2020 Ford Escape
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Structure is the leading concern among 1,531 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 9th highest complaint count among 26 Escape model years with reports.
Of the 2020 reports, 20 involved a crash and 4 involved a fire. 28 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Back over prevention, softwareMar 3, 2026
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."
An incorrectly displayed rearview image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 26V123000 on NHTSA.gov
Visibility, windshield wiper/washer, motorMar 3, 2026
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.
Windshield wipers that fail to operate properly can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 26V117000 on NHTSA.gov
Structure, body, hatchback/liftgate, hinge and attachmentsDec 1, 2025
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.
A detached liftgate hinge cover can create a distraction or a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 25V829000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, foundation components, disc, padsOct 10, 2025
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."
Reduced brake function can require the driver to apply more brake pedal force, and the distance required to stop the vehicle may be extended, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will replace the front brake pads, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on November 5, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21C31. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 13, 2025. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 21V922.
Campaign 25V693000 on NHTSA.gov
Equipment, electrical, engine block heaterOct 10, 2025
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.
An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
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.
Campaign 25V685000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, fuel injection systemJul 11, 2025
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.
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source, such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
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.
Campaign 25V467000 on NHTSA.gov
Back over prevention, softwareJun 27, 2025
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.
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.
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.
Campaign 25V442000 on NHTSA.gov
EngineMay 23, 2025
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.
An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
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.
Campaign 25V345000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, fuel injection systemMar 14, 2025
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.
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
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.
Campaign 25V165000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, propulsion system, traction battery, management system/energy control module (bms/becm)Dec 20, 2024
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.
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.
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.
Campaign 24V954000 on NHTSA.gov
Equipment, other, labelsNov 8, 2024
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."
Without a label that shows the proper restraint usage guidelines, the occupants may have an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Ford will mail owners the warning labels, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 19, 2024. Owners may call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24C39.
Campaign 24V852000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, automatic transmission, control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)May 10, 2024
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.
A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Dealers will update the HPCM software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 22, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S33.
Campaign 24V330000 on NHTSA.gov
EngineMay 26, 2023
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.
An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
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 replace the engine long-block in 2023 Escape and Corsair vehicles. For the other vehicles, dealers will update the powertrain control module software. If a connecting rod bearing failure is detected, dealers will replace the engine long-block. All inspections and repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 14, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S27. This recall expands and replaces recall number 22V-484. Vehicles previously repaired under 22V-484 will need to have the new remedy completed.
Campaign 23V380000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, fuel injection systemNov 18, 2022
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.
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
Dealers will update the engine control software to include fuel injector leak detection and install a drain tube, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed January 9, 2023. Remedy parts are expected to be available in 1st Quarter of 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed February 28, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S73. This recall includes all vehicles previously recalled under 22V-191. Vehicles previously remedied under 22V-191 will need to have the new remedy performed.
Campaign 22V859000 on NHTSA.gov
Engine and engine coolingJul 7, 2022
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.
An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
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 modify the under engine shield and active grille shutter, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 19, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S47.
Campaign 22V484000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, propulsion system, traction batteryMay 13, 2022
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.
A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Dealers will replace the high voltage battery, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on July 12, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed August 8, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S33.
Campaign 22V331000 on NHTSA.gov
Engine and engine cooling, engine, oil/lubricationMar 25, 2022
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.
An oil leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
Dealers will inspect the oil separator for damage or oil leaks, and replace the oil separator and seals, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 18, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S21.
Campaign 22V191000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, driveline, driveshaftJan 15, 2021
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.
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 will notify owners, and dealers will check the rear drive unit lubricant level. Axles found to have lubricant at the minimum level will be filled to the full level. Axles found to be below the minimum lubricant fill level will be replaced, free of charge. This recall began March 12, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S02.
Campaign 21V011000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, body control module/bcmOct 15, 2020
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.
Low tire pressure may lead to poor vehicle handling and a possible loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of crash.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the BCM, free of charge. Owners are advised that two key fobs are required for the repair to be completed. The recall began December 1, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S59.
Campaign 20V635000 on NHTSA.gov
Back over prevention, sensing system, cameraSep 23, 2020
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."
Reduced rearward visibility can increase the risk of a crash.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rearview camera, free of charge. The recall began November 17, 2020. Remedy became available on February 1, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on February 1, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20C19.
Campaign 20V575000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, automatic transmissionSep 10, 2020
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.
Missing or loose bolts on the start stop accumulator endcap could result in a transmission fluid leak and may progress to a loss of transmission function. A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of fire.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the start/stop accumulator, free of charge. The recall began September 23, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S49.
