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

Back door of my ,2020 Ford Escape SE, is stuck closed! Won't open at all with key fob or buttons on driver side or button on back door. Multiple times before it got stuck closed, the door wouldn't latch properly and bounce open randomly over bumps in the road!

NHTSA ODI 11606295

AWD fault at 58,000 miles. AWD module has to be replaced at approximately $750. Power train/drivetrain warranty good for 60,000 miles. Was informed at the dealership that it wasn’t covered under the power train/drivetrain warranty. I have read several complaints from owners having the same issue. Ford needs to offer a recall and reimburse all funds.

NHTSA ODI 11605913

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

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

The shift selector locks in park when it gets hot. Several times the car has been disabled due to the shifter being locked in park. The car is in the driveway not allowing for our other car to reach the street. If we had an emergency we were without a car. In addition, no vechicle could get to our house. When the shifter is cooled down it will operate. Meaning that left over night or using some cooling device - like a plastic bag filled with ice water - applied directly can free the shifter up in an hour or so. This issue is mentioned frequently on the internet by other Ford Escape owners. In some cases they claim that Ford actually acknowledged the issue and had a dealer replace the shifter assembly at no cost to the owner. We do not feel safe with no access to transportation due to a disabled vehicle blocking our driveway.

NHTSA ODI 11591630

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 20–40 MPH, the vehicle was vibrating abnormally. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the vehicle was working as designed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who completed a test drive and informed the contact that the vehicle was in ECO Mode and recommended driving the vehicle in SPORT Mode. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 18,000.

NHTSA ODI 11590612

I was driving home and all error lights came on. When I got home, my ford app said transmission failure, awd failure, hill start failure and pre collision failure. All of these are necessary to not get in an accident. I called the ford dealer and brought the car in for diagnosis ($200). Ford called a few hours later and said the AWD module is bad and needs to be replaced ($1k).My ford only has 36k miles over 4 years and I’m the original owner. The vehicle has never been off road or abused in anyway. I see hundreds of people online complaining about this module going bad at such a short time. This should be a recall since ford knew about it with the 2020 vehicles but won’t replace with their 5year 60k mile power train warranty. It’s actually affecting my cars performance as I cannot use AWD and car runs sluggish.

NHTSA ODI 11588501

Front passenger door is coming apart - literally the inside structure is separating from the frame of the car. The driver door is automatically locking even when key fob is in the car. When rolling up windows- the Automatic windows continue to roll up and down without touching the buttons. Engine is puttering upon start up- low idling. The engine cuts out when pressing gas upon driving.

NHTSA ODI 11584440

Driver side door is literally falling off. The hinge is broken and the dealer says although it is a known issue Ford will not cover it. I cannot open the door or else will not be able to close it again. It took two men to close it once it broke and I've been using the passenger side door to enter and exit. I have 2 small children. All electronics inside of door are now non-functioning. Dealer wants $3,000 to repair. Not sure how a non-functioning door is not a safety issue. There are times when you may have to exit a vehicle in an emergency situation (like when it's on fire, in an accident, etc.) not to mention when you're driving down the highway and the door flies off.

NHTSA ODI 11584075

AWD control module needs to be replaced at nearly $1000. Just replaced the emissions sensor for $500. Both are known issues and one was a recall but not for my VIN.

NHTSA ODI 11582413

I have already put in a complaint about the broken spots welds, I am now adding to that complaint. I had the window fixed but because the door is broken I cannot roll down the window. My door is now not locking so stays open even when engaging the locks. The electrical system is giving me errors telling me that there is no key detected and so the engine won't start right away. The radio screen blacks out and doesn't work right, won't keep my settings anymore. This all has been happening since my door broke. I am sick of this car. Casa Ford says that my door is not covered by my extended warranty, but my window was, which was broken because of the broken spot welds in the door. This makes no sense since I am not able to use the window because of the door being broken.

NHTSA ODI 11582186

The lift gate won't open. The "enable" and "disable" options on the vehicle screen are greyed out.

NHTSA ODI 11580005

Both front doors have broken spot welds. The driver’s side window will not function properly— it only goes 1/3 of the way up and down when the vehicle is in use. There is also a loud popping sound when the door is opened.

NHTSA ODI 11577623

Replaced AWD Module at 49,134 miles - four months after purchasing from a Ford Dealer. It is obviously a faulty module with all the complaints online. Individuals shouldn't have to spend a fortune when Ford knows there is/was a problem with the part, and failed to recall it and perform its due diligence. Ford makes the money and individuals keep going into debt. They need to be held accountable. Multiple repairs shops are aware of the problem! The safety of drivers/passengers is at risk.

