Is the 2020 Ford Escape reliable?

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

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

The most-reported component is structure, accounting for 42% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2020 Ford Escape have?

23 recalls on file for this model year.

2020 Ford Escape

◆ Worse than typical

2020 Ford Escape
BUILT 2026-10-10

This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than 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: 1,600
Recalls: 23
Investigations: 2
Top problem: Structure

Complaints per year

2020: 1,600 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2000	5
2001	996
2002	1,027
2003	558
2004	499
2005	1,394
2006	464
2007	254
2008	1,974
2009	1,692
2010	2,070
2011	1,316
2012	602
2013	2,748
2014	2,086
2015	1,083
2016	1,116
2017	2,688
2018	1,806
2019	590
2020	1,600
2021	346
2022	233
2023	99
2024	76
2025	25
2026	3

Known problem areas

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

Structure

42% · 675 reports

Most commonly citing body and door.

CRASHINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

Driver's door hinges failed causing the door to swing open unexpectedly while I was trying to exit. Pulled both shoulders while trying to control it.

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-11-16

My drivers door arm receptor has broken free of its spot weld inside the door, causing severe safety issues. [see Car and Driver article BY ALESSANDRA KAESTNER PUBLISHED: JUL 14, 2023] Same issue. This happened to me today 09/20/2023.

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-09-20

Power train

15% · 240 reports

Most commonly citing gear position indication (prndl) and automatic transmission.

CRASHINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

My low mileage 2020 Ford Escape has rear differential shuddering, grinding, and bumping during low speed turns.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-08

Electrical system

10% · 160 reports

Most commonly citing software and sensor/sending unit.

Engine

7% · 119 reports

FIRE

Fuel system, gasoline

7% · 117 reports

Most commonly citing canister and throttlebody/manifold.

FIRE

Safety timeline

23 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

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2019-10-21Seats19V633000 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...

Remedy: 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.

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2020Complaint volume 1,600 complaints filed for this model year.
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2020-09-23Power train20V550000 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.

Remedy: 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.

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2020-12-01Electrical system, tires20V635000 Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Escape vehicles equipped with a key-start ignition system.

Remedy: 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.

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2021-01-11Air bags20V415000 Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Escape and Transit vehicles.

Remedy: 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.

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2021-02-01Back over prevention20V575000 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.

Remedy: 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.

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2021-03-12Power train21V011000 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.

Remedy: 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.

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2021-08-03Recall queryOpen Rearview Camera FMVSS 111 Noncompliance
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2022-04-18Engine and engine cooling22V191000 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.

Remedy: 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.

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2022-08-08Electrical system22V331000 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.

Remedy: 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.

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2022-08-19Engine and engine cooling, structure22V484000 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.

Remedy: 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.

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2023-02-28Fuel system, gasoline22V859000 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.

Remedy: 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.

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2023-07-07Preliminary evaluationClosed 2024-01-24 Failed Door Check Arm Attachment Point
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2024-05-03Engine23V380000 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.

Remedy: 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.

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2024-05-22Power train24V330000 Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Maverick, 2020-2022 Escape, and 2021-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles.

Remedy: 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.

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2024-12-19Equipment24V852000 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.

Remedy: 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.

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2025-04-22Fuel system, gasoline25V165000 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.

Remedy: 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.

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2025-05-30Electrical system24V954000 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.

Remedy: 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.

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2025-06-27Engine25V345000 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.

Remedy: 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.

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2025-09-04Back over prevention25V442000 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,...

Remedy: 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.

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2025-11-05Service brakes, hydraulic25V693000 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.

Remedy: 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.

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2026-06-03Structure25V829000 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.

Remedy: 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.

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2026-06-23Back over prevention26V123000 Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2020-2024 Lincoln Aviator, and Explorer vehicles.

Remedy: 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.

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Date not on fileEquipment25V685000 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.

Remedy: Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge.

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Date not on fileFuel system, gasoline25V467000 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.

Remedy: Dealers will update the engine control software. and replace the high pressure fuel rail assembly and the fuel injector ,free of charge. As an interim repair, dealers will update the engine control software, free of charge.

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Date not on fileVisibility26V117000 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.

Remedy: 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.

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Buy-smart checklist

2020 Ford Escape — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Structure: 675 reports on file for this year.
Power train: 240 reports on file for this year.
Electrical system: 160 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 25V685000 · Equipment
Recall 25V467000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Recall 26V117000 · Visibility
Recall 19V633000 · Seats
Recall 20V550000 · Power train
Recall 20V635000 · Electrical system, tires
Recall 20V415000 · Air bags
Recall 20V575000 · Back over prevention
Recall 21V011000 · Power train
Recall 22V191000 · Engine and engine cooling
Recall 22V331000 · Electrical system
Recall 22V484000 · Engine and engine cooling, structure
Recall 22V859000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Recall 23V380000 · Engine
Recall 24V330000 · Power train
Recall 24V852000 · Equipment
Recall 25V165000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Recall 24V954000 · Electrical system
Recall 25V345000 · Engine
Recall 25V442000 · Back over prevention
Recall 25V693000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
Recall 25V829000 · Structure
Recall 26V123000 · Back over prevention

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2020 Ford Escape reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2020 Ford Escape is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Ford Escape?: The most-reported component is structure, accounting for 42% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2020 Ford Escape have?: 23 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.