2020 Ford Escape problems owners report most

2020 Ford Escape problems are documented in public: owners have filed 1,839 complaints with NHTSA, the earliest in 2019 and the most recent in 2026. Sorting those by the component the filer named puts the body structure clearly first, at 711 of the 1,839 complaints, two of every five filed.

A complaint is not a repair bill and not a defect finding. It is one owner telling the regulator something went wrong. What makes the count useful is the concentration: when one component takes 39 per cent of everything filed on a car, the pattern is doing more than chance.

2020 Ford Escape complaints by component
ComponentComplaintsShare
STRUCTURE71139%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER37420%
POWER TRAIN27315%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM20211%
ENGINE18610%
FUEL SYSTEM1257%

Against the 2019 car, this model year has drawn 207 per cent more complaints (1,839 against 599). The 2019 car was led by its engine instead, so the pattern shifted between the two years. A rise is worth more attention than a fall here, because a newer car has had fewer years on the road to accumulate reports.

Of those complaints, 21 describe a crash and 5 describe a fire. Filers reported 33 injuries.

Recalls on the 2020 Ford Escape

A recall means the manufacturer or the regulator found a safety defect, and the repair is free at a franchised dealer however old the car is. There are 24 recalls on this model year. Your own car may be covered by some, all or none of them, so check the VIN rather than the model.

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER19V633000 · reported 28/08/2019

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 and 2019-2020 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty pickup trucks, and 2018-2019 Ford Explorer, 2019-2020 Expedition, and 2020 Escape vehicles equipped with driver and/or passenger's manual front seat back recliner mechanisms. Also included are certain 2020 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with rear outboard seats and manual seat back recliner mechanisms. The recliner mechanisms may be missing the third pawl required for seat back strength, resulting in a loose seat back. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 202, "Head Restraints" and 207, "Seating Systems."

The risk. 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.

The fix. Ford will notify owners, and Ford and Lincoln dealers will inspect the seat structure and replace them, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 21, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19C07.

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW20V415000 · reported 17/07/2020

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Escape and Transit vehicles. The affected vehicles may have an improperly crimped diffuser in the side curtain air bags which may result in the diffuser detaching from the inflator in the event of an air bag deployment.

The risk. 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.

The fix. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the side curtain air bag modules, free of charge. An interim letter notifying owners of the safety risk was mailed August 3, 2020. The recall began January 11, 2021. Owners may contact Ford's customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S35.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:BODY CONTROL MODULE/BCM20V635000 · reported 15/10/2020

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Escape vehicles equipped with a key-start ignition system. The Body Control Module (BCM) intermittently may not pick up the signal from the rear Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) sensors or the Remote Key Fob. In the event of a low tire pressure condition, the TPMS system may not provide an adequate warning.

The risk. Low tire pressure may lead to poor vehicle handling and a possible loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of crash.

The fix. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the BCM, free of charge. Owners are advised that two key fobs are required for the repair to be completed. The recall began December 1, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S59.

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION20V550000 · reported 10/09/2020

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Edge, Transit Connect and Lincoln MKX and 2020 Escape and Lincoln Corsair vehicles. The start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing or loose bolts.

The risk. 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.

The fix. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the start/stop accumulator, free of charge. The recall began September 23, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S49.

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA20V575000 · reported 23/09/2020

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Ford F-150, F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, Explorer, Mustang, Transit, Expedition, Escape, Ranger and Edge, and Lincoln Nautilus and Corsair vehicles. Due to a poor electrical connection, the rearview camera may intermittently display a blank or distorted image. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."

The risk. Reduced rearward visibility can increase the risk of a crash.

The fix. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rearview camera, free of charge. The recall began November 17, 2020. Remedy became available on February 1, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on February 1, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20C19.

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT21V011000 · reported 15/01/2021

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Edge, 2020 Lincoln Nautilus and Ford Escape and 2021 Lincoln Corsair and Ford Bronco Sport vehicles. An inadequate amount of lubricant in the rear drive unit may cause seizure of the rear drive axle.

The risk. 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.

The fix. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will check the rear drive unit lubricant level. Axles found to have lubricant at the minimum level will be filled to the full level. Axles found to be below the minimum lubricant fill level will be replaced, free of charge. This recall began March 12, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S02.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION22V191000 · reported 25/03/2022

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape and 2021-2022 Bronco Sport vehicles equipped with 1.5L engines. The engine oil separator housing may crack and develop an oil leak.

