What are the most common problems with the 2025 Ford Escape?

The biggest complaint group is the electrical system with 10 complaints, then the engine with 9. See the problems section for what owners describe.

Does the 2025 Ford Escape have any recalls?

Yes. The by year fact lists 10 recalls for this model year. The Recalls section on this page shows each one.

How many complaints are there for the 2025 Ford Escape?

NHTSA has 31 owner complaints on file, and none mention a crash, fire or injury.

Is the 2025 Ford Escape reliable?

The complaint file is small at 31 reports, but it includes electrical and engine groups. Read the problems and recalls sections before you decide.

What is the gas mileage of the 2025 Ford Escape?

See the fuel economy section on this page for the EPA figures.

2025 Ford Escape Problems, Recalls and MPG

NHTSA has 31 owner complaints on file for the 2025 Ford Escape^[1]. None of them mention a crash, a fire or an injury^[1].

31owner complaints^[1]

10recalls^[2]

26–39MPG combined (EPA)^[3]

5★NHTSA overall rating^[4]

Problems
Recalls
Fuel economy
Safety
Engine and size
By year
Verdict
FAQ

Most reported problems

Here are the complaint groups in the NHTSA file, biggest first.

Electrical System. 10 complaints^[5]. Owners describe driver assist features that act on their own, a quiet turn signal that is hard to hear, a blank radio screen at startup, and warning messages on the dash. Some also describe stalling that the dealer could not trace to a fault code.
Engine. 9 complaints^[6]. In the stories we read, owners describe stalling, a check engine light, weak acceleration on hills, and odd smells. At least one says they were waiting on parts for a recall repair.
Unknown Or Other. 6 complaints^[7]. These do not name a clear component.
Forward Collision Avoidance. 5 complaints^[8]. Owners describe the car braking or reacting to objects that were not there, and cruise control that seemed to act by itself.
Power Train. 3 complaints^[9]. Owners describe hesitation pulling away and gear changes that happened without input.
Fuel/Propulsion System. 3 complaints^[10].
Lane Departure. 2 complaints^[11]. Owners describe the system pulling the car back when they tried to change lanes.
Speed Control. 2 complaints^[12].

Recalls

Newest first. Each recall covers only certain vehicles, so not every 2025 Escape is necessarily included.

Engine And Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Gas Recirculation Valve (Egr Valve) (26V122), March 2026. About 47,804 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.^[13]
Electrical System › Propulsion System › Traction Battery (26V091), February 2026. About 25,237 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.^[14]
Seat Belts › Rear/Other › Retractor (25V862), December 2025. About 780 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.^[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]
Electronic Stability Control (Esc) (25V787), November 2025. About 2 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.^[17]
Engine (25V372), June 2025. About 404 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.^[18]
Equipment › Electrical › Engine Block Heater (25V343), May 2025. About 6,781 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]
Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera (25V161), March 2025. About 4,721 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.^[20]
Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel (25V049), January 2025. About 298 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]
Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel (24V850), November 2024. About 15 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: injury, an air bag that may not work as intended. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[22]

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 HEV, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic (variable gear ratios), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive^[3]	42 / 36 / 39	$1,700
Escape FWD, 1.5L 3-cyl turbo, Automatic 8-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive^[23]	27 / 34 / 30	$2,250
Escape AWD, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic 8-spd, Regular, All-Wheel Drive^[24]	23 / 31 / 26	$2,600
Escape AWD, 1.5L 3-cyl turbo, Automatic 8-spd, Regular, All-Wheel Drive^[25]	26 / 32 / 28	$2,400
Escape AWD HEV, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic (variable gear ratios), Regular, Part-time 4-Wheel Drive^[26]	42 / 36 / 39	$1,700
Escape FWD PHEV, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic (variable gear ratios), Regular Gas and Electricity^[27]	42 / 37 / 40	n/a

Safety ratings

Version	Overall	Frontal	Side	Rollover	Rollover risk
SUV AWD^[4]	5	5	5	4	17.4%
SUV FWD^[28]	5	5	5	4	16.9%
SUV FWD^[29]	5	4	5	4	14.3%

Engine and size

Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles.

Engine	Horsepower
2025 Ford Escape with 1.5L 3-cylinder^[30]	180 hp
2025 Ford Escape with 2.0L 4-cylinder^[31]	250 hp
2025 Ford Escape with 2.5L 4-cylinder^[32]	162 to 163 hp

These are Canadian-market specifications from Transport Canada, so US models can differ slightly.

Version	Length	Width	Height	Wheelbase	Curb weight
ESCAPE 4DR SUV 1.5L AWD^[33]	181 in	74 in	66 in	107 in	3,419 lb
ESCAPE 4DR SUV 1.5L FWD^[34]	181 in	74 in	66 in	107 in	3,283 lb
ESCAPE 4DR SUV 2.0L AWD^[35]	181 in	74 in	66 in	107 in	3,543 lb
ESCAPE 4DR SUV 2.5L HYBRID AWD^[36]	181 in	74 in	66 in	107 in	3,904 lb
ESCAPE 4DR SUV 2.5L HYBRID FWD^[37]	181 in	74 in	66 in	107 in	3,519 lb
ESCAPE 4DR SUV 2.5L PHEV AWD^[38]	181 in	74 in	66 in	107 in	3,684 lb

How 2025 compares with other years

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Escape model year. The 2025 is highlighted^[2].

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 31 complaints and 10 recalls for 2025^[2]. Among the 26 model years listed, 1 have fewer complaints than 2025 and 24 have more^[2]. The fewest complaints are for 2026 (4) and the most are for 2013 (2,756)^[2]. 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 2025 Escape?

