Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/14/2026
Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.
The most-reported problem — Steering (48.3% of complaints) — is covered by 1 NHTSA recall campaign.
Steering complaints here are 7.7× the median for that category across the 1656 model-years tracked on this site.
1 of the 6 most-reported categories on this page are backed by a recall or open investigation; the other 5 rest on owner reports alone.
| Complaint category | Reports | Official status | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steering | 817 · 48.3% | Recalled | Recall 14V284000 |
| Power Train | 279 · 16.5% | No official action | — |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 277 · 16.4% | No official action | — |
| Engine | 254 · 15% | Investigation closed | PE13003 · DP12006 |
| Electrical System | 142 · 8.4% | No official action | — |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 115 · 6.8% | No official action | — |
Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Percentages are the share of the 1,691 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.
NHTSA campaign 15E045000 · 2015 · reported 06/03/2015
Use of an incorrectly sized wheel bearing can adversely affect the braking and steering of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
NHTSA campaign 14V284000 · 2014 · reported 05/29/2014
If power steering assist is lost, greater driver effort would be required to steer the vehicle at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
NHTSA campaign 10E043000 · 2010 · reported 09/03/2010
AN IMPROPERLY DEPLOYED AIRBAG COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Park it Park outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
“SHORTLY AFTER ENTERING HIGHWAY ON DARK RAINY EVENING, WITH NO FORE WARNING, CAR BEGAN TO SHAKE AND LOSE POWER. WAS ABLE TO PULL TO SIDE…”NHTSA complaint 10480188 — filed 10/15/2012 · STEERING
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DRIVING, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE STEERING COLUMN TWICE BUT…”NHTSA complaint 10401340 — filed 05/17/2011 · STEERING
“ON SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2011 I NOTICED THE STEERING WHEEL SHAKING AS MY 2009 FORD ESCAPE IDLED. THIS 'SHAKING' IS RANDOM; IT DOESN'T OCCUR ALL…”NHTSA complaint 10393736 — filed 03/30/2011 · STEERING
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Steering issues are the most-reported category, cited in 817 of 1,691 NHTSA complaints (48.3%), followed by power train (279), vehicle speed control (277), engine (254). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
1,691 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/14/2026. Of those, 34 involved a crash, 2 involved a fire, and 17 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.
Yes — 3 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 15E045000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
1 of the 6 most-reported complaint categories on this page is backed by an NHTSA safety recall or open investigation; the rest are unverified owner reports. A recall means a free repair is available at authorized dealers.
No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.
