2020 Ford Escape Owner Complaints

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 not yet available. The contact stated that after refueling, the vehicle shuddered abnormally after pressing the Push-to-Start button. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred while driving approximately 25 MPH. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer; however, the failure was not confirmed. The failure mileage was approximately 51,000.

NHTSA ID

11775086

Incident

Oct 22, 2022

Mileage

51,000 mi

Recall on the fuel injector , recieved a recall alert in the mail . Informed me that Ford dose not recommend not driving the vehicle. Caught fire while I was driving it and burned up .

NHTSA ID

11775049

Incident

Jan 10, 2026

AWD Module fails to communicate properly due to bad ground connection. Dashboard message shows AWD Failure, Pre-collision assist warning unavailable, Electronic stability control unavailable, and Hill start assist failure. Ford is aware of this problem and has issued TSB 23-2061. These vehicles should be re-called because important safety features become inoperative and the possibility of a collision is greatly increased.

NHTSA ID

11773851

Incident

Aug 3, 2026

Opened sunroof and middle piece that holds liner broke and liner slid back into car .. schickers Ford in union said there were several cars with same problem Ford won't fix and warranty not covering. Just brought car in March

NHTSA ID

11773500

Incident

Sep 1, 2026

The fabric liner at the top of the car that is a sun block for the moon roof has come loose multiple times on both sides and it seems that the piece that should retract and keep tension on the cloth so that it properly feeds into the head liner is malfunctioning. The dealership has attempted to fix it multiple times and it continues to come loose and is now out of warranty. It hangs down when attempting to open the roof and blocks the rear view for the driver which is a huge safety concern.

NHTSA ID

11773443

Incident

Oct 1, 2021

Driver side door is increasingly noisy when opening the hinge makes a loud popping noise. The window will randomly not close. I saw on this website others are having the same problem. It has not been inspected by anyone, but can be.

NHTSA ID

11773398

Incident

Aug 1, 2026

I am the owner of a U.S.-specification 2020 Ford Escape currently stationed in the Netherlands under military orders. I attempted to complete all open safety recalls through an authorized Ford dealership in the Netherlands. The dealership reviewed the vehicle and performed the actions available to them, but the recalls remain open. Open recalls include Ford Recall 25S76 / NHTSA Recall 25V467 involving the fuel injector system and Ford Recall 26C11 / NHTSA Recall 26V123 involving the SYNC and rearview camera display system. The dealership advised that not all recall actions could be fully completed overseas due to limitations associated with servicing a U.S.-market vehicle and/or remedy availability. The vehicle was inspected and serviced by an authorized Ford dealer in the Netherlands. I am submitting this report to document that I made a good-faith effort to obtain recall repairs before returning the vehicle to the United States, where I intend to complete any remaining recall actions.

NHTSA ID

11772868

Incident

Sep 10, 2026

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 26V117000 (Visibility); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were 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.

NHTSA ID

11772818

Incident

Jul 1, 2025

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while opening the moon roof, the moon roof cover cloth bunched up and blocked the view of the rear glass. The failure mileage was approximately 51,250.

NHTSA ID

11772642

Incident

Oct 20, 2026

Mileage

51,250 mi

2020 Ford Escape is suffering from sudden, uncommanded loss of power, severe engine hesitation and violent stuttering during acceleration and problem is getting worse. Took to our service center to fix and they said the problem is a recall - NHTSA - 25V467 recall 25S76 (engine hesitant acceleration, rough idling, reduced engine power). Called Airport Ford in Florence, KY. They are saying they can't fix this issue -there is no remedy and that the program has been paused. This condition poses an immediate safety hazard. The unexpected failure of the powertrain to respond during high-demand situations - such as merging onto highways, passing vehicles or making left turns across oncoming traffic - makes me feel very vulnerable to rear-end or side impact crashes. The failure occurs at all speeds but is worse at 10-30 miles per hour. There is a Ford Recall on this issue. If the recall is paused - I assume they are no longer trying to find a fix. This is a 2020 car - surely in 6 years the Ford experts should have found a viable fix. In addition to the Dealership also talked to Ford Consumer Hotline and were given the same info as from the dealership. Please help! I love my Fords - I have had Fords all my adult life. Please help us.

