Page 4 of 33 · complaints 151–200 of 1,619

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 →

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Apr 14, 202653,000 milesMI

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the brake pedal was firm while depressed, and the vehicle lost brake assist functionality. The contact stated that there was an unknown brake warning light displayed on the instrument panel. The failure worsened, and the vehicle was no longer safe to operate. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to a dealer, where a diagnostic test was performed. The contact was informed that the electric brake booster needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 53,000.

Unknown or Other
Filed Apr 14, 2026NY

When the inside of the car gets too hot, you cannot shift the car dial out of park. The engine runs but the car will not go into gear. It happens whenever the car gets too hot. There should be a recall to fix the issue. It is not safe to be stuck sitting in your car unable to move.

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Apr 14, 2026MO

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 26V123000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The dealer was contacted several times. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer confirmed that parts were not yet available for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure.

Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly
Filed Apr 13, 202662,000 milesMO

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the sunroof shade was loose, bouncing, and sagging while opening the sunroof. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was determined that the part needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000.

Power Train
Filed Apr 9, 2026VA

Multiple warning lights 4WD, Advance track, power train, hill start coming up on in my 2020 Ford Escape Titanium. Some go off for a few days and then come back on, some go on and off while driving. Also purge valve evap codes come up

Back Over Prevention
Filed Apr 9, 2026NY

The contact owned a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 26V123000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION), 26V117000 (VISIBILITY) and ( 25V829000 (STRUCTURE); and requested to be removed from the recall distribution list. The local dealer and manufacturer were not contacted.

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Apr 8, 2026IN

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline), 25V829000 (Structure), 26V123000 (Back Over Prevention) and 26V117000 (Visibility); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer and the dealer were not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

Power Train
Filed Apr 8, 202681,000 milesMD

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The contact stated that after shifting to reverse(R), the vehicle failed to operate as needed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the transmission was inoperable and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 81,000.

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Apr 6, 2026FL

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 not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

Seat Belts
Filed Apr 3, 2026NY

The drivers seat belt buckle lactch has broke. The part of the buckle that latched the seatbelt has broken and fallen down into the buckle therefore the drivers seat belt can not be worn. This is a huge safety issue and is also illegal. The seat beat and buckle should be something in a vehicle that doesn’t just break like this. Makes me very concerned that they will not hold up in an accident.

Power Train
Filed Apr 3, 2026NY

There has been a safety recall for this vehicle for the same issue for far too long. Fords temporary remedy has made my vehicle be even more unsafe to drive causing faults with AWD, Traction control, hill assist, power steering, alternator producing to high voltage, etc. the vehicle was not legal to drive from ‘at to February do to this issues. Fords temporary remedy issued a new recall 25S76 replacing recall 22S73. Supposedly this was going to fix problems with first recall update but the vehicle still experiencing the same faults. And is not legal or safe to drive in NY. When will Ford have to make right in these issues?

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Mar 27, 202675,000 milesHI

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 not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, or while driving at undisclosed speeds, there was smoke entering the cabin of the vehicle through the air vents and underneath the hood. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the fuel injector needed to be replaced, but parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

Suspension
Filed Mar 23, 2026IL

Purchased my 2020 Ford Escape brand new. Since owning it I have repaired/replaced the shocks and struts 3 times. They continue to leak. The car has not been used to carry heavy items or tow etc. Car is kept in a garage year round.

Power Train
Filed Mar 21, 2026PA

Powertrain malfunction/ reduced power hill start assist warning Pre- collision assist not available

Structure › Body
Filed Mar 21, 2026IL

Door is making a popping noise when opening and closing the door. Does not close smoothly. Appears to be a known issue with spot welds that go bad.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Mar 20, 2026NC

I have a recall for my vehicle that was sent out as an advanced notice back in July 2025. There is still no remedy available. This recall states my car could ignite in an engine fire if not repaired. This could cause serious danger or bodily harm to me and others while I'm driving.

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Mar 20, 2026MO

The fabric covering for the sunroof detached and is now sagging down so that you can not see out the rearview mirror.

Unknown or Other
Filed Mar 20, 2026IL

Awd module fault seeing a lot of other owners having same issue of awd module breaking and causing awd to not function

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Mar 19, 2026IL

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 26V123000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

Back Over Prevention
Filed Mar 18, 2026OH

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V829000 (Structure) and 26V123000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Mar 17, 2026140,000 milesMI

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the engine was running rough, and the vehicle unexpectedly decelerated to 25 MPH. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle with coolant intrusion into the engine, causing the cylinder head to crack. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

Engine
Filed Mar 17, 2026PA

I am reporting an Ineffective Remedy for Recall 22S21. The vehicle was 'inspected' in 2022, but the original defective part (Date Code 2020) remains and is now leaking oil onto hot engine components, creating the fire risk the recall was intended to prevent. The dealership (Ford [Dealer Name]) is refusing to honor the recall and is demanding $500 to address a safety defect. This is a violation of 49 U.S.C. § 30120. The vehicle is exhibiting the exact failure symptoms described in Safety Recall 22S21 (NHTSA 22V-191): active oil leakage in the engine compartment. While the dealership refuses to perform a 'no-charge' forensic teardown, I have documented a 2020-dated oil separator still on the vehicle despite a 2022 'Completion' notice in the Ford OASIS system. The presence of oil in the turbocharger is a documented consequential result of high crankcase pressure caused by this failed component.

