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.

2,215,138 Total Complaints
138,663 Reported Crashes
56,255 Reported Fires
8,561 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 2,215,138 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

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 379,511 complaints for FORD

FORD FUSION (2011) — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC Apr 28, 2026
Incident date: Jan 21, 2026
The contact owns a 2026 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH and attempting to slow down, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the brake pedal felt abnormally soft, and the vehicle hesitated before coming to a complete stop. No warning light was illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed; however, the diagnostic result had not yet ... Read more
FORD EDGE (2022) — STEERING Apr 28, 2026
Incident date: Apr 13, 2026
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at a low speed, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The vehicle was turned off and restarted, and the steering wheel started operating as intended. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unavailable.
FORD EDGE (2022) — FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM Apr 28, 2026
Incident date: Apr 28, 2026
The component that failed is the fuel pump, which had previously been replaced under a manufacturer recall but is now failing again. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. This failure has created a serious safety risk, as the car stalls while driving, begins to shake, makes abnormal noises from the exhaust, and then shuts off without warning, increasing the risk of an accident, esp... Read more
FORD ESCAPE (2017) — UNKNOWN OR OTHER Apr 28, 2026
Incident date: Apr 28, 2025
My 2025 Volkswagen ID.Buzz is subject to recall 90A2 (NHTSA Campaign 25V233000) concerning an incorrect brake system warning light symbol and color on the instrument panel display. The prescribed remedy is a software update performed by an authorized VW dealer. The vehicle has been at Gunther Volkswagen of Clermont on two separate occasions for this recall and has not been successfully remediated ... Read more
FORD ESCAPE (2015) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Apr 28, 2026
Incident date: Jan 15, 2024
About six months ago the tailgate foot sensor failed and has not worked. Since then, the tailgate began randomly opening on its own, mostly when the car is parked and shut off, but as of today(4-28-2026) it started occurring while I'm driving. In addition to the hazard of items falling from my vehicle unto the highway and/or other cars, the only way for me to close the tailgate from the driver's ... Read more
FORD EXPLORER (2017) — POWER TRAIN Apr 28, 2026
Incident date: Jul 1, 2025
Nov 06,2025 Manufacturer Recall Number25TB14 NHTSA Recall Number25V767 Recall StatusRecall Incomplete, remedy not yet available vehicle is stalling sometimes, not shifting right and losing power more importantly from time to time
FORD ESCAPE (2016) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Apr 28, 2026
Incident date: Oct 1, 2025
All four door locks are now inoperable. Doors do not respond to normal locking and unlocking features. Doors lock and unlock randomly making this a safety concern for those in the vehicle. NIssan is well aware of this ongoing problem and have issued several Technical Services Bulletins as a result, but have refused to take responsibility for this safety concern.
FORD F-150 (2013) — BACK OVER PREVENTION Apr 28, 2026
Incident date: Apr 7, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention). The contact stated that on several occasions while in reverse(R), the rearview camera went black, worked intermittently, and displayed upside-down images. Additionally, the contact stated that on several occasions, the camera activated inadvertently while the vehicle w... Read more
FORD FIESTA (2012) — ENGINE Apr 28, 2026
Incident date: Apr 25, 2026
Interstate driving 70mph. Sudden engine power loss, vehicle slowed to 50mph. Check engine light came on. Engine knocking noises. Drove car 2 miles to our Acura dealership. Service dept says we have rod bearing failure. Currently deciding how to proceed...used or Reman motor repalcement.