The risk. An oil leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.

The fix. Dealers will inspect the oil separator for damage or oil leaks, and replace the oil separator and seals, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 18, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S21.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY22V331000 · reported 13/05/2022

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Escape and 2021 Lincoln Corsair vehicles equipped with 2.5L hybrid powertrains. Insufficient welds inside the high voltage battery may fail, resulting in a loss of drive power.

The risk. A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.

The fix. Dealers will replace the high voltage battery, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on July 12, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed August 8, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S33.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING22V484000 · reported 07/07/2022

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape, 2021-2022 Lincoln Corsair, and 2022 Maverick 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.

The risk. An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.

The fix. Owners are advised to park and shut off the engine as quickly as possible if they hear unexpected engine noises, notice a reduction in vehicle power, or see smoke. Dealers will modify the under engine shield and active grille shutter, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 19, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S47.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM22V859000 · reported 19/11/2022

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Escape and 2021-2023 Bronco Sport vehicles equipped with 1.5L engines. A fuel injector may crack and leak fuel inside the engine compartment.

The risk. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.

The fix. Dealers will update the engine control software to include fuel injector leak detection and install a drain tube, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed January 9, 2023. Remedy parts are expected to be available in 1st Quarter of 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed February 28, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S73. This recall includes all vehicles previously recalled under 22V-191. Vehicles previously remedied under 22V-191 will need to have the new remedy performed.

ENGINE23V380000 · reported 27/05/2023

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.

The risk. An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.

The fix. Owners are advised to park and shut off the engine as quickly as possible if they hear unexpected engine noises, notice a reduction in vehicle power, or see smoke. Dealers will replace the engine long-block in 2023 Escape and Corsair vehicles. For the other vehicles, dealers will update the powertrain control module software. If a connecting rod bearing failure is detected, dealers will replace the engine long-block. All inspections and repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 14, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S27. This recall expands and replaces recall number 22V-484. Vehicles previously repaired under 22V-484 will need to have the new remedy completed.

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)24V330000 · reported 11/05/2024

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Maverick, 2020-2022 Escape, and 2021-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles. The Hybrid Powertrain Control Module (HPCM) software may cause the vehicle to shift into neutral unexpectedly, causing a loss of drive power.

The risk. A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.

The fix. Dealers will update the HPCM software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 22, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S33.

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS24V852000 · reported 08/11/2024

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, 2020-2024 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2018-2024 F-150, Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The air bag warning label may be missing from the dashboard. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirement Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

The risk. 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.

The fix. Ford will mail owners the warning labels, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 19, 2024. Owners may call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24C39.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY:MANAGEMENT SYSTEM/ENERGY CONTROL MODULE (BMS/BECM)24V954000 · reported 20/12/2024

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Ford Escape, and 2021-2024 Lincoln Corsair vehicles. A manufacturing defect in one or more of the high voltage battery cells may result in an internal short circuit and battery failure.

The risk. 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.

The fix. Owners are advised not to charge battery till the remedy has been completed. Dealers will perform a battery energy control module (BECM) software update, and replace the high voltage battery pack, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 30, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S79.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM25V165000 · reported 14/03/2025

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape and 2021-2023 Bronco Sport vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall numbers 22V-859 or 24V-187. A fuel injector may crack and leak fuel inside the engine compartment.

The risk. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.

The fix. Dealers will update the powertrain control module (PCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 22, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S21.

ENGINE25V345000 · reported 23/05/2025

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.

The risk. An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.

The fix. Owners are advised to park and shut off the engine as quickly as possible if they hear unexpected engine noises, notice a reduction in vehicle power, or see smoke. Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 27, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S54.

BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE25V442000 · reported 27/06/2025

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, MKX, Edge, Continental, F-150, Nautilus, Fusion, 2019-2023 Ranger, Mustang, 2020-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape, F-250 SD, Corsair, 2020-2023 Aviator, Transit, 2020-2024 Explorer, 2021-2024 Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank image, or the image may remain on the display after the backing event has ended.

The risk. 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.