Campaign 20V550000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, side/windowJul 17, 2020
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.
In the event of a crash, if the diffuser detaches from the inflator during air bag deployment, the curtain air bag may not inflate properly, increasing the risk of injury.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the side curtain air bag modules, free of charge. An interim letter notifying owners of the safety risk was mailed August 3, 2020. The recall began January 11, 2021. Owners may contact Ford's customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S35.
Campaign 20V415000 on NHTSA.gov
Seats, front assembly, reclinerAug 28, 2019
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."
A seat back with an improperly assembled recliner mechanism may have reduced strength and may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Ford will notify owners, and Ford and Lincoln dealers will inspect the seat structure and replace them, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 21, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19C07.
Campaign 19V633000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
1,531 reports, newest first.
Firerelated, Jul 9, 2022, fire
On July 3, 2022 I drove my wife's 2020 Ford Escape 4 DR SEL AWD from Ann Arbor, MI to Jackson, MI. I parked the car, with all for windows down, under a tree in the shade close to 726 N East Ave in Jackson, MI. After approximately 45 minutes after my arrival, I was alerted by a neighbor screaming "Is this your car? There is smoke coming from the windows." I ran to the street to see huge orange flames coming from all four windows. Our car apparently had caught on fire after I had shut the car off. Based on a policeman's opinion the components that had malfunctioned were located behind the dash, primarily the electrica wiring/components. The safety of my wife, myself, and any other individual riding in the car were potentially jeopardized due to the random onset of the fire; should I have been driving I potentially could've suffered burns; should I've parked the car next to a house or another car fire damage to those objects would have resulted. There has been no confirmation by the dealer of this type of fire in similar models. Ford Motor Company is conducting an investigation presently. There was no indication of malfunction at the time I exited the vehicle.
Structure, Jun 28, 2022
My vehicle is has the issues mentioned in NHTSA id#10201603. This is an issue where the spot welds have broken on the front left door check arm. Also the issue with the spot welds is causing issues with using my Drivers side window. My vehicle was taken to an authorized Ford Dealership. Was advised by the service department to seek advice from the body shop due to the welds being broken. Attached you will see the invoice I was charged for having my vehicle looked at. Representative from the body shop said my vehicle is the second Escape that has been brought in with the same issue. Provide rep the above mentioned NHTSA number and he said currently it is a service bulletin not a recall. Currently he is waiting to see what the next step will be in order to get my issued resolved. Called Ford to get there assistance with this and they advised me to reach out to NHTSA in regards to this issue. These issues started within the past couple weeks and I have owned the car since December of 2020.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jun 28, 2022
The car continually has delayed acceleration. It revs and drives 2.5 mph for several seconds before it lurches into gear. It's extremely unsafe and I'm concerned about it happening on the highway. Ford is refusing to take an appointment with me to assess the safety of the vehicle until 2-3 months out (won't even put my name on a waitlist) and will not offer a loaner vehicle in the interim. The car has 15,000 miles on it and is under warranty.
Structure, Jun 6, 2022
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the front driver’s side door failed to open after several attempts. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the front driver’s side window failed to operate as needed. The contact called the local dealer and was referred to an authorized Ford body shop for assistance. The contact was informed that several door hinges had fractured inside the front driver’s side door causing the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was referred to the NHTSA for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 25,000.
Power train, Jun 3, 2022
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH, the transmission shifted earlier than designed to shift and the vehicle started shaking abnormally. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 4,800.
Power train, May 21, 2022
Driving on freeway at 70 when cruise went off and car slowed down “power train malfunction,detecting erratic signals from timing sensor” came on tried to get speed back up could get to about 67 and exited 1st ramp. Stopped in parking lot called dealer. They said it would be fine after turned off an back on. “Wrench repair light went off service light stayed on. After time both lights were off and drove home safely. Next time I drove was fine until drive home didn’t take freeway but busy road with 55 mph limit.started. Losing power again then when stopped at light stalled. It took eight tries to restart and slow acceleration finally got to speed but was hesitating . Took to dealer next morning said was probably reset on gear code. After he said that may not the be problem but drive and see. At first stop had only very slow speed, rpm we’re high but only going about 3 mph. I had to cross a busy 55 mph road and was so scared it would stall again. Got home safely dealer cannot get back in for 5 days. I drive 70 or on 55 mph roads usually with at least 1 or 2 children the youngest 5 months. I am too afraid of driving this car again incase it looses power or stalls and someone isn’t paying attention. Also when these cars stall and you are in traffic you can’t just put in neutral and push out of the way. You feel like a sitting just waiting to get squashed. This problem is very dangerous for driver passenger and other cars. Please help.
