2020 Ford Escape problems
What owners report to NHTSA, grouped by component, with the recalls that cover them.
NHTSA has 1,817 owner complaints on file for the 2020 Ford Escape, filed between 2019-11-30 and 2026-09-23. The most common problem areas are the structure (710, 39%), power train (269, 15%) and electrical system (199, 11%). Owners reported 21 crashes, 5 fires and 33 injuries in these complaints. NHTSA lists 24 recalls for this model year.
Last updated: · Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases
2020 Ford Escape complaints by component
| Component | Complaints | Share | Crashes | Fires | Injuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Structure | 710 | 39% | 1 | 0 | 14 |
| Unknown or other | 371 | 20% | 3 | 2 | 9 |
| Power train | 269 | 15% | 4 | 0 | 4 |
| Electrical system | 199 | 11% | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Engine | 184 | 10% | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Fuel system, gasoline | 121 | 7% | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 80 | 4% | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 72 | 4% | 3 | 1 | 2 |
| Visibility/wiper | 48 | 3% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 42 | 2% | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Service brakes | 38 | 2% | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Back over prevention | 35 | 2% | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Visibility | 25 | 1% | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Vehicle speed control | 23 | 1% | 4 | 0 | 2 |
| Lane departure | 22 | 1% | 0 | 0 | 1 |
A complaint can name several components, so shares can add up to more than 100%. Crashes, fires and injuries are as reported by owners.
The top problem areas, in plain English
Each summary is built from the complaint counts and NHTSA recall notices, not from individual owner stories.
Structure: 710 complaints
- 710 complaints of 1,817 (39%) name the structure — the body and frame structure.
- 56 of them also name the unknown or other; owners reported 1 crash and 14 injuries in these complaints.
- One NHTSA recall covers this system on the 2020 Ford Escape; the recall, campaign 25V829000, says: “The liftgate hinge covers may not be properly secured and detach from the vehicle.”
Power train: 269 complaints
- 269 complaints of 1,817 (15%) name the power train — the transmission, transfer case, driveshafts and axles.
- 48 of them also name the electrical system; owners reported 4 crashes and 4 injuries in these complaints.
- 3 NHTSA recalls cover this system on the 2020 Ford Escape; the latest, campaign 24V330000, says: “The Hybrid Powertrain Control Module (HPCM) software may cause the vehicle to shift into neutral unexpectedly, causing a loss of drive power.”
Electrical system: 199 complaints
- 199 complaints of 1,817 (11%) name the electrical system — wiring, battery and charging, fuses, control modules and in-car electronics.
- 48 of them also name the power train; owners reported 1 fire in these complaints.
- 4 NHTSA recalls cover this system on the 2020 Ford Escape; the latest, campaign 25V789000, says: “A manufacturing defect in one or more of the high voltage battery cells may result in an internal short circuit and battery failure.”
Engine: 184 complaints
- 184 complaints of 1,817 (10%) name the engine.
- 37 of them also name the fuel/propulsion system; owners reported 2 fires in these complaints.
- 4 NHTSA recalls cover this system on the 2020 Ford Escape; the latest, campaign 25V345000, says: “In the event of an engine failure, engine oil and fuel vapor may be released into the engine compartment and accumulate near ignition sources such as hot engine or exhaust components, possibly…”
Fuel system, gasoline: 121 complaints
- 121 complaints of 1,817 (7%) name the fuel system, gasoline.
- 9 of them also name the back over prevention; owners reported 1 fire in these complaints.
- 3 NHTSA recalls cover this system on the 2020 Ford Escape; the latest, campaign 25V467000, says: “A fuel injector may crack and leak fuel inside the engine compartment.”
Fuel/propulsion system: 80 complaints
- 80 complaints of 1,817 (4%) name the fuel/propulsion system — the fuel tank, pump, lines, injectors and fuel-system controls.
- 37 of them also name the engine; owners reported 1 fire in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2020 Ford Escape covers this system.
When the complaints were filed
| Year filed | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2019 | 1 |
| 2020 | 54 |
| 2021 | 67 |
| 2022 | 75 |
| 2023 | 615 |
| 2024 | 497 |
| 2025 | 295 |
| 2026 | 213 |
What is counted
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the model names ESCAPE, ESCAPE HEV, ESCAPE PHEV, model year 2020. Complaints are unverified owner reports; a recall is NHTSA's confirmed safety defect. See the 2020 Ford Escape recalls.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Ford Escape?
By NHTSA owner complaints, the 2020 Ford Escape's most common problem areas are the structure (710 of 1,817 complaints), power train (269 of 1,817 complaints) and electrical system (199 of 1,817 complaints).
How many complaints does the 2020 Ford Escape have?
NHTSA has 1,817 owner complaints on file for the 2020 Ford Escape, including 21 reported crashes and 5 reported fires.
Is there a recall for the 2020 Ford Escape's problems?
NHTSA lists 24 recalls for the 2020 Ford Escape; 5 of the top 6 complaint areas have a matching recall. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN for open recalls.