2,323 of the 36,407 complaints filed about the Ford Escape are about the body and structure — 100% of everything owners reported. The worst model year for it is 2020.
2,323
Complaints
100%
Share of all complaints
55
Crashes
21
Fires
STRUCTURE:BODY
Several spots on the body are misaligned which could indicate underlying assembly issues down to the frame which could impact crumple zones and safety.
NHTSA complaint #11763917 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
Driver door would won’t latch I tried wd40 and put the latch back in place noting working I thought I should notify that it is a safety risk
NHTSA complaint #11762054 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
Vehicle purchased from dealer with concealed total loss history and federal/state odometer fraud. Official state title records show the odometer froze at 73,539 miles between Tennessee title issued March 2025 and Ohio title issued January 2026. Live OBD-II scanner diagnostics confirm true vehicle mileage exceeds over 86,278 miles. Vehicle was in a severe crash (December 2024) resulting in a Junk/Salvage total loss declaration at auction, later fraudulently rebranded and re-titled as Rebuilt without mandatory consumer disclosure. Vehicle has undisclosed structural and mechanical damage presenting serious safety risks.
NHTSA complaint #11761195 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was serviced under Customer Satisfaction Program 23B-56; however, the replacement welding caused the front driver's side door to fail. Additionally, the contact stated that while attempting to enter the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start, and multiple warning lights illuminated. The vehicle required a jump-start to start. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the battery had failed and needed to be replaced. The battery was replaced, and the contact was informed that the previously installed battery was incorrect for the vehicle. The contact was referred to a second dealer for further assistance. The vehicle was towed to the second dealer, where it was diagnosed that a water leak at the C-105 connector on the front driver's side door had caused an electrical system failure. The dealer determined that the wiring harness had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 76,000.
NHTSA complaint #11760376 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
When I lock my car, whether from my phone, keys, or lock button inside car, the car will lock except the passenger side door which remains unlocked. So when the car is supposed to be locked and secured, anyone who wants can gain access in my car whenever they want. The car alarm will go off. But the door still opens. I believe this is a safety concern for my family and I while being in the vehicle and also a threat to valuables in my car. I haven’t had it looked at yet. But I want to report it.
NHTSA complaint #11759872 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
Transmission spudder when accelerates only at 75K miles
NHTSA complaint #11757726 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
I went for an oil change and my mechanic found that the subframe/cross member assembly was almost rusted through. Very dangerous. Needs to be replaced. Found out this is very common with the Ford Escape model of these years. Will cost thousands to repair.
NHTSA complaint #11756851 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that after the dealer performed an unknown recall repair on the front driver’s side door, the failure occurred. The contact stated that the front driver’s side window intermittently failed to roll up or roll down and made a squeaking sound while operating. The dealer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the front driver’s side door motor needed to be replaced, and the repair would be an out-of-pocket expense. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11754423 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the hatch was automatically raised to place groceries inside the vehicle; however, the hatch unexpectedly lowered and struck the contact on the head. Medical assistance was not needed. The contact placed a bag of ice on the head. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,400.
NHTSA complaint #11753292 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a knocking sound coming from the engine, with the engine revving. The contact stated that while turning off the vehicle, the engine was knocking very roughly. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the dealer was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer for failures with the bearings and the rotors. The contact stated that there were abnormal sounds coming from the bearings. The contact stated that the rotors were rusted, and there was a grinding sound coming from the rotors. The contact believed that the vehicle was a flood-damaged vehicle due to the rust on the rotors, bearings, and underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 113,000.
NHTSA complaint #11751076 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
1. I purchased a 2010 Ford Escape that had a preexisting rusted frame defect. That is shown by the Ford vehicle history report and related service documentation, which support that the problem existed before I took possession of the vehicle. The vehicle was determined as unsafe to drive and later broke down after the sale. Apple Ford Apple Valley documented that the vehicle was “not safe to drive due to rusted frame,” and after break down, Carlson Automotive also inspected the vehicle and confirmed serious issues. The vehicle and related records can be made available for inspection upon request. 2.My safety and the safety of others were put at risk because the structural defect caused loss of control, steering problems, and ultimately a breakdown while driving. This created a danger to me, my passengers, and other drivers on the road. 3.The problem was confirmed by a dealer ( prior to the sale to me) and an independent service center ( after it broke down ). I am not aware of any police or insurance inspection of the vehicle. The seller is not cooperating. Ford bought the vehicle through a trade in and then held it for resale, top gear obtains the vehicle which then sells it on kbids to me. 4. There were warning signs before the failure THAT WERE NOT DISCLOSED AND FORD ALLOWED THE VEHICLE TO LEAVE ITS LOT INSTEAD OF JUNKING IT. The Ford history report and service records showed the rusted frame condition before the vehicle failed, and Apple Ford Apple Valley documented that the vehicle was not safe to drive. The car fax report did not show detailed service notes. I was not able to find out more detail until I was listed as the owner at FORD. The vehicle was video recorded on top gear you tube page as drivable and operational WITHOUT restrictions.
NHTSA complaint #11750831 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
Ford has issued a safety recall (Campaign 25DD6/2025-665) for the 2022 model year Escape. Part of the roof's hinge cover comes off and poses a hazard. The problem is my Ford 2022 Escape is not included even though it suffers from this identical hazard. How can I get my vehicle (VIN: [XXX]) included in the recall? Thanks INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11749422 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
Rear drivers side door latch suddenly will not latch. No damage noted. Simply closed the door after leaving the house, then tried to close it 8 minutes later and it wont latch.
NHTSA complaint #11748803 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
LIFTGATE APPEARS TO HAVE BEEN REMOVED AND REPLACED. THERE IS A GAP DIFFERENCE FROM THE LEFT REAR TO THE RIGHT REAR ON LIFTGATE. THERE IS ALSO RUST APPEARING ON THE BOLTS. CONDENSATION TUBE HAS DETACHED UNDER THE LIFTGATE. I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO THE MALL OF GEORGIA FORD SERVICE DEPARTMENT ON COMMERCE DRIVE IN BUFORD GEORGIA. THEY WERE NOT WILLING TO HELP AND STATED IT MAY NEED TO GO TO THEIR BODY SH0P.
NHTSA complaint #11748876 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
I opened my passenger door & it made a terrible noise like it’s falling off the hinges. Door feels like I shouldn’t open it all the way or it may get stuck or just fall off
NHTSA complaint #11748914 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
The sunroof cover has come off its tracks and has lost tension. It requires a full sunroof cover replacement. Upon searching this issue online, I found it was a common issue in Escapes around 2020-2022.
NHTSA complaint #11745094 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
STRUCTURE
See attached document for complaint.
NHTSA complaint #11743223 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
On XXX I was driving my 2021 Ford Escape for 10 minutes before I stopped at Sheetz gas station on [XXX]. I ran into the building to withdraw cash from the ATM leaving my fiance and dog in the car while it sat idle. Upon exiting the building about 30 seconds to a minute later, I witnessed smoke coming up from the hood of my car. My fiance and Dog quickly evacuated the car as we saw flames emerging. I ran inside to get assistance from the workers and they brought out fire extinguishers. The attempt to extinguish the flames was unsuccessful and the front of the car quickly went up. Police and fire department were called and they showed up about 10 minutes later to handle the situation. Reports from the officer, fire department and the Sheetz assistant were taken. I do not have access to those. My car insurance is covering the cost of the vehicle and a 7 day car rental. They are not covering the loss of both mine and my fiance's cell phones. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11743124 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
Failed door check attachment point on driver side. Door has issues when opening and closing.
NHTSA complaint #11739849 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.