NHTSA has 1,902 owner complaints on file for this Escape[1]. The structure group is the biggest, with 775 of them[2].
Most reported problems
Here is what owners report to NHTSA, starting with the biggest group.
- Structure. 775 complaints[2]. In the stories we read, owners describe foggy headlamp covers, a headliner that sags down toward the door trim, a rear door that bent when wind pushed it open, and a panoramic roof panel that sat badly and let rain inside.
- Unknown or other. 373 complaints[6]. These reports do not fit a single named part, so we do not try to sum them up.
- Power train. 273 complaints[7]. Owners describe a shake in the steering that builds with speed, a humming noise, rough and jerky shifting, and a dashboard warning telling them to stop followed by a sharp drop in power.
- Electrical system. 202 complaints[8]. Owners describe a backup camera that stays off on hot days until the air conditioning has run for a while, cruise control that quit, and a complaint that no trailer brake controller is offered with the tow package.
- Engine. 197 complaints[9]. In the stories we read, drivers describe a warning light that keeps coming back after dealer visits, a ticking sound, and the engine losing power while driving.
- Fuel system, gasoline. 123 complaints[10].
- Fuel/propulsion system. 82 complaints[11].
- Forward collision avoidance. 74 complaints[12].
Recalls
Newest first. Each recall covers only certain vehicles, so not every 2020 Escape is necessarily included.
- Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor (26V117), March 2026. About 604,533 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, reduced visibility. Dealers do the repair free of charge.[13]
- Back Over Prevention › Software (26V123), March 2026. About 889,950 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash. Dealers do the repair free of charge.[14]
- Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Control Module (Tcm/Pcm/Tecm) (25V881), December 2025. About 87 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash. Dealers do the repair free of charge.[15]
- Structure › Body › Hatchback/Liftgate › Hinge And Attachments (25V829), December 2025. About 108,762 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash. Dealers do the repair free of charge.[16]
- Electrical System › Propulsion System › Traction Battery (25V789), November 2025. About 20,558 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: fire, a crash. Dealers do the repair free of charge.[17]
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Pads (25V693), October 2025. About 13,451 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, reduced braking. Dealers do the repair free of charge.[18]
- Equipment › Electrical › Engine Block Heater (25V685), October 2025. About 59,006 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: fire. Dealers do the repair free of charge.[19]
- Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System (25V467), July 2025. About 694,271 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: fire. Dealers do the repair free of charge.[20]
- Back Over Prevention › Software (25V442), June 2025. About 200,237 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash. Dealers do the repair free of charge.[21]
- Engine (25V345), May 2025. About 1,809 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: fire, injury. Dealers do the repair free of charge.[22]
- Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System (25V165), March 2025. About 33,576 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: fire. Dealers do the repair free of charge.[23]
- Electrical System › Propulsion System › Traction Battery › Management System/Energy Control Module (Bms/Becm) (24V954), December 2024. About 20,484 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: fire, a crash. Dealers do the repair free of charge.[24]
- Equipment › Other › Labels (24V852), November 2024. About 27,678 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, injury. Dealers do the repair free of charge.[25]
- Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Control Module (Tcm/Pcm/Tecm) (24V330), May 2024. About 9,312 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash. Dealers do the repair free of charge.[26]
- Engine (23V380), May 2023. About 125,322 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: fire, injury. Dealers do the repair free of charge.[27]
- Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System (22V859), November 2022. About 521,746 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: fire. Dealers do the repair free of charge.[28]
- Structure › Body › Bumpers › Active Shutters/Grill (22V484), July 2022. About 100,689 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: fire, injury. Dealers do the repair free of charge.[29]
- Electrical System › Propulsion System › Traction Battery (22V331), May 2022. About 27 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash. Dealers do the repair free of charge.[30]
- Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine › Oil/Lubrication (22V191), March 2022. About 345,451 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: fire. Dealers do the repair free of charge.[31]
- Power Train › Driveline › Driveshaft (21V011), January 2021. About 147 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash. Dealers do the repair free of charge.[32]
- Electrical System › Body Control Module/Bcm (20V635), October 2020. About 689 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash. Dealers do the repair free of charge.[33]
- Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera (20V575), September 2020. About 620,246 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, reduced visibility. Dealers do the repair free of charge.[34]
- Power Train › Automatic Transmission (20V550), September 2020. About 97 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: fire. Dealers do the repair free of charge.[35]
- Air Bags › Side/Window (20V415), July 2020. About 68 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, injury, an air bag that may not work as intended. Dealers do the repair free of charge.[36]
- Seats › Mid/Rear Assembly (19V633), August 2019. About 639,137 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, injury. Dealers do the repair free of charge.[37]
Fuel economy
EPA ratings depend on the engine and drive. Annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices when the car was new.
