RoadVitals

2022 Ford Escape PHEV Owner Complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers, shown in full

Data refreshed

Complaints on fileComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
78
+2 complaints in 30 days
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
1
Filed in the last 12 monthsReports filed with NHTSA in the trailing 365 days. Recent volume reflects attention and vehicle age as much as anything else.
4
Reports on file since Jul 23, 2022

What this page shows

Our database holds 78 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2022 Ford Escape PHEV. Each one is a report filed by an owner or driver and published by NHTSA without most of them being verified. A complaint is not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. Narratives are shown exactly as filed.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Complaints, most recent first

Showing 1–25 of 78 · page 1 of 4

Electrical
Filed Aug 4, 2026

The contact owns a 2022 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V789000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was contacted via an online chat. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA ID
11754677
Incident
Aug 4, 2026
ElectricalEnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Jul 16, 2026

this recall has been in effect for nearly 1 year & puts my car @ risk but also doesn't allow me to charge beyond 80%, greatly effecting fuel efficiency. Ford has failed to address the issue in a timely manner or offered any compensation for my additional fuel consumption or offered a realistic deadline for repair

NHTSA ID
11750860
Incident
Nov 1, 2025
Steering
Filed Jul 7, 2026

The incident occurred while my 2008 Allegro Bus was towing my 2022 Ford Escape PHEV. Incident occurred on Sunday, 21 Jun 2026 about a mile from my home. I had just started a left hand turn and was in the intersection when I felt a thump-thump at the back of the coach. I did a quick inspection and saw no apparent damage and all tow connections were secure, so I continued to my home. While uncoupling the Escape from my motorhome, I saw the dash display warning of a steering issue. The steering felt heavy immediately; this wasn't a steering problem that developed over time. This happened during a single, towing maneuver, where the towed vehicle suddenly oscillated left and right twice while negotiating a gentle, off-camber turn. The Escape was in Ford's Neutral Tow Mode and was being flat towed per the Ford's owner's manual. Diagnostic data recorded the first steering control module failure at essentially the same time as the towing incident. There was no collision with another vehicle or object. The damage resulted from forces experienced during the towing maneuver. Ford diagnostics and FORScan both identified internal failures within the Electric Power Assisted Steering system, and the dealer has diagnosed the EPAS assembly (LX6Z-3C529-CH) as requiring replacement. Prior to this event, the steering system operated normally. After the incident, steering was heavy and deteriorated over approximately 15 miles of use until assist was completely lost and the force required to turn the steering made the car unsafe to drive. The Ford Escape had approximately 15,000 miles on it at the time of the incident. I did not see the movement of the car in mirrors or cameras. Map showing car path is my best assessment of the incident.

NHTSA ID
11748826
Incident
Jun 21, 2026
ElectricalFuel system
Filed Jun 26, 2026

My PHEV car randomly and suddenly has loss of propulsion creating a safety hazard in traffic. It seems to occur at low speeds, sometimes from waiting in line at an intersection. This fault produces a solid red battery warning light, but no additional safety warnings, nor an error code for diagnostics. I have experienced this fault randomly in April, May, and June. The worst experience was within intersection traffic when I was unable to accelerate; just coasted with cars whizzing past. My usual dealership servicing staff were unable to reproduce the error. I was told they would/could not assess this fault without an error code. I had my car towed to a different service company. They advised that the 12-V battery showed 66% power; I asked them to replace that battery. I understand that this MAY NOT solve the problem. Although I used a rental car for a week while this problem was being attended, I am now driving my car with the new 12-V battery. Yes, I think my car is unsafe--at least, no one can assure me it has been fixed. I do not know how to assess whether it is fixed, short of being its test driver. My car has an open recall on the HV battery for which a fix is not yet available (not for months so far, anyway), so I drive my car as a hybrid, without charging the HV battery.

