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 — Vehicle Speed Control (42.4% of complaints) — was examined in a now-closed NHTSA investigation that did not result in a recall.
Vehicle Speed Control complaints here are 8.3× the median for that category across the 1732 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicle Speed Control | 159 · 42.4% | Investigation closed | PE12005 |
| Power Train | 43 · 11.5% | No official action | — |
| Power Train:automatic Transmission | 26 · 6.9% | No official action | — |
| Engine | 25 · 6.7% | No official action | — |
| Electrical System | 23 · 6.1% | No official action | — |
| Service Brakes | 18 · 4.8% | Recalled | Recall 16E026000 |
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 375 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 16E026000 · 2016 · reported 04/01/2016
A damaged or broken brake disc may reduce a vehicle's braking power, 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 04V330000 · 2004 · reported 07/08/2004
THE SEAT MAY NOT PERFORM AS INTENDED DURING A CRASH WHICH COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF 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.
“I READ THIS STORY U.S. INVESTIGATES FORD TAURUSES FOR STUCK THROTTLES BY PETER VALDES-DAPENA @PETERDRIVES MARCH 12, 2012: 1:19 PM ET AND WHEN IT HAPPENED…”NHTSA complaint 10451278 — filed 03/12/2012 · VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL WOULD BECOME STUCK AND THE VEHICLE WOULD ACCELERATE AND ABNORMALLY. WHEN…”NHTSA complaint 10451265 — filed 03/12/2012 · VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE STOPPED, THERE WAS A RAPID INCREASE IN ENGINE RPMS. THE CONTACT APPLIED HEAVY…”NHTSA complaint 10451162 — filed 03/12/2012 · VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Vehicle speed control issues are the most-reported category, cited in 159 of 375 NHTSA complaints (42.4%), followed by power train (43), power train:automatic transmission (26), engine (25). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
375 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/14/2026. Of those, 36 involved a crash, 13 involved a fire, and 25 reported injuries. 2 deaths were reported.
Yes — 2 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 16E026000. 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.
