Owners have filed 34 complaints
about the 2025 Ford Escape with NHTSA between 2025 and 2026.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 25 of 25 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 1
Against the median year of the Ford Escape. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 0
0% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 100
100% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2025 Ford Escape
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Engine & Cooling
926.5%
Median failure at 5,000 miles
Electrical System
617.6%
Median failure at 18,250 miles
Other & Unspecified
514.7%
Transmission & Drivetrain
38.8%
Driver Assist & Collision Avoidance
25.9%
Median failure at 1,500 miles
Fuel & Propulsion
25.9%
Acceleration & Cruise Control
25.9%
Median failure at 30,099 miles
Windows, Mirrors & Wipers
12.9%
Body & Structure
12.9%
Brakes
12.9%
Median failure at 5,000 miles
Steering
12.9%
Airbags
12.9%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jun 2025peak 8Jul 2026
Recalls on the 2025 Ford Escape
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 20260946,766 units in Canada
Engine
Issue: On certain vehicles, the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve may not have been manufactured properly. As a result, the EGR valve could fail and cause a loss of power to the wheels. Note: This recall only affects certain vehicles equipped with a 1.5 L engine, 2.0 L gas or hybrid engine or 2.3 L engine. Safety Risk: A sudden loss of power to the wheels could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Ford will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to replace the EGR valve.
Recall 202607022,955 units in Canada
High Voltage
Issue: On certain vehicles, the software update installed by a Ford dealer during recall 24S79 (Transport Canada recall no. 2024-781) may not be effective. As a result, a second repair is required. On certain vehicles, a problem inside the high-voltage battery could cause a short circuit. If this happens, there could be a loss of power to the wheels and/or the high-voltage battery could overheat. Note: This recall replaces Transport Canada recall no. 2025-628. This recall only affects certain plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEV) equipped with a 2.5 L engine. Safety Risk: A loss of power to the wheels could increase the risk of a crash. A battery that overheats can create a fire risk, even while the vehicle is parked and turned off. Corrective Actions: To reduce the safety risk, Ford advises that you set the maximum charge setting of your vehicle at 80% and to only use normal EV mode until the recall repairs have been completed. Ford will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to update the battery energy control module (BECM) and hybrid powertrain control module (HPCM) software. The BECM software will monitor the high-voltage battery and warn you if it detects a problem. If you see this warning, you should contact a dealership to arrange replacement of the high-voltage battery pack.
Recall 2025690162 units in Canada
Seats And Restraints
Issue: On certain vehicles, the left and right rear seat belt retractors may not have been secured properly. As a result, the seat belts may not work properly in a crash. Safety Risk: A seat belt that doesn't work properly could increase the risk of injury in a crash. Corrective Actions: Ford will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to inspect and secure or replace the rear seat belt retractor bolts, as necessary.
Recall 202566520,521 units in Canada
Structure
Issue: On certain vehicles, the hinge covers for the liftgate may not have been properly attached. As a result, the cover(s) could loosen and detach from the vehicle. Safety Risk: Parts that detach from the vehicle could create a hazard for others and increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Ford will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to inspect and secure or replace the liftgate hinge covers, as necessary.
Recall 202530641 units in Canada
Engine
Issue: On certain vehicles, the cylinder head may not have been manufactured properly. As a result, the cylinder head plug(s) could fail. If this happens, engine oil could leak and cause a loss of power to the wheels. Note: This recall only affects certain vehicles equipped with a 1.5 L engine. This recall could also affect certain cylinder heads sold at dealerships as a replacement part. Safety Risk: A loss of power to the wheels could increase the risk of a crash. Oil that leaks onto hot components can create the risk of a fire. Additionally, an oil leak could create a hazard for others and increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Action: Ford will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to inspect and, if necessary, replace the cylinder head.
Recall 202528140,428 units in Canada
Engine
Issue: On certain vehicles, the engine block heater could overheat when the block heater is plugged in. Note: This recall only affects certain vehicles equipped with a 1.5 L or 2.0 L engine and a factory-installed block heater. Safety Risk: An engine block heater and/or wiring that overheats or melts could create the risk of a fire. Corrective Actions: To reduce the safety risk, Ford advises you not to plug in the engine block heater until the recall repairs have been completed. Ford will notify owners by mail. You can choose to have the dealer remove the block heater, or once the final repair is available, Ford will send you another notice to advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to replace the block heater element. The dealer will also inspect and, if necessary, replace the block heater electrical cord.
Recall 20251311,148 units in Canada
Visual System
Issue: On certain vehicles, a software problem could cause the rearview camera image to be inverted on the display. Safety Risk: A rearview camera image that doesn't display properly could reduce a driver's ability to see behind the vehicle while backing up. This could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Ford will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to inspect and, if necessary, replace the rearview camera.