Other or unspecified, May 20, 2022, crash
The vehicle has a safety system called hill assist start and auto hold braking. When activated the driver can take their foot off the brake pedal when fully stopped and the car should stay stopped until the accelerator is engaged. The first incident occurred about 5 months ago. I had started the vehicle and put it in drive. A warning then appeared on the dashboard saying hill assist start fault and then immediately switched to auto hold fault and the car started moving on its own. After stopping the car and resetting the transmission the fault message went away and the car held in place. About 2 weeks later this same fault happened but I was unable to stop the car in time before hitting a pole on the left front quarter panel. This caused a large dent. I was able to take a picture of the fault message on the dashboard. I had to take the car in for another issue and told the service advisor about the auto hold faults. The dealer ran a diagnostic and found no issues. The issue did continue after this visit. About 2 months ago the fault occurred when the car was next to a wall and the front left side was heavily damaged when it hit the wall. I was able to take another picture of the fault message. At the same time, we had issues with getting the car into reverse on the transmission dial Returned to the dealership and informed them of the continued issues. I also opened a case with Ford over the issue. The dealer again ran a diagnostic, drove the car but could not reproduce any of the issues or faults. I showed them the pictures of the fault message and they did not take it seriously. A Ford engineer also inspected the car and could find no issue. We reluctantly took the car back. Now the auto hold will turn on and off by itself when the car is stopped. The car will start to roll forward until the brake pedal is engaged. I informed Ford of this, and they said there is nothing else they can do for us. All of these issues happen at random. The car is unsafe.
Other or unspecified, May 17, 2022
My wife sliced her finger open using the up/down button to raise/ lower the driver window. The silver metal part of the button is very sharp. The passenger side is the same way. Our local dealer said he has noticed that on some models. I see there is no recall on this item but it should be.
Latches/locks/linkages, Apr 28, 2022
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the front driver’s side door latch had malfunctioned and the door swung open when unlocked. Additionally, the front driver’s side window was stuck in the closed position and could no longer be lowered. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 46,000.
Exterior lighting, Apr 24, 2022
HEADLIGHTS ARE PLASTIC AND THEY ARE DISCOLORED ON THE INSIDE. I HAD ONE REPLACED 1 YEAR AGO AT "SURPRISE FORD" IN SURPRISE ARIZONA, BUT BOTH ARE DISCOLORED OR FOGGED UP. WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT THE LIGHTING IS GREATLY DIMINISHED. THE HEADLIGHT HAVE BEEN THIS WAY SINCE I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE.
Service brakes, Apr 22, 2022
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated while reversing at approximately 3 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer to be diagnosed; however, the mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 23,000.
Electrical system, Engine, Apr 16, 2022
the auto start stop engine feature stops functioning intermittently no set pattern it randomly doesn't work. Never know if the engine will shut down when its supposed to or not
Latches/locks/linkages, Apr 14, 2022
The contact's company owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the driver's side front door latch was fractured, causing the door to not close properly. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed that the driver's side front door latch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with NHTSA. The failure mileage was 71,542.
Latches/locks/linkages, Apr 14, 2022
The contact's company owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the driver's side front door latch was fractured, causing the door to not close properly. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed that the driver's side front door latch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with NHTSA. The failure mileage was 100,599.
Structure, Mar 23, 2022
Left Front Door will not open all the way. Only opens 1/4, and window only goes down half way.
Structure, Mar 16, 2022
In the early summer of 2021, I started to hear a snapping noise in the driver’s door. I thought it might be the hinge, but it appeared to be coming from the middle of the door. It got continually worse. When I put the window down it would come back up and catch my arm and then go back down. Eventually I was only opening the door a short distance so it would not snap. It made it very difficult to get in and out. So, for over 3 months I squeezed in and out of the car. I am concerned about the other 3 doors. In early September I contacted the dealer and was to take it on September 7th. But the door became worse suddenly and I could barely get out and at one point I was stuck in the car. I called the dealer immediately and asked to bring it to them that day. After some hesitation and my explaining if I was trapped in the car during an accident, they would be hearing from me. She said to bring it over immediately. The service manager, after inspecting the door, came out and asked me if I had been in an accident! I suggested he look at the car and check it thoroughly. It was obvious I had not been in an accident. He stated they had never seen anything like that before. They were taking pictures and I stated I wanted my own pictures. When I went into the shop and viewed the door, I was upset to find that all the welds on the bracket that holds the door check had failed. The bracket was down inside the door panel. Because it was catching it was making the snapping sound. When the window hit it, it would automatically go back up. They told me it would be necessary to contact Ford for more information and it would be a week or so before I heard anything. At 8:08am the following day, not one week, they called back and said they needed to order a new door, have it painted and replaced. That is the last I heard about the door. I have been in touch with Ford Corporate and discovered this is not the first time this has happened. I do have a case# with Ford.
Structure, Feb 28, 2022
Heard a popping sound and when opened the door it will not close. The tack welding broke off the door causing it not to close. Not under warranty.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Feb 10, 2022
DOOR WELDS BROKEN AT DOOR Check ARM MOUNTING POINT. NEEDS REPLACE DOOR.
Service brakes, Feb 9, 2022
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon the depression of the brake pedal, an abnormal grinding noise would intermittently emit from the vehicle without warning. The contact also stated that the vehicle would intermittently hesitate upon depression of the accelerator pedal also with no warning. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer for repairs on two separate occasions; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 2,800. The consumer stated the vehicle pauses when accelerating, brakes squeak while driving, fluid leakage, carpet damage. Also, consumer hit a pothole and tires were totally destroyed .
Structure, Feb 2, 2022
My driver side front door started making this popping noise when I opened or closed the door and then within a week the black arm bracket/spot weld broke off the door. There is no damage to the door to cause this issue. It just happened randomly and the vehicle is under two years old. This shouldn’t be happening. I don’t feel safe driving this vehicle as I cannot even open it all the way for fear it will fall off or further damage whatever is going on inside the door. It’s affecting my window as well. It doesn’t roll down due to this hinge being broken. I do not know if it has affected any other safety features on the door.
Visibility/wiper, Visibility, Jan 30, 2022
Front windshield failed sporadically under mild thermal shock. Outside temperature was in the range of 10°F and inside cabin had been warming up for about 30 minutes. Heat was not set to defroster. While stopped at an intersection, the windshield suddenly cracked across about 70% bottom edge emanating from a wiper contact point. Vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Has not been reproduced. I’ve received anecdotes that this exact same break type and location has occurred under very similar circumstances in other Ford Escapes.
Other or unspecified, Jan 25, 2022
The vehicle started, but the dashboard was black and the wheels were locked. The radio, heat, etc. were working. I could put it into drive and reverse, but the wheels would not move. The salesman I bought the car from drove out and loosened, then tightened the battery cables. He said that it would re-boot the computer. Either that worked OR the 20 minute wait time that I've been reading about worked. Before this problem occurred, there were a few times that I got a message on my middle screen, (Navigation, etc) saying "System Off To Save Battery...Please turn ignition off and start engine" The dealership could not find a problem other than a low voltage issue with the battery. The service advisor told me they had the battery on a testing device for a "really long time" and the low voltage issue never resolved. The service advisor also told me that I need to drive the car more and to watch for error lights in the cluster. About a month later, after running some errands , I turned the car off and a mild thud noise came from the engine area. I knew the vehicle did not shut down properly. When I came out from one of my errands and started my vehicle, a message came up on the middle screen, (n Navigation, etc.) It read " System Off To Save Battery....Please turn ignition off and start engine" There is also a burning smell when I drive the car now, this is new. From what I've read on this site there is no doubt in my mind that this particular make and model of the Ford Escape has some serious and dangerous issues. Please look into this. I DO NOT feel safe driving this vehicle.
Service brakes, Jan 12, 2022, crash
2020 FORD ESCAPE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO DEFECTIVE BRAKES. THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE DEPRESSING THE BREAK IN PARKING LOT, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO COME TO A STOP. THE VEHICLE STRUCK A POLE AND A CAR BEFORE STOPPING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE.
Other or unspecified, Dec 26, 2021
Driving down the road the car kicked off an error that said vehicle network communication error. We lost all lights, all controls, and started loosing power to the engine. The car died when we stopped it. It would not allow us to shut the head lights off so we did this manually. The car doesn’t respond in any way for anything
Air bags, Dec 9, 2021, crash
I was involved in a collision with a pick-up truck in Gallup, NM on 12/3/21. We hit the truck mid-section. Front of my Escape was pretty much destroyed. Our airbags did NOT deploy. Mine and my husbands safety was at risk due to the failure of the airbags to deploy in the crash. Vehicle is at the Ford Dealer in Gallup, NM waiting for State Farm to determine the next steps. I had no prior warnings or indications that the airbags were not functional.