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)

59 of 1,479 complaints match · Visibility & wipers · clear filters · page 2 of 3

Jul 30, 2025Visibility & wipers

Driving from Michigan to Missouri [XXX] and the wipers stopped working once we got to Missouri. Called Ford dealership in Springfield and they could not fit us in their schedule, so we took it to a Goodyear certified service center and they said it was the wiper motor. we fixed and eventually drove back to Michigan. About1 week later, the windshield wipers again, stopped working, I called the shop in Springfield and they told me to take it to a shop in Westland Michigan (Redford Auto/Goodyear Certified) because the part was under warranty. I did that, they replaced the part (motor). Now a year later and my wipers are not working again. They stop midstream and get stuck. They are inoperable again. Never in my lifetime of driving (I am [XXX] ) have I ever repaired a wiper motor, let alone 2 x and the problem is still not fixed. I do believe this is faulty by manufacturer and needs to be looked into. Thank you, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11677395

Jul 24, 2025Visibility & wipers

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, there was an abnormal grinding sound coming from the sunroof. Neither a dealer nor and independent mechanic was contacted. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on several occasions. The vehicle was not taken the dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The sunroof was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 71,000.

NHTSA ODI 11675865

Jun 26, 2025Body & structureVisibility & wipers

Inner shade visor for sun roof has become detached from rail mechanism, causing material to sag and bunch up and get stuck when retracting sunroof. Visibility issues caused could cause safety hazard.

NHTSA ODI 11669553

Jun 23, 2025Visibility & wipers

Upon opening the panoramic sunroof, the shade normally rolls back first into position one, with an option of fully open in position two. The shade, going to position one, made some pop noises and shot plastic into the cabin of the vehicle. The shade now sags in the middle obstructing the rear view. It can be closed, but it seems there are guide clips that have snapped, which held the shade in place when rolling back.

NHTSA ODI 11668683

Jun 19, 2025Visibility & wipers

The sunshade of the panoramic sunroof came loose a year ago and has continued to sag lower from the glass and closer to our heads over time. When opened, the shade hangs completely blocking the back window and hangs into the back seat. I have been told the clips may need to be replaced, but have not received a definite diagnosis.

NHTSA ODI 11668035

Jun 6, 2025Visibility & wipersSeat belts

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the message "restraint indicator lamp” was displayed. The contact’s daughter retracted the seat belt and reinserted the seat belt, but the message remained illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. On another occasion while the vehicle was started, the rear passenger’s side window button was depressed, and the window fell inside the door. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was determined that several clips and the window regulator needed to be replaced. The front driver’s side window was previously repaired under a Customer Satisfaction Program. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 22,260.

NHTSA ODI 11665344

May 30, 2025Visibility & wipers

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH in the rain, the front windshield wipers failed to operate as needed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the windshield wiper motors had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 22V142000 (Visibility); however, the VIN was not included in either recall. The vehicle was scheduled for the repair and parts were ordered. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and opened a case. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI 11663902

May 28, 2025Visibility & wipers

The panoramic sunroof shade separates from the track and sags down to the back seat, blocking the view from the rearview mirror. This happens while driving.

NHTSA ODI 11663306

Feb 9, 2025Visibility & wipers

A rattle developed in the panoramic sunroof. When the shade was retracted it popped loose from the retainers and retracted to the full open position. The piece that covers the joint of the roof glass came out. Due to the inability to close the shade, there is a constant glare while driving in the day light. This issue appears to be common according to my research and quiet expensive for dealership repair.

NHTSA ODI 11641577

Jan 3, 2025Visibility & wipers

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was stationary, the window made a popping sound and the front passenger’s side window failed to function as designed. The wrench and several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the dealer to be diagnosed. The vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that several unstated maintenance repairs were needed. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 123,145.

NHTSA ODI 11633990

Dec 4, 2024Visibility & wipers

Panoramic headliner fabric is sagging causing an obstruction to drivers rear view while also creating a hazard for rear passengers in the event of an accident.

NHTSA ODI 11628892

Oct 16, 2024Visibility & wipers

I was trying to crack my panoramic sunroof to move some air and the sunroof shade jumped its track and sagged down into my back window view while driving. It blocked my field of view and would not retract. Once I was safely able to pull to the side of the road and after several attempts I was able to somewhat close the cover and lift it out of my field of view. Now it’s just flapping in the wind. I looked up this issue and it seems that the many others are having this problem as well. For a car that is 4 years old with a sunroof that I have maybe used 5 times this seems like there might be a problem with the integrity of the clips that hold the shade in place. Apparently, ford is making a killing off of the repair ($2k-4k) which is highway robbery for a car that many of us already paid an arm and a leg for and are still in the early stages of paying on. This was not a wear and tear issue….this was a failure of a part with weak integrity.

NHTSA ODI 11620067

Sep 25, 2024Visibility & wipersBackup camera & sensors

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 Prevention). There was a DTC trouble code sent to the manufacturer regarding the backover prevention camera. The contact called the local dealer and was informed to schedule an appointment. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, opened a case, and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 26,000.

NHTSA ODI 11616360

Jul 26, 2024Transmission & drivetrainElectrical systemVisibility & wipers

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 dealer where it was diagnosed that the battery needed to be replaced and codes for the PCM, and headlamp were retrieved. The vehicle was repaired. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the A/C compressor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 31,000.

