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2020 Ford Escape Problems and Recalls

Owners filed 1,609 complaints with NHTSA about the 2020 Ford Escape, most often about the body and structure (42% of complaints, typically around 45,000 miles). It is 8th of 27 Escape model years by number of complaints and has 23 recalls.

Complaints1,609
Recalls23
Crashes reported20
Fires reported4
Injuries reported28

Most common 2020 Ford Escape problems

  1. Body and structure

    670 complaints · 42%

    Half of these problems showed up before 45,000 miles. Parts named most often: body.

    The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while opening the front driver’s side door, the three rivets from the door punctured through the door. After the failure it was discovered that the front driver’s side window would not operate as designed. The cause of the failure was not yet determined.…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2023, at 46,000 miles
    The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated while opening the driver's side door, she heard an abnormal popping sound. The contact stated that the failure had become constant. Additionally, the driver's side window failed to roll down. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2023, at 44,000 miles
  2. Other or unspecified

    307 complaints · 19%

    Half of these problems showed up before 4,000 miles.

    When I put the vehicle in 'park' on a flat surface, the e-brake turns on automatically, but when I park on a slight incline, this does not happen. Additionally, when stopped at lights, I noticed that the vehicle was no longer turning the engine off when at a complete stop. When I got home, I went through some of the…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2020, at 4,000 miles
    The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated while reversing there was an abnormal noise detected. The contact stated that the brakes were sticking. The brake warning light was illuminated. The contact called the local dealer and an appointment was scheduled however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2021, at 4,000 miles
  3. Transmission

    241 complaints · 15%

    Half of these problems showed up before 50,000 miles. Parts named most often: automatic transmission, driveline, transfer case (4-wheel drive).

    The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the gear shift knob was seized on several occasions. After waiting for hours, the gear shifter was able to operate as needed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer, and the contact was informed that a diagnostic test…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2024, at 50,000 miles
    The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with AWD module failure. The contact was informed that the AWD module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2024, at 51,000 miles
  4. Fuel system

    197 complaints · 12%

    Half of these problems showed up before 52,500 miles. Parts named most often: fuel injection system, storage.

    The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle to the intended destination and parked the vehicle, but was concerned about restarting the vehicle. The contact received notification of NHTSA…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2025, at 52,741 miles
    The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 25v467000 (fuel system, gasoline). The contact stated that while the vehicle was turned off and being refueled, and the vehicle failed to start as intended. The contact observed a strong gasoline odor inside the vehicle.…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2026, at 53,000 miles
  5. Electrical

    158 complaints · 10%

    Half of these problems showed up before 17,500 miles. Parts named most often: adas, instrument panel, software, propulsion system.

    The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon entering a drive-thru line at a slow speed, the home screen went blank as the "network configuration error" warning message illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact then stated that the vehicle then shut off and could not be restarted after…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2021, at 17,000 miles
    The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 20–40 MPH, the vehicle was vibrating abnormally. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the vehicle was working as designed. The vehicle was taken to…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2024, at 18,000 miles
  6. Engine

    131 complaints · 8%

    Half of these problems showed up before 69,000 miles. Parts named most often: exhaust system.

    The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that coolant was leaking from the vehicle. The contact replaced the radiator cap; however, the failure recurred, and coolant was added. The contact stated that approximately 2 gallons of coolant was added. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the cause of…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2024, at 69,000 miles
    The contact's wife owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the message "maintenance 2" was displayed. The contact stated that he saw white smoke coming out of the exhaust pipe. Additionally, the contact stated that the message "transmission not in park" was displayed. The…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2023, at 68,000 miles
  7. Driver assistance

    78 complaints · 5%

    Half of these problems showed up before 11,000 miles. Parts named most often: warnings, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, blind spot detection.

    My Escape cross traffic alert system only works half the time and yesterday it didn't work at all. It's been at northgate Ford so many times for this problem but it's still not fixed.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2020, at 9,825 miles
    The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated while operating the vehicle, the messages "hill start assist not available", "pre-collision assist not available", "service advance-trac" and "service all wheel drive" remained displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the all-wheel…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2024, at 12,000 miles
  8. Visibility and wipers

    68 complaints · 4%

    Half of these problems showed up before 31,000 miles. Parts named most often: sun/moon roof assembly, power window devices and controls, defroster/defogger/hvac system, windshield.

    The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle parked, the contact was unable to start the vehicle. The vehicle was restarted after an hour. On another occasion, while turning left, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was turned off and restarted. The vehicle was taken to a…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2024, at 31,000 miles
    The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the back-over prevention camera screen was blue and there was a beeping sound coming from the camera. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA campaign number: 20v575000 (visibility, back over…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2024, at 26,000 miles

Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.

