Home · 2020 Ford Escape Gas · Complaints

What 1,479 owners told NHTSA about the 2020 Ford Escape Gas

These are the actual owner complaints behind this car’s reliability verdict, filed with the federal government, unedited. They’re unverified reports, not confirmed defects: read them as leads for your pre-purchase inspection, not a diagnosis.

All (1,479)Crash / fire / injury (36)Body & structure (603)Transmission & drivetrain (226)Fuel system (182)Electrical system (149)Engine (107)Driver assistance (60)Visibility & wipers (59)Latches & locks (39)Brakes (37)Backup camera & sensors (26)

Newest first · 1,479 complaints · page 2 of 60

Jun 23, 2026Transmission & drivetrainElectrical systemBrakes

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The transmission independently shifted from drive to neutral and then to park. In addition, the engine seized. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was restarted and taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with gear shifter module failure. The contact was informed that the gear shifter module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a wiring harness failure. The contact was informed that the wiring harness needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed with transmission and computer system failures. The contact was informed that the transmission and computer system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The contact stated that the engine shut off and the vehicle stopped. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with brake line failure. The contact was informed that the brake line needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle had been taken to the dealer several times for the persistent failures. The contact stated that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.

NHTSA ODI 11745877

Jun 22, 2026Visibility & wipers

The wiper has stopped working. The part number, LJ6Z17508J, is listed under NHTSA bulletin 26V117, but Ford claims that the vehicle is not covered under the recall. Please expand the safety recall to include this VIN number. This is a dangerous situation!

NHTSA ODI 11745569

Jun 19, 2026Transmission & drivetrain

I have just little and over 100,000 in my car And the transmission is acting up and when I looked it up on Google I see there has been other complaints about similar issues that I am having; such as hard shifting and jerking hard revving not wanting to go in gear The car also acts like it does not want to get acceleration or suddenly slows down It acts like it does not want to even take gas This has happened on the highway just up out of nowhere But the jerking and stuff I thought was actually my brakes and that is also another thing My park break wants to engage while I am in motion and has done this even on a highway.. I have seen I am not the only one who has explained about the transmission issue in the park break

NHTSA ODI 11745227

Jun 19, 2026Transmission & drivetrain

My car has the 8F24 automatic 8-speed transmission. It was a subject to a recall to a fluent league related to the transmission. My car I have experienced hard shifting that low acceleration, along with sudden deceleration not intended, with a lot of bucking and hesitation, with very hard jerking while trying to accelerate or decelerate car almost feels like something wants to fall out from underneath the car. also wanting to go into automatic parking brake while in motion.. The car has also acted like it will not take gas when It acts like it just not wanting to shift right.. I tried to get a hold of Ford dealership and Ford corporate and was told this is not a recalled issue although it is coming up as a recall. I was told my car was built at a later date that's why it was not considered as an issue but yet I am having the same issues that many others have complained about. I had took it to AutoZone had them put it on their tester and it does come up with a power train issue relating to the transmission. There is no way for us to check the fluid to see if it's low and transmission fluid. Also I've experience a burning fluid smell coming from the engine.. Ford is not wanting to address this

NHTSA ODI 11745263

Jun 18, 2026Fuel system

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving the vehicle at an undisclosed speed, she noted that the vehicle was not receiving adequate fuel to the engine, which caused the vehicle to jerk excessively. The contact also stated that she had to replace the canister purge valve two times within a single year due to this ongoing issue.. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was/was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was/was not made aware of the issue.

NHTSA ODI 11745110

Jun 16, 2026

Fuel injection recall and the manufacturer does not have a remedy. Car will not pass Massachusetts safety inspection because of the recall so the car is undrivable. Potential engine fire The dealership does not have the ability to fix the recall problem. What are my rights?

