2020 Ford Escape Hybrid
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.
- Complaints
- 287
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 2
- Top problem
- Structure
Campaigns on file for 2020
Opened by NHTSA
37% of complaints
Complaints per year
2020: 287 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2005 | 178 |
| 2006 | 219 |
| 2007 | 124 |
| 2008 | 443 |
| 2009 | 153 |
| 2010 | 59 |
| 2011 | 37 |
| 2012 | 15 |
| 2013 | 5 |
| 2020 | 287 |
| 2021 | 124 |
| 2022 | 68 |
| 2023 | 23 |
| 2024 | 4 |
| 2025 | 1 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Structure
37% · 106 reportsMost commonly citing body and door.
Show complaint excerpts
Tailgate lowers without driver action. While unloading rear area tailgate lowered on head
NHTSA ODI report, 2021-02-01
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, 2026-08-17
Engine
22% · 64 reportsElectrical system
15% · 43 reportsMost commonly citing instrument cluster/panel and software.
Power train
11% · 31 reportsMost commonly citing column shift assembly and gear position indication (prndl).
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, 2026-08-07
Service brakes
2% · 7 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic and air.
Safety timeline
1 recall · 2 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2020Complaint volume 287 complaints filed for this model year.
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2023-01-27Defect petitionClosed 2023-08-07 Pedestrian alert sounds
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2023-07-07Preliminary evaluationClosed 2024-01-24 Failed Door Check Arm Attachment Point
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2026-02-12Power train25V881000 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.
Buy-smart checklist
2020 Ford Escape Hybrid — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Structure: 106 reports on file for this year.
- Engine: 64 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 43 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 25V881000 · Power train
Other years of this model
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 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.