FaultScore

2020 Ford Escape fuel system problems

191 of the 2,104 complaints about the 2020 Ford Escape are about the fuel system — 9% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 51,486 miles.

A

191

Complaints

0

Crashes

2

Fires

0

Injuries

Exactly what failed

Fuel System, Gasoline 114 59.7%
Fuel/Propulsion System 73 38.2%
Fuel Injection System 1 0.5%
Canister 1 0.5%
Throttlebody/Manifold 1 0.5%
Fuel Injection System 1 0.5%

Fuel & Propulsion across every Ford Escape year

2001 60 2.4%
2002 37 1.5%
2003 15 0.6%
2004 17 0.7%
2005 64 2.5%
2006 38 1.5%
2007 23 0.9%
2008 62 2.4%
2009 204 8.0%
2010 511 20.1%
2011 286 11.2%
2012 163 6.4%
2013 288 11.3%
2014 137 5.4%
2015 57 2.2%
2016 70 2.7%
2017 95 3.7%
2018 53 2.1%
2019 25 1.0%
2020 191 7.5%
2021 69 2.7%
2022 82 3.2%

What owners said

Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.

at 71,000 miles Roslindale, MA

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 26V123000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. While the contact’s son was driving approximately 45 MPH, the screen on the radio went black. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road, and the radio independently reset and displayed the correct information. The failure had occurred approximately 3 - 4 times. The radio screen often displayed erroneous information with distorted images. The contact stated that the vehicle was included in a recall for the door, and after the recall repair was performed, the key fob failed to lock and unlock the doors. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact was informed that the manufacturer had not provided the parts for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 71,000.

NHTSA complaint #11755413 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Bedminster, NJ

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

We have experienced fuel leaks and engine stalling, and three separate dealerships have refused an interim safety fix or alternate transportation. This is our primary vehicle for transporting our children and it's no longer safe. The RPMs jump all over, we occasionally smell gasoline, and the entire car shakes. Everybody tells us they can't replicate the problem and claim it's okay. It stalled on me when I was driving down a busy highway during rush hour and a tractor trailer almost hit me from behind WHILE MY KIDS WERE IN THE BACKSEAT.

NHTSA complaint #11754454 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Claremore, OK

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

I've taken my car 3 times for the same recalls 1st time was to jack Kisse for power train and fuel injector he told me the recall wasn't to my car I argued I can tell something was wrong with my car it keeps stalling and it's going to end up killing me in traffic from the fuel injectors so I take it too [XXX] of Norton and broken arrow they tell me after sitting there for 8 hours that the powertrain is not taking it takes 4 hours to do it and they only have 30 minutes left and all of a sudden it takes that's a bunch of crap cuz there was only 30 minutes anyway I leave still notice something then a wrench and engine light come on so I take it again were I was charged 've taken my car three different times to get my powertrain recall and fuel injector recall fixed they have failed to do so... and now I have a wrench and engine light showing up on my car I take again cuz my app is still tells me that I have recalls for a powertrain and fuelI injector recalls all they did was charge me to get the code when I knew it was for the recalls over $200 the very next day the lights come right back on my powertrain and fuel injector never been fixed my they told me I have an open fuel line and let me drive off with it now I'm concerned that my car is going to catch on fire especially in the heat and what do I do if you just taking it back for them to not do anything to my car and now I have the ranch and the engine light coming on and off a different time one day one minute will be the ranch next will be the engine sometimes it's both and I have records of it I keep trying to report it to you guys and I'm not hearing anything back I don't know what else to do I believe that my car is a lemon and they're not going to be able to fix it since I'm taking it three times already please contact me back to let me what I should know where I should do thank you you reach me at [XXX] or at my email [XXX] I prefer you contact me through email thank your INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 5

NHTSA complaint #11753441 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Logan, AL

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Fire hazard with vehicle and Ford still has not fixed the issues this has been on going for over 2 years now

NHTSA complaint #11753026 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Independence, OR

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA complaint #11753156 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Xenia, OH

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Two open recalls that have not been addressed by Ford.

