Ford Escape Complaints

29,499 consumer complaints on file.

#11761090August 31, 2026
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES, POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the message that the door was unlocked was displayed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, and the contact was informed of an unrepaired recall associated with the VIN. The contact was informed that an unknown device was installed, and the vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that the front driver's and passenger's side doors failed to unlock. The contact stated that the family crawled into the vehicle through the trunk. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer. The contact was informed that the driver’s and passenger’s side front doors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to an auto body shop as per the dealer. The driver’s and passenger's side front doors were replaced but the failure reoccurred. In addition, the transmission shift to park warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer. The contact was informed that the auto body shop had clipped the wiring harness from an unknown sensor. The contact was informed that the wiring harness needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed with battery failure. The battery was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The failure reoccurred. The contact stated that the front driver's and passenger's side doors failed to unlatch occasionally. The doors unlatched and the transmission shift to park error messages were displayed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact was informed that the dealer was an independent dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 58,986.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11760838August 31, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
After incomplete over-the-air (OTA) update instrument panel cluster (IPC) fails to illuminate and only chimes when powered. Vehicle drives normally, but no speed, fuel, warning telltales shown to the driver. Safety issue as the driver is not informed of this critical vehicle information.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11760873August 31, 2026
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
My passenger headlight assembly seal has failed. Since the seal failed, the light has water buildup that caused the entire assembly to short out and stop working. There are not cracked in the headlight at all. My car only has 46,407 miles on it. My car has been to the service department at Town N Country Ford in [XXX]. Since we purchased the extended warranty, Town N Country submitted my claim to the warranty department, but they are refusing to pay because, they say it's a moisture problem. The moisture in the headlight is only there because the seal failed. Ford knows this is a problem, but yet they refuse to pay of the headlight replacement or make a recall for this problem. This is a major flaw and needs to be corrected by Ford, the consumer should not have to bear the brunt of this burden when it is clearly a defect with the headlight assembly itself. Please make Ford take responsibility for this issue immediately. Town N Country Ford said the cost to replace this headlight assembly will be $1,962.34 whenever they can receive the part. If these parts are on back order, clearly Ford has an issue and should be held accountable to replace these headlights free of charge by making a RECALL. I've requested the warranty denial report from Town N Country Ford, but I have not received anything as of this being filing XXX. 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
#11760917August 31, 2026
BACK OVER PREVENTION
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while in reverse(R), the rear-view camera displayed an upside-down image or a blue screen. In additional to the camera failure, the audio sounds and notification failed to operate as needed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact was informed that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted about the failure and was informed that the audio failure might be linked to the camera failure. 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, and the contact was provided a case number. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11760923August 31, 2026
POWER TRAIN, ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Vehicle just hit 70k miles, started abruptly shaking between 30 and 50 mph. Torque converter is needing replaced. PCV hose has cracked and needs replaced. COOLANT DISAPPEARING DUE TO INTRUSION LEAK. Extremely costly repairs for a vehicle that isn't even close to 100k miles. Engine overheating on highway which is an extreme fire risk.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11760927August 31, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER, BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS, BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING
I am submitting a formal vehicle-safety complaint regarding my 2016 Ford Escape. My vehicle is included in NHTSA Safety Recall 25V695 / Ford Campaign 25SA9 concerning a rearview camera that may display a blank, distorted, or intermittent image while the vehicle is in reverse. My vehicle is experiencing camera unavailable and also no audio at all. I first reported this problem to Ford or an authorized Ford dealer about a year ago. I subsequently contacted Autonation ford wholfchase and Ford Motor Company. My Ford case number is CXHO8776034. Despite my repeated attempts to obtain the recall repair, the recall remains incomplete. Ford and/or its dealer has told me repair solution is not available. Audio issue and rearview backup camera are tendem issue. I asked while waiting on parts, they can fix audio issue to aid me in reverse.They said for audio issue you can leave your car with us however it will take about 4-6 week that I have to pay for. No loaner vehicle will be provided. Ford has not provided me with: A confirmed repair date A meaningful parts-delivery date An alternative Ford dealer capable of completing the recall A written plan for correcting the safety defect The underlying camera problem has existed for more than a year. I understand that the formal recall was issued on October 13, 2025, and that Ford originally anticipated the final remedy in June 2026. This is not merely a customer-service inconvenience. The defective rearview camera reduces my ability to see pedestrians, children, vehicles, and objects behind the vehicle while reversing, increasing the risk of a collision. I must continue operating a vehicle with a known and unrepaired safety defect through no fault of my own. My vehicle also has a complete loss of audio with rearview camera at the same time. The audio failure affects radio/parking-assistance tones/seatbelt warning/door warning/navigation prompts/other warning sounds.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11760955August 31, 2026
BACK OVER PREVENTION
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while reversing at an undisclosed speed, the rearview camera was intermittently inoperative. No warning lights were illuminated. The failure had occurred on several occasions. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the remedy was not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11760959August 31, 2026
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that during the initial start-up, the vehicle would sputter. The Check Engine Light illuminated. While driving at approximately 45 - 50 MPH, the vehicle displayed the message, "High Heat,' meaning that the engine was overheating. The contact had pulled over and turned on the fan, which allowed the engine to cool off. The contact put antifreeze in the vehicle, and the next morning there was no antifreeze in the vehicle. After completing some research, the contact believes they're experiencing coolant intrusion. The dealer was informed of the issue. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the issue. The manufacturer confirmed that the engine block was no longer covered. The failure mileage was approximately 76,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11760968August 31, 2026
