2026 Ford Escape
Only 3 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
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.
Only 3 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
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 | 1974 |
| 2009 | 1692 |
| 2010 | 2069 |
| 2011 | 1316 |
| 2012 | 598 |
| 2013 | 2747 |
| 2014 | 2080 |
| 2015 | 1077 |
| 2016 | 1099 |
| 2017 | 2672 |
| 2018 | 1785 |
| 2019 | 583 |
| 2020 | 1591 |
| 2021 | 339 |
| 2022 | 230 |
| 2023 | 95 |
| 2024 | 76 |
| 2025 | 23 |
| 2026 | 3 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 3 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
2 of 3 total reports mention: engine.
Show complaint excerpts
PHEV sometimes fails to "start". That is, vehicle will not enter "Ready" mode when brake is depressed and Start button is pressed.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260225
Also filed under FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
2 of 3 total reports mention: electrical system.
1 of 3 total reports mentions: visibility/wiper.
Show complaint excerpts
My 2026MY Ford Escape is having intermittent rear view camera issues. On two separate occasions in the last week, when I put the vehicle into reverse, there is no image displayed on the center stack screen.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260224
1 of 3 total reports mentions: service brakes.
1 of 3 total reports mentions: fuel/propulsion system.
SAFETY TIMELINE
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Corsair and Escape vehicles. The seat belt retractors for the left and right rear passenger seats may not be securely fastened.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and secure, or replace the seat belt retractor bolts, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 26, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.
Campaign 25V862000 — check if this car was fixed
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 Escape and Lincoln Corsair vehicles. The integrated park module may fail to lock into the park position when the driver shifts into park.
Remedy: The Secondary On Board Diagnostic Module C (SOBDMC) software will be updated over-the-air (OTA) or by a dealer, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed June 5, 2026.
Campaign 26V301000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2026 Ford Escape — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for visibility/wiper issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 26V301000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 25V862000 (seat belts) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2026 Ford Escape reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2026 Ford Escape?
The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 67% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2026 Ford Escape have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.