RoadVitals

2022 Ford Escape Driver assistance Problems

Owner-reported complaints naming the driver-assistance system, filed with NHTSA

Data refreshed

Driver assistance reportsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
24
Latest Jul 9, 2026
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
11%
of 226 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
3
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
1

What this page shows

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2022 Ford Escape submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 24 reports on file name it.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Owner reports naming driver-assistance

Shown in the owner’s own words, exactly as filed

Driver assistance
Filed Jul 9, 2026

The contact owns a 2022 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at 75 MPH on the interstate, the automatic emergency braking system erroneously engaged intermittently. A dealer was contacted. The "Pre-Collision Assist Is Not Available," "Hill Start Assist Is Not Available," and "Reduced Power Brake Applied" warning messages were displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic shop for diagnostic testing, and the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to take the vehicle to a dealer for diagnostic testing. The failure mileage was approximately 109,000.

NHTSA ID
11749338
Incident
Jul 9, 2026
Mileage
109,000 mi
Driver assistanceFuel system
Filed Jun 5, 2026

The contact owns a 2022 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. The local dealer confirmed that parts were still unavailable. The contact stated that the back over prevention camera displayed a half image while operating. The failure caused in a minor crash while the vehicle was in reverse(R) and damaged the contact's vehicle and another vehicle. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 32,000.

NHTSA ID
11742276
Incident
Mar 1, 2025
Mileage
32,000 mi
Driver assistance
Filed May 4, 2026

The contact owns a 2022 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving, the sync screen displayed a blank image. The vehicle was taken to the dealer previously and was diagnosed as needing a battery, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer a second time and was diagnosed with wire failure; the issue persisted. The sync screen continued to display a blank image along with failures of the radio, mileage, and gas gauge. The vehicle was not repaired again, and the issue continued. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 32,000.

NHTSA ID
11735657
Incident
Jun 18, 2025
Mileage
32,000 mi
Driver assistance
Filed Apr 14, 2026

The contact owned a 2022 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V123000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION); and requested to be removed from the recall distribution list. The local dealer and manufacturer were contacted.

NHTSA ID
11731244
Incident
Apr 14, 2026
Driver assistanceFuel system
Filed Apr 9, 2026

The contact owns a 2022 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 dealer was not contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA ID
11730255
Incident
Apr 9, 2026
Driver assistanceFuel system
Filed Apr 6, 2026

The contact owns a 2022 Ford Escape. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 26V123000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the parts to do 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 the vehicle was idling at a stoplight and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle failed to move forward and stalled. Several codes were displayed, including Charging System Service Now with the Battery Warning light illuminated. The vehicle lost power, and the hazard lights were inoperable. The contact stepped outside the vehicle to direct traffic around the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed that the alternator and battery had failed. The battery and alternator were replaced. The error codes illuminated again after having the vehicle repaired. The dealer was contacted, and an appointment was scheduled. The dealer informed the contact that a PCM software update had been completed; however, the parts for the repair of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); was not available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issues. The failure mileage was approximately 13,000.

NHTSA ID
11729345
Incident
Apr 1, 2026
Mileage
13,000 mi
Driver assistanceFuel system
Filed Apr 1, 2026

The contact owns a 2022 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 repair. The contact stated that after refueling the vehicle, the accelerator pedal had to be pumped several times for the vehicle to start. While driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle unexpectedly stalled. The failure had occurred while the vehicle was idling at a stoplight. The vehicle was turned off and the contact waited for several minutes before the vehicle was restarted and operated as intended. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part for the recall repair was not available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.

NHTSA ID
11728461
Incident
Jul 16, 2025
Mileage
55,000 mi
Driver assistance
Filed Feb 6, 2026

The contact owns a 2022 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the cruise control feature became inoperable. The failure of the cruise control caused the vehicle to accelerate to 74 MPH unintendedly. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the dealer failed to duplicate the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 35,000.

NHTSA ID
11716248
Incident
Feb 6, 2026
Mileage
35,000 mi
Driver assistanceElectricalExterior lighting
Filed Jan 25, 2026

My 22 Ford Escape has 620000 miles on it most of them highway miles. The issue I'm having began approx. 5000 miles ago. While in motion my dash lights, radio, and entertainment screen will go completely black for long periods of time and the chime will begin randomly ringing. A message sometimes appears on screen that says system off to continue please start engine but the engine is running the whole time. Sometime the message will appear on my dash saying front camera not available. I've taken it to a Ford Service station and they advised me my PCM software needed updating but the problem still existed and is existing even after the update. I still have a recall active on my vehicle as well regarding the fuel injector issue.

NHTSA ID
11713220
Incident
Jan 24, 2026
Driver assistanceEngineFuel system
Filed Oct 9, 2025

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA ID
11692272
Incident
Aug 25, 2025
Driver assistance
Filed Jun 25, 2025

The contact owns a 2022 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the rearview camera was displaying a distorted image while the vehicle was in reverse(R). The contact stated that the failure obstructed the driver's visibility, which prevented the driver from safely operating the vehicle. In addition, the contact stated that the rearview camera displayed a distorted image and a black screen. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 70,000.

