Problems · by component

2022 Ford Escape engine problems

35 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2022 Ford Escape cite engine, 15% of all 238 complaints for this model year. NHTSA also lists 2 recalls on this component.

Complaints
35
15% of all complaints
Crashes
0
Reported by owners
Fires
4
Reported by owners
Injuries
0
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the engine

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“In early September 2026, my 2022 Ford Escape SE (1.5L EcoBoost) experienced repeated engine stalls while my wife was driving with our children inside. The vehicle had only 33,028 miles. Whenever the A/C was engaged, the engine stalled and could not restart normally until the A/C was turned off. With the A/C off, the vehicle could restart and drive. Turning the A/C back on caused the engine to stall again. A strong burning/electrical smell accompanied the malfunction and persisted even with the A/C off. The failure occurred suddenly, without prior symptoms. Whether dashboard warning lights appeared is UNKNOWN. Losing engine power while driving created a serious collision risk for my family and other motorists. I drove the vehicle to Germain Ford of Beavercreek, Ohio, and reported the problem. The dealership documented the engine stalling while driving and burning smell under Repair Order #663106, dated October 15, 2026. Germain diagnosed a catastrophic internal A/C compressor failure with metal contamination throughout the A/C system, requiring extensive repairs. However, identifying the failed compressor does not explain why it failed or its precise…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 31, 2026Electrical system, Unknown or other, EngineODI 11774820
“E29 light-emission malfunction warning indicator. Large evaporation leak. Dealer notified and repaired 10/16/26 at 54,399 miles and 10/27/26 at 54,835 miles. Items not under warranty.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 31, 2026EngineODI 11774834
“This recall has been in effect for over a year now with no remedy available. I have issues with my engine starting, engine staying running, acceleration during turning, etc. due to this recall. It is extremely unsafe and no remedy being available after a year is very disappointing and puts me in harm everyday.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 26, 2026Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11752937
“The engine warning light came on and Autozone indicated that it involved the evap cannister purge valve. As I was trying to figure out which part to order over a couple of days, the car stopped in the middle of an intersection while my wife was driving. It would not restart. We had the car towed and spent several hundred dollars on a repair. I don't understand how a faulty purge valve should cause the engine to suddenly stop and not restart. I recall reading that there was a recall involving faulty purge valve on older Ford models. This was definitely a safety issue as the car stopped in the middle of a busy 5 lane highway.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 13, 2026EngineODI 11750119
“I press on the gas pedal and the car won't move. I will be at a stop sign and I'll remove my foot from the break, step on the gas and the car stalls it won't really go. I almost have to floor it to get it to move. Has happened multiple times.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 16, 2026Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11744396
“Shortly after purchasing my 2022 Ford Escape, I began experiencing hesitation during acceleration, loss of power, RPM fluctuations, loud howling and whining noises, grinding noises, exhaust-related rattling, coolant bubbling, and a strong sulfur/rotten egg odor. The problems were reported repeatedly to the selling dealer and Ford service departments. Despite multiple complaints, I was repeatedly told nothing was wrong with the vehicle. The vehicle continued to deteriorate and now struggles to accelerate and produces extremely loud noises during operation. The condition creates a safety concern because the vehicle does not respond normally when accelerating and may not be able to maintain speed safely in traffic. I also discovered an open safety recall involving a potentially cracked fuel injector that could allow fuel or fuel vapor to accumulate on the engine and create a fire risk. The recall remains incomplete because a remedy is not currently available. The vehicle has been inspected by dealership service departments and an independent transmission specialist. The problems have been ongoing since shortly after purchase and continue to worsen.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 13, 2026Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11743915

Showing 6 of 35 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.