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
Incident date: May 14, 2026
When using the rear camera while towing a trailer, the image is partially blocked by a persistent message stating “full view not available”. This creates a safety issue as it obscures the driver’s view of the trailer and/or the trailer load. It is critical to be able to monitor the trailer and the load during towing to ensure a hazardous condition is not developing. I believe the rear view ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 31, 1969
When accelerating, occasionally there is a hesitation. This becomes dangerous when accelerating from a side street onto a 55mph road when there’s an occasional break in traffic that I need to jump into. There’s been times where I got concerned when it hesitated and there was oncoming traffic. The other day I was going under 10mph around a curve and it hesitated so much, I looked at my gas gaug... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that upon start of the vehicle, the vehicle would fail to move when placed into reverse(R). The contact would be forced to place the vehicle back into park(P) and wait before being able to proceed in reverse. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle would jerk upon depression of the accelerator pedal as a wrench(transmission) warning l... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2026
I was driving and slowing down for a stop sign and the engine shut off by itself while still moving at appx 10-15mph. The display had several warning lights appear, and the message "Auto Start Stop, Shift to P, Then Restart Engine". I have the Auto Start Stop disabled on my vehicle, so there was no reason for my engine to shut off while decelerating. I searched online for potential causes and d... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2026
I was driving and slowing down for a stop sign and the engine shut off by itself while still moving at appx 10-15mph. The display had several warning lights appear, and the message "Auto Start Stop, Shift to P, Then Restart Engine". I have the Auto Start Stop disabled on my vehicle, so there was no reason for my engine to shut off while decelerating. I searched online for potential causes and d... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2026
I was driving and slowing down for a stop sign and the engine shut off by itself while still moving at appx 10-15mph. The display had several warning lights appear, and the message "Auto Start Stop, Shift to P, Then Restart Engine". I have the Auto Start Stop disabled on my vehicle, so there was no reason for my engine to shut off while decelerating. I searched online for potential causes and d... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2026
Lifter failure causes cylinder to misfire resulting in loss of power while towing. Defect causes catastrophic failure to the engine.
FORD
MAVERICK HYBRID
(2022) — POWER TRAIN
May 15, 2026
Incident date: May 4, 2026
Truck has stalled out multiple times, has been left in middle or road due to electrical drainage of battery. Person needed to get jumper cables to move truck.
FORD
MAVERICK HYBRID
(2022) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
May 15, 2026
Incident date: May 4, 2026
Truck has stalled out multiple times, has been left in middle or road due to electrical drainage of battery. Person needed to get jumper cables to move truck.
Incident date: Apr 15, 2026
When I am driving at a speed limit of 35-45 mph, there is a shutter in my transmission accompanied by a rattling noise. It only happens at that range of speed, below 35 and above 45 it seems to work just fine. If I have to drive a considerate amount of time at that speed, it does it constantly and I can't make it stop. It feels like the transmission will blow up. I have seen multiple articles ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that when attempting to turn on the AC unit, it would fail, causing them to have to fill the vehicle with new coolant every 2 to 3 weeks. There were no leaks underneath the vehicle or warning lights. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnosis or repair. The dealer informed the contact that there was no recall attached to the VIN. T... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Flex. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention) and 25V732000 (Structure); however, parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that while in reverse(R), the rearview camera image would intermittently display either a blank or distorted image. The dealer was contacted and an appointment ... Read more
Incident date: May 8, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V237000 (Power Train); 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 stated that while driving above 40 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted with an unknown... Read more
Incident date: Oct 29, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); 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 wa... Read more
FORD
EXPEDITION
(2019) — ENGINE
May 15, 2026
Incident date: Apr 29, 2026
I own a 2019 Ford Expedition with fewer than 100,000 miles equipped with the 3.5L EcoBoost engine. The vehicle began experiencing a loud cold-start rattle, engine timing issues, and check engine light illumination. The vehicle was diagnosed by a Ford dealership with internal VCT/cam phaser mechanical failure affecting engine timing and performance. The dealership diagnostic identified trouble code... Read more
Incident date: May 14, 2026
Observed changes in transmission with lack of smooth shifting between gears and hard bang going into drive. While operating on the roadway noticed downshifts were causing issues with braking smoothly. Took vehicle to Ford dealership where diagnosis was CDF drum failure due to bushing movement which was already stated in a TSB. Current mileage on the truck is only 60300 miles.
