Escape (4th)
NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings
Reliability Overview
The 4th-generation Escape carries the heaviest recall load of any current-production compact SUV in our data. NHTSA has issued 43 campaigns against 2020-2025 build years, with 20 fires, 50 injuries, and zero deaths across 2,477 owner complaints. The recall count alone is striking. The more telling pattern is sequential re-recalls: Ford has issued four campaigns for the same 1.5L fuel injector crack (22V859, 24V187, 25V165, 25V467), three for engine compartment fires on 2.5L hybrid powertrains (22V484, 23V380, 25V345), three for PHEV high-voltage battery defects (24V954, 25V789, 26V091), and two for the Hybrid Powertrain Control Module shifting to neutral mid-drive (24V330, 25V133). Each repeat campaign signals the underlying defect was not fully resolved on the first pass.
Powertrain selection matters more on this generation than on most. The 1.5L 3-cylinder gas option from 2020-2022 carries 1,434 complaints and 478.0 complaints-per-year, more than ten times the Compact SUV segment average of 47.24. Body and trim issues dominate that engine's data at 572 complaints, with the fuel injector chain and oil separator housing crack (22V191) contributing the engine-specific load. The 2.5L hybrid sits at 123.0 cpy with two fire reports, well above segment but the cleanest mainstream choice in this lineup. The 2.0L gas (105.3 cpy) and the 2.0L turbo refresh (8.0 cpy on 24 complaints, small sample) round out the visible cards.
The recall stack covers most major systems. Engine compartment fires hit the 2.5L HEV and PHEV across three sequential campaigns. Fuel injector cracks tracked 2020-2023 1.5L engines through four sequential campaigns and three corrective attempts. Two brake function recalls (21V922 rear brake linings, 25V693 rear brake pads) covered 2020-2022 production. The 1.5L engine block heater overheat (25V343) and cylinder head ball plug failure (25V372) added engine-side risk to 2023-2025 cars. PHEV high-voltage battery cell defects ran three sequential campaigns covering 2020-2025 production. Rearview camera issues drove five separate campaigns. The 2024-2025 model years also gained airbag defects (24V850 passenger panel, 25V862 rear seatbelt retractor) and an electric brake booster ECU overheat (25V787) affecting traction and stability control.
The reliability profile is hostile to first-look buyers. The cleanest pick within this generation is the 2.5L hybrid in a 2023-2025 build year with the fire recall chain (22V484, 23V380, 25V345) confirmed closed and the HPCM software updates (24V330, 25V133) applied. The PHEV's algorithmic rating of recommended 4.0 reflects a small 21-complaint sample; three sequential high-voltage battery campaigns (24V954, 25V789, 26V091) point to an unresolved defect across the same production years. Cross-shoppers should compare against the Toyota RAV4 hybrid for a cleaner battery and recall record, or the Honda CR-V hybrid as a third option.
Engine Reliability Ratings
DURA PFI ATK
2.5L 4-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
Ford Escape Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
GTDI A
2.0L TurboView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
2.5-I4-Hybrid
2.5L 4-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
2.0-I4-Gas
2.0L 4-cyl / 240 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
DRAGON GTDI
1.5L TurboView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
1.5-I3-Gas
1.5L 3-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
Show 2 additional engine variants with limited data
4.9-I6-FlexFuel
4.9L 6-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
5.0-V8-Gas
5.0L 8-cyl / 195 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
Battery & Propulsion Reliability
Hybrid (HEV)
Battery & propulsion complaint analysis for the 2020-2025 Ford Escape
That's near the typical rate for hybrids in this dataset (median 7.0 per year). Within the normal range for the category.
What kind of battery complaint?
Among the 59 battery-related complaints, here's the type mix. These percentages describe what the complaints are about — not how reliable the vehicle is overall.
Propulsion battery defects, capacity loss, BMS faults, replacement claims.
Loss of power, drive unit, inverter, traction motor, DC-DC converter.
Hybrid system warnings, eCVT, motor-generator, hybrid transaxle.
