Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is named in 16,071 complaint component mentions since 1995, 10.3 of every 1,000 across the whole file, peaking in 2018 with 2,720.
120 NHTSA recall campaigns cite a component in this group. The model line with the most complaint mentions is the Chevrolet Malibu (903, 43.3 per 1,000 of that line's mentions).
Complaints are consumer reports and have not been verified by NHTSA.
Model lines reported most
| Model line | Mentions | Per 1,000 of the line's mentions |
|---|---|---|
| Chevrolet Malibu | 903 | 43.3 |
| Toyota Sequoia | 706 | 163.2 |
| Chevrolet Impala | 661 | 50.1 |
| Chevrolet Traverse | 355 | 106.2 |
| Ford Fusion | 315 | 18.1 |
| Chevrolet Cruze | 286 | 80.8 |
| Chevrolet Equinox | 268 | 40 |
| Chevrolet Corvette | 222 | 46.2 |
| Dodge Journey | 199 | 39.7 |
| Pontiac G6 | 163 | 21.6 |
| Toyota Camry Hybrid | 137 | 88 |
| GMC Acadia | 132 | 36.3 |
| Chrysler 200 | 130 | 29 |
| Saturn Aura | 115 | 60 |
| Chevrolet HHR | 106 | 25 |
| Jeep Patriot | 92 | 36.3 |
| Cadillac SRX | 88 | 40.8 |
| Pontiac Torrent | 75 | 87.7 |
| GMC Terrain | 74 | 49.8 |
| GMC Sierra 1500 | 68 | 15.9 |
| Volkswagen GTI | 64 | 49.2 |
| Toyota Highlander Hybrid | 60 | 59.2 |
| Mercedes Benz ML320 | 58 | 56.7 |
| Buick Enclave | 55 | 30.9 |
| Buick Lacrosse | 54 | 24.2 |
Fleet-wide reference: 10.3 per 1,000. Lines above that figure draw a larger share of their complaints from this component than the file as a whole.
Sub-components
| Description in the file | Mentions |
|---|---|
| Electronic Stability Control (ESC) | 16,071 |
Mentions by year
Recalls by year
Recent recall campaigns citing electronic stability control (esc)
Defect, as filed: REV Recreation Group (REV) is recalling certain 2025-2026 American Coach American Dream, 2026-2027 Fleetwood Discovery LXE, 2026 Fleetwood Palisade, and Holiday Rambler Armada recreational vehicles. The RoadWatch Safety System may have been programmed with the incorrect vehicle parameters.
Consequence: Safety functions that depend on RoadWatch, such as electronic stability control (ESC), may have diminished or lost functionality, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and reprogram RoadWatch as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 16, 2026. Owners may contact REV customer service at 1-800-509-3417. REV's number for this recall is 260911REV.
1 make/model/year entry; manufacturer: REV Recreation Group; manufacturer campaign 260911REV.
Defect, as filed: Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Freightliner Cascadia and 2022 Western Star 49X vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall numbers 23V073 or 22V817. The brake modulator valves on the front axle may corrode and cause the vehicle to pull to one side during braking initiated by Electronic Stability Control (ESC) or Roll Stability Control (RSC).
Consequence: Brakes that pull to one side may cause a sudden change in vehicle direction, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the brake modulator valves, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 8, 2026. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is F1039. Vehicles repaired under the prior recalls will need the new repair completed.
5 make/model/year entries; manufacturer: Daimler Trucks North America, LLC; manufacturer campaign F1039.
Defect, as filed: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Chrysler Voyager, Chrysler Pacifica, and 2026 Chrysler Voyager Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV) vehicles. The brake pedal position sensor capacitor may be cracked, which can cause a loss of electronic stability control. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."
Consequence: A loss of electronic stability control increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace brake pedal position sensor, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 17, 2026. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 69D. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning September 9, 2026.
5 make/model/year entries; manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC); manufacturer campaign 69D.
- 26V422000SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:ELECTRIC:CONTROL MODULEReported 1 Jul 2026 · 428 units
Defect, as filed: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2025 Mini Cooper S, Mini Countryman S All4, X2, 2024 Rolls-Royce Spectre, 2023-2025 i7, 7 Series, X7, 2024-2025 i5, 5 Series, 2023-2024 XM, X1, 2024-2025 X6, and X5 vehicles. The integrated brake (IB) system may malfunction and result in a loss of power brake assist or cause the Antilock Brake (ABS) and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) systems to not function properly.
Consequence: A loss of power brake assist can extend the distance required to stop the vehicle. Additionally, malfunctioning ABS and/or DSC systems can cause a loss of vehicle control. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: The Integrated brake system will be inspected and, if necessary, replaced, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 21, 2026. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or Rolls-Royce customer service at 1-877-877-3735. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning August 21, 2026. Vehicles previously repaired under recall 24V739 or 24V104 will need to have the new remedy completed.
36 make/model/year entries; manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC.
