Recalls
23campaigns
5 engine · 3 rear camera · 3 fuel system
Source: NHTSA
Complaints
1,604filed
Owner reports, 2016–2025 shown
Source: NHTSA ODI
Crash tests
5★overall
★★★★★ Frontal 5★ · Side 5★ · Rollover 4★
Source: NHTSA NCAP
Fuel economy
41mpg combined
$1,593/yr at this week's prices
Source: EPA · EIA
Specs
2.5 L 4-cyl· CVT
6 engine and transmission configurations
Source: NHTSA vPIC
Recalls (23)
NHTSA lists 23 recall campaigns for the 2020 Ford Escape. Check whether yours was repaired with NHTSA's free VIN lookup ↗
Only NHTSA and your automaker know whether your specific car was repaired. PlainVIN shows every recall campaign listed for a model year, with the official text and how many cars have been fixed so far.
Check on NHTSA ↗Listed for 2020 Ford Escape. Not checked against your VIN.
Windshield Wipers May Fail
Visibility · windshield wiper/washer · motor
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer, Escape, Lincoln Aviator, and Lincoln Corsair vehicles. The windshield wiper motor may fail and prevent the windshield wipers from operating properly.
- Consequence
- Windshield wipers that fail to operate properly can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and replace the front wiper motors as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed April 2, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in October 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S14. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 4, 2026.
Repair progress not yet reported604,533 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 26V117000
Listed for 2020 Ford Escape. Not checked against your VIN.
Incorrectly Displayed Rearview Camera Image/FMVSS 111
Back over prevention · software
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2020-2024 Lincoln Aviator, and Explorer vehicles. The image on the center display may flip or invert, resulting in an incorrectly displayed rearview image when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
- Consequence
- An incorrectly displayed rearview image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will update the accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 23, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C11. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 5, 2026.
12.4% repairedof 889,950 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 26V123000
Listed for 2020 Ford Escape. Not checked against your VIN.
Liftgate Hinge Covers May Detach
Structure · body · hatchback/liftgate · hinge and attachments
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape and 2025 Escape vehicles. The liftgate hinge covers may not be properly secured and detach from the vehicle.
- Consequence
- A detached liftgate hinge cover can create a distraction or a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and reinstall, or replace any missing liftgate hinge covers as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 3, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SD6. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on December 3, 2025.
15.4% repairedof 108,762 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 25V829000
Listed for 2020 Ford Escape. Not checked against your VIN.
Engine Block Heater May Short Circuit and Cause Fire
Equipment · electrical · engine block heater
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Lincoln MKC, 2016-2023 Explorer, 2019-2020 Fusion, 2019-2024 Ranger, 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair, Escape, 2021-2024 Bronco, Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
- Consequence
- An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded blanking plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed December 3, 2025. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated September 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA4. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 15, 2025.
Repair progress not yet reported59,006 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 25V685000
Listed for 2020 Ford Escape. Not checked against your VIN.
Reduced Brake Function/FMVSS 135
Service brakes, hydraulic · foundation components · disc · pads
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Escape vehicles. The rear brake pads may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can reduce brake function in the event of a brake booster malfunction. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
- Consequence
- Reduced brake function can require the driver to apply more brake pedal force, and the distance required to stop the vehicle may be extended, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the front brake pads, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on November 5, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21C31. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 13, 2025. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 21V922.
46% repairedof 13,451 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 25V693000
Listed for 2020 Ford Escape. Not checked against your VIN.
Cracked Fuel Injector May Leak and Cause a Fire
Fuel system, gasoline · fuel injection system
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Bronco Sport and 2020-2022 Escape vehicles equipped with 1.5L engines. A fuel injector may crack and leak fuel inside the engine compartment.
- Consequence
- A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source, such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will update the engine control software. In addition, dealers will replace the high-pressure fuel rail assembly and fuel injectors, free of charge. As an interim repair, dealers will update the engine control software, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed August 29, 2025. Second letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in July 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S76. This recall expands and replaces previous recall numbers 22V-859, 24V187, and 25V165. Vehicles previously remedied under 22V-859, 24V187, and 25V165 will need to have the new final remedy performed once it is available.
