2020 Ford Escape
The Verdict
The 2020 Ford Escape has 1,460 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. The most reported issues are body (895 complaints) and engine (243 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 94% fewer complaints.
Safe Bet
The 2024 has 94% fewer complaints
View the 2024 Ford Escape dashboard →
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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Under the Hood
Each number is a complaint. Darker = bigger problem.
| Year | Body | Brakes | Electrical | Engine | Transmission |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | 286 | 132 | 147 | 358 | 115 |
| 2002 | 293 | 169 | 151 | 364 | 97 |
| 2003 | 302 | 57 | 91 | 89 | 59 |
| 2004 | 327 | 27 | 63 | 61 | 20 |
| 2005 | 938 | 132 | 113 | 306 | 95 |
| 2006 | 251 | 162 | 61 | 164 | 81 |
| 2007 | 119 | 96 | 40 | 94 | 44 |
| 2008 | 1372 | 283 | 153 | 293 | 313 |
| 2009 | 900 | 99 | 94 | 426 | 171 |
| 2010 | 776 | 48 | 111 | 899 | 292 |
| 2011 | 559 | 21 | 77 | 489 | 166 |
| 2012 | 263 | 20 | 47 | 220 | 47 |
| 2013 | 667 | 47 | 194 | 1560 | 269 |
| 2014 | 526 | 27 | 152 | 956 | 396 |
| 2015 | 357 | 19 | 115 | 300 | 235 |
| 2016 | 355 | 16 | 86 | 273 | 283 |
| 2017 | 288 | 32 | 113 | 1949 | 232 |
| 2018 | 136 | 16 | 48 | 1372 | 143 |
| 2019 | 62 | 8 | 33 | 370 | 83 |
| 2020 | 895 | 31 | 105 | 243 | 186 |
| 2021 | 138 | 43 | 20 | 91 | 29 |
| 2022 | 56 | 31 | 18 | 94 | 16 |
| 2023 | 17 | 3 | 27 | 33 | 14 |
| 2024 | 24 | 2 | 29 | 17 | 2 |
By Category
By Severity
Worst Problems
Compare Against
See how the 2020 Ford Escape stacks up against rivals.
Complaints
My low mileage 2020 Ford Escape has rear differential shuddering, grinding, and bumping during low speed turns.
I bought my car 2 years ago I heard about a recall so I had check turns back if you don't inject your powertrain and they can't fix it feel injector because they don't have the part apparently but it goes to the powertrain I've had to check three times the last time the light came on the very next day the wrench and the engine now it's saying something by my Cadillac converter and it open fuel line that won't close due to this problem they made me pay $27 just to take the codes off didn't do anything to my car let me drive this car off the lot the very next day the lights come back on I know these are recalls and they're very dangerous for me to drive I'm a mother and a wife and I am not trying to die driving his vehicle I took it if they're three times there has got to be something done they need to give me a vehicle or I've already filed a report with you guys on June 16th 2026
LIFTGATE APPEARS TO HAVE BEEN REMOVED AND REPLACED. THERE IS A GAP DIFFERENCE FROM THE LEFT REAR TO THE RIGHT REAR ON LIFTGATE. THERE IS ALSO RUST APPEARING ON THE BOLTS. CONDENSATION TUBE HAS DETACHED UNDER THE LIFTGATE. I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO THE MALL OF GEORGIA FORD SERVICE DEPARTMENT ON COMMERCE DRIVE IN BUFORD GEORGIA. THEY WERE NOT WILLING TO HELP AND STATED IT MAY NEED TO GO TO THEIR BODY SH0P.
I opened my passenger door & it made a terrible noise like it’s falling off the hinges. Door feels like I shouldn’t open it all the way or it may get stuck or just fall off
I have a 2020 Ford Escape SE That I am having a lot of issues with the transmission. I looked to see what kind of recall is for on it and I'll see there is a lot of complaints related to the transmission and when I called Ford they said mine was not included with the recalls on the transmission although my transmission is also jerking, hard shifting, along with a shuddering, loud clunking when you shift and to reverse or drive, Also my park break has been kicking on by itself and it's done it to me while sitting in traffic, decrease in acceleration (it about got me hit on the highway) as the car could not get gas It would drop dramatically from 70 down to nothing almost on interstate I-75 highway. Also I've had a burning smell coming from the engine. My car is now at the transmission shop and they are trying to figure out what's going on with it I've had it to AutoZone for them to put it on their tester and a lot of transmission codes came up and one of them so happen to bend the clutch solenoid which could be caused by leaking fluids! I called Ford the corporate office that and they said well you're 20 20 Ford Escape It's not the one in the recalls or the will with the transmission issues but yet it is doing the exact same thing as the other ones that are listed!! It has just a little over 100,000 mi on it The car's not driven hard whatsoever. I was not giving much warning about the transmission The little wrench thing came on flashing and then suddenly these things start happening while on the highway, but then did not stay on! I had to drive my car 45 mi at speed about 30 to get it home.. I do use my car once in a while to drive Lyft which now I'm without being able to make some extra money for groceries and whatnot because of this car! Also the one of the recalls that is on this car pertains to the transmission updates and according to Ford they don't have the tool to update it but yet this update could affect the functioning of the transmission.. I was at ris
The vehicle jerks forward when driving at slower speeds, around 10-25 miles per hour. I have especially noticed this on the highway when there is moderate to heavy traffic as I am consistently driving at slower speeds. The vehicle was checked by the original dealer I bought it from as well as a Ford dealership, but neither could replicate the problem. However, I have driven with multiple people who have agreed that the issue is happening, and I have read on many, many online forums and Facebook groups that others are having the same problem.
