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)

26 of 1,479 complaints match · Backup camera & sensors · clear filters · page 1 of 2

Jun 10, 2026Fuel systemBody & structureBackup camera & sensors

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA ODI 11743223

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 14, 2026Fuel systemBackup camera & sensors

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that she received a recall letter for NHTSA Campaign Number 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V123000 (Back Over Prevention). The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. There had not been a failure experienced.

NHTSA ODI 11737833

May 6, 2026Fuel systemVisibility & wipersBackup camera & sensors

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V123000 (Back Over Prevention) and 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 26V117000 (Visibility) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA ODI 11736124

Apr 27, 2026Fuel systemVisibility & wipersBackup camera & sensors

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline), 26V123000 (Back Over Prevention), and 26V117000 (Visibility); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were 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 not experienced a failure.

NHTSA ODI 11734023

Apr 22, 2026Fuel systemBackup camera & sensors

Due to the two unrepaired recalls my family’s safety is at risk. The recalls could cause a fire or crash and with no remedy available my family is unsafe in this vehicle

NHTSA ODI 11732900

Apr 14, 2026Engine & coolingFuel systemBackup camera & sensors

The contact’s daughter owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 26V123000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The contact stated that while in reverse(R), the back over prevention sensor alarmed the driver that a person or an object was in the rear of the vehicle, even though there was nothing behind the vehicle. While accelerating at various speeds and after being idle, the vehicle jerked abnormally before accelerating. While attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle jerked and failed to immediately start, causing the driver to have to aggressively depress the accelerator pedal for the engine to start. The wrench warning light and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The dealer was contacted; however, the contact was unable to speak with a representative. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI 11731083

Apr 14, 2026Fuel systemBackup camera & sensors

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 26V123000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The dealer was contacted several times. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer confirmed that parts were not yet available for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA ODI 11731222

Apr 9, 2026Visibility & wipersBody & structureBackup camera & sensors

The contact owned a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 26V123000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION), 26V117000 (VISIBILITY) and ( 25V829000 (STRUCTURE); and requested to be removed from the recall distribution list. The local dealer and manufacturer were not contacted.

NHTSA ODI 11730194

Apr 8, 2026Fuel systemBody & structureBackup camera & sensors

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline), 25V829000 (Structure), 26V123000 (Back Over Prevention) and 26V117000 (Visibility); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer and the dealer were not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA ODI 11729866

Mar 19, 2026Fuel systemBackup camera & sensors

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 26V123000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA ODI 11725539

Mar 18, 2026Body & structureBackup camera & sensors

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V829000 (Structure) and 26V123000 (Back Over Prevention); 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 made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA ODI 11725169

Nov 17, 2025Electrical systemBackup camera & sensors

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the infotainment system screen had turned off while driving, requiring the contact to pull over to the side of the road. The contact stated that upon turning off and restarting the vehicle, the infotainment system screen became operable. Additionally, the contact stated that the rearview camera was inoperable while reversing. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

NHTSA ODI 11699793

Sep 1, 2025Electrical systemDriver assistanceBackup camera & sensors

My Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Warning, Pre Collision warning all quit working and just flash across the screen, my light indicators for blind spot on my side mirrors quit working, my back up camera just has a bluescreen, there is no audio so no alerts can be heard and my sync doesnt work it has the screen but wont let you hear anything so yes I drive a bit away to work not having these features has been a major safety concern I have almost backed into someone because they were in my blind spot and no warning lights or warning sounds I have perviously went to a dealership for four active recalls they only look at the powertrain one there was one about spot welds nothing was done about either they broke like within the first few months of me having the car I have never received anything on extending my warrenty partly because I moved I guess but they basically told me when I was there for the recalls I would have to come back and pay for them to look at the rest which I said I wasn't aware that I had to pay for something that was a safety concern so then I contacted the place where I purchased the car that was 2 weeks ago they still have not contacted me back after several attempt and no response I then got on chat with Ford gave them a list of what was going on and they have yet to respond either but it was read just being ignored at this point and I'm at the end of my patience these are major safety issues I haven't even had this car a maybe a year if that and no one care to help I was told there was nothing wrong with anything basically I would have to wait for something to happen when I went for the recalls

