Problems · by component

2020 Ford Escape engine problems

122 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2020 Ford Escape cite engine, 8% of all 1,548 complaints for this model year. NHTSA also lists 2 recalls on this component.

Complaints
122
8% of all complaints
Crashes
0
Reported by owners
Fires
1
Reported by owners
Injuries
0
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the engine

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“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…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 20, 2026Power train, Vehicle speed control, EngineODI 11772385
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 27, 2026Vehicle speed control, EngineODI 11767282
“White foggy smoke from exhaust. Backing sensor or driving sensor are off when sensing environment. Car suspension not fully stable sorta drift to left or right.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 5, 2026Suspension, Electrical system, EngineODI 11762391
“I am submitting a safety complaint regarding my 2020 Ford Escape, which currently has an unrepaired safety recall involving the fuel injectors. Recall Information: Manufacturer Recall Number: 25S76 NHTSA Recall Number: 25V467 Recall Date: July 16, 2025 According to the recall notice, a fuel injector may crack and cause fuel to accumulate on top of the engine. The notice states that liquid fuel and/or fuel vapor near hot engine or exhaust components could ignite and cause an under-hood fire. I am very concerned because this recall has remained unrepaired since 2025, and as of September 2026, the remedy is still listed as unavailable. I am also currently experiencing a problem with my vehicle. Whenever I put gas in the vehicle, it has a difficult time starting afterward. The engine struggles to start after refueling, which is concerning to me because there is already an open recall involving the vehicle's fuel system. I understand that I cannot personally determine whether the starting problem is directly related to the recalled fuel injector issue. However, because the vehicle has an open fuel-system safety recall involving a potential fuel leak and fire risk, I…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 4, 2026Unknown or other, EngineODI 11762151
“The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the spark plugs had failed and needed to be replaced. The mechanic replaced the spark plugs; however, the failure persisted. The dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and was unable to provide an expected date when parts would be available.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 4, 2026Fuel system, gasoline, EngineODI 11762106
“UNKNOWN, just here to make a complaint. Fuel Injectors have not failed yet but Ford Motor Company has not yet found a remedy even after 12+ months since recall was initiated. Recall was sent out August 18th, 2025 and no remedy has become available. Currently still waiting”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 24, 2026Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11758969

Showing 6 of 122 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Related recalls

2 recalls on this component

Engine

Free remedy

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Escape, 2021-2023 Corsair, and 2022-2023 Maverick vehicles equipped with 2.5L HEV or PHEV engines that were repaired incorrectly under recall 23V380. In the event of an engine failure, engine oil and fuel vapor may be released into the engine compartment and accumulate near ignition sources such as hot engine or exhaust components, possibly resulting in an engine compartment fire.

EngineReported May 23, 2025NHTSA 25V345000

Engine

Free remedy

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Escape, 2022-2023 Maverick, and 2021-2023 Corsair vehicles equipped with 2.5L HEV or PHEV engines. In the event of an engine failure, engine oil and fuel vapor may be released into the engine compartment and accumulate near ignition sources such as hot engine or exhaust components, possibly resulting in an engine compartment fire.

EngineReported May 27, 2023NHTSA 23V380000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 3, 2026

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