Defect, as filed: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer and Jeep Grand Wagoneer L vehicles. The brake system control module software may cause a loss of electronic stability control and a loss of electronic brake assist. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems" and 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
Consequence: A loss of electronic stability control and/or electronic brake assist increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the brake system control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 30, 2026. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 50D. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning July 9, 2026.
2 make/model/year entries; manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC); manufacturer campaign 50D.
Defect, as filed: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2026 Ram 2500 Pickup trucks. The trucks may be equipped with steering column control modules that can cause a loss of electronic stability control. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."
Consequence: A loss of electronic stability control increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the steering column control module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 7, 2026. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 36D. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning April 23, 2026.
1 make/model/year entry; manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC); manufacturer campaign 36D.
- 26V223000SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULEReported 9 Apr 2026 · 241 units
Defect, as filed: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2026 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The brake system control module may fail to operate properly, which can cause a loss of anti-lock brakes (ABS) and electronic stability control (ESC).
Consequence: A loss of anti-lock brakes or electronic stability control increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the brake system control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 28, 2026. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 29D. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning April 16, 2026.
1 make/model/year entry; manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC); manufacturer campaign 29D.
Defect, as filed: Autocar, LLC (Autocar) is recalling certain 2023-2026 ACX (Xpeditor) vehicles. Contact with the drive line yoke may damage the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) unit.
Consequence: A damaged ESC unit may malfunction, disabling the electronic stability control and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Autocar will relocate the ESC unit, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters explaining the safety risk were be mailed March 27, 2026. Another notice will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated October 2026. Owners may contact Autocar customer service at 1-888-218-3611. Autocar's number for this recall is ACX-2601.
4 make/model/year entries; manufacturer: Autocar, LLC; manufacturer campaign ACX-2601.
Defect, as filed: New Flyer of America, Inc. (New Flyer) is recalling certain XD35, XDE35, XE35, XN35, XD40, XDE40, XE40, XHE40, XN40, XT40, XD60, XDE60, XE60, XN60, XT60, and XHE60 transit buses. Please refer to New Flyer's recall report for specific model year information. The antilock braking (ABS) and electronic stability control (ESC) module may lose communication and fail without illuminating the warning lights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 121, "Air Brake Systems" and 136, "Electronic Stability Control Systems on Heavy Vehicles."
Consequence: An ABS or ESC warning light that fails to illuminate will not alert the driver to the loss of ABS or ESC, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: New Flyer will update the software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 17, 2026. Owners may contact New Flyer's customer service at 1-800-241-2947.
121 make/model/year entries; manufacturer: New Flyer of America, Inc..
Defect, as filed: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain Mopar Occupant Restraint Controller Modules with part numbers 68599746AD, 68599750AE, and 68599752AE. A software error in the occupant restraint control module may cause the driver's side air bag and/or seat belt pretensioner not to deploy in a crash and disable the electronic stability control (ESC) system. As such, this equipment fails to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 208, "Occupant Crash Protection" and 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."
Consequence: Driving with a disabled electronic stability control system increases the risk of a crash. Additionally, a driver's side air bag or seat belt pretensioner that does not deploy increases the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the occupant restraint control module software, free of charge. If the occupant restraint controller module is not installed in a vehicle, dealers will repurchase it. Owner notification letters were mailed January 15, 2026. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is C4C.
1 make/model/year entry; manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC); manufacturer campaign C4C.
Defect, as filed: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2025 Ram 2500 Pickup, 3500 Pickup, 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 Cab Chassis, and 5500 Cab Chassis trucks. A software error in the occupant restraint controller module may cause the driver's side air bag and/or seat belt pretensioner not to deploy in a crash and disable the electronic stability control (ESC) system. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 208, "Occupant Crash Protection" and 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."
Consequence: Driving with a disabled electronic stability control system increases the risk of a crash. Additionally, a driver's side air bag or seat belt pretensioner that does not deploy increases the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the occupant restraint controller module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 15, 2026. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is C3C. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on December 19, 2025.
4 make/model/year entries; manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC); manufacturer campaign C3C.
Defect, as filed: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Maverick and Escape vehicles. The cover for the electric brake booster's ECU may cause the printed circuit board to overheat and result in a loss of vehicle stability control systems (anti-lock braking, electronic stability control, and traction control) or a loss of brake power assist.
Consequence: Loss of vehicle stability control or brake power assist can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the electric brake booster, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on November 28, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SC6. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on November 17, 2025.
2 make/model/year entries; manufacturer: Ford Motor Company; manufacturer campaign 25SC6.
- 25V594000ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC):CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWAREReported 11 Sep 2025 · 1,191 units
Defect, as filed: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2026 Chevrolet Silverado EV and GMC Sierra EV electric vehicles. After experiencing an electronic stability control (ESC) system malfunction, the ESC malfunction warning light may not illuminate on the next key cycle. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."
