Ford Escape recalls and complaints, 2015–2016, 2018, 2020, 2022, 2024
Every tracked model year in one table: NHTSA recalls, owner complaints and what they are about.
NHTSA lists 47 recall campaigns and 6,293 owner complaints for the Ford Escape model years VinSnap tracks (2015–2016, 2018, 2020, 2022, 2024). The most-recalled systems are electrical system (10), power train (6) and back over prevention (5). Owners complain most about the engine (1,884), power train (1,194) and structure (821). The 2020 model year has the most complaints (1,817, next is 2018 with 1,793); raw counts are not adjusted for sales or years on the road. Complaints report 127 crashes, 45 fires, 131 injuries and 1 death.
Last updated: · Source: NHTSA recalls and complaints databases
Ford Escape recalls and complaints by model year
| Model year | Recalls | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 9 | 1,099 | 29 | 19 | 32 | 0 |
| 2016 | 4 | 1,121 | 36 | 10 | 19 | 0 |
| 2018 | 4 | 1,793 | 25 | 5 | 30 | 0 |
| 2020 | 24 | 1,817 | 21 | 5 | 33 | 0 |
| 2022 | 21 | 377 | 11 | 6 | 11 | 0 |
| 2024 | 10 | 86 | 5 | 0 | 6 | 1 |
Recall and complaint counts per model year from NHTSA. Crash, fire, injury and death figures are what owners reported in their complaints, not confirmed findings. Year links open that year's specs, recall list and complaint breakdown.
Most-recalled systems
| System | Recall campaigns | Model years |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 10 | 2015, 2020, 2022, 2024 |
| Power train | 6 | 2015–2016, 2018, 2020, 2022 |
| Back over prevention | 5 | 2015–2016, 2020, 2022, 2024 |
| Fuel system, gasoline | 5 | 2020, 2022, 2024 |
| Air bags | 3 | 2016, 2018, 2020 |
| Engine | 3 | 2020, 2022, 2024 |
| Equipment | 3 | 2015–2016, 2018, 2020, 2022, 2024 |
| Service brakes, hydraulic | 3 | 2018, 2020, 2022 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 2 | 2020, 2022 |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 2 | 2015 |
Most-complained-about components
| Component | Complaints | Share | Year with most |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1,884 | 30% | 2018 (1,147) |
| Power train | 1,194 | 19% | 2016 (320) |
| Unknown or other | 824 | 13% | 2020 (371) |
| Structure | 821 | 13% | 2020 (710) |
| Electrical system | 566 | 9% | 2020 (199) |
| Engine and engine cooling | 462 | 7% | 2018 (342) |
| Back over prevention | 422 | 7% | 2016 (214) |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 271 | 4% | 2020 (80) |
| Steering | 213 | 3% | 2015 (81) |
| Fuel system, gasoline | 209 | 3% | 2020 (121) |
A complaint can name more than one component, so shares can add up to more than 100%.
Which NHTSA model names are counted
NHTSA files recalls and complaints under exact model names. This page adds up: ESCAPE, ESCAPE HEV, ESCAPE PHEV.
Frequently asked questions
How many recalls does the Ford Escape have?
NHTSA lists 47 recall campaigns across the Ford Escape model years 2015–2016, 2018, 2020, 2022, 2024, most often for the electrical system (10), power train (6) and back over prevention (5).
Which Ford Escape year has the most complaints?
Of the years VinSnap tracks, the 2020 Ford Escape has the most NHTSA complaints (1,817), ahead of the 2018 (1,793). Counts are not adjusted for how many were sold or how long they have been on the road.
What do Ford Escape owners complain about most?
Across 2015–2016, 2018, 2020, 2022, 2024, NHTSA complaints most often name the engine (1,884 complaints), power train (1,194 complaints) and structure (821 complaints).
Are Ford Escape recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are done free of charge by franchised Ford dealers. Recalls apply to specific build ranges, so check your VIN to see which campaigns cover your vehicle.