Ford Escape Complaints (2022)

228 consumer complaints on file.

#11759808August 26, 2026
STEERING
Excessive bilateral play/backlash in the steering rack unit was identified by a 3rd party repair organization. Ball-joint wear was ruled out and the problem suspected to be caused by internal wear of mechanical restraints. Third party mechanic advised that the car was unsafe to drive due to possible uncontrolled loss of steering function and that corrective action by the manufacturer was required. Vehicle was subsequently towed to Big Valley Ford where the dealership confirmed the initial diagnosis: "Upon inspection found play - severe internal play in rack". Normal vehicle use was not considered a causal factor of the defect on the vehicle with only 73,394miles. No warning messages were displayed to indicate the problem but front-end noise was noted while operating the vehicle.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11757137August 15, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES
While traveling on the interstate, the driver of the Ford Escape moved into the left lane from behind an 18-wheeler that had stopped while attempting to enter a turning lane. After moving into the left lane, the driver observed traffic ahead stopping. The vehicle ahead was at or beyond the front of the 18-wheeler. The Escape was still behind the rear of the 18-wheeler when the driver began braking. The driver pressed the brake pedal, but the vehicle did not stop as expected. It may have slowed slightly at first. The driver released the brake pedal and pressed it again. On the second application, the vehicle did not appear to slow further, and the brake pedal felt as though it went straight to the floor. The driver continued holding the brake pedal down until the Escape collided with the vehicle ahead, which was at or beyond the front of the 18-wheeler's cab. The driver had applied the brakes twice before the vehicle's forward-collision/impact warning activated. There were no known brake warning lights or brake-related messages before the incident. The suspected system involved is the braking system; the exact cause is UNKNOWN. The collision resulted in the vehicle being declared a total loss by the insurance company. The vehicle is currently being held at the insurance company's investigation yard and has not yet been released to the salvage department, so it remains available for inspection at this time. During approximately three years of ownership, the vehicle had previously experienced recurring squealing from the rear brakes when backing up. The vehicle was taken to Ford regarding the brakes on two occasions, and the brake pads were replaced once. Ford advised that no other issue was found at those times though squealing happened occasionally after.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
2
Deaths:
0
#11753032July 27, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ENGINE
Ford refuses to fix this recall for over a year I am stuck with a car I cannot sell because dealer will not honor recall.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11752937July 26, 2026
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN
This recall has been in effect for over a year now with no remedy available. I have issues with my engine starting, engine staying running, acceleration during turning, etc. due to this recall. It is extremely unsafe and no remedy being available after a year is very disappointing and puts me in harm everyday.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11752814July 25, 2026
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN
When accelerating Rpm needle jumps rapidly up and down. I’m noticing that I am not able to pick up speed in the car continues to jerk.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11751172July 17, 2026
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not made aware of the issue; however, several letters confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11750119July 13, 2026
ENGINE
The engine warning light came on and Autozone indicated that it involved the evap cannister purge valve. As I was trying to figure out which part to order over a couple of days, the car stopped in the middle of an intersection while my wife was driving. It would not restart. We had the car towed and spent several hundred dollars on a repair. I don't understand how a faulty purge valve should cause the engine to suddenly stop and not restart. I recall reading that there was a recall involving faulty purge valve on older Ford models. This was definitely a safety issue as the car stopped in the middle of a busy 5 lane highway.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11749422July 9, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY
Ford has issued a safety recall (Campaign 25DD6/2025-665) for the 2022 model year Escape. Part of the roof's hinge cover comes off and poses a hazard. The problem is my Ford 2022 Escape is not included even though it suffers from this identical hazard. How can I get my vehicle (VIN: [XXX]) included in the recall? Thanks INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11749338July 9, 2026
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at 75 MPH on the interstate, the automatic emergency braking system erroneously engaged intermittently. A dealer was contacted. The "Pre-Collision Assist Is Not Available," "Hill Start Assist Is Not Available," and "Reduced Power Brake Applied" warning messages were displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic shop for diagnostic testing, and the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to take the vehicle to a dealer for diagnostic testing. The failure mileage was approximately 109,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11748896July 7, 2026
STEERING
The steering rack and gear went completely while we were driving 60mph on the highway. We had absolutely no steering all of a sudden and ended up missing a cliff and veering/driving 40 feet into a pasture at 60mph. No warning lights came on, the steering wheel pulled for a minute and then went completely loose with no steering. We had the vehicle towed. Steering rack and gear are completely out and the car is sitting a Ford dealership, they are the ones that did the diagnostics on it and told us what had happened. The dealership says they have never repaired or ordered this part before. This is a dangerous situation that should not have happened and obviously is a manufacturing/vehicle issue