NHTSA ID
11669182
Incident
Apr 25, 2025
Mileage
70,000 mi
Driver assistanceElectrical
Filed Jun 11, 2025

The rearview backup camera no longer functions at all. Upon putting the car in reverse, I receive a black screen with glitching colors for a few seconds that turns completely black and gives me an error stating rearview camera is unavailable. There has been no damage recently to the vehicle or any other modifications made, or no other known contributing events, it just stopped working on its own. I also received no warning prior to this happening from any systems in the vehicle. This is especially dangerous since I rely upon this camera and alert sensors to safely back up and avoid damage to my vehicle, myself, others, and surrounding objects. I am aware that several Ford models built the same year have an active recall for this exact issue, in addition to the 2023-2024 Escape models. I would highly recommend looking into this issue as it pertains to the 2022 Escape as well.

NHTSA ID
11666235
Incident
Jun 10, 2025
Driver assistanceElectrical
Filed May 19, 2025

All vehicles screens including the speedometer turned off multiple times while driving. When screen came back online a large number of warning lights popped up including that there was a shift system fault. The light showing that the vehicle was in drive was no longer lit up. Immediately stopped vehicle. The electrical system on the vehicle has failed at least 5 times previously with several documented instances of going to the dealer for repairs with no solutions.

NHTSA ID
11661797
Incident
May 19, 2025
Driver assistance
Filed May 5, 2025

The car accelerates without pressing the accelerator. While driving at any moment or when hitting the brakes the car will speed up on its own. I have no problem with the car stopping when I hit the brakes. It just seems as though sometimes it will accelerate when first touching the brakes. I have noticed this for maybe about a year. I researched and found at least 3 reported cases of this being an issue during a car accident. I did take my vehicle to the Ford dealership to have it checked and was told they couldn’t find anything wrong according to their test results. However, there is definitely an issue.

NHTSA ID
11659081
Incident
Jul 1, 2024
Driver assistanceElectrical
Filed Apr 25, 2025

Timeline of Events: •~March 2024 – Ongoing: Intermittent system alerts begin appearing at random. Includes: •AWD Temporarily Disabled •Auto Hold System Fault •Park Aid Fault •Drive Mode Not Available •Hill Start AssistNot Available •Service AdvanceTrac •Pre-Collision Assist Not Available •Power Steering Loss •Cruise Control not working •BLIS acting erratic •Squeaky brakes and “locked up” feel when glitch occurs •4/11/24: First major cluster of alerts appears. All systems shut off at once. Power steering was lost, difficult to turn. •4/17/24: Vehicle brought in for oil change. Brakes, tires, battery all checked and are in good condition. •4/21/24: Alerts occur again while driving. Same issues appear and disappear at random. •4/22/24: Vehicle returned to dealership. Intermittent issues discussed. No clear resolution found. •4/25/24: Alerts triggered again. Becoming more frequent. Safety systems failing during normal driving.

NHTSA ID
11656774
Incident
Apr 1, 2025
BrakesDriver assistanceElectrical
Filed Oct 21, 2024

My incident report is a non accident report, I am trying to be proactive and report problems I’ve experienced with this vehicle since I purchased this vehicle 2 years ago. The vehicle has been problematic since I purchased brand new in 2022. I’ve been reporting this issue for two years and the mechanic has not been able to resolve the issues.

NHTSA ID
11620959
Incident
Sep 1, 2022
Driver assistancePowertrain (other)
Filed Oct 15, 2024

I was driving down the interstate and came up on a wreck. When traffic started to move again my transmission wouldnt engage. The active cruise had quit working about 10 minutes prior.

NHTSA ID
11620027
Incident
Oct 11, 2024
Driver assistance
Filed Aug 21, 2024
Crash reported1 injury reported

I was in a minor accident involving a small animal on [XXX] and there was not much damage done to it. After it got repaired a few months later the steering wheel started locking up on me so I had it towed down to Bob Johnson Ford in Pulaski NY. They couldn't diagnose the issue and said I was safe to drive it home. On the way home the steering wheel locked up while exiting the highway and caused me to run into a guard rail. (XXX) After it got repaired I thought it was fixed but months later it started locking up again. On [XXX] had it towed to Wally's ford in Adams ny. They also have not been able to diagnose the issue. I am trying to get Ford to buy back the car but they say it's outside the lemon law and to see if the insurance company can do anything about it. Ford and USAA both told me to not drive the vehicle but neither of them will give me a rental car. So I'm stuck between companies and have nothing to drive. Please help. The car is a 2022 Ford escape SEL, 28000 miles on it. Please contact me at [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11609873
Incident
Feb 6, 2024
Driver assistanceInterior & seatsSeat belts
Filed Jan 22, 2024

1. these are manufacturing problems right after I got the car within 1-3 months the seat belt is exceedingly difficult for a child /toddler the seat belts go into the seat and other problems 2. the middle shift ( park reverse drive) shift with the button area when you're at a red light made of plastic 1 month after I got the car it keeps losing pins falling out and dropping down this happened they said they fixed it but they really did not keeps losing with the pins falling out and pins keep coming out and the ford dealership in falls church Virginia making me pay 3 reverse and brake is bad squeaks they said they fixed with some kit but they did not 4wheels area are bad 3 months had problems I not sure how to describe it

NHTSA ID
11567081
Incident
Jan 22, 2024
Driver assistanceElectricalExterior lighting
Filed Oct 26, 2023

During vehicle operation, on occasion, entire vehicle instrument panel goes dark and shuts off, which includes speedometer and warning lights. Cruise control deactivates and all displays and warning indicators de-luminate. System will turn back on and flash multiple error codes before returning to normal. Sync/navigation system will also go out.

