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 (35.3% of complaints) — is covered by 2 NHTSA recall campaigns.
Power Train complaints here are 4.2× the median for that category across the 2391 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power Train | 290 · 35.3% | Recalled | Recall 18V845000 · Recall 26V376000 |
| Engine | 226 · 27.5% | Recalled | Recall 23V905000 |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 129 · 15.7% | Recalled | Recall 18V735000 · Recall 26V369000 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 118 · 14.4% | Recalled | Recall 23V905000 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 51 · 6.2% | Recalled | Recall 18V735000 · Recall 26V369000 |
| Electrical System | 44 · 5.4% | Investigation closed | DP22005 → recall 22V063000 |
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 821 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 18V845000 · 2018 · reported 11/28/2018
A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components 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
NHTSA campaign 23V905000 · 2023 · reported 12/22/2023
A loss of oil pressure can result in an engine stall and a loss of power braking assist, 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 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
NHTSA campaign 26V012000 · 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
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
NHTSA campaign 26V376000 · 2026 · reported 06/09/2026
A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components 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 FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HIS WIFE WAS DRIVING, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO PROPERLY ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT STATED…”NHTSA complaint 11339316 — filed 07/14/2020 · POWER TRAIN
“MY CAR IS DOING THE EXACT SAME PROBLEMS THE OTHER RECALLS ARE HAVING. PROBLEMS WITH THE EVAP SYSTEM AND THE TRANSMISSION STALLING I PUT IT…”NHTSA complaint 11338383 — filed 07/09/2020 · POWER TRAIN
“A FULL TANK IS 160 MILES. AND HAS A SMELL WHEN THE A/C ON. ENGINE LIGHT ON BUT CAN'T FIND THE PROBLEM.”NHTSA complaint 11331292 — filed 06/28/2020 · 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 290 of 821 NHTSA complaints (35.3%), followed by engine (226), fuel/propulsion system (129), engine and engine cooling (118). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
821 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/12/2026. Of those, 15 involved a crash, 3 involved a fire, and 11 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.
Yes — 7 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 18V735000. 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.
