Over the past decade, Uber has revolutionized urban transportation, offering convenience and accessibility to millions worldwide. However, this innovation has come at a steep human cost. Reports of sexual assaults by Uber drivers have cast a dark shadow over the company, raising urgent questions about its safety protocols and accountability. With thousands of lawsuits pending in the United States and incidents reported globally, Uber’s failure to adequately address passenger safety has sparked outrage among survivors, advocates, and regulators. This article examines the scale of the crisis, Uber’s lapses, specific incidents, the legal landscape, and actionable measures for regulators and riders to enhance safety and prevent sexual assault.
In the United States, Uber faces a staggering 1,883 active lawsuits as of April 2025 in the federal Multidistrict Litigation (MDL No. 3084) in the Northern District of California, alleging sexual assault or harassment by drivers. Additionally, approximately 800–1,600 cases are pending in California state courts, totaling 2,683–3,483 lawsuits nationwide. These lawsuits claim Uber neglected to implement adequate safety measures, failed to conduct thorough background checks, and allowed drivers with known histories of misconduct to remain on the platform.