Skip to content
KLUNK
KLUNK

2020 Ford Escape

The Verdict

5 Total Klunk

The 2020 Ford Escape has 1,531 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. The most reported issues are body (914 complaints) and engine (273 complaints). With a Klunk Score of 5/100, it earns a "Total Klunk" rating. If you're shopping for a Ford Escape, consider the 2024 model year which has 95% fewer complaints.

Safe Bet

The 2024 has 95% fewer complaints

View the 2024 Ford Escape dashboard →

5

Klunk Score: Total Klunk

Among the most complained-about vehicle years on record. Strongly consider alternatives.

How is this calculated?

The Klunk Score ranks this vehicle year against all others in our database based on total owner complaints filed with NHTSA. 100 = fewest complaints (top tier), 0 = most complained-about. Scores above 60 are better than average; below 40 means more problems than most.

Recalls 14

Active safety recalls from NHTSA for this vehicle year.

25V165000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape and 2021-2023 Bronco Sport vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall numbers 22V-859 or 24V-187. A fuel injector may cra...

Risk

A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Dealers will update the powertrain control module (PCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 22, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332...

Reported Apr 10, 2026

24V954000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY:MANAGEMENT SYSTEM/ENERGY CONTROL MODULE (BMS/BECM)

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Ford Escape, and 2021-2024 Lincoln Corsair vehicles. A manufacturing defect in one or more of the high voltage battery cells may result in ...

Risk

Battery failure can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. Battery failure can also increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Owners are advised not to charge battery till the remedy has been completed. Dealers will perform a battery energy control module (BECM) software update, and replace the high voltage battery pack,...

Reported Apr 10, 2026

23V380000 ENGINE

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Escape, 2022-2023 Maverick, and 2021-2023 Corsair vehicles equipped with 2.5L HEV or PHEV engines. In the event of an engine failure, engin...

Risk

An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.

Remedy

Owners are advised to park and shut off the engine as quickly as possible if they hear unexpected engine noises, notice a reduction in vehicle power, or see smoke. Dealers will replace the engine ...

Reported Apr 10, 2026

22V859000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Escape and 2021-2023 Bronco Sport vehicles equipped with 1.5L engines. A fuel injector may crack and leak fuel inside the engine compartment.

Risk

A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Dealers will update the engine control software to include fuel injector leak detection and install a drain tube, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety ...

Reported Apr 10, 2026

22V331000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Escape and 2021 Lincoln Corsair vehicles equipped with 2.5L hybrid powertrains. Insufficient welds inside the high voltage battery may fail, res...

Risk

A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the high voltage battery, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on July 12, 2022. Owner notification letters wer...

Reported Apr 10, 2026

22V191000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape and 2021-2022 Bronco Sport vehicles equipped with 1.5L engines. The engine oil separator housing may crack and develop an oil leak.

Risk

An oil leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect the oil separator for damage or oil leaks, and replace the oil separator and seals, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 18, 2022. Owner...

Reported Apr 10, 2026

20V635000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:BODY CONTROL MODULE/BCM

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Escape vehicles equipped with a key-start ignition system. The Body Control Module (BCM) intermittently may not pick up the signal from the rear...

Risk

Low tire pressure may lead to poor vehicle handling and a possible loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of crash.

Remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the BCM, free of charge. Owners are advised that two key fobs are required for the repair to be completed. The recall began December 1, 2020. Ow...

Reported Apr 10, 2026

20V415000 AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Escape and Transit vehicles. The affected vehicles may have an improperly crimped diffuser in the side curtain air bags which may result in the ...

Risk

In the event of a crash, if the diffuser detaches from the inflator during air bag deployment, the curtain air bag may not inflate properly, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the side curtain air bag modules, free of charge. An interim letter notifying owners of the safety risk was mailed August 3, 2020. The recall beg...

Reported Apr 10, 2026

25V467000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Bronco Sport and 2020-2022 Escape vehicles equipped with 1.5L engines. A fuel injector may crack and leak fuel inside the engine compartment.

Risk

A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source, such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Dealers will update the engine control software. and replace the high pressure fuel rail assembly and the fuel injector ,free of charge. As an interim repair, dealers will update the engine contro...

Reported Nov 7, 2025

25V693000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Escape vehicles. The rear brake pads may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can reduce brake function in the event of a brake booster malf...

Risk

Reduced brake function can require the driver to apply more brake pedal force, and the distance required to stop the vehicle may be extended, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the front brake pads, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on November 5, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for ...

Reported Oct 10, 2025

25V345000 ENGINE

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Escape, 2021-2023 Corsair, and 2022-2023 Maverick vehicles equipped with 2.5L HEV or PHEV engines that were repaired incorrectly under recal...

Risk

An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.

Remedy

Owners are advised to park and shut off the engine as quickly as possible if they hear unexpected engine noises, notice a reduction in vehicle power, or see smoke. Dealers will update the powertrai...

Reported Jun 6, 2025

25V829000 STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape and 2025 Escape vehicles. The liftgate hinge covers may not be properly secured and detach from the vehicle.

Risk

A detached liftgate hinge cover can create a distraction or a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and reinstall, or replace any missing liftgate hinge covers as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed January 19, 2026. Add...

Reported Jan 12, 2025

24V330000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Maverick, 2020-2022 Escape, and 2021-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles. The Hybrid Powertrain Control Module (HPCM) software may cause the vehi...

Risk

A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will update the HPCM software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 22, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this rec...

Reported Oct 5, 2024

22V484000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape, 2021-2022 Lincoln Corsair, and 2022 Maverick vehicles equipped with 2.5L HEV or PHEV engines. In the event of an engine failure, en...

Risk

An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.

Remedy

Owners are advised to park and shut off the engine as quickly as possible if they hear unexpected engine noises, notice a reduction in vehicle power, or see smoke. Dealers will modify the under en...

Reported Jul 7, 2022

Get notified if a recall hits this car.

We email you when NHTSA issues a new recall on the 2020 Ford Escape. No spam, no marketing.

Under the Hood

Each number is a complaint. Darker = bigger problem.

YearBodyBrakesElectricalEngineTransmission
2001286132147358115
200229316915136497
200330257918959
200432727636120
200593813211330695
20062511626116481
200711996409444
20081373283154294313
20099019994427171
201077848111900292
20115632179489166
2012267204822147
2013672471941568270
201453128155967397
201544120122305239
20164591697282286
2017290331182016237
201814016481458148
20196583340188
202091432111273201
2021145432410432
202260321810417
2023183283319
202425230172

By Category

Body
914
Engine
273
Transmission
201
Electrical
111
Brakes
32

By Severity

1
716
2
778
3
13
4
24

Worst Problems

Compare Against

See how the 2020 Ford Escape stacks up against rivals.

Complaints

Engine 1

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.

4d ago
Body 2

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.

5d ago
Engine 2

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.

5d ago
Electrical 1

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.

6d ago
Engine 1

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.

6d ago
Transmission 2

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.

7d ago
Engine 1

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.

11d ago
Electrical 2

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.

11d ago
Transmission 1

Transmission fault

17d ago
Body 1

**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.

17d ago
Engine 1

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.

17d ago
Engine 1

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.

18d ago
Body 2

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.

24d ago
Engine 2

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.

25d ago
Body 1

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.

28d ago
Engine 2

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.

29d ago
Transmission 1

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

1mo ago
Transmission 2

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.

1mo ago
Transmission 1

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.

1mo ago
Transmission 1

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.

1mo ago

1531 total

1/ 77
Report a Klunk