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
Complaints by component
One complaint can cite several components
- Electrical system12
- Forward collision avoidance5
- Engine3
- Lane departure2
- Seats2
- Interior lighting1
- Vehicle speed control1
- Exterior lighting1
- Power train1
- 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
When complaints were filed
Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
5
13
4
2
View as table
| Model year | Complaints filed per calendar year |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 5 |
| 2024 | 13 |
| 2025 | 4 |
| 2026 | 2 |
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.
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.”
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.”
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.”
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 ?”
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!”
Interior lighting
1 report
“See attached document for complaint.”
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.