NHTSA complaint #11752713 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

San Marcos, CA

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and stated that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA complaint #11752069 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Rockville, MD

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part for the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA complaint #11750833 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Claremore, OK

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

I have taken my vehicle to 2 different ford Dealership one tell me that this wasn't for my car and immediately it shows up that I need a fuel injection second one Jim Norton charges me for the lights on my car to get a diagnostics when the recalls and I should never been charged and then the light comes on the next day for the wrench and the engine I've taken my car three times for the recalls and never had to get fixed my engine sounds like crap now it barely runs and it's because of the recall that are not getting fixed

NHTSA complaint #11750715 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Claremore, OK

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

I bought my car 2 years ago I heard about a recall so I had check turns back if you don't inject your powertrain and they can't fix it feel injector because they don't have the part apparently but it goes to the powertrain I've had to check three times the last time the light came on the very next day the wrench and the engine now it's saying something by my Cadillac converter and it open fuel line that won't close due to this problem they made me pay $27 just to take the codes off didn't do anything to my car let me drive this car off the lot the very next day the lights come back on I know these are recalls and they're very dangerous for me to drive I'm a mother and a wife and I am not trying to die driving his vehicle I took it if they're three times there has got to be something done they need to give me a vehicle or I've already filed a report with you guys on June 16th 2026

NHTSA complaint #11749146 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Buffalo, NY

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Electrical issues: Media screen blacks out/glitches including speakers. Gear switch "Dial" will move on its own and park itself. Switching from "Drive to Park". "Transmission not in park" on dash , Lights on dash for engine 4x

NHTSA complaint #11748433 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Ferndale, MI

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA complaint #11747118 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Stoughton, WI

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Vehicle went into low power or limp mode unexpectedly on interstate highway. Vehicle suddenly and unexpectedly slowed and was unable to maintain highway speed

NHTSA complaint #11746668 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Highlands Ranch, CO

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving the vehicle at an undisclosed speed, she noted that the vehicle was not receiving adequate fuel to the engine, which caused the vehicle to jerk excessively. The contact also stated that she had to replace the canister purge valve two times within a single year due to this ongoing issue.. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was/was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was/was not made aware of the issue.

NHTSA complaint #11745110 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Alton, MO Fire

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

On Sunday May the 31st, I was driving home from the store, when I smell gas, but was unaware that it was coming from my vehicle, since I was driving behind another vehicle and passed a gas station. I heard a noise and then saw smoke and fire coming from my vehicle in the engine area. I pulled over and exit the vehicle and called 911. The fire destroyed the whole front of the vehicle, including the engine, wheels, windshield, etc. The emergency officials came. After the incident, I contacted my insurance company. Someone then notified me of a recall on my vehicle, that can cause fire (25V467000). I called the Ford Motor company. They told me initially to go through my insurance provider, and the insurance provider will deal with them directly. After speaking with my insurance provider again, they told me that, since I only have liability insurance, my vehicle is not covered, and they will not contact Ford. So, I called Ford again, they told me that someone will contact me within 14 days. No one contacted me, so I contacted them today. They told me today that someone will contact me within 15 working days of my reporting the incident. This will be three weeks since the incident and I am greatly inconvenienced (lack of transportation) by this. Now I am forced to wait another week, not knowing if anyone will call, and if I call again, if I would have to wait again. Any assistance would be appreciated. What steps should I take? Thank you.

NHTSA complaint #11744261 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Saint Charles, MO

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

NTHSA recall # 25V467 It has been a year since this recall was issued and still no remedy for fuel injection cracks that can leak fuel onto the engine. How much longer should I have to wait for a remedy?

NHTSA complaint #11743706 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 130,000 miles Claremore, OK

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available.  The local dealer was contacted.  The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair.  The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had experienced a failure related to the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

NHTSA complaint #11743513 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Glendale, AZ

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA complaint #11743223 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 90,000 miles Detroit, MI

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was smoke coming from the vehicle and an abnormally loud sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with fuel injector failure. The vehicle was subsequently towed to a dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer on several occasions; however, the parts were unavailable to perform the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The approximate failure mileage was 90,000.

NHTSA complaint #11742266 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

El Paso, TX

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle shuddered. The check engine warning light recently illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was being diagnosed. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA complaint #11741272 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Saint Peters, MO

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact received a recall notification, NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V467000 (Fuel system, Gasoline) however the parts were unavailable. The contact stated that the recall was initiated almost a year ago, and the parts were still unavailable. The manufacturer was contacted, but provided no assistance. The contact had not experienced any failure regarding the unrepaired recall repair.