NHTSA ID

11772385

Incident

Oct 12, 2026

2020 Ford Escape – AWD and Multiple Safety System Failures I own a 2020 Ford Escape with approximately 99,000 miles. Every time I drive my vehicle, the dashboard displays the following warnings: * All-Wheel Drive Off * Pre-Collision Assist Not Available * Service AdvanceTrac * All-Wheel Drive Fault – Service Required * Hill Start Assist Not Available * See Manual I contacted an authorized Ford dealership regarding Customer Satisfaction Program 21B19, which addressed an AWD control module issue in certain 2020 Ford Escapes. The dealership checked my VIN and informed me that my vehicle was not included in the program. The dealership did not inspect or diagnose my vehicle. I subsequently contacted Ford Motor Company directly and requested goodwill repair assistance. Ford informed me that it would not provide goodwill assistance. I am concerned that my vehicle may be experiencing a defect similar to the one addressed by Program 21B19. Multiple driver-assistance and stability-control systems appear to be affected. I am requesting that NHTSA review this safety concern and investigate whether additional 2020 Ford Escape vehicles may be affected by a related defect. The underlying cause has not yet been diagnosed.

NHTSA ID

11772352

Incident

Oct 11, 2026

Vehicle diagnosed with DTC C0095 (sub-codes :71 and :19) indicating a total mechanical misalignment of the internal Rear Drive Unit (RDU) actuator motor magnet ring, as documented in Ford Service Bulletin SSM 51117. This defect causes an immediate, unprompted shutdown of the All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system while driving, defaulting the vehicle strictly to Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) and significantly degrading vehicle traction, stability, and handling control in adverse weather conditions.

NHTSA ID

11772172

Incident

Sep 1, 2026

My air bag light is reporting - Your Air Bag Warning is on due to an issue with the front passenger air bag system. The front passenger airbag may not work properly. This light came on last week. This first appeared on 9/14. Also, I have another failure light reporting my seat belt is malfunctioning. First appeared 10/15. No one’s safety was put at risk yet. There were no warning messages, just indicator lights.

NHTSA ID

11771481

Incident

Oct 15, 2026

While driving down the road the vehicle lost all power and left my wife in a dangerous position on the road. The vehicle was just in for service 4 days before and we were told the vehicle had no error codes. The vehicle has lost power on multiple occasions and we have had it at different dealer service departments where ford trained technicians continue to tell us nothing is wrong with the vehicle. However, I find the vehicle to be unsafe and unfit for the road.

NHTSA ID

11771294

Incident

Oct 13, 2026

**Subject: Unavailable Safety Recall Remedy – Ford Recall 26S14 / NHTSA 26V-117** I am submitting this concern regarding an outstanding safety recall affecting the front windshield wiper motor on my 2020 Ford Escape SE. Ford Recall 26S14 (NHTSA Campaign 26V-117) was announced in March 2026 because the windshield wiper motor may fail, causing the windshield wipers to stop operating properly. This defect presents a serious safety concern. If the windshield wipers fail during rain or other adverse weather conditions, a driver could suddenly lose the ability to see the roadway, surrounding vehicles, pedestrians, and other hazards. As of October 9, 2026, my vehicle remains subject to this recall, and NHTSA's VIN-specific database indicates that a remedy is not yet available. I am particularly concerned about continuing to operate a vehicle with an unresolved defect affecting a critical visibility and safety system. I respectfully request that NHTSA review the status of Ford's recall remedy, verify the anticipated repair availability, and provide guidance regarding appropriate safety precautions while affected vehicle owners await a repair. I also request that Ford provide a clear timeline for completing the recall at no expense to affected owners. This submission concerns an outstanding safety recall and the unavailability of a repair. It is not a report of an actual windshield wiper failure, crash, or injury.