2020 Ford Escape recalls

  1. Backup camera: software

    NHTSA 26V123000 · March 3, 2026 · 889,950 vehicles

    Risk: An incorrectly displayed rearview image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Fix: Dealers will update the accessory protocol interface module (apim) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed june 23, 2026. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26c11. Vehicle identification numbers (vins) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on march 5, 2026.

    Full defect summary

    Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 escape, lincoln corsair, 2020-2024 lincoln aviator, and explorer vehicles. The image on the center display may flip or invert, resulting in an incorrectly displayed rearview image when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard number 111, "rear visibility."

  2. Visibility and wipers: motor

    NHTSA 26V117000 · March 3, 2026 · 604,533 vehicles

    Risk: Windshield wipers that fail to operate properly can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the front wiper motors as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed april 2, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in october 2026. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26s14. Vehicle identification numbers (vins) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on march 4, 2026.

    Full defect summary

    Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 explorer, escape, lincoln aviator, and lincoln corsair vehicles. The windshield wiper motor may fail and prevent the windshield wipers from operating properly.

  3. Body and structure: hinge and attachments

    NHTSA 25V829000 · December 1, 2025 · 108,762 vehicles

    Risk: A detached liftgate hinge cover can create a distraction or a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Fix: Dealers will inspect and reinstall, or replace any missing liftgate hinge covers as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed june 3, 2026. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25sd6. Vehicle identification numbers (vins) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on december 3, 2025.

    Full defect summary

    Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 escape and 2025 escape vehicles. The liftgate hinge covers may not be properly secured and detach from the vehicle.

  4. Brakes: pads

    NHTSA 25V693000 · October 10, 2025 · 13,451 vehicles

    Risk: Reduced brake function can require the driver to apply more brake pedal force, and the distance required to stop the vehicle may be extended, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Fix: Dealers will replace the front brake pads, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on november 5, 2025. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21c31. Vehicle identification numbers (vins) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on october 13, 2025. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 21v922.

    Full defect summary

    Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2020 escape vehicles. The rear brake pads may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can reduce brake function in the event of a brake booster malfunction. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard number 135, "light vehicle brake systems."

  5. Equipment: engine block heater

    NHTSA 25V685000 · October 10, 2025 · 59,006 vehicles

    Risk: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.

    Fix: Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded blanking plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed december 3, 2025. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated september 2026. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25sa4. Vehicle identification

    Full defect summary

    Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 lincoln mkc, 2016-2023 explorer, 2019-2020 fusion, 2019-2024 ranger, 2020-2022 lincoln corsair, escape, 2021-2024 bronco, bronco sport, and 2022-2024 maverick vehicles. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.

  6. Fuel system: fuel injection system

    NHTSA 25V467000 · July 11, 2025 · 694,271 vehicles

    Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source, such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.

    Fix: Dealers will update the engine control software. In addition, dealers will replace the high-pressure fuel rail assembly and fuel injectors, free of charge. As an interim repair, dealers will update the engine control software, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed august 29, 2025. Second letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in july 2026. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25s76. This recall expands and replaces previous recall numbers 22v-859, 2

    Full defect summary

    Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2021-2024 bronco sport and 2020-2022 escape vehicles equipped with 1.5l engines. A fuel injector may crack and leak fuel inside the engine compartment.

  7. Backup camera: software

    NHTSA 25V442000 · June 27, 2025 · 200,237 vehicles

    Risk: A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver. Both of these situations can increase the risk of a crash.

    Fix: Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed september 4, 2025. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25s72.

    Full defect summary

    Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 transit connect, 2019-2020 mkz, mkx, edge, continental, f-150, nautilus, fusion, 2019-2023 ranger, mustang, 2020-2021 ecosport, expedition, navigator, 2020-2022 escape, f-250 sd, corsair, 2020-2023 aviator, transit, 2020-2024 explorer, 2021-2024 bronco sport, and 2022-2024 maverick vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank image, or the image may remain on the display after the backing event has ended.

  8. Engine

    NHTSA 25V345000 · May 23, 2025 · 1,809 vehicles

    Risk: An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.

    Fix: Owners are advised to park and shut off the engine as quickly as possible if they hear unexpected engine noises, notice a reduction in vehicle power, or see smoke. Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed june 27, 2025. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25s54.

    Full defect summary

    Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 escape, 2021-2023 corsair, and 2022-2023 maverick vehicles equipped with 2.5l hev or phev engines that were repaired incorrectly under recall 23v380. In the event of an engine failure, engine oil and fuel vapor may be released into the engine compartment and accumulate near ignition sources such as hot engine or exhaust components, possibly resulting in an engine compartment fire.

  9. Fuel system: fuel injection system

    NHTSA 25V165000 · March 14, 2025 · 33,576 vehicles

    Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.

    Fix: Dealers will update the powertrain control module (PCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed april 22, 2025. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25s21.