FORD EDGE (2018) — EXTERIOR LIGHTING Apr 28, 2026
Incident date: Apr 23, 2026
The front drivers side headlamp malfunctioned after condensation entered the lamp via rain and then humidity. The issue first started April 12, 2026. I was leaving to go on a 260 miles drive when I pulled out of the drive way and I started getting a flickering "Dipped Beam Fault". It started flickering on and off as I was picking up speed to merge onto the interstate. I drove all those miles with ... Read more
FORD EDGE (2018) — POWER TRAIN Apr 28, 2026
Incident date: Apr 23, 2026
The vehicle experienced engine failure due to coolant intrusion into the engine cylinders. The issue presented with engine misfire, including diagnostic trouble code P0302, rough running, and coolant entering the combustion chamber. The condition was confirmed by a dealership, which determined that the engine has internal damage and requires full engine replacement. There were no external coolant... Read more
FORD EDGE (2018) — FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM Apr 28, 2026
Incident date: Apr 23, 2026
The vehicle experienced engine failure due to coolant intrusion into the engine cylinders. The issue presented with engine misfire, including diagnostic trouble code P0302, rough running, and coolant entering the combustion chamber. The condition was confirmed by a dealership, which determined that the engine has internal damage and requires full engine replacement. There were no external coolant... Read more
FORD EXPLORER (2017) — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING Apr 28, 2026
Incident date: Aug 18, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal burning odor inside the vehicle. The contact assumed that the odor was coming from the AC and turned off the AC. No warning light was illuminated. The contact parked and turned off the vehicle at the residence. Later that night, the contact heard a loud bang coming from the vehicl... Read more
FORD EXPLORER (2017) — UNKNOWN OR OTHER Apr 28, 2026
Incident date: Aug 18, 2025
While driving on the freeway the exterior b-pillar became partially detached from the drivers side of vehicle, causing the pillar to hang off the side. Very unsafe as it can strike another vehicle, or pedestrian. Part is now being held on by duct tape so it stays in place. The b-pillar part is attached to the electronic key number pad. Since this part was detached, the dome lights inside of the ... Read more
FORD EXPLORER (2017) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Apr 28, 2026
Incident date: Aug 18, 2025
While driving on the freeway the exterior b-pillar became partially detached from the drivers side of vehicle, causing the pillar to hang off the side. Very unsafe as it can strike another vehicle, or pedestrian. Part is now being held on by duct tape so it stays in place. The b-pillar part is attached to the electronic key number pad. Since this part was detached, the dome lights inside of the ... Read more
FORD FOCUS (2018) — STRUCTURE:BODY Apr 28, 2026
Incident date: Apr 14, 2026
While driving on the freeway the exterior b-pillar became partially detached from the drivers side of vehicle, causing the pillar to hang off the side. Very unsafe as it can strike another vehicle, or pedestrian. Part is now being held on by duct tape so it stays in place. The b-pillar part is attached to the electronic key number pad. Since this part was detached, the dome lights inside of the ... Read more
FORD EXPLORER (2017) — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING Apr 28, 2026
Incident date: Aug 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2008 Hyundai Veracruz. The contact stated that the vehicle was leaking oil, and over time, there was a loud knocking sound coming from the vehicle, with a significant amount of oil leaking from the vehicle, resulting in engine damage. The vehicle became inoperable. The vehicle was first taken to an independent mechanic, where the oil leak was discovered; however, the vehicle was... Read more
FORD EDGE (2024) — ENGINE Apr 28, 2026
Incident date: Apr 28, 2026
The engine is malfunctioning. It is available for inspection. When you accelerate the vehicle, the engine goes into limp mode then it goes into neutral and you have to find a safe place on the side of the road to pull over shut it off and restart it. It's very very dangerous. Yes, Vatland Chrysler Dodge in Vero Beach. After it first malfunctioned the engine light came on and it's been on ever s... Read more
FORD ECOSPORT (2019) — BACK OVER PREVENTION Apr 28, 2026
Incident date: Apr 14, 2026
