120 of the
2,267 complaints filed about the Ford Escape Hybrid
are about the fuel system —
5% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2008.
On XXX at approximately 2:45pm MDT I was traveling on XXX in [XXX]. I had approximately a quarter tank of gas. I received a low fuel alert, stating 50 miles to empty. My plan was to stop at the next exit approximately 10 miles away. However, over approximately the next minute, the distance to empty rapidly decreased to 0, at which point the vehicle stopped moving while in the right lane of traffic. I could not re-start the car. It would not move out of park into gear. After several minutes sitting stalled in the lane of travel, I was able to get the vehicle started for a few seconds to move to the shoulder. The gas gauge still showed 1/4 tank but at the same time, there was an alert that said 0 miles to empty. In the Ford app, it showed a fuel level of 21% and 0 miles to empty. I had to contact a company who came and poured two gallons of gas into the vehicle for $180.00. At this point I was able to safely make it to the gas station to fill up. I noted that the vehicle took 10 gallons of gas. The tank is 14.3 gallons. That confirms that I did still have 2 gallons in the tank (which would be about 50 miles) plus the two gallons from the tow company. I was not out of gas. There was an error in the Ford app that said “The Hybrid Powertrain Control Module has disabled the gasoline engine function due to an additional concern being detected”. Images of the driver gauges and Ford app readings, along with the high voltage warning are attached. After filling up, the Ford app was still incorrect - it said it was 31% full with 117 miles to empty even though I had just filled it up - and the physical gauge on the dash showed full with 379 miles to empty. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11757994 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While driving the vehicle it lost power and all the check lights came on. Had to have it towed to a dealership where they stated it needed a new motor and new high voltage battery. The car has only 116000 miles on it. There should be a total recall for this type of vehicle if I would have been at a higher speed I would have injured myself or others. This car is riddled with problems and has over 19 recalls as of date.
NHTSA complaint #11748768 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
This defect has resulted in multiple vehicle shutdowns while in operation, significantly increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, Ford has identified a potential risk of battery thermal venting, which could lead to a vehicle fire, further endangering my safety and that of others on the road. Ford has advised not to charge the vehicle, further limiting its functionality and reliability. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes, Stevens 112 Ford has confirmed that the vehicle is experiencing high-voltage battery failure, consistent with the recall. However, they have also stated that Ford has not developed a solution to repair this issue. Ford’s hotline has advised against any further repairs at this time. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? The vehicle has been inspected and diagnosed by Stevens 112 Ford, who confirmed the issue. Ford’s technical hotline has been contacted, and they acknowledged the defect but advised against further repairs. No inspections by police or insurance representatives have taken place.
NHTSA complaint #11648228 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the high-voltage battery had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the dealer reset the check engine warning light. The contact stated that the following day after the reset, the check engine warning light illuminated a second time. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V869000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 129,000.
NHTSA complaint #11645966 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The fuel neck tube requires replacement as per the mechanic's assessment. When refueling, the pump frequently stops every 5-10 seconds, as though the tank is full, necessitating multiple restarts. This defect makes it difficult to ascertain when the tank is genuinely full, leading to the risk of overfilling. On two occasions, despite the pump's intermittent stopping, it eventually functioned normally but resulted in overfilling, causing fuel to overflow from the fuel neck. This issue has been deemed out of warranty; however, Ford has offered to cover 50% of the repair costs as a goodwill gesture. Nonetheless, I believe that this defect should be fully covered and that a recall is warranted due to its significant safety implications. Additionally, a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) exists for this issue, and there is a substantial online community documenting similar defects in the 2020-2023 Escape Hybrids. The estimated repair cost is $1,100, and the vehicle has less than 14,000 miles on the odometer. Enclosed are the diagnostic report (repairs pending), email correspondence from Ford, and the relevant TSB.
NHTSA complaint #11640109 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While filling the gas tank with fuel the fuel spits back causing an unsafe condition. There is a technical service bulletin for this by Ford (number 22-2433), but no recall. Many people have complained about this condition.
NHTSA complaint #11626906 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I have received 2 letters from manufacturer, than I had appointment dealer service, I went there and worker sad to me we don't have it, than I tried another services , they same answer, than I contacted ford, ford told to me car is good condition don't need replacement
NHTSA complaint #11615422 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated, and the message that the vehicle had lost power was displayed. The contact disconnected the Hybrid setting and indicated the loss of power with the Hybrid battery. The failure was self-corrected; however, the failure still occurred intermittently. The contact became aware of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 21V869000 (Electrical System, Hybrid Propulsion System) and 22V149000 (Electrical System, Hybrid Propulsion System). The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recalls. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer confirmed the VIN was not included in the recalls. The failure mileage was 50,000.
NHTSA complaint #11609772 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated while refueling the vehicle at the gas station, fuel was splashing out of the fuel filler neck. The contact stated that upon attempting to refuel the vehicle again, the gas pump nozzle unintendedly stopped several times and fuel splashed onto the contact; however, the fuel tank was not full. Additionally, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The message "Service Engine Soon" and other unknown messages were displayed on the Ford Mobile App. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the canister purge valve was blocked and was obstructing the fuel circulation. The dealer determined that the fuel lines, the fuel system valves, and the canister purge valve needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 43,578.
NHTSA complaint #11608505 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2007 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact stated while driving from a complete stop and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond as needed, nearly causing a crash. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact continuously depressed the accelerator pedal until the vehicle responded. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V526000 (Hybrid Propulsion System). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11603752 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The recall for potential engine fire due to injectors that crack is inadequate. Reprogramming the computer and drilling a hole for gas to leak on the ground is ridiculous. Why should we have to drive a potential "firebomb?" Ford should do the right thing and replace all of the injectors that could crack and replace them with new injectors that are correctly manufactured. Ford is trying to shirk their responsibility and "save a buck" at the expense of the owners. Please make Ford fix this potentially deadly problem.