    Full defect summary

    Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 escape and 2021-2023 bronco sport vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall numbers 22v-859 or 24v-187. A fuel injector may crack and leak fuel inside the engine compartment.

  10. Electrical: management system/energy control module (bms/becm)

    NHTSA 24V954000 · December 20, 2024 · 20,484 vehicles

    Risk: Battery failure can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. Battery failure can also increase the risk of a fire.

    Fix: Owners are advised not to charge battery till the remedy has been completed. Dealers will perform a battery energy control module (becm) software update, and replace the high voltage battery pack, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on may 30, 2025. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24s79.

    Full defect summary

    Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2020-2024 ford escape, and 2021-2024 lincoln corsair vehicles. A manufacturing defect in one or more of the high voltage battery cells may result in an internal short circuit and battery failure.

  11. Equipment: labels

    NHTSA 24V852000 · November 8, 2024 · 27,678 vehicles

    Risk: Without a label that shows the proper restraint usage guidelines, the occupants may have an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.

    Fix: Ford will mail owners the warning labels, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed december 19, 2024. Owners may call ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24c39.

    Full defect summary

    Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 explorer, lincoln aviator, 2020-2024 escape, lincoln corsair, 2018-2024 f-150, expedition and lincoln navigator vehicles. The air bag warning label may be missing from the dashboard. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirement federal motor vehicle safety standard number 208, "occupant crash protection."

  12. Transmission: control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)

    NHTSA 24V330000 · May 10, 2024 · 9,312 vehicles

    Risk: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.

    Fix: Dealers will update the hpcm software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed may 22, 2024. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24s33.

    Full defect summary

    Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2022-2024 maverick, 2020-2022 escape, and 2021-2022 lincoln corsair vehicles. The hybrid powertrain control module (hpcm) software may cause the vehicle to shift into neutral unexpectedly, causing a loss of drive power.

  13. Engine

    NHTSA 23V380000 · May 26, 2023 · 125,322 vehicles

    Risk: An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.

    Fix: Owners are advised to park and shut off the engine as quickly as possible if they hear unexpected engine noises, notice a reduction in vehicle power, or see smoke. Dealers will replace the engine long-block in 2023 escape and corsair vehicles. For the other vehicles, dealers will update the powertrain control module software. If a connecting rod bearing failure is detected, dealers will replace the engine long-block. All inspections and repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on june 14, 2024. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.

    Full defect summary

    Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 escape, 2022-2023 maverick, and 2021-2023 corsair vehicles equipped with 2.5l hev or phev engines. In the event of an engine failure, engine oil and fuel vapor may be released into the engine compartment and accumulate near ignition sources such as hot engine or exhaust components, possibly resulting in an engine compartment fire.

  14. Fuel system: fuel injection system

    NHTSA 22V859000 · November 18, 2022 · 521,746 vehicles

    Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.

    Fix: Dealers will update the engine control software to include fuel injector leak detection and install a drain tube, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed january 9, 2023. Remedy parts are expected to be available in 1st quarter of 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed february 28, 2023. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22s73. This recall includes all vehicles previously recalled under 22v-191. Vehicles previously remedied under 22v-191 will need to have the new remedy p

    Full defect summary

    Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 escape and 2021-2023 bronco sport vehicles equipped with 1.5l engines. A fuel injector may crack and leak fuel inside the engine compartment.

  15. Body and structure: active shutters/grill

    NHTSA 22V484000 · July 7, 2022 · 100,689 vehicles

    Risk: An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.

    Fix: Owners are advised to park and shut off the engine as quickly as possible if they hear unexpected engine noises, notice a reduction in vehicle power, or see smoke. Dealers will modify the under engine shield and active grille shutter, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed august 19, 2022. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22s47.

    Full defect summary

    Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 escape, 2021-2022 lincoln corsair, and 2022 maverick vehicles equipped with 2.5l hev or phev engines. In the event of an engine failure, engine oil and fuel vapor may be released into the engine compartment and accumulate near ignition sources such as hot engine or exhaust components, possibly resulting in an engine compartment fire.

  16. Electrical: traction battery

    NHTSA 22V331000 · May 13, 2022 · 27 vehicles

    Risk: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.

    Fix: Dealers will replace the high voltage battery, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on july 12, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed august 8, 2022. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22s33.

    Full defect summary

    Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2020 escape and 2021 lincoln corsair vehicles equipped with 2.5l hybrid powertrains. Insufficient welds inside the high voltage battery may fail, resulting in a loss of drive power.

  17. Engine: oil/lubrication

    NHTSA 22V191000 · March 25, 2022 · 345,451 vehicles

    Risk: An oil leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.

    Fix: Dealers will inspect the oil separator for damage or oil leaks, and replace the oil separator and seals, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed april 18, 2022. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22s21.

