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At a glance
This page covers 42 recalls, 1776 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2020 Ford Escape.
26–41 mpg combined
5.7–9 L/100km
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 4 tested variants for this model year.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
For the 2020 Ford Escape, the dominant complaint category by a wide margin is structure, with owners most commonly reporting problems with doors, particularly door locks failing to respond to the key fob or interior buttons, requiring manual operation to lock and unlock. Some owners describe all doors becoming unresponsive at once rather than a single door failing in isolation. Powertrain complaints come in second, where owners report the transmission developing fault codes and dropping into limp mode, which limits the vehicle to low speeds and makes highway driving impractical. Engine complaints follow, with some owners describing concerns about fuel system integrity and the potential for under-hood fires, though these appear across a smaller share of the complaint pool. The door lock failure pattern is the most consistently repeated theme across the 2020 Escape complaint set.
1,776
Total Complaints
19
Crash-Related
4
Fire-Related
24
With Injuries
By System
The 2020 Ford Escape has 42 recalls, the most serious being multiple fire and sudden power-loss risks across the hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrain systems, affecting both the 2.5L and 1.5L engine variants.
Hybrid and plug-in hybrid models face the heaviest concentration of issues. The 2.5L hybrid engine can fail and release oil and fuel vapor near hot components, creating a fire risk, and prior repair attempts on some vehicles were incomplete and required follow-up service. The high-voltage battery can develop an internal short circuit, causing loss of drive power or overheating that can start a fire even while parked. A software fault in the hybrid powertrain control module can cause an unexpected shift to neutral. On 1.5L models, a fuel injector can crack and leak fuel near ignition sources, and the oil separator housing can also crack and drip oil onto hot engine parts. The engine block heater can crack, leak coolant, and short circuit when plugged in.
On the chassis side, the start/stop accumulator can lose bolts and leak transmission fluid, and insufficient lubrication in the rear drive unit can cause the axle to seize. Other recalls cover rear brake pads that may require excessive pedal force to stop the vehicle, a side curtain airbag that may not inflate properly in a crash, wiper motor failure, rearview camera image faults, liftgate hinge covers that can detach, and a tire pressure monitoring system that may not warn of low pressure.
At a glance
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
What can fail
A software issue may prevent the rearview camera image from displaying when you shift into reverse, not meeting safety requirements.
What the fix does
Ford is developing a software fix. You'll receive a recall notice by mail with instructions when the remedy is ready.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The center display screen may flip or invert when you shift into reverse, causing the rearview camera image to display upside down or backwards.
What the fix does
Ford will send you a letter with instructions for a software or hardware update to correct the display orientation.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The windshield wiper motor may fail, causing the windshield wipers to stop working properly.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the front wiper motors and replace them if needed at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Previous recall repairs for 2.5L HEV or PHEV engines may not have been completed correctly. A manufacturing problem can cause engine failure, which in some cases risks fire.
What the fix does
Ford will mail you instructions to visit a dealership for a powertrain control module software update to address the repair.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A software update from a previous recall may not have worked properly. Additionally, an internal high-voltage battery problem could cause a short circuit, leading to loss of power to the wheels or battery overheating.
What the fix does
Ford will mail you instructions. Until repairs are completed, set your vehicle's maximum charge to 80% and use normal EV mode only.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The Hybrid Powertrain Control Module software may unexpectedly shift the vehicle into neutral, causing loss of drive power.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the Hybrid Powertrain Control Module software at no charge to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The plastic covers on the liftgate hinges may not be securely attached and could loosen or fall off the vehicle.
What the fix does
A dealer will inspect the hinge covers and secure or replace them as needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The liftgate hinge covers may not be properly secured and can detach from the vehicle.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the hinge covers and reinstall or replace them as needed at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A manufacturing flaw in high voltage battery cells may cause an internal short circuit, leading to battery failure in certain 2020-2024 Ford Escape and 2021-2024 Lincoln Corsair plug-in hybrid vehicles.
What the fix does
Ford will perform a repair to address the battery defect. Until repair is available, operate only in Auto EV mode and limit maximum battery charge as instructed by Ford.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The software update from recall 24S79 may not work properly on certain PHEVs. Additionally, a high-voltage battery defect could cause a short circuit, resulting in loss of power to the wheels or battery overheating.
What the fix does
Ford is developing corrective actions. Do not charge your vehicle until recall repairs are completed. Ford will mail you instructions.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Your vehicle's brakes may not stop within Canadian legal limits if power brake assist is lost. Without electronic brake booster, stopping distance extends dangerously.
What the fix does
Ford will mail you instructions to visit a dealership for front brake pad replacement.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The engine block heater can crack and leak coolant. When plugged in, the leaked coolant may cause an electrical short circuit.
What the fix does
The dealer will replace the block heater at no cost, or install a blanking plug and remove the heater cord.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Rear brake pads may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can reduce braking ability if the brake booster malfunctions.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the front brake pads at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A fuel injector may crack, causing fuel to leak into the engine compartment on certain vehicles with a 1.5L EcoBoost engine.
What the fix does
Dealer will update engine control software to detect fuel leaks. Later, the fuel rail assembly, injectors, and software will be replaced.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A fuel injector in the 1.5L engine may crack and leak fuel into the engine compartment.
