2020 Ford Escape Owner Complaints

There is a malfunction in the AWD system that gives a code for low voltage. I tracked down the issue to a factory defect where the connector to the AWD module doesn’t have a ground wire. Ford has acknowledged the issue under “Ford Customer Satisfaction Program 21B19” but it has since expired. (Expired after the vehicle was purchased) As a result of the fault, It disables AWD, hill start assist, forward collision assist.

NHTSA ID

11766344

Incident

Sep 6, 2026

Vacuum pump went and replaced then rpms spiking between 1500 and 2000. Then traction control light came on and noise in from end. All within a week.

NHTSA ID

11766311

Incident

Aug 23, 2026

Vehicle: 2020 Ford Escape I am experiencing a recurring drivability issue with my 2020 Ford Escape. During normal or light acceleration, primarily between approximately 1,000 and 2,000 RPM, the vehicle intermittently jerks, surges, or hesitates. At the same time, I can observe slight RPM fluctuation. The condition continues to occur even when the vehicle is driven in Sport mode. On some occasions, the vehicle has also accelerated suddenly and more aggressively than expected, making the vehicle’s response unpredictable. I have had situations where I nearly collided with another vehicle because of the unexpected acceleration. The vehicle has displayed diagnostic trouble code P0600 – Serial Communication Link. The ignition coils and spark plugs have already been replaced, but the condition remains unchanged. I am concerned because the hesitation, jerking, surging, and unexpected acceleration occur while the vehicle is being driven and could affect safe and predictable vehicle control in traffic. I have not yet received a final diagnosis confirming whether the cause is related to the transmission, torque converter, PCM/TCM, communication system, speed control system, or another component. I am reporting this issue so that NHTSA has a record of the condition in case other owners of 2020–2021 Ford Escape vehicles are experiencing similar drivability and unexpected acceleration problems.

NHTSA ID

11766259

Incident

Sep 9, 2026

I purchased four brand new tires Douglas touring AS 102 H all season tires on September 12, 2024 with my mileage at 48,906 miles. On July 14th 2026 I went to Portsmouth Ford used car for a recall the inspected my tires and said I had 7/32 of tread life left. Today on September 17, 2026 I was told by Walmart in Portsmouth New Hampshire I had hardly any tread left on all four tires and they needed to be replaced. The tires I had bought from Walmart on September 12, 2024 it cost me $501 for Ford tires with a 50,000 mile warranty or five years Natalia brand is Douglas touring AS102H all season tire number is 1M62YPH13324 . The mileage on my car today is 79,768 miles so if you do the calculations 79,768-48,906 when I bought the tires you're looking at roughly the tires only got 30,000 miles out of those tires. . I'm reporting this because those tires should've lasted longer than 30,000 miles where I didn't drive a whole lot from September 2024 to September 2026. I think I was sold defective tires. And I'm looking for a refund from Walmart or a prorated refund so I can buy better ties someplace else. You can see from all my documentation that I did tire rotations twice a year since I got the tires in 2024 so I took care of the tires with the maintenance.

NHTSA ID

11765108

Incident

Sep 15, 2026

These are the failed systems since the recall was being repaired since July 27th 2026. The car is presently still at the dealer today. Sept 18 2026. Sync Screen goes black Instrument cluster goes black. Auto-hold fails Pre-collision emergency assist not available Forward camera not available Drive mode not available Powertrain Control Module fails with error to Ford App Service Engine light on at all times We have all repair times it went back total of 4 times. No replacement vehicles was provided. Here are the additional files in this link there are approximately 16 repair files 3 are Ian pictures below uploaded https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:VA6C2:4e092f62-ba12-4fac-888f-d529227f810a

NHTSA ID

11764876

Incident

Jul 27, 2026

After a dealership diagnostic visit involving my 2020 Ford Escape, I discovered that a connector in the vehicle's Smart Data Link/Gateway area underneath the dashboard had been left disconnected when the vehicle was returned to me. The vehicle had been at Gullo Ford of Conroe on September 9–10, 2026 for an intermittent idle/sputtering concern and a rear-suspension concern. The dealership performed electronic diagnostic work and documented no DTCs. After pickup, I inspected the vehicle and photographed the disconnected connector before reconnecting it. I am concerned that releasing a vehicle with a vehicle-network/diagnostic gateway connection disconnected could affect diagnostic communication, stored fault reporting, or other electronic/network functions. I am submitting this report as a potential safety/electrical-network concern. I am not asking NHTSA to adjudicate my billing dispute with the dealership. Photographs showing the condition as discovered and the dealer service invoice are available.