Electrical issues: Media screen blacks out/glitches including speakers. Gear switch "Dial" will move on its own and park itself. Switching from "Drive to Park". "Transmission not in park" on dash , Lights on dash for engine 4x
Hello, I recently purchased this vehicle used. Within the past two weeks I’ve had some concerns. The hood latching mechanism is not reliable. If you try to open the hood it has been not opening completely and gets stuck. If you keep pulling the opening lever it barely works to open and or close the hood. Today the hood would not close completely and the whole lever stopped working, becoming jammed. Driving 20mph with the hood closed as much as it would the hood still flew open while driving. Immediately I pulled over and it opened to the point of me being about to close it completely. I am not touching it now due to the unreliability and concern of issues that can lead to an accident if hood was able to reopen. I believe it is a very serious safety concern. The vehicle has been inspected prior to this happening and passed. Online says that this error can happen. The dash has been lighting up with notifications regarding the hood being open, even when the hood appears closed.
One of two current recalls for this vehicle has no "remedy" or no "parts". Its a major recall and could honestly do some incredibly serious damage if it was to catch fire. Those of use that have a family, this is absolutely not safe to be driving.
Clutch inside transmission failed while driving. Started lurching and I was able to pull into a parking lot. Towed to service station where it was confirmed. Warning sign came on after attempting to drive the car to service station.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact discovered that part on the moon roof had detached, preventing the moon roof from closing properly. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the dealer stated that the top panel of the moon roof needed to be removed; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
Transmission issues, jerking, stuttering, jumping, rmp jumping, horse power acting up, pulsating
Transmission shuddering, slipping and or hesitating.
The transmission was replaced 2 weeks before I bought it from a ford dealership and 3 yrs later it already needs a new one. I did a voluntary repo because I didn’t have the money to fix it. I also replaced the purge valve twice
Power train fault, AWD OFF, Colision assist off
Severe Transmission Shiudder and hesitation when shifting, Ford has had this problem For 6 plus years with theese escapes and still has no fix
Vehicle: 2020 Ford Escape Issue: Transmission / Torque Converter My 2020 Ford Escape has ongoing transmission problems, including slipping, shuddering, delayed shifting, and sudden loss of power. The vehicle hesitates when accelerating and sometimes fails to engage properly, creating unsafe situations in traffic. These issues appear related to the torque converter and are happening more often over time. This behavior makes the vehicle unreliable and dangerous to drive. I request that NHTSA investigate transmission and torque converter defects in the 2020 Ford Escape
Nothing has happen as of yet. However, over the past two years I have replaced the passenger vent window twice, because the chrome piece has started to separate from the window. The chrome piece and vent window are one piece. If I have not noticed it, this metal piece could have fallen off on the roadway caused an accident or even worse. This is the same recall that was placed on the Ford Explorer and some F Series PU for the same issue. I don't understand why the Escape's were not part of the recall. At a cost of $1500 - $2500 to have this vent windows replaces is expensive. This vehicle needs to be added to the national recall.
Vehicle went into low power or limp mode unexpectedly on interstate highway. Vehicle suddenly and unexpectedly slowed and was unable to maintain highway speed
I'm using my door as normal, The door catch breaks off. My door sounds like it's going to fall off and my window is inoperable. I figure out there is a hinge recall. I take it to the dealer the dealer tells me it's going to be about a month to get the door in. The dealer has my car for 31 days The door was not complete. They tell me they can't get the part in time that they want me to take the vehicle. I told them I don't feel comfortable taking the vehicle if the window is inoperable. They then went on to explain how the window is operable which it is in fact inoperable still. They also told me after I picked up the vehicle it would be about a week for the door. I still have heard nothing. I have no answers on when exactly my door will be fixed. I also have no answers on when the injector will be fixed. I also have no answers on when the recall on the screen will be fixed. They had my vehicle when these recalls came out. I'm not exactly sure why they couldn't fix it while they still had the vehicle in their possession.
1460 total