NHTSA complaint #11595602 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Recall 23S27 (NHTSA 23V-380). I do not feel that Ford is offering owners a safe or effective repair, leaving serious risk of injury or death. 1.7/2022. Recall 22S47. “Engine oil and/or fuel vapor may leak and accumulate” which “may ignite resulting in an under hood fire, and increasing the risk of injury.” 2.8/8/22. Ford Media to UPI, “IN THE EVENT OF AN ENGINE FAILURE” above issues may occur. 3.5/26/23. Recall 23S27 acknowledges, “ENGINE COULD FAIL PREMATURELY,” leading to the above. 4.5/26/23. NHTSA Part 573 Safety Recall Report: CAUSE identified. “Isolated ENGINE MANUFACTURING ISSUES HAVE RESULTED IN 2.5L HEV/PHEV ENGINE FAILURES INVOLVING ENGINE BLOCK OR OIL PAN BREACH. Likely driving “final solution” (paragraph 7). “In the event of an ENGINE BLOCK OR OIL PAN BREACH, THE HEV/PHEV SYSTEM CONTINUES TO PROPEL THE VEHICLE ALLOWING THE CUSTOMER TO CONTINUE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. AS THE CUSTOMER CONTINUES TO DRIVE AFTER A BLOCK BREACH, oil and/or fuel vapor continues to be expelled and accumulates near ignition sources”. 5.2023. “23S27 Chronology RMISC-23V380-7289,” LINKS recall 22S47 with 23S27. Vehicles WHICH HAD UNDERGONE THE REPAIR SPECIFIED BY 22S47 STILL HAD ISSUES, and Ford engineers CONFIRMED BLOCK BREACH AND CORRECT 22S47 REPAIR. “Repair” for 22S47 DID NOT FIX THE UNDERLYING MECHANICAL PROBLEM. 6.6/6/23. Autoblog: “Per Ford, the “manufacturing issues” include POOR MACHINING OF THE ENGINE CRANKSHAFT AND CONTAMINATION OF ENGINE BLOCK MATING SURFACES DURING ASSEMBLY.” “2.5-liter engines . . . with defects “could be ticking time bombs.” 7.5/24. “SOFTWARE is now available to REPAIR [affected vehicles].” Dealers will “update the Powertrain Control Module (PCM).” This will not fix the problem. I respectfully request NHTSA investigate and compel Ford to provide the correct and proper mechanical repairs necessary to prevent block/oil pan breach in the first place.
NHTSA complaint #11590887 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2007 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power, after which the message "Service Engine Now” was displayed. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. The check warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the hybrid propulsion system. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V526000 (Hybrid Propulsion System), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 227,000.
NHTSA complaint #11589638 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My vehicle is continuously triggers a check engine light, which goes on and off. It states on the FORD APP that the engine is detecting that the exhaust gas recirculation system flow is higher than expected for the operating conditions. I have repeatedly requested that this be evaluated but every time I go in for service they tell me that they will not look at it unless the check engine light is on (Which it goes on and off all the time with the same record) and they refuse to go off the check engine history on my APP. There is also a sound coming from my driver side tailpipe that is low sound at idle but increasing whines/chirps during acceleration. I can't say for sure, but I believe these are tied together and the dealership tells me that i have to leave my car with them for at least 4 weeks for them to even take a look. I supposedly got an OTA update to resolve this issue, but it hasn't worked. Check engine light is still on and off.
NHTSA complaint #11575510 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
We stopped driving this vehicle when notice was sent about the possible engine fire. We are appalled that Ford has provided no fix for this for 9 months (May 2023 to Feb 2024, the time of this complaint). We contacted a Lemon Law lawyer but there's no protection unless the engine were to malfunction. Tell me: Would you want to drive your kids in a vehicle with an engine that could explode into flames without notice? We've lost $12,000 so far: $6,000 paying the loan + dmv/insurance on the Ford and another $6,000 for the same for a replacement vehicle. Cannot do PNO bec of lien.
NHTSA complaint #11572796 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Issue 1: Car is currently @ dealership for recall 23E09 Emissions. Dealership is currently unable to resolve error codes and reset, they believe due to a bad battery, car has less than 15k on it. They are obtaining a new battery. This recall has net even made it into your database yet. Issue 2: The more concerning issue, Safety recall notice 23S27 / NHTSA Recall dated May 26, 2023, of which we were notified of in June 2023 still has not been resolved. After several attempts to obtain information from the dealership and Ford itself we have not been able to determine if or when a repair may be approved. This is very concerning because of the nature of the recall and the potential for harm to any passengers. This is the third recall since our purchase, the first recall # 22S47 (under the hood Fire) was supposedly corrected by the dealership on 01/26/22. I hope you agree the safety recall (23S27) is of utmost importance based on the devastating potential it has. I do not believe I'm being unreasonable by expecting a resolution to this issue in a timely manor, we are are just over 3 months away from a year since the recall was issued.
NHTSA complaint #11569232 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I am worried that this vehicle's engine could die, proceed to leak oil and fuel and combust, leaving a burning husk that should've been repaired three months ago. The open recall was set to conclude, per Ford, in October 2023. It is now New Year's with no resolution. I do not want to drive a tinderbox.
NHTSA complaint #11562782 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact stated that the driver's side door was making an abnormal clunking noise. Additionally, the window failed to roll up or down as designed. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The EVAP system warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the brake pedal went down to the floor. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 69,000. The VIN was not available.
NHTSA complaint #11537473 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.