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

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 Drive module was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 12,000.

NHTSA ODI 11618438

One day my all wheel drive, pre-collision emergency braking, lane departure warnings, cruise control, lane assist, and hill start assist stopped working. I could no longer use any of these functions. There was no accident, fire, or any other damage that occurred to my vehicle to cause this malfunction. It just stopped working. I was alerted by error messages on my dash that all wheel drive and pre collision assist were not functional. I scheduled an appointment with the dealership. When I took my car in for inspection at the dealership, they found that the all wheel drive module was defective, directly impacting the functionality of the powertrain, and needed replaced immediately. They confirmed that this module was not working. Without this function, I could not use all wheel drive in icy, snowy, or rainy weather, thus impacting the safety of the vehicle for myself and my 8month old daughter who I drive daily. This also prevented collision emergency braking and lane departure warning features from functioning, which are important for preventing dangerous accidents. Even though my car is still covered under the powertrain warranty, and this defect affects the function of the powertrain, they do not consider it covered under warranty.

NHTSA ODI 11617556

The vehicle is a 2020 Ford Escape SE with 53,000 miles. Recently, The message screen began flashing messages AMD OFF, Hill Start OFF, Collision Warning OFF. Based on social media, this appears to be a common problem with the 2020 Escapes. According the Escape owners, dealers first check software and if not the issue a electronic module is replaced at a cost of up to $1100. Some of the failures reported were on vehicles with 20,000 miles or less. Aside from cost , there is a safety concern that module overheating may cause engine fires. The vehicles should be recalled for this concern.

NHTSA ODI 11614509

The entire advanced track system quit working. Sometimes if you turn the vehicle off and on a bunch of times it will work until you turn off the vehicle.

NHTSA ODI 11610875

The car has AWD FAULT along with multiple safety fault pre collision assist ,power steering stops working. Going down the road. Ford has been zero help taken car in multiple times charged 100’s off dollars only for issues to return

NHTSA ODI 11610760

AWD module has failed and per FORD is not covered in replacement cost. Multiple error messages about forward collision, AWB and adaptive cruise control. This module was covered un a previous customer satisfaction program (Customer Satisfaction Program 21B19) and in multiple issues noted in on line forums should be taken up for a recall. Vehicle appears to run more poorly and thus could put myself and passengers at risk for accident. The error shows up every time the vehicle starts up. I see there are over 40 complaints listed here and I am sure there are more.

NHTSA ODI 11603119

Different warning lights were coming on in my suv while I was on vacation a couple weeks ago. The lights consist of AWD, Pre-collision assist, traction control and hill assist. The door and window is also broken but that will be fixed for free because of a recall. I’m extremely frustrated because I just got this car in February. Now all this is breaking down at the same time. We did not get the warranty on it because we had to buy a car last minute and couldn’t afford the extra fee. I drive all over because I own a cleaning business. My frustration is that there was a recall on certain vehicles with the same exact issues that my suv is having. So I feel like this is a manufacturing problem. I don’t want to spend a $1000,00 or more if this is in fact a manufacturing issue. Especially if my car was made around Covid time. I’m getting a diagnostic test done on it now. It’s at the ford dealership where I bought it. So I’m waiting on that. I’m hoping to find out tomorrow how much it is going to cost. I would really appreciate an investigation into this. For all this to go out all at the same time is frustrating and makes no sense. I just can’t afford it and I need my car for work. Ford gave me a case #[XXX]. I hope this is right. The first couple of numbers could possibly be wrong. If they are, I can call ford again. Thank you, [XXX] P.S. I can send you a picture of the diagnostic paper work when I receive it tomorrow. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11602486

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, she became aware of a malfunction with the Forward Collision Avoidance system. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that the Forward Collision Avoidance module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 52,000.

NHTSA ODI 11594934

Took in the vehicle to be inspected and Ford said the AWD module isn't working. It states my AWD is off and not functioning.

NHTSA ODI 11592708

I am getting the following error messages: awd fault service required/ service AdvanceTrac /pre collision assist not available / hill assist not available/ AWD off / powertrain malfunction/ reduced power.

NHTSA ODI 11592008

Two notifications come up on the screen after vehicle is started. Front camera fault service required. Pre-collision assist not available. This started right after pre collision assist went off on 05/13/2024. There has been no inspection on the vehicle

NHTSA ODI 11591103

At 25,768 miles, multiple warning messages appeared including: service advanced track, 4WD fault, no cruise control ability, no pre-collision assist, hill side assist fault, and no traction control. BC self test was performed by a mechanic. The vehicle was purchased 3 months prior at the same dealership that performed the test. Results: No communication with AWD module found. The issue was AWD module faulty. AWD module was replaced and reprogrammed. The issue was not covered under the power train warranty (available for 5 years, 40,000 miles) due to the problem relating to the electrical system.

NHTSA ODI 11585658

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH with the driver assist cruise control activated, the vehicle was slowing down for traffic ahead. The contact stated that the driver assists automatically engaged the brakes but as the vehicle neared the rear end of the vehicle ahead the vehicle independently accelerated. The contact manually depressed the brake pedal which disengaged the driver assist cruise control function. The contact stated that the failure was a recurring failure. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that sensors for the driver assist function needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the failure of the driver assists function reoccurred. Additionally, the contact stated that her Forward Collision Avoidance feature was intermittently being activated without another vehicle nearby. The contact had taken the vehicle several times to the same dealer and was informed that the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 46,358.