The 2025 Ford Escape has a small complaint file so far, with 31 reports and none that mention a crash, fire or injury^[1]. Electrical issues lead the list with 10 complaints^[5], followed by the engine with 9^[6]. Recalls exist for this model year, and the count is on the by year table^[2]. Complaints are unverified and not adjusted for sales, so treat them as a guide to what owners are talking about. Check the Recalls section before you buy.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2025 Ford Escape?: The biggest complaint group is the electrical system with 10 complaints^[5], then the engine with 9^[6]. See the problems section for what owners describe.
Does the 2025 Ford Escape have any recalls?: Yes. The by year fact lists 10 recalls for this model year^[2]. The Recalls section on this page shows each one.
How many complaints are there for the 2025 Ford Escape?: NHTSA has 31 owner complaints on file, and none mention a crash, fire or injury^[1].
Is the 2025 Ford Escape reliable?: The complaint file is small at 31 reports^[1], but it includes electrical and engine groups^[5]^[6]. Read the problems and recalls sections before you decide.
What is the gas mileage of the 2025 Ford Escape?: See the fuel economy section on this page for the EPA figures.

Keep exploring

Other model years of the Ford Escape

2010 2,129 complaints, 3 recalls
2011 1,355 complaints, 2 recalls
2012 619 complaints, 1 recall
2013 2,756 complaints, 18 recalls
2014 2,089 complaints, 16 recalls
2015 1,125 complaints, 9 recalls
2016 1,162 complaints, 4 recalls
2017 2,700 complaints, 4 recalls
2018 1,820 complaints, 4 recalls
2019 596 complaints, 3 recalls
2020 1,902 complaints, 25 recalls
2025 this page

Compare all model years of the Ford Escape

Other Ford models from 2025

2025 Ford Bronco Sport 39 complaints, 7 recalls
2025 Ford Bronco 55 complaints, 19 recalls
2025 Ford Explorer 108 complaints, 22 recalls
2025 Ford F150 128 complaints, 16 recalls
2025 Ford Maverick 50 complaints, 12 recalls
2025 Ford Ranger 44 complaints, 13 recalls

All Ford models

Similar cars from 2025: small suvs

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class 46 complaints, 3 recalls
2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class 32 complaints, 3 recalls
2025 Mitsubishi Outlander 18 complaints, 2 recalls
2025 Nissan Pathfinder 55 complaints, 1 recall
2025 Nissan Rogue 196 complaints, 3 recalls
2025 Subaru Forester 98 complaints, 4 recalls

All small suvs we cover

Facts and sources

NHTSA has 31 owner complaints on file for the 2025 Ford Escape (0 mention a crash, 0 a fire, 0 injuries, 0 deaths reported). 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: 42 city / 36 highway / 39 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $1,700. 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
10 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
9 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
6 complaints name the unknown or other component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
5 complaints name the forward collision avoidance component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
3 complaints name the power train component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
3 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
2 complaints name the lane departure component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
2 complaints name the speed control component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
Recall 26V122, filed March 3, 2026: Engine And Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Gas Recirculation Valve (Egr Valve). NHTSA recall database
Recall 26V091, filed February 17, 2026: Electrical System › Propulsion System › Traction Battery. NHTSA recall database
Recall 25V862, filed December 12, 2025: Seat Belts › Rear / Other › Retractor. NHTSA recall database
Recall 25V829, filed December 1, 2025: Structure › Body › Hatchback / Liftgate › Hinge And Attachments. NHTSA recall database
Recall 25V787, filed November 14, 2025: Electronic Stability Control (Esc). NHTSA recall database
Recall 25V372, filed June 3, 2025: Engine. NHTSA recall database
Recall 25V343, filed May 23, 2025: Equipment › Electrical › Engine Block Heater. NHTSA recall database
Recall 25V161, filed March 14, 2025: Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera. NHTSA recall database
Recall 25V049, filed January 31, 2025: Electrical System › Instrument Cluster / Panel. NHTSA recall database
Recall 24V850, filed November 8, 2024: Electrical System › Instrument Cluster / Panel. NHTSA recall database
EPA rating for Escape FWD, 1.5L 3-cyl turbo, Automatic 8-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 27 city / 34 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 8-spd, 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 / 32 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: 42 city / 36 highway / 39 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: 40 MPGe combined, 560 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 FWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 14.3%. NHTSA vehicle records
EPA Test Car List, 2025 Ford Escape with 1.5L 3-cylinder: rated 180 hp. www.epa.gov
EPA Test Car List, 2025 Ford Escape with 2.0L 4-cylinder: rated 250 hp. www.epa.gov
EPA Test Car List, 2025 Ford Escape with 2.5L 4-cylinder: rated 162 to 163 hp depending on version. www.epa.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, ESCAPE 4DR SUV 1.5L AWD: length 181 in, width 74 in, height 66 in, wheelbase 107 in, curb weight 3,419 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, ESCAPE 4DR SUV 1.5L FWD: length 181 in, width 74 in, height 66 in, wheelbase 107 in, curb weight 3,283 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, ESCAPE 4DR SUV 2.0L AWD: length 181 in, width 74 in, height 66 in, wheelbase 107 in, curb weight 3,543 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, ESCAPE 4DR SUV 2.5L HYBRID AWD: length 181 in, width 74 in, height 66 in, wheelbase 107 in, curb weight 3,904 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, ESCAPE 4DR SUV 2.5L HYBRID FWD: length 181 in, width 74 in, height 66 in, wheelbase 107 in, curb weight 3,519 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, ESCAPE 4DR SUV 2.5L PHEV AWD: length 181 in, width 74 in, height 66 in, wheelbase 107 in, curb weight 3,684 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.

2025 Ford Escape: problems, recalls and fuel economy