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11747565June 30, 2026
POWER TRAIN
Transmission shudders and hesitates during low-speed operation, typically around 10-15 mph. Condition occurs repeatedly during normal driving and feels like slipping or delayed engagement. Transmission fluid was replaced, but the problem persists. No warning lights or messages have appeared. The issue may reduce driver confidence and affect acceleration when entering traffic or crossing intersections. Problem is reproducible and appears to be worsening over time. Vehicle available for inspection.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11747559June 30, 2026
POWER TRAIN, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The entire transmission had to be replaced. The water pump also. Currently it continues to have issues with the check engine light coming on, the code it says is the fuel sensors.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11744396June 16, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
I press on the gas pedal and the car won't move. I will be at a stop sign and I'll remove my foot from the break, step on the gas and the car stalls it won't really go. I almost have to floor it to get it to move. Has happened multiple times.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11744298June 15, 2026
SUSPENSION
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Escape. The vehicle was taken to Midas for a service appointment, and the contact was informed that the rear shocks were leaking. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact was informed that the rear shocks needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was confirmed that the rear shocks were leaking. The contact was informed that the rear shocks needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 27,125.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11743915June 13, 2026
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Shortly after purchasing my 2022 Ford Escape, I began experiencing hesitation during acceleration, loss of power, RPM fluctuations, loud howling and whining noises, grinding noises, exhaust-related rattling, coolant bubbling, and a strong sulfur/rotten egg odor. The problems were reported repeatedly to the selling dealer and Ford service departments. Despite multiple complaints, I was repeatedly told nothing was wrong with the vehicle. The vehicle continued to deteriorate and now struggles to accelerate and produces extremely loud noises during operation. The condition creates a safety concern because the vehicle does not respond normally when accelerating and may not be able to maintain speed safely in traffic. I also discovered an open safety recall involving a potentially cracked fuel injector that could allow fuel or fuel vapor to accumulate on the engine and create a fire risk. The recall remains incomplete because a remedy is not currently available. The vehicle has been inspected by dealership service departments and an independent transmission specialist. The problems have been ongoing since shortly after purchase and continue to worsen.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11743591June 11, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
As I was driving, I heard a sliding sound and something bumping every time I braked. It was hard to tell where it was coming from, but It sounded like it was above the sunroof shade. When I stopped, I pushed the open button to open the shade and a large metal piece that goes between the sunroof glass pieces came crashing down. At the same time, the shade unhooked and snapped back into the headliner, making a hole in the liner and an incredibly loud noise. If my pets or a passenger were in the back seat, they definitely would have been hit by the metal piece and possibly the shade. The noise itself could have caused a crash had I been driving. There was no warning about this, and when I called the dealer, they said they hadn't heard of it. However, online, there are significant reports of this metal piece coming off in the Ford Escape, especially in the heat. It is only held on by double sided tape.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11743448June 11, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ENGINE
Vehicle has trouble turning back on after filling with gas. The engine clicks and sometimes will not start back up without a jump. The battery has been replaced. The check engine light is on.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11742976June 9, 2026
ENGINE
Recall 25S76 manufacturer recall ID 25V467 NHTSA recall ID has been pending with an unavailable remedy for almost a year. I find this an unreasonable amount of time for this type of recall as this is a big safety issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11742276June 5, 2026
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE, BACK OVER PREVENTION
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Escape. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 26V123000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The local dealer confirmed that parts were still unavailable. The contact stated that the back over prevention camera displayed a half image while operating. The failure caused in a minor crash while the vehicle was in reverse(R) and damaged the contact's vehicle and another vehicle. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 32,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11741655June 2, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving the vehicle on many occasions, the vehicle would start up and display odd error messages. For example, if the vehicle was plugged in, it stated to go to the owner's manual. The vehicle would not move and caused the vehicle to go into park. Clearing the messages and restarting the vehicle caused it to work again. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: (25V789000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 26,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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