2020 Ford Escape Hybrid Body & structure Problems

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

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was an abnormally strong odor of mold and mildew was inside the cabin of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who discovered that rainwater had leaked into the trunk and spare tire well, causing mold and mildew to develop inside the vehicle. The contact was informed that the carpet needed to be replaced. The exact cause of the water intrusion was unknown. The vehicle was not yet repaired. There was no illness or sickness reported. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 60,000. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ID

11645477

Incident

Feb 1, 2025

Mileage

60,000 mi

The lift gate fills with water when it rains and I worry that it can interfere with the backup camera.

NHTSA ID

11616410

Incident

Sep 24, 2024

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated while exiting the vehicle, there was an abnormal crackling sound coming from the driver's side door. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Action Number: PE23013 (Structure). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 78,000.

NHTSA ID

11616214

Incident

Sep 24, 2024

Mileage

78,000 mi

The spot weld in the driver’s side door arm has failed. The door is not closing properly and makes a loud clunk when opening or closing. Car is available for inspection, Dealer can not assess for another week.

NHTSA ID

11608637

Incident

Aug 9, 2024

For a little over 24 hours the front driver side door began making a strange crunching like noise. The next day upon attempting to close the door, three welds that hold a long black hinge within the door broke. These are small, sheet metal welds and in no way appropriate for something as heavy and important as a car door.

NHTSA ID

11597576

Incident

Jun 28, 2024

The door hinge's weld came off. All of the sudden the door was making noises when opening and closing. When finally, it wouldn't close at all. I was looking on what was wrong and the door hinge wasn't welded on the door and it shows 3 dots where the welding broke off.

NHTSA ID

11596112

Incident

Jun 24, 2024

Hear a popping sound when opening the driver side door on my 2020 Escape Titanium Hybrid. Tack welds all broke free on the driver's side door hinge mechanism. Ford dealership informed me it was not under regular or extended warranty

NHTSA ID

11589862

Incident

Oct 10, 2023

Driver side door made a loud popping sound when opening or closing. Sound came from door hinge area. After only 7 opens, the popping sound turned into a crunching sound and the check arm spot welds broke free from the panel of the door.

NHTSA ID

11589528

Incident

Apr 26, 2024

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the driver's door failed to open all the way, and the contact observed a popping sound coming from the door hinges. Additionally, the contact stated that the driver's side window failed to roll down more than an inch. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the door needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 25,000.

NHTSA ID

11589282

Incident

Jun 1, 2022

Mileage

25,000 mi

A popping noise has been happening on opening the front doors. Yesterday the passenger door became difficult to close.

NHTSA ID

11588470

Incident

May 12, 2024

Front driver door spot welds failed. Ability to open drivers door and window affected. Took to repair shop that told me the welds opening and closing the door all failed. No message or warning, or symptoms prior to failure.

NHTSA ID

11586272

Incident

Apr 24, 2024

Driver side door has loud popping noise and am unable to close door. Door popped open when driving

NHTSA ID

11585131

Incident

Apr 25, 2024

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while opening and closing the front driver’s side door, there was a popping and cracking sound coming from the door panel. Additionally, sometimes the front driver's side door was difficult to open and close. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 35,000.

NHTSA ID

11584074

Incident

Apr 1, 2024

Mileage

35,000 mi

Door started making horrible sound and not opening/closing very good out of no where.

NHTSA ID

11583155

Incident

Apr 15, 2024

This safety incident occurred with both the driver and passenger front doors. There are two hinges matching the body paint, which are fine. A third black hinge spot welded to the door that holds the door open in partial-open positions had the issue. The spot welding has completely come undone on the driver door and is showing stress on the passenger door. A loud, cracking noise and difficulty opening the door indicated this issue. I had to disconnect this item from the body and shove it into the driver door in order to open and shut the door. While this prevents further damage, it severely hampers opening and shutting the door safely. Without the stop action in place, we have a risk of the door flying open and damaging the body of the car or anything else in the door's path.

NHTSA ID

11579891

Incident

Mar 23, 2024

Spot weld on driver side door failed, Hinge is now broken.

