MYRModel Year Report

2020 Ford Escape Hybrid

■ Significantly worse — known issue year
2020 Ford Escape Hybrid
BUILT 2026-09-02

This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Ford Escape Hybrid Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2020 highlighted. 2005: 178 complaints 2005 2006: 219 complaints 2007: 124 complaints 2007 2008: 443 complaints 2009: 153 complaints 2009 2010: 59 complaints 2011: 37 complaints 2011 2012: 15 complaints 2013: 5 complaints 2013 2020: 286 complaints 2020 2021: 121 complaints 2021 2022: 66 complaints 2023: 22 complaints 2023 2024: 4 complaints 2025: 1 complaints 2025
2020: 286 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
2005178
2006219
2007124
2008443
2009153
201059
201137
201215
20135
2020286
2021121
202266
202322
20244
20251

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

STRUCTURE 37%

37% of complaints: structure — 106 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing body and door.

INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

TAILGATE LOWERS WITHOUT DRIVER ACTION. WHILE UNLOADING REAR AREA TAILGATE LOWERED ON HEAD

NHTSA ODI report, 20210201

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the panoramic sunroof center trim piece became dislodged.

NHTSA ODI report, 20260817

ENGINE 22%

22% of complaints: engine — 64 distinct reports on file.

FIRE
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 15%

15% of complaints: electrical system — 43 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing instrument cluster/panel and software.

FIRE
POWER TRAIN 11%

11% of complaints: power train — 31 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing column shift assembly and gear position indication (prndl).

INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

When the outside temperature gets over 95F, the rotary gear shifter locks up in Park and will not let you shift into Drive. Multiple restarts over 30 minutes with the A/C center console pointed down to cool off the rotary shifter dial.

NHTSA ODI report, 20260807

SERVICE BRAKES 2%

2% of complaints: service brakes — 7 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and air.

SAFETY TIMELINE

▮ 2020 — complaint volume: 286
I 20230127 — DP (closed 20230807)

Pedestrian alert sounds

I 20230707 — PE (closed 20240124)

Failed Door Check Arm Attachment Point

R 20260212 — power train

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

Remedy: Dealers will update the HPCM software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 12, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S33.

Campaign 25V881000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2020 Ford Escape Hybrid — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for structure issues (106 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine issues (64 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (43 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 25V881000 (power train) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2011 ▲ 2010 ▲ 2022

WORST YEARS

■ 2008 ◆ 2006 ◆ 2005

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2020 Ford Escape Hybrid reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2020 Ford Escape Hybrid is rated "significantly worse".

What are the most common problems with the 2020 Ford Escape Hybrid?

The most-reported component is structure, accounting for 37% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2020 Ford Escape Hybrid have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.