Ford Escape Complaints (2025)

31 consumer complaints on file.

#11770269October 10, 2026
STEERING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
I am requesting a serious investigation into potentially life-threatening steering, braking, and stability-control interventions in modern vehicles. I have experienced unexpected steering forces, directional changes, shaking, and behavior consistent with unintended wheel-specific braking across multiple vehicles, including my 2019 Toyota Prius and rental vehicles from several manufacturers. These behaviors occur on ordinary roads with uneven asphalt, pavement seams, manhole covers, and cross-slopes. I am concerned that electronic steering, stability control, wheel-speed sensors, or driver-assistance systems may be interacting incorrectly. How can these features be considered safe if their interventions can push a vehicle toward another traffic lane or into a bicycle lane? The risk is especially serious during freeway lane changes, when drivers must simultaneously monitor traffic ahead, approaching vehicles behind, blind spots, and available space. An unexpected steering or braking intervention at that moment can create a dangerous loss of control. I am also concerned that drivers may lack a meaningful way to disable certain interventions, even when they believe the systems are creating danger. I previously submitted complaint 11669864 and was informed that more complaints might be necessary before an investigation could begin. A potentially life-threatening defect should not be dismissed simply because insufficient reports have accumulated. I request that NHTSA review my existing complaint, assess whether unintended steering or braking interventions can cause dangerous directional changes, examine driver override limitations, and determine whether a broader investigation is warranted. I consider these behaviors potentially LIFE-THREATENING. A feature’s intended safety purpose does not guarantee that its interventions are safe. Drivers, passengers, and nearby motorists and cyclists not be exposed to avoidable hazards from systems intended to protect them.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11769493October 7, 2026
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
I am writing to file a formal safety complaint regarding a systemic, life-threatening defect in the tuning of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) software in modern vehicles, specifically experienced in the 2024 Ford Escape. I am a professional driver who operates vehicles for approximately 14 hours a day. My livelihood and my life depend on predictable vehicle handling. The current federal mandates surrounding un-deletable active driver assists are not protecting drivers; they are actively creating high-risk highway hazards. The Safety Defect: When encountering standard municipal road imperfections—such as sunken manhole covers, jagged asphalt seams, or road inclinations—the vehicle’s inertial (G-sensor) and lane-keeping software drastically overreacts. 1. Unprovoked Steering Redirection: The software interprets mechanical displacement from a pothole or road seam as an accidental lane drift. The vehicle then forcefully and violently applies steering torque to "correct" the lane position, throwing the vehicle toward adjacent traffic lanes. 2. Aggressive Stability Control Intervention: Upon hitting a road depression, wheel speed and G-sensors register a momentary traction anomaly. The computer panics and micro-brakes individual wheels, causing a violent, unpredictable swaying motion across both the front and rear axles. The Real-World Consequence: To stay in my lane and avoid colliding with neighboring vehicles or semi-trucks, I am forced to engage in a physical tug-of-war with the vehicle's electronic power steering. The automated systems actively override conscious human defensive driving maneuvers. Had I not possessed advanced driving knowledge and rapid reflexes, this technology would have forced me directly under a commercial truck. By preventing drivers from permanently disabling these intrusive features, federal rules have created a driving environment filled with extreme psychological stress, physical fatigue…
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11766433September 23, 2026
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The audible sound to let the driver know the blinker is on is too low of a volume to hear. This has created situations where the blinkers are activated, but the driver doesn't know. This could lead to accidents in lane changing, intersections and confusion for pedestrians.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11763917September 13, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY
Several spots on the body are misaligned which could indicate underlying assembly issues down to the frame which could impact crumple zones and safety.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11761617September 2, 2026
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
Multiple computer related problems, including sensing objects that do not exist while using automated cruise control. Automatic braking engagement when car senses objects that do not exist both in the front and rear while driving. Rear sensor occupancy alert randomly triggered when it has been turned off, And when there is nobody in the back seat. GPS unable to locate signal even in wide open spaces, randomly drops service. Various climate control components read improperly, or do not display appropriately. Numerous morning messages both before and after incidents. The vehicle has been to Ford dealer, they have been unable to reproduce or determine what caused these faults.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11759389August 25, 2026
