Problems · NHTSA complaints

2023 Ford Escape Hybrid problems

Owners filed 24 complaints about the 2023 Ford Escape Hybrid with NHTSA between Jun 2023 and Oct 2026. The most-cited component is electrical system (12).

Complaints
24
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
2
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
2
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Electrical system12
  2. Forward collision avoidance5
  3. Engine3
  4. Lane departure2
  5. Seats2
  6. Interior lighting1
  7. Vehicle speed control1
  8. Exterior lighting1
  9. Power train1
  10. Other / unknown7

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

Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 8, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
20235
202413
20254
20262

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

Electrical system

12 reports
“After incomplete over-the-air (OTA) update instrument panel cluster (IPC) fails to illuminate and only chimes when powered. Vehicle drives normally, but no speed, fuel, warning telltales shown to the driver. Safety issue as the driver is not informed of this critical vehicle information.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 31, 2026Electrical system, Unknown or otherODI 11760838

Forward collision avoidance

5 reports2 crashes
“The lane keeping system in my 2023 ford escape hybrid platinum keeps me too far to the left. When driving the lane keeping system keeps me too close to the center lane marker. I believe it is a potential safety issue for my car to be so close to the left side lane marker, often with the edge of my rear view mirror only inches from the left side lane marker. My local ford dealer says the lane keeping system can not be recalibrated to center the vehicle about 6 inches more to the right (passenger) side to provide a lager safety buffer on the left side of the car. I believe the lane keeping system should be capable of being calibrated.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 5, 2025Forward collision avoidance, Lane departureODI 11640805

Engine

3 reports
“Failed to shift into reverse. Seems to run some sort of safety check. Still does not reverse Dash active and showing messages from safety check - lights work. Wont shift into reverse. Car is parked in garage where it has been for previous 14 hours. Temp is above freezing No previous indication of problems other than low tire pressure on one tire.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 26, 2024EngineODI 11627492

Lane departure

2 reports
“While Driving Vehicle with Lane Keeping Assistance Activated the vehicle will not stay in the lane. It keeps pulling to either left or right past the white or yellow lines. I took vehicle to dealership they checked system and found no problem. Hence I do not use the system. The safety risk is a possible head on collision with on coming vehicles. No warning lamps or other symptom prior. Ive been hesitant to report this due to lack of trust ?”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 13, 2026Unknown or other, Lane departureODI 11770727

Seats

2 reports
“You’re making the new ford cars unsafe for shorter women. I just bought a new ford escape. I’m 5’3” tall (short, but not far from average) and the 2023 ford escape seat HEADREST DOES NOT FIT. My seat is relatively farther forward so my feet can reach the peddles and the seat back is sort of straight up so that I can reach the steering wheel. This puts the headrest pointing forward into my head. I like to wear a ponytail which makes it even worse. The car should accommodate multiple sizes and hairstyles. The old 2013 edge headrest was adjustable and worked, but not this miserable piece of garbage. I’m ready to turn the headrest backwards or chuck this headrest. Please provide a solution!!! P.S.I actually wanted to buy the new ford edge, but couldn’t because the headrest was worse. You’re making Ford cars unsafe for shorter women. Smarten up!”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 16, 2023SeatsODI 11555452

Interior lighting

1 report
“See attached document for complaint.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 5, 2024Electrical system, Interior lightingODI 11623677
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 8, 2026

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