Consumer Safety Complaints
Search 2,192,899 safety complaints filed by vehicle owners with NHTSA — including 137,559 crashes, 55,854 fires, and 8,555 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 2,192,899 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 375,982 complaints for FORD
Incident date: May 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed that the front driver's side B-pillar trim was fractured. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure) and 25V347000 (Structure); however, the parts to do the recall rep... Read more
FORD
BRONCO SPORT
(2022) — POWER TRAIN
Feb 25, 2026
Incident date: Feb 11, 2026
I was driving on the highway and my entire car shut down right in the middle of the highway and would not turn back on or shift into any gears. It was making horrible sounds and was really scary to be dead in the middle of the highway. The shop called and just informed me a bearing broke loose and sent metal shards throughout the entire transmission and it needs fully replaced. This appears to be ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 11, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving approximately 18 MPH in a storm, the driver’s side windshield wiper blade arm disconnected from the vehicle, creating a visibility hazard for the driver. Upon inspection, the contact discovered that the round gear of the wiper arm had sheared off. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assis... Read more
Incident date: Feb 25, 2026
Refused to fix the issue because the OBD reader did not provide any codes OBD reader is not sending any signals, but there is power I called Sam’s Ford to send a service to fix the recall but told me they will not fix the issues because no codes were being provided And the check engine light is active
Incident date: Jan 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. No warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, occasionally, while shifted into drive, the transmission failed to shift as intended. The dealer was made aware of the failure several times; however, the cont... Read more
Incident date: Feb 23, 2026
When driving at normal speed, my truck completely shut down with no warning. The instrument panel went dark and the engine shut off. I do not believe I was able to steer, though I think the brakes allowed me to slow the vehicle to a stop. I was near an intersection, so I was lucky to not have been hit from the rear or run in to traffic in front of me. The vehicle was unresponsive and would not tur... Read more
Incident date: Feb 23, 2026
When driving at normal speed, my truck completely shut down with no warning. The instrument panel went dark and the engine shut off. I do not believe I was able to steer, though I think the brakes allowed me to slow the vehicle to a stop. I was near an intersection, so I was lucky to not have been hit from the rear or run in to traffic in front of me. The vehicle was unresponsive and would not tur... Read more
Incident date: Feb 23, 2026
When driving at normal speed, my truck completely shut down with no warning. The instrument panel went dark and the engine shut off. I do not believe I was able to steer, though I think the brakes allowed me to slow the vehicle to a stop. I was near an intersection, so I was lucky to not have been hit from the rear or run in to traffic in front of me. The vehicle was unresponsive and would not tur... Read more
Incident date: Feb 13, 2026
I was driving to work at 5am on Friday, and my back window blew out for no reason. Sounded like a gun shot. Knocked me right off the road. Noone was near me and nothing hit it. The power window box looks burnt, but when I took it to the dealer, they said no without even going out to look at it, but from looking at all of the complaints there have been multiple complaints with this. Please help me ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 11, 2026
I keep getting SHIFT SYS FAULT error. My car will not move out of P (park). I towed my car to repair shop on 2/11/2026 - 02/13/2026 the mechanic told me he replaced the bushing kit and the gear dial. Less than a week later on 02/26/2026 I got the same error and was able to drive my car to Village Ford Dealership (my car is still there) I was told on Monday that the technicians thought they fixed ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 23, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 25V829000 (Structure); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. While starting the vehicle, the engine made a choking sound. The failur... Read more
Incident date: Feb 23, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 25V829000 (Structure); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. While starting the vehicle, the engine made a choking sound. The failur... Read more
Incident date: Feb 17, 2026
My truck down shifted from seventh gear all the way down to first, making rev really high and slow down all the sudden. I was doing 50 mph
Incident date: Feb 17, 2026
My truck down shifted from seventh gear all the way down to first, making rev really high and slow down all the sudden. I was doing 50 mph
Incident date: Feb 22, 2026
Driving down the road the car shimmed a couple times I parked it turned it off when I went to turn it back on. It wouldn’t turn over when I finally got it to turn on. It wouldn’t go on reverse sometimes it’ll start sometimes it won’t sometimes it’ll go in reverse and sometimes it won’t.
