2020 Ford Escape Hybrid

On July 7, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE23-013 to investigate instances of check arm bracket failure in the front doors in model year (MY) 2020-2021 Ford Escape vehicles. At the time of opening, ODI received 118 Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) alleging this failure. To date, ODI has received 593 VOQs alleging this failure, with a variety of reported failure conditions. The most common reported failure condition was reduced door functionality (e.g. door was more difficult to open or close) and the least common was inadvertent door opening. Other reported failure conditions include inability to latch and inability to open. Three VOQs reported injuries, one of which requiring medical attention. ODI conducted a consumer survey which yielded an additional 44 injuries (although the VOQs did not indicate any injury), none of which requiring medical attention. All these injuries were bumps/bruises from the door closing on occupants’ arms and legs while entering and exiting the vehicle. The function of the check arm system is to provide hold-open assist at specific angles and to assist with door closing energy. It does not provide vertical support of the door and is independent of the latching mechanism. This failure is progressive and detectable by vehicle occupants. Consumers commonly report hearing a popping or snapping noise when opening and closing the door. This noise is caused by some of the welds between the bracket and door structure failing and detaching. There may also be visible damage present to the welds in the door structure. Continued use of the door may result in all welds separating and the bracket fully detaching from the door structure, which could lead to increased resistance in closing and opening the door, restrained window operation, and the door freely rotating when open. ODI inspected 3 consumer vehicles in the field, and 2 test vehicles at Ford’s testing facility. The test vehicles were retrofitted with the failed component. ODI observed an increased door closing resistance, however, was unable to reproduce an inadvertent open while parked or driving, or a failure to latch or open condition. Testing also verified this failure did not affect the door ajar warning system. This system provides an audible and visual warning in the event a door did not achieve primary latch position. Ford has provided details on a one-time-repair customer satisfaction program (23B56), stating that they will provide customers with a letter, currently targeted for March 2024, to bring their vehicle to a Ford dealership for a proactive repair. Dealers will inspect the door check arm welds for damage and will either provide a rivet plate to reinforce the existing door check arm or will provide a replacement door, depending on the level of damage present.  Customers will be eligible for reimbursement if they previously paid to repair this issue. In view of the high detectability of failure, low potential hazard to drivers, and Ford’s customer satisfaction program to provide a proactive repair, this Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist. The Agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after March 1, 2021.On January 27, 2023, NHTSA opened Defect Petition (DP) 22-005 to evaluate the subject matter described in the petition. On June 24, 2023 and as supplemented on June 25, 2023, the petitioner notified NHTSA he was withdrawing his petition. The petitioner indicated that, based on his review of data, there is no justification for asserting potential benefits that could be derived from actions sought by my petition. Based on the petitioner's withdrawal, DP22-005 is closed. Closure of this DP does not represent a determination by NHTSA regarding the subject matter of the petition.

Brought vehicle in for Manufacturer Recall Number26C11 NHTSA Recall Number26V123 During the recall, the reprogramming procedure was unsuccessful and left my APIM non-operational. Fremont Ford returned the vehicle to me without a functioning display screen or backup camera while waiting for the replacement part to arrive. I was also informed that Ford would not provide a rental vehicle for this recall. As a result, I brought in a fully functional vehicle for a recall service and received it back with critical features no longer operational. This situation does not seem appropriate, particularly given that the backup camera is a safety-related system. I am now on day three without a functioning backup camera and have had difficulty contacting the dealership for updates or assistance.

NHTSA ID

11764794

Incident

Sep 14, 2026

The thin metal gear shift dial has peeled extensively beginning in 2022 leaving RAZOR SHARP edges that cause constant skin lacerations as it's impossible to change gears and not to touch the sharp edges. I understand this is a very common problem with 2020 Ford models. Ford has now corrected the problem with newer models and the gear shift does not peel on newer models. However, that is STILL no help for current owners with the defective gear shifts. This is a serious defect causing unavoidable injury and needs to be addressed. This is the same problem that the defective window controls had and they were corrected by recall. This is NOT a cosmetic problem. Cosmetic problems do not cause injury. Why is the NHTSA and Ford not taking this seriously?