NHTSA ID

11763600

Incident

Sep 10, 2026

White foggy smoke from exhaust. Backing sensor or driving sensor are off when sensing environment. Car suspension not fully stable sorta drift to left or right.

NHTSA ID

11762391

Incident

Jun 18, 1993

I am submitting a safety complaint regarding my 2020 Ford Escape, which currently has an unrepaired safety recall involving the fuel injectors. Recall Information: Manufacturer Recall Number: 25S76 NHTSA Recall Number: 25V467 Recall Date: July 16, 2025 According to the recall notice, a fuel injector may crack and cause fuel to accumulate on top of the engine. The notice states that liquid fuel and/or fuel vapor near hot engine or exhaust components could ignite and cause an under-hood fire. I am very concerned because this recall has remained unrepaired since 2025, and as of September 2026, the remedy is still listed as unavailable. I am also currently experiencing a problem with my vehicle. Whenever I put gas in the vehicle, it has a difficult time starting afterward. The engine struggles to start after refueling, which is concerning to me because there is already an open recall involving the vehicle's fuel system. I understand that I cannot personally determine whether the starting problem is directly related to the recalled fuel injector issue. However, because the vehicle has an open fuel-system safety recall involving a potential fuel leak and fire risk, I believe these symptoms should be documented and investigated. I am concerned about continuing to operate this vehicle while the recall remains unrepaired, especially since the recall warns of the possibility of fuel or fuel vapor accumulating near hot engine components. I am requesting that NHTSA document and investigate my complaint and provide any available guidance regarding this unresolved recall and the symptoms I am experiencing. I would also like my concerns documented regarding the length of time this safety recall has remained without an available permanent repair.

NHTSA ID

11762151

Incident

Sep 1, 2026

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); 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 contact stated that the check engine warning light was intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the spark plugs had failed and needed to be replaced. The mechanic replaced the spark plugs; however, the failure persisted. The dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and was unable to provide an expected date when parts would be available.

NHTSA ID

11762106

Incident

Jul 15, 2025

I consistently get an AWD failure warning and then it turns off multiple different safety features of the car, traction control, hill assist, AWD, collision detection etc. I have seen a lot of people complain about the same thing. This is dangerous and ford needs to provide a solution to the bad ground of the AWD module.

NHTSA ID

11761180

Incident

Jul 30, 2026

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the message that the door was unlocked was displayed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, and the contact was informed of an unrepaired recall associated with the VIN. The contact was informed that an unknown device was installed, and the vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that the front driver's and passenger's side doors failed to unlock. The contact stated that the family crawled into the vehicle through the trunk. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer. The contact was informed that the driver’s and passenger’s side front doors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to an auto body shop as per the dealer. The driver’s and passenger's side front doors were replaced but the failure reoccurred. In addition, the transmission shift to park warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer. The contact was informed that the auto body shop had clipped the wiring harness from an unknown sensor. The contact was informed that the wiring harness needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed with battery failure. The battery was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The failure reoccurred. The contact stated that the front driver's and passenger's side doors failed to unlatch occasionally. The doors unlatched and the transmission shift to park error messages were displayed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact was informed that the dealer was an independent dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 58,986.

NHTSA ID

11761090

Incident

Mar 10, 2026

Mileage

58,986 mi

My passenger headlight assembly seal has failed. Since the seal failed, the light has water buildup that caused the entire assembly to short out and stop working. There are not cracked in the headlight at all. My car only has 46,407 miles on it. My car has been to the service department at Town N Country Ford in [XXX]. Since we purchased the extended warranty, Town N Country submitted my claim to the warranty department, but they are refusing to pay because, they say it's a moisture problem. The moisture in the headlight is only there because the seal failed. Ford knows this is a problem, but yet they refuse to pay of the headlight replacement or make a recall for this problem. This is a major flaw and needs to be corrected by Ford, the consumer should not have to bear the brunt of this burden when it is clearly a defect with the headlight assembly itself. Please make Ford take responsibility for this issue immediately. Town N Country Ford said the cost to replace this headlight assembly will be $1,962.34 whenever they can receive the part. If these parts are on back order, clearly Ford has an issue and should be held accountable to replace these headlights free of charge by making a RECALL. I've requested the warranty denial report from Town N Country Ford, but I have not received anything as of this being filing XXX. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11760873

Incident

Jul 11, 2026

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact received notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V117000 (Visibility); however, the part to perform the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was notified of the issue and confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the windshield wipers failed to operate as intended. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure; however, no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.

