Uber’s History of Rideshare Sexual Assaults

This is an active lawsuit, and none of the allegations against the defendant(s) have been proven. The contents of this page reflect the allegations in Uber sexual assault lawsuits.

Since its launch, Uber has promised safe and convenient rides at the tap of a button. But behind this marketing is a troubling history of allegations of rideshare sexual assaults against drivers and a legal battle over whether Uber should be held accountable. Over the past decade, thousands of survivors have come forward, sparking lawsuits, media reports, and public scrutiny.

This article provides a timeline of key events related to Uber’s alleged history of rider sexual assault.

Early Warning Signs of Rideshare Sexual Assaults (2014–2016)

• 2014: Media outlets begin reporting incidents of sexual assaults by Uber drivers in the United States.
• 2015: Lawsuits emerge alleging that Uber’s background checks are inadequate and allow dangerous drivers onto the platform.
• 2016: Uber agrees to a settlement following allegations that it misled riders about its safety measures.

Safety Reports & Growing Public Pressure (2017–2019)

• 2017: More alleged come forward, accusing Uber of negligent hiring and failure to warn passengers.
• 2018: Uber drops its use of forced arbitration for sexual assault cases, allowing survivors to sue in open court.
• 2019: Uber publishes its first U.S. Safety Report, disclosing thousands of reported instances of sexual assault. This was the first time Uber publicly admitted the scale of the problem.

Consolidation into Federal Litigation (2020–2023)

• 2020: Victims of rideshare sexual assaults continue to sue across multiple jurisdictions. Plaintiffs’ lawyers begin pushing for a multidistrict litigation (MDL) to centralize the cases.
• 2021: Uber faces criticism for delays in publishing updated safety data.
• 2022: The second safety report reveals thousands of additional reported instances of sexual assault during Uber rides in 2019 and 2020.
• 2023: The Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation consolidates pending Uber sexual assault lawsuits into an MDL in the Northern District of California. This consolidation enables survivors to coordinate resources and more effectively advocate for a broader investigation into Uber’s safety practices.

Uber’s Policy Responses Over Time

• Background Checks: Uber touts annual background checks and “real-time” monitoring; however, critics say these measures still allow predators to slip through.
• In-App Safety Features: Emergency button, ride tracking, and two-way anonymized calling/texting.
• Partnerships with Advocacy Groups: Uber has announced partnerships with sexual assault prevention organizations, though survivors argue these efforts are still insufficient.
• Public Relations: Uber frames rideshare sexual assaults as a broader societal problem, but plaintiffs argue the company fails to take reasonable precautions given the nature of its ridesharing platform.

Current Landscape

• The federal MDL remains active, with thousands of plaintiffs pressing claims that Uber prioritized profits over safety.
• Uber continues to fight liability, asserting several defenses in the MDL and parallel litigation proceedings.
• Media coverage and survivor advocacy have made Uber’s handling of sexual assault claims a continuing reputational crisis.

Why This History Matters for Survivors of Rideshare Sexual Assaults Today

• Alleged Patterns of Negligence: Reports suggest that Uber repeatedly ignored or downplayed risks.
• Legal Strategy: The events to date have helped inform plaintiffs’ legal strategies in the MDL and parallel litigation.
• Momentum for Change: If successful, lawsuits will apply pressure on Uber and lawmakers to strengthen safety requirements.

Conclusion

Uber’s history of sexual assault lawsuits is long and ongoing. What started as isolated reports has grown into one of the largest corporate sexual assault litigation matters in U.S. history. While Uber has made changes, the lawsuits allege safety failures that continue to put riders at risk.

If you or someone you know was assaulted in an Uber, understanding this history can empower you to seek justice. Contacting an experienced sexual assault attorney is the first step toward seeking accountability and change.

Further Information About Our Uber Sexual Abuse and Assault Attorneys

• Uber Sexual Assault Lawsuit
• Do I Need a Lawyer to File a Sexual Assault Lawsuit Against Uber?
• Uber Sexual Assault Lawsuit Settlements
• What to Do if You’ve Been Sexually Assaulted in an Uber
• How Do Uber Sexual Assault Cases Work?
• Advocacy Groups and Survivor Resources After an Uber Assault
• What to Expect When Working with a Sexual Assault Lawyer
• How to File a Police Report After an Uber Assault
• Statute of Limitations for Uber-Related Sexual Assault Lawsuits: 50-State Guide (Civil)
• Employer vs. Contractor: How Uber Avoids Responsibility (and Why Victims Still Have a Case)

Disclaimer:
The content on this site is informational only and describes mere allegations. The content does not suggest evidence, proof, or guaranteed liability. The merits of each case depend on specific facts. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes in future cases. For more details, please see our FTC and general disclaimers. Oberheiden Law is the law firm in charge.