2020 Ford Escape

Above average

Owners filed 1,595 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the structure › body. It has been recalled 23 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
44,447 milesMedian miles at failure

386 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 40,00050,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Structure › Body475
004
Unknown or Other234
307
Power Train165
202
Fuel System, Gasoline107
010
Electrical System106
000
Engine80
000
Structure › Body › Door67
000
Structure44
002
Fuel/Propulsion System34
010
Structure › Body › Door › Hinge and Attachments31
000

23 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Back Over Prevention › Software26V123000
Filed Mar 3, 2026889,950 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2020-2024 Lincoln Aviator, and Explorer vehicles. The image on the center display may flip or invert, resulting in an incorrectly displayed rearview image when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Risk. An incorrectly displayed rearview image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, 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 23, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C11. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 5, 2026.

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor26V117000
Filed Mar 3, 2026604,533 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer, Escape, Lincoln Aviator, and Lincoln Corsair vehicles. The windshield wiper motor may fail and prevent the windshield wipers from operating properly.

Risk. Windshield wipers that fail to operate properly can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Dealers will inspect and replace the front wiper motors as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed April 2, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in October 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S14. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 4, 2026.

Structure › Body › Hatchback/Liftgate › Hinge and Attachments25V829000
Filed Dec 1, 2025108,762 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape and 2025 Escape vehicles. The liftgate hinge covers may not be properly secured and detach from the vehicle.

Risk. A detached liftgate hinge cover can create a distraction or a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Dealers will inspect and reinstall, or replace any missing liftgate hinge covers as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 3, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SD6. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on December 3, 2025.

Equipment › Electrical › Engine Block Heater25V685000
Filed Oct 10, 202559,006 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Lincoln MKC, 2016-2023 Explorer, 2019-2020 Fusion, 2019-2024 Ranger, 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair, Escape, 2021-2024 Bronco, Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.

Risk. An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy. Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded blanking plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed December 3, 2025. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated September 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA4. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 15, 2025.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Pads25V693000
Filed Oct 10, 202513,451 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Escape vehicles. The rear brake pads may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can reduce brake function in the event of a brake booster malfunction. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."

Risk. Reduced brake function can require the driver to apply more brake pedal force, and the distance required to stop the vehicle may be extended, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Dealers will replace the front brake pads, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on November 5, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21C31. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 13, 2025. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 21V922.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System25V467000
Filed Jul 11, 2025694,271 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Bronco Sport and 2020-2022 Escape vehicles equipped with 1.5L engines. A fuel injector may crack and leak fuel inside the engine compartment.

Risk. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source, such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy. Dealers will update the engine control software. In addition, dealers will replace the high-pressure fuel rail assembly and fuel injectors, free of charge. As an interim repair, dealers will update the engine control software, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed August 29, 2025. Second letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in July 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S76. This recall expands and replaces previous recall numbers 22V-859, 24V187, and 25V165. Vehicles previously remedied under 22V-859, 24V187, and 25V165 will need to have the new final remedy performed once it is available.

Back Over Prevention › Software25V442000
Filed Jun 27, 2025200,237 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, MKX, Edge, Continental, F-150, Nautilus, Fusion, 2019-2023 Ranger, Mustang, 2020-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape, F-250 SD, Corsair, 2020-2023 Aviator, Transit, 2020-2024 Explorer, 2021-2024 Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank image, or the image may remain on the display after the backing event has ended.

Risk. A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver. Both of these situations can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S72.

Engine25V345000
Filed May 23, 20251,809 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Escape, 2021-2023 Corsair, and 2022-2023 Maverick vehicles equipped with 2.5L HEV or PHEV engines that were repaired incorrectly under recall 23V380. In the event of an engine failure, engine oil and fuel vapor may be released into the engine compartment and accumulate near ignition sources such as hot engine or exhaust components, possibly resulting in an engine compartment fire.

Risk. An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.

Remedy. Owners are advised to park and shut off the engine as quickly as possible if they hear unexpected engine noises, notice a reduction in vehicle power, or see smoke. Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 27, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S54.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System25V165000
Filed Mar 14, 202533,576 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape and 2021-2023 Bronco Sport vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall numbers 22V-859 or 24V-187. A fuel injector may crack and leak fuel inside the engine compartment.

Risk. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy. Dealers will update the powertrain control module (PCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 22, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S21.

Electrical System › Propulsion System › Traction Battery › Management System/Energy Control Module (bms/Becm)24V954000
Filed Dec 20, 202420,484 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Ford Escape, and 2021-2024 Lincoln Corsair vehicles. A manufacturing defect in one or more of the high voltage battery cells may result in an internal short circuit and battery failure.

Risk. Battery failure can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. Battery failure can also increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy. Owners are advised not to charge battery till the remedy has been completed. Dealers will perform a battery energy control module (BECM) software update, and replace the high voltage battery pack, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 30, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S79.