Incident date: Feb 12, 2026
Water enters under the hood because the “cowl” has separated from the windshield near the wipers.
FORD
EXPEDITION
(2022) — FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Feb 24, 2026
Incident date: Dec 31, 1969
Low fuel pump pressure please can you fix it recall on this vehicle it’s been over 7 months I been waiting and no parts is available please let me know when will be available July 2026? Or longer?
Incident date: Sep 1, 2025
We have a 2020 Ford Explorer Limited and the sunshade for the sunroof has come off the tracks or something has broken that keeps the sunshade from operating correctly. When the sunshade is open, it hangs down blocking my view of the back window. This seems to be a problem for many people with this model car. The dealership has looked at this and quoted me $1500 for repair.
Incident date: Sep 1, 2025
We have a 2020 Ford Explorer Limited and the sunshade for the sunroof has come off the tracks or something has broken that keeps the sunshade from operating correctly. When the sunshade is open, it hangs down blocking my view of the back window. This seems to be a problem for many people with this model car. The dealership has looked at this and quoted me $1500 for repair.
Incident date: Nov 1, 2025
Oil consumption takes several quarts of oil before next oil change. Erratic and harsh shifting and sudden hard downshifts.
Incident date: Nov 1, 2025
Oil consumption takes several quarts of oil before next oil change. Erratic and harsh shifting and sudden hard downshifts.
FORD
EXPEDITION
(2019) — UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Feb 24, 2026
Incident date: Feb 24, 2026
Less than a week from purchase , I was on the freeway doing 70 MPH and the sunroof exploded on us for absolutely no reason. I had just dropped off my [XXX] son , Had he been in the vehicle with his [XXX] brother and this happened I would be pursuing a lawsuit ! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Incident date: Feb 8, 2026
Vehicle shifts hard between 3 and 5th gears. The dealer currently has the vehicle in for repairs and there are metal shavings in the transmission reservoir
Incident date: Jun 20, 2025
Rear backup camera goes completely blank, shows a reversed imaged, or just an error code. Not part of the large recall in 2025. It should have been
Incident date: Dec 24, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 Ford F-150. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V512000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not available. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the vehicle was inspected. The contact was informed that the repair needed to be performed. The contact was informed that the parts were not yet available. The contact stated th... Read more
Incident date: Feb 21, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while stopped at a traffic light, the light changed, the accelerator pedal was depressed, and the vehicle rolled backwards unexpectedly while in drive(D). The vehicle was stopped and shifted to park(P) and then shifted into drive(D) and responded normally. While driving and close to the residence, the vehicle started to lose motive power.... Read more
Incident date: Feb 24, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. 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 dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experi... Read more
Incident date: Dec 31, 1969
The internal water pump failed on my 2008 Ford Edge (3.5L V6), allowing coolant to leak into the engine oil. This caused catastrophic engine damage and complete engine failure. The water pump is internally mounted and driven by the timing chain. When it fails, coolant contaminates the oil, destroying the engine without adequate warning. There was no external leak prior to failure. This is a known ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 24, 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 the rearview camera image was inverted, black, or distorted while the vehicle was in reverse(R). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was confirmed that the rearview camer... Read more
Incident date: Feb 20, 2026
After realizing that my issue is not isolated; I decided to report it. I have a 2018 Ford Escape SE with a 1.5L ecoboost engine. From day one, the car had a "ticking" sound - which we were told was normal. Originally, it was leased. Due to Pandemic, there was a shortage of cars. Lease was extended 4 months x 2. Repair facilities not open during most of Pandemic/ we were not working/ so the c... Read more
Incident date: Feb 24, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact attempted to start the vehicle, and the vehicle stalled. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The failure had occurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the engine, and the engine and the inner coo... Read more
Incident date: Jun 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at 55 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the engine needed to be replaced due to coolant intrusion into cylinder #2. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. Th... Read more
Incident date: Nov 24, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving approximately 10 MPH with the accelerator pedal depressed, the vehicle was hesitating before shifting from 1st to 2nd gear. There were no warning lights illuminated. The failure was intermittent at first but had become a recurring failure. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that th... Read more
