What 1,475 owners told NHTSA about the 2020 Ford Escape

Transmission issues, jerking, stuttering, jumping, rmp jumping, horse power acting up, pulsating

NHTSA ODI 11747788

Vehicle went into low power or limp mode unexpectedly on interstate highway. Vehicle suddenly and unexpectedly slowed and was unable to maintain highway speed

NHTSA ODI 11746668

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

Other: recall issued July 2025 with no timely remedy. Recall puts drivers safety at risk.

NHTSA ODI 11737659

There has been an active recall on this vehicle for around a year for fuel injectors leaking on the top of the engine and potentially causing a fire. Since this is a turbocharged engine, that risk of fire is significant if fuel does leak.

NHTSA ODI 11736866

Subject: Request for Buyback or Trade Assistance – 2020 Ford Escape SE To Whom It May Concern, I am writing regarding my 2020 Ford Escape equipped with the 1.5L engine, which is currently subject to multiple open safety recalls. Of particular concern is the active fuel injector recall involving a risk of engine compartment fire. I understand that the current remedy does not fully address the underlying defect and that additional actions may still be pending. In addition, my vehicle is affected by other safety-related recalls, compounding concerns about reliability and safe operation. Given the nature of these issues—specifically the fire risk and the lack of a complete and permanent repair— as well as a history of over 15 recalls on this vehicle, I am increasingly concerned about the safety, usability, and value of my vehicle. This situation has significantly impacted my confidence in operating the vehicle. Based on these circumstances, I am formally requesting that Ford Motor Company review my case for: • A manufacturer buyback, or • Substantial trade assistance toward a new Ford vehicle, or • Appropriate goodwill compensation reflecting the ongoing safety concerns and diminished value I would appreciate prompt review by a case manager and a written response outlining Ford’s proposed resolution. Please contact me at your earliest convenience to discuss next steps. Thank you.

NHTSA ODI 11734477

My car has been in shop month at a time it lost all power to start with it has been torn up for the last 2 years 7 turbo 2 in one vist now it has metal saving in the motor ford say dealer ship is responsible dealer ship say ford but I lost my job have 2 kids and no way to go

NHTSA ODI 11733171

There is no incident, yet, just a recall that I have for this vehicle, coming up on a year here soon, for a fuel leak that could cause a fire under the hood while driving, and Ford doesn't seem to think that's urgent enough to get the parts to fix it. What's up with that? Safety recall notice, 25S76 NHTSA Recall, 25V467

NHTSA ODI 11731953

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The contact stated that after shifting to reverse(R), the vehicle failed to operate as needed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the transmission was inoperable and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 81,000.

NHTSA ODI 11729966

I have a recall for my vehicle that was sent out as an advanced notice back in July 2025. There is still no remedy available. This recall states my car could ignite in an engine fire if not repaired. This could cause serious danger or bodily harm to me and others while I'm driving.

NHTSA ODI 11725738

I am reporting an Ineffective Remedy for Recall 22S21. The vehicle was 'inspected' in 2022, but the original defective part (Date Code 2020) remains and is now leaking oil onto hot engine components, creating the fire risk the recall was intended to prevent. The dealership (Ford [Dealer Name]) is refusing to honor the recall and is demanding 500 to address a safety defect. This is a violation of 49 U.S.C. § 30120. The vehicle is exhibiting the exact failure symptoms described in Safety Recall 22S21 (NHTSA 22V-191): active oil leakage in the engine compartment. While the dealership refuses to perform a 'no-charge' forensic teardown, I have documented a 2020-dated oil separator still on the vehicle despite a 2022 'Completion' notice in the Ford OASIS system. The presence of oil in the turbocharger is a documented consequential result of high crankcase pressure caused by this failed component.

NHTSA ODI 11724977

The car has been jerking and shuddering and losing power when I accelerate. Was told it needs a new transmission.

NHTSA ODI 11723542

My vehicle has been in the shop since December due to the turbocharger needing to be replaced. Through this site I found the fuel injector recall which I had to fight ford to evaluate. My vehicle had 2 cracked fuel injectors. I have been fighting with ford that everything I read states that this can damage the turbocharger. I am not sure if this is theright organization to look for help but I need to try.

NHTSA ODI 11723643

My car shut down from a new engine block recall or mandate. Has been in the shop for four months with no eta on when it will be done. This is my only way of transportation.

NHTSA ODI 11720604

Turbo failed due to oil lines clogged. Failed again after repair two weeks later on highway almost causing a collision.