Consequence: An indicator light that does not illuminate may fail to warn the driver of an ESC system issue, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: The EBCM software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 15, 2025. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N252515340.
2 make/model/year entries; manufacturer: General Motors, LLC; manufacturer campaign N252515340.
Defect, as filed: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Mazda MX-5 vehicles. The Traction Control System (TCS) and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) indicator light may fail to illuminate as intended due to a software error. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."
Consequence: An indicator light that does not illuminate may fail to warn the driver of a TCS or DSC system issue, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the DSC unit, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 18, 2025. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 6. Mazda's number for this recall is 7425E.
2 make/model/year entries; manufacturer: Mazda North American Operations; manufacturer campaign 7425E.
Defect, as filed: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2023 F-150 Lightning vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 23V801. The SYNC software may fail to activate the electronic stability control (ESC) system at the beginning of each ignition cycle. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."
Consequence: Failure to reset the ESC to active may result in the driver unknowingly operating the vehicle without electronic stability control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the Accessory Protocol Interface Module (APIM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 18, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25C15.
2 make/model/year entries; manufacturer: Ford Motor Company; manufacturer campaign 25C15.
- 25V254000ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC):CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWAREReported 17 Apr 2025 · 6,247 units
Defect, as filed: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2025 G 550, G 580, and AMG G 63 vehicles. The vehicle's electronic stability program (ESP) may display an incorrect warning light during an ESP system failure. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems," and 101, "Control and Displays."
Consequence: An incorrectly displayed warning light can fail to alert the driver to critical safety information, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the ESP control unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 17, 2025. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2025050002.
3 make/model/year entries; manufacturer: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC; manufacturer campaign 2025050002.
Defect, as filed: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2025 X3 30 xDrive and X3 M50 xDrive vehicles. The rear brake hoses may leak, causing a loss of rear brake function, and a loss of the Antilock Brake System (ABS) and the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system.
Consequence: A loss of rear brake function increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the rear brake hoses, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 9, 2025. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 800-525-7417.
1 make/model/year entry; manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC.
Defect, as filed: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2025 Ram 1500 vehicles. The front wheel hub encoder rings may be damaged, which can disable the electronic stability control system. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."
Consequence: Driving with a disabled electronic stability control system can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the front wheel bearing hub assembly, as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 19, 2024. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 97B.
1 make/model/year entry; manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC); manufacturer campaign 97B.
- 24V739000SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:ELECTRIC:CONTROL MODULEReported 2 Oct 2024 · 11,579 units
Defect, as filed: BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 2023-2024 X1, X5, X6, X7, XM, 530i, i5, 740i, 760i, i7, and 750e vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models and model years. The integrated brake (IB) system may malfunction and result in a loss of power brake assist or cause the Antilock Brake (ABS) and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) systems to not function properly.
Consequence: A loss of power brake assist can extend the distance required to stop the vehicle. Additionally, malfunctioning ABS and/or DSC systems can cause a loss of vehicle control. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the integrated brake module, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters notifying owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed November 22, 2024. Second letters will be mailed once the parts are available. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Vehicles in this recall were previously repaired under recall number 24V-104 and will need to have the new remedy completed.
21 make/model/year entries; manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC.
Defect, as filed: BMW of North America (BMW) is recalling certain 2023-2024 X1, 2024-2025 X5, 2025 X6, 2023-2025 X7, 740i, 760i, 2024 XM, 530i, 540i, i7, 750e, X2, 2024-2025 i5, 2024 Rolls Royce Spectre, 2025 MINI Countryman S ALL4, JCW Countryman ALL4, and 2025 MINI Hardtop 2 Door (Cooper, Cooper S) vehicles. Please refer to the recall report for the complete list of models. The welds in the servomotor of the integrated brake control module may break, causing a loss of power brake assist and rear brake function. In addition, the Antilock Brake System (ABS) and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system may not function.
Consequence: A loss of brake power assist or rear brake function can result in extended stopping distance. A loss of ABS or DSC can cause a loss of vehicle handling and control. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the integrated brake system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 13, 2024. Owners can contact BMW Customer Service at 1-800-525-7417.
24 make/model/year entries; manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC.
Questions and answers
Which vehicles have the most complaints about electronic stability control (esc)?
By complaint mentions: Chevrolet Malibu (903), Toyota Sequoia (706), Chevrolet Impala (661), Chevrolet Traverse (355), Ford Fusion (315). Raw counts reflect how many of each line are on the road as much as anything else; the per-1,000 column shows how large a share of that line's complaints the component takes.
How many recalls concern electronic stability control (esc)?
120 NHTSA campaigns list a component in this group; the 20 most recent are shown above.
Where does this data come from?
NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall flat files, public domain, dated 15 May 2019 and 29 Sep 2026. Component groups are the first level of NHTSA's component taxonomy.
Provenance
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation flat files, public domain, dated 15 May 2019 (complaints) and 29 Sep 2026 (recalls). See the methodology.