Ford Escape owners filed 9,632 complaints with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for model years 2015–2025 (see the Car Problem Index for all 60 models), and NHTSA lists 56 recall campaigns for the same years. The 2017 Ford Escape drew the most complaints (2,679); across all years, owners complain most about engine (38% of complaints).
Key findings
- Worst model year: 2017, with 2,679 complaints, led by engine (1,565) and 4 recalls.
- Complaints vs recalls: Engine drew 3,697 complaints and 6 recalls.
- Spike years, compared with a typical model year: 2015 (1.9 times as many complaints), 2016 (1.9 times as many complaints), 2017 (4.6 times as many complaints), 2018 (3.1 times as many complaints), 2020 (2.7 times as many complaints).
- Earliest-failing area: electrical system complaints came at a median 39k mi.
- Fire and crash reports: 72 complaints mention a fire and 196 a crash, with 214 injuries and 1 death reported.
Ford Escape complaints and recalls by model year
| Model year | Complaints | Top problem areas |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 9 recalls | 1,092 | Transmission / powertrain (286), Engine (238), Backup camera / rear sensors (142) median 76k mi · 29 crashes · 19 fires |
| 2016 4 recalls | 1,118 | Transmission / powertrain (320), Backup camera / rear sensors (209), Engine (199) median 78k mi · 36 crashes · 10 fires |
| 2017 4 recalls | 2,679 | Engine (1,565), Engine and cooling (507), Transmission / powertrain (390) median 70k mi · 39 crashes · 15 fires |
| 2018 4 recalls | 1,792 | Engine (1,146), Engine and cooling (342), Transmission / powertrain (269) median 81k mi · 25 crashes · 5 fires |
| 2019 3 recalls | 586 | Engine (308), Transmission / powertrain (125), Engine and cooling (92) median 65k mi · 24 crashes · 3 fires |
| 2020 23 recalls | 1,596 | Body structure (670), Transmission / powertrain (236), Electrical system (157) median 44k mi · 20 crashes · 4 fires |
| 2021 19 recalls | 343 | Body structure (92), Fuel System, Gasoline (44), Engine (43) median 39k mi · 9 crashes · 9 fires |
| 2022 19 recalls | 231 | Fuel System, Gasoline (61), Brakes (33), Engine (32) median 35k mi · 7 crashes · 4 fires |
| 2023 11 recalls | 96 | Electrical system (39), Engine (28), Transmission / powertrain (20) median 19k mi · 2 crashes · 3 fires |
| 2024 8 recalls | 76 | Electrical system (27), Automatic emergency braking / collision warning (19), Lane departure assist (18) median 14k mi · 5 crashes |
| 2025 9 recalls | 23 | Electrical system (6), Engine (5), Engine and cooling (4) median 5k mi |
One recall campaign often covers several model years, so the recall column adds up to 113, more than the 56 separate campaigns. Newer years have had less time to collect reports.
Most-reported Ford Escape problems, and what they cost to fix
| Problem area | Complaints | Share | Recalls | Median mileage | Estimate the repair |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 3,697 | 38% | 6 | 70k mi | Engine overhaul cost |
| Transmission / powertrain | 1,725 | 18% | 6 | 81k mi | Transmission repair cost |
| Engine and cooling | 1,071 | 11% | 6 | 86k mi | Engine overhaul cost |
| Body structure | 940 | 10% | 1 | 42k mi | — |
| Electrical system | 755 | 8% | 11 | 39k mi | Alternator / electrical repair cost |
| Backup camera / rear sensors | 426 | 4% | 6 | 85k mi | — |
| Fuel system | 379 | 4% | 6 | 56k mi | Fuel pump repair cost |
| Steering | 279 | 3% | 0 | 41k mi | Power steering repair cost |
Top problem areas only; one complaint can count twice.
What Ford Escape owners report
Owners’ own words; dollar figures are what they reported.
