2020 Ford Escape Engine Problems

We have experienced fuel leaks and engine stalling, and three separate dealerships have refused an interim safety fix or alternate transportation. This is our primary vehicle for transporting our children and it's no longer safe. The RPMs jump all over, we occasionally smell gasoline, and the entire car shakes. Everybody tells us they can't replicate the problem and claim it's okay. It stalled on me when I was driving down a busy highway during rush hour and a tractor trailer almost hit me from behind WHILE MY KIDS WERE IN THE BACKSEAT.

NHTSA ID

11754454

Incident

May 2, 2025

Got recalls notice but the local dealership in st george SC (family ford) told me they wont do the brake or fuel injector recall until i have issues so i guess until my car catches on fire with my kids in it then they will do something

NHTSA ID

11753532

Incident

Jul 29, 2026

Fire hazard with vehicle and Ford still has not fixed the issues this has been on going for over 2 years now

NHTSA ID

11753026

Incident

Mar 15, 2022

I have things wrong with my vehicle that are not currently included in recalls for my specific VIN but they are for the same model year. Yesterday, I paid $6000 to fix a stuck wastegate on the turbo and something to do with the ABS. I was informed that there is a $700 problem with a vacuum pump. I have also paid for 2 costly repairs, one that wouldn't let the car start after refueling and something else that triggered a check engine light. How do you get a recall extended to include other VINs? I work as a contractor at Ford, what an embarrassment to have one of our vehicles with so many issues. Please help. I'm a young widow with limited income, commuting 2 hours a day. I cannot be without my car and I can't afford to pay for repairs while also financing.

NHTSA ID

11752422

Incident

Apr 8, 2024

The recall 25v467 was filed july 2025. Since then there has been no fix and my car has no steering due to this recall. Ford will not fix it or do anything. The escape has 106,000 miles. I am still paying payments and have no way to drive my vechile for the last year.

NHTSA ID

11752225

Incident

Sep 1, 2025

Transmission needs to be replaced at 70k miles. In reading other user's stories online and hearing from mechanic, I was told to make a report here in reference to Ford's internal memo (SSM 54939). It would be nice for NHTSA to urge Ford to replace/fix transmissions on the 1.5L Dragon engines on the Escape 2020, etc. Too many widespread safety concerns/issues with a defective engine that they know about yet failed to act.

NHTSA ID

11750322

Incident

Jul 14, 2026

Transmission issues, jerking, stuttering, jumping, rmp jumping, horse power acting up, pulsating

NHTSA ID

11747788

Incident

Oct 14, 2025

Vehicle went into low power or limp mode unexpectedly on interstate highway. Vehicle suddenly and unexpectedly slowed and was unable to maintain highway speed

NHTSA ID

11746668

Incident

Jun 20, 2026

On Sunday May the 31st, I was driving home from the store, when I smell gas, but was unaware that it was coming from my vehicle, since I was driving behind another vehicle and passed a gas station. I heard a noise and then saw smoke and fire coming from my vehicle in the engine area. I pulled over and exit the vehicle and called 911. The fire destroyed the whole front of the vehicle, including the engine, wheels, windshield, etc. The emergency officials came. After the incident, I contacted my insurance company. Someone then notified me of a recall on my vehicle, that can cause fire (25V467000). I called the Ford Motor company. They told me initially to go through my insurance provider, and the insurance provider will deal with them directly. After speaking with my insurance provider again, they told me that, since I only have liability insurance, my vehicle is not covered, and they will not contact Ford. So, I called Ford again, they told me that someone will contact me within 14 days. No one contacted me, so I contacted them today. They told me today that someone will contact me within 15 working days of my reporting the incident. This will be three weeks since the incident and I am greatly inconvenienced (lack of transportation) by this. Now I am forced to wait another week, not knowing if anyone will call, and if I call again, if I would have to wait again. Any assistance would be appreciated. What steps should I take? Thank you.

NHTSA ID

11744261

Incident

May 31, 2026

Other: recall issued July 2025 with no timely remedy. Recall puts drivers safety at risk.

NHTSA ID

11737659

Incident

Jul 16, 2025

There has been an active recall on this vehicle for around a year for fuel injectors leaking on the top of the engine and potentially causing a fire. Since this is a turbocharged engine, that risk of fire is significant if fuel does leak.

NHTSA ID

11736866

Incident

May 8, 2026

Subject: Request for Buyback or Trade Assistance – 2020 Ford Escape SE To Whom It May Concern, I am writing regarding my 2020 Ford Escape equipped with the 1.5L engine, which is currently subject to multiple open safety recalls. Of particular concern is the active fuel injector recall involving a risk of engine compartment fire. I understand that the current remedy does not fully address the underlying defect and that additional actions may still be pending. In addition, my vehicle is affected by other safety-related recalls, compounding concerns about reliability and safe operation. Given the nature of these issues—specifically the fire risk and the lack of a complete and permanent repair— as well as a history of over 15 recalls on this vehicle, I am increasingly concerned about the safety, usability, and value of my vehicle. This situation has significantly impacted my confidence in operating the vehicle. Based on these circumstances, I am formally requesting that Ford Motor Company review my case for: • A manufacturer buyback, or • Substantial trade assistance toward a new Ford vehicle, or • Appropriate goodwill compensation reflecting the ongoing safety concerns and diminished value I would appreciate prompt review by a case manager and a written response outlining Ford’s proposed resolution. Please contact me at your earliest convenience to discuss next steps. Thank you.

