305 of the 2,104 complaints about the 2020 Ford Escape are about the other systems — 14% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 4,000 miles.
305
Complaints
3
Crashes
1
Fires
6
Injuries
Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Transmission developed severe Shuddering in and out of Lockup. Was told Ford was aware of problem. Check engine light came on intermittently. Took car to dealership. Was diagnosed with Shuddering in and out of lockup. Estimated repair bill totaled $11,321.25.
NHTSA complaint #11756281 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
On 8th of June 2026, exiting I35W onto Convery Dr. I notice my dash gauges failed in proving any information. I immediately pulled over turned off the vehicle and turn it on. Gauges did not work, but vehicle did start and was running normal. I utilize the Waze app to monitor my speed and arrived home safely while putting no one at risk. I had to take a different vehicle to Hopps automotive for repairs, upon return my vehicle gauges were working as normal. Two days after the incident started the vehicle and the gauges were not working, but vehicle did make it to the auto shop for repairs and was told the gauge clusters were out. Took roughly a few weeks for the repair because the clusters still wouldn't work after repair. had a safety recall went to ford for the software updates. After the updates everything seem to be running just fine. Ford Cleburne did a curtsey inspection, Transmission passed, but now my transmission is having issues. I have a zip file full of reports on my vehicle maintenance, but unable to upload all the information.
NHTSA complaint #11756059 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My husband I originally purchased this vehicle around October 2020. We are the only owners and when we purchased it, it had 78 miles on it. Since I purchased it I have had to pay out of pocket for all the tire sensors to be replaced, I have had to purchase a new heater fan, and a sensor for a seat belt that prevented my adaptive cruise control from working. A while back, a warning light came on saying my adaptive cruise control was no longer working. I took it to Ford and was told it would cost $1600 to fix it. Surprisingly, it started working on it's own a few days later. Currently I took the car in because my rear passenger window wouldn't go up. I was told that it would cost almost $1800 to fix it. I have taken it to Ford to have 2 of the 3 recalls fixed. They do not show that it was fixed and I was told they weren't able to fix it. I pushed the button one day to send the cloth covering on the moon roof back. It snapped and no longer works, their is a crack in my dash, and I frankly don't have the money to fix a window motor that should have not quit after six years. I take excellent care of my car. I have all the maintenance taken care of. I expect to have the brakes fixed, new tires, new battery. What I don't expect is for the sensors and motors to go out. I have been driving for over 40 years, owned multiple vehicles and I have to say I am so disappointed with Ford. I understand that the problems I am having is not just me, that many Ford Escape owners are having similar issues. I would just like some assistance.
NHTSA complaint #11755348 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Issue: that the sunroof shade got, detach from the rig that slide it forward. This looks like it’s caused by the guard plate between the sunroof and the moonroof falling off, landing on top of the shade. This integral piece that keeps the mechanism functioning kept together by double sided adhesive, so virtually scotch tape. That’s ridiculous. This is a safety risk, because with the shade sagging, it blocks my view of the rear. Additionally, when it first happened the adhesive piece fell while driving causing a distraction while driving. This is a design flaw that Ford should cover.
NHTSA complaint #11754789 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
When the car sits in the sun and the gear shifter gets hot from the heat, the gear shifter locks up and you cannot get it out of park until it is cooled off. No matter how hard I try to turn the dial, until I completely cool the shifter down it will be stuck in park. I have started having to cover the shifter when I get out of the car to prevent this issue and if I forget, I have to point the air vents down towards the shifter, cover the shifter and the air vents with a jacket and then the ac to max ac for at least 5 minutes. This traps the cool air in with the shifter and helps cool it down so it will release and can shift into any other gear besides park. I have researched this issue and found many other owners of this similar year, make, and model who complain about the issue as well.
