER (2015) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER Mar 11, 2026
Incident date: Mar 11, 2025
The rear camera intermittently fails or displays a distorted image. I reported the issue to our local Ford dealership in April/May 2022, but at that time the necessary replacement parts were not available or in service. This was probably related to the various Covid 19 pandemic parts supply issues. Yesterday, while the car was being backed out of our garage, a young child was playing in the drive... Read more
FORD EDGE (2020) - BACK OVER PREVENTION Mar 11, 2026
Incident date: Feb 2, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact received the recall notification letter for NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention). The contact stated that the camera became inoperable. There was no warning light illuminated. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the parts were on backorder. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notifie... Read more
FORD FLEX (2014) - STEERING Mar 11, 2026
Incident date: Sep 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2003 Jeep Liberty. The contact stated that while turning the steering wheel to the left or the right, the steering wheel was difficult to turn due to a loss of power steering assist. There was a grinding sound while turning the steering wheel. The sound was loud enough to hear outside of the vehicle. There was an unknown orange warning light displayed briefly. The vehicle was no... Read more
FORD ESCAPE (2020) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER Mar 11, 2026
Incident date: Mar 11, 2026
BACK UP CAMERA IS DISABLED WHEN BACKING UP. IT IS NOT CONSISTENT WITH BACKING UP MAKING IT A SAFETY CONCERN. THE BEEPING SEEMS TO WORK BUT THE CAMERA WILL BE BLACK.
FORD ESCAPE (2016) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Mar 11, 2026
Incident date: Apr 23, 2025
The vehicle’s high-voltage battery system and propulsion system appear to have failed, causing a complete loss of power while driving. The vehicle is currently at the dealership for inspection, The vehicle completely shut down while I was driving on Florida’s Turnpike, creating an extremely dangerous situation on a high-speed highway. There was no warning prior to the shutdown, and I am curren... Read more
FORD FUSION (2016) - ENGINE Mar 11, 2026
Incident date: Apr 4, 2025
Engine lost power, making noises that sounded like an exhaust leak. Had vehicle towed to dealership. Advised the next day the main bearing had failed and engine needed to be replaced.
FORD FUSION (2016) - ENGINE Mar 11, 2026
Incident date: Apr 4, 2025
I bought the 2016 Ford Escape and 2 weeks after the purchase the check engine light came on. I took it to Auto Zone and they said it was a spark plug. I had a full tune up done 2 days after the purchase so I called the garage and they replaced the spark plug. The light came back on a few hours later so I then took it to the Ford dealership and paid over $500.00 to have it fixed, along with the cam... Read more
FORD FUSION (2016) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER Mar 11, 2026
Incident date: Apr 4, 2025
It happened on February 17, 2026 around noon. My truck is park on the drive way, I went outside to checked the condition of the weather and I notice the driver side window glass looks like a crumpled Reynolds Aluminum wrap. I called Toyota Service Dept since the truck won't start. The battery was replaced and so is the window glass but, they told me it's not covered by the warranty. I paid the ne... Read more
FORD FOCUS (2017) - POWER TRAIN Mar 11, 2026
Incident date: Oct 12, 2025
I was driving my car one day and as I was coming down the road the car jerked and picked up speed like on its on and I had to really stop abruptly to stop the car. I thought that was strange, I didn't have any warning lights or any indication that anything was going on I just thought it was weird, then like 2 days later as was driving the car would do this random jerk but again no lights on any in... Read more
FORD FOCUS (2017) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER Mar 11, 2026
Incident date: Oct 12, 2025
I was driving my car one day and as I was coming down the road the car jerked and picked up speed like on its on and I had to really stop abruptly to stop the car. I thought that was strange, I didn't have any warning lights or any indication that anything was going on I just thought it was weird, then like 2 days later as was driving the car would do this random jerk but again no lights on any in... Read more
FORD FOCUS (2017) - STEERING Mar 11, 2026
Incident date: Oct 12, 2025
While the vehicle is in motion. The steering wheel will turn by itself without input from the driver. As of right now, the steering is stiff while making a left turn, and will free wheel back to right turn Without input from driver. This will occur on and off while driving. If you are not attentive, it will easily cause an accident. This first happened 19FEB2026. No warning lights present in the... Read more
FORD MAVERICK (2022) - POWER TRAIN Mar 11, 2026
Incident date: Feb 17, 2026
Recall maintenance with regard to NHTSA ID Number: 19V515000 for a Purge Valve was completed 1/9/2025. Starting in October 12, 2025, driving on the freeway, a large "bang" was felt/heard. I pulled over, the dust cover under the car had ripped partially off and took a portion of my grill trim with it. The car still ran perfectly fine, so I continued the mile and a half to my house. I did not see a... Read more
FORD ESCAPE (2022) - STEERING Mar 10, 2026
Incident date: Apr 24, 2023
After the vehicle was parked on my driveway overnight, I started driving and i got this Steering warning lights Service power steering messages Multiple electronic systems glitching at the same time I had to stop in the middle of the street because the steering wheel was super hard. I was not able to turn any way. after a few minutes I turned off the vehicle and called the dealership to see if the... Read more
FORD ESCAPE (2022) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Mar 10, 2026
Incident date: Apr 24, 2023
