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 & structure67038.6%
- Powertrain (other)22312.8%
- Fuel system19111.0%
- Electrical1569.0%
- Engine1227.0%
- Driver assistance1076.2%
- Visibility643.7%
- Interior & seats613.5%
- Brakes442.5%
- Other / unspecified241.4%
- Steering181.0%
- Airbags120.7%
- Seat belts120.7%
- Transmission110.6%
- Suspension80.5%
- Tires & wheels70.4%
- Exterior lighting60.3%
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
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.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and turning the steering wheel, the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed with an abnormal popping sound coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was stopped before resuming normal driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the failure was associated with the rear differential. The contact stated that four repairs had been performed on the rear differential; however, the failure persisted. Recently, the contact was informed that the rear differential needed to be repaired, and that the repair was not covered under warranty. The dealer reached out to the manufacturer, and the manufacturer agreed to cover a portion of the cost of the repair. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact 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 not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. While the contact’s son was driving approximately 45 MPH, the screen on the radio went black. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road, and the radio independently reset and displayed the correct information. The failure had occurred approximately 3 - 4 times. The radio screen often displayed erroneous information with distorted images. The contact stated that the vehicle was included in a recall for the door, and after the recall repair was performed, the key fob failed to lock and unlock the doors. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact was informed that the manufacturer had not provided the parts for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 71,000.
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.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
The contact 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 not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. While the contact’s son was driving approximately 45 MPH, the screen on the radio went black. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road, and the radio independently reset and displayed the correct information. The failure had occurred approximately 3 - 4 times. The radio screen often displayed erroneous information with distorted images. The contact stated that the vehicle was included in a recall for the door, and after the recall repair was performed, the key fob failed to lock and unlock the doors. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact was informed that the manufacturer had not provided the parts for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 71,000.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
The contact 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 not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. While the contact’s son was driving approximately 45 MPH, the screen on the radio went black. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road, and the radio independently reset and displayed the correct information. The failure had occurred approximately 3 - 4 times. The radio screen often displayed erroneous information with distorted images. The contact stated that the vehicle was included in a recall for the door, and after the recall repair was performed, the key fob failed to lock and unlock the doors. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact was informed that the manufacturer had not provided the parts for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 71,000.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
The panoramic sunshade does not work & also droops down.
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.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that since owning the vehicle, the front driver’s side door was replaced by the dealer after the door failed to open. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving 25 MPH and attempting to make a left turn, the vehicle failed to respond as intended, continued driving straightforward and nearly drove off the road into a wooded area. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where a wheel alignment was performed. Additionally, 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 check engine warning light was illuminated and related the warning light to the recall. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the purge valve had failed, and the purge valve was replaced. The contact was also informed that the fuel injectors were in good condition, and that the vehicle was safe to drive. The recall repair was not performed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 69,527.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The transmission independently shifted from drive to neutral and then to park. In addition, the engine seized. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was restarted and taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with gear shifter module failure. The contact was informed that the gear shifter module 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 a wiring harness failure. The contact was informed that the wiring harness needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed with transmission and computer system failures. The contact was informed that the transmission and computer system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The contact stated that the engine shut off and the vehicle stopped. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with brake line failure. The contact was informed that the brake line needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle had been taken to the dealer several times for the persistent failures. The contact stated that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.
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
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.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact became aware that there was fluid underneath the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the rear shocks were leaking and needed to be replaced. The contact stated that approximately 20,000 miles later, while receiving a routine inspection, the dealer informed the contact that the rear shocks were leaking again and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed that the failure was not covered under recall. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 20,000.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the local dealer for an unstated recall repair. Upon retrieval of the vehicle, the pre-collision, driver assist, and cross traffic systems were inoperable. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer, where the modules were updated, but the failure persisted. The tire pressure fault message was displayed, and the rear bumper sensors were inside the vehicle. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact about diagnostic testing, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 65,188.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
While driving on the interstate at 70mph, the entire dash display went black for a few seconds, then returned on. This happened three times, then returned back to normal.
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 .