I opened the driver side door and it the arm suddenly started making noises and it’s hard to open and close.
2020 Ford Escape complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA about this vehicle, newest first and reproduced as filed. They are unverified accounts: one proves nothing, and a pattern across many is the thing worth reading. Back to the full 2020 record →
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle parked, the contact was unable to start the vehicle. The vehicle was restarted after an hour. On another occasion, while turning left, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was turned off and restarted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the battery needed to be replaced and codes for the PCM, and headlamp were retrieved. The vehicle was repaired. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the A/C compressor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 31,000.
My car spontaneously started throwing out Service AdvanceTrac, PowerTrain Malfunction, AWD Fault, Pre-Collision Assist Not Available, and Hill Start Assist warnings. Those all cleared themselves, but the AWD Fault remained. I took it to my local Ford dealer, who replaced the AWD module the same day. The very next day my check engine light came on with the code for the Catalytic Converter and the PowerTrain Catalyst System fell below the efficiency threshold. My car barely has 40,000 miles on it and it is well-maintained. Upon reading some of the other complaints about this year, I see that I am not alone and have read several other complaints explaining the exact same thing that happened with my car. It appears as though there were other 2020 escapes within a certain manufacturing date range that DID qualify for a recall related to these issues, however mine did not for some reason.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while having routine maintenance at the local dealer, the vehicle was inspected, and it was determined that the driver's side front door weld was cracked. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 40,000.
The driver's door makes cracky noise and it hard to open and close. Before this it was the window had problems closing.
Had new Ford factory transmission installed due to only getting 72000 miles on original trans. New transmission, after being installed, has been deemed defective from the factory so dealer will have to order and install a replacement. Ford 8 speed transmission.
Took car to dealership for separate covered customer satisfaction program involving door weld. door weld was resolved however the dealer stated that some check engine lights came on. after having my car for three weeks they diagnosed it as needing to replace the AWD Module and 2 related updates. It is publicly known by Ford that this issue has occurred in other 2020 Ford Escapes. This was addressed for some 2020 Ford Escapes in their customer service program 21B19. However my VIN did not qualify as it did not meet the manufacture dates. Nevertheless, the problem, vehicle year, and manufacture year are identical and this is not an issue that occurs with normal wear and tear within 30000 miles. The known issues with the 2020 Ford Escape AWD Module should be expanded to cover this.
My car spontaneously began displaying error messages saying that pre-collision assistance, hill start asssitance, vehicle stabilization, and AWD were in error and wouldn’t work. I took it to a Ford dealership and they diagnosed the AWD system as faulty and it will need to be replaced. If continued to be driven without replacing it, the AWD fault would cause the car to not be able to move forward. They were surprised a car this new would need this. Upon further research, I am among hundreds, if not more, of 2020 Escape owners with this problem. This is a widespread safety issue.
AWD module has failed and per FORD is not covered in replacement cost. Multiple error messages about forward collision, AWB and adaptive cruise control. This module was covered un a previous customer satisfaction program (Customer Satisfaction Program 21B19) and in multiple issues noted in on line forums should be taken up for a recall. Vehicle appears to run more poorly and thus could put myself and passengers at risk for accident. The error shows up every time the vehicle starts up. I see there are over 40 complaints listed here and I am sure there are more.
Different warning lights were coming on in my suv while I was on vacation a couple weeks ago. The lights consist of AWD, Pre-collision assist, traction control and hill assist. The door and window is also broken but that will be fixed for free because of a recall. I’m extremely frustrated because I just got this car in February. Now all this is breaking down at the same time. We did not get the warranty on it because we had to buy a car last minute and couldn’t afford the extra fee. I drive all over because I own a cleaning business. My frustration is that there was a recall on certain vehicles with the same exact issues that my suv is having. So I feel like this is a manufacturing problem. I don’t want to spend a $1000,00 or more if this is in fact a manufacturing issue. Especially if my car was made around Covid time. I’m getting a diagnostic test done on it now. It’s at the ford dealership where I bought it. So I’m waiting on that. I’m hoping to find out tomorrow how much it is going to cost. I would really appreciate an investigation into this. For all this to go out all at the same time is frustrating and makes no sense. I just can’t afford it and I need my car for work. Ford gave me a case #[XXX]. I hope this is right. The first couple of numbers could possibly be wrong. If they are, I can call ford again. Thank you, [XXX] P.S. I can send you a picture of the diagnostic paper work when I receive it tomorrow. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION AC
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, there was excessive smoke coming from the exhaust, after which the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who observed a hole in the cylinder #1 piston, resulting in damages to the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, who confirmed the diagnostic result. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 97,000.