NHTSA ID

11760620

Incident

Jan 1, 2022

The rear cross traffic sensors are not detecting cross traffic when in reverse every time. It will work sometimes, but it failed to work at all for weeks. I have video showing it not working properly. I brought this to the dealership and was told that this is something that I will be required to fix out of my own pocket. This safety feature should be fixed or replaced at no cost the me because I was not involved in it no longer functioning. It is not clear why safety features that malfunction should be repaired at cost to the vehicle owner. If they stop functioning they should be fixed by the manufacturer.

NHTSA ID

11760043

Incident

Jul 3, 2026

I went to [XXX] for the weekend, and on Sunday XXX I just left a restaurant and my car was parked on the street. As I left I was driving down a one way public street. I thought I hit a parked car to my right because I heard a noise that sounding like I hit something. I looked in the mirror and saw I was far from the parked cars and kept going. I went about a mile more and parked, and when I got out of the vehicle my friend/passenger said what happened to your car? and the passenger side top cover of my tailgate was missing. I told him I had a safety recall with ford and they fixed it earlier this year, but when looked at the remaining clip, it was just a square piece of Velcro showing. Cover was gone. It was there in the morning when we left the hotel and put our luggage in the rear liftgate cargo hold. Note; The day prior I was driving 2 and a half miles from [XXX] to [XXX] on the XXX. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11757901

Incident

Aug 16, 2026

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the panoramic sunroof center trim piece became dislodged. The contact associated the failure with Technical Service Bulletin: 23-213 and stated it was a known issue with the panoramic sunroof center trim pieces being dislodged due to extreme heat and weather. The dealer was contacted and stated that a master technician was needed to perform the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

NHTSA ID

11757511

Incident

Jul 27, 2026

Mileage

90,000 mi

When the outside temperature gets over 95F, the rotary gear shifter locks up in Park and will not let you shift into Drive. Multiple restarts over 30 minutes with the A/C center console pointed down to cool off the rotary shifter dial. This really is annoying. Twice I was late for appointments. I am handicapped disabled veteran and need this car to work, 100 percent of the time. The ford escape online forums, nor Ford have a fix. It's a KNOWN problem on the forums. Ford said they fixed it when I sent it in for an unrelated maintenance stop. DID NOT FIX IT.

NHTSA ID

11755477

Incident

Jul 27, 2026

​VEHICLE INFORMATION ​Year/Make/Model: 2020 Ford Escape Hybrid Titanium ​Component: Electrical / Instrument Cluster / Digital Display Unit (IPC) ​Hazard: Critical Visual Hazard & Operational Safety Defect ​STATEMENT OF SAFETY CONCERN The 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster in the 2020 Ford Escape Titanium is experiencing severe pixelation and flickering, indicating imminent screen failure. Because this trim lacks mechanical gauges, screen failure blinds the driver to vital real-time operating metrics: ​Speedometer: Prevents real-time speed monitoring, increasing collision risk. ​Engine Temperature: Hides thermal warnings, risking sudden engine breakdown or overheating. ​Fuel Gauge: Obscures fuel levels, risking sudden loss of propulsion in active traffic. ​Warning Lights: Hides critical alerts for Brake System, Airbags, Tire Pressure, and High-Voltage Hybrid System faults. ​OPERATIONAL HAZARD ANALYSIS Driving with a malfunctioning instrument panel creates immediate hazards: ​Driver Distraction: Constant screen flickering directly in the driver's line of sight creates a dangerous visual distraction, especially at night. ​Power Loss Risk: Lack of fuel/hybrid monitoring increases the likelihood of stalling on highways or busy intersections. ​Loss of Safety Warnings: The vehicle cannot communicate critical restraint or braking system failures to the driver. ​REQUESTED ACTION / RESOLUTION This condition represents an active safety defect. I request: ​Immediate diagnostic and replacement of the digital instrument cluster unit (IPC) or control module under applicable technical/safety service guidelines. ​Formal documentation of this defect with Ford Motor Company and reporting to federal regulators (NHTSA).