| Version | City / highway / combined MPG | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|
| Escape FWD, 1.5L 3-cyl turbo, Automatic 8-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive[38] | 27 / 33 / 30 | $2,250 |
| Escape FWD HEV, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic (variable gear ratios), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive[4] | 44 / 37 / 41 | $1,650 |
| Escape AWD, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S8), Regular, All-Wheel Drive[39] | 23 / 31 / 26 | $2,600 |
| Escape AWD, 1.5L 3-cyl turbo, Automatic 8-spd, Regular, All-Wheel Drive[40] | 26 / 31 / 28 | $2,400 |
| Escape AWD HEV, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic (variable gear ratios), Regular, Part-time 4-Wheel Drive[41] | 43 / 37 / 40 | $1,700 |
| Escape FWD PHEV, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic (variable gear ratios), Regular Gas and Electricity[42] | 43 / 38 / 41 | n/a |
Safety ratings
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SUV AWD[5] | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 17.4% |
| SUV FWD[43] | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 16.9% |
| SUV AWD[44] | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 17.4% |
| SUV FWD[45] | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 16.9% |
NHTSA lists these versions as not rated: SUV FWD[46].
Engine and size
Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles.
How 2020 compares with other years
Show the numbers
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2001 | 996 | 13 |
| 2002 | 1,027 | 8 |
| 2003 | 558 | 7 |
| 2004 | 499 | 6 |
| 2005 | 1,584 | 4 |
| 2006 | 720 | 4 |
| 2007 | 393 | 2 |
| 2008 | 2,417 | 3 |
| 2009 | 1,846 | 1 |
| 2010 | 2,129 | 3 |
| 2011 | 1,355 | 2 |
| 2012 | 619 | 1 |
| 2013 | 2,756 | 18 |
| 2014 | 2,089 | 16 |
| 2015 | 1,125 | 9 |
| 2016 | 1,162 | 4 |
| 2017 | 2,700 | 4 |
| 2018 | 1,820 | 4 |
| 2019 | 596 | 3 |
| 2020 | 1,902 | 25 |
| 2021 | 496 | 21 |
| 2022 | 385 | 21 |
| 2023 | 138 | 13 |
| 2024 | 88 | 10 |
| 2025 | 31 | 10 |
| 2026 | 4 | 3 |
NHTSA's counts for the Escape show 1,902 complaints and 25 recalls for 2020[3]. Among the 26 model years listed, 20 have fewer complaints than 2020 and 5 have more[3]. The fewest complaints are for 2026 (4) and the most are for 2013 (2,756)[3]. These counts are not adjusted for sales, so treat them as a rough guide. The chart above shows every year.
Should you buy a used 2020 Escape?
This Escape draws a large pile of owner reports[1]. The structure group leads, and the stories there are about fit, finish and leaks[2]. The power train and engine groups carry the stories about lost power and rough shifting, so they deserve a close look on a test drive[7][9]. Complaints are unverified reports and are not adjusted for sales, so treat them as a guide for questions to ask, not a final score.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the most common problems with the 2020 Ford Escape?
- Owners file the most complaints about the structure group[2], followed by unknown or other[6] and the power train[7]. See the problems section for the themes owners describe.
- Does the 2020 Ford Escape have recalls?
- Yes. The by-year facts show 25 recalls for this model year[3]. They are listed in the Recalls section of this page.
- How many complaints has the 2020 Ford Escape received?
- NHTSA has 1,902 owner complaints on file[1]. They are unverified and not adjusted for sales.
- What gas mileage does the 2020 Ford Escape get?
- See the fuel economy section of this page for the EPA figures.