The fix. Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S72.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM25V467000 · reported 11/07/2025

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Bronco Sport and 2020-2022 Escape vehicles equipped with 1.5L engines. A fuel injector may crack and leak fuel inside the engine compartment.

The risk. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source, such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.

The fix. Dealers will update the engine control software. In addition, dealers will replace the high-pressure fuel rail assembly and fuel injectors, free of charge. As an interim repair, dealers will update the engine control software, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed August 29, 2025. Second letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in July 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S76. This recall expands and replaces previous recall numbers 22V-859, 24V187, and 25V165. Vehicles previously remedied under 22V-859, 24V187, and 25V165 will need to have the new final remedy performed once it is available.

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATER25V685000 · reported 10/10/2025

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Lincoln MKC, 2016-2023 Explorer, 2019-2020 Fusion, 2019-2024 Ranger, 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair, Escape, 2021-2024 Bronco, Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.

The risk. An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.

The fix. Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded blanking plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed December 3, 2025. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated December 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA4. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 15, 2025.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS25V693000 · reported 11/10/2025

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Escape vehicles. The rear brake pads may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can reduce brake function in the event of a brake booster malfunction. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."

The risk. 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.

The fix. Dealers will replace the front brake pads, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on November 5, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21C31. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 13, 2025. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 21V922.

STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS25V829000 · reported 02/12/2025

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape and 2025 Escape vehicles. The liftgate hinge covers may not be properly secured and detach from the vehicle.

The risk. A detached liftgate hinge cover can create a distraction or a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix. Dealers will inspect and reinstall, or replace any missing liftgate hinge covers as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 3, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SD6. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on December 3, 2025.

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR26V117000 · reported 03/03/2026

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer, Escape, Lincoln Aviator, and Lincoln Corsair vehicles. The windshield wiper motor may fail and prevent the windshield wipers from operating properly.

The risk. Windshield wipers that fail to operate properly can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix. Dealers will inspect and replace the front wiper motors as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed April 2, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in November 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S14. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 4, 2026.

BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE26V123000 · reported 04/03/2026

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2020-2024 Lincoln Aviator, and Explorer vehicles. The image on the center display may flip or invert, resulting in an incorrectly displayed rearview image when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

The risk. An incorrectly displayed rearview image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix. Dealers will update the accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 23, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C11. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 5, 2026.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY25V789000 · reported 14/11/2025

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Ford Escape and 2021-2024 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.

The risk. 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.

The fix. Dealers will update the battery energy control module (BECM) and hybrid powertrain control module (HPCM), free of charge. Owners are advised to only use "Auto EV" mode and will be instructed by mail to limit the maximum charge of the battery until the remedy has been completed. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SC4. Vehicles in this recall were previously recalled under 24V954 and will need to have the new remedy performed. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on November 18, 2025.

In owners own words

These are complaints filed about the body structure, quoted as written. They are one persons account rather than a diagnosis, and they are here because a symptom described by a driver is easier to recognise than a component name.

ON [XXX] I NOTICED MY WIFES FRONT DRIVER DOOR HINGE WAS MAKING NOISE. AT THAT TIME I LUBED THE DOOR HINGES. NOISE STILL PRESENT DOOR HARD TO CLOSE. OPENED AND CLOSED DOOR MULTIPLE TIMES TO MAKE SURE DOOR WOULD CLOSE AND LATCH. ON [XXX] MY WIFE DROVE THE VEHICLE IN THE AM. UPON ARRIVING HOME SHE INFORMED ME THAT THE WINDOW ON THE DRIVER DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN. I OPENED THE DOOR AND PUT THE WINDOW DOWN .AND IT WOULDN'T GO BACK UP AND THE DOOR WOULD NOT CLOSE.AT THAT POINT I CONTACTED A FRIEND WHO OWNS A BODY SHOP AND HE TOLD ME TO BRING THE VEHICLE TO THE SHOP. WITH THE DOOR NOT CLOSING I TOOK THE

Filed with NHTSA 01/24/2024

The drivers side front door developed a loud clunking sound upon opening and closing. My car sees somewhat higher mileage than typical and my mileage is at 79K miles currently. Upon inspecting the issue, I determined that the door closing indent mechanism that stops the door from swinging open all the way was jumping around and making the loud thunking noise. Upon further looking I noticed all the spot welds were ripped out of the door body. Those welds hold a bracket on the inside of the door that holds the closing mechanism. I did a bit of online research and determined there was a service b

