Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 11/01/2026
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 (23% of complaints) — has no NHTSA recall or open investigation on file.
Steering complaints here are 3.7× the median for that category across the 1655 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 | 139 · 23% | No official action | — |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 137 · 22.7% | Recalled | Recall 16V777000 |
| Engine | 73 · 12.1% | Investigation closed | PE13003 · DP12006 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 69 · 11.4% | No official action | — |
| Power Train | 63 · 10.4% | No official action | — |
| Structure:body | 56 · 9.3% | 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 604 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 16V777000 · 2016 · reported 10/26/2016
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire. 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
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.
“TOOK MY 2012 ESCAPE TO THE DEALER FOR AUTHORIZED RECALL REPLACEMENT OF TORQUE SENSOR. WHEN PULLING OUT OF THE GARAGE AFTER THE REPAIR WAS MADE…”NHTSA complaint 10617263 — filed 07/29/2014 · STEERING
“WHEN DRIVING THE CAR WOULD COMPLETELY SHUT OFF, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WOULD COME ON, AND I LOST CONTROL OF STEERING AND ACCELERATION. I HAD…”NHTSA complaint 10542293 — filed 09/06/2013 · STEERING
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 40 MPH, THE BRAKES, TRACTION CONTROL AND POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILED. THE…”NHTSA complaint 10489190 — filed 12/18/2012 · STEERING
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Steering issues are the most-reported category, cited in 139 of 604 NHTSA complaints (23%), followed by fuel/propulsion system (137), engine (73), vehicle speed control (69). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
604 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 11/01/2026. Of those, 38 involved a crash, 3 involved a fire, and 27 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.
Yes — 2 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 16V777000. 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.