NHTSA ODI 11684265

May 22, 2025Backup camera & sensors

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while reversing, the rearview camera image was distorted. An unknown dealer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that a diagnostic testing fee would be charged for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

NHTSA ODI 11662506

Feb 28, 2025Electrical systemDriver assistanceBackup camera & sensors

First Ford had issues a Customer Satisfaction Program 21B19 was issued to all Ford dealers on April 9, 2021. Then they put out a TSB 23-2061 which my vehicle is part of but says it is not covered under warranty. There are MANY 2020 FORD ESCAPES with this issue. Seems to be just gas vehicles 1.5 and 2.0l engines. My vehicle was not covered along with many other vehicles. Then they even put out a 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.

NHTSA ODI 11645649

Feb 6, 2025Backup camera & sensorsDriver assistance

I had warning lights flashing on my dashboard continuously "parking assist off" "AWD off" "Collison Assist Off" I could not change my car over to snow, ice, or deep snow it all showed not available. This happened 3 or 4 days before I took it back to the dealership. I researched online and found out there were a lot of complaints about the 2020 Ford Escape 2.0 Titanium which is what my car is. I also seen where people were talking about a class action lawsuit due to the low miles on their cars and this happening. My car only has 31,000 miles. I took my car to the shop I had an appointment and they told me the ADM Module was bad. This is the same thing everyone online complained about. This is costing me $1100.00 to replace. I did not have any AWD traction this was useless. I read that someone said the recall should be expanded. Which tells me there was a recall at one point for this problem.

NHTSA ODI 11641062

Dec 26, 2024Transmission & drivetrainBackup camera & sensors

While driving on the highway, the engine started to sputter when gas pedal was depressed, turned around and drove it straight to a mechanic. At the mechanic, they were unable to shift the car out of park, and noted the transmission had "catastrophic failure, irrepairable" We called Ford, and they said while there is a recall for 2020 Ford Escapes, this one was built in a different factor and was not covered.

NHTSA ODI 11632467

Oct 18, 2024Speed controlBackup camera & sensorsDriver assistance

I'm getting warnings all of a sudden that the Pre Collision Assist, Advance Trac and AWD are either not available or have a fault and need service. There were some other warnings which I don't recall as when driving I wanted to keep my eyes on the road as much as possible. Right now, it is not showing those. I have lost all safety features like backup sensors, forward sensors, lane wandering and blind spot warning. I have lost convenience features such as cruise control and parking assist. Mileage is 29,726.

NHTSA ODI 11620664

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

Aug 5, 2024Electrical systemBackup camera & sensors

I have a 2020 Ford Escape that was not included in the recall 20C19/20V575, however my vehicle has been having the issue. Ford dealerships and the Ford customer support were not helpful and said they couldn't fix the issue since my specific vehicle was not included in the recall, even though my vehicle is having the same issue. They directed me to file a complaint here in order to be added to the recall.

NHTSA ODI 11606608

Jul 15, 2024Transmission & drivetrainBackup camera & sensorsDriver assistance

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

Apr 5, 2024Body & structureBackup camera & sensors

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while opening the front driver's side door, it made an abnormal popping sound. Additionally, the rearview camera failed to display an image or displayed a distorted image while in operation. The front driver's and passenger's side windows inadvertently rolled down after being rolled up. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the front driver's side door hinge was welded to the door and the rearview camera and windows were calibrated. The failure recurred and the front driver's side door hinge detached from the door, preventing the window from rolling up and down. The dealer was made aware of the failure, but the vehicle had not yet been repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 59,000.

NHTSA ODI 11581348

Oct 17, 2023Body & structureLane DepartureBackup camera & sensors

The vehicle's driver's door malfunctioned. It is available for inspection, but I paid to fix it earlier this week out of my pocket. It was confirmed by an auto body repair shop.It has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives. There was no warning lamps' messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. The first time it occurred was early last year. It was fixed under the warranty manufacturer twice.The last time it was a week ago, but it was outside the warranty when that occurred.So I paid to fix.

NHTSA ODI 11550353

Jun 17, 2023Electrical systemBackup camera & sensors

Screen goes out periodically, not able to use backup camera, or radio, or anything.

NHTSA ODI 11527564

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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 →