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: Jan 10, 2026
On 3 separate occasions, while traveling at highway speeds on the NJ Garden State Parkway in the left lane, my truck’s service engine light soon wrench would come on out of nowhere, the throttle would cut out, and the gas pedal would go limp and unresponsive. The only way to get it operational again was to turn the truck off, let it sit for 10-15 min to drain the computers, and restart. Imagine ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 6, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 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. The powertrain symbol was displayed, with a message to check the Owner’s Manual. In addition, the contact stated that the failure had occurred while driving from a stoplight. The transmission remained in thi... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2024
Recall 24V031 has not been fixed. I got my recall notice from Ford with regards to the A-pillar applique trim. I received my recall in February, 24. I have visited my local Ford dealer several times and as recently as 1 month ago. They state the parts are not available. My driver side A-pillar applique is missing. My passenger side applique is loose. Why are parts not available? After 2 years of r... Read more
Incident date: Feb 16, 2026
I've been having issues with the vehicle having a lag when accelerating. Upon leaving Arizona and traveling to Oklahoma I proceeded to pass a vehicle and upon accelerating there was a delay causing a near collision 3 different times. I've contacted the dealership and Ford Corporation and they just keep pushing the issue off. 7 months and still no remedy for the fuel pump issue that they have a rec... Read more
Incident date: Aug 20, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the instrument panel indicated that the engine was overheating. While driving at 35 MPH, the temperature gauge indicated that the engine was overheating. The contact pulled over to the side of the road, where the vehicle experienced complete engine failure. The vehicle was towed to a certified mecha... Read more
Incident date: Aug 20, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the instrument panel indicated that the engine was overheating. While driving at 35 MPH, the temperature gauge indicated that the engine was overheating. The contact pulled over to the side of the road, where the vehicle experienced complete engine failure. The vehicle was towed to a certified mecha... Read more
Incident date: Feb 20, 2026
check engine light came on took it to service they ran test on it code p0456 came up saying fuel leak
Incident date: Feb 18, 2026
Out of no where I was stopped at a traffic light and just before the light turned green, a yellow wrench appeared on my dash for a moment and stated only "see manual". I cleared the dash screen and pressed ok, the traffic light turned green and when I applied my foot to the gas peddle the RPM's went up but the car did not move. I pressed just a little harder to give a bit more gas and the RPM's co... Read more
Incident date: Feb 20, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the odor of exhaust fumes was present inside the cabin of the vehicle, causing the driver and the passenger to experience nausea and dizziness. No medical assistance was required. The contact was concerned that there was possibly carbon monoxide hazard inside the vehicle while driving. The cause of the fail... Read more
2 injured
Incident date: Feb 20, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the odor of exhaust fumes was present inside the cabin of the vehicle, causing the driver and the passenger to experience nausea and dizziness. No medical assistance was required. The contact was concerned that there was possibly carbon monoxide hazard inside the vehicle while driving. The cause of the fail... Read more
2 injured
FORD
BRONCO SPORT
(2025) — FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
Feb 20, 2026
Incident date: Feb 15, 2026
I am submitting a safety concern regarding the 2025 Ford Bronco Off‑Road. Within 24 hours of purchasing my vehicle, a front sensor failed. The dealership reported that the sensor was damaged by a small rock while driving on normal paved roads. The repair cost is approximately $1,500 and is not covered under warranty. My concern is that a critical sensor—part of the vehicle’s safety and dri... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the engine overheated, causing the engine temperature gauge to rise, and the check engine warning light to illuminate. Additionally, the coolant reservoir became empty after being refilled. The contact examined the vehicle and determined that the cylinder head was cracked. The vehicle was not repaired. The ma... Read more
Incident date: Feb 20, 2026
The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V075000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 250,000.
Incident date: Jan 20, 2026
This is a 2019 Ford Edge in great condition. I just purchased the vehicle with roughly 90000 miles on it. After roughly 2 weeks of driving, I noticed the vehicle struggles to get up to speed, and the gears shift roughly, especially after a cold start. Additionally, while driving, the gears would struggle to downshift, staying at a higher RPM than it should, such as being stuck at 4000 RPM while dr... Read more
Incident date: Jan 20, 2026
This is a 2019 Ford Edge in great condition. I just purchased the vehicle with roughly 90000 miles on it. After roughly 2 weeks of driving, I noticed the vehicle struggles to get up to speed, and the gears shift roughly, especially after a cold start. Additionally, while driving, the gears would struggle to downshift, staying at a higher RPM than it should, such as being stuck at 4000 RPM while dr... Read more
Incident date: Feb 20, 2026
The transmission control module in the 10R60 transmission is no longer communicating with the vehicle. This caused the vehicle to not be able to determine which gear it is in causing it to not start.
FORD
MUSTANG MACH E
(2021) — UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Feb 19, 2026
Incident date: Feb 19, 2026
Vehicle experienced immediate loss of motive power while in motion at 45 mph after "Stop Safely Now" alert. This is a repeat power failure. The vehicle was in service for 75+ days (Dec-Feb) for this exact defect. The Ford service center said they replaced the “battery controller” yet the issue recurred. The car previously flagged this alert while in motion 2 times prior (one on the highway go... Read more
FORD
MUSTANG MACH E
(2021) — POWER TRAIN
Feb 19, 2026
Incident date: Feb 19, 2026
Vehicle experienced immediate loss of motive power while in motion at 45 mph after "Stop Safely Now" alert. This is a repeat power failure. The vehicle was in service for 75+ days (Dec-Feb) for this exact defect. The Ford service center said they replaced the “battery controller” yet the issue recurred. The car previously flagged this alert while in motion 2 times prior (one on the highway go... Read more
FORD
MUSTANG MACH E
(2021) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Feb 19, 2026
Incident date: Feb 19, 2026
Vehicle experienced immediate loss of motive power while in motion at 45 mph after "Stop Safely Now" alert. This is a repeat power failure. The vehicle was in service for 75+ days (Dec-Feb) for this exact defect. The Ford service center said they replaced the “battery controller” yet the issue recurred. The car previously flagged this alert while in motion 2 times prior (one on the highway go... Read more
Incident date: Feb 14, 2026
I bought a 2020 Ford F150 XL with 83,000 miles on 27 JAN 2026 from a local Phil long Kia dealership. I started to notice that the shifting was very harsh immediately after buying the truck and that the transmission was dropping the gear when I was driving at stoplights and even when I was entering an intersection almost causing an accident. I notice the issue more at slow speeds and in lower gears... Read more
Incident date: Jan 16, 2026
While driving toward the freeway on January 16, 2026, I pressed my brakes and the vehicle failed to slow or stop. Instead, the vehicle accelerated. I reacted quickly to avoid a head-on collision but was involved in a crash. When pressing on my brakes there were audible sounds from from my hood. As if my car wanted to stop but wouldn’t. My engine previously failed for the same reason. When the ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jan 16, 2026
While driving toward the freeway on January 16, 2026, I pressed my brakes and the vehicle failed to slow or stop. Instead, the vehicle accelerated. I reacted quickly to avoid a head-on collision but was involved in a crash. When pressing on my brakes there were audible sounds from from my hood. As if my car wanted to stop but wouldn’t. My engine previously failed for the same reason. When the ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jan 16, 2026
While driving toward the freeway on January 16, 2026, I pressed my brakes and the vehicle failed to slow or stop. Instead, the vehicle accelerated. I reacted quickly to avoid a head-on collision but was involved in a crash. When pressing on my brakes there were audible sounds from from my hood. As if my car wanted to stop but wouldn’t. My engine previously failed for the same reason. When the ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Feb 16, 2026
The transmission is over heating while driving and jerking back constantly once it hits mph on 3. It doesn’t drive properly because of the transmission.
Incident date: Feb 16, 2026
The transmission is over heating while driving and jerking back constantly once it hits mph on 3. It doesn’t drive properly because of the transmission.
Incident date: Jan 15, 2026
The contact owned a 2023 Ford F-250 Super Duty. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the engine seized. The contact was able to coast to the side of the road. The contact exited the vehicle and noticed flames were emitting from under the hood and wheel well. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact did not sustain any injuries. The police and fire department were called to the s... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Nov 18, 2025
Transmission failed at 83000 miles with no warning or prior issues. I was driving home from work and the vehicle completely stalled out in traffic. Had it towed to a shop and was quoted nearly the cost that the vehicle is worth to have the transmission replaced.
