Problems · NHTSA complaints
2020 Ford Escape problems
Owners filed 1,548 complaints about the 2020 Ford Escape with NHTSA between Nov 2019 and Oct 2026. The most-cited component is structure (606).
Complaints
1,548
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
20
Reported by owners
Fires
4
Reported by owners
Injuries
28
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
Complaints by component
One complaint can cite several components
- Structure606
- Power train243
- Electrical system159
- Engine122
- Fuel system, gasoline121
- Fuel/propulsion system77
- Forward collision avoidance69
- Visibility/wiper45
- Latches/locks/linkages40
- Service brakes33
- Back over prevention28
- Visibility26
- Vehicle speed control20
- Wheels20
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 3, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
When complaints were filed
Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
1
40
42
55
506
394
289
221
View as table
| Model year | Complaints filed per calendar year |
|---|---|
| 2019 | 1 |
| 2020 | 40 |
| 2021 | 42 |
| 2022 | 55 |
| 2023 | 506 |
| 2024 | 394 |
| 2025 | 289 |
| 2026 | 221 |
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
Structure
606 reports1 crash1 related recall
“Driver side door is increasingly noisy when opening the hinge makes a loud popping noise. The window will randomly not close. I saw on this website others are having the same problem. It has not been inspected by anyone, but can be.”
Power train
243 reports4 crashes3 related recalls
“2020 Ford Escape is suffering from sudden, uncommanded loss of power, severe engine hesitation and violent stuttering during acceleration and problem is getting worse. Took to our service center to fix and they said the problem is a recall - NHTSA - 25V467 recall 25S76 (engine hesitant acceleration, rough idling, reduced engine power). Called Airport Ford in Florence, KY. They are saying they can't fix this issue -there is no remedy and that the program has been paused. This condition poses an immediate safety hazard. The unexpected failure of the powertrain to respond during high-demand situations - such as merging onto highways, passing vehicles or making left turns across oncoming traffic - makes me feel very vulnerable to rear-end or side impact crashes. The failure occurs at all speeds but is worse at 10-30 miles per hour. There is a Ford Recall on this issue. If the recall is paused - I assume they are no longer trying to find a fix. This is a 2020 car - surely in 6 years the Ford experts should have found a viable fix. In addition to the Dealership also talked to Ford Consumer Hotline and were given the same info as from the dealership. Please help! I…”
Electrical system
159 reports3 related recalls
“I am the owner of a U.S.-specification 2020 Ford Escape currently stationed in the Netherlands under military orders. I attempted to complete all open safety recalls through an authorized Ford dealership in the Netherlands. The dealership reviewed the vehicle and performed the actions available to them, but the recalls remain open. Open recalls include Ford Recall 25S76 / NHTSA Recall 25V467 involving the fuel injector system and Ford Recall 26C11 / NHTSA Recall 26V123 involving the SYNC and rearview camera display system. The dealership advised that not all recall actions could be fully completed overseas due to limitations associated with servicing a U.S.-market vehicle and/or remedy availability. The vehicle was inspected and serviced by an authorized Ford dealer in the Netherlands. I am submitting this report to document that I made a good-faith effort to obtain recall repairs before returning the vehicle to the United States, where I intend to complete any remaining recall actions.”
Engine
122 reports1 fire2 related recalls
“When driving, the car will shudder and jolt when shifting gears, particularly from 2nd to 3rd. It will not accelerate properly at times and has almost caused me to be rear ended when merging on highways at highway speeds. This might be tied to the transmission issues that other 2020 ford escapes are dealing with.”
Fuel system, gasoline
121 reports1 fire3 related recalls
“The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 26V117000 (Visibility); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue.”
Fuel/propulsion system
77 reports1 fire
“I am reporting an unresolved safety concern involving my 2020 Ford Escape SE, which is subject to Ford Safety Recall 25S76 (NHTSA Campaign 25V-467). The recall was issued in July 2025 because a fuel injector may crack, allowing gasoline to leak into the engine compartment and potentially ignite on hot engine or exhaust components. As of October 9, 2026, approximately 15 months after the recall was issued, NHTSA's VIN-specific recall database continues to list my vehicle's recall as incomplete, with the permanent remedy not yet available. My concern is the prolonged period during which my vehicle remains subject to a known fire-related safety defect without an available permanent repair. I have not reported an actual fuel leak or fire. This complaint concerns the documented safety defect and the continued unavailability of a permanent remedy. I request that NHTSA review the length of Ford's recall remedy delay, determine whether the manufacturer's response satisfies applicable recall requirements, and provide guidance regarding vehicle safety, interim protections, and the expected availability of a permanent repair. I also request that Ford provide affected…”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.