Keep exploring
Other model years of the Ford Escape
Compare all model years of the Ford Escape
Other Ford models from 2020
Similar cars from 2020: small suvs
Facts and sources
- NHTSA has 1,902 owner complaints on file for the 2020 Ford Escape (21 mention a crash, 5 a fire, 33 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- 775 complaints name the structure component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 14 injuries, median mileage at failure 44,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- Owner complaints and recalls for every Ford Escape model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Escape FWD HEV, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic (variable gear ratios), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 44 city / 37 highway / 41 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $1,650. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV AWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 17.4%. NHTSA vehicle records
- 373 complaints name the unknown or other component group (3 crashes, 2 fires, 9 injuries, median mileage at failure 2,100). NHTSA vehicle records
- 273 complaints name the power train component group (4 crashes, 0 fires, 4 injuries, median mileage at failure 44,447). NHTSA vehicle records
- 202 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 18,300). NHTSA vehicle records
- 197 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 3 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 63,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 123 complaints name the fuel system, gasoline component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 49,743). NHTSA vehicle records
- 82 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 74 complaints name the forward collision avoidance component group (3 crashes, 1 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 43,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 26V117, filed March 3, 2026: Visibility › Windshield Wiper / Washer › Motor. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 26V123, filed March 3, 2026: Back Over Prevention › Software. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 25V881, filed December 18, 2025: Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Control Module (Tcm / Pcm / Tecm). NHTSA recall database
- Recall 25V829, filed December 1, 2025: Structure › Body › Hatchback / Liftgate › Hinge And Attachments. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 25V789, filed November 14, 2025: Electrical System › Propulsion System › Traction Battery. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 25V693, filed October 10, 2025: Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Pads . NHTSA recall database
- Recall 25V685, filed October 10, 2025: Equipment › Electrical › Engine Block Heater. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 25V467, filed July 11, 2025: Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 25V442, filed June 27, 2025: Back Over Prevention › Software. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 25V345, filed May 23, 2025: Engine. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 25V165, filed March 14, 2025: Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 24V954, filed December 20, 2024: Electrical System › Propulsion System › Traction Battery › Management System / Energy Control Module (Bms / Becm). NHTSA recall database
- Recall 24V852, filed November 8, 2024: Equipment › Other › Labels. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 24V330, filed May 10, 2024: Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Control Module (Tcm / Pcm / Tecm). NHTSA recall database
- Recall 23V380, filed May 26, 2023: Engine. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 22V859, filed November 18, 2022: Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 22V484, filed July 7, 2022: Structure › Body › Bumpers › Active Shutters / Grill. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 22V331, filed May 13, 2022: Electrical System › Propulsion System › Traction Battery. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 22V191, filed March 25, 2022: Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine › Oil / Lubrication. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 21V011, filed January 15, 2021: Power Train › Driveline › Driveshaft. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 20V635, filed October 15, 2020: Electrical System › Body Control Module / Bcm. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 20V575, filed September 23, 2020: Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 20V550, filed September 10, 2020: Power Train › Automatic Transmission. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 20V415, filed July 17, 2020: Air Bags › Side / Window. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 19V633, filed August 28, 2019: Seats › Mid / Rear Assembly. NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Escape FWD, 1.5L 3-cyl turbo, Automatic 8-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 27 city / 33 highway / 30 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,250. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Escape AWD, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S8), Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 23 city / 31 highway / 26 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,600. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Escape AWD, 1.5L 3-cyl turbo, Automatic 8-spd, Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 26 city / 31 highway / 28 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,400. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Escape AWD HEV, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic (variable gear ratios), Regular, Part-time 4-Wheel Drive: 43 city / 37 highway / 40 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $1,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Escape FWD PHEV, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic (variable gear ratios), Regular Gas and Electricity: 41 MPGe combined, 530 miles of range. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV FWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 16.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV AWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 17.4%. NHTSA vehicle records
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV FWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 16.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV FWD: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
- EPA Test Car List, 2020 Ford Escape with 1.5L 3-cylinder: rated 175 hp. www.epa.gov
- EPA Test Car List, 2020 Ford Escape with 2.0L 4-cylinder: rated 235 hp. www.epa.gov
- EPA Test Car List, 2020 Ford Escape with 2.5L 4-cylinder: rated 162 hp. www.epa.gov