NHTSA ID
11746769
Incident
Apr 27, 2026
Filed Jul 16, 2025

The guard plate between the sunroof and the moonroof fell off and the retractable screen rolled all the way back and is inoperable. The guard plate fell and hit my child while I was driving. When I searched the internet to see if others have experienced this issue, I discovered that it is a known issue with these vehicles. Unsecured falling parts is a danger and a recall should be issued to fix this issue immediately.

NHTSA ID
11673864
Incident
Jul 6, 2025
Filed Jun 13, 2025

While driving, the metal crossbar trim above my head separating the front (movable) and rear (fixed) roof glass fell off, jamming the sunshade and then falling on my head

NHTSA ID
11666816
Incident
Jun 13, 2025
BrakesEngine
Filed Jun 2, 2025

I am writing to formally express my concern regarding the safety of my 2022 Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV), which I believe may have been rushed to market without sufficient development or reliability testing. As Ford’s first iteration of the Escape PHEV, it appears to suffer from multiple critical defects that suggest the technology was not fully ready for consumers. In less than 2.5 years of ownership, I have experienced the following serious safety-related issues: The vehicle is currently under recall for a defective high-voltage battery, and there have been multiple other recalls related to the PHEV technology, raising serious concerns about the reliability and safety of the overall hybrid system. NHTSA Recall Number 24V954. I experienced brake issues within the first 18 months of which have not been fixed and still making odd noises Most alarmingly, the engine failed while I was driving on the highway with under 32,000 miles on the vehicle, causing a sudden and dangerous loss of power. This incident placed me and others at serious risk of harm. While the dealership did repair the engine under warranty, Ford has not offered any meaningful assistance beyond that, nor have they provided alternative transportation or a solution that addresses my ongoing safety concerns. Ford corporate has refused to communicate with me in writing and will only speak by phone, making it extremely difficult to document discussions, obtain clear answers, or hold them accountable for their responses. Due to a lack of support from Ford, I was forced to borrow my mother’s vehicle for two weeks while mine was being serviced, as there were 17 other customers on a waitlist for a loaner vehicle at the dealership. Despite these serious problems, I still don't have a vehicle and I no longer feel safe driving the car, and a financial burden, as I now owe more on the car than it is worth on trade-in. I have not picked up the car due to safety concerns. I believe these issues

NHTSA ID
11664257
Incident
Apr 4, 2025
Electrical
Filed May 22, 2025

The contact owns a 2022 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V954000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID
11662597
Incident
May 22, 2025
ElectricalFuel system
Filed May 8, 2025

Ford issued a recall on my vehicle in January 2025. They state that I cannot charge my car until they fix it, or it could catch on fire. I paid $8,000 extra for a car I can charge, and almost never use my gas engine. I have now not been able to charge my car for 5 months and there is no fix available and Ford has moved the expected fix date from Q2 2025 to Aug/Sep 2025. I also have to pay additional taxes in the state of Vermont for my plug-in, which I can't actually plug-in, and paid $2k for a home charger which is now useless. I have contacted Ford at least 4 times, because I'm concerned with the safety of my vehicle and they refuse to do anything. I have to drive my son to daycare each morning, and I'm concerned the vehicle will catch on fire with us inside of it. The vehicle charges when driving downhill and there are a lot of hills in Vermont, so I'm constantly worried that the battery may charge too much and catch fire. I have spoken with my local dealership and they can't do anything and again, after contacting Ford numerous times, their message is "wait". This vehicle is completely unusable to me, since almost all of my daily driving used the battery and I've had to pay for gas for the last 5 months. Ford doesn't seem to be concerned with my safety, despite admitting that they sold me a vehicle that may catch on fire. I also attempted to trade the car back into the dealership, but they won't take it due to the recall which has no firm date for being addressed. I've going around and around in circles with all levels of Ford but they refuse to do anything. I just want to feel safe with myself and my family in my vehicle, but I do not feel safe and Ford doesn't appear to care.