NHTSA ODI 11576946

Consistent metallic cracking noise heard when opening side door. I cannot completely open the door without the door making this noise and it feels like the door could come off at ant time…..I have to gingerly open the door on entering or exiting the vehicle. Also, the Driver side window does not completely go up and down when door is closed. Dealer diagnosed issue as: BY001 DOOR HINGE BROKEN/DAMAGED. WILL NEED TO BE REPAIRED BY BODY SHOP. DAMAGE HINGE IS PUSHING INTO DOOR FRAME MESSING WITH WINDOW MECHANICS. The mileage is only at 37,835 and has only been driven for commuting to work/home, grocery shopping and very few leisure trips. It has not been in any accident or abused in any way.

NHTSA ODI 11569697

Rear View displays on screen while driving forward! Screen also goes blank and is non-responsive!

NHTSA ODI 11569299

My left side door. The door is making a popping/cracking noise the window won’t go down because the welding broke off

NHTSA ODI 11567620

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

Approximately 1/4/2024 The front drivers side door is broken. The bolts broke off on the inside.I had no prior warning, I went to open my door and a huge clunk sound happened and it was difficult to open , there was friction ,opening it all the way is causing friction and I don’t want the door to fall off. Also it’s causing the automatic window not to work now , that only is opening half way . I took it to the dealer to assess the problem and it’s the left door asy , I looked this up online and it’s stating Ford is aware of this problem but still hasn’t issued a recall. I do not want my door to fall off , especially if I’m driving and this happened . This is also a huge financial burden on anyone , please can you help with this situation . Thank you

NHTSA ODI 11565535

Drivers side Front door pops when you open or close it drivers side window won’t let down all the way lift gate doesn’t work most of the time but the most scary issue is riding down the road radio screen will read turn engine on or shut off to save battery this car is only 3 years old I shouldn’t have these kind of issues

NHTSA ODI 11565462

7/31/23 Used 2020 Ford Escape was bought at Cecil Atkission Motors, it was deemed "fully functional, no present issues." 08/02/23 Tire issues, dealership inspected and found 2 screws in driver tire/failed alignment test. Also suddenly found oil pan and left axle seal leaking. Seal leaking and replaced. Front axle leaking. 12/08/23 Took Ford Escape to Ford Dealership due to broken popping driver door. Vibration while driving 70mph, inspected and the cause of it is front suspension and uneven tires given by Cecil Atkission Motors. Found oil leak again front cover and oil pan, leak on crank shaft rear main seal. Trans and engine dye found between. Rear seal leaking. Rattle noise at cold start, coming from turbo. Misfire at 2 and 3 cylinders. Blindside spot doesn't detect cars next to car. Due to the driver door being broken and unable to open it poses a safety hazard if car caught on fire or if an accident, unable to escape. Being a 2020-year vehicle, this should not be happening early on. All issues mentioned above are hazardous to my safety and others, including children.

NHTSA ODI 11564277

The dashboard and main touch screen would not light up in the middle of driving - this would occur every 5 minutes. "System off to save battery please turn ignition off or start engine" pop up would come on main screen while the entire system was done. Another pop up "auto hold system fault" warning would come up as well. Vehicle has been inspected twice by a ford service center and unable to identify the issue. This issue puts the driver at risk for accidents by not knowing the speed at which he/she is driving, fuel capacity, other information that is available on the dashboard if there are issues when it is completely off.

NHTSA ODI 11561078

P2418 Electrical fault has occurred with the evap emission vapor blocking valve circuit and its associated wiring.

NHTSA ODI 11559459

For at least a year or better, I noticed a creaking noise in the driver side door. Then on November 14th while doing my first time doing meals on wheels delivery, the door sounded as if it was going to fall off. We drove to Horn Ford Dealership in Brillion where the car was purchased and had them look at it. There was mention that they had repaired a couple of other Ford Escapes with the same issue. We scheduled an appt. for repair. We used the SUV very limited after that visit and only opened the door far enough to enter inside. The loud creak stopped before the appt. on 12/4, but the power window also would not fully open. During this time, I also contacted Ford Motor Company to file a claim, since the SUV was just out of warranty. They worked with our dealership Horn Ford and agreed to pay 40% of the cost. Today, 12/5/2023 we received our vehicle back and all is working well including the window. I also discovered that a resident in our village had the same problem. I felt this was worth reporting. I have owned many Fords and it would appear this was a defect from the Factory due to a bad weld on the door. Unfortunately, the vehicle was just out of warranty and I regret not saying something sooner, although, I don't think the dealership would have done anything about a creak in the door, especially since it was occurring when the door was fully open, until the day of November 14th.

NHTSA ODI 11558602

About 3 weeks ago now I opened my driver door and heard a loud cranking followed by a poo, the arm bar weld on the door just broke, had to shut the door from the outside and as a result I don't have control over my driver side window and all the power locks in the vehicle are shot. In addition to this my electrical is going crazy, I have the dash lights set to off but when I remove key or open door all the lights come on and I have to click the button back and forth to get the lights to shut off. This has resulted in a dead battery once for not catching it acting up. I'm extremely concerned about the safety on this vehicle I have had it less then 3 years and it's had several recalled issues fixed already. I can't afford a whole new door so please recall this spot weld!!

NHTSA ODI 11556107