NHTSA ODI 11744505

Jun 15, 2026EngineFuel systemFire

On Sunday May the 31st, I was driving home from the store, when I smell gas, but was unaware that it was coming from my vehicle, since I was driving behind another vehicle and passed a gas station. I heard a noise and then saw smoke and fire coming from my vehicle in the engine area. I pulled over and exit the vehicle and called 911. The fire destroyed the whole front of the vehicle, including the engine, wheels, windshield, etc. The emergency officials came. After the incident, I contacted my insurance company. Someone then notified me of a recall on my vehicle, that can cause fire (25V467000). I called the Ford Motor company. They told me initially to go through my insurance provider, and the insurance provider will deal with them directly. After speaking with my insurance provider again, they told me that, since I only have liability insurance, my vehicle is not covered, and they will not contact Ford. So, I called Ford again, they told me that someone will contact me within 14 days. No one contacted me, so I contacted them today. They told me today that someone will contact me within 15 working days of my reporting the incident. This will be three weeks since the incident and I am greatly inconvenienced (lack of transportation) by this. Now I am forced to wait another week, not knowing if anyone will call, and if I call again, if I would have to wait again. Any assistance would be appreciated. What steps should I take? Thank you.

NHTSA ODI 11744261

Jun 12, 2026Fuel system

NTHSA recall # 25V467 It has been a year since this recall was issued and still no remedy for fuel injection cracks that can leak fuel onto the engine. How much longer should I have to wait for a remedy?

NHTSA ODI 11743706

Jun 12, 2026Transmission & drivetrain

Numerous amounts of things come over the screen where the speed indicater is and have to do with power train but everything it says is messed up is working fine. The things coming up are very annoying with no way to keep them from coming up. There has been 2 fixes for software that I'm aware of but after calling several times they say there is NO FIX for the issue. It's been over a year now. Very disappointed with Ford as we have had the Ford brand for years but will buy something different next time.

NHTSA ODI 11743716

Jun 11, 2026Fuel system

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); 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 not made aware of the issue. The contact had experienced a failure related to the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

NHTSA ODI 11743513

Jun 10, 2026Transmission & drivetrain

The Engine Longblock Assembly has failed. We have followed the "Customer Satisfaction Program 23N06" instructions from Ford since receipt of the letter from Ford dated July 2024. The coverage date was extended to 150,000 miles because Ford knew that the engine in this 2020 Ford Escape Titanium Hybrid was very likely to fail and die on the highway, and even possibly catch fire. Our Escape's engine light and wrench light came on at 150,222 miles on Sunday, May 31st, 12:10 PM one hour from home. It reduced to low power mode. We had to have it towed to Thomasville Ford where we purchased it and have had it serviced. It has been there every since. It is determined that it needs to have a long block. However, Ford is sticking to its 150K period and will not budge. The dealership drove it up to 150,566 Miles to prove it out. I have called Ford and pleaded twice to no avail. Ford knows this engine is defective and will not give any grace due to being a few miles over their limit. Help, please!

NHTSA ODI 11743147

Jun 10, 2026Fuel systemBody & structureBackup camera & sensors

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA ODI 11743223

Jun 6, 2026

The central trim piece on 2020-2025 Ford Escapes with panoramic sunroofs is prone to falling off or catching in the sunshade mechanism, which often damages the shade's clips.

NHTSA ODI 11742495

Jun 5, 2026Steering

when driving I was approaching a curve and lost all steering for several seconds. I could turn the wheel completely all the way around and there was no control. After about 8 seconds steering was available again. This was not caused by hydroplaning as the roads are dry. speed was about 30 mph.

NHTSA ODI 11742320

Jun 5, 2026Transmission & drivetrainWheelsBrakes

when I was crossing the road to turn around in a U-turn style, the rear end of the car locked up and I slid across several lanes of traffic. This happened only one time but was terrifying! A few times since then, the emergency brake will apply on its own causing the back end to freeze up. it's VERY random.

NHTSA ODI 11742324

Jun 5, 2026Electrical systemWheels

My car has following issues recently. 1. Tire pressure monitoring system failed for all four tires. 2. Electrical door lock systems failed. All these symptoms match the BCM recall for the model and year of my car. But my VIN is not included with the recall. I believe Ford did not include all impacted car in this recall.

