NHTSA (USA)Critical
At a glance
This page covers 11 recalls, 18 owner complaints and EPA fuel economy for the 2025 Ford Escape.
26–40 mpg combined
5.9–9 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.
Complaints for the 2025 Ford Escape are relatively thin given the model year's newness, but a few patterns stand out across the small complaint set. The electrical system draws the most reports, though the specific symptoms described vary. The vehicle speed control and fuel/propulsion systems each account for a pair of complaints, and those reports sketch a more consistent picture: owners describe the engine revving unexpectedly while braking, reduced brake pedal responsiveness, and in at least one case what felt like unintended acceleration when lifting off the throttle. A separate thread involves the engine stalling during steering inputs, both at low speed and from a complete stop, with the vehicle restarting normally and no warning lights appearing. Parts availability has come up as a friction point when owners bring these concerns to dealers.
18
Total Complaints
By System
The 2025 Ford Escape has 11 recalls, the most serious being a high-voltage battery defect on plug-in hybrid models where an internal short circuit can cut drive power or cause a fire.
Several recalls involve sudden loss of drive power: the engine block heater on certain models can overheat while plugged in and parked, raising a fire risk; cylinder head ball plugs can fail and leak oil, cutting engine power; the exhaust gas recirculation valve can fail and drop power without warning; and the electric brake booster's circuit board can overheat, disabling anti-lock brakes, traction control, electronic stability control, and brake power assist. On the occupant protection side, the passenger-side instrument panel cover can break apart during airbag deployment and send fragments into the cabin, or cause the airbag to deploy incorrectly. The rear seatbelt retractors on both outboard positions may not be properly secured, reducing their ability to hold occupants in a crash. Two visibility recalls address the same problem: a software fault can flip the rearview camera image upside down while reversing. The instrument panel cluster may also fail to light up at startup or while driving, hiding the speedometer and warning indicators. Rounding out the list, liftgate hinge covers can detach and fall onto the road.
At a glance
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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
The exhaust gas recirculation valve may fail, causing unexpected loss of engine power while driving.
What the fix does
Ford will replace or repair the exhaust gas recirculation valve. Remedy details will be provided in an upcoming letter.
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 in certain 2022-2026 Ford Escape and 2023-2026 Lincoln Corsair plug-in hybrids.
What the fix does
Ford is developing a repair. Until completed, use only Auto EV mode and charge the battery to a maximum of 80% capacity.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The bolts securing the seat belt retractors on the left and right rear passenger seats may come loose, preventing the retractors from holding properly.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the seat belt retractor bolts and tighten 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
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
The cover on the electric brake booster's control unit may trap heat, causing the circuit board to overheat. This can disable stability control systems (anti-lock braking, electronic stability control, and traction control) or reduce brake power assist.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the entire electric brake booster at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The cylinder head may have been made incorrectly, causing ball plugs to fail and leak oil.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the cylinder head assembly at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The engine block heater can overheat when the vehicle is parked with the heater plugged in.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the block heater element and inspect the electrical cord, replacing it if needed. Alternatively, 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
A software problem may cause the rearview camera image to display upside down on your screen.
What the fix does
Ford will mail you instructions to take your vehicle to a dealership for inspection and camera replacement if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The rearview camera may display an upside-down image when you put the vehicle in reverse, making it harder to see behind the car clearly.
What the fix does
The dealer will inspect and 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 instrument panel cluster may fail to light up when you start the vehicle or while driving, leaving gauges and warnings invisible.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace your instrument panel cluster at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger side instrument panel cover may have been manufactured incorrectly, preventing the air bag from deploying properly in a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger side instrument panel cover at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