    Full defect summary

    Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 escape and 2021-2022 bronco sport vehicles equipped with 1.5l engines. The engine oil separator housing may crack and develop an oil leak.

  18. Transmission: driveshaft

    NHTSA 21V011000 · January 15, 2021 · 147 vehicles

    Risk: If the rear drive unit seizes, there may be a loss of drive and/or a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will check the rear drive unit lubricant level. Axles found to have lubricant at the minimum level will be filled to the full level. Axles found to be below the minimum lubricant fill level will be replaced, free of charge. This recall began march 12, 2021. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21s02.

    Full defect summary

    Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 edge, 2020 lincoln nautilus and ford escape and 2021 lincoln corsair and ford bronco sport vehicles. An inadequate amount of lubricant in the rear drive unit may cause seizure of the rear drive axle.

  19. Electrical: body control module/bcm

    NHTSA 20V635000 · October 15, 2020 · 689 vehicles

    Risk: Low tire pressure may lead to poor vehicle handling and a possible loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of crash.

    Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the BCM, free of charge. Owners are advised that two key fobs are required for the repair to be completed. The recall began december 1, 2020. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20s59.

    Full defect summary

    Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2020 escape vehicles equipped with a key-start ignition system. The body control module (BCM) intermittently may not pick up the signal from the rear tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) sensors or the remote key fob. In the event of a low tire pressure condition, the TPMS system may not provide an adequate warning.

  20. Backup camera: camera

    NHTSA 20V575000 · September 23, 2020 · 620,246 vehicles

    Risk: Reduced rearward visibility can increase the risk of a crash.

    Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rearview camera, free of charge. The recall began november 17, 2020. Remedy became available on february 1, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on february 1, 2021. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20c19.

    Full defect summary

    Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2020 ford f-150, f-250, f-350, f-450, f-550, explorer, mustang, transit, expedition, escape, ranger and edge, and lincoln nautilus and corsair vehicles. Due to a poor electrical connection, the rearview camera may intermittently display a blank or distorted image. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard (fmvss) number 111, "rear visibility."

  21. Transmission: automatic transmission

    NHTSA 20V550000 · September 10, 2020 · 97 vehicles

    Risk: Missing or loose bolts on the start stop accumulator endcap could result in a transmission fluid leak and may progress to a loss of transmission function. A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of fire.

    Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the start/stop accumulator, free of charge. The recall began september 23, 2020. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20s49.

    Full defect summary

    Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2019-2020 edge, transit connect and lincoln mkx and 2020 escape and lincoln corsair vehicles. The start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing or loose bolts.

  22. Air bags: side/window

    NHTSA 20V415000 · July 17, 2020 · 68 vehicles

    Risk: In the event of a crash, if the diffuser detaches from the inflator during air bag deployment, the curtain air bag may not inflate properly, increasing the risk of injury.

    Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the side curtain air bag modules, free of charge. An interim letter notifying owners of the safety risk was mailed august 3, 2020. The recall began january 11, 2021. Owners may contact ford's customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20s35.

    Full defect summary

    Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2020 escape and transit vehicles. The affected vehicles may have an improperly crimped diffuser in the side curtain air bags which may result in the diffuser detaching from the inflator in the event of an air bag deployment.

  23. Seats: mid/rear assembly

    NHTSA 19V633000 · August 28, 2019 · 639,137 vehicles

    Risk: A seat back with an improperly assembled recliner mechanism may have reduced strength and may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

    Fix: Ford will notify owners, and ford and lincoln dealers will inspect the seat structure and replace them, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began october 21, 2019. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19c07.

    Full defect summary

    Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 f-150 and 2019-2020 f-250, f-350, f-450, and f-550 super duty pickup trucks, and 2018-2019 ford explorer, 2019-2020 expedition, and 2020 escape vehicles equipped with driver and/or passenger's manual front seat back recliner mechanisms. Also included are certain 2020 ford explorer and lincoln aviator vehicles equipped with rear outboard seats and manual seat back recliner mechanisms. The recliner mechanisms may be missing the third pawl required for seat back strength, resulting in a loose seat back. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard (fmvss) numbers 202, "head restraints" and 207, "seating systems."

Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.

NHTSA defect investigations

Questions about the 2020 Ford Escape

What are the most common problems with the 2020 Ford Escape?
By NHTSA owner complaints: body and structure (670 complaints, typically around 45,000 miles); other or unspecified (307 complaints, typically around 4,000 miles); transmission (241 complaints, typically around 50,000 miles).
How many recalls does the 2020 Ford Escape have?
23 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from March 3, 2026 (backup camera). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
Is the 2020 a bad year for the Ford Escape?
It is 8th of 27 Escape model years by number of complaints, with 1,609 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.

Other Ford Escape years

Ford Escape problems by year