Incident date: May 19, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Flex. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH in the rain, the windshield wipers engaged but were moving significantly fast and significantly slow intermittently. The contact stated that the driver's assist system, including the blind spot detection system, the engine auto Start-Stop system, and the lane departure systems, was inoperable. Additionally, the contact... Read more
Incident date: Aug 19, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that the rear-view camera image was distorted. The failure was intermittent at first, but recently became more frequent. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention). The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that the part for the recall repair was not yet available. The contact st... Read more
Incident date: Feb 18, 2026
The transmission is clunks on random shifts through gears. Changing the shift selector results in a jolt and then it pops into gear. This truck has had new tranny wire lead replaced at ford dealership because of the same issue in the past
Incident date: Nov 1, 2025
I was driving 70 mph down the interstate when my truck unexpectedly shifted into 1st. A couple weeks later, I was driving down the interstate when my truck unexpectedly shifted into neutral and then the reverse camera came on. I took it to a local mechanic shop yesterday when the truck unexpectedly shifted into neutral again. This is completely unacceptable and is very dangerous. It is currently b... Read more
Incident date: Feb 19, 2026
MFTR Recall 28S75 NHTSA Recall 25V 455 This is a safety risk recall issued over 7 months ago and Ford still does not have a remedy to fix the problem. So far my F150 has not experienced the problem, but do I just keep driving and one day the vehicle stops running, maybe while I'm traveling on an interstate at 70 mph. I think it's time to pressure Ford for a fix before someone has a tragic accide... Read more
Incident date: Aug 8, 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 yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made abnormal rattling sounds. The vehicle was taken to th... Read more
Incident date: Feb 19, 2026
The contact owns a 2022 Ford F-150. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V896000 (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 for the recall repair. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufac... Read more
Incident date: Feb 19, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-250. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V455000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The manufacturer was not contacted. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Incident date: Aug 19, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 Ford F-150. The contact received a notification letter associated with the rear axle. The contact stated that there was an abnormal clicking sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and the failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign 25V512000 (Power Train). Elkhorn M... Read more
Incident date: Jan 5, 2026
While driving 1,100 miles from Topeka, Kansas to Maryland to spend time with our first grandchild, our trip was interrupted by coolant intrusion in the cylinders of our 2018 Ford Escape SE (ecoboost), which had 78,600 miles on it. Both an independent garage and the Ford dealership in Maryland said the car needed a new engine. The garage put the cost at $16,000; the Ford dealer, $12,200. I quickl... Read more
FORD
EXPEDITION
(2017) — BACK OVER PREVENTION
Feb 19, 2026
Incident date: Feb 19, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse, the rear-view camera became inoperable. The rear-view camera image failed to function properly, and the screen was blank. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V572000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was taken to ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 13, 2026
10R80 TRANSMISSION ISSUES. WILL JERK & LAG WHEN DRIVING. HAD TO PURCHASE NEW TRANSMISSION FOR TRUCK
Incident date: Feb 17, 2026
While driving down the road all of a sudden vehicle slams then shifts down indicator lights for gear selection starts flashing. It has happened 4 times so far this week February 17, February 19 of 2026.
Incident date: Feb 17, 2026
While driving down the road all of a sudden vehicle slams then shifts down indicator lights for gear selection starts flashing. It has happened 4 times so far this week February 17, February 19 of 2026.
Incident date: Feb 18, 2026
I have experienced three total brake failures in my 2025 Ford Bronco. During the most recent incident on 2-18-2026 the brake pedal traveled completely to the floorboard, requiring extreme force and multiple pumps to stop the vehicle. This appears to be the exact failure described in Ford Recall 25S77 (NHTSA Campaign 25V488) regarding the Electronic Brake Booster (EBB) module. The vehicle was prese... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2026
This complaint is specifically related to Ford Recall 16S32 / NHTSA Campaign 16V618000 regarding the High-Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) failure. My vehicle (VIN: [XXX] ) has experienced the exact mechanical failure described in this recall, resulting in metal debris throughout the fuel system and a sudden loss of engine power while driving. This created an immediate safety hazard on the road. Fo... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2026
This complaint is specifically related to Ford Recall 16S32 / NHTSA Campaign 16V618000 regarding the High-Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) failure. My vehicle (VIN: [XXX] ) has experienced the exact mechanical failure described in this recall, resulting in metal debris throughout the fuel system and a sudden loss of engine power while driving. This created an immediate safety hazard on the road. Fo... Read more
Incident date: Feb 18, 2026
Transmission shifting is erratic at the best times and likes to randomly downshift from 10th gear to 1st gear and having to take drastic action to avoid a serious rear end collision in heavy traffic as many others who've reported the same issues. Ford is VERY aware of this issue but will not address it for most of the owners. The issue is well enough known Ford has had issued many TSBs but limit... Read more
Incident date: Jan 18, 2026
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that while driving rounding a corner at a slow speed, the front passenger’s side A-pillar trim det... Read more
Incident date: Aug 19, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-150. The contact had previously received notification of Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N03 (Engine Cam Phaser Replacement), and the vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that no repair was needed. The contact stated that a year and a half later, the vehicle made an abnormal ticking sound while idling and while driving at various speeds. T... Read more
Incident date: Feb 5, 2026
Cold side intercooler boost tube cracked due to constant vibration impact from coolant overflow hose routed directly above and on top of it. Part and vehicle is available for inspection. The split in the boost hose caused me to loose power while attempting to merge onto a road, almost being hit by another vehicle. After research there are multiple other instances of complaints of the same thing ha... Read more
Incident date: Feb 12, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ford F-350. The contact stated that while in reverse(R), the rearview camera displays a blue screen or a blank screen while in reverse. The contact then received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V572000(Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was notified of the failure and confirmed that parts were not yet ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 12, 2026
On 2/12/2026 I was driving in Gordon County, GA. I was going about 25 MPH when I hit a pothole on the right hand side of the road. It resulted in a split wheel/rim on the right front side of my vehicle. It also damaged the wheel/rim on the right hand back side, as well as breaking the shock absorber on the right back side.