Power Train1 injured
Filed Mar 14, 2026IN

Thumb was deeply cut using gear shift selector knob due to peeling chrome on the knob.

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Mar 13, 2026MN

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact received a recall notification, NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part for the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that after eight months, parts were still unavailable for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not contacted. The contact had not experienced a failure.

Unknown or Other
Filed Mar 12, 2026CA

Sunroof Shade hangs down and blocks vision. The retractable shade does not roll up onto rod in the roof. Shade slides back and hangs down blocking all vision for driver to look in review mirror. Dealer will not cover any expense for repair under any warranty or extended warranty. I have taken it for service quotes to two different Ford Dealerships. No prior warnings. The retractable shade just did this after pushing the button one time.

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Mar 11, 2026MI

Liftgate hinge cover loose on car but not under the recall. Caused back glass to shatter while driving

Engine
Filed Mar 11, 2026KS

The car has been jerking and shuddering and losing power when I accelerate. Was told it needs a new transmission.

Engine
Filed Mar 11, 2026NY

My vehicle has been in the shop since December due to the turbocharger needing to be replaced. Through this site I found the fuel injector recall which I had to fight ford to evaluate. My vehicle had 2 cracked fuel injectors. I have been fighting with ford that everything I read states that this can damage the turbocharger. I am not sure if this is theright organization to look for help but I need to try.

Power Train
Filed Mar 9, 202675,800 milesTN

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and started, there was a loud sound coming from the vehicle while reversing. The contact stated the sound started shortly after the vehicle was purchased. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,800.

Power Train
Filed Mar 8, 2026ND

One day just had a ton of issues. Sometimes when vehicles is started it will not go into drive or reverse. Rpm’s respond to gas pedal like the vehicle is in park or neutral with little resistance. CEL 4WD hill start and maybe another light alert come on when the vehicle starts. When this first began to happen there was a rev condition between 1st and 2nd gear, car hesitated to shift. When auto start stop would engage it would not move forward. Eventually the car may catch gear and begin to move under its own power again. Brought it into a car repair shop and was told I needed a whole new transmission. Said it could have been from the transmission fluid leaking in the car from a previous recall on my car. Car is only at 66,000 miles.

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Mar 6, 2026TX

Wiper started going at a regular pace even when the speed was set to max or slow now the wiper won't go up. Looks like the wiper motor has gone bad and this seems to be the same issue with the recall put in place recall number 26s14.

Unknown or Other
Filed Mar 6, 2026NY

System failures with lights and warnings include: hill start assist, All wheel drive fault, precollision assist, advanctrac. Rear differential and AWD module had to be replaced. Car has 57,000 miles on it and is a 2020. Safety is put at risk with a failing rear differential. There were minor vibrations that could've turned into wheel lock. All of the different drive modes were unavailable, and with heavy snow and ice in the area where I live, it made driving more difficult. The car was diagnosed and 2 dealers and one independent service center and the work was ultimately done at a dealer because the all wheel drive module has to be programmed.

Structure › Body
Filed Mar 5, 2026GA

The door locking mechanism on the front driver and passenger side door fails to operate. When attempting to lock vehicle the front doors will make a sound attempting to lock but does successfully lock the doors. Safety is put at risk because anyone can enter the vehicle without a key at any time. Problem has not been inspected by manufacturer or independent service advisor. Has not been inspected by manufacturer, police, insurance representative, or others. No warning of problem prior to failure. Problem first appeared after Ford dealer performed customer satisfaction program 23B56 for the front door check-arm reinforcement welds that can crack and pull away from door structure.

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Mar 4, 202653,000 milesWV

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact stated that while the vehicle was turned off and being refueled, and the vehicle failed to start as intended. The contact observed a strong gasoline odor inside the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 53,000.

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Mar 4, 2026CA

My recall was dated last march 2025. Its almost 1 year and they havents fixed the car yet. It has a recall on fuel injectors.

Service Brakes
Filed Mar 1, 2026NE

UNKNOWN When I start my car for the 1st time that day & start to back up with my foot on the break, the back end of my vehicle makes a loud groaning sound.

Structure › Body
Filed Feb 28, 2026NC

When I attempted to open the panoramic sunroof shade, it became stuck and was drawn into the roller housing, where it is now fully lodged and cannot be retrieved. Repair estimates are in the thousands of dollars because correcting this issue requires removal of the headliner and extensive labor to access and replace the shade assembly. This failure has been reported by numerous other owners, particularly on the 2020 model year, with many describing the same outcome and similarly high repair costs. There was no indication that any component was compromised, no warning once the part detached, and no safety mechanism to prevent the shade from operating while obstructed.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Feb 28, 2026CA

Faulty Fuel injector

Engine
Filed Feb 26, 2026SC

My car shut down from a new engine block recall or mandate. Has been in the shop for four months with no eta on when it will be done. This is my only way of transportation.

