Ford Escape Complaints

29,499 consumer complaints on file.

#11763600September 11, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
After a dealership diagnostic visit involving my 2020 Ford Escape, I discovered that a connector in the vehicle's Smart Data Link/Gateway area underneath the dashboard had been left disconnected when the vehicle was returned to me. The vehicle had been at Gullo Ford of Conroe on September 9–10, 2026 for an intermittent idle/sputtering concern and a rear-suspension concern. The dealership performed electronic diagnostic work and documented no DTCs. After pickup, I inspected the vehicle and photographed the disconnected connector before reconnecting it. I am concerned that releasing a vehicle with a vehicle-network/diagnostic gateway connection disconnected could affect diagnostic communication, stored fault reporting, or other electronic/network functions. I am submitting this report as a potential safety/electrical-network concern. I am not asking NHTSA to adjudicate my billing dispute with the dealership. Photographs showing the condition as discovered and the dealer service invoice are available.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11763703September 11, 2026
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at the service center for an instrument panel failure, a diagnostic test was performed on the engine. The contact was informed that in addition to the instrument panel failure, there was coolant inside the cylinders, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The failure mileage was 105,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11763712September 11, 2026
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
A coolant intrusion caused the head gasket to fail
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11763744September 11, 2026
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE
The gas tank is leaking gas on the gas tank inlet plastic yellow retainer ring appears to be broken. This gas leak has put safety family members at risk. It appears to be a manufacturer defect built defective.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11763277September 10, 2026
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The vehicle had a transmission shutter and shakes the car. It also had a hard shift at 38mph. It happens daily, was not a one time Incentent
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11763302September 10, 2026
BACK OVER PREVENTION
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the remedy was not yet developed. The contact stated that on several occasions while in reverse(R), the rear-view camera went black and the message "Camera not Available" was displayed. On several occasions, the camera failed to operate as needed. The contact was unable to see pedestrians behind the vehicle while reversing out of the driveway. The vehicle was seen by a dealer at the residence, and the contact was informed that the back over prevention camera needed to be replaced; however, parts were not yet available. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11763350September 10, 2026
BACK OVER PREVENTION
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. 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 contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while reversing, the rear-view camera displayed a distorted image. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11763495September 10, 2026
POWER TRAIN
Transmission failure needing full replacement
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11763508September 10, 2026
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I recently purchased this vehicle for 2400.00 from a private seller. Within 3 weeks of very minor driving the car got 1 block from home and showed very hot and dumped all the coolant. And that was the 1st time it had been driven that day and it was 69 degrees outside. We let it sit for about a week and refilled the coolant. It drove great for about 2 weeks and then out of the blue it stalls while I'm driving it down the road. Had it towed home and my mechanic came and did a tune up. We had very fouled plugs and replaced all the coil wires. Put in a emissions treatment as well as checking everything. It started after killing my battery several times and seemed to be fine. Drove it around the block and it stalled after being fine only to find coolant in the spark plug areas and somehow my vin isn't listed in the recall. My mechanic said I should write you guys to let you know that I should be included as he believes that is exactly what happened to me. Please help. Thank you
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11763110September 9, 2026
ENGINE
Bought car in 2023, one year later engine failure due to overheating from head gasket issue widespread with this vehicle. Replaced engine, and two years later facing identical issue with another engine failure. Unidentifiable coolant leak led to low oil pressure and car shaking on the highway. Will require yet another engine replacement.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11763150September 9, 2026
STEERING
While driving the power steering goes completely out. It jolts suddenly and causes to steer off course. The steering tightens up making it difficult to safely make turns. Occasionally the steering assist goes back on without warning, forcing another jolt and overcorrection. It can not be safely driven with this malfunction. It forces the wheel to suddenly turn hard unexpectedly., making it dangerous for me, my passengers, and other drivers in the road We have had the problem confirmed by a Ford service mechanic. A Steering Assist notification flashes on the dash, as well.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11763157September 9, 2026
ENGINE