Engine
Engine light kept coming on. Eventually stopped in traffic and went into limp mode. Took it to the local Ford dealer and they said it was a coolant leak into the engine and that they've seen it before and that it would cost $8,000 to replace the engine. We were able to get an independent mechanic to replace the faulty engine with a pre-owned engine with 11,329 miles for $5,000.
2017 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 11473114
The engine light came on and we took it to the dealer where we purchased it. They told US the engine had coolant leaking into it from a warped engine block. The vehicle has less than 50,000 miles on it. The dealer told US it would cost $14000 to replace the engine. We are feeling quite frustrated as Ford was aware this was a known problem / design defect. They even went as far to correct the design on new models.
2018 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 11683117
Related recalls: 26V122000 (2025): An unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash. 25V372000 (2023–2025): An oil leak can result in loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, an oil leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire. 25V345000 (2020–2023): An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
3,697 owners reported engine problems; the engine overhaul cost calculator shows what the fix costs where you live.
Transmission / powertrain
The transmission has a rattle and the dealer states that the transmission likely has a damaged flex plate. But the car is not covered as there is no recall or customer campaign. The car barely has over 22,000 miles on it. Ford should be responsible instead of telling me it's a $4-6000 repair. Tranny problems at 22,000 miles is a design issue.
2019 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 11655131
I've started to get a message on my dashboard - AWD fault. This car was built in 2020 with less than 25,000 miles and no accidents. A search on Ford forums revealed multiple complaints about 2020 Ford escapes with the same issue. The dealerships in each incident said there was no recall, and prices for repairs ranged from $900 to $1100.
2020 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 11559853
Related recalls: 24V330000 (2020–2022): A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash. 22V413000 (2015–2019): A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, and cause the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction. Additionally, the vehicle may roll after the driver selects the 'Park' position. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash or injury. 21V011000 (2020): If the rear drive unit seizes, there may be a loss of drive and/or a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
1,725 owners reported transmission / powertrain problems; the transmission repair cost calculator shows what the fix costs where you live.
Engine and cooling
Check engine light is on at 63,000 miles. Ford dealer confirmed coolant in cylinder and immanent total engine failure, so vehicle is not safe to drive as it may stop at any time and loss of coolant. Only indication is the check engine light. Dealer quoted repairs for engine, turbo, and cat converter replacement at over $18,000. Research on the internet reveals that this is a common failure.
2016 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 11565708
The check engine light came on. I was told by my regular repair shop that there was a bulletin from Ford and I had to have it fixed by a dealer’s service department. I was then made aware by the Ford dealer’s service department that coolant had leaked into the engine and destroyed it leading to the engine needing to be replaced. My car is 5 years old with 79,000 miles. This is unacceptable.
2017 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 11462827
Related recalls: 26V122000 (2025, described above). 25V372000 (2023–2025, described above). 25V345000 (2020–2023, described above).
1,071 owners reported engine and cooling problems; the engine overhaul cost calculator shows what the fix costs where you live.
Ford Escape recalls
Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for your car’s open recalls.
