repaired · 2026 Q3
Engine
Risk. An oil leak can result in loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
2023 Ford EscapeProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 102 owner complaints about the 2023 Ford Escape, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 11 safety recalls, and for recall 25V-343 the manufacturer reports only 64% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 26, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2023 Ford Escape has problems
102 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
41Electrical system3 crash/fire/injury
28Engine2 crash/fire/injury
25Power train
11Forward collision avoidance
7Lane departure
7Fuel/propulsion system
7Vehicle speed control
5Structure
4Engine and engine cooling
179 other systems2 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 41 | 3 |
| Engine | 28 | 2 |
| Power train | 25 | 0 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 11 | 0 |
| Lane departure | 7 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 7 | 1 |
| Vehicle speed control | 7 | 2 |
| Structure | 5 | 1 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 4 | 0 |
| 9 other systems | 17 | 2 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
11 recalls
2023 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
Engine
Risk. An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
repaired · 2026 Q3
Electrical system
Risk. An overheated engine block heater can increase the risk of a fire.
repaired · 2026 Q3
Back over prevention: software
Risk. A frozen or missing rearview camera image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Show 7 more recalls
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 Q3
Fuel injection system: injectors
Risk. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
repaired · 2026 Q2
Forward collision avoidance: adaptive cruise control
Risk. Misalignment of the radar module can result in the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) misclassifying an overhead object as an object in the vehicle's path, causing…
repaired · 2025 Q3
Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel
Risk. An inoperable instrument panel cannot show critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, which may increase 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.
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.
Best & worst years
2023 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
2023 Ford Escape safety ratings
2023 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 & Optional
- Lane departure warning: Standard
In owners' words
What Escape owners report
Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
While driving, multiple unrelated warning lights and warning messages appeared on the dashboard. Odometer changed to display dashes instead of mileage. Speedometer got stuck displaying an incorrect value (such as '0' when the vehicle was in motion, or '59' when the vehicle was as a complete stop).…
About a month ago, my vehicles dash lit up and the car told me to shut it off. I had it towed to the dealership who then completed module updates and said I was all set. 20 minutes after picking it up, all of the lights came back on the dash and I brought it back. They again completed some kind of…
Ford issued notice 25SC4 then issued another one, 26N15 about the risk of fire with the high voltage battery in my car. These notices state a potential for a short circuit in the battery which they say could result in "increasing the risk of a crash", "increasing the risk of injury", and it "can…
Own a 2023 Escape?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.