IN 2022 THE ENGINE WAS REPLACED (DUE TO A FORD DEFEC CALLED COOLANT INTRUTION) THE MILAGE WAS 49000. THE MILAGE IS NOW 78825 AND THAT ENGINE IS FAILING DUE TO COOLANT INTRUCTION. AS A SINGLE GRANDPARENT I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO FORK OUT $11000 DOLLARS FOR A NEW ENGINE IF ITS STILL A FORD DEFECT
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11763165September 9, 2026
ENGINE
The engine is having issues. There is coolant leaking into the engine. Causing for the engine to shake upon starting the car. Issues that can come from operating the vehicle are overheating, fire and explosion of engine. I took the car for diagnostics at a Ford dealership and they confirmed that it is a fault with the engine that Ford is aware about but issued no recall. The check engine light first appeared on Saturday 9/05/2026 and that same day upon igniting the engine that was the first time that the engine rattled when starting the vehicle.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11763177September 9, 2026
ENGINE
Coolant intrusion caused full engine to need to be replaced. Started with white smoke and engine overheating.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11763197September 9, 2026
POWER TRAIN, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE
On July 7, 2026, at approximately 113,080 miles, my 2016 Ford Escape displayed a “Transmission Fault – Service Now” warning. The exact failed component is currently UNKNOWN, but the issue appears to involve the transmission/powertrain and possibly an electrical fault. While driving, I experienced abnormal symptoms including a rotational/squeaking noise from the front-right area and an air-leak/pressure-type noise from the right side. The pressure-type noise could also be heard while revving the vehicle at idle. The Check Engine Light also illuminated. I took the vehicle to an independent repair facility on July 7, 2026. The mechanic documented the symptoms and diagnostic trouble codes and advised that additional electrical diagnosis was necessary to determine the exact cause. The transmission itself has not been conclusively diagnosed as failed, and I am not claiming a specific failed internal component without further inspection. I consider this a serious safety concern because an unresolved transmission or powertrain malfunction could potentially cause improper shifting, hesitation, reduced propulsion, loss of acceleration, or other unexpected vehicle behavior while driving in traffic. I contacted Ford regarding the problem and followed up again on July 17, 2026. After receiving no resolution, I contacted Ford again on September 9, 2026. Ford advised me that there was no exact timeframe for when the ASO would contact me and that the ASO may or may not contact me at all. I requested that Ford make a final escalation of the safety concern. Ford confirmed that my escalation and my intention to submit the unresolved safety issue to NHTSA were documented under Ford case CXH-08511841-T8X5L4. To my knowledge, Ford has not inspected the vehicle or provided a substantive resolution to the transmission/powertrain concern. I am also concerned that this may not be an isolated maintenance issue. I am aware of other owners reporting transmission and powertrain problems.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11763204September 9, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, BACK OVER PREVENTION
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start as intended. The contact stated that the battery was drained. The dealer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the failure was not duplicated. The failure was persistent. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer several times, however the failure was not duplicated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The failure mileage was approximately 300.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11763228September 9, 2026
ENGINE
My coolant mixing with the oil cause a severe overage. This is what I understood my recall to be about but the FORD dealership refused to fix it on June 1st. Now I’m subject to a very expensive car repair.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11763024September 9, 2026
BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING
Unknown I received a safety recall letter in October 2025 concerning my back up camera. I have reached out to Ford multiple times and I’m always told there isn’t a part or solution to correct or replace the camera. I have small children and grandchildren and always fear of them or something behind my vehicle. The camera is upside down and very distorted when placed in reverse. I’m concerned for safety due to the manufacture recall. Please contact me at [XXX]. Thank you, [XXX]. [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
#11763025September 9, 2026
BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING
Unknown I received a safety recall letter in October 2025 concerning my back up camera. I have reached out to Ford multiple times and I’m always told there isn’t a part or solution to correct or replace the camera. I have small children and grandchildren and always fear of them or something behind my vehicle. The camera is upside down and very distorted when placed in reverse. I’m concerned for safety due to the manufacture recall. Please contact me at [XXX]. Thank you, [XXX]. [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
#11763053September 9, 2026
ENGINE, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated and remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed, and a code for ABS Internal Module Failure was displayed. The contact was informed that further diagnostic tests were needed to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 55,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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