NHTSA complaint #11740563 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Garden City, KS

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Several recalls on my vehicle and now ford is calling the expensive ones "customer satisfaction notice". Theres nothing satisfying about bad fuel injectors. Also , the wiper motor Description On your vehicle, the front windshield wiper Motor may become inoperative or may operate intermittently. Safety Risk This may result in reduced visibility or loss of visibility in certain conditions, increasing the risk of a crash. Remedy Parts are not available. Ford Motor Company is working to provide parts for this repair. When the remedy becomes available, Ford Motor Company will notify you via mail to schedule a service appointment with your dealer for repairs to be completed free of charge. The remedy is anticipated to be available in Q2 2026. Safety Risk SYNC screen update This may result in the image displayed being inverted or flipped, this includes all buttons. While in reverse the rearview camera image, buttons, and camera guidelines may also be inverted or flipped. A rearview camera that does not correctly display a correct image in reverse can reduce your view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. SYNC screen update Issue Date 2025-07-16 Campaign 25S76/25V467 Description On your vehicle there is a possibility that a fuel injector may crack, which may result in fuel accumulating on the top of the engine. Safety Risk Liquid fuel andor fuel vapor that accumulates near a hot surface, such as hot engine or exhaust components may ignite resulting in an under-hood fire, increasing the risk of injury. Its endless and they refuse to take accountability for their junk vehicles.

NHTSA complaint #11740127 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Haw River, NC

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

There has been a safety recall on my vehicle for over a year for the fuel injectors. There still isn’t a remedy for the fuel injectors and I don’t know if it is affecting my vehicle or not. I’ve been told if I have anything checked I will have to pay for it even though I have issues with my vehicle hesitating. I purchased this vehicle in 2022 and at any given time there has been a recall. This one has taken so long to get parts that I worry about it the safety of the vehicle.

NHTSA complaint #11739963 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Hamilton, OH

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that she received a recall letter for NHTSA Campaign Number 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V123000 (Back Over Prevention). The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. There had not been a failure experienced.

NHTSA complaint #11737833 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Tower City, ND

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

There has been an active recall on this vehicle for around a year for fuel injectors leaking on the top of the engine and potentially causing a fire. Since this is a turbocharged engine, that risk of fire is significant if fuel does leak.

NHTSA complaint #11736866 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Nashville, TN

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

It has been TEN months since this recall and they still do not have necessary part(s) to resolve. And engine fire seems pretty significant and likely totalling my vehicle which I CANNOT afford a new card. LIQUID FUEL ANDOR FUEL VAPOR THAT ACCUMULATES NEAR A HOT SURFACE, SUCH AS HOT ENGINE OR EXHAUST COMPONENTS MAY IGNITE RESULTING IN AN UNDER-HOOD FIRE, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.

NHTSA complaint #11736011 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Franklin, VA

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V123000 (Back Over Prevention) and 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 26V117000 (Visibility) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA complaint #11736124 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Jacksonville, FL

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the remedy was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA complaint #11735100 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Braselton, GA

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Subject: Request for Buyback or Trade Assistance – 2020 Ford Escape SE To Whom It May Concern, I am writing regarding my 2020 Ford Escape equipped with the 1.5L engine, which is currently subject to multiple open safety recalls. Of particular concern is the active fuel injector recall involving a risk of engine compartment fire. I understand that the current remedy does not fully address the underlying defect and that additional actions may still be pending. In addition, my vehicle is affected by other safety-related recalls, compounding concerns about reliability and safe operation. Given the nature of these issues—specifically the fire risk and the lack of a complete and permanent repair— as well as a history of over 15 recalls on this vehicle, I am increasingly concerned about the safety, usability, and value of my vehicle. This situation has significantly impacted my confidence in operating the vehicle. Based on these circumstances, I am formally requesting that Ford Motor Company review my case for: • A manufacturer buyback, or • Substantial trade assistance toward a new Ford vehicle, or • Appropriate goodwill compensation reflecting the ongoing safety concerns and diminished value I would appreciate prompt review by a case manager and a written response outlining Ford’s proposed resolution. Please contact me at your earliest convenience to discuss next steps. Thank you.

NHTSA complaint #11734477 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Royal Oak, MI

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline), 26V123000 (Back Over Prevention), and 26V117000 (Visibility); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA complaint #11734023 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other 2020 Ford Escape problems

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