NHTSA ID

11751650

Incident

May 12, 2026

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a local dealer for NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V123000 (Back Over Prevention). The dealer performed the software reprogramming; however, a week after the recall repair, the display screen and rearview camera shut off again. Additionally, a piece of interior ceiling trim fell and struck the contact's arm, resulting in a minor injury. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not repaired due to the dealer's request for a diagnostic fee for the recall remedy inadequacy. The contact mentioned that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the same dealer, where it was informed that the vehicle needed an unknown oil. The vehicle was repaired, but the check engine light continued to be illuminated. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 82,000.

NHTSA ID

11748752

Incident

Jun 23, 2026

Mileage

82,000 mi

Some 2020-2026 Escape and 2022-2026 Maverick 2.5L Duratec hybrid vehicles may require various repairs on the exhaust system. This may require removal of the exhaust heat exchanger. WSM, Section 309-00 Exhaust System > 2.5L Duratec hybrid > Removal and Installation > Exhaust Heat Exchanger has been revised to eliminate the need to remove the muffler assembly. The procedure steps and labor times have been updated to reflect this adjustment.

This article supersedes TSB 23-2244 to add 2024 model year. Some 2020-2024 Escape hybrid vehicles equipped with a 2.5L (FHEV) full hybrid electric vehicle powertrain and 4-wheel drive (4WD) may exhibit a grinding or rubbing noise while braking at or below 10 mph (16 km/h) from the front of the vehicle. This may be due to an inadequate gap between the driveshaft and the heat shield. To correct this condition, follow the Service Procedure to diagnose and position the heat shield away from the driveshaft.

2020-2023 Escape/Explorer, 2021-2023 F-150 and 2022-2023 Maverick vehicles equipped with a full hybrid electric vehicle (FHEV) powertrain may exhibit a cable connection error screen from the Midtronics xRC-3363 High Voltage Battery Rescue Charger. The xRC-3363 will prompt the technician to verify the low voltage connections, when no actual fault is present. This may be due to the software level of the Midtronics xRC-3363 High Voltage Battery Rescue Charger. To correct this condition, update the Midtronics xRC-3363 High Voltage Battery Rescue Charger to the latest software level by navigating to the Main Menu > Settings > About (i) then selecting the download button in the bottom right corner of the tool's screen.

Some 2020-2023 Escape, 2021-2023 Corsair vehicles equipped with 2.5L engine full hybrid electric vehicle (FHEV) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) powertrain and 2022-2023 Maverick vehicles equipped with 2.5L engine FHEV powertrain may exhibit a condition where the 12V battery voltage is low or discharged with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) U3003:62 stored in the direct current/direct current (DC/DC) converter control module. The vehicle may also exhibit DTC U3003:16 and/or U3000:04 stored in the DC/DC converter control module. This may be due to an open in the 300 amp high-current fuse F4 located in the high-current battery junction box (BJB). To correct this condition, refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 414-05 > Pinpoint Test H to verify the 300 amp high-current fuse condition. If the high-current fuse is found to be open, replace the high-current fuse per the application listing in the parts catalog. Recharge and test the 12v battery. For repairs under warranty, use the base part number of the component that caused the damage to the fuse.

Some 2021-2023 Bronco Sport vehicles equipped with a 1.5L engine built on or before 30-Nov-2022, 2021-2023 Bronco Sport vehicles equipped with a 2.0L engine built on or before 28-Feb-2022 or 2020-2022 Escape/Corsair non-plug in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) vehicles built on or before 30-Apr-2022 may exhibit a chatter/shudder during low speed turning events. This may be due to contamination of the rear drive unit (RDU) fluid through the RDU vent hose. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to replace the RDU vent hose.

Some 2020-2023 Escape/2021-2023 Corsair equipped with 2.5L engine full hybrid electric vehicle (FHEV) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) powertrain and 2022-2023 Maverick vehicles equipped with 2.5L engine FHEV powertrain may exhibit a condition where the 12V battery voltage is low or discharged with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) U3003:62 stored in the direct current/direct current converter control module (DC/DC). The vehicle may also exhibit DTC U3003:16 and/or U3000:04 stored in the DC/DC module. This may be due to an open in the 300 amp high-current fuse F4 located in the high-current battery junction box (BJB).