Incident date: May 15, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse, the rearview camera became inoperable. The contact stated that the rearview camera image would appear blank. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to complete the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was taken to the dealer.... Read more
Incident date: Mar 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ford C-Max. The contact stated that the rearview camera became inoperable. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact received the recall notification letter related to the NHTSA Campaign Number. 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention). The local dealer was contacted, who referred him to the manufacturer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contact... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact received notice of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (Structure) and 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention). The contact stated that while driving in the rain on several occasions, he observed water leaking from the left and top of the middle of the windshield. The contact stated that overtime water had leaked and puddling around the sunroof molder and ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact received notice of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (Structure) and 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention). The contact stated that while driving in the rain on several occasions, he observed water leaking from the left and top of the middle of the windshield. The contact stated that overtime water had leaked and puddling around the sunroof molder and ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact received notice of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (Structure) and 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention). The contact stated that while driving in the rain on several occasions, he observed water leaking from the left and top of the middle of the windshield. The contact stated that overtime water had leaked and puddling around the sunroof molder and ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 30, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact received notice of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V237000 (Power Train). The contact stated that while driving on two occasions—once at 65 MPH on cruise control and another at an unknown speed—the vehicle slowed down and lost power. The powertrain warning light illuminated. The contact stated that on each occasion, he stopped on the side of the road, t... Read more
Incident date: Apr 28, 2026
Cruise in vehicle was set to 58 mph. Vehicle shut off going around a curve and would not restart. At 40mph emergency brake set as car wasn’t running and it was coasting to a stop. I sat on the road barely off the shoulder as car would not restart and would not come out of park to be able to push the rest of the way off the road. Had it towed to a ford dealer where they replaced the fuel pu... Read more
Incident date: May 3, 2026
Power steering assist fault while driving with total loss of power steering. Caused difficult steering, particularly at low speed and made for a dangerous driving situation with what seemed like complete loss of steering ability. Power steering fault and lane keeping assist failure warnings lit on display at the same time. Vehicle was towed to dealership and problem was isolated to steering module... Read more
Incident date: May 3, 2026
Power steering assist fault while driving with total loss of power steering. Caused difficult steering, particularly at low speed and made for a dangerous driving situation with what seemed like complete loss of steering ability. Power steering fault and lane keeping assist failure warnings lit on display at the same time. Vehicle was towed to dealership and problem was isolated to steering module... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2026
Last July my car was overheating and breaking down as I was driving on I4 to work one morning which it overheated and broke down which was the precursor the last time My engine blew in December 2024 which the engine was already repaired January 2022 (Dumphy Ford,Pa), December 2022 (Tropical Ford, Fl) then I got notices there is a recall with the oil pump and belt since February 2023 however the ... Read more
Incident date: May 3, 2026
I have personally experienced sudden harsh downshifting behavior while driving the vehicle, which caused an abrupt change in speed and a temporary loss of control and handling. Given that the recall specifically warns that this condition may result in a loss of vehicle control and increase the risk of a crash, I am deeply concerned about the safety of continuing to transport myself and my family i... Read more
FORD
MAVERICK HYBRID
(2025) — SERVICE BRAKES
May 14, 2026
Incident date: May 5, 2026
Pressed brake pedal and vehicle did not stop. Then vehicle came to an abrupt stop after brakes floored for several seconds. Felt like the brakes locked up. Display flashed E-Brake.
Incident date: Feb 1, 2025
coolant leaking into engine * sudden engine failure risk * overheating * loss of power * expensive engine replacement from known defect 2014 Ford Fusion EcoBoost is losing coolant internally into the engine. Ford dealership diagnosed coolant intrusion requiring full engine replacement costing approximately $14,000. This appears to be a known defect affecting many Ford EcoBoost vehicles. Vehicle e... Read more
Incident date: May 14, 2026
On two occasions I've attempted to have this recall work done at a Ford dealership. Today after holding the vehicle for the entire day, the service department at Koons Ford in Falls Church returned the vehicle without performing the recall replacement. Further, they did not notify me the work was not done leaving it to me to call to inquire as to whether the work was done. This is the second attem... Read more
Incident date: May 14, 2026
The contact owns a 2014 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the speedometer became inoperable, causing the vehicle to unexpectedly downshift from 1st gear to a lower gear with the check engine warning light and power train warning light illuminated. The contact also stated due to the failure that the odometer would also appear blank. The contact stated that t... Read more
Incident date: May 14, 2026
The contact owns a 2014 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the speedometer became inoperable, causing the vehicle to unexpectedly downshift from 1st gear to a lower gear with the check engine warning light and power train warning light illuminated. The contact also stated due to the failure that the odometer would also appear blank. The contact stated that t... Read more
Incident date: Mar 14, 2026
while traveling the car begins lurching and jerking until it reaches 40 MPH, At that seed it resumes traveling smoothly. As soon as it slows down the lurching and jerking resume. We have taken it to a dealership, and they claim it is the transmission. The problem started approximately 2 months ago at 74,000 miles.
Incident date: Mar 14, 2026
while traveling the car begins lurching and jerking until it reaches 40 MPH, At that seed it resumes traveling smoothly. As soon as it slows down the lurching and jerking resume. We have taken it to a dealership, and they claim it is the transmission. The problem started approximately 2 months ago at 74,000 miles.