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 4,000 milesFayetteville, NC
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2025 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the message that the engine was overheating was displayed, and the vehicle drove under reduced power. The contact exited the highway, pulled into a gas station, and waited for the engine to cool down. The contact resumed driving, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer with the check engine warning light illuminated. The dealer later informed the contact that the warning light was no longer illuminated, and the failure could not be duplicated while test-driving the vehicle for an hour. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 4,000.
NHTSA complaint #11752454 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cosby, TN
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My Ford Pass notified me that it detected an issue with the EGR valve. The dealership said I have to pay for this because it was not part of the recall. It is a 2025 Ford Escape which to my understanding most were included under a recall but my car is not part of this but clearly is an issue with my car. The day I got the warning I made appt to have fixed the following week but on my way to work the next day which is today XXX the car started misfiring and sporadically moving. When I got to stop light, car died and I had to start it 5 times for it to stay running. People were honking because the light changed and I couldn't get the car to move.Then it started sputtering again and I drove it to Airport Ford in [XXX]. They took my car in and drove me to work. I called for an update and they said it was going to be finished shortly and sent someone to pick me up. When I got there they said 1 of the spark plugs they put was bad and they couldn't get another 1 until next day and gave me a loaner. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11748056 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pleasant Garden, NC
STRUCTURE:BODY
While driving, the hood of my vehicle flew up and broke my windshield and caused damage to body by the hood hinge on both sides. There were no warning lamps or signals that warned me that the hood was loose. I had limited visual to pull over and close the hood. Fortunately I was going slow and there were not other vehicles that were impacted. Because the hood is opened inside with the double pull mechanism it is too easy to open the hood without the secondary safety hook outside like most vehicles have. I have had the windshield replaced and am working with insurance to complete repairs on the body.
NHTSA complaint #11743429 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pleasant Garden, NC
VISIBILITY/WIPER
While driving, the hood of my vehicle flew up and broke my windshield and caused damage to body by the hood hinge on both sides. There were no warning lamps or signals that warned me that the hood was loose. I had limited visual to pull over and close the hood. Fortunately I was going slow and there were not other vehicles that were impacted. Because the hood is opened inside with the double pull mechanism it is too easy to open the hood without the secondary safety hook outside like most vehicles have. I have had the windshield replaced and am working with insurance to complete repairs on the body.
NHTSA complaint #11743429 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Milton, GA
ENGINE
I bought this vehicle in mid April 2026 with 9,500 miles. It has the 1.5L Ecoboost engine. I drove the car for 3,000 miles and noticed the coolant was at ‘minimum’ and wondered why a car with so few miles is using coolant. I took the car to my dealer and they confirmed coolant intrusion into the engine due to a bad head gasket. The vehicle is now at the dealer waiting on either a new head gasket or other more intensive repairs due to internal damage. I wanted to flag this because the engine is the 3rd version of this engine but the same issues as previous versions. The repair is under warranty.
NHTSA complaint #11739774 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 25,198 milesCasa Grande, AZ
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
The contact is currently renting a 2025 Ford Escape . The contact stated while attempting to park the vehicle, he took his foot off the accelerator pedal and the vehicle unintendedly accelerated independently. No warnings light illuminated. An independent mechanic or dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic for diagnoses. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact mention this failure has occurred on two different occasions. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 25,198.
NHTSA complaint #11737838 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kelseyville, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2025 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V091000 (Electrical System); 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 #11730884 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Saint Claire Shore, MI
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2025 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V122000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the recall notification stated that in the event of a failure, the vehicle could crash. The manufacturer was made aware of the concern, and a case was filed. The contact had not experienced a failure.
NHTSA complaint #11728829 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 5,000 milesClifside Park, NJ
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2025 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and depressing the brake pedal, the engine revved up unexpectedly. Additionally, more effort was needed to depress the brake pedal, causing the braking distance to become extended. The dealer was notified of the failure, but the vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V122000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 5,000.
NHTSA complaint #11728831 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 5,000 milesClifside Park, NJ
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2025 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and depressing the brake pedal, the engine revved up unexpectedly. Additionally, more effort was needed to depress the brake pedal, causing the braking distance to become extended. The dealer was notified of the failure, but the vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V122000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 5,000.
NHTSA complaint #11728831 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 5,000 milesMt Prospect, IL
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2025 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and turning the steering wheel, the vehicle stalled. The failure also occurred while making a turn from a complete stop. The vehicle was restarted. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer on several occasions; however, the dealer informed the contact that no failure was found. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V122000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); and associated the failure with the recall. However, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the dealer had been unable to diagnose the vehicle. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 5,000.