Low-voltage battery deaths, common on EVs and hybrids that use a 12V for accessories.
Battery fires, smoke, thermal runaway. Includes any complaint with fire reported.
Battery & propulsion recalls (9)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Edge, 2020 Lincoln Nautilus and Ford Escape and 2021 Lincoln Corsair and Ford Bronco Sport vehicles. An inadequate amount of lubricant in the rear drive unit may cause seizure of the rear drive axle.
Consequence: If the rear drive unit seizes, there may be a loss of drive and/or a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Escape and 2021 Lincoln Corsair vehicles equipped with 2.5L hybrid powertrains. Insufficient welds inside the high voltage battery may fail, resulting in a loss of drive power.
Consequence: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Maverick, 2020-2022 Escape, and 2021-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles. The Hybrid Powertrain Control Module (HPCM) software may cause the vehicle to shift into neutral unexpectedly, causing a loss of drive power.
Consequence: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
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.
Consequence: 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.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling one 2021 Escape vehicle equipped with a 2.5L hybrid powertrain. The high voltage battery may fail, resulting in a sudden loss of drive power.
Consequence: A sudden loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022 Corsair and 2021-2022 Escape vehicles equipped with a 2.5L Hybrid powertrain. The high voltage battery may fail, resulting in a sudden loss of drive power.
Consequence: A sudden loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
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.
Consequence: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Ford Escape and 2021-2024 Lincoln Corsair plug-in hybrid vehicles. A manufacturing defect in one or more of the high voltage battery cells may result in an internal short circuit and battery failure.
Consequence: 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.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Ford Escape and 2023-2026 Lincoln Corsair plug-in hybrid vehicles. A manufacturing defect in one or more of the high voltage battery cells may result in an internal short circuit and battery failure.
Consequence: 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.
Sample complaint excerpts
High-Voltage Battery
- [2020] The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. In addition, the vehicle failed to accelerate above 30 MPH. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed high-v
- [2022] I received a letter saying that if I charge my battery over 80% it will catch on fire. This is the second battery recall this year saying my car will catch on fire. I couldn't charge my car for 6 months with the first recall and I bought this car because I only drive short distances and use the battery for most daily driving. Having two recalls saying that my car will catch on fire makes me very s
- [2023] HI, Vehicle is under a second recall for the High Voltage Battery potential fire hazard. The first recall lasted 7 months before a potential fix. The second recall was issued in November with no fix available yet. Received second recall identical to first recall indicating a fire risk with no apparent fix. I have requested Ford buyback the vehicle, but it fell outside the 18 month NYS Lemon Law
Electric Propulsion
- [2020] shade over sun roof folded up and dropped down. blocks the rear view can't see anything behind out back. folded up won't go back in keeps falling.
- [2020] The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the DPFE sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic to be repaired. The vehicle was repaired but the failure reoccurred approximately five months later when the c
- [2020] The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the message "Vehicle Shutting Down - Place Vehicle in Neutral to Restart" was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact stated that the failure had occurred several times in one day. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. In addition, the contact stated that upon
Hybrid Drivetrain
- [2020] My Ford currently has 80K miles on it with no accidents and all recalls fixed by the dealer. This morning when I was driving my kids to school, a light I've never seen appeared on the bottom right hand side of the drivers screen. The light was a red triangle with an exclamation point inside of it. Not long after I noticed the light, we started to smell something burning and our car began loosing p
- [2020] The hybrid battery coolant line has a leak and is available for inspection. Driving the vehicle with this leak can compromise the battery resulting in overheating which could cause the vehicle to break down, fire, or burn. The dealer confirmed the leak. The dealer was a manufacturer dealer and they inspected the vehicle. There were no indications of a leak.
