2020 Ford Escape
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2000 | 5 |
| 2001 | 996 |
| 2002 | 1027 |
| 2003 | 558 |
| 2004 | 499 |
| 2005 | 1394 |
| 2006 | 464 |
| 2007 | 254 |
| 2008 | 1972 |
| 2009 | 1691 |
| 2010 | 2067 |
| 2011 | 1312 |
| 2012 | 598 |
| 2013 | 2739 |
| 2014 | 2067 |
| 2015 | 1027 |
| 2016 | 1028 |
| 2017 | 2620 |
| 2018 | 1724 |
| 2019 | 557 |
| 2020 | 1546 |
| 2021 | 323 |
| 2022 | 219 |
| 2023 | 94 |
| 2024 | 74 |
| 2025 | 20 |
| 2026 | 3 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
32% of complaints: structure — 493 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow 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, 20231116
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, 20230920
14% of complaints: power train — 211 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURY9% of complaints: electrical system — 146 distinct reports on file.
7% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 110 distinct reports on file.
FIRE7% of complaints: engine — 106 distinct reports on file.
FIRESAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Campaign 19V633000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 20V550000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 20V635000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 20V415000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 20V575000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 21V011000 — check if this car was fixed
Rearview Camera FMVSS 111 Noncompliance
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.
Campaign 22V191000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 22V331000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 22V484000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 22V859000 — check if this car was fixed
Failed Door Check Arm Attachment Point
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.
Campaign 23V380000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 24V330000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 24V852000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 25V165000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 24V954000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 25V345000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 25V442000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 25V693000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 25V829000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 26V123000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 25V685000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 25V467000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 26V117000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2020 Ford Escape — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for structure issues (493 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (211 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (146 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 25V685000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 25V467000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 26V117000 (visibility) has been completed.
- Verify recall 19V633000 (seats) has been completed.
- Verify recall 20V550000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 20V635000 (electrical system, tires) has been completed.
- Verify recall 20V415000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 20V575000 (back over prevention) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V011000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 22V191000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
- Verify recall 22V331000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 22V484000 (engine and engine cooling, structure) has been completed.
- Verify recall 22V859000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 23V380000 (engine) has been completed.
- Verify recall 24V330000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 24V852000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 25V165000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 24V954000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 25V345000 (engine) has been completed.
- Verify recall 25V442000 (back over prevention) has been completed.
- Verify recall 25V693000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 25V829000 (structure) has been completed.
- Verify recall 26V123000 (back over prevention) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
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WORST 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:body, accounting for 32% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2020 Ford Escape have?
23 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.