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
Incident date: Feb 13, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Taurus. 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 contact stated that while reversing, the rearview camera was intermittently inoperable. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the recall repair could not be completed because parts were not yet ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2026
While driving, the automatic transmission started to act up. The truck would attempt to go into 3rd gear but would bypass it to 4th, similar action around 7/8th gear. When pressing the accelerator at times, the truck would not switch gears or increase speed. A warning light did appear on the dashboard, indicating a problem. A code reader indicated two possible issues related to the transmission. ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 26, 2026
The driveshaft separated resulting in a loss of motive power while we were driving on the highway at around 65-70mph. We heard/felt vibrations, and a harsh noise then a loud popping noise right before/ during the failure. Then heard dragging as we came toward the guard rail. It caused a loss of control of the vehicle almost causing us to crash. We were able to pull to the side of the road while t... Read more
Incident date: Jul 26, 2026
The driveshaft separated resulting in a loss of motive power while we were driving on the highway at around 65-70mph. We heard/felt vibrations, and a harsh noise then a loud popping noise right before/ during the failure. Then heard dragging as we came toward the guard rail. It caused a loss of control of the vehicle almost causing us to crash. We were able to pull to the side of the road while t... Read more
Incident date: Jul 26, 2026
The driveshaft separated resulting in a loss of motive power while we were driving on the highway at around 65-70mph. We heard/felt vibrations, and a harsh noise then a loud popping noise right before/ during the failure. Then heard dragging as we came toward the guard rail. It caused a loss of control of the vehicle almost causing us to crash. We were able to pull to the side of the road while t... Read more
Incident date: Aug 12, 2026
The transmission in my 2015 Ford Edge completely broke at about 73000 miles. I heard a LOUD "clunk" sound at a red light, and the vehicle does not accelerate at all. The check engine light also came on. I had it inspected by a certified mechanic, and the entire transmission needs replacement. Apparently the particular transmission in this vehicle has an extremely high failure rate, and Ford needs ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 13, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while in reverse, the back over prevention camera failed to display an image and ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 31, 2026
The contact's parents own a 2015 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted from sixth gear to second gear, causing the vehicle to jolt and the wheels to lock up. The brake pedal was depressed, but the wheels remained locked, causing the vehicle to crash into the rear of another vehicle, which then struck a second vehicle. No warning light w... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Aug 3, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V237000 (Power Train); however, the repair failed to prevent a failure. The contact stated that while driving approximately 10 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from underneath the vehicle, and the vehicle failed to move as intended while shifting gears. In addition, the contac... Read more
Incident date: Aug 10, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the vehicle had not experienced a failure associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V237000 (Power Train); however, the vehicle was taken to the dealer to be inspected and serviced under the recall repair to keep the vehicle up to date. The contact stated that after the recall repair was performed, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted... Read more
Incident date: Sep 13, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 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 contact stated that while reversing, the rear-view camera displayed a blank image. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the recall repair could not be completed bec... Read more
Incident date: Aug 13, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Ford F-150. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V237000 (POWER TRAIN); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware o... Read more
Incident date: Jan 23, 2026
Transmission shudders until it gets warm, then it slips when accelerating after it's warmed up. Sometimes it goes completely out of gear. I've had the recall update done on the TCM and it made it worse. It has been confirmed by a service center. There are no messages or warning lights and it started slipping 6-8 months ago and has gotten worse. I cannot drive it currently.
Incident date: Aug 13, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the camera screen was blank. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention). The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were on back order. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mi... Read more
Incident date: Aug 13, 2020
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Flex. The contact stated that while reversing at an undisclosed speed, the rear-view camera was distorted and flipped upside down. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V951000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 30, 2026
Coolant is leaking into the head causing engine failure. This car has fewer than 60,00 miles. From what I have read this is a common problem and is due to a manufacturer’s design flaw. Ford refused to help me in any way when I contacted them. When I took the vehicle to the dealership they informed me that the engine would need to be replaced. The bill would be $13,000.
Incident date: Nov 1, 2025
In November 2025 vehicle began experiencing intermittent instances of rough shifting when the engine was under strain due to mountain driving. Since we do not live in the mountains, we returned home and waited to see if it would replicate. Vehicle began intermittently, replicating, hard shifting when coming out of Park. At that time an appointment was made with a local transmission shop in June 20... Read more
Incident date: Jan 23, 2026
10R80 transmission will jerk and hard shift randomly at times. Also appears to get stuck in gear and/or downshift at inappropriate times.