Incident date: Apr 4, 2026
Both of the Daytime Running Lamps (DRLs) on my 2021 F150 have failed. They cost `$2,000 each to replace. They are LEDs, and were billed as never needing replacement, and certainly not under 50k miles. A quick search shows that this is a common issue with 2021+ F150s, and looking around on the road, I notice many with the same issue. This failure of safety equipment reduces visibility and could c... Read more
Incident date: May 10, 2026
My engine has coolant intrusion causing the 3rd cylinder to misfire. Ford will not speak to me on the issue other than to say it is not covered under warranty, even though this is a known and reported issue. I see there was a recall on the 2013-2019 Escape (2.0L Engines) - #26S01
Incident date: May 12, 2026
2015 Ford Transit. While driving at approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle was at first humming loudly...thought initially it was a neighboring noisy car muffler, but the van starting shaking and vibrating abnormally. Upon decreasing the speed, a loud thumping noise from beneath the car was heard, then squeeling while debris was being left in the road behind, and finally a violent shaking that was alm... Read more
Incident date: May 9, 2026
Our 2012 Ford F-150 truck had no issues and no dashboard lights when it randomly downshifted while driving and almost caused an accident. On Sat, May 9, 2026, my husband pulled onto the road and got up to 40 mph when the speedometer stopped working and the truck randomly downshifted. The car behind us had to swerve to avoid a collision. On Mon, May 11, 2026 we called the Ford garage they told u... Read more
Incident date: May 9, 2026
Our 2012 Ford F-150 truck had no issues and no dashboard lights when it randomly downshifted while driving and almost caused an accident. On Sat, May 9, 2026, my husband pulled onto the road and got up to 40 mph when the speedometer stopped working and the truck randomly downshifted. The car behind us had to swerve to avoid a collision. On Mon, May 11, 2026 we called the Ford garage they told u... Read more
Incident date: Sep 16, 2025
Ford states that the replacement parts are not available and that FORDMOCO parts can only be used and only FORDMOCO parts will be used in correcting the recall by the local Ford service dept. OEM Aftermarket replacement parts are in stock at my local Autozone store. I am not going to take a chance having a brake system failure and accident while I wait for Ford to obtain the brake lines and sched... Read more
Incident date: May 14, 2026
Ford states torque converter issue causing shutter when shifting, similar to other vehicles of this year,make,model but ours is not under a recall. Significant shuttering when in low gears and low speeds.
Incident date: May 11, 2026
The contact owns a 2026 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that both rear seat headrest metel coming from the rear of the head rest. causing laceration to the. The contact discover that when firmly grabbing the rear headrest a sharp metal piece would come threw the head. The local dealer was notified of the issue. The manufacturer was not contacted. Medical treatment was not required. The failure mil... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: May 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission independently downshifted. In addition, the vehicle stalled and then the vehicle independently accelerated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact received a recall notification, NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V237000 (Power Train) however th... Read more
Incident date: May 6, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 FORD F-150. The contact stated while driving at 65 MPH, The vehicle came to a sudden stop and swung the to the left side of the road. The contact was able to get the vehicle in control and moved into the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the residence, and later taken to a independent mechanic and was diagnosed to need a full transmission replacement. The vehicle w... Read more
Incident date: May 13, 2026
The contact owns 2017 Ford -F150. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH occupied with his wife in the vehicle, the gear shift independently downshifted into second gear causing the vehicle to engage into limp mode and the speed decreased. The service advance track warning light illuminated. An independent mechanic and dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not taken a dealer and an independent me... Read more
Incident date: Apr 30, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that while driving, at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle began to shift hard when downshifting and upshifting. The vehicle jerked. The vehicle went into limp mode. There was a reduction of power. No warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle w... Read more
Incident date: May 11, 2026
2019 Ford F-150 4wd super crew 10 speed automatic with 51,330 miles. The transmission upon acceleration will slip, slow to shift, disengage, then slam into gear. I was afraid that the transmission would lock-up disengage causing an accident. There was a warning icon of a wrenchon dash display. I took to Ford dealer where they confirmed a Cylinder Bushing had slipped. They recommended to replace th... Read more
Incident date: Apr 23, 2026
The vehicle has coolant intrusion, and engine has been reported knock. Before the incident, I called the Bloomfield office to book an appointment, I was put on call waiting but no response, I booked the appointment online, no confirmation. I then booked another appointment and went to Springfield, Vauxhall Ford plant when I received the Recall paper. The agent that responded to me told me that the... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2025
I received Safety Recall 23S65 in May of 2025. As of now, May 14,2026 parts are still NOT available for repair. Ford was aware of this safety issue well before May of 2025, yet they do not seem concerned at all to make parts available to dealers to repair this defect. This should be considered well beyond any reasonable time frame for Ford to have corrected this problem.
Incident date: Jun 1, 2025
The contact owned a 2023 Ford Bronco. The contact stated that while her boyfriend was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormal noise. The contact's boyfriend had pulled over. They discovered an unknown fluid leaking under the vehicle and a spark coming from the engine before the vehicle caught fire. There were no injuries were sustained. The firefighters arrived and extinguish... Read more
Fire