Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/12/2026
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 — Suspension (29.7% of complaints) — is covered by 1 NHTSA recall campaign.
Suspension complaints here are 4.8× the median for that category across the 964 model-years tracked on this site.
| Complaint category | Reports | Official status | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 148 · 29.7% | Recalled | Recall 15E045000 |
| Structure:body | 111 · 22.2% | Recalled | Recall 14V165000 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 76 · 15.2% | Recalled | Recall 04V574000 |
| Air Bags | 41 · 8.2% | not available | — |
| Wheels | 33 · 6.6% | not available | — |
| Engine | 31 · 6.2% | Recalled | Recall 12V353000 |
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 499 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 15V606000 · 2015 · reported 09/29/2015
If the shift lever disengages from the transmission, a driver may be unable to shift gear positions and the indicated shift position may not represent the gear position the vehicle is in.… Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
NHTSA campaign 14V165000 · 2014 · reported 04/02/2014
A separation of the lower control arm can result in a significant loss of steering control, 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 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 12V353000 · 2012 · reported 07/26/2012
A stuck throttle may result in very high vehicle speeds and make it difficult to stop or slow the vehicle, which could cause a crash, serious injury or death. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
NHTSA campaign 07V156000 · 2007 · reported 04/10/2007
AN ELECTRICAL SHORT MIGHT CAUSE AN ABS MALFUNCTION THAT WOULD ILLUMINATE THE ABS WARNING LIGHT, AND IN SOME CASES, THE MODULE MAY OVERHEAT RESULTING IN BURNING ODOR, SMOKE, AND/OR FIRE.… Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
NHTSA campaign 04V574000 · 2004 · reported 12/07/2004
AN UNEXPECTED INCREASE IN ENGINE IDLE SPEED MAY INCREASE STOPPING DISTANCE AND MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
NHTSA campaign 07E023000 · 2007 · reported 03/29/2007
LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID CAN RESULT IN POOR BRAKING PERFORMANCE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
NHTSA campaign 04V602000 · 2004 · reported 12/20/2004
IF THE LIFTGATE IS LEFT UNLOCKED, THERE IS THE POTENTIAL THAT IT MAY OPEN DURING 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.
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE PULLING INTO THE DRIVEWAY AT A LOW SPEED, THE BOLT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE LOWER CONTROL ARM…”NHTSA complaint 10237899 — filed 08/12/2008 · SUSPENSION
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Suspension issues are the most-reported category, cited in 148 of 499 NHTSA complaints (29.7%), followed by structure:body (111), vehicle speed control (76), air bags (41). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
499 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/12/2026. Of those, 29 involved a crash, 14 involved a fire, and 16 reported injuries. 1 deaths were reported.
Yes — 8 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 15V606000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Recall or investigation data is partly unavailable for this vehicle right now — check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the authoritative answer.
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.