Incident date: Aug 13, 2026
Subject: Formal Customer Complaint – 2025 Ford F-150 Powertrain Malfunction / Reduced Power I am requesting that Ford Motor Company open a formal Customer Relationship Center case concerning an unresolved powertrain malfunction affecting my 2025 Ford F-150. Vehicle: 2025 Ford F-150 VIN: [XXX] Mileage: Approximately 19,215 miles Servicing Dealer: Gary Yeomans Ford, Daytona Beach, Florida On XX... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2026
The steering wheel sticks when going into a turn then pulls back . It’s been on going . I know they had issues and recalls with steering .
Incident date: Aug 6, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the passenger's side B-pillar trim detached and flew off the vehicle. The contact stated that the B-pillar trim struck another vehicle. In addition, the driver's side B-pillar trim was fractured. The contact stated that the driver's side B-pillar trim was reattached but was still loosened. The dea... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2026
While driving, I experienced the brakes beginning to fail, followed shortly by a complete loss of engine power. My 2021 Ford Bronco is subject to recall 25S75 (NHTSA 25V455) for a low pressure fuel pump defect that can cause loss of fuel pressure or flow and engine stall. I was stranded on the side of the interstate in 100 degree heat with my newborn in the vehicle. This was a dangerous situation,... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2026
While driving, I experienced the brakes beginning to fail, followed shortly by a complete loss of engine power. My 2021 Ford Bronco is subject to recall 25S75 (NHTSA 25V455) for a low pressure fuel pump defect that can cause loss of fuel pressure or flow and engine stall. I was stranded on the side of the interstate in 100 degree heat with my newborn in the vehicle. This was a dangerous situation,... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2026
While driving, I experienced the brakes beginning to fail, followed shortly by a complete loss of engine power. My 2021 Ford Bronco is subject to recall 25S75 (NHTSA 25V455) for a low pressure fuel pump defect that can cause loss of fuel pressure or flow and engine stall. I was stranded on the side of the interstate in 100 degree heat with my newborn in the vehicle. This was a dangerous situation,... Read more
Incident date: Apr 11, 2026
Check engine light would come on vehicle was not running well, seemed to stall. When I turned off the car I could hear liquid moving around from inside the vehicle. I am a Mom so I am driving with my 2 small children constantly and worried about their safety. The problem was confirmed by the dealership as well as an independent service center.
Incident date: Apr 11, 2026
Check engine light would come on vehicle was not running well, seemed to stall. When I turned off the car I could hear liquid moving around from inside the vehicle. I am a Mom so I am driving with my 2 small children constantly and worried about their safety. The problem was confirmed by the dealership as well as an independent service center.
Incident date: Apr 11, 2026
Check engine light would come on vehicle was not running well, seemed to stall. When I turned off the car I could hear liquid moving around from inside the vehicle. I am a Mom so I am driving with my 2 small children constantly and worried about their safety. The problem was confirmed by the dealership as well as an independent service center.
Incident date: Jul 22, 2026
Was to be paid off in September and give our family some financial relief ,but the very end of July the transmission went in this car is what ford told me. They forgot to mention that the motor was about to go as well. We paid 60,000 in payments. To get screwed over by my local Ford! We had just left Canada wonderland on the 400 series in Canada. My car completely died. We were able to coast to si... Read more
Incident date: Jul 22, 2026
Was to be paid off in September and give our family some financial relief ,but the very end of July the transmission went in this car is what ford told me. They forgot to mention that the motor was about to go as well. We paid 60,000 in payments. To get screwed over by my local Ford! We had just left Canada wonderland on the 400 series in Canada. My car completely died. We were able to coast to si... Read more
Incident date: Jul 29, 2026
The cooling fan clutch control wire is supported by a "wire support hose" between the engine block and the fan clutch. the cooling fan clutch control freely rotates on a raceway on the drive shaft. The purpose of the support hose is to prevent the fan clutch control from freely rotating, but allows the control a limited range of movement as the drive shaft changes speed with engine RPM. The ide... Read more
Incident date: Jul 29, 2026
The cooling fan clutch control wire is supported by a "wire support hose" between the engine block and the fan clutch. the cooling fan clutch control freely rotates on a raceway on the drive shaft. The purpose of the support hose is to prevent the fan clutch control from freely rotating, but allows the control a limited range of movement as the drive shaft changes speed with engine RPM. The ide... Read more
Incident date: Jul 29, 2026
The cooling fan clutch control wire is supported by a "wire support hose" between the engine block and the fan clutch. the cooling fan clutch control freely rotates on a raceway on the drive shaft. The purpose of the support hose is to prevent the fan clutch control from freely rotating, but allows the control a limited range of movement as the drive shaft changes speed with engine RPM. The ide... Read more
Incident date: Feb 15, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Mustang. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated, causing the engine to overheat. The contact pulled over to the right side of the road and turned off the vehicle to allow the engine to cool down while waiting on a mechanic to arrive on the scene. An independent mechanic was contacted, and the vehicle was... Read more
FORD
BRONCO SPORT
(2024) - STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD
Aug 13, 2026
Incident date: May 3, 2026
The contact owns a 2024 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the hood independently unlatched and flew open. The front windshield was cracked, and other damage to the vehicle was sustained. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the failure was not duplicated. The contact stated that the failure was a known failure with similar vehicles. The manu... Read more
Incident date: Apr 13, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the transmission downshifted and upshifted erratically. The power train and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V237000 (Power Train), and the vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the PCM software update was performed; however, the f... Read more
Incident date: Jul 24, 2026
I am hoping you can help me. I have a 2015 Ford Escape. It has 107,000 miles on it. I do the regular maintenance items as needed. Last Friday I was driving my car and my temperature gauge went to Hot and my Check Engine Light came on. It said to pull over and stop engine. I pulled over and let it cool down. I drove it home. My neighbor looked at it and said, that it needed coolant. There was not ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 10, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Edge. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving approximately 65 MPH, the check engine and engine coolant temperature warning lights illuminated, and the message "Engine Coolant over Temperature" was displayed. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road to cool down before continuing to drive. The contact stated that water was added to the coolant... Read more
Incident date: Jul 28, 2026
Was involved in a head on collision involving 2 cars; one which was hit in the front driver wheel panel and the other was directly head on and the air bags did not deploy. Resulting in major seatbelt bruising and knee injury.
