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 — Power Train (36.8% of complaints) — has no NHTSA recall or open investigation on file.
Power Train complaints here are 4.3× the median for that category across the 2391 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power Train | 1,384 · 36.8% | No official action | — |
| Steering | 923 · 24.6% | No official action | — |
| Engine | 473 · 12.6% | No official action | — |
| Electrical System | 344 · 9.2% | No official action | — |
| Structure:body | 293 · 7.8% | Investigation closed | RQ19005 → recall 20V177000 · RQ19005 → recall 20V331000 |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 282 · 7.5% | Recalled | Recall 18V735000 · Recall 19V515000 · Recall 26V369000 |
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 3,756 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 18V735000 · 2018 · reported 10/22/2018
The excessive vaccuum may result in an engine stall while driving, without warning and without the ability to restart 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 19V515000 · 2019 · reported 07/05/2019
The excessive vacuum may result in an engine stall while driving, without warning and without the ability to restart 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 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 12E035000 · 2012 · reported 10/02/2012
Without proper contact of the rooftop rack clip to the door frame, there is insufficient clamping pressure and friction. The system may slide off the vehicle when loaded with accessories, possibly becoming a road hazard to other vehicles or causing injury to pedestrians. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
NHTSA campaign 12V149000 · 2012 · reported 04/05/2012
WATER OR OTHER CONTAMINANTS MAY ACCUMULATE IN THE CONNECTOR, RESULTING IN AN INTERMITTENT OR INOPERATIVE PASSENGER SIDE WIPER MOTOR, REDUCING VISIBILITY AND 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 13V335000 · 2013 · reported 08/01/2013
Without the proper illumination of the side maker lamps, the vehicle may be less visible in night time conditions, 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 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 26V369000 · 2026 · reported 06/09/2026
An engine that stalls while driving increases 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.
“WHEN ACCELERATING, WHETHER FROM A DEAD STOP OR COASTING, 1ST, 2ND (& NOW STARTING TO DO IT IN 3RD) GEARS AUDIBLY RATTLE AND CLUNK. VERY…”NHTSA complaint 10474010 — filed 09/05/2012 · POWER TRAIN
“THE CONTACT RENTED A 2012 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD ABNORMALY JERK FORWARD OR BACKWARD WHEN SHIFTED INTO DRIVE. THE CONTACT…”NHTSA complaint 10473825 — filed 09/04/2012 · POWER TRAIN
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ONCE HE SHIFTED TO DRIVE AND ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SHAKE…”NHTSA complaint 10473011 — filed 08/30/2012 · POWER TRAIN
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Power train issues are the most-reported category, cited in 1,384 of 3,756 NHTSA complaints (36.8%), followed by steering (923), engine (473), unspecified/other issues (356). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
3,756 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/12/2026. Of those, 107 involved a crash, 15 involved a fire, and 88 reported injuries. 5 deaths were reported.
Yes — 8 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 18V735000. 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.