Transmission problems : High RPMs as vehicle fails to shift up Lurching/“bucking” forward at intervals Hesitation
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the sunroof molding detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 55,300.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the AWD and check engine warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the AWD control module. The vehicle was repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 21B19. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 43,000.
My car has only 50,000 miles on it. I took it to the dealership for an oil change, and they reported that the rear suspension shocks are leaking. I was only two months out of warranty at this moment.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The contact stated that the brake pedal felt spongy. The contact stated that the brake pedal had to be pushed unusually hard to activate the brakes. In addition, the contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was informed of Customer Service Program: 21B19; however, the contact was informed that the VIN was not associated with the Customer Satisfaction Program. The contact was advised to report the failure to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 34,000.
All Wheel Drive module is malfunctioning. AWD needs serviced light came on. Upon further research it appears that AWF modules that were manufactured at the facility where mine was manufactured, were recalled for dates within 2 days of mine being manufactured. Based on internet searches, it seems this has been a frequent issue and Ford will not replace/recall this module within the other recall. My vehicle only has 13,000 miles on it and is 4 years old. This should not be a problem and is going to be a great expense to get fixed. Ford should recall this part as it is a knows consistent issue with the AWD module that was manufactured out of the same facility.
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? AWD module failure How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? While driving the vehicle shifted out of AWD and began losing power as several errors began flashing in dash! They were AWD fault service required Service advance trac Pre collision assist not available AWD off Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes @ Loveland ford Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Yes @ Loveland ford Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Yes wrench and swervy car light came on first happened around June 13 2024 Shown that this year make and model has had this issue and a customer satisfaction program was in place but has since expired and told that since mine did not experience the problem during that time I do not qualify for the replacement
I just bought this car less than 6 months ago, and the other day I had an “AWD Fault Service Required” light come on. Come to find out it’s a bad AWD computer module. I get to searching online and see hundreds of people with the same problem. I am not sure what I’m going to do, but if this is as common of an occurrence as forums lead me to believe it is, someone should look into this as a recall. There is already a recall for this exact problem for this same model of cars built within a specific factory and timeframe. It’s happening to enough people that this umbrella should probably be extended
A clunking noise in the rear at turns to the right starting up from a stop. Local automotive shop diagnosed contaminated rear differential fluid. Changed fluid and told me to contact dealership. Differential should not have the issue at only 30,000 miles. Dealership confirmed issue and recommended TSB 24-2185 be performed at this time. However RDU vent nose part unavailable at this time and had to pay for a special order shipment when it was produced by third party vendor. Did not change fluid and Escape is clunking at right and left turns now and feels unsafe to drive as I herk and jerk down the road.
The vehicle is flashing warning lights for Powertrain Failure, AWD System Failure, Collision-Assist Failure, AdvanceTrac Failure, Hill-Assist Failure. Apparently, these are all linked to a faulty AWD module. Ford is claiming that it is not covered by their Powertrain warranty even though it is a major component of that system. This issue is becoming more and more prevalent with Ford customers. This item should be a recall. Please assist us in making that happen.
2020 Escape has a turn style shifter that becomes stuck in park and will not shift into gear on hot summer days making the car inoperable leaving unsuspecting drivers stranded. The issue happens almost weekly to daily to my vehicle. The dealership has found no cause for this issue as when the shifter is acting up and is inoperable, the dealership has no opening to serivce vehicle.