NHTSA ID
11659728
Incident
Jan 6, 2025
Electrical
Filed May 8, 2025

The contact owns a 2022 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V954000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. 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. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID
11659698
Incident
May 8, 2025
Electrical
Filed May 2, 2025

The contact owns a 2022 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V954000 (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. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID
11658533
Incident
Jan 6, 2025
Electrical
Filed Apr 29, 2025

The contact owns a 2022 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V954000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID
11657540
Incident
Apr 29, 2025
Electrical
Filed Apr 15, 2025

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA ID
11654659
Incident
Dec 12, 2024
Electrical
Filed Apr 14, 2025

Ford states that if I charge my vehicle it will catch on fire. I paid $8,000 extra to have a plug-in vehicle and I haven't been able to charge it for months. Ford said they would fix this in "Q2 2025" and this has now been pushed to "maybe September 2025". I don't feel safe driving this vehicle, but I have to use it to get my child to daycare each day. I believe it's completely unreasonable to tell me that the vehicle I purchased to plug-in and drive using battery, which has been over 50% of all my driving in the last 3 years, can't be used to drive on the battery. This vehicle is unusable as it was intended to be used, unsafe, and Ford keeps delaying their supposed fix.

NHTSA ID
11654525
Incident
Feb 1, 2025
Electrical
Filed Apr 7, 2025

The contact owns a 2022 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V954000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID
11653191
Incident
Jan 6, 2025
Powertrain (other)
Filed Apr 7, 2025

When Accelerating from approximately 25mph - 40mph and accelerating hard, the vehicle is shifting to Neutral (HARD). It feels like you hit a wall. Does not occur from stop. Letting off throttle and the transmission will reengage and allow full acceleration as if nothing happened. No warning indicators on dash. Is duplicatable. Vehicle had Telematics control module update in December already. Vehicle had transmission replacement 25-JUNE-2024 according to History. Tried reporting on GCR but would not permit. Sounds identical to 24S33 but this vehicle is unaffected. Will report to dealer when recall for 24S79 is available, avoiding hard acceleration if possible. May have dash camera footage if requested.

NHTSA ID
11653110
Incident
Apr 7, 2025
Filed Apr 1, 2025

Rear drip molding hinge cover. It's an exterior covering. I noticed mine was missing after getting other recalls serviced. I ordered a replacement part, however, my research proved this is common. Apparently the hinge cap is only attached by velcro. This could cause a serious car accident if the part were to fly off into someone else's windshield. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11652079
Incident
Mar 29, 2025
ElectricalEnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Mar 31, 2025

Vehicle enters into a conserve power warning and will not start. While operating the vehicle in drive vehicle will lose power and deactivate all safety and control features. Contacted Ford and no remedy or assistance will be provided.

NHTSA ID
11651747
Incident
Mar 28, 2025
Electrical
Filed Mar 17, 2025

The contact owns a 2022 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V954000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID
11648716
Incident
Jan 6, 2025
Body & structureVisibility
Filed Mar 4, 2025

Panoramic sun shade detached from rails and recoiled into the assembly while driving on the highway. The shade was in a static position when it happened- it was not being retracted at the time. Available for inspection, but has already been repaired by dealer. A very loud cracking noise was heard when it happened, which startled me and could have caused an accident. It is a relatively new car and had been retracted probably a total of 20 times. There was no warning, and the entire headliner, pillars, and glass had to be removed to repair. It is apparently a common occurrence due to cheap plastic clips that are used.