NHTSA complaint #11754189 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Since about 80,000 miles my escape has been jerky when shifting in low gears and hesitates to accelerate or accelerates slow putting me and other drivers at risk. I have taken it to ford several times and each time they fixed something but not the problem. They replaced my rear differential, alternator, compressor and AWD module. Also they have done transmission fluid exchanges and updates on the software, however they never fixed the issue. I stressed everytime I took my car in that I was worried about my transmission and powertrain and everytime they did diagnostics I was told everything was great. They drove it as well.( it dont take much to reproduce the symptoms) All that happened over the past 2 years and the car is still shifting hard in low gears and hesitates to accelerate. Recently I had an incident where it seemed to go in to neutral while shifting between gears on acceleration and actually rolled backwards and the wrench light came on 😳. So I took it back. Now im told I need a new transmission and turbo boost at just over 100,000 miles for $13,098. The car isnt even worth that much. I've done some research and there are definitely alot of other escape/ford owners with same issues.
NHTSA complaint #11752563 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The tire pressure warning indicator started to come on indicating the front driver side tire is the one causing the alarm. This is dangerously we check the tire pressure on each tire on each individual tire every third day. Our 2020 Ford Escape is parked in the garage. I cannot drive myself currently. I am rehabbing from a severly torn rotor and biscep. My spouse brought this to my attention. She was very afraid and wanted to park the car and have it towed.
NHTSA complaint #11751357 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Hello, I recently purchased this vehicle used. Within the past two weeks I’ve had some concerns. The hood latching mechanism is not reliable. If you try to open the hood it has been not opening completely and gets stuck. If you keep pulling the opening lever it barely works to open and or close the hood. Today the hood would not close completely and the whole lever stopped working, becoming jammed. Driving 20mph with the hood closed as much as it would the hood still flew open while driving. Immediately I pulled over and it opened to the point of me being about to close it completely. I am not touching it now due to the unreliability and concern of issues that can lead to an accident if hood was able to reopen. I believe it is a very serious safety concern. The vehicle has been inspected prior to this happening and passed. Online says that this error can happen. The dash has been lighting up with notifications regarding the hood being open, even when the hood appears closed.
NHTSA complaint #11748385 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
One of two current recalls for this vehicle has no "remedy" or no "parts". Its a major recall and could honestly do some incredibly serious damage if it was to catch fire. Those of use that have a family, this is absolutely not safe to be driving.
NHTSA complaint #11747671 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The transmission was replaced 2 weeks before I bought it from a ford dealership and 3 yrs later it already needs a new one. I did a voluntary repo because I didn’t have the money to fix it. I also replaced the purge valve twice
NHTSA complaint #11747566 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Nothing has happen as of yet. However, over the past two years I have replaced the passenger vent window twice, because the chrome piece has started to separate from the window. The chrome piece and vent window are one piece. If I have not noticed it, this metal piece could have fallen off on the roadway caused an accident or even worse. This is the same recall that was placed on the Ford Explorer and some F Series PU for the same issue. I don't understand why the Escape's were not part of the recall. At a cost of $1500 - $2500 to have this vent windows replaces is expensive. This vehicle needs to be added to the national recall.
NHTSA complaint #11746854 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I'm using my door as normal, The door catch breaks off. My door sounds like it's going to fall off and my window is inoperable. I figure out there is a hinge recall. I take it to the dealer the dealer tells me it's going to be about a month to get the door in. The dealer has my car for 31 days The door was not complete. They tell me they can't get the part in time that they want me to take the vehicle. I told them I don't feel comfortable taking the vehicle if the window is inoperable. They then went on to explain how the window is operable which it is in fact inoperable still. They also told me after I picked up the vehicle it would be about a week for the door. I still have heard nothing. I have no answers on when exactly my door will be fixed. I also have no answers on when the injector will be fixed. I also have no answers on when the recall on the screen will be fixed. They had my vehicle when these recalls came out. I'm not exactly sure why they couldn't fix it while they still had the vehicle in their possession.
NHTSA complaint #11746470 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Fuel injection recall and the manufacturer does not have a remedy. Car will not pass Massachusetts safety inspection because of the recall so the car is undrivable. Potential engine fire The dealership does not have the ability to fix the recall problem. What are my rights?