NHTSA ODI 11583989

AWD Module failed, deactivated all traction control, all wheel drive, pre-collision alert, emergency breaking. Module failure is known issue to Ford

NHTSA ODI 11567304

The AWD module (LX6Z 7P238 AANP MODULE) went out on my 2020 Ford Escape. One day when starting my car several warnings popped up on the screen. The warnings were “AWD off”, “Pre-collision assist not available”, “Service Advanced Trac”, “AWD fault service required”, “Up hill assist not available” “Traction control system fault or not available?” and the wrench on the dashboard lit up. After googling the issue I found other 2020 Escape owners with the same problem. They all had to have the AWD MODULE replaced. Ford even recalled a select few 2020 Escapes for this issue, even though many more are having the same issue with not many miles on them. Called Ford to get in for a diagnostic and informed them what warnings were flashing. They confirmed it was the AWD MODULE causing the issue and replaced it. The cost was $835.14. Since AWD and traction control were disabled it made the vehicle dangerous to drive in slippery conditions. With the uphill assist disabled, that also made it more dangerous. The safety feature, Pre-collision assist, being disabled put my family and others in danger. Since replacing the Module all the warnings have stopped and everything seems to be back to normal. Ford is aware of this issue and is not taking responsibility for installing faulty AWD modules.

NHTSA ODI 11563663

Forward-looking camera image processing moduel A malfunction

NHTSA ODI 11560829

Drivers door making noises. I was given the option WHOLE new door- total cost $2900 - I have to pay $1635 for NEW door which by the way will not match my car color as car 3 - 4 years old! SSM 50150 from national highway traffic safety administration. They also offer another solution to solve the problem. Ford should offer a better solution as shabby workmanship

NHTSA ODI 11559637

FIRST THE CAR START SHOWING : AWD,FAULT. LATER HILL START NOT AVAILABLE. COLLISION ASSIST NOT AVAILABLE. AWD, OFF AND MANY OTHER AREAS IN THE SCREEN. FEW TIMES IN DANGER OF AN ACCIDENT FOR NOT HAVING THE COLLISION ASSIST OPERATIONAL. THE PROBLEM WAS VERIFIED BY THE CAGUAS FORD DEALER, HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED BY ANY OTHER PERSON. ONLY THE LITTLE SLIDING CAR SHOWED UP PRIOR TO ALL LTHER LIGHTS, ,

NHTSA ODI 11558156

I just pulled in my driveway of my home open car door saw smoke and I looked under engine I saw flames that's when I close garage door and call 911 by the time they get there my car engine was burned out.

NHTSA ODI 11557973

The AWD module malfunctioned and had faults. Issue was confirmed by dealer with no explanation and had no cause for failure. AWD fault and Service AdvanceTrac warnings appeared and reappeared each time the vehicle was turned on. Vehicle could only use front wheel drive and cruise control was also affected. The dealer kept the malfunctioning module so unknown if it will be inspected.

NHTSA ODI 11556772

My AWD module went out and several features of my vehicle were in-operable. I have read that this is a common problem with this vehicle, and it tends to happen around the same mileage. The failure of this module makes the pre-collision assistance fail

NHTSA ODI 11552019

The front radar that enables collision avoidance, adaptive cruise control, etc. has failed. It first started as an intermittent problem that quickly progressed to a total failure. The vehicle was not involved in an accident or any misuse that would cause this problem.

NHTSA ODI 11548176

Out of no where I got codes for a AWD system fault, pre collision fault and hill start and traction assist fault.

NHTSA ODI 11546288

While travelling we got a message on our dasboard stating that the AWD had a fault and needed to be serviced. We called the dealership and they said it was okay to continue to drive the vehicle. However, we made the soonest appointment available with the dealership, thinking we were still under warranty. We received other warning messages: hill assist not working, pre-collision assist not working, auto hold not working, advance auto trac needs servicing, see manual, get system serviced. The cruise, or speed control also stopped working. We drove 1,100 miles with all of this going on trying to get back home. We went to have it checked out at tje dealer on 9/5/2023. We found out it is not under warranty. It cost us $195 for the computer to tell us it is the AWD module and, Ford wants another $800 to fix it. We found an article at Customer Satisfaction Program 21B19 – AWD Module Replacement – 2020-2021 Ford Bronco Sport, Escape, & Lincoln Corsair – Ford https://ford.oemdtc.com/7846/customer-satisfaction-program-21b19-awd-module-replacement-2020-2021-ford-bronco-sport-escape-lincoln-corsair. What can we do? Help please.

NHTSA ODI 11542695

I was just driving one day and then the hill start assist warning, pre-collision assist not available, and Powertrain malfunction/reduced power warnings all popped up. Upon further research there have been MULTIPLE people with this exact issue. Ford states the AWD module needs to be replaced. I have yet to do so but will do so in the near future.

NHTSA ODI 11538933