2022 Ford Escape

Above average

Owners filed 231 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the fuel system, gasoline. It has been recalled 19 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k

63 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 010,000 miles; the median is 35,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Fuel System, Gasoline58
000
Service Brakes28
202
Power Train23
000
Engine20
020
Unknown or Other16
000
Structure › Body14
001
Electrical System13
000
Fuel/Propulsion System12
010
Vehicle Speed Control4
301
Steering4
000

19 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.

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.

Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Control Module (tcm/Pcm/Tecm)25V133000
Filed Feb 28, 2025207 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Maverick, 2022 Escape, and 2021-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 24V-330. The Hybrid Powertrain Control Module (HPCM) software may cause the vehicle to shift into neutral unexpectedly, causing a loss of drive power.

Risk. A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Dealers will update the HPCM software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 11, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S16.

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 19 campaigns, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Sep 15, 2026OK

Car has act6ive recall from July 16th 2025 with no remedy related to the fuel injection system, car is currently experiencing fuel related mechanical failures , ford does not have a fix for these issues that can cause the car to catch fire while driving

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Sep 9, 2026NY

The contact owns a 2022 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 dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure.

Power Train
Filed Sep 7, 2026PA

There are no warning lamps on at this time but the transmission is not shifting at the right points. It seems to search a lot for the right gear. Also half the time you hit the gas there is severe transmission lag. It makes it dangerous to pull into traffic. I first had the transmission replaced at roughly 36000 miles. It now has 47000 miles on it and I believe it is already defective.

Steering
Filed Aug 26, 2026MI

Excessive bilateral play/backlash in the steering rack unit was identified by a 3rd party repair organization. Ball-joint wear was ruled out and the problem suspected to be caused by internal wear of mechanical restraints. Third party mechanic advised that the car was unsafe to drive due to possible uncontrolled loss of steering function and that corrective action by the manufacturer was required. Vehicle was subsequently towed to Big Valley Ford where the dealership confirmed the initial diagnosis: "Upon inspection found play - severe internal play in rack". Normal vehicle use was not considered a causal factor of the defect on the vehicle with only 73,394miles. No warning messages were displayed to indicate the problem but front-end noise was noted while operating the vehicle.

Service BrakesCrash2 injured
Filed Aug 15, 2026LA

While traveling on the interstate, the driver of the Ford Escape moved into the left lane from behind an 18-wheeler that had stopped while attempting to enter a turning lane. After moving into the left lane, the driver observed traffic ahead stopping. The vehicle ahead was at or beyond the front of the 18-wheeler. The Escape was still behind the rear of the 18-wheeler when the driver began braking. The driver pressed the brake pedal, but the vehicle did not stop as expected. It may have slowed slightly at first. The driver released the brake pedal and pressed it again. On the second application, the vehicle did not appear to slow further, and the brake pedal felt as though it went straight to the floor. The driver continued holding the brake pedal down until the Escape collided with the vehicle ahead, which was at or beyond the front of the 18-wheeler's cab. The driver had applied the brakes twice before the vehicle's forward-collision/impact warning activated. There were no known brake warning lights or brake-related messages before the incident. The suspected system involved is the braking system; the exact cause is UNKNOWN. The collision resulted in the vehicle being declared a total loss by the insurance company. The vehicle is currently being held at the insurance company's investigation yard and has not yet been released to the salvage department, so it remains available for inspection at this time. During approximately three years of ownership, the vehicle had previous

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jul 27, 2026WI

Ford refuses to fix this recall for over a year I am stuck with a car I cannot sell because dealer will not honor recall.

Engine
Filed Jul 26, 2026IL

This recall has been in effect for over a year now with no remedy available. I have issues with my engine starting, engine staying running, acceleration during turning, etc. due to this recall. It is extremely unsafe and no remedy being available after a year is very disappointing and puts me in harm everyday.

Engine
Filed Jul 25, 2026TX

When accelerating Rpm needle jumps rapidly up and down. I’m noticing that I am not able to pick up speed in the car continues to jerk.

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Jul 17, 2026OH

The contact owns a 2022 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 not made aware of the issue; however, several letters confirmed that parts were not yet available. 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.

Engine
Filed Jul 13, 2026MI

The engine warning light came on and Autozone indicated that it involved the evap cannister purge valve. As I was trying to figure out which part to order over a couple of days, the car stopped in the middle of an intersection while my wife was driving. It would not restart. We had the car towed and spent several hundred dollars on a repair. I don't understand how a faulty purge valve should cause the engine to suddenly stop and not restart. I recall reading that there was a recall involving faulty purge valve on older Ford models. This was definitely a safety issue as the car stopped in the middle of a busy 5 lane highway.

Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking
Filed Jul 9, 2026109,000 milesKS

The contact owns a 2022 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at 75 MPH on the interstate, the automatic emergency braking system erroneously engaged intermittently. A dealer was contacted. The "Pre-Collision Assist Is Not Available," "Hill Start Assist Is Not Available," and "Reduced Power Brake Applied" warning messages were displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic shop for diagnostic testing, and the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to take the vehicle to a dealer for diagnostic testing. The failure mileage was approximately 109,000.

Structure › Body
Filed Jul 9, 2026IL

Ford has issued a safety recall (Campaign 25DD6/2025-665) for the 2022 model year Escape. Part of the roof's hinge cover comes off and poses a hazard. The problem is my Ford 2022 Escape is not included even though it suffers from this identical hazard. How can I get my vehicle (VIN: [XXX]) included in the recall? Thanks INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Steering
Filed Jul 7, 2026MT

The steering rack and gear went completely while we were driving 60mph on the highway. We had absolutely no steering all of a sudden and ended up missing a cliff and veering/driving 40 feet into a pasture at 60mph. No warning lights came on, the steering wheel pulled for a minute and then went completely loose with no steering. We had the vehicle towed. Steering rack and gear are completely out and the car is sitting a Ford dealership, they are the ones that did the diagnostics on it and told us what had happened. The dealership says they have never repaired or ordered this part before. This is a dangerous situation that should not have happened and obviously is a manufacturing/vehicle issue

Power Train
Filed Jun 30, 2026MO

The entire transmission had to be replaced. The water pump also. Currently it continues to have issues with the check engine light coming on, the code it says is the fuel sensors.

Power Train
Filed Jun 30, 2026TX

Transmission shudders and hesitates during low-speed operation, typically around 10-15 mph. Condition occurs repeatedly during normal driving and feels like slipping or delayed engagement. Transmission fluid was replaced, but the problem persists. No warning lights or messages have appeared. The issue may reduce driver confidence and affect acceleration when entering traffic or crossing intersections. Problem is reproducible and appears to be worsening over time. Vehicle available for inspection.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jun 16, 2026WA

I press on the gas pedal and the car won't move. I will be at a stop sign and I'll remove my foot from the break, step on the gas and the car stalls it won't really go. I almost have to floor it to get it to move. Has happened multiple times.

Suspension
Filed Jun 15, 202627,125 milesDE

The contact owns a 2022 Ford Escape. The vehicle was taken to Midas for a service appointment, and the contact was informed that the rear shocks were leaking. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact was informed that the rear shocks needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was confirmed that the rear shocks were leaking. The contact was informed that the rear shocks needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 27,125.

Engine
Filed Jun 13, 2026MA

Shortly after purchasing my 2022 Ford Escape, I began experiencing hesitation during acceleration, loss of power, RPM fluctuations, loud howling and whining noises, grinding noises, exhaust-related rattling, coolant bubbling, and a strong sulfur/rotten egg odor. The problems were reported repeatedly to the selling dealer and Ford service departments. Despite multiple complaints, I was repeatedly told nothing was wrong with the vehicle. The vehicle continued to deteriorate and now struggles to accelerate and produces extremely loud noises during operation. The condition creates a safety concern because the vehicle does not respond normally when accelerating and may not be able to maintain speed safely in traffic. I also discovered an open safety recall involving a potentially cracked fuel injector that could allow fuel or fuel vapor to accumulate on the engine and create a fire risk. The recall remains incomplete because a remedy is not currently available. The vehicle has been inspected by dealership service departments and an independent transmission specialist. The problems have been ongoing since shortly after purchase and continue to worsen.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jun 11, 2026FL

Vehicle has trouble turning back on after filling with gas. The engine clicks and sometimes will not start back up without a jump. The battery has been replaced. The check engine light is on.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jun 11, 2026CA

As I was driving, I heard a sliding sound and something bumping every time I braked. It was hard to tell where it was coming from, but It sounded like it was above the sunroof shade. When I stopped, I pushed the open button to open the shade and a large metal piece that goes between the sunroof glass pieces came crashing down. At the same time, the shade unhooked and snapped back into the headliner, making a hole in the liner and an incredibly loud noise. If my pets or a passenger were in the back seat, they definitely would have been hit by the metal piece and possibly the shade. The noise itself could have caused a crash had I been driving. There was no warning about this, and when I called the dealer, they said they hadn't heard of it. However, online, there are significant reports of this metal piece coming off in the Ford Escape, especially in the heat. It is only held on by double sided tape.

20 of 231 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2013
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20263200Routine
202523900Routine
202476801Fatalities reported
2023951130Routine
2022 — this page2311940Above average
20213431990Above average
20201,5952340Above 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.