The contact owns a 2024 Ford Edge. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse, the rearview camera became inoperable. The rearview camera image failed to function properly. The failure was intermittent. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V124000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was not contacted.... Read more
FORD ECOSPORT (2019) — POWER TRAIN Apr 28, 2026
Incident date: Apr 14, 2026
So my car is about to be out of warranty and I have called and made two appointments to get my recall taken care of as it is a safety risk for me and my kids. They canceled the first one with no communication and the second appointment they called and said they can’t get the part in so I have to call them in 2 weeks to check. After two weeks I believed my car will be over the 60k mark putting me... Read more
FORD ECOSPORT (2019) — FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM Apr 28, 2026
Incident date: Apr 14, 2026
So my car is about to be out of warranty and I have called and made two appointments to get my recall taken care of as it is a safety risk for me and my kids. They canceled the first one with no communication and the second appointment they called and said they can’t get the part in so I have to call them in 2 weeks to check. After two weeks I believed my car will be over the 60k mark putting me... Read more
FORD ESCAPE (2016) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Apr 28, 2026
Incident date: Dec 18, 2025
The speed limit indicator included in the software package flashes constantly (approximately once per second), both inside the instrument cluster and in the Heads Up Display. The speed limit shown is almost always not accurate to the current speed limit, even when passing multiple very clear road signs showing the speed limit. The car still flashes when the speed limit it is showing is not being e... Read more
FORD F-250 (2016) — POWER TRAIN:SHIFT LINKAGE/CABLE/ROD Apr 28, 2026
Incident date: Apr 24, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the gear shifter was intermittently stuck in park(P). The contact turned the steering wheel, engaged and disengaged the parking brake several times, per the Owner's manual instructions, and the gear shifter was able to shift out of park(P). The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the failure recurred. The mechanic wa... Read more
FORD EXPLORER (2015) — UNKNOWN OR OTHER Apr 28, 2026
Incident date: Apr 28, 2026
MY TRANSMISSION IS DOWNSHIFTING WHILE EXCELERATING BUT IS NOT SHOWING UP ON A RECALL LIST
FORD FOCUS (2012) — TIRES:SIDEWALL Apr 28, 2026
Incident date: May 15, 2025
While driving down the highway, the whole car and steering wheel of 2021 Toyota Camry Hybrid started shaking side to side. Was able to exit safely and found a bubble in the sidewall of the 2021 Hankook Kinergy GT H436 BW 235/45R18 tire. Never had this happen with any tire before. 31,000 miles on tire. Could have caused a blow out if the exit was further away. No notification on Toyota Camry Hybrid... Read more
FORD FOCUS (2012) — ENGINE Apr 28, 2026
Incident date: May 15, 2025
Beginning in approximately May 2025, the vehicle began displaying diagnostic trouble codes identified by independent auto parts retailers and service providers. These codes indicated potential issues within the engine, electrical, and powertrain systems. The vehicle was subsequently brought to a dealership for diagnostic evaluation and remained there from approximately May 15 through May 19, 2025... Read more
FORD FOCUS (2012) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Apr 28, 2026
Incident date: May 15, 2025
Beginning in approximately May 2025, the vehicle began displaying diagnostic trouble codes identified by independent auto parts retailers and service providers. These codes indicated potential issues within the engine, electrical, and powertrain systems. The vehicle was subsequently brought to a dealership for diagnostic evaluation and remained there from approximately May 15 through May 19, 2025... Read more
FORD F-150 (2020) — POWER TRAIN Apr 28, 2026
Incident date: Mar 1, 2026
Beginning in approximately May 2025, the vehicle began displaying diagnostic trouble codes identified by independent auto parts retailers and service providers. These codes indicated potential issues within the engine, electrical, and powertrain systems. The vehicle was subsequently brought to a dealership for diagnostic evaluation and remained there from approximately May 15 through May 19, 2025... Read more
FORD F-150 (2024) — SEATS Apr 28, 2026
Incident date: Apr 24, 2026
During service I told the dealership that the seats were cracking. The said that they would investigate, but they never got back to me.