Showing 10 of 23 campaigns, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Lane Departure › Blind Spot Detection
Filed Sep 17, 2026IL

These are the failed systems since the recall was being repaired since July 27th 2026. The car is presently still at the dealer today. Sept 18 2026. Sync Screen goes black Instrument cluster goes black. Auto-hold fails Pre-collision emergency assist not available Forward camera not available Drive mode not available Powertrain Control Module fails with error to Ford App Service Engine light on at all times We have all repair times it went back total of 4 times. No replacement vehicles was provided. Here are the additional files in this link there are approximately 16 repair files 3 are Ian pictures below uploaded https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:VA6C2:4e092f62-ba12-4fac-888f-d529227f810a

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Sep 11, 2026TX

After a dealership diagnostic visit involving my 2020 Ford Escape, I discovered that a connector in the vehicle's Smart Data Link/Gateway area underneath the dashboard had been left disconnected when the vehicle was returned to me. The vehicle had been at Gullo Ford of Conroe on September 9–10, 2026 for an intermittent idle/sputtering concern and a rear-suspension concern. The dealership performed electronic diagnostic work and documented no DTCs. After pickup, I inspected the vehicle and photographed the disconnected connector before reconnecting it. I am concerned that releasing a vehicle with a vehicle-network/diagnostic gateway connection disconnected could affect diagnostic communication, stored fault reporting, or other electronic/network functions. I am submitting this report as a potential safety/electrical-network concern. I am not asking NHTSA to adjudicate my billing dispute with the dealership. Photographs showing the condition as discovered and the dealer service invoice are available.

Engine
Filed Sep 5, 2026AZ

White foggy smoke from exhaust. Backing sensor or driving sensor are off when sensing environment. Car suspension not fully stable sorta drift to left or right.

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Sep 4, 2026TX

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the spark plugs had failed and needed to be replaced. The mechanic replaced the spark plugs; however, the failure persisted. The dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and was unable to provide an expected date when parts would be available.

Engine
Filed Sep 4, 2026MD

I am submitting a safety complaint regarding my 2020 Ford Escape, which currently has an unrepaired safety recall involving the fuel injectors. Recall Information: Manufacturer Recall Number: 25S76 NHTSA Recall Number: 25V467 Recall Date: July 16, 2025 According to the recall notice, a fuel injector may crack and cause fuel to accumulate on top of the engine. The notice states that liquid fuel and/or fuel vapor near hot engine or exhaust components could ignite and cause an under-hood fire. I am very concerned because this recall has remained unrepaired since 2025, and as of September 2026, the remedy is still listed as unavailable. I am also currently experiencing a problem with my vehicle. Whenever I put gas in the vehicle, it has a difficult time starting afterward. The engine struggles to start after refueling, which is concerning to me because there is already an open recall involving the vehicle's fuel system. I understand that I cannot personally determine whether the starting problem is directly related to the recalled fuel injector issue. However, because the vehicle has an open fuel-system safety recall involving a potential fuel leak and fire risk, I believe these symptoms should be documented and investigated. I am concerned about continuing to operate this vehicle while the recall remains unrepaired, especially since the recall warns of the possibility of fuel or fuel vapor accumulating near hot engine components. I am requesting that NHTSA document and investiga

Unknown or Other
Filed Sep 1, 2026UT

I consistently get an AWD failure warning and then it turns off multiple different safety features of the car, traction control, hill assist, AWD, collision detection etc. I have seen a lot of people complain about the same thing. This is dangerous and ford needs to provide a solution to the bad ground of the AWD module.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Aug 31, 2026AL

My passenger headlight assembly seal has failed. Since the seal failed, the light has water buildup that caused the entire assembly to short out and stop working. There are not cracked in the headlight at all. My car only has 46,407 miles on it. My car has been to the service department at Town N Country Ford in [XXX]. Since we purchased the extended warranty, Town N Country submitted my claim to the warranty department, but they are refusing to pay because, they say it's a moisture problem. The moisture in the headlight is only there because the seal failed. Ford knows this is a problem, but yet they refuse to pay of the headlight replacement or make a recall for this problem. This is a major flaw and needs to be corrected by Ford, the consumer should not have to bear the brunt of this burden when it is clearly a defect with the headlight assembly itself. Please make Ford take responsibility for this issue immediately. Town N Country Ford said the cost to replace this headlight assembly will be $1,962.34 whenever they can receive the part. If these parts are on back order, clearly Ford has an issue and should be held accountable to replace these headlights free of charge by making a RECALL. I've requested the warranty denial report from Town N Country Ford, but I have not received anything as of this being filing XXX. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Latches/Locks/Linkages
Filed Aug 31, 202658,986 milesNY

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the message that the door was unlocked was displayed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, and the contact was informed of an unrepaired recall associated with the VIN. The contact was informed that an unknown device was installed, and the vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that the front driver's and passenger's side doors failed to unlock. The contact stated that the family crawled into the vehicle through the trunk. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer. The contact was informed that the driver’s and passenger’s side front doors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to an auto body shop as per the dealer. The driver’s and passenger's side front doors were replaced but the failure reoccurred. In addition, the transmission shift to park warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer. The contact was informed that the auto body shop had clipped the wiring harness from an unknown sensor. The contact was informed that the wiring harness needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed with battery failure. The battery was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The failure reoccurred. The contact stated that the front driver's and passenger's side doors failed to unlatch occasionally. The doors unlatched and the transm

Visibility
Filed Aug 28, 202685,000 milesMI

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact received notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V117000 (Visibility); however, the part to perform the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was notified of the issue and confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the windshield wipers failed to operate as intended. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure; however, no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Aug 26, 2026MI

Wipers will swipe a couple times then stop half way and not descend all the way. Then begin to “flutter” have to shut off for them to descend and turn on again, over and over.