NHTSA ODI 11718693

I have had 22 recalls to date on this vehicle and received 1 recall notice. Engine light comes on alot, makes noises and then goes away after a couple days. Windshield washer stopped working on front windshield, now back stopped working. Tire pressure monitor & sensor default stays on (previous recall) Window on driver side stopped working, back passenger door on drivers side don't shut correctly like the weld come loose. Back brakes make a crazy noise when backing up. Back up camera warning comes up. I've only had this vehicle since 09-2023 and purchased from Ford as a Ford Blue Certified and have nothing but issues. Most of these recalls risk is a fire. If I'm involved and live through a fire I will make sure FORD is held accountable. The open recall with risk of fire currently has been open since July 2025 and no repair yet. This is totally unacceptable if they want me to keep paying for it. Thank you

NHTSA ODI 11718804

The transmission shifting got increasingly rough over time, and then suddenly refused to shift into gear/reverse. The Ford shop told us it was the reverse solenoid, but it ended up requiring a full transmission rebuild. Safety of the car refusing to shift gears led to loss of power several times, unable to accelerate in traffic, until total failure occurred. Problem was inspected by Ford dealership, then repaired by independent service center due to cost. Not inspected by insurance, as it did not result in a collision. Warning lamps did not turn on until total failure occurred. Then lights on gear shift dial blinked, refused to allow us to put the car in gear. Dash lights also indicated "check engine" at that time, but no earlier.

NHTSA ODI 11718222

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 that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal cracking sound coming from under the hood, and the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. However, it was unclear if the failure was recall-related. The parts for the recall repair were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 28,000. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ODI 11712155

This recall has been open since mid 2025 and there is still no solution. My vehicle has been smelling of fuel everyday and is having a hard time starting when I fuel up. Check engine light is on and the code is this issue. Cannot get it fixed until this recall becomes available to be fixed by Ford. It has been WAY too long. The safety of me and my family riding in the my car everyday is unsafe. I cannot afford to fix this on my own and be reimbursed God knows when Ford comes up with a solution.

NHTSA ODI 11711568

Based on the current recall for the 2020 Ford Escape, fuel injectors could crack, become hot and further leading to a fire under the hood. This letter of notice was sent in August 2025, its now nearly 2026 with zero repair in order. This is a huge safety issue, having a recall for something that could cause a fire screams safety issue!! Being informed by a dealership that there is currently no update, no parts, or currently no fix to this issue. That also screams safety issue. I don't want to drive a vehicle that has a pretty major safety issue and not have any idea if or when it will be repaired. Personally I am looking for a way to trade this vehicle in or legally look at laws how this works as I have a family to transport in this vehicle and no longer want to risk our safety. Its absolutely insane to have a pretty major recall open for this length of time and have zero repair for it.

NHTSA ODI 11707944

While driving and idling, strong exhaust fumes enter the cabin, especially when the vehicle is in park or stopped at a traffic light. Air recirculation shuts off by itself and the airflow is very weak even on high settings. Remote start caused the cabin to fill with fumes before entering the vehicle, leading to headache and difficulty breathing within minutes. Symptoms are consistent with carbon monoxide exposure. Cabin and engine air filter is brand new. Just replaced 12/13/2025. Fumes are significantly worse at idle, suggesting an exhaust manifold crack or turbo exhaust leak. This is a serious safety hazard, and I am concerned about carbon monoxide poisoning and risk of losing consciousness while driving. It was so bad I had to have all windows open and the heat off in 30 or below temperature just to breathe. I have a very small child with heart problems and I'm concerned my vehicle is no longer safe to drive.

NHTSA ODI 11705714

I am smelling gas every time I put gas and it won't start after putting gas there's a strong smell of gas inside my vehicle the recall has not been fixed yet I am a single mother and this is a safety risk issue how do I go forward powertrain is also still coming up I have other things popping up saying recalls were never fixed please help

NHTSA ODI 11703340

Head gasket got damaged and there was coolant leakage to the engine. There was white smoke coming out of the exhaust pipes and we did not want to drive the car. So we towed the car to the Ford dealership and they confirmed the issue. Currently they are repairing the car.

NHTSA ODI 11698738

NHTSA Recall 25V467 was issued in July 2025. It has been over 3 months of constant fear for under-hood fire from possible fuel injector crack. My family's safety has been at risk long enough, this needs a permanent fix please!

NHTSA ODI 11695794

My car hesitates when driving forward from a stop and the rpm's jump up and down. It almost stalls when going up a steep hill. I have to leave it running when filling it up or it is very hard to start and sometimes will stall after starting. Check engine light is on and tire sensor light is on. The sound system doesn't work. Have read online about a lot of people having the same problems with their car.

NHTSA ODI 11694193