FORD F-150 (2024) — EXTERIOR LIGHTING Apr 28, 2026
Incident date: Apr 24, 2026
While driving on a surface road in Columbia, MD at approximately 40 mph, the dash display of the 2024 Ford Lightning Flash went completely blank, leaving no indication of vehicle speed, battery percentage, battery temp, motor temp, cruise control status etc. Zero information was displayed, and the dash was completely cold and dark. This failure, while traveling at speed, represents a gross safety ... Read more
FORD F-150 (2024) — UNKNOWN OR OTHER Apr 28, 2026
Incident date: Apr 24, 2026
While driving on a surface road in Columbia, MD at approximately 40 mph, the dash display of the 2024 Ford Lightning Flash went completely blank, leaving no indication of vehicle speed, battery percentage, battery temp, motor temp, cruise control status etc. Zero information was displayed, and the dash was completely cold and dark. This failure, while traveling at speed, represents a gross safety ... Read more
FORD F-150 (2019) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Apr 28, 2026
Incident date: Apr 28, 2026
While driving on a surface road in Columbia, MD at approximately 40 mph, the dash display of the 2024 Ford Lightning Flash went completely blank, leaving no indication of vehicle speed, battery percentage, battery temp, motor temp, cruise control status etc. Zero information was displayed, and the dash was completely cold and dark. This failure, while traveling at speed, represents a gross safety ... Read more
FORD FLEX (2016) — POWER TRAIN Apr 28, 2026
Incident date: Apr 28, 2026
Per mopar recall ZA3 transmission tube and dipstick recall. When completed at Orange Coast Ram [XXX] , dealership completed recall, removed original dipstick, and provided a 15" locking dipstick the does NOT provide needed transmission fluid level. Inquired in Orange Coast Ram service department, stated they will not provide needed 44"dipstick to monitor trans fluid. I cannot order, purchase ... Read more
FORD RANGER (2024) — ENGINE Apr 28, 2026
Incident date: Aug 21, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the vehicle stalled and failed to restart. The vehicle was pushed over to the side of the road. The contact exited the vehicle and inspected the oil, transmission fluid, and antifreeze, but found no failure. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic; however, the failure could not be duplicated. The m... Read more
FORD F-150 (2019) — SERVICE BRAKES Apr 28, 2026
Incident date: Apr 16, 2026
The brake pedal is extremely soft and routinely travels to the floor during normal driving conditons. It also catches at various levels. It is impossible to tap the brakes to slow the vehicle down when rounding a corner which has led to several scary incidents and near misses. The truck is currently at Crossroads Ford in Indian Trail NC for 3 weeks. It has been there once before and 3 times at... Read more
FORD F-150 (2024) — BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA Apr 28, 2026
Incident date: Aug 26, 2025
The contact owns a 2026 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the infotainment system failed to operate as intended, and unknown sensors were illuminated. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the diagnostic result was unknown. The failure had occurred on several occasions. The manufacturer was not notified of the failu... Read more
FORD EDGE (2016) — ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) Apr 28, 2026
Incident date: Apr 28, 2026
The contact owns a 2010 Pontiac G6. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost electric power steering assist. The electronic stability control (ESC) and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the electric power steering assist needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. T... Read more
FORD EXPEDITION (2022) — ENGINE Apr 28, 2026
Incident date: Apr 22, 2026
The vehicle suffered a recurring mechanical failure of the fuel injectors and a flooded EVAP charcoal canister, causing the engine to run lean (Fault P2177) and lose power. This defect creates an unreasonable safety risk as it can cause the engine to stall or lose motive power unexpectedly at highway speeds. Furthermore, the fuel system defect led to a flooded EVAP system, which poses a potential... Read more
FORD ECOSPORT (2018) — POWER TRAIN Apr 28, 2026
Incident date: Mar 12, 2025
Transmission randomly hard down shifts erratically. It feels like i lose control of the vehicle. Shifting is so violent, it's like I were driving over a man hole with a missing cover. These are under normal operating conditions. Not towing, not hard braking. Not extreme cold or hot climate. There are no warning laps on the dash board. This issue has been reviewed at 2 different FORD dea... Read more
FORD ECOSPORT (2018) — Insert, Padding Apr 28, 2026
Incident date: Mar 12, 2025
Took seat cover off to wash and styrofoam underneath was cracked. Did not experience an accident.