Filed with NHTSA 09/28/2023

I have only had my car for three years and it is well taken care of, but the door suddenly started popping. The same day, my door became difficult to open and extremely hard to close once I got it open. I contacted Ford Corporate the next day. I was told my car was out of warranty because I have 38981 miles. The only thing that was covered under the 5 year warranty in regards to safety would be the seat belts and the airbags. I said, "Ford doesn't think that the car door being able to open or close in the case of an emergency is a safety issue?!?" The chat operator said she could open a

Filed with NHTSA 11/12/2023

In the early summer of 2021, I started to hear a snapping noise in the driver’s door. I thought it might be the hinge, but it appeared to be coming from the middle of the door. It got continually worse. When I put the window down it would come back up and catch my arm and then go back down. Eventually I was only opening the door a short distance so it would not snap. It made it very difficult to get in and out. So, for over 3 months I squeezed in and out of the car. I am concerned about the other 3 doors. In early September I contacted the dealer and was to take it on September 7th. But

Filed with NHTSA 03/16/2022

My 2020 Ford Escape Hybrid SE driver's side door has failed (ripped) spot welds at the door's arm. I simply opened my car door one day, and heard a loud pop. Ever since I simply opened my car door, my door now has constant cracking/popping sounds when I open or close my driver's side door. Due to issues with my door, my driver's side window now does not move up or down. This issue did not have any warning or symptoms prior to the ripped weld spots, it was a random instance which now permanently has affected my car. I have done some investigating on my own regarding this matter with other Ford

Filed with NHTSA 03/16/2024

NHTSA ID Number: 10201603/ SSM 50150 - 2020-2021 Ford Escape My vehicle is having this EXACT issue and there are many other Ford Escape owners that are having this issue and even with the manufacturer extended warranty it is not covered. This issue has obviously been reported with the reference number above and NHTSA PDF attached. fordescape.org/threads/door-limiting-rod.116354/page-2 has so many other Ford escape owners with the EXACT same problem. This IS a safety issue as the door can fail to open or close at any given time with the arm tack weld falling off and rendering the door not us

Filed with NHTSA 11/28/2022

Every component, by complaint count

The full breakdown of what owners named when they filed. Components below the top ten are grouped out of this table.

2020 Ford Escape complaints by component, full list
ComponentComplaintsShare of all complaints
STRUCTURE71139%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER37420%
POWER TRAIN27315%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM20211%
ENGINE18610%
FUEL SYSTEM1257%
GASOLINE1247%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM835%
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE754%
VISIBILITY/WIPER513%

How other model years compare

The same nameplate across the years we hold. Complaint counts fall naturally for newer cars because fewer of them have been on the road for long, so read the column as a rough signal rather than a ranking. In this set the 2017 Ford Escape has drawn the most complaints and the 2021 Ford Escape the fewest.

Ford Escape by model year
Model yearComplaintsRecallsMost reported
20161,1784POWER TRAIN
20172,7014ENGINE
20181,8224ENGINE
20195993ENGINE
2020 (this page)1,83924STRUCTURE
202138221STRUCTURE

How to use this before you buy or repair

The reports do not gather around one obvious symptom, so read a handful of the complaints above and see which descriptions match what your car is doing.

Buying a used 2020 Escape

Bring the complaint list to the inspection and ask the mechanic to check the components named most, rather than running a general once over.

If you already own one

Check your VIN for open recalls first. A recall repair costs nothing whatever the age or mileage of the car.

  • Check the VIN for open recalls, not the model year.
  • Ask the inspecting mechanic about the components named above.
  • Get the part number before comparing retailer prices.
  • Keep parts and labour as separate lines in any quote.

Where the 2020 Ford Escape problem data comes from

Every figure on this page is counted from complaints and recalls published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, read November 1, 2026. Complaints are filed by owners and are not verified by the agency before publication. We count each complaint once per component it names, so a complaint naming two components appears in both rows.

  1. NHTSA recalls and complaintsRead November 1, 2026
  2. NHTSA record for the 2020 Ford EscapeRead November 1, 2026