Ford Escape Recalls

The Ford Escape has 153 recalls spanning 2001 through 2026, with the most pressing concern for recent owners being a high-voltage battery defect on 2022–2026 plug-in hybrid models where an internal short circuit can cut drive power or cause a fire, even while the vehicle is parked.

The 2023–2025 model years carry several serious engine issues: a faulty cylinder head plug can fail and leak oil onto hot components, raising the risk of fire or sudden power loss; fuel injectors on 2023–2024 models can crack and leak fuel into the engine compartment; and the engine block heater on 2023–2025 models can overheat and ignite a fire when plugged in. The 2024–2025 instrument panel can break apart during airbag deployment, sending fragments into the cabin. On 2025 models, the electric brake booster's control unit can overheat and disable anti-lock brakes, stability control, and brake power assist, and a failed exhaust gas recirculation valve can cut drive power without warning. The 2025–2026 model years also have loose rear seat belt retractors that may not restrain occupants in a crash, and the 2026 model has a park mechanism that may fail to hold the vehicle stationary.

The 2020–2022 era has a dense cluster of issues. On hybrid and plug-in hybrid trims with the 2.5L engine, engine failure can release oil and fuel vapor into the engine bay and start a fire; this concern led to multiple repair attempts across several campaigns after earlier fixes proved incomplete. The 1.5L EcoBoost engine on 2020–2022 models can develop cracked fuel injectors that leak into the engine compartment, and the oil separator housing on the same engine can crack and drip oil onto hot surfaces. The high-voltage battery on 2020–2022 hybrid trims can also fail and drop drive power suddenly. A software fault in the hybrid powertrain control module on 2020–2022 models can shift the transmission unexpectedly into neutral. The transmission's start/stop accumulator on 2020 models may have loose bolts that allow transmission fluid to leak. The rear drive unit on 2020 all-wheel drive models can seize from insufficient lubrication. The 2020–2022 model years also have recurring rearview camera issues where the displayed image can freeze, invert, or go blank, and the windshield wiper motor can fail entirely. On 2021 hybrid models, an incorrectly machined crankshaft can damage connecting rod bearings, leading to engine failure or fire. The 2021–2022 model years have rear brake linings that can reduce braking performance.

Going back to the 2013–2019 generation, the 2013 model with the 1.6L engine has the most concentrated recall history of any single year: a freeze plug can blow out and drain coolant, the cylinder head can crack and leak oil onto hot exhaust surfaces, and fuel lines can crack or chafe and allow a fire to start. Some of those fuel line repairs were performed incorrectly, requiring follow-up work. The 2013–2014 shifter cable bushing can degrade and cause the transmission to show a different gear than it's actually in, a risk that extends through 2019 on the cable-bushing design. The 2013–2015 door latches can fail to stay closed, and a repair campaign for that issue was itself found to be inadequate, requiring a second fix. The