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Aug 13, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted and remained stuck in first gear. The contact was able to drive to a residence. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where a transmission recall associated with the failure was completed. Additionally, the contact was informed that the leadframe needed to be replaced; however, ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 20, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V237000 (Power Train); however, the vehicle experienced a failure after the recall repair was performed. The contact stated that while the vehicle was stopped in third gear, the speedometer was at zero while the RPM was at 5,000 RPM. The check engine and transmission warni... Read more
Incident date: Aug 10, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V237000 (POWER TRAIN). After retrieving the vehicle, the contact discovered that the parking brake was activated, and the vehicle failed to respond while attempting to reverse. The local dealer was not yet notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure m... Read more
Incident date: Aug 7, 2026
- My electronic power steering failed. - My steering wheel would lock and not allow the car to turn. - It has been confirmed by an independent service center. They are having to replace the computer module steering service and steering rack and pinion. - No, it has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police or insurance. - The 2 times that the steering wheel would lock up, there would be a w... Read more
Incident date: Apr 17, 2026
- Rear brake hose broke and was leaking fluid (Manufacturer Recall Number 25S87 NHTSA Recall Number 25V544). Remedy unavailable. - Braking and coming to a complete stop became nearly impossible. Had to put the car in park if the car was going to be stopped for a long period of time. - Yes, I took the car to the closest independent service center where they detected the problem. - No, it has not be... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2025
There is a manufacture recall for the low pressure fuel pump malfunctioning #25S75/NHTSA#25V455. There has been no action by the manufacturer to remedy this issue in a timely manner. This issue has been ongoing for over 1 year now with no corrective measures.
Incident date: Aug 11, 2026
Rear view camera goes out or says not available.
Incident date: Dec 11, 2025
The intermediate shaft has gone bad on my 5 year old car. Noticed it on 12/11/25 after owning for 1 year. I’m slowing losing oil which then can cause my engine to go out. I have read many things stating other peoples frustration with this $3.59 part going bad in the 2021 ford explorers but to get it fixed you have to drop the entire engine resulting in it costing $1,800. I think ford should be r... Read more
Incident date: May 13, 2026
When shifting from 3rd to 4th gear, the trucks RPM jumps and then downshifts into first gear. This happens around 40 mph and has almost caused two accidents for me.
Incident date: Aug 12, 2026
I scheduled an appointment for a recall on my truck. The appt was set for Monday. The dealership in Pensacola, FL picked up my vehicle and claims they do not have the ability to service the recall. However, prior to scheduling the appt, the truck was driven from Seguin, TX to Pensacola without any issues because we have a family emergency with my father in the hospital. Upon arriving in Pensacola,... Read more
Incident date: Aug 11, 2026
I am reporting a safety concern involving my 2018 Honda Accord. I purchased my vehicle used in January 2024 at approximately 90,000 miles and have kept up with the recommended maintenance during my ownership. At approximately 120,000 miles, a Honda dealership diagnosed head-gasket failure with coolant intrusion involving cylinders 3 and 4. Before diagnosis, the vehicle experienced rising engine te... Read more
Incident date: Dec 11, 2025
The vehicle was driving down the highway when the oil pressure instantly dropped. 2021 Yukon’s safety system advised pulling over immediately, engine warning light appeared, and vehicle turned off. No prior indications of an issue. It would not restart and was towed to mechanic. Independent service center diagnosed issue as a broken crank shaft. It now needs the engine replaced and does not fall... Read more