1.) My backup camera has failed, and it is static and then continues today will not display and shows black. I can no longer use it or see out of it for backup purposes. 2.) I use my back up camera everyday as I live in a busy city and use it when parking and to assist me when there is a lot happening with parking on the side of the road and entering and exiting parking spots. 3.) Yes, I had it checked by a ford dealer, and they stated other vehicles were having this issue and it was odd mine had not been recalled. 4.) No my vehicle has not been inspected by anyone other than the warranty holder I have as well as the ford dealership. 5.) No everything was working fine and then the next time I turned my vehicle on the backup camera was no longer of use.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, she became aware of a malfunction with the Forward Collision Avoidance system. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that the Forward Collision Avoidance module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 52,000.
I started getting warning lights that stated I was having issues with my AWS and hill assist systems. Ford is telling me that I need a new AWD module installed for $770. The car only has 51,000 miles on it and there are numerous reports on the internet with people having the same issue.
Premature failure of valve cover gasket and transmission. Valve cover gasket allowing oil to seep in to spark plug “tubes” causing misfires. Transmission showing excessive wear for only 72000 miles.
Last year in the summer of 2023 I first experienced my 2020 Ford Escape not being able to shift from park to reverse, neutral, or drive. It was a very hot day and my car had sat idle for 8 hours in the sun while I was working. I got into my vehicle and started the car. I tried to turn the dial type shifter to drive and it was locked. I immediately looked online on my phone to see if this was something like turning the wheel one way and then the other and it would unlock. I found some people said to press on the brake and release because maybe it had not completely disengaged when the vehicle was turned off, but that did not work. I then found something else that said to to engage the parking brake and then disengage, that did not work either. Now while stuck in the parking lot alone since all have left and I could not move, a client of the agency I work at, starts banging on my window and screaming at me. Luckily security was still inside and came out to assist me, but it could have gotten ugly because my car that is now only 4 years old, but was 3 years old then, won't function properly. I called the Ford Dealership I deal with, and they tell me that they have never heard of this problem. All the while I am sitting in the car now with the AC on, because it is so hot, and now my car shifts into gear when I try after 10-20 minutes. I found a forum where many people have had this issue and yet, Ford still tells me they have no idea what this is. Now this summer 2024 I have had
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the message "Service All-Wheel Drive" remained displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the All-Wheel Drive Module was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was later driven to the local dealer who replaced the All-Wheel Drive Module and vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 74,700.
Took in the vehicle to be inspected and Ford said the AWD module isn't working. It states my AWD is off and not functioning.
I am getting the following error messages: awd fault service required/ service AdvanceTrac /pre collision assist not available / hill assist not available/ AWD off / powertrain malfunction/ reduced power.
Driver's side front door is making loud noises when opening and closing. Noise appears to be coming from the middle hinge.
The transmission of the car makes a loud rattling noise only on cold starts, almost sounds like metal is rubbing together. Car has 63K miles, and drives fine but will make rattling noise at cold start, typically around 1.3K RPM. Once the car has ran for a bit in idle, the RPM drops to around 1K and the noise subsides. There are no warning lamps and the vehicles has not been inspected. I am unaware how my safety could be at risk, the problem seems to only be during the cold start for now. This problem has been reported by the NHTSA in SSM 49411, but I wanted to notify that I have had a similar issue with the same vehicle.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the gear shift knob was seized on several occasions. After waiting for hours, the gear shifter was able to operate as needed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer, and the contact was informed that a diagnostic test needed to be performed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
The shift selector locks in park when it gets hot. Several times the car has been disabled due to the shifter being locked in park. The car is in the driveway not allowing for our other car to reach the street. If we had an emergency we were without a car. In addition, no vechicle could get to our house. When the shifter is cooled down it will operate. Meaning that left over night or using some cooling device - like a plastic bag filled with ice water - applied directly can free the shifter up in an hour or so. This issue is mentioned frequently on the internet by other Ford Escape owners. In some cases they claim that Ford actually acknowledged the issue and had a dealer replace the shifter assembly at no cost to the owner. We do not feel safe with no access to transportation due to a disabled vehicle blocking our driveway.