NHTSA ID
11646391
Incident
Feb 18, 2024
ElectricalPowertrain (other)Steering
Filed Mar 3, 2025

I own a 2022 Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid, which is affected by Recall 24S79 (NHTSA Recall 24V954). This recall involves a high-voltage battery defect that could result in a fire or sudden loss of vehicle control while driving. Ford has confirmed that there is no fix available until at least the second quarter of 2025, leaving affected owners without a solution for well over a year. However, Ford refuses to provide loaner vehicles, rental reimbursement, or any safe alternative for customers forced to continue driving these potentially dangerous vehicles. I have contacted multiple dealerships (Fort Collins Ford and Loveland Ford), and both confirmed that no loaner vehicles are available. Ford’s customer service continues to redirect me back to the dealership without resolution, despite the fact that my dealership has no assistance to offer. While I have not yet experienced a battery fire or loss of vehicle control, the recall documentation explicitly states that these are potential risks. It is only a matter of time before a fire or serious accident occurs due to Ford’s inaction. Ford is placing thousands of affected drivers at risk by failing to provide a fix, alternative transportation, or any safety plan for affected customers. I urge NHTSA to investigate Ford’s lack of action and failure to protect affected vehicle owners. Ford should be required to provide loaner vehicles or rental reimbursement until a remedy is available.

NHTSA ID
11646075
Incident
Feb 22, 2025
Suspension
Filed Feb 4, 2025

The contact owns a 2022 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while reversing, there was a loud squealing sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were not contacted or notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 15,000.

NHTSA ID
11640574
Incident
Nov 1, 2024
Mileage
15,000 mi
ElectricalPowertrain (other)
Filed Jan 24, 2025

I think this is related to NHTSA Recall 24V954. I experience loss of driving power at various times. This started about three months ago. It is intermittent. It used to be once or twice a week. Lately it is happening almost every day. Sometimes it is a minor annoyance, but sometimes it can result in a serious safety issue. When in electric mode, the car will suddenly lose driving power. Other power, such as radio, lights, etc., are not affected. This is most common when the car is stopped, e.g. at a red light, or driving at low speeds, when the car is often in EV mode. For example, if I’m at a red light, when the light turns green I press the accelerator but they car doesn’t respond, no power. Or, if I’m driving at low speed in EV mode the car will suddenly lose power and glide to a stop. The only way to resolve this is to come to a full stop, turn off the car and then turn it on again. The reason I am writing is to reinforce that it can be a serious safety issue. I can give three examples. 1) January 15 I was driving in the right lane on an interstate highway, moving slowly due to congestion. I lost power and glided to a complete stop, in traffic. There was no shoulder. Cars were merging in and out of my lane to avoid me. I had to completely turn off the car and turn it on again. 2) January 22, while stopped at a red light, I pulled into the intersection when the light turned green, only to have the car die in the intersection. 3) January 22, same as example 2, but at a stop sign. The letter from Ford says there is no remedy yet, at least not until Q2 of 2025, but they have not issued instructions to stop driving the vehicle. I believe that this safety issue is serious enough that a stop should be issued. I personally will not drive this vehicle until the repair can be made.

NHTSA ID
11638193
Incident
Jan 22, 2025
Electrical
Filed Jan 18, 2025

Slippery Drive Mode was On. EV Mode was On. Was driving slowly up a snowy driveway, the car lost traction and the car became completely inoperable and immobilized, including: - Car could not be turned off or on via Start Stop button - Car could not shift out of Park - Car could not change drive modes - Car could not change out of EV Mode It was completely inoperable and impossible to move out of harm's way or shut down so it just sat there and drained the battery. Fortunately, an auto-shutdown sequence occurred when the battery was low which automatically turned off the car after manual attempts failed. Only after the car auto-shutdown could I start the car again and move it out of park to get out of harm's way. There was no collision or impact. The car never left the asphalt. After it restarted, I could drive the vehicle with seemingly no impairment. It spit out >20 codes, all of which are attached in a DTC report.

NHTSA ID
11636762
Incident
Jan 16, 2025
ElectricalEngineFuel system
Filed Oct 28, 2024

I responded several times to ford's letters (ford customer relationship center), including today and was told "ford will not fix the problem at this time" putting my family's life at risk, especially our 2 year old son that the engine can go on fire. should i take legal action?

NHTSA ID
11622286
Incident
Oct 28, 2024

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