| Campaign | Announced | Model years | System | Risk (NHTSA's wording) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26V374000 | 2026-06-09 | 2017 | Visibility (windows, mirrors, wipers) | A closing window that does not reverse direction as expected can pinch a driver or passenger before retracting, increasing the risk of injury. |
| 26V117000 | 2026-03-03 | 2020–2022 | Visibility (windows, mirrors, wipers) | Windshield wipers that fail to operate properly can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 26V123000 | 2026-03-03 | 2020–2022 | Backup camera / rear sensors | An incorrectly displayed rearview image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 26V122000 | 2026-03-03 | 2025 | Engine and cooling | An unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash. |
| 26V011000 | 2026-01-15 | 2015–2019 | Equipment / accessories | An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire. |
| 25V862000 | 2025-12-12 | 2025 | Seat belts | An improperly secured seat belt retractor may not restrain an occupant as intended, increasing the risk of injury during a crash. |
| 25V829000 | 2025-12-01 | 2020–2022, 2025 | Body structure | A detached liftgate hinge cover can create a distraction or a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 25V787000 | 2025-11-14 | 2025 | Electronic Stability Control (esc) | Loss of vehicle stability control or brake power assist can increase the risk of a crash. |
| 25V695000 | 2025-10-13 | 2015–2016 | Backup camera / rear sensors | A rearview camera that fails to properly display an image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 25V685000 | 2025-10-10 | 2020–2022 | Equipment / accessories | An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire. |
| 25V693000 | 2025-10-10 | 2020 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | Reduced brake function can require the driver to apply more brake pedal force, and the distance required to stop the vehicle may be extended, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 25V467000 | 2025-07-11 | 2020–2022 | Fuel System, Gasoline | A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source, such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire. |
| 25V442000 | 2025-06-27 | 2020–2022 | Backup camera / rear sensors | A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver. Both of these situations can increase the risk of a crash. |
| 25V372000 | 2025-06-03 | 2023–2025 | Engine | An oil leak can result in loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, an oil leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire. |
| 25V345000 | 2025-05-23 | 2020–2023 | Engine | An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury. |
| 25V343000 | 2025-05-23 | 2023–2025 | Electrical system | An overheated engine block heater can increase the risk of a fire. |
| 25V315000 | 2025-05-09 | 2023–2024 | Backup camera / rear sensors | A frozen or missing rearview camera image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 25V165000 | 2025-03-14 | 2020–2022 | Fuel System, Gasoline | A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire. |
| 25V161000 | 2025-03-14 | 2025 | Backup camera / rear sensors | An inverted rearview camera image will not accurately display what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash or injury. |
| 25V133000 | 2025-02-28 | 2022 | Transmission / powertrain | A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash. |
| 25V049000 | 2025-01-31 | 2025 | Electrical system | An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, increases the risk of a crash. |
| 24V954000 | 2024-12-20 | 2020–2024 | Electrical system | Battery failure can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. Battery failure can also increase the risk of a fire. |
| 24V852000 | 2024-11-08 | 2020–2024 | Equipment / accessories | Without a label that shows the proper restraint usage guidelines, the occupants may have an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash. |
| 24V850000 | 2024-11-08 | 2024–2025 | Electrical system | During air bag deployment, the air bag cover may break and project fragments into the vehicle, or the air bag may deploy improperly, increasing the risk of occupant injury. |
| 24V634000 | 2024-08-23 | 2023–2024 | Fuel System, Gasoline | A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire. |
| 24V440000 | 2024-06-14 | 2023–2024 | Automatic emergency braking / collision warning | Misalignment of the radar module can result in the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) misclassifying an overhead object as an object in the vehicle's path, causing the vehicle to unexpectedly slow and/or stop. Other safety systems that depend on the radar model (Pre-Collision Assist, Forward Collision Warning, and Auto Emergency Braking) could have diminished or lost function. These conditions increase the risk of a crash. |
| 24V330000 | 2024-05-10 | 2020–2022 | Transmission / powertrain | A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash. |
| 24V187000 | 2024-03-08 | 2022 | Fuel System, Gasoline | A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire. |
| 23V506000 | 2023-07-21 | 2023 | Electrical system | An inoperable instrument panel cannot show critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, which may increase the risk of a crash. |
| 23V380000 | 2023-05-26 | 2020–2023 | Engine | An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury. |
| 22V859000 | 2022-11-18 | 2020–2023 | Fuel System, Gasoline | A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire. |