Two notifications come up on the screen after vehicle is started. Front camera fault service required. Pre-collision assist not available. This started right after pre collision assist went off on 05/13/2024. There has been no inspection on the vehicle
The door has separated and will not close properly. I’m concerned the door could potentially open while in operation. My wife should not have to climb through the passenger side of the car to drive somewhere because the driver door has come apart.
The car was bought at matt blatt kia in July 2023 certified pre-owned with 164 safety inspection check. 2 weeks ago the check engine light came on and it was code p0420. Kia told me to call ford and they told me I have to pay for the diagnostics and the repair. The car was smoking under the hood and didn't drive safely. It's at a shop and was told the catalytic converter needs to be replaced and it's 2300. He said ford's responsible for it because there's issues and I just found out there's an active recall from BEFORE I bought the car that was never fixed which caused the issue now. Ford refuses to fix the car and I've had to pay for a car rental the past w weeks and my car payment. The cars sitting at the mechanic. Soon as the engine light came on, I tried to take it where I bought it they said I had to pay for it and ford said it's not covered and neither dealer had loaner cars for me
Driver door will not close properly making popping sounds when closing driver window also does not roll down
If the car is parked in the sun on a hot day, there are times when the car turns on but you cannot shift out of park. The knob will not turn. You are stuck until the car is able to shift. The engine and electrical will run but it is impossible to shift the car into gear. This has happened at least four times and is happening now because it is hot. Shutting the car off and restarting does not solve the problem. There appear to be other Ford Escape owners with this issue when I search online. It is not possible to replicate the issue at a mechanic because it only happens when the car is in the heat.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 20–40 MPH, the vehicle was vibrating abnormally. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the vehicle was working as designed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who completed a test drive and informed the contact that the vehicle was in ECO Mode and recommended driving the vehicle in SPORT Mode. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 18,000.
Driver door pops loudly opening and closing and one of the weld spots on the door closing plate is broken off inside the door. Also, the cover over the closing arm is broken and won’t stay in place. I have read others reporting door not properly closing because of these welds breaking down. The contact stated all of the welds have broken loose and the vehicle door won’t close properly.
The front passenger side door hinge welds have failed, and the middle door hinge is loose, making the door very difficult to open or close, causing a safety problem if I had to exit the car in case of an emergency. This is due defective welds on the car door/hinge attach point. My safety is at risk due the defective welds. This just appeared with no warning one day ago. The car is available for inspection, and the problem is very obvious. The repair should be covered completely by Ford Motor Company. I have a service appointment with Heritage Ford of Modesto Ca, on [XXX], to assess the problem. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the driver’s side front door failed to close properly. Additionally, when the contact opened the door, there was an abnormally loud screeching sound coming from the door and the driver’s side front window would not function properly. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000. The VIN was not included.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that after stopping to refuel the vehicle, the front driver’s side door would not fully close shut. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that the hinges needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and was left at the local dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 64,000.
The vehicle's door hinges seem to have faulty welds on the front drivers side door specifically where the check arm connects with the rest of the door assembly. It feels like the door is going to fall off while driving. I am just over the warranty mileage for repair according to kindle ford dealership.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the front driver's side door made clicking sounds while opening. Additionally, the front driver's side window failed to roll down, and the front driver's side door failed to latch until it was firmly pushed closed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the front driver's side door latch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 25,000.
Pop welds at front passenger door failing where check arm is attached. Dealer offered to sell us a $3000 door.
Driver side door hinge failure, dealer said driver side door needs to be replaced and passenger side needs pins. Hard to accept this isn’t a recall based on all the occurrences I’ve read on various ford blogs. Would have expected it would be. Disappointed in NHTSA, not looking after the consumer. I’ve been a life long Ford customer, but not anymore. Disappointed beyond belief
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon attempting to close the moon roof, the moon roof failed to close as intended. Eventually, the moonroof was able to close; however, the closing resulted in damage to the overheard liner. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 21,000.
Front driver side door check arm weld failed. Door is hard to close and window will no longer lower.
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NHTSA publishes every complaint as the owner wrote it and investigates only a fraction. Spelling, capitalisation and judgement are the filer’s own. What carries weight is repetition: the same component failing the same way across many filings, and whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.
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