- [2020] Whenever I shut off my 2020 Ford Escape Hybrid or when I am about to turn it on, a message appears on the touchscreen that says: "System off to save battery, please turn ignition off or start engine." I have replaced the battery but I get the same error message. When I took the car to Firestone, they performed a Diagnostic which did not indicate that there was anything wrong with the battery. When
12V Auxiliary Battery
- [2023] The contact owns a 2023 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the 12-Volt battery had become inoperable. The contact stated that the vehicle lost motive power while attempting to start the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact had to charge the battery several times to start the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was i
- [2023] 12v battery system failure to keep 12v battery that boots operating system of car charged. This leads to a vehicle that cannot be started or moved unless jump started. This has happened daily, and sometimes multiple times a day, requiring a jump pack to get the car to turn on. This issue has been reproduced and confirmed via multiple revised manufacturer TSBs. This has likely been inspected by the
- [2024] Our vehicle has its 4th 12 volt battery since we purchased the car in March, 2024. The first indication that battery is defaulting is the interior lights do not light when driver or passenger door is opened. The 4th battery was installed on Oct. 7, 2025, after car sat for 3 1/2 days in airport parking lot and battery was dead upon our arrival. I believe our safety is at risk when interior light
Thermal Events
- [2020] On June7th I was driving home in my 2020 hybrid escape when the motor quit and the car came to a stop, then smoke started coming out from under the hood, I opened the hood and flames shot out at the back side of the motor on the passenger side, oil was leaking on to the road and on fire, I called the fire department, when they got there all the fire finally went out as the oil burned up. I had the
- [2020] BRAND NEW 2020 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID CAR INTERMITTENTLY STOPS AND CEASES. SEEMS SOMETHING WRONG WITH ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. THIS HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH DOWN RESIDENTIAL STREET. CAR IS INACCESSIBLE AND CANT EVEN GET INTO NEUTRAL. TRIED DISENGAGING ELECTRICAL BATTERY. HAD TO LET SIT FOR 15+ MINS AND CAR SEEMS TO REBOOT ITSELF. THEN YOU CAN START AND PUT INTO DRIVE/REVERSE ETC BUT ACCELERATION DOES
- [2022] I own a 2022 Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid, which is affected by Recall 24S79 (NHTSA Recall 24V954). This recall involves a high-voltage battery defect that could result in a fire or sudden loss of vehicle control while driving. Ford has confirmed that there is no fix available until at least the second quarter of 2025, leaving affected owners without a solution for well over a year. However, Ford re
Source: classified from NHTSA complaint and recall data. "Battery-related" includes high-voltage propulsion battery, charging system, hybrid drivetrain, electric propulsion, regenerative braking, 12V auxiliary battery, and thermal-event complaints. Other complaints (suspension, steering, brakes, infotainment) appear in the engine and vehicle-level sections. Rates are absolute counts, not normalized per-VIN — high-volume models naturally produce more raw complaints than low-volume ones. Self-reported death and injury counts are capped per complaint to limit form abuse.
Vehicle-Level Issues
These issues affect the Ford Escape regardless of engine variant.
Buyer's Guide
The 2.5L hybrid in a 2023-2025 build year is the strongest reliability pick in this generation, subject to complete recall verification. The hybrid sits in the caution bracket rather than the avoid bracket carrying the 1.5L 3-cylinder, and its 123.0 complaints-per-year is well clear of the 1.5L's 478.0 figure. Inside the gas lineup, the 2023-2025 refresh year removed the early 1.5L 3-cylinder and 2.0L gas variants that drive most of the early-generation complaint volume. The PHEV option warrants caution: three sequential high-voltage battery defect campaigns (24V954, 25V789, 26V091) suggest the underlying issue has not been fully resolved across builds.
Before buying any 2020-2025 Escape, run the VIN through recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov and confirm closure of the relevant repeat-campaign chains. For 2020-2022 1.5L cars, verify 22V859, 24V187, 25V165, and 25V467 (fuel injector cracks) are all completed; the latest applies after prior incorrect repairs. For 2020-2023 hybrid and PHEV cars, verify 22V484, 23V380, and 25V345 (engine compartment fires) are closed. For 2020-2022 hybrids, also confirm 24V330 and 25V133 (HPCM neutral shift) work. For 2020-2025 PHEVs, verify 24V954, 25V789, and 26V091 (HV battery cell defects) are completed; this stack was sequentially re-issued through 2026. On 2023-2025 cars with 1.5L or 2.0L engines, confirm 25V343 (engine block heater overheat) and 25V372 (cylinder head oil leak) work.