Incident date: Jan 24, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (STRUCTURE). The contact stated that the passenger's side A-pillar was loose. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact was informed that the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. Most recently, the contact noticed that the driver's sid... Read more
Incident date: Feb 3, 2026
The contact owns a 2002 Ford Windstar. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 11V030000 (STRUCTURE) and 15V608000 (SUSPENSION). The contact stated that while approaching a traffic signal and driving slowly, the vehicle shook, and the engine shifted. The contact stated that the engine shifted to the right. In addition, the contact lost control of the steering wheel. The conta... Read more
Incident date: Feb 3, 2026
The contact owns a 2002 Ford Windstar. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 11V030000 (STRUCTURE) and 15V608000 (SUSPENSION). The contact stated that while approaching a traffic signal and driving slowly, the vehicle shook, and the engine shifted. The contact stated that the engine shifted to the right. In addition, the contact lost control of the steering wheel. The conta... Read more
Incident date: Feb 24, 2026
Recall remedy unavailable for 8+ months causing financial loss
Incident date: Jan 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the trim along the front windshield had become loose, and the lining was pushed outward and was partially missing and detached. The contact was concerned that the windshield could potentially loosen or fall out due to the failure. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure). The local dealer was co... Read more
Incident date: Feb 13, 2026
car has 56K miles. went to dealer for the recall on the bushing and cap. left dealer and next couple days the car slid twice in my driveway a few feet even with parking brake on. went back to dealer and they said cant duplicate problem. Drove home and car continues to have shifting issues and going out of gear.. have to shift to park or neutral and then reengage and to try to get it to work... Read more
Incident date: Feb 13, 2026
car has 56K miles. went to dealer for the recall on the bushing and cap. left dealer and next couple days the car slid twice in my driveway a few feet even with parking brake on. went back to dealer and they said cant duplicate problem. Drove home and car continues to have shifting issues and going out of gear.. have to shift to park or neutral and then reengage and to try to get it to work... Read more
Incident date: Feb 23, 2026
The vehicle turns on the traction control and ABS lights, automatically makes a bell sound as a warning, and stops braking, regardless of your speed at that moment.
Incident date: Feb 24, 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 the rearview camera was intermittently inoperable. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reas... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2024
My torque converter was worn out due to improver down shifting by my transmission, causing me to have a complete transmission replacement. All work was inspected and then replace by a transmission expert.
Incident date: Feb 19, 2026
While accelerating from a stop light, my 2023 F-150 Powerboost failed to properly accelerate and my gas pedal stopped working around 20-25 mph. I reported this to the Ford dealership immediately and drove straight to service bay. The failure repeated 3-4 more time before arriving. There was no engine light or error code so the dealership couldn't "fix anything". 16 hours later, the truck engine st... Read more
Incident date: Nov 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the passenger’s side B-pillar trim was becoming loose near the top of the trim. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V347000 (Structure); however, when the dealer was contacted, the contact was informed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amo... Read more
Incident date: Jan 14, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was parked on the shoulder of the roadway. The following day, the vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with rear axle failure. The contact was... Read more
FORD
EXPEDITION
(2012) — POWER TRAIN
Feb 24, 2026
Incident date: Feb 23, 2026
While exiting the freeway at approximately 45 to 50 mph, the transmission downshifted to 1st gear locking up the tires.
Incident date: Jun 24, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 Ford Transit. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 - 60 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle started to decelerate. During the most recent failure, the contact was able to drive to the dealer before the vehicle lost power. The vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that water was leaking into the engine, causing a s... Read more
Incident date: Jun 24, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 Ford Transit. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 - 60 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle started to decelerate. During the most recent failure, the contact was able to drive to the dealer before the vehicle lost power. The vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that water was leaking into the engine, causing a s... Read more
FORD
EXPEDITION
(2019) — POWER TRAIN
Feb 24, 2026
Incident date: Feb 15, 2022
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while driving approximately 10 - 20 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond with an abnormal clucking sound coming from the transmission. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the transmission needed to be rebuilt. The transmission was reb... Read more