NHTSA ODI 11742400

Jun 5, 2026Fuel system

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was smoke coming from the vehicle and an abnormally loud sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with fuel injector failure. The vehicle was subsequently towed to a dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer on several occasions; however, the parts were unavailable to perform the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The approximate failure mileage was 90,000.

NHTSA ODI 11742266

Jun 3, 2026

I am driving a car that can potentially catch on fire due to a fuel injector problem that they can't seem to fix. I have high anxiety about it.The parts for the recall have been on order for almost a year and I do not feel safe driving my vehicle. I have a five year loan to pay off and I do not want this vehicle. I will be contacting a lawyer also.

NHTSA ODI 11741841

Jun 2, 2026

AWD system failure Warning lights Known issue on 2020 Escape Module needs to be replaced with parts and labor $1710.50 plus tax Vehicle only has 32,000 miles on it Opened case with Ford Case #: CXH08137060-B8L5X8 Asked for Goodwill assistance, dealer also requested goodwill assistance and it was denied. Called Ford back and asked for it to be elevated and they said no.

NHTSA ODI 11741558

Jun 1, 2026Fuel system

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle shuddered. The check engine warning light recently illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was being diagnosed. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI 11741272

May 31, 2026Visibility & wipers

The windshield wipers on this vehicle just stop working without warning. However this vehicle is not included in the wiper recall even though it experiences the same failures as the vehicles covered under the recall.

NHTSA ODI 11741178

May 30, 2026Visibility & wipers

The sunscreen on the panoramic sunroof has become detached and the shade falls causing a visibility issue.

NHTSA ODI 11741042

May 28, 2026Fuel system

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact received a recall notification, NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V467000 (Fuel system, Gasoline) however the parts were unavailable. The contact stated that the recall was initiated almost a year ago, and the parts were still unavailable. The manufacturer was contacted, but provided no assistance. The contact had not experienced any failure regarding the unrepaired recall repair.

NHTSA ODI 11740563

May 26, 2026Fuel systemVisibility & wipersBackup camera & sensors

Several recalls on my vehicle and now ford is calling the expensive ones "customer satisfaction notice". Theres nothing satisfying about bad fuel injectors. Also , the wiper motor Description On your vehicle, the front windshield wiper Motor may become inoperative or may operate intermittently. Safety Risk This may result in reduced visibility or loss of visibility in certain conditions, increasing the risk of a crash. Remedy Parts are not available. Ford Motor Company is working to provide parts for this repair. When the remedy becomes available, Ford Motor Company will notify you via mail to schedule a service appointment with your dealer for repairs to be completed free of charge. The remedy is anticipated to be available in Q2 2026. Safety Risk SYNC screen update This may result in the image displayed being inverted or flipped, this includes all buttons. While in reverse the rearview camera image, buttons, and camera guidelines may also be inverted or flipped. A rearview camera that does not correctly display a correct image in reverse can reduce your view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. SYNC screen update Issue Date 2025-07-16 Campaign 25S76/25V467 Description On your vehicle there is a possibility that a fuel injector may crack, which may result in fuel accumulating on the top of the engine. Safety Risk Liquid fuel andor fuel vapor that accumulates near a hot surface, such as hot engine or exhaust components may ignite resulting in an under-hood fire, increasing the risk of injury. Its endless and they refuse to take accountability for their junk vehicles.

NHTSA ODI 11740127

May 25, 2026Fuel system

There has been a safety recall on my vehicle for over a year for the fuel injectors. There still isn’t a remedy for the fuel injectors and I don’t know if it is affecting my vehicle or not. I’ve been told if I have anything checked I will have to pay for it even though I have issues with my vehicle hesitating. I purchased this vehicle in 2022 and at any given time there has been a recall. This one has taken so long to get parts that I worry about it the safety of the vehicle.

NHTSA ODI 11739963

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Working with the data? Download all 1,479 complaints as CSV · fetched from NHTSA July 18, 2026

How to use these: a complaint is one owner’s report, filed voluntarily and published unverified. Patterns matter more than any single story. If several owners describe the same failure at similar mileage, put that system at the top of your pre-purchase inspection list. Back to the full 2020 Ford Escape Gas verdict →