NHTSA ID

11578427

Incident

Mar 5, 2024

My 2020 Ford Escape Hybrid SE driver's side door has failed (ripped) spot welds at the door's arm. I simply opened my car door one day, and heard a loud pop. Ever since I simply opened my car door, my door now has constant cracking/popping sounds when I open or close my driver's side door. Due to issues with my door, my driver's side window now does not move up or down. This issue did not have any warning or symptoms prior to the ripped weld spots, it was a random instance which now permanently has affected my car. I have done some investigating on my own regarding this matter with other Ford Escape owners, and this is a very common issue with this make and model. Some owners that had similar issues with their vehicle stated that their driver's side door flew off when traveling at highway speeds. Due to the previously stated sentence, this is a huge safety concern as a door flying off my vehicle could affect other drivers and put them at risk of injury. I took my vehicle into an auto shop to be diagnosed, who recommended that I take my vehicle into a Ford dealership to deal with this problem directly. The Ford dealership had me call Ford's Customer Service line to discuss my options. Ford's customer service informed me that their is nothing that FMC can do to assist with this matter and that I do not qualify for any financial assistance to cover the cost of this repair. I have been in contact with my Ford dealership who told me that the whole door will need to be replaced, and that this repair will cost a minimum of $3,000. Due to not having any other way of getting to and from work, I have to drive my unsafe vehicle for transportation. There is currently a TSB on this specific issue, but Ford is refusing to consider this matter a "recall".

NHTSA ID

11577715

Incident

Feb 29, 2024

Door would not properly close window would not roll down. On investigation weld's on door hinge were broken

NHTSA ID

11576394

Incident

Jan 24, 2024

My car had been having no issues and working as expected. I left to depart for my destination and my driver's door made a terrible grinding noise and didn't open smoothly. There was resistance. I am able to drive the vehicle without issue, but I cannot open the driver's door all the way. My local Ford Dealership won't repair the door, citing that I need to wait for the recall from Ford. I'd like to have a fully functional door on the vehicle I purchased.

NHTSA ID

11574418

Incident

Feb 23, 2024

The driver side front door welds have broken on the door closer. The window now operates sporadacially and the door does not always properly latch. The door has opened to the first catch at times. The dealer tells me that the cost will be $4200 to fix. The whole door needs to be replaced.

NHTSA ID

11574120

Incident

Jan 11, 2024

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact stated that while opening the front driver's side door, the door made an abnormal metallic sound. Additionally, the contact stated that the door failed to close as needed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the door check arm spot welds were fractured. The contact was provided an estimate for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 74,000.

NHTSA ID

11573957

Incident

Feb 22, 2024

Mileage

74,000 mi

On the driver door, the door check welds have failed. Heard a grinding clunking sound and had my mechanic look at the car; he identified what had occurred. I have researched online and found instances where once this is broken the door might open without warning. Because of this I am very gentle in using the door, opening it just enough to get inside. I do not use the window. I had my dealer body shop look at the door and they advised this is a problem they have been seeing. Their repair estimate is about $750. That’s just to rivet the part in place. They advised that to replace the part is approximately $2500. The odd sound the door was making started gradually and became worse. I first noticed a couple of months ago. There were no warning lights or messages prior to failure.

NHTSA ID

11572764

Incident

Jan 15, 2024

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. That contact stated that upon entering the vehicle, the driver's side door opened abnormally wide, after which the driver's side door became jammed. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed failures with the high-low voltage converter and the door check arm attachment point. The voltage converter was repaired, but the door check arm attachment point was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Action Number: PE23013 (Structure). The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 21,500.

NHTSA ID

11571462

Incident

Feb 2, 2024

Mileage

21,500 mi

Driver door welds snapped and window controls no longer functions normally. Door does not open or close properly. Inspection available. safety is at risk because door does not close properly and could fly open when driving causing collision and injury to myself or others. Problem confirmed by dealer as a known problem with 2020 Escapes. Vehicle inspected by dealer. Told not repairable- new door needed. Failure occurred without warning in early January 2024.

NHTSA ID

11569746

Incident

Jan 12, 2024