Used pricing on the 4th-generation Escape has softened relative to the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V, driven partly by the recall record. The lower price is the data's argument, not a discount. The Compact SUV segment offers cleaner alternatives at similar money: the Toyota RAV4 hybrid (28.4 cpy in our data) and the Honda CR-V hybrid both ship without comparable repeat-recall exposure. Shoppers who require an Escape should commit only to a fully recall-current 2023-2025 hybrid build.
Recalls (43)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Ford Escape and 2023-2026 Lincoln Corsair plug-in hybrid vehicles. A manufacturing defect in one or more of the high voltage battery cells may result in an internal short circuit and battery failure.
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.
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."
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Ranger, Lincoln Nautilus, Mustang, Maverick, Explorer, Escape, Lincoln Corsair, Bronco Sport, and Bronco vehicles. The exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve may fail, resulting in an unexpected loss of drive power.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Bronco Sport, Escape, and Lincoln Corsair vehicles. The Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) may not illuminate at startup or while driving. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 101, "Control and Displays" and 102, "Transmission shift lever sequence, starter interlock, and transmission braking effect" as well as FMVSS numbers 126, 108, 135, 138, 208, and 305.
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.
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.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Ford Escape and 2021-2024 Lincoln Corsair plug-in hybrid vehicles. A manufacturing defect in one or more of the high voltage battery cells may result in an internal short circuit and battery failure.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Maverick and Escape vehicles. The cover for the electric brake booster's ECU may cause the printed circuit board to overheat and result in a loss of vehicle stability control systems (anti-lock braking, electronic stability control, and traction control) or a loss of brake power assist.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Bronco, F-150, 2021-2024 Edge, 2022-2025 Escape, F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, F-600, 2022-2024 Expedition, 2022-2025 Transit, 2021-2023 Mach-E, 2024 Ranger, Mustang, 2021-2023 Lincoln Nautilus, 2022-2024 Navigator, and 2023-2024 Corsair vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera image to delay, freeze, or not display when the vehicle is in reverse.
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.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Escape vehicles. The rearview camera may incorrectly display an inverted image when the vehicle is in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Lincoln Nautilus, 2023-2025 Escape, 2023 Lincoln Corsair, 2025 Lincoln Corsair, Maverick, and Bronco Sport vehicles equipped with a 1.5L or 2.0L MPC engine and an engine block heater. The engine block heater may overheat when the vehicle is parked with the block heater plugged in.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Corsair and Escape vehicles. The seat belt retractors for the left and right rear passenger seats may not be securely fastened.
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.
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.
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."
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.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Escape, and 2025 Bronco Sport vehicles. The cylinder head may have been improperly manufactured, which can cause the ball plugs to fail, resulting in an oil leak.
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.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 Lincoln Corsair, 2023-2024 Escape, 2024 Mustang, and 2025 Explorer vehicles. The fuel injectors may have been assembled without O-ring support discs, which can result in a fuel leak.
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.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Escape two-wheel drive vehicles equipped with adaptive cruise control. The cruise control radar module was misaligned during production.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Maverick, 2020-2022 Escape, and 2021-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles. The Hybrid Powertrain Control Module (HPCM) software may cause the vehicle to shift into neutral unexpectedly, causing a loss of drive power.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, 2020-2024 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2018-2024 F-150, Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The air bag warning label may be missing from the dashboard. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirement Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Escape vehicles. The passenger side instrument panel cover may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can cause the air bag not to deploy as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Bronco Sport and 2022 Escape vehicles equipped with 1.5L engines. A fuel injector may crack and leak fuel inside the engine compartment.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Escape, 2022-2023 Maverick, and 2021-2023 Corsair vehicles equipped with 2.5L HEV or PHEV engines. 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.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 Escape, Super Duty F-250, Super Duty F-350, Super Duty F-450, and Super Duty F-550 vehicles equipped with a digital instrument panel cluster. The module may have been improperly soldered, preventing the instrument panel from illuminating. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 101, "Control and Displays."