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
The contact owns a 2025 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the cruise control independently activated. The brake pedal was depressed. In addition, the contact turned off the vehicle. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the vehicle started. The vehicle was reset. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a lithium battery failure, and an unknown software update was performed. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that while reversing, the intelligent cruise control independently activated. The contact stated that the cruise control reversed the vehicle at approximately 45 MPH. The brake pedal was depressed with extreme force, and the vehicle stopped. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was a persistent failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not yet inspected. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11757994August 19, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
On XXX at approximately 2:45pm MDT I was traveling on XXX in [XXX]. I had approximately a quarter tank of gas. I received a low fuel alert, stating 50 miles to empty. My plan was to stop at the next exit approximately 10 miles away. However, over approximately the next minute, the distance to empty rapidly decreased to 0, at which point the vehicle stopped moving while in the right lane of traffic. I could not re-start the car. It would not move out of park into gear. After several minutes sitting stalled in the lane of travel, I was able to get the vehicle started for a few seconds to move to the shoulder. The gas gauge still showed 1/4 tank but at the same time, there was an alert that said 0 miles to empty. In the Ford app, it showed a fuel level of 21% and 0 miles to empty. I had to contact a company who came and poured two gallons of gas into the vehicle for $180.00. At this point I was able to safely make it to the gas station to fill up. I noted that the vehicle took 10 gallons of gas. The tank is 14.3 gallons. That confirms that I did still have 2 gallons in the tank (which would be about 50 miles) plus the two gallons from the tow company. I was not out of gas. There was an error in the Ford app that said “The Hybrid Powertrain Control Module has disabled the gasoline engine function due to an additional concern being detected”. Images of the driver gauges and Ford app readings, along with the high voltage warning are attached. After filling up, the Ford app was still incorrect - it said it was 31% full with 117 miles to empty even though I had just filled it up - and the physical gauge on the dash showed full with 379 miles to empty. 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
#11754326August 2, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The digits no longer display on the speedometer gauge of the electronic dashboard. Digits on the high voltage battery discharge and charging gauge also do not display. Given those failures, I have concerns about warning lights that may not be working. The lack of proper speed indication increases the possibility of a collision. The lack of presence of the digits that are supposed to be there has been distracting and increases the possibility of a collision. Note: This seems to be the same or similar to a defect in the gas version of this model, for which there was a recall.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11752454July 23, 2026
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2025 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the message that the engine was overheating was displayed, and the vehicle drove under reduced power. The contact exited the highway, pulled into a gas station, and waited for the engine to cool down. The contact resumed driving, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer with the check engine warning light illuminated. The dealer later informed the contact that the warning light was no longer illuminated, and the failure could not be duplicated while test-driving the vehicle for an hour. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 4,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11748056July 2, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My Ford Pass notified me that it detected an issue with the EGR valve. The dealership said I have to pay for this because it was not part of the recall. It is a 2025 Ford Escape which to my understanding most were included under a recall but my car is not part of this but clearly is an issue with my car. The day I got the warning I made appt to have fixed the following week but on my way to work the next day which is today XXX the car started misfiring and sporadically moving. When I got to stop light, car died and I had to start it 5 times for it to stay running. People were honking because the light changed and I couldn't get the car to move.Then it started sputtering again and I drove it to Airport Ford in [XXX]. They took my car in and drove me to work. I called for an update and they said it was going to be finished shortly and sent someone to pick me up. When I got there they said 1 of the spark plugs they put was bad and they couldn't get another 1 until next day and gave me a loaner. 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
#11746792June 26, 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 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 and informed the contact that the recall remedy would be available in August 2026. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11743429June 11, 2026
VISIBILITY/WIPER, STRUCTURE:BODY