FORD ECOSPORT (2018) — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL Apr 28, 2026
Incident date: Mar 12, 2025
My vehicle experiences a loss of power while driving. The vehicle will unexpectedly lose acceleration and power during normal driving conditions, including when merging or driving in traffic. This creates a serious safety concern because the vehicle does not respond properly when attempting to accelerate. The issue occurs intermittently but repeatedly and makes it difficult and unsafe to drive, e... Read more
FORD ESCAPE (2016) — ENGINE Apr 28, 2026
Incident date: Oct 13, 2025
My vehicle experiences a loss of power while driving. The vehicle will unexpectedly lose acceleration and power during normal driving conditions, including when merging or driving in traffic. This creates a serious safety concern because the vehicle does not respond properly when attempting to accelerate. The issue occurs intermittently but repeatedly and makes it difficult and unsafe to drive, e... Read more
FORD EDGE (2018) — SEATS Apr 28, 2026
Incident date: Apr 28, 2026
Our 2021 VW Atlas was rear-ended while stopped at stop light. The other driver was going an estimated 45 MPH. At impact, the driver seat broke backwards hitting our 5 year old child in the face. The child was in a 5-point harness car seat and the only injuries resulting from the accident were to the face and head. We were taken to a children's hospital in an ambulance where the child stayed 5 nigh... Read more
Crash 2 injured
FORD MUSTANG (2020) — ENGINE Apr 28, 2026
Incident date: Nov 28, 2025
My 2018 Ford Edge with the 2.0L EcoBoost engine (approximately 100,000 miles) has experienced coolant intrusion into the engine cylinders — a known manufacturing defect documented by Ford in TSB 19-2346 (NHTSA ID 10169807). The coolant leak was discovered over the course of several months as I noticed that heat wasn't coming out and I checked that the coolant was low. I replaced the coolant twic... Read more
FORD MUSTANG (2020) — ENGINE Apr 28, 2026
Incident date: Nov 28, 2025
While riding the motorcycle, engine suddenly began making a loud clacking noise. Brought motorcycle in to Harley Davidson dealer and it was diagnosed that they cam chain tensior had become loose and was destroyed inside the engine causing small bits of metal to clog oil ports and damage the engine. The remedy was an engine replacement. Through deliberate research this appears to be an issue with... Read more
FORD MUSTANG (2020) — UNKNOWN OR OTHER Apr 28, 2026
Incident date: Nov 28, 2025
IMRC actuator rod broke causing the air/fuel mix to be sporadic. Creating a misfire on random cylinders. Major loss of power and very jerky motions, causing the vehicle to loose control. Luckily it was on an open spacious road. Unfortunately this has been an ongoing problem and there is nobody selling updated parts the electronics will recognize and very difficult to find oe replacement parts, rea... Read more
FORD ESCAPE (2017) — FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL Apr 28, 2026
Incident date: Apr 20, 2026
At 70 mph the adaptive cruise control system applied the brakes hard enough to engage the abs system even though my lane of travel was clear. There was a car on the exit ramp to the right applying their brakes not in my path that I believe my vehicle picked up. There were several vehicles behind me and it almost caused an accident. There needs to be a way to disable the adaptive cruse on this vehi... Read more
FORD ESCAPE (2017) — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL Apr 28, 2026
Incident date: Apr 20, 2026
At 70 mph the adaptive cruise control system applied the brakes hard enough to engage the abs system even though my lane of travel was clear. There was a car on the exit ramp to the right applying their brakes not in my path that I believe my vehicle picked up. There were several vehicles behind me and it almost caused an accident. There needs to be a way to disable the adaptive cruse on this vehi... Read more
FORD FLEX (2011) — POWER TRAIN Apr 28, 2026
Incident date: Apr 27, 2026
April 2025 our Ford Escape, a 2017 model, had an issue with the car overheating, we brought to a dealer and the diagnosis was coolant leaking into the cylinders of the engine . Repair costs range $8-10,000.00 , new engine $11,000 plus. Through research on chat rooms we have discovered that this is a known issue with Ford's design, several consumer complaints and open class action lawsuit exists.... Read more
FORD BRONCO (2023) — ENGINE Apr 28, 2026
Incident date: Apr 16, 2026
April 2025 our Ford Escape, a 2017 model, had an issue with the car overheating, we brought to a dealer and the diagnosis was coolant leaking into the cylinders of the engine . Repair costs range $8-10,000.00 , new engine $11,000 plus. Through research on chat rooms we have discovered that this is a known issue with Ford's design, several consumer complaints and open class action lawsuit exists.... Read more
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