2020 Ford Escape Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2020 Ford Escape, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Body & structure67037.9%
- Powertrain (other)22913.0%
- Fuel system19411.0%
- Electrical1599.0%
- Engine1307.4%
- Driver assistance1126.3%
- Visibility663.7%
- Interior & seats623.5%
- Brakes452.5%
- Other / unspecified241.4%
- Steering181.0%
- Airbags120.7%
- Seat belts120.7%
- Transmission110.6%
- Suspension90.5%
- Tires & wheels80.5%
- Exterior lighting70.4%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that after the dealer performed an unknown recall repair on the front driver’s side door, the failure occurred. The contact stated that the front driver’s side window intermittently failed to roll up or roll down and made a squeaking sound while operating. The dealer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the front driver’s side door motor needed to be replaced, and the repair would be an out-of-pocket expense. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the hatch was automatically raised to place groceries inside the vehicle; however, the hatch unexpectedly lowered and struck the contact on the head. Medical assistance was not needed. The contact placed a bag of ice on the head. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,400.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
The passenger front seat handle to let the seat recline broke off. There has to be some kind of defect to the way it was put together.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
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)
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
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
Transmission issues, jerking, stuttering, jumping, rmp jumping, horse power acting up, pulsating
My car has following issues recently. 1. Tire pressure monitoring system failed for all four tires. 2. Electrical door lock systems failed. All these symptoms match the BCM recall for the model and year of my car. But my VIN is not included with the recall. I believe Ford did not include all impacted car in this recall.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
when driving I was approaching a curve and lost all steering for several seconds. I could turn the wheel completely all the way around and there was no control. After about 8 seconds steering was available again. This was not caused by hydroplaning as the roads are dry. speed was about 30 mph.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
A nagging seat belt monitoring fault occurred with this vehicle. After researching this particular problem, I found that it is a well known issue to Ford (over several forums and owners websites), which is caused by a seat belt sensor. This fault comes up as a rear seat belt fault, but it is actually the driver's front seat belt sensor that is the problem. This fault causes the airbags to be turned off which poses a danger to any occupant in the vehicle if it is involved in an accident. This sensor has gone bad in hundreds of vehicle spanning over several different models and years.(this is taken directly from NHTS's metadata) The part number is LJ6Z-7861203-BC (specifically the left/front driver-side buckle end). It is used in the following vehicle models: Ford Escape: Model years 2020–2025 (including Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid variants). Ford Bronco Sport: Model years 2021–2025. Ford Maverick: Model years 2022–2025 (including Hybrid variants; specifically for units built from February 27, 2024, onwards as a direct replacement for earlier suffixes). Ford Mustang Mach-E: Model years 2021–2023.This part supersedes previous versions LJ6Z-7861203-AA, LJ6Z-7861203-BA, and LJ6Z-7861203-BB. Versions of parts are usually only superseded due to problems with the original part. Did NHTSA seriously never cross reference their own materials?
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact’s husband stated that while driving 25 MPH, another vehicle unexpectedly cut in front of the vehicle, resulting in a collision. No warning lights were illuminated prior to the crash. The contact stated that upon impact, the driver-side air bags failed to deploy; however, the air bag warning light illuminated after the collision occurred. A police report was filed, but the report number was unavailable. The contact’s husband did not receive immediate medical attention at the scene. The contact’s husband later sought treatment at an emergency room. The contact's husband suffered an chest and knee injuries. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 39,000.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
A nagging seat belt monitoring fault occurred with this vehicle. After researching this particular problem, I found that it is a well known issue to Ford (over several forums and owners websites), which is caused by a seat belt sensor. This fault comes up as a rear seat belt fault, but it is actually the driver's front seat belt sensor that is the problem. This fault causes the airbags to be turned off which poses a danger to any occupant in the vehicle if it is involved in an accident. This sensor has gone bad in hundreds of vehicle spanning over several different models and years.(this is taken directly from NHTS's metadata) The part number is LJ6Z-7861203-BC (specifically the left/front driver-side buckle end). It is used in the following vehicle models: Ford Escape: Model years 2020–2025 (including Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid variants). Ford Bronco Sport: Model years 2021–2025. Ford Maverick: Model years 2022–2025 (including Hybrid variants; specifically for units built from February 27, 2024, onwards as a direct replacement for earlier suffixes). Ford Mustang Mach-E: Model years 2021–2023.This part supersedes previous versions LJ6Z-7861203-AA, LJ6Z-7861203-BA, and LJ6Z-7861203-BB. Versions of parts are usually only superseded due to problems with the original part. Did NHTSA seriously never cross reference their own materials?
The drivers seat belt buckle lactch has broke. The part of the buckle that latched the seatbelt has broken and fallen down into the buckle therefore the drivers seat belt can not be worn. This is a huge safety issue and is also illegal. The seat beat and buckle should be something in a vehicle that doesn’t just break like this. Makes me very concerned that they will not hold up in an accident.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while shifting into reverse, the vehicle drove forward instead of reversing. During the most recent failure, after starting the vehicle, the contact shifted the vehicle into park, and the vehicle collided with the contact's home. No warning lights illuminated. No air bags deployed. No injuries were sustained, and no medical attention was provided. A Police report was not filed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the valve body was binding internally, and sticking shift valves assembly had failed. The vehicle was repaired under warranty. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for further assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 33,704.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the gear shifter was stuck in park(P). The contact stated that the failure occurred while the temperature was hot. The contact stated after parking the vehicle, the gear shifter remained stuck in park(P). The contact waited for 30 minutes before the gear shifter was able to be shifted to the desired gear. The vehicle was taken to several independent mechanics and to the local dealer; however, no cause for the failure was found. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
Purchased my 2020 Ford Escape brand new. Since owning it I have repaired/replaced the shocks and struts 3 times. They continue to leak. The car has not been used to carry heavy items or tow etc. Car is kept in a garage year round.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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 while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle hesitated to start. The TPMS warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was contacted, and the contact was advised that the recall remedy was available for vehicles experiencing a recall-related failure. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
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)
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .