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 — Engine (46% of complaints) — is covered by 3 NHTSA recall campaigns.
Engine complaints here are 4.1× the median for that category across the 2583 model-years tracked on this site.
5 of the 6 most-reported categories on this page are backed by a recall or open investigation; the other 1 rests on owner reports alone.
| Complaint category | Reports | Official status | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1,261 · 46% | Recalled | Recall 12V551000 · Recall 13V583000 · Recall 12V431000 |
| Power Train | 388 · 14.2% | Recalled | Recall 18V471000 · Recall 22V413000 |
| Electrical System | 331 · 12.1% | Recalled | Recall 15V813000 · Recall 14V495000 |
| Steering | 298 · 10.9% | No official action | — |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 246 · 9% | Recalled | Recall 13V584000 · Recall 12V336000 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 160 · 5.8% | Recalled | Recall 12V551000 · Recall 13V583000 · Recall 12V431000 |
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 2,739 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 18V471000 · 2018 · reported 07/16/2018
If the vehicle is exited without the transmission being in Park and without the parking brake being applied, the vehicle may unexpectedly move, 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 14V239000 · 2014 · reported 05/07/2014
A door that opens unexpectedly may result in an unrestrained occupant falling from the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
NHTSA campaign 15V813000 · 2015 · reported 12/02/2015
The incorrect signals could cause the vehicle to hesitate or the engine to stall, 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 16V643000 · 2016 · reported 09/06/2016
A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
NHTSA campaign 14V597000 · 2014 · reported 09/26/2014
The short circuits could cause the frontal air bags, side curtain air bags and the seat belt pretensioners to not function as intended when needed, increasing the risk of occupant 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
NHTSA campaign 14V237000 · 2014 · reported 05/07/2014
If the side-curtain rollover air bag is delayed in deploying in certain rollover circumstances, the risk of injury to the passengers is increased. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
NHTSA campaign 14V495000 · 2014 · reported 08/11/2014
The incorrect signals could cause the vehicle to hesitate or the engine to stall, 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 14V164000 · 2014 · reported 04/02/2014
The back of the subject seats may become loose or lean while driving and potentially increase the risk of injury in certain crashes. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
NHTSA campaign 12V551000 · 2012 · reported 12/03/2012
If flammable engine fluids come in contact with the vehicles hot exhaust system, a vehicle fire could occur. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
NHTSA campaign 12V319000 · 2012 · reported 07/06/2012
THE REDUCED CLEARANCE MAY RESULT IN THE DRIVER?S FOOT CONTACTING THE SIDE OF THE BRAKE PEDAL WHILE TRANSFERRING THE FOOT FROM THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL TO THE BRAKE PEDAL, INCREASING STOPPING DISTANCES AND 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 13V584000 · 2013 · reported 11/25/2013
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
NHTSA campaign 13V583000 · 2013 · reported 11/25/2013
Leaking engine oil may come into contact with a hot engine surface potentially resulting in an engine compartment fire. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
NHTSA campaign 13V085000 · 2013 · reported 03/07/2013
The operator may incorrectly believe the child lock is engaged. However, the door may be opened from the inside, increasing the risk of injury to an unrestrained child. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
NHTSA campaign 12V336000 · 2012 · reported 07/18/2012
If this leak occurs in the presence of an ignition source, there is an increased risk of a fire and/or personal injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
Park it · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
NHTSA campaign 12V431000 · 2012 · reported 09/04/2012
As leaking engine coolant evaporates on the hot engine, the glycol may ignite causing an engine compartment fire. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
NHTSA campaign 20V331000 · 2020 · reported 06/08/2020
A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
NHTSA campaign 22V413000 · 2022 · reported 06/10/2022
A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, and cause the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction. Additionally, the vehicle may roll after the driver selects the 'Park' position. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash or injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
NHTSA campaign 26V011000 · 2026 · reported 01/15/2026
An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
“MY CAR KEEPS OVERHEATING. HERE ARE SOME VIDEOS. HTTP://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=XGPIQXZG_HO&FEATURE=YOUTU.BE YOU CAN SEE IT HIGH AT THE START OF THIS VIDEO & STARTING AGAIN AROUND 50S…”NHTSA complaint 10551194 — filed 11/06/2013 · ENGINE
“MY FORD ESCAPE 1.6L ENGINE WILL OVERHEAT IF I PARK IT BY THE BEACH ALL DAY & THEN TRY TO DRIVE OVER THE FOOTHILLS TO…”NHTSA complaint 10550578 — filed 11/01/2013 · ENGINE
“MY 2013 FORD ESCAPE STALLED TWICE WHILE GOING SLOW ON A LOCAL ROAD IN JULY OF THIS YEAR. AFTER THE SECOND STALL (A WEEK APART)…”NHTSA complaint 10549326 — filed 10/24/2013 · ENGINE
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Engine issues are the most-reported category, cited in 1,261 of 2,739 NHTSA complaints (46%), followed by power train (388), electrical system (331), steering (298). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
2,739 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/12/2026. Of those, 49 involved a crash, 88 involved a fire, and 54 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.
Yes — 18 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 18V471000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
5 of the 6 most-reported complaint categories on this page are 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.
