Ford Escape Complaints

758 consumer complaints on file.

#11735408May 3, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, SERVICE BRAKES
I am filing this safety complaint on behalf of myself and my wife, [XXX] , the primary driver of our 2021 Ford Escape PHEV, with active under Recall 25SC4 (no remedy available). The vehicle has experienced 8+ sudden complete shutdowns during normal driving since February 2026, always during EV-to-hybrid mode transition, always without prior warning. The only warning is a brief sound like air escaping immediately before shutdown. At shutdown: engine cuts completely, steering wheel locks rigid and cannot be turned, brake pedal locks hard and cannot be depressed, gear selector locks in Drive and cannot be changed. The driver has zero ability to steer, brake, or move the vehicle. Must activate hazards and wait 1-5 minutes for restart while immobilized in an active traffic lane. Incidents occurred: (1) February 2026: multiple times, dealer retained vehicle 5 days, found nothing. (2) Early April 2026: multiple times, including one witnessed by a police officer who directed traffic around immobilized vehicle. Dealer kept 3 days, blamed the original Ford-supplied charger. Replacement did not fix defect. (3) May 1, 2026: 4 times in one day with my wife only in the car, including on the Dolphin [XXX] near Miami Int [XXX] 3:30PM Friday rush hour, with our [XXX] child in the vehicle on thr [XXX] r occasions. Ford's own recall documentation states steering and braking remain functional during shutdown. This is directly contradicted by our firsthand experience. Both are completely inoperable. Dealer on second attempt blamed original Ford-supplied charger — replacement did not resolve defect. This vehicle is subject to active class action [XXX] et al. v. Ford Motor Company (Case XXX). Formal warranty demand letter sent to Ford Motor Company via certified mail under Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act simultaneously with this complaint. 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
#11735200May 1, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, VISIBILITY/WIPER
While pulling into a residential parking space at low speed, the vehicle (2023 Ford Escape) suddenly accelerated unexpectedly without additional throttle input. The acceleration was abrupt and forceful, and I was unable to stop the vehicle before it struck the structure in front of the parking space. The incident occurred at very low speed and under normal driving conditions. The driver was applying the brake at the time of the unintended acceleration. Airbags deployed upon impact. There were no prior warning lights or indications of a mechanical issue before the incident. The vehicle sustained significant front-end damage.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11734480April 29, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Vehicle headlights constantly dimming in and out, replaced alternator and battery, problem still persisted if not worse than before. Vehicle constantly struggles to accelerate once at running temperature, high revs and doesn't accelerate at all, vehicle experienced complete power loss after approaching red light, vehicle restarted but showed severe signs of power deficiency
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11734128April 27, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN
This hasn't caused an accident or stranded me yet, but Ford won't do anything to help me avoid danger in the faulty vehicle they sold. There have been several recalls on my 2022 Ford Escape PHEV over the past year or so, including safety recalls. The number of recalls, requiring me to take the time to deal with scheduling, drop off/pickup the car, and being unable to use the car when it is in the shop for the recall rectifications seems excessive. Worse yet, they have safety related recalls from 2025 that still do not have a fix. I do not feel safe in my car. I went through the company's lemon recall process and they refused to repurchase the vehicle. People should expect a basic level of quality and definitely safety when buying a car. I will never buy another Ford and would never recommend that anyone else do so. This company no longer represents quality and they don't even care to try.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11733971April 27, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2023 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the radio displayed a blank screen. A dealer was contacted. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on several occasions. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 34,756.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11733934April 27, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Power lift get kept closing which caused injury to my son. Lift gate if there is obstruction anywhere it should stop and go back up. Well this kept closing hit my son in the head caused severely bruised nose, laceration on his head and a mild concussion.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11733748April 25, 2026
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
There is fluid accumulation under the engine air filter assembly.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11733357April 23, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, STRUCTURE, BACK OVER PREVENTION
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V789000 (Electrical System), 25V829000 (Structure), 26V123000 (Back Over Prevention) and 26V117000 (Visibility); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed that the parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11733340April 23, 2026