Structure › Body
Filed Feb 26, 2026IN

Both front doors started making a severe cracking noise and are difficult to open and close. The popping noise grows more severe with time. The problem has caused major functions with the entire door alignment to include the driver's side windows to malfunction, refusing to go up or down if the door is opened or closed to often. My car is less than 5 years young with less than 27,110 local miles, one owner, purchased new 2020 and shouldn't be falling apart.

Structure › Body
Filed Feb 26, 2026TX

When opening the driver door, it pops and sometimes won't close or open all the way because of the door check arm bracket.

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Feb 25, 202630,014 milesNC

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 25V829000 (Structure); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. While starting the vehicle, the engine made a choking sound. The failure was more prevalent after fully refueling the vehicle. While driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle was shaking abnormally. While approaching a red light and attempting to stop, the vehicle shut off unintendedly. The vehicle was restarted, and the contact pulled over to the side of the road, where the vehicle started to shake. The contact waited for a while before restarting the vehicle. When the vehicle was restarted, the engine started choking and the vehicle shut off. The vehicle was restarted after a while and driven to the residence. The next day, while starting the vehicle, the engine was choking, and the vehicle was vibrating abnormally. The contact decided not to drive the vehicle to prevent the failures from occurring while driving. The dealer was contacted and informed that parts were not available for the recall repair. The contact was informed that any diagnostic test or repair would be out-of-pocket. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 30,014.

Unknown or Other
Filed Feb 20, 2026TX

Drivers side door is popping/cracking. Upon reasearching I found numerous others complaing of the same problem

Seat Belts
Filed Feb 19, 2026NC

For months, I have had restraints indicator lamp warning, specifically for the driver seatbelt buckle sensor circuit, as well as one notification for a fault with the occupant classification system which includes air bags and safety belt buckle pretensioners. It is going to cost over $600 to fix the driver belt alone. As this is part of the safety features of a car, I do not feel as though the consumer should be responsible for this. It seems as though it should fall on that of the manufacturer

Engine
Filed Feb 18, 2026IN

Turbo failed due to oil lines clogged. Failed again after repair two weeks later on highway almost causing a collision.

Engine
Filed Feb 18, 2026VA

I have had 22 recalls to date on this vehicle and received 1 recall notice. Engine light comes on alot, makes noises and then goes away after a couple days. Windshield washer stopped working on front windshield, now back stopped working. Tire pressure monitor & sensor default stays on (previous recall) Window on driver side stopped working, back passenger door on drivers side don't shut correctly like the weld come loose. Back brakes make a crazy noise when backing up. Back up camera warning comes up. I've only had this vehicle since 09-2023 and purchased from Ford as a Ford Blue Certified and have nothing but issues. Most of these recalls risk is a fire. If I'm involved and live through a fire I will make sure FORD is held accountable. The open recall with risk of fire currently has been open since July 2025 and no repair yet. This is totally unacceptable if they want me to keep paying for it. Thank you

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Feb 18, 202669,000 milesAK

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle unexpectedly stalled with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was restarted. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 69,000.

Unknown or Other
Filed Feb 17, 2026IL

Premature failure of the moonroof shade dropping down or sagging from the track it is seated in, causing driver visibility issues and noise issues.

Electrical System
Filed Feb 16, 2026OH

The transmission shifting got increasingly rough over time, and then suddenly refused to shift into gear/reverse. The Ford shop told us it was the reverse solenoid, but it ended up requiring a full transmission rebuild. Safety of the car refusing to shift gears led to loss of power several times, unable to accelerate in traffic, until total failure occurred. Problem was inspected by Ford dealership, then repaired by independent service center due to cost. Not inspected by insurance, as it did not result in a collision. Warning lamps did not turn on until total failure occurred. Then lights on gear shift dial blinked, refused to allow us to put the car in gear. Dash lights also indicated "check engine" at that time, but no earlier.

Unknown or Other
Filed Feb 11, 2026IL

UNKNOWN December 25th, 2025, my vehicle started to shift poorly, breaking very harshly, giving a clonking sound when putting the vehicle into any gear, and when putting it into reverse, the car rocked roughly and threw a wrench light onto the dash. That wrench light gave a torque converter/transmission code. I took it to a dealership to get it diagnosed and they told me nothing was wrong with it and that it is driving as it should. I took it to a different shop for a second opinion and as soon as my vehicle was in the air, the Mechanic found that ALL of my mounts were bad, I had a transmission leak and might possibly have a bad torque converter. My safety as well as my [XXX] daughters was put at risk from the dealership not doing a thorough diagnostic on my vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Reading these

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.

Full record for the 2020 Ford Escape → · Every Escape year → · How the figures are calculated →