While driving, the hood of my vehicle flew up and broke my windshield and caused damage to body by the hood hinge on both sides. There were no warning lamps or signals that warned me that the hood was loose. I had limited visual to pull over and close the hood. Fortunately I was going slow and there were not other vehicles that were impacted. Because the hood is opened inside with the double pull mechanism it is too easy to open the hood without the secondary safety hook outside like most vehicles have. I have had the windshield replaced and am working with insurance to complete repairs on the body.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11739774May 24, 2026
ENGINE
I bought this vehicle in mid April 2026 with 9,500 miles. It has the 1.5L Ecoboost engine. I drove the car for 3,000 miles and noticed the coolant was at ‘minimum’ and wondered why a car with so few miles is using coolant. I took the car to my dealer and they confirmed coolant intrusion into the engine due to a bad head gasket. The vehicle is now at the dealer waiting on either a new head gasket or other more intensive repairs due to internal damage. I wanted to flag this because the engine is the 3rd version of this engine but the same issues as previous versions. The repair is under warranty.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11737838May 14, 2026
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
The contact is currently renting a 2025 Ford Escape . The contact stated while attempting to park the vehicle, he took his foot off the accelerator pedal and the vehicle unintendedly accelerated independently. No warnings light illuminated. An independent mechanic or dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic for diagnoses. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact mention this failure has occurred on two different occasions. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 25,198.
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
#11728831April 2, 2026
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2025 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and depressing the brake pedal, the engine revved up unexpectedly. Additionally, more effort was needed to depress the brake pedal, causing the braking distance to become extended. The dealer was notified of the failure, but the vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V122000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 5,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11728829April 2, 2026
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2025 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V122000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the recall notification stated that in the event of a failure, the vehicle could crash. The manufacturer was made aware of the concern, and a case was filed. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11727254March 26, 2026
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2025 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and turning the steering wheel, the vehicle stalled. The failure also occurred while making a turn from a complete stop. The vehicle was restarted. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer on several occasions; however, the dealer informed the contact that no failure was found. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V122000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); and associated the failure with the recall. However, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the dealer had been unable to diagnose the vehicle. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 5,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11723865March 12, 2026
AIR BAGS, POWER TRAIN
1. Passenger airbag fails to activate randomly. Passenger airbag light shows "off" with a passenger in the seat. Sometimes it works but often stays off for a whole day. 2. Transmission shifts gears by itself. Drive to neutral, Reverse to park. A software update changed the behavior but did not eliminate the fault. Now goes from Drive to Park. One time the vehicle shut off by itself after shifting from Drive to Park. It has been to the dealer 3 times for these problems, now scheduled for a fourth time. They keep saying they can't find the fault.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11722664March 7, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Date: 3/7/2026 I am submitting this complaint regarding a potentially serious safety issue with my 2025 Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid manufactured by Ford Motor Company. My vehicle began displaying multiple warning messages including “High Voltage Battery Warning,” “Powertrain Malfunction,” and “Service Engine Soon.” These warnings appeared while the vehicle was charging using a Level 2 charger, which raises significant concerns about the safety and reliability of the vehicle’s high-voltage electrical system. After these warnings appeared, I brought the vehicle to an authorized Ford dealership for diagnosis and repair. The vehicle has now been in the repair shop for approximately 30 days, reportedly waiting on parts related to the high-voltage battery or powertrain system. This situation raises several concerns: The possibility of a defect in the high-voltage battery system. The potential for sudden loss of power or drivetrain failure. The risk associated with charging a vehicle that displays high-voltage battery warnings. Extended vehicle downtime due to the lack of available replacement parts. Given the critical safety implications of high-voltage battery systems in plug-in hybrid vehicles, I respectfully request that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration investigate whether this issue represents a broader defect affecting other vehicles of the same model.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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