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape and 2021-2022 Bronco Sport vehicles equipped with 1.5L engines. The engine oil separator housing may crack and develop an oil leak.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Escape and 2021-2023 Bronco Sport vehicles equipped with 1.5L engines. A fuel injector may crack and leak fuel inside the engine compartment.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Escape and 2021 Lincoln Corsair vehicles equipped with 2.5L hybrid powertrains. Insufficient welds inside the high voltage battery may fail, resulting in a loss of drive power.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022 Corsair and 2021-2022 Escape vehicles equipped with a 2.5L Hybrid powertrain. The high voltage battery may fail, resulting in a sudden loss of drive power.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape, 2021-2022 Lincoln Corsair, and 2022 Maverick vehicles equipped with 2.5L HEV or PHEV engines. 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.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Bronco Sport and Escape vehicles. The rear brake linings may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can affect braking performance. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Edge, 2020 Lincoln Nautilus and Ford Escape and 2021 Lincoln Corsair and Ford Bronco Sport vehicles. An inadequate amount of lubricant in the rear drive unit may cause seizure of the rear drive axle.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling one 2021 Escape vehicle equipped with a 2.5L hybrid powertrain. The high voltage battery may fail, resulting in a sudden loss of drive power.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, and 2021-2022 Bronco Sport vehicles. The fuel delivery module may leak inside the fuel tank, causing low fuel pressure which could result in an engine stall.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Ford F-150, F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, Explorer, Mustang, Transit, Expedition, Escape, Ranger and Edge, and Lincoln Nautilus and Corsair vehicles. Due to a poor electrical connection, the rearview camera may intermittently display a blank or distorted image. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Escape and Transit vehicles. The affected vehicles may have an improperly crimped diffuser in the side curtain air bags which may result in the diffuser detaching from the inflator in the event of an air bag deployment.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Escape vehicles equipped with a key-start ignition system. The Body Control Module (BCM) intermittently may not pick up the signal from the rear Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) sensors or the Remote Key Fob. In the event of a low tire pressure condition, the TPMS system may not provide an adequate warning.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Edge, Transit Connect and Lincoln MKX and 2020 Escape and Lincoln Corsair vehicles. The start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing or loose bolts.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 and 2019-2020 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty pickup trucks, and 2018-2019 Ford Explorer, 2019-2020 Expedition, and 2020 Escape vehicles equipped with driver and/or passenger's manual front seat back recliner mechanisms. Also included are certain 2020 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with rear outboard seats and manual seat back recliner mechanisms. The recliner mechanisms may be missing the third pawl required for seat back strength, resulting in a loose seat back. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 202, "Head Restraints" and 207, "Seating Systems."
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2020-2025 Ford Escape problems?
The 2020-2025 Ford Escape has accumulated 2,477 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Body/Trim, Engine, Electrical System. As with any used vehicle, an inspection before buying and a vehicle history report are recommended.
Which Ford Escape engine is most reliable?
The 2020-2025 Ford Escape was offered with 9 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2.5L 4-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.
Is the 2020-2025 Ford Escape a good used car?
The 2020-2025 Ford Escape can be a sound used car depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 2,477 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2020-2025 Ford Escape have?
The 2020-2025 Ford Escape has 2,477 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.
What recalls affect the 2020-2025 Ford Escape?
There are 43 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2020-2025 Ford Escape vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.
What should I check before buying a used Ford Escape?
Before buying a used Ford Escape, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Body/Trim, Engine, Electrical System, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.
What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the Escape?
The 2025 Ford Escape received an overall 5-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: 5 stars. Side crash: 5 stars. Rollover: 4 stars (17.4% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: Standard & Optional. Lane Departure Warning: Standard. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 2,477 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-05-23.