NHTSA ID

11760242

Incident

Aug 26, 2026

Mileage

85,000 mi

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

Wipers will swipe a couple times then stop half way and not descend all the way. Then begin to “flutter” have to shut off for them to descend and turn on again, over and over.

NHTSA ID

11759877

Incident

Jun 25, 2026

I had complete brake failure while driving my vehicle yesterday I had new brakes installed on XXX by Mr tire auto service centersStore Number: #XXX ([XXX]) ​Invoice Number: XXX ​Guest ID: XXX ​Vehicle details: 2020 Ford Escape Titanium. They have deemed that PARTS were defective ( calipers and pads) . This situation ended up okay however if I was on open road I could have killed myself or others. The manufacturer of these parts needs to be flagged. We have requested a detailed list of the parts that were used to do this job and have also reached out to Monro who is their corporate affiliate. We have not heard back from them yet. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11759343

Incident

Aug 24, 2026

UNKNOWN, just here to make a complaint. Fuel Injectors have not failed yet but Ford Motor Company has not yet found a remedy even after 12+ months since recall was initiated. Recall was sent out August 18th, 2025 and no remedy has become available. Currently still waiting

NHTSA ID

11758969

Incident

Aug 18, 2025

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon shifting into drive(D), the vehicle jerked significantly. The contact continued to drive the vehicle despite the failure, which intensified while coming to a stop. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

NHTSA ID

11758510

Incident

Aug 20, 2026

Mileage

130,000 mi

2020 ford fusion taken to Bessemer Ford dealership July 20 2026 with issues to vehicle sputtering. The vehicle was returned as no problem found On August 15, 2026vehicle ran hot and shut down 140 miles away from home. The vehicle was then towed to Huntsville Ford. I was sent a video by the dealership of the coolant being milky brown but have had no contact with them at this time. When I call or text I receive a message stating they will get back with me when they can.

NHTSA ID

11758221

Incident

Aug 15, 2026

I have a 2020 Ford escape all-wheel-drive, it only has 42,000 miles on it, and I had to have the differential replaced.

NHTSA ID

11757833

Incident

Aug 12, 2026

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while stopped at a red light, upon depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to move, with an abnormal beeping sound coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated; however, the message "Place Vehicle in Park to Restart Engine" was displayed. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed due to the cost. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 101,000.

NHTSA ID

11756833

Incident

Aug 1, 2026

Mileage

101,000 mi

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while stopped at a red light, upon depressing the accelerator the vehicle would not move and an abnormal beeping sound was emitted, no warning lights were illuminated however a warning message was displayed on the instrument panel "Place vehicle in park to restart engine". The local dealer was contacted however the vehicle was not diagnosed due to cost. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 101,000.

NHTSA ID

11756832

Incident

Aug 1, 2026

Transmission developed severe Shuddering in and out of Lockup. Was told Ford was aware of problem. Check engine light came on intermittently. Took car to dealership. Was diagnosed with Shuddering in and out of lockup. Estimated repair bill totaled $11,321.25.

NHTSA ID

11756281

Incident

May 23, 2026

On 8th of June 2026, exiting I35W onto Convery Dr. I notice my dash gauges failed in proving any information. I immediately pulled over turned off the vehicle and turn it on. Gauges did not work, but vehicle did start and was running normal. I utilize the Waze app to monitor my speed and arrived home safely while putting no one at risk. I had to take a different vehicle to Hopps automotive for repairs, upon return my vehicle gauges were working as normal. Two days after the incident started the vehicle and the gauges were not working, but vehicle did make it to the auto shop for repairs and was told the gauge clusters were out. Took roughly a few weeks for the repair because the clusters still wouldn't work after repair. had a safety recall went to ford for the software updates. After the updates everything seem to be running just fine. Ford Cleburne did a curtsey inspection, Transmission passed, but now my transmission is having issues. I have a zip file full of reports on my vehicle maintenance, but unable to upload all the information.

NHTSA ID

11756059

Incident

Jun 8, 2026

While I was driving on a highway the ADAS (IPMA) suddenly stopped working creating a dangerous situation as I was using adaptive cruise control at the time. It has never worked since. Ford has told me that there is no software fix and the hardware needs to be replaced at a cost of $1500. Unless I pay that amount I will lack key safety features like forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking.

NHTSA ID

11755454

Incident

Sep 8, 2025