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 (63.2% of complaints) — has no NHTSA recall or open investigation on file.
Engine complaints here are 6.6× the median for that category across the 2583 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1,093 · 63.2% | No official action | — |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 331 · 19.1% | No official action | — |
| Power Train | 252 · 14.6% | Recalled | Recall 22V413000 |
| Electrical System | 50 · 2.9% | No official action | — |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 41 · 2.4% | No official action | — |
| Steering | 31 · 1.8% | 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 1,729 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 17V803000 · 2017 · reported 12/18/2017
If the component detaches during deployment, it may enter the passenger compartment and be a projectile within the vehicle cabin, 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 18V104000 · 2018 · reported 02/12/2018
A brake fluid leak may lengthen the distance needed to stop 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 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
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 2018 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO LOCAL…”NHTSA complaint 11394647 — filed 02/04/2021 · ENGINE
“AT 26,000 MILES HAD A FULL ENGINE REPAIR DUE COOLANT ISSUE. FORD HAD MY CAR FOR 3 MONTHS. LESS THAN A FEW DAYS AFTER GETTING…”NHTSA complaint 11388742 — filed 01/18/2021 · ENGINE
“BOUGHT A USED 2018 ESCAPE 1.5L IN JUNE 2019. JAN 5 I WENT TO CRANK IT AND IT WAA PUTTERING. WAS LOW ON GAS AND…”NHTSA complaint 11387353 — filed 01/10/2021 · ENGINE
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Engine issues are the most-reported category, cited in 1,093 of 1,729 NHTSA complaints (63.2%), followed by engine and engine cooling (331), power train (252), unspecified/other issues (101). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
1,729 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/12/2026. Of those, 25 involved a crash, 5 involved a fire, and 30 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.
Yes — 4 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 17V803000. 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.