NHTSA complaint #11727254 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pittsburgh, PA
POWER TRAIN
1. Passenger airbag fails to activate randomly. Passenger airbag light shows "off" with a passenger in the seat. Sometimes it works but often stays off for a whole day. 2. Transmission shifts gears by itself. Drive to neutral, Reverse to park. A software update changed the behavior but did not eliminate the fault. Now goes from Drive to Park. One time the vehicle shut off by itself after shifting from Drive to Park. It has been to the dealer 3 times for these problems, now scheduled for a fourth time. They keep saying they can't find the fault.
NHTSA complaint #11723865 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pittsburgh, PA
AIR BAGS
1. Passenger airbag fails to activate randomly. Passenger airbag light shows "off" with a passenger in the seat. Sometimes it works but often stays off for a whole day. 2. Transmission shifts gears by itself. Drive to neutral, Reverse to park. A software update changed the behavior but did not eliminate the fault. Now goes from Drive to Park. One time the vehicle shut off by itself after shifting from Drive to Park. It has been to the dealer 3 times for these problems, now scheduled for a fourth time. They keep saying they can't find the fault.
NHTSA complaint #11723865 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fairfield, ME
POWER TRAIN
The engine continues to have a burning smell or rotten egg smell at high speeds, the car continues to hesitate when taking off from a red light like it is going to shut off and then jumps forward, and the engine continues to lag as does the battery or power when turning on the vehicle most mornings. I have brought the car in several times to the dealership and due to there being no codes showing, they will not diagnose it further and as soon as I get the vehicle back, the same issues and problems happen over and over again. I have had 4 service appointments now with no resolutions. I feel as though this car is a lemon and worry that it will continue to become more unsafe from ongoing engine, powertrain, and mechanical issues that cannot be fixed or diagnosed.
NHTSA complaint #11722376 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fairfield, ME
ENGINE
The engine continues to have a burning smell or rotten egg smell at high speeds, the car continues to hesitate when taking off from a red light like it is going to shut off and then jumps forward, and the engine continues to lag as does the battery or power when turning on the vehicle most mornings. I have brought the car in several times to the dealership and due to there being no codes showing, they will not diagnose it further and as soon as I get the vehicle back, the same issues and problems happen over and over again. I have had 4 service appointments now with no resolutions. I feel as though this car is a lemon and worry that it will continue to become more unsafe from ongoing engine, powertrain, and mechanical issues that cannot be fixed or diagnosed.
NHTSA complaint #11722376 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fairfield, ME
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The engine continues to have a burning smell or rotten egg smell at high speeds, the car continues to hesitate when taking off from a red light like it is going to shut off and then jumps forward, and the engine continues to lag as does the battery or power when turning on the vehicle most mornings. I have brought the car in several times to the dealership and due to there being no codes showing, they will not diagnose it further and as soon as I get the vehicle back, the same issues and problems happen over and over again. I have had 4 service appointments now with no resolutions. I feel as though this car is a lemon and worry that it will continue to become more unsafe from ongoing engine, powertrain, and mechanical issues that cannot be fixed or diagnosed.
NHTSA complaint #11722376 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Shelby Township, MI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2025 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V091000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not informed of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
NHTSA complaint #11721811 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Port Washington, WI
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Turn signal volume is too low to hear.. Dealer say's that's how it is.
NHTSA complaint #11721433 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Howell, MI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Electrical/Motor~ Yes, Myself, [XXX] daughter and others safety is at risk from stalling in a busy intersection. yes, its happened multiple times. The dealerships says its not throwing a code and have nothing to go off of. No, the manufacturer hasnt checked it. the RPM went up and down. No other lights on the dash. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11718857 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Howell, MI
ENGINE
Electrical/Motor~ Yes, Myself, [XXX] daughter and others safety is at risk from stalling in a busy intersection. yes, its happened multiple times. The dealerships says its not throwing a code and have nothing to go off of. No, the manufacturer hasnt checked it. the RPM went up and down. No other lights on the dash. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11718857 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Howell, MI
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Electrical/Motor~ Yes, Myself, [XXX] daughter and others safety is at risk from stalling in a busy intersection. yes, its happened multiple times. The dealerships says its not throwing a code and have nothing to go off of. No, the manufacturer hasnt checked it. the RPM went up and down. No other lights on the dash. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11718857 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hamburg, NY
STEERING
Turn Signal is barely audible when turning. If the radio is on, or at higher speeds on the highway, it is impossible to hear the turn signal. Sometimes, you may miss hit the turn signal when changing lanes, and may not actual signal, when you meant to.
NHTSA complaint #11698285 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hamburg, NY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Turn Signal is barely audible when turning. If the radio is on, or at higher speeds on the highway, it is impossible to hear the turn signal. Sometimes, you may miss hit the turn signal when changing lanes, and may not actual signal, when you meant to.
NHTSA complaint #11698285 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hixson, TN
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Driver's door locks when keys are left inside the vehicle. Other door locks are not affected.
NHTSA complaint #11696768 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Port Washington, WI
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Audible sound from turn signal too low.
NHTSA complaint #11693058 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.