I previously had this same issue August 2024 (associated complaint 11608428). My rear drivers side tail light is out completely-no brake light, reverse, turn signal, or nighttime tail light is working. I spent nearly $800 to replace part 68599920AA, as the entire motherboard was fried, as were the connectors from overheating. I’ve located several other complaints with similar issues: 11585014; 1... Read more
FORD ESCAPE (2022) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING Mar 10, 2026
Incident date: Apr 24, 2023
I previously had this same issue August 2024 (associated complaint 11608428). My rear drivers side tail light is out completely-no brake light, reverse, turn signal, or nighttime tail light is working. I spent nearly $800 to replace part 68599920AA, as the entire motherboard was fried, as were the connectors from overheating. I’ve located several other complaints with similar issues: 11585014; 1... Read more
FORD ESCAPE (2017) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER Mar 10, 2026
Incident date: Mar 22, 2025
I have had issues with my car since the day that I bought it. First, my car squealed every time that I backed up. I took it to my local Ford dealership 3 or 4 times without this ever being fixed. This then progressed to my brakes squealing anytime they’re used. I barely have 25,000 miles on my car. Additionally, I have had numerous occasions where my car will get stuck and not shift, not acceler... Read more
FORD ESCAPE (2018) - FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS Mar 10, 2026
Incident date: Mar 5, 2026
Front camera failure in 2019 honda odyssey after only 5 years. Total system failure causing multiple warning lights and loss of full adas system
FORD FOCUS (2018) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER Mar 10, 2026
Incident date: Mar 10, 2026
The engine temperature gauge was reading cold when driving for 40 minutes and the fan was running on high. Also said steering assist reduced. Brought it in and had to replace the thermostat, because of the code they received. That fixed the issue.
FORD EDGE (2020) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:THROTTLE Mar 10, 2026
Incident date: Mar 5, 2026
The contact owns a 2024 Nissan Rogue. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost traction during acceleration and experienced power shortages, abnormal vibrations, and a failure with stopping the vehicle. The vehicle was driven to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that a throttle replacement and CVT mount replacement were needed. The vehicle was re... Read more
FORD EDGE (2020) - POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:INTERNAL:CVT Mar 10, 2026
Incident date: Mar 5, 2026
The contact owns a 2024 Nissan Rogue. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost traction during acceleration and experienced power shortages, abnormal vibrations, and a failure with stopping the vehicle. The vehicle was driven to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that a throttle replacement and CVT mount replacement were needed. The vehicle was re... Read more
FORD EDGE (2020) - ENGINE Mar 10, 2026
Incident date: Mar 5, 2026
Major engine failure, a lifter went bad and caused metal all through the motor. Had to purchase new motor.
FORD EXPEDITION (2015) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Mar 10, 2026
Incident date: Mar 10, 2026
The multipurpose camera module has failed, on the vehicle resulting in the simultaneous loss of several driver-assistance and safety systems while the vehicle is in operation. These systems include cruise control, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, collision mitigation, automatic high beams, and the brake system warning. Upon inspection, there appears to be overheating within the camera mod... Read more
FORD EXPLORER (2020) - FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING Mar 10, 2026
Incident date: Feb 11, 2026
The multipurpose camera module has failed, on the vehicle resulting in the simultaneous loss of several driver-assistance and safety systems while the vehicle is in operation. These systems include cruise control, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, collision mitigation, automatic high beams, and the brake system warning. Upon inspection, there appears to be overheating within the camera mod... Read more
FORD ESCAPE (2019) - POWER TRAIN Mar 10, 2026
Incident date: Mar 10, 2026
Three weeks ago when New York had the two big snow storm and the road condition was really bad, my Acura RDX unexpectedly pop up warning message that says disabling of AWD (switching to FWD). This happened every time when it snow and will disappear when the weather is good.
FORD ESCAPE (2009) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Mar 10, 2026
Incident date: Mar 3, 2026
When coming to a stop at a stop sign, my truck randomly shut off while in gear, automatically shifted to park and put the ebrake on. I restarted my truck and shut off the ebrake and drove fine the rest of the way.
FORD F-150 (2022) - FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS Mar 10, 2026
Incident date: Dec 20, 2024
We were driving on the highway when the service lights came on along with the check engine light started flashing. The truck sounded like it hesitated a little, but the lights turned off and it drove his normal. We exited the freeway as we were close to home came home, parked it turned it off and turned it back on to test it, and it hesitated to turn on so we took it straight to the dealership whe... Read more
FORD ESCAPE (2009) - BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS Mar 10, 2026
Incident date: Mar 10, 2025
We were driving on the highway when the service lights came on along with the check engine light started flashing. The truck sounded like it hesitated a little, but the lights turned off and it drove his normal. We exited the freeway as we were close to home came home, parked it turned it off and turned it back on to test it, and it hesitated to turn on so we took it straight to the dealership whe... Read more
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