Service Brakes
Filed Aug 25, 2026DE

I had complete brake failure while driving my vehicle yesterday I had new brakes installed on XXX by Mr tire auto service centersStore Number: #XXX ([XXX]) ​Invoice Number: XXX ​Guest ID: XXX ​Vehicle details: 2020 Ford Escape Titanium. They have deemed that PARTS were defective ( calipers and pads) . This situation ended up okay however if I was on open road I could have killed myself or others. The manufacturer of these parts needs to be flagged. We have requested a detailed list of the parts that were used to do this job and have also reached out to Monro who is their corporate affiliate. We have not heard back from them yet. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Engine
Filed Aug 24, 2026OH

UNKNOWN, just here to make a complaint. Fuel Injectors have not failed yet but Ford Motor Company has not yet found a remedy even after 12+ months since recall was initiated. Recall was sent out August 18th, 2025 and no remedy has become available. Currently still waiting

Power Train
Filed Aug 21, 2026130,000 milesTN

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon shifting into drive(D), the vehicle jerked significantly. The contact continued to drive the vehicle despite the failure, which intensified while coming to a stop. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

Engine
Filed Aug 20, 2026AL

2020 ford fusion taken to Bessemer Ford dealership July 20 2026 with issues to vehicle sputtering. The vehicle was returned as no problem found On August 15, 2026vehicle ran hot and shut down 140 miles away from home. The vehicle was then towed to Huntsville Ford. I was sent a video by the dealership of the coolant being milky brown but have had no contact with them at this time. When I call or text I receive a message stating they will get back with me when they can.

Power Train
Filed Aug 18, 2026MO

I have a 2020 Ford escape all-wheel-drive, it only has 42,000 miles on it, and I had to have the differential replaced.

Engine
Filed Aug 13, 2026WA

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while stopped at a red light, upon depressing the accelerator the vehicle would not move and an abnormal beeping sound was emitted, no warning lights were illuminated however a warning message was displayed on the instrument panel "Place vehicle in park to restart engine". The local dealer was contacted however the vehicle was not diagnosed due to cost. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 101,000.

Engine
Filed Aug 13, 2026101,000 milesWA

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while stopped at a red light, upon depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to move, with an abnormal beeping sound coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated; however, the message "Place Vehicle in Park to Restart Engine" was displayed. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed due to the cost. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 101,000.

Unknown or Other
Filed Aug 11, 2026CA

Transmission developed severe Shuddering in and out of Lockup. Was told Ford was aware of problem. Check engine light came on intermittently. Took car to dealership. Was diagnosed with Shuddering in and out of lockup. Estimated repair bill totaled $11,321.25.

Electrical System
Filed Aug 10, 2026TX

On 8th of June 2026, exiting I35W onto Convery Dr. I notice my dash gauges failed in proving any information. I immediately pulled over turned off the vehicle and turn it on. Gauges did not work, but vehicle did start and was running normal. I utilize the Waze app to monitor my speed and arrived home safely while putting no one at risk. I had to take a different vehicle to Hopps automotive for repairs, upon return my vehicle gauges were working as normal. Two days after the incident started the vehicle and the gauges were not working, but vehicle did make it to the auto shop for repairs and was told the gauge clusters were out. Took roughly a few weeks for the repair because the clusters still wouldn't work after repair. had a safety recall went to ford for the software updates. After the updates everything seem to be running just fine. Ford Cleburne did a curtsey inspection, Transmission passed, but now my transmission is having issues. I have a zip file full of reports on my vehicle maintenance, but unable to upload all the information.

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Aug 7, 2026TX

The panoramic sunshade does not work & also droops down.

20 of 1,595 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2013
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20263200Routine
202523900Routine
202476801Fatalities reported
2023951130Routine
20222311940Above average
20213431990Above average
2020 — this page1,5952340Above average
2019586330Above average
20181,791450Above average
20172,6784150Above average
20161,1154100Above average
20151,0939190Above average
20142,083161034Fatalities reported
20132,74918900Do not drive
2012598230Above average
20111,316370Above average
20102,069530Above average
20091,692320Above average
20081,974560High concern
2007254422Fatalities reported
2006464592Fatalities reported
20051,3945202Fatalities reported
20044998141Fatalities reported
20035589270High concern
20021,027101042Fatalities reported
200199615583Fatalities reported
20005000Routine

Compare every Escape year →

Reading this record

Complaint volume is well above typical for a single model year.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Mar 3, 2026. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.