NHTSA complaint #11744505 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The central trim piece on 2020-2025 Ford Escapes with panoramic sunroofs is prone to falling off or catching in the sunshade mechanism, which often damages the shade's clips.
NHTSA complaint #11742495 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My car has following issues recently. 1. Tire pressure monitoring system failed for all four tires. 2. Electrical door lock systems failed. All these symptoms match the BCM recall for the model and year of my car. But my VIN is not included with the recall. I believe Ford did not include all impacted car in this recall.
NHTSA complaint #11742400 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I am driving a car that can potentially catch on fire due to a fuel injector problem that they can't seem to fix. I have high anxiety about it.The parts for the recall have been on order for almost a year and I do not feel safe driving my vehicle. I have a five year loan to pay off and I do not want this vehicle. I will be contacting a lawyer also.
NHTSA complaint #11741841 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
AWD system failure Warning lights Known issue on 2020 Escape Module needs to be replaced with parts and labor $1710.50 plus tax Vehicle only has 32,000 miles on it Opened case with Ford Case #: CXH08137060-B8L5X8 Asked for Goodwill assistance, dealer also requested goodwill assistance and it was denied. Called Ford back and asked for it to be elevated and they said no.
NHTSA complaint #11741558 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The sunscreen on the panoramic sunroof has become detached and the shade falls causing a visibility issue.
NHTSA complaint #11741042 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Transmission went out
NHTSA complaint #11738149 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My other door is doing cracking like my other door did camera some time hard to see but I brought to frenchie where I bought they said nothing wrong and since I bought this car there been recall after recall I want to trade in because of all in safe recall but they said no
NHTSA complaint #11733879 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Cloth interior cover of sunroof has come loose. It drapes like a curtain when we try to open the sunroof, blocking the rear view. This appears to be a common, known issue across various years of Escapes, but Ford wants $3000 to fix a simple problem.
NHTSA complaint #11731983 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Panoramic roof, sunshield, coming off track and drooping which blocks the rear window. This causes a safety issue of not being able to see what is behind you while you’re driving.
NHTSA complaint #11731714 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
This is the engine fuel component injection system is not available for fixing within a timly manner and I smell gasoline this is not acceptable to use as it is
NHTSA complaint #11730995 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
When the inside of the car gets too hot, you cannot shift the car dial out of park. The engine runs but the car will not go into gear. It happens whenever the car gets too hot. There should be a recall to fix the issue. It is not safe to be stuck sitting in your car unable to move.
NHTSA complaint #11731162 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Multiple warning lights 4WD, Advance track, power train, hill start coming up on in my 2020 Ford Escape Titanium. Some go off for a few days and then come back on, some go on and off while driving. Also purge valve evap codes come up
NHTSA complaint #11730093 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Awd module fault seeing a lot of other owners having same issue of awd module breaking and causing awd to not function
NHTSA complaint #11725946 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Sunroof Shade hangs down and blocks vision. The retractable shade does not roll up onto rod in the roof. Shade slides back and hangs down blocking all vision for driver to look in review mirror. Dealer will not cover any expense for repair under any warranty or extended warranty. I have taken it for service quotes to two different Ford Dealerships. No prior warnings. The retractable shade just did this after pushing the button one time.
NHTSA complaint #11723928 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
System failures with lights and warnings include: hill start assist, All wheel drive fault, precollision assist, advanctrac. Rear differential and AWD module had to be replaced. Car has 57,000 miles on it and is a 2020. Safety is put at risk with a failing rear differential. There were minor vibrations that could've turned into wheel lock. All of the different drive modes were unavailable, and with heavy snow and ice in the area where I live, it made driving more difficult. The car was diagnosed and 2 dealers and one independent service center and the work was ultimately done at a dealer because the all wheel drive module has to be programmed.
NHTSA complaint #11722514 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.