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE, BACK OVER PREVENTION, VISIBILITY
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal fuel odor inside the vehicle. The contact stated that the engine seized. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was restarted. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The dealer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline), 26V123000 (Back Over Prevention), and 26V117000 (Visibility); however, parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11733190April 23, 2026
ENGINE
On March 31st, 2026, while traveling at approximately 60 mph on a major highway, the vehicle suffered a catastrophic engine failure without prior warning. The "Check Engine" and "Powertrain Malfunction" (Wrench) lights illuminated, and the vehicle experienced an immediate and total loss of motive power. This created a high-risk safety situation for myself (luckily my daughter was not with me at the time), I was forced navigate through high-speed traffic to the shoulder with no engine propulsion. Technical Confirmation: The vehicle was towed to Dick Smith Ford (Columbia, SC). A diagnostic scan revealed fault code P032F (Combustion Engine Producing Insufficient Torque). The dealership confirmed the failure was internal and required a total Long Block Engine Assembly replacement in accordance with CSP 23NC06 (Reference RO #259050). Failure of Previous Safety Recall: Crucially, this vehicle had already received the "remedy" for Recall 23S27 / NHTSA Campaign 23V440000 (Engine Fire Risk). Despite Ford's claim that the software update and grill shutter modifications mitigated the risk of catastrophic failure and fire, the engine still suffered a major breach and total failure at highway speeds. This demonstrates that the current recall remedy is insufficient to protect occupants from sudden loss of power or potential fire hazards.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11733131April 22, 2026
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine coolant overheated warning light illuminated. The vehicle stalled after the warning light illuminated and became inoperable. The dealer was notified of the failure; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 39,700.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11732959April 22, 2026
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
MY VEHICLE HAS HAD A FUEL INJECTOR RECALL SINCE 07/2025. MY CAR HAS GRADUALLY STARTED TO IDLE AND DROP RPMS. IT STARTS WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS ONLY IN PARK AND NOW IT IS HAPPENING WHEN I AM IN DRIVE AND FOOT IS ON THE BRAKE. I AM NOT SURE WHAT TO DO BECAUSE OF THE OPEN RECALL WITH NO REPAIR OPTIONS IN SIGHT ALMOST A YEAR LATER.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11731244April 14, 2026
BACK OVER PREVENTION
The contact owned a 2022 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V123000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION); and requested to be removed from the recall distribution list. The local dealer and manufacturer were contacted.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11731164April 14, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
This has been an ongoing recall for three years. They fixed my car the first time according to them and now it’s still an issue they are saying they can’t fix. I’ve went through two evap solenoids and my car still is having issues with the fuel vapor intake. I’m to the point I don’t ride in it or drive it with my children bc I’m scared it’s going to catch fire especially being in south florida. I’m very upset with ford!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11731080April 14, 2026
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment and underneath the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The failure had occurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the brakes needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the cause of the failure was not yet determined; however, the mechanic determined that the brakes were not responsible for the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 36,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11730884April 13, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2025 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V091000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11730840April 13, 2026
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE, BACK OVER PREVENTION, VISIBILITY
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline), 26V123000 (Back Over Prevention), and 26V117000 (Visibility); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11730523April 11, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER, ENGINE
Everytime I drive the car and I don’t get no warming and I bring the car to the dealer and tell them what going on and dealer do and don’t tell me what going on.. i should be able to get another car free because they want me to keep pay thing out my pocket which I don’t have Also want to let you know that [XXX] and I will like to explain more on phone [XXX] Also the ford dealership want me to trade in my car for 2,000 which my car is value7,000 because what three thing broken and they want 5600 it not right because I just have Tht car right after my mother pass away and it only 2 years now 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
#11730255April 9, 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 dealer was not contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11729908April 8, 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 contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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