BACK OVER PREVENTION
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse, the rear-view camera became inoperable. The contact stated that the rear-view camera image intermittently failed to operate as needed or the image was upside down. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part was not yet available. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the rearview camera had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer 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 made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 27,400.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11760815August 30, 2026
POWER TRAIN
When I was about to park, the transmission failed. I couldn’t reverse, and it got stuck in Neutral. I wasn’t able to shift it into Park. When the mechanic came, he said the shifter cable bushing was faulty, which was exactly the part covered by the recall they had previously done.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11760581August 29, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
When driving on the highway. The moonroof cloth screen was open and began hearing a crackling sound coming from the moonroof when suddenly shattered and collapsed inward.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11760620August 29, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The thin metal gear shift dial has peeled extensively beginning in 2022 leaving RAZOR SHARP edges that cause constant skin lacerations as it's impossible to change gears and not to touch the sharp edges. I understand this is a very common problem with 2020 Ford models. Ford has now corrected the problem with newer models and the gear shift does not peel on newer models. However, that is STILL no help for current owners with the defective gear shifts. This is a serious defect causing unavoidable injury and needs to be addressed. This is the same problem that the defective window controls had and they were corrected by recall. This is NOT a cosmetic problem. Cosmetic problems do not cause injury. Why is the NHTSA and Ford not taking this seriously?
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11760242August 28, 2026
VISIBILITY
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact received notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V117000 (Visibility); however, the part to perform the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was notified of the issue and confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the windshield wipers failed to operate as intended. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure; however, no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11760360August 28, 2026
ENGINE
Coolant intrusion the engine is ruined by a design flaw
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11760376August 28, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was serviced under Customer Satisfaction Program 23B-56; however, the replacement welding caused the front driver's side door to fail. Additionally, the contact stated that while attempting to enter the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start, and multiple warning lights illuminated. The vehicle required a jump-start to start. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the battery had failed and needed to be replaced. The battery was replaced, and the contact was informed that the previously installed battery was incorrect for the vehicle. The contact was referred to a second dealer for further assistance. The vehicle was towed to the second dealer, where it was diagnosed that a water leak at the C-105 connector on the front driver's side door had caused an electrical system failure. The dealer determined that the wiring harness had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 76,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11760412August 28, 2026
ENGINE
My vehicle a 2018 Ford Escape has a 1.5 liter Eco-Boost engine is has been diagnosed with a coolant into cylinder leak and is in jeopardy of seizing and causing a catastrophic accident. No one should be driving these Ford vehicles due to a good possibility of serious enjury or death.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11760039August 27, 2026
ENGINE
I recently bought a 2019 Ford Escape from Superior Mazda in Bentonville, Arkansas for my daughter going off to college. Soon after purchasing the vehicle a giant puff of smoke started coming out the exhaust when starting. We took it to a Ford dealership and they said the coolant is leaking into the engine block and apparently this is a known issue with 2017-2019 ford escapes. Superior Mazda said it's not their problem. The cost to fix is $12,700. We've only had this car for 38 days. Ford has issued 2 statements about this defect in these cars: Ford issued TSB 19-2375 for 2017–2019 Escapes with the 1.5L EcoBoost. It specifically says coolant can intrude into the cylinders and calls for short-block and head-gasket replacement when the condition is confirmed. There is also Ford Customer Satisfaction Program 21N12, titled “Short Block Replacement After Coolant Intrusion.” Why is this not a recall? I have since read/heard that this is an issue all over. I spoke to a mechanic in my town and they stated they currently have a 2017 escape that they are working on with this exact problem. An investigation needs to made into Ford regarding 2017-2019 Ford Escapes. Since this is a known defect and Ford is well aware of this engine flaw in this model car they need to do the right thing and issue a recall. My daughter could have been stranded on the highway heading to college.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11760043August 27, 2026
BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING
The rear cross traffic sensors are not detecting cross traffic when in reverse every time. It will work sometimes, but it failed to work at all for weeks. I have video showing it not working properly. I brought this to the dealership and was told that this is something that I will be required to fix out of my own pocket. This safety feature should be fixed or replaced at no cost the me because I was not involved in it no longer functioning. It is not clear why safety features that malfunction should be repaired at cost to the vehicle owner. If they stop functioning they should be fixed by the manufacturer.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11760092August 27, 2026
BACK OVER PREVENTION
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact received notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the parts to perform the recall repair were not yet available. The contact stated that while driving in reverse, the message "Contact Manufacturer" was displayed and the rearview camera screen image was black. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, who confirmed that the parts were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 120,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11760097August 27, 2026
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine overheating warning light illuminated. The contact noticed an unusual odor inside the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced a failure associated with an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not included in a recall associated with the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure; however, no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 152,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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