What the fix does
Dealers will update engine control software and replace the fuel rail assembly and fuel injector.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank image or fail to clear the image after backing up.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the rearview camera software at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Incorrect prior repairs to 2.5L hybrid or plug-in hybrid engines may allow engine oil and fuel vapor to leak into the engine compartment, where they can accumulate near hot surfaces and ignition sources, risking engine compartment fire.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the powertrain control module software at no cost to reprogram engine controls and prevent the failure.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
On certain 2.5L hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles, a manufacturing problem may cause engine failure, which can create a fire risk. Previous recall repairs from recall 23S27 may not have been completed correctly.
What the fix does
Ford will mail you instructions to visit a dealership for a powertrain control module software update to address the issue.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Previous recall repairs may not have been completed correctly. A fuel injector can crack, allowing fuel to leak into the engine compartment on 1.5L EcoBoost engines.
What the fix does
Dealer will update engine control software to detect fuel leaks, install a drain tube, and provide 15-year/240,000 km warranty for cracked injector replacement.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A fuel injector may crack and leak fuel into the engine compartment on vehicles previously repaired under recalls 22V-859 or 24V-187.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the powertrain control module software at no charge to prevent fuel injector cracking.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A manufacturing defect in one or more high voltage battery cells may cause an internal short circuit, leading to battery failure.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the battery energy control module software and replace the high voltage battery pack as needed, at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A short circuit inside the high-voltage battery could cause loss of power to the wheels or battery overheating.
What the fix does
Dealership will update battery software to monitor the high-voltage battery and alert you to problems. If warned, the battery pack will be replaced.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The air bag warning label on the dashboard may be missing, which means the vehicle doesn't have the required safety information label.
What the fix does
Ford will mail you the warning label at no cost. Letters were sent December 19, 2024. Call 1-866-436-7332 with questions.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The Hybrid Powertrain Control Module software may unexpectedly shift the vehicle into neutral, causing loss of driving power.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the Hybrid Powertrain Control Module software at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A software update at Ford dealerships may cause the transmission to shift into neutral unexpectedly on certain hybrid vehicles, resulting in sudden loss of power to the wheels.
What the fix does
Ford will mail you instructions to take your vehicle to a dealership for a hybrid powertrain control module software update.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A manufacturing issue in certain 2.5L hybrid or plug-in hybrid engines can cause engine failure, which may result in fire.
What the fix does
Ford will mail you instructions to visit a dealership for a powertrain control module software update or engine replacement as needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Engine oil and fuel vapor may leak into the engine compartment when the engine fails, accumulating near hot components and creating a fire risk.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the engine long-block in 2023 models or update powertrain software in others. Engine replacement occurs if connecting rod bearing failure is detected.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A fuel injector may crack, allowing fuel to leak into the engine compartment. This affects vehicles with a 1.5 L EcoBoost engine.
What the fix does
Dealership updates engine control software to detect leaks, installs a drain tube, and provides 15-year/240,000 km warranty for injector replacement.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A fuel injector can crack and leak fuel into the engine compartment.
What the fix does
Engine control software will be updated to detect fuel injector leaks, and a drain tube will be installed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
On certain hybrid models with a 2.5L engine, an engine failure can cause oil and fuel vapor to build up under the hood, potentially causing a fire.
What the fix does
A dealership will modify the under-engine shield and active grille shutter to reduce the risk.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Engine failure can release oil and fuel vapor into the engine compartment, where they may accumulate near hot engine or exhaust components and ignite.
What the fix does
Dealers will modify the under-engine shield and active grille shutter to prevent oil and fuel vapor accumulation.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A defect inside the high-voltage battery can cause sudden loss of power, triggering a "Stop Safely Now" message, wrench light, and alert sound on the instrument panel.
What the fix does
Ford will replace the high-voltage battery at an authorized dealership.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Weak welds inside the high voltage battery may fail, causing loss of engine power.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the high voltage battery at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
On certain vehicles with a 1.5L Ecoboost engine, the engine oil separator may leak. If it does, oil can drip onto hot engine components.
What the fix does
Ford will mail you instructions to visit a dealership. The technician will inspect the oil separator for damage and leaks, then replace the separator and seals if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The engine oil separator housing can crack, causing oil to leak from the engine.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the oil separator for damage or leaks and replace it and seals if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The rear drive unit may not have enough lubricant, which can cause the rear drive axle to seize and stop working.
What the fix does
Dealers will check the rear drive unit lubricant level and refill it to full, or replace the axle if lubricant is below minimum.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The Body Control Module may fail to receive signals from the rear tire pressure sensors or remote key fob, preventing low tire pressure warnings from displaying.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the Body Control Module at no cost. Bring two key fobs to complete the repair.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The radio receiver in the body control module may fail to pick up signals from the rear tire pressure sensors, preventing low-tire warnings. Low tire pressure can cause poor handling or tire failure. Remote key fob operation may also be affected.
What the fix does
The body control module will be replaced at a Ford dealer.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A poor electrical connection can cause the rearview camera to display a blank or distorted image intermittently, limiting rear visibility.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the rearview camera at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The start/stop accumulator endcap may be missing bolts or have loose bolts, which could affect the start/stop system.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the start/stop accumulator free of charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The side curtain air bag diffuser may be improperly crimped and could detach from the inflator when the air bag deploys.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the side curtain air bag modules at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front or rear seat recliner mechanism may be missing a critical locking pawl, causing the seat back to be loose and weak.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect your seat structure and replace it if needed at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