NHTSA ID
11552085
Incident
Oct 26, 2023
BrakesDriver assistance
Filed Oct 23, 2023

Rear brakes squeak/moan when in reverse. The recent TSB from Ford states this is a recurring issue with Escape owners. My vehicle underwent the fix (which should have only taken 0.70 hours, but took 3 hours on a scheduled appointment), only to get the vehicle back and the sound is even louder than it was before. Vehicle went back in for said concern. They installed a brake muffler piece to help muffle the noise. However, whatever was done has now made the brakes loose and the peddle needs to be pushed almost to the ground. So again, the fix isn't the actual fix. Lane Departure and Crossing almost caused an accident. It had rained and there were mud/gravel dust tracks on the road. The cameras thought it was the road line and swerved me multiple times into the oncoming lane. Needless to say, I stopped this feature on my vehicle for safety reasons.

NHTSA ID
11551467
Incident
Oct 21, 2023
Driver assistancePowertrain (other)
Filed Jun 16, 2023

The contact owns a 2022 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under an unknown recall; however, the contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle violently lunged forward. Additionally, the contact stated that while the brake pedal was depressed, the vehicle violently jerked. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 5,503.

NHTSA ID
11527378
Incident
May 23, 2023
Mileage
5,503 mi
Driver assistance
Filed Jan 2, 2023
Crash reported

I used to drive my Ford Escape just perfectly and I was happy. I liked it. One day in December 2022, I drove my car normally and perfectly during the day. Then, after work, I went to do my shopping. After I finished shopping, I drove my car again. I changed the cruise control settings. After less than a mile, I was tuning left at low and normal speed less than 10MPH. Suddenly, I found the car accelerated on its own and I lost the control of the wheel. I did not feel the pedals under my feet, no resistance. Every thing was out of my control. Then, the car hit a tree. Fortunately, no injury, I had a pain lasted for weeks, but no injury. There are huge smokes, but no fire. The car was declared as a total loss, and I lost a lot of money. After that I was curious what happened to me. I found complaints about Ford Escape, in which the drivers stating the same experience as mine. The accelerated on its own after adjusting the cruise control. That’s inspired me to complain and warn other driver about the safety of this car. I don’t know the main reason the car accelerated, but I hope it will be investigated. However, I found that Ford has a recall in the last week of November (a week before my accident) related to fuel injection. I searched again and I found that the problems on car’s computer, fuel injector or ECU could lead to uncontrolled amount of fuel passing to the engine and may cause acceleration or burn. I am very lucky that the acceleration didn’t hit people or the car burnt from speed and heat. Again, I don’t know what happened, but I hope it will be investigated to safe lives of others. Photos can be supported upon request. The car is now with the insurance company.

NHTSA ID
11499831
Incident
Sep 2, 1981
Driver assistance
Filed Aug 18, 2022
Crash reported

On June 21 Inn the afternoon my wife and I were driving on I-94 near Minneapolis, MN in a rental car. Suddenly the car started accelerating on its own – and the acceleration was aggressive (“pedal to the metal” type acceleration). I hit the brakes but nothing happened. As the car continued to accelerate I pumped the brakes taped on the accelerator and hit the ignition switch but nothing would slow the car. I could see congestion further ahead of us with slow moving vehicles and all lanes occupied. I started looking for an escape route – one that would hopefully enable us to survive while not hurting/injuring others. To my right I saw a an entry or exit ramp and on the other side of the ramp was an embankment. I turned toward the embankment, crossing the ramp and going up the embankment not knowing what was on the other side of it. I must have been going at least 100 mph when I topped the embankment. As we went over the embankment I looked down and saw a parking lot that looked vacant. It seemed to me that the parking lot was 6-8 feet below us (the EMT later said it was 10-12 ft). We both lost consciousness when we hit the ground in the parking lot (and the air bags deployed). When we regained consciousness we had hit an object in the parking lot. The rescue squad arrived soon thereafter. An hour earlier that afternoon I was adjusting the cruise control when suddenly the car accelerated unexpectedly. I hit the brakes and the cruise control went off as it should. I then attempted to adjust it again and again the car accelerated unexpectedly. This time when I hit the brakes the car continued to accelerate. I pumped the brakes but the acceleration continued. The car finally stopped accelerating when I turned the cruise control off. I wondered if I should continue using the cruise control since it had malfunctioned but decided to try it and it seemed to be working so I continued on using the cruise control. In hindsight that was a serious mistake.

NHTSA ID
11479944
Incident
Jun 21, 2022

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.

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