Problems · by component

2022 Ford Escape Hybrid engine problems

34 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2022 Ford Escape Hybrid cite engine, 49% of all 70 complaints for this model year.

Complaints
34
49% of all complaints
Crashes
1
Reported by owners
Fires
2
Reported by owners
Injuries
0
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the engine

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“"While driving my 2022 Ford Escape Hybrid, the vehicle suffered an abrupt powertrain failure. A wrench icon and check engine light illuminated on the dashboard, and the vehicle immediately dropped into a low-speed mode that severely limited my throttle control on the road. I was unable to drive home and had to leave the vehicle on the road until I could get a tow. The vehicle is currently grounded and unsafe to operate at a Ford dealership lot. Ford customer service is actively refusing to authorize alternative transportation or honor the extended coverage parameters outlined in Customer Satisfaction Program 23N06, which covers this exact engine defect."”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 16, 2026Power train, Electrical system, EngineODI 11764780
“The contact owns a 2022 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated and remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed, and a code for ABS Internal Module Failure was displayed. The contact was informed that further diagnostic tests were needed to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 55,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 9, 2026Service brakes, hydraulic, EngineODI 11763053
“On 20 July 2026, my 2022 Ford Escape HEV caught fire in the engine compartment while parked. The vehicle is likely a total loss (insurance pending). On-site emergency personnel responded within minutes of the fire and the local fire department was on scene within 5 minutes of the 911 call. They cleared the incident (and d/c the 12V) within 32 minutes of arrival. Detroit Fire Department Incident: 202620101471. This vehicle was subject to Ford Safety Recall 23S27 and Customer Satisfaction Program 23N06, which address a manufacturing defect in the 2.5L HEV/PHEV engine. Under that recall, connecting rod bearing journals were not properly finished, causing premature bearing and engine failure that can release engine oil and fuel vapor into the under-hood area resulting in a fire. The recall remedy was completed on my vehicle, as were all customer satisfaction program campaigns. The dealer performed the PCM software update, which is intended to detect early signs of bearing failure through diagnostic trouble codes (P1061 and P032F) so the failure can be caught before an engine breach occurs. The engine long block was NOT replaced. Under Ford's own criteria, long…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 24, 2026Power train, Structure, EngineFire reportedODI 11752612
“This defect has resulted in multiple vehicle shutdowns while in operation, significantly increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, Ford has identified a potential risk of battery thermal venting, which could lead to a vehicle fire, further endangering my safety and that of others on the road. Ford has advised not to charge the vehicle, further limiting its functionality and reliability. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes, Stevens 112 Ford has confirmed that the vehicle is experiencing high-voltage battery failure, consistent with the recall. However, they have also stated that Ford has not developed a solution to repair this issue. Ford’s hotline has advised against any further repairs at this time. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? The vehicle has been inspected and diagnosed by Stevens 112 Ford, who confirmed the issue. Ford’s technical hotline has been contacted, and they acknowledged the defect but advised against further repairs. No inspections by police or insurance representatives have taken place.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 13, 2025Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11648228
“Egr coolant leak in the first 70k miles of driving the car this has been causing my check engine light to turn on and the problem is 'discovered' when the part is no longer covered by warranty.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 30, 2025Electrical system, Service brakes, EngineODI 11639693
“In March 7: Received vehicle alert from Ford PASS , "WARNING MESSAGE: SERVICE ENGINE SOON WARNING THE POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE HAS DETECTED THE ENGINE TIMING CHAINS EXCEEDED 95% OF THEIR USEFUL LIFE AND REQUIRES SERVICE NOW. THE CONTROL SYSTEM INVOKES A SYMPTOM OF LIMITED POWER" while I was driving in highway I5 at WA. The vehicle suddenly slow down itself and lost of acceleration. Took to the dealership ans they could not identified issue. Reset the code and returned the car back to me. In May 12: Same symptom happened again. Took to the dealership next day and the technician did see the issue since the Service Ranch icon was shown on the screen. The service advisor said they contacted Ford Engineering to see how to fix but no result. They reset the code and I brought the car back while they are still waiting form Ford engineering.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 22, 2024Power train, EngineODI 11590082

Showing 6 of 34 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 8, 2026NHTSA vehicle page

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.