NHTSA ID

11734477

Incident

Apr 29, 2026

My car has been in shop month at a time it lost all power to start with it has been torn up for the last 2 years 7 turbo 2 in one vist now it has metal saving in the motor ford say dealer ship is responsible dealer ship say ford but I lost my job have 2 kids and no way to go

NHTSA ID

11733171

Incident

Feb 9, 2023

There is no incident, yet, just a recall that I have for this vehicle, coming up on a year here soon, for a fuel leak that could cause a fire under the hood while driving, and Ford doesn't seem to think that's urgent enough to get the parts to fix it. What's up with that? Safety recall notice, 25S76 NHTSA Recall, 25V467

NHTSA ID

11731953

Incident

Apr 17, 2026

The contact’s daughter owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 26V123000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The contact stated that while in reverse(R), the back over prevention sensor alarmed the driver that a person or an object was in the rear of the vehicle, even though there was nothing behind the vehicle. While accelerating at various speeds and after being idle, the vehicle jerked abnormally before accelerating. While attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle jerked and failed to immediately start, causing the driver to have to aggressively depress the accelerator pedal for the engine to start. The wrench warning light and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The dealer was contacted; however, the contact was unable to speak with a representative. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID

11731083

Incident

Feb 21, 2026

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The contact stated that after shifting to reverse(R), the vehicle failed to operate as needed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the transmission was inoperable and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 81,000.

NHTSA ID

11729966

Incident

Mar 4, 2026

Mileage

81,000 mi

I have a recall for my vehicle that was sent out as an advanced notice back in July 2025. There is still no remedy available. This recall states my car could ignite in an engine fire if not repaired. This could cause serious danger or bodily harm to me and others while I'm driving.

NHTSA ID

11725738

Incident

Jul 1, 2025

I am reporting an Ineffective Remedy for Recall 22S21. The vehicle was 'inspected' in 2022, but the original defective part (Date Code 2020) remains and is now leaking oil onto hot engine components, creating the fire risk the recall was intended to prevent. The dealership (Ford [Dealer Name]) is refusing to honor the recall and is demanding $500 to address a safety defect. This is a violation of 49 U.S.C. § 30120. The vehicle is exhibiting the exact failure symptoms described in Safety Recall 22S21 (NHTSA 22V-191): active oil leakage in the engine compartment. While the dealership refuses to perform a 'no-charge' forensic teardown, I have documented a 2020-dated oil separator still on the vehicle despite a 2022 'Completion' notice in the Ford OASIS system. The presence of oil in the turbocharger is a documented consequential result of high crankcase pressure caused by this failed component.

NHTSA ID

11724977

Incident

Feb 20, 2026

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the engine was running rough, and the vehicle unexpectedly decelerated to 25 MPH. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle with coolant intrusion into the engine, causing the cylinder head to crack. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

NHTSA ID

11724903

Incident

Jan 1, 2026

Mileage

140,000 mi

My vehicle has been in the shop since December due to the turbocharger needing to be replaced. Through this site I found the fuel injector recall which I had to fight ford to evaluate. My vehicle had 2 cracked fuel injectors. I have been fighting with ford that everything I read states that this can damage the turbocharger. I am not sure if this is theright organization to look for help but I need to try.

NHTSA ID

11723643

Incident

Dec 19, 2025

The car has been jerking and shuddering and losing power when I accelerate. Was told it needs a new transmission.

NHTSA ID

11723542

Incident

Mar 6, 2026

My car shut down from a new engine block recall or mandate. Has been in the shop for four months with no eta on when it will be done. This is my only way of transportation.

NHTSA ID

11720604

Incident

Nov 19, 2025

I have had 22 recalls to date on this vehicle and received 1 recall notice. Engine light comes on alot, makes noises and then goes away after a couple days. Windshield washer stopped working on front windshield, now back stopped working. Tire pressure monitor & sensor default stays on (previous recall) Window on driver side stopped working, back passenger door on drivers side don't shut correctly like the weld come loose. Back brakes make a crazy noise when backing up. Back up camera warning comes up. I've only had this vehicle since 09-2023 and purchased from Ford as a Ford Blue Certified and have nothing but issues. Most of these recalls risk is a fire. If I'm involved and live through a fire I will make sure FORD is held accountable. The open recall with risk of fire currently has been open since July 2025 and no repair yet. This is totally unacceptable if they want me to keep paying for it. Thank you

NHTSA ID

11718804

Incident

Sep 1, 2024

Turbo failed due to oil lines clogged. Failed again after repair two weeks later on highway almost causing a collision.

NHTSA ID

11718693

Incident

Jan 30, 2026

The transmission shifting got increasingly rough over time, and then suddenly refused to shift into gear/reverse. The Ford shop told us it was the reverse solenoid, but it ended up requiring a full transmission rebuild. Safety of the car refusing to shift gears led to loss of power several times, unable to accelerate in traffic, until total failure occurred. Problem was inspected by Ford dealership, then repaired by independent service center due to cost. Not inspected by insurance, as it did not result in a collision. Warning lamps did not turn on until total failure occurred. Then lights on gear shift dial blinked, refused to allow us to put the car in gear. Dash lights also indicated "check engine" at that time, but no earlier.

NHTSA ID

11718222

Incident

Jan 16, 2026