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 (38.9% of complaints) — is covered by 1 NHTSA recall campaign.
Steering complaints here are 6.2× 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 | 56 · 38.9% | Recalled | Recall 15V340000 |
| Engine | 25 · 17.4% | No official action | — |
| Power Train | 16 · 11.1% | No official action | — |
| Electrical System | 9 · 6.2% | No official action | — |
| Service Brakes | 8 · 5.6% | No official action | — |
| Seats | 7 · 4.9% | 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 144 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 15V340000 · 2015 · reported 06/02/2015
If the vehicle experiences a loss of power steering assist, extra steering effort will be required at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
NHTSA campaign 16V247000 · 2016 · reported 04/26/2016
An improperly inflated air bag increases the risk of injury in the event of a crash. 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.
“Electric Power Steering lights up and steering wheel locks up, can hardly make it move at it. We turn the car off and turn it…”NHTSA complaint 11659824 — filed 05/08/2025 · STEERING
“The contact owns a 2011 Ford Flex. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, he became aware that the electronic power steering…”NHTSA complaint 11633160 — filed 12/30/2024 · STEERING
“Loss of power steering driving down interstate. Service power steering and service advance Trac lights came on. Had to call for tow”NHTSA complaint 11568134 — filed 01/26/2024 · STEERING
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Steering issues are the most-reported category, cited in 56 of 144 NHTSA complaints (38.9%), followed by engine (25), power train (16), unspecified/other issues (11). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
144 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/14/2026. Of those, 5 involved a crash, 1 involved a fire, and 9 reported injuries. 1 deaths were reported.
Yes — 2 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 15V340000. 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.
