Research

2026 Ford Escape Plug-in HybridRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 1 owner complaint for the 2026 Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid. NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.

Combined MPG
—
No EPA rating found
NHTSA overall
5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
1campaigns
Latest Feb 2026
Owner complaints
1
Filed with NHTSA
Fuel cost / yr
—
No EPA estimate
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

1 NHTSA campaign · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Electrical system: traction battery

Free remedy

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.

Electrical systemReported Feb 18, 2026NHTSA 26V091000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 10, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

1 complaints filed with NHTSA · Aug 2026 – Aug 2026
  1. Other / unknown1

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

By model year

Complaints for each Escape Plug-in Hybrid model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
20201
202122
202280
202313
20248
20254
20261
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
03 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

1 tested variant
Overall rating
5/ 5
5 of 5
FORD ESCAPE PHEV SUV PHEV FWD
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
14.3%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 10, 2026Vehicle 21399
04 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
06 —FAQ

2026 Escape Plug-in Hybrid questions

How many recalls does the 2026 Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid have?

1 safety recall as of Nov 10, 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.

What are the most common 2026 Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid problems?

Owners filed 1 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are . Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

How safe is the 2026 Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2026 Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid 5 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 10, 2026