NHTSA ODI 11604787

Jun 18, 2024Visibility & wipers

1.) My backup camera has failed, and it is static and then continues today will not display and shows black. I can no longer use it or see out of it for backup purposes. 2.) I use my back up camera everyday as I live in a busy city and use it when parking and to assist me when there is a lot happening with parking on the side of the road and entering and exiting parking spots. 3.) Yes, I had it checked by a ford dealer, and they stated other vehicles were having this issue and it was odd mine had not been recalled. 4.) No my vehicle has not been inspected by anyone other than the warranty holder I have as well as the ford dealership. 5.) No everything was working fine and then the next time I turned my vehicle on the backup camera was no longer of use.

NHTSA ODI 11595110

May 20, 2024Visibility & wipers

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon attempting to close the moon roof, the moon roof failed to close as intended. Eventually, the moonroof was able to close; however, the closing resulted in damage to the overheard liner. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 21,000.

NHTSA ODI 11589664

Nov 10, 2023Visibility & wipers

The sun roof opening panel shield fell off while I was driving. It covers the divider between the front and rear sun roof glass. Luckily I didn't have the shade open so it was just sliding all around the sun shade. I did some research on the problem of the shield falling off. It seems that it is held on by 4 or 5 pieces of double faced tape. If I had had the sun shade opened, the piece could have fallen on me or a passenger in my car. It extends across the width of the car, from window to window. I brought the car to the Ford Dealership in Metairie, La. Matt Bowers Ford. My car is 3 years old with a little over 15,000 miles on it. It is no longer under warranty for this problem. I only have a remaining warranty on the Powertrain. However, Ford agreed to give me a Good Faith Discount and the repair will be $200 instead of the initial $2500 quoted to replace the sun shade and panel shield. When the Service Tech tried opening the sun shade to retrieve the panel and put it back in place, I think it hit a spring and the entire shade rolled up and was ruined. That had to be replaced too.I asked the Service Technician if they were going to install the panel shield with double faced tape again, and he said those were his instructions. I feel that the shield will come down again in time and I might not be so lucky this time and be using the sun roof, thereby possibly getting hit in the head while driving. It needs something stronger than double faced tape. In my opinion this should be a recall and Ford should figure out a better way to install this panel shield. It seems to be happening to quite a lot of Ford Escapes.

NHTSA ODI 11554553

Nov 3, 2023Visibility & wipers

The window tent is bubbling and warping down my windows impairing my view of the road, unsure of cause and it is available for inspection. Bubbles are visible the warping is harder to see in a photo, but it runs all the way down the window. It is impairing visibility through passenger and driver windows, causing depth perception issues and a risk to myself and other drivers. The Ford Dealership I recently went to to have other recalls fixed confirmed the issue and told me to file a complaint here. No warning lamps or other symptoms of the problem.

NHTSA ODI 11553399

Oct 18, 2023Visibility & wipersBody & structure

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the driver-side door's hinge had disconnected making the door difficult to manage. The door emits a loud clunking noise when being opened and closed. The window had also become inoperable and failed to go down past a certain point. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who diagnosed that the door needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 20,000.

NHTSA ODI 11550662

Sep 1, 2023Visibility & wipersBody & structure2 injuries

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the front driver's side window would not roll down and while exiting the front driver's side door the door would immediately close back. The contact indicated that the door had erroneously sprung back causing a contusion to the left leg upon contact. The same failure had occurred causing a contusion to the left arm of the son. No medical treatment was required. The cause of the failures were not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 45,000.

NHTSA ODI 11542159

Jun 15, 2023Visibility & wipersLatches & locks

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the driver's side hinge had fractured. The contact stated that there were three holes in the door. While opening and closing the door, there was an abnormal popping sound heard. Additionally, the window failed to roll down completely. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the door and hinges needed to be replaced. The mechanic informed the contact that the repair was not covered under warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and provided a case number. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 42,000.

NHTSA ODI 11527213

Feb 13, 2023Visibility & wipersLatches & locks

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that there was an abnormal cracking sound coming from the front driver’s side door hinge. The contact stated that the failure progressively worsened, with the front driver’s side door being difficult to close properly. The contact also stated that the front driver’s side window failed to roll down after several attempts. Upon investigation, the contact discovered that the window failure was also related to the door failure. The dealer was notified of the failure and provided an estimate for an inspection. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 76,000.

NHTSA ODI 11507074

Dec 8, 2022Visibility & wipersBody & structure

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while opening the front driver's door, there was an abnormally loud sound heard. The contact noticed three holes and that the weld was missing. The driver’s side window also failed to roll down as needed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the spot weld had detached from the check arm. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.

NHTSA ODI 11496657

Nov 25, 2022Visibility & wipersLatches & locks

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated the front driver’s side door striker that was used to prevent the door from overextending while opened had failed. Additionally, the front driver’s side window could not completely be opened due to the failure. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who informed the contact that the part needed to be replaced; however, the vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 47,865.

NHTSA ODI 11494840

Nov 4, 2022Body & structureVisibility & wipers

In late September, my rear driver's side window was being opened. It fell halfway and would not move up or down. I took it to the dealership for repair and they informed me that the regulator for that window had snapped and needed to be replaced. It took them roughly a month to find a replacement part. I finally picked up the repaired vehicle today. While talking to the service agent at the Ford dealership, he told me that in the past month, three other 2020 or newer Ford Escapes have come into this one small dealership with the exact same problem. For this reason, I think that this should be looked into. Four identical and newer cars needing the same repair from the same small dealership in a month is suspicious.

NHTSA ODI 11492333

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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 →