NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 80 owner complaints for the 2022 Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid. Most complaints involve engine (36) and electrical system (25). NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2026 Ford Escape and 2023-2026 Lincoln Corsair plug-in hybrid vehicles. A manufacturing defect in one or more of the high voltage battery cells may result in an internal short circuit and battery failure.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Ford Escape and 2021-2024 Lincoln Corsair plug-in hybrid vehicles. A manufacturing defect in one or more of the high voltage battery cells may result in an internal short circuit and battery failure.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“this recall has been in effect for nearly 1 year & puts my car @ risk but also doesn't allow me to charge beyond 80%, greatly effecting fuel efficiency. Ford has failed to address the issue in a timely manner or offered any compensation for my additional fuel consumption or offered a realistic deadline for repair”
“Description of the Problem: I am the original owner of a 2022 Ford Escape PHEV (VIN [XXX]),.Current mileage is 41,585 miles. The vehicle is subject to Safety Recall 25SC4 (NHTSA 25V789 and 26V091) due to a manufacturing defect in the high-voltage battery cells (separator damage). This defect can cause internal short circuits, sudden loss of motive power, battery thermal venting, and in some cases vehicle fire — a clear safety risk. Before purchasing the Escape, I drove a 2015 Ford C-Max Plug-in Hybrid for 7 years and was very satisfied with it. I traded it for the Escape solely because of the greater electric range that was guaranteed at the time of purchase. For the first year of ownership I was very pleased with the Escape’s performance and range.For more than one year Ford’s official instructions required me not to charge the high-voltage battery above 80% and to drive only in EV Auto mode because of the fire hazard. This prolonged restriction created ongoing safety-related stress and prevented normal use of the vehicle’s primary hybrid function. On XXX, I took the vehicle to an authorized Ford dealer for the recall remedy. The dealer performed the Battery…”
“When Accelerating from approximately 25mph - 40mph and accelerating hard, the vehicle is shifting to Neutral (HARD). It feels like you hit a wall. Does not occur from stop. Letting off throttle and the transmission will reengage and allow full acceleration as if nothing happened. No warning indicators on dash. Is duplicatable. Vehicle had Telematics control module update in December already. Vehicle had transmission replacement 25-JUNE-2024 according to History. Tried reporting on GCR but would not permit. Sounds identical to 24S33 but this vehicle is unaffected. Will report to dealer when recall for 24S79 is available, avoiding hard acceleration if possible. May have dash camera footage if requested.”
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
2 safety recalls as of Nov 12, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 80 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (36), electrical system (25), power train (11). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2022 Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid 5 out of 5 stars overall.