NHTSA ID

11770204

Incident

Oct 9, 2026

I am reporting an unresolved safety concern involving my 2020 Ford Escape SE, which is subject to Ford Safety Recall 25S76 (NHTSA Campaign 25V-467). The recall was issued in July 2025 because a fuel injector may crack, allowing gasoline to leak into the engine compartment and potentially ignite on hot engine or exhaust components. As of October 9, 2026, approximately 15 months after the recall was issued, NHTSA's VIN-specific recall database continues to list my vehicle's recall as incomplete, with the permanent remedy not yet available. My concern is the prolonged period during which my vehicle remains subject to a known fire-related safety defect without an available permanent repair. I have not reported an actual fuel leak or fire. This complaint concerns the documented safety defect and the continued unavailability of a permanent remedy. I request that NHTSA review the length of Ford's recall remedy delay, determine whether the manufacturer's response satisfies applicable recall requirements, and provide guidance regarding vehicle safety, interim protections, and the expected availability of a permanent repair. I also request that Ford provide affected owners with a clear repair timeline and appropriate assistance while the safety defect remains unresolved.

NHTSA ID

11770203

Incident

Oct 9, 2026

Transmission fault

NHTSA ID

11770089

Incident

Sep 14, 2026

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline), and the vehicle was taken to the dealer, where an engine control software update was performed as an interim repair. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, smoke was coming from under the hood and the RPM was fluctuating. Additionally, there was an abnormally strong gasoline odor coming from the vehicle even while the vehicle was turned off. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by phone and advised the contact not to drive the vehicle due to a fire risk. The contact scheduled a service appointment with Mike Carpino Ford Pittsburg, Inc. (1097 US-69, Pittsburg, KS 66762). The manufacturer was contacted several times, and a case was opened, but the contact was denied the contact information for the engineering department and towing assistance. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was approximately 106,000.

NHTSA ID

11769893

Incident

Apr 30, 2026

Mileage

106,000 mi

Our 2020 Ford escape cowling is separated from the windshield. I took it to a body shop to see if they could fix it. The strip groove that connects the cowling to the windshield has separated from the glass. The only way to fix it is replace the windshield. This is a know issue with Ford cars researching. I was in recently for the windshield motor replacement warranty. I asked the service tech about it and stated not covered considered a "body issue." This is does not sit well. Is there anything that can be done. We take very good care of our car. This is cosmetic but it appears to be a known defect.

NHTSA ID

11768595

Incident

Oct 2, 2026

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle began shuddering and nearly lost power. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part for the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, and the vehicle was taken to the dealer for an interim repair. The contact stated that there was an abnormal rotten egg odor coming from the vehicle after the repair. The vehicle was sputtering while accelerating, and there was a delay with the engine responding. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 130,000.

NHTSA ID

11768361

Incident

Jun 14, 2024

Mileage

130,000 mi

The sunroof moulding of my 2020 Ford Escape has come loose. I can’t find any clips to restick the moulding to the sunroof. I see that others have also had this issue and for some the moulding has gone to the back of the visor housing. Luckily I took out the moulding before this happened, but I can’t place it back without new clips which are not available online.

NHTSA ID

11767564

Incident

Sep 28, 2026

When driving, the car will shudder and jolt when shifting gears, particularly from 2nd to 3rd. It will not accelerate properly at times and has almost caused me to be rear ended when merging on highways at highway speeds. This might be tied to the transmission issues that other 2020 ford escapes are dealing with.

NHTSA ID

11767282

Incident

Sep 2, 2026

I am noticing an obvious lurching while accelerating at low speeds after being stopped. It also happens when slowing down. It is happening with and without adaptive cruise control engaged. This may cause someone to rear end me if my brake lights are not activated because I am not braking. Inversely it may cause me to rear end someone in front of me

NHTSA ID

11766892

Incident

May 15, 2026

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