no report yet
Windshield wiper/washer: motor
NewRisk. Windshield wipers that fail to operate properly can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
2020 Ford EscapeProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 1,621 owner complaints about the 2020 Ford Escape, most often about the structure. It is covered by 23 safety recalls, and for recall 22V-331 the manufacturer reports only 11% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through November 2, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2020 Ford Escape has problems
1,621 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
671Structure8 crash/fire/injury
243Power train6 crash/fire/injury
160Electrical system
122Engine1 crash/fire/injury
122Fuel system, gasoline1 crash/fire/injury
78Fuel/propulsion system
69Forward collision avoidance
54Latches/locks/linkages
45Visibility/wiper
25223 other systems25 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | 671 | 8 |
| Power train | 243 | 6 |
| Electrical system | 160 | 0 |
| Engine | 122 | 1 |
| Fuel system, gasoline | 122 | 1 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 78 | 1 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 69 | 3 |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 54 | 1 |
| Visibility/wiper | 45 | 0 |
| 23 other systems | 252 | 25 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
23 recalls
2020 Ford Escape recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2026 Q3
Back over prevention: software
NewRisk. An incorrectly displayed rearview image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2026 Q3
Hatchback/liftgate: hinge and attachments
NewRisk. A detached liftgate hinge cover can create a distraction or a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2026 Q3
Disc: pads
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…
Show 19 more recalls
no report yet
Electrical: engine block heater
Risk. An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
no report yet
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system
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.
repaired · 2026 Q3
Back over prevention: software
Risk. A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle.
repaired · 2026 Q3
Engine
Risk. An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
repaired · 2025 Q4
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system
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.
repaired · 2026 Q3
Traction battery: management system/energy control module (bms/becm)
Risk. Battery failure can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2026 Q3
Other: labels
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.
repaired · 2026 Q1
Automatic transmission: control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
Risk. A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2026 Q1
Engine
Risk. An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
repaired · 2024 Q4
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system
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.
repaired · 2024 Q2
Engine and engine cooling
Risk. An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
repaired · 2024 Q2
Propulsion system: traction battery
Risk. A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2024 Q1
Engine: oil/lubrication
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.
repaired · 2022 Q4
Driveline: driveshaft
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.
repaired · 2022 Q3
Electrical system: body control module/bcm
Risk. Low tire pressure may lead to poor vehicle handling and a possible loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of crash.
repaired · 2023 Q3
Sensing system: camera
Risk. Reduced rearward visibility can increase the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2022 Q2
Power train: automatic transmission
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.
repaired · 2022 Q4
Air bags: side/window
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…
repaired · 2021 Q1
Front assembly: recliner
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…
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Ford.
Mileage at failure
When do structure problems start?
45kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 155 structure complaints. 97% were reported before 100,000 miles.
Only 24% of complaints for this model year include a mileage.
31under 30k miles150under 100k miles5100k miles or more
Owner-reported costs
What owners say repairs cost
Dollar amounts owners wrote in their complaints when describing a repair or a quote. These are not price estimates; a system is shown only when at least 8 owners mentioned a cost.
Structure
52 owners mentioned a cost$2,500median
Middle half: $1,900 – $3,000
Unknown or other
27 owners mentioned a cost$2,000median
Middle half: $1,129 – $3,000
Power train
19 owners mentioned a cost$1,200median
Middle half: $753 – $5,900
If a problem is covered by a recall, the dealer fixes it for free. Some manufacturers also reimburse owners who paid for a repair before a recall was announced.
Best & worst years
2020 vs. every other Escape year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Escape median. How we score
9961,0275584991,3944642541,9741,6932,0711,3206042,7532,0911,1481,1922,7101,8336041,62135623810278263
'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2020 Ford Escape safety ratings
2020 Ford Escape SUV AWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side barrier★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
- Rollover: 4 stars (17.4% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: Standard
- Lane departure warning: Standard
2 investigations
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2020 Ford Escape, and the recalls they led to.
- Failed Door Check Arm Attachment PointNo recall
- Rearview Camera FMVSS 111 NoncomplianceLed to recall 26V-104
In owners' words
What Escape owners report
Recent structure complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
Driver side door is increasingly noisy when opening the hinge makes a loud popping noise. The window will randomly not close. I saw on this website others are having the same problem. It has not been inspected by anyone, but can be.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that after the dealer performed an unknown recall repair on the front driver’s side door, the failure occurred. The contact stated that the front driver’s side window intermittently failed to roll up or roll down and made a squeaking sound…
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the hatch was automatically raised to place groceries inside the vehicle; however, the hatch unexpectedly lowered and struck the contact on the head. Medical assistance was not needed. The contact placed a…
Own a 2020 Escape?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.