| 22V484000 | 2022-07-07 | 2020–2022 | Engine and cooling | An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury. |
| 22V413000 | 2022-06-10 | 2015–2019 | Transmission / powertrain | A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, and cause the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction. Additionally, the vehicle may roll after the driver selects the 'Park' position. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash or injury. |
| 22V331000 | 2022-05-13 | 2020 | Electrical system | A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash. |
| 22V254000 | 2022-04-14 | 2015 | Transmission / powertrain | A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, and cause the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction. Additionally, the vehicle may roll after the driver selects the 'Park' position. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash or injury. |
| 22V191000 | 2022-03-25 | 2020–2022 | Engine and cooling | An oil leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire. |
| 22V149000 | 2022-03-11 | 2021–2022 | Electrical system | A sudden loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash. |
| 21V922000 | 2021-11-23 | 2021–2022 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | During certain situations, the driver may have to apply more brake pedal force, and the distance required to stop the vehicle may be extended, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 21V869000 | 2021-11-10 | 2021 | Electrical system | A sudden loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash. |
| 21V625000 | 2021-08-10 | 2021 | Fuel System, Gasoline | An engine stall increases the risk of a crash. |
| 21V155000 | 2021-03-10 | 2019 | Tires | Over cured tires may develop a break in the sidewall, resulting in sudden air loss or belt edge separation which could lead to tread/belt loss. Either condition can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 21V011000 | 2021-01-15 | 2020 | Transmission / powertrain | If the rear drive unit seizes, there may be a loss of drive and/or a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 20V635000 | 2020-10-15 | 2020 | Electrical system | Low tire pressure may lead to poor vehicle handling and a possible loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of crash. |
| 20V575000 | 2020-09-23 | 2020 | Backup camera / rear sensors | Reduced rearward visibility can increase the risk of a crash. |
| 20V550000 | 2020-09-10 | 2020 | Transmission / powertrain | Missing or loose bolts on the start stop accumulator endcap could result in a transmission fluid leak and may progress to a loss of transmission function. A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of fire. |
| 20V415000 | 2020-07-17 | 2020 | Air bags | In the event of a crash, if the diffuser detaches from the inflator during air bag deployment, the curtain air bag may not inflate properly, increasing the risk of injury. |
| 20V331000 | 2020-06-08 | 2015 | Latches and locks | A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant. |
| 19V633000 | 2019-08-28 | 2020 | Seats | A seat back with an improperly assembled recliner mechanism may have reduced strength and may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury. |
| 18V104000 | 2018-02-12 | 2018 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | A brake fluid leak may lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 17V803000 | 2017-12-18 | 2018 | Air bags | If the component detaches during deployment, it may enter the passenger compartment and be a projectile within the vehicle cabin, increasing the risk of injury. |
| 17V472000 | 2017-07-25 | 2015 | Seat belts | The improperly manufactured bolts may fracture. If a seat, seatback, or seatbelt anchor attaching bolt fractures, the affected component may not be properly secured, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash. |
| 17V398000 | 2017-06-26 | 2016 | Air bags | In the event of a crash, if the driver's knee air bag does not inflate as intended, the driver has an increased risk of injury. |
| 16V643000 | 2016-09-06 | 2015 | Latches and locks | A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant. |
| 16V617000 | 2016-08-24 | 2017 | Visibility (windows, mirrors, wipers) | If a window closes on a body part, it can increase the risk of injury. |
| 15V436000 | 2015-07-08 | 2015 | Electrical system | If the engine does not turn off as expected, someone could move the transmission shifter out of park and the vehicle may move unintentionally, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 15V406000 | 2015-06-24 | 2015 | Electrical system | If the instrument cluster is inoperative, the driver of may not be warned of safety related issues such as low tire pressures or disabled air bags, increasing the risk of personal injury or a crash. |
What this data can and can't tell you
9,632 unverified owner reports, not adjusted for sales. Method.
Other Ford models in the index
- Ford F-150 (11,842)
- Ford Explorer (9,079)
- Ford Edge (5,190)
- Ford Fusion (4,656)
- Ford F-250 SD (3,942)
- Ford Focus (3,929)
- Ford Expedition (2,537)
- Ford F-350 SD (2,147)
- Ford EcoSport (1,850)
- Ford Mustang (1,750)
Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation consumer complaint files (nhtsa.gov), retrieved 2026-09-25; NHTSA recalls database (nhtsa.gov/recalls), retrieved 2026-09-23. Model years 2015–2025. Free to cite with a link to this page.