Repair progress not yet reported694,271 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 25V467000
Listed for 2020 Ford Escape. Not checked against your VIN.
Rearview Camera Image May Not Display
Back over prevention · software
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, MKX, Edge, Continental, F-150, Nautilus, Fusion, 2019-2023 Ranger, Mustang, 2020-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape, F-250 SD, Corsair, 2020-2023 Aviator, Transit, 2020-2024 Explorer, 2021-2024 Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank image, or the image may remain on the display after the backing event has ended.
- Consequence
- A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver. Both of these situations can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S72.
54.8% repairedof 200,237 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 25V442000
Listed for 2020 Ford Escape. Not checked against your VIN.
Engine Failure May Cause Fire
Engine
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Escape, 2021-2023 Corsair, and 2022-2023 Maverick vehicles equipped with 2.5L HEV or PHEV engines that were repaired incorrectly under recall 23V380. In the event of an engine failure, engine oil and fuel vapor may be released into the engine compartment and accumulate near ignition sources such as hot engine or exhaust components, possibly resulting in an engine compartment fire.
- Consequence
- An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- Owners are advised to park and shut off the engine as quickly as possible if they hear unexpected engine noises, notice a reduction in vehicle power, or see smoke. Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 27, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S54.
71.1% repairedof 1,809 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 25V345000
Listed for 2020 Ford Escape. Not checked against your VIN.
Cracked Fuel Injector May Leak and Cause a Fire
Fuel system, gasoline · fuel injection system
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape and 2021-2023 Bronco Sport vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall numbers 22V-859 or 24V-187. A fuel injector may crack and leak fuel inside the engine compartment.
- Consequence
- A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will update the powertrain control module (PCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 22, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S21.
100% repairedof 33,576 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 25V165000
Listed for 2020 Ford Escape. Not checked against your VIN.
High Voltage Battery May Short Circuit
Electrical system · propulsion system · traction battery · management system/energy control module (bms/becm)
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Ford Escape, and 2021-2024 Lincoln Corsair vehicles. A manufacturing defect in one or more of the high voltage battery cells may result in an internal short circuit and battery failure.
- Consequence
- Battery failure can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. Battery failure can also increase the risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- Owners are advised not to charge battery till the remedy has been completed. Dealers will perform a battery energy control module (BECM) software update, and replace the high voltage battery pack, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 30, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S79.
83.5% repairedof 20,484 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 24V954000
Listed for 2020 Ford Escape. Not checked against your VIN.
Missing Dashboard Air Bag Warning Label/FMVSS 208
Equipment · other · labels
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, 2020-2024 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2018-2024 F-150, Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The air bag warning label may be missing from the dashboard. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirement Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
- Consequence
- Without a label that shows the proper restraint usage guidelines, the occupants may have an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
- Remedy
- Ford will mail owners the warning labels, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 19, 2024. Owners may call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24C39.
65.6% repairedof 27,678 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 24V852000
Listed for 2020 Ford Escape. Not checked against your VIN.
Software Error May Cause Loss of Drive Power
Power train · automatic transmission · control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Maverick, 2020-2022 Escape, and 2021-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles. The Hybrid Powertrain Control Module (HPCM) software may cause the vehicle to shift into neutral unexpectedly, causing a loss of drive power.
- Consequence
- A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will update the HPCM software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 22, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S33.
98.7% repairedof 9,312 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 24V330000
Listed for 2020 Ford Escape. Not checked against your VIN.
Engine Failure May Cause Fire
Engine
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Escape, 2022-2023 Maverick, and 2021-2023 Corsair vehicles equipped with 2.5L HEV or PHEV engines. In the event of an engine failure, engine oil and fuel vapor may be released into the engine compartment and accumulate near ignition sources such as hot engine or exhaust components, possibly resulting in an engine compartment fire.
- Consequence
- An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- Owners are advised to park and shut off the engine as quickly as possible if they hear unexpected engine noises, notice a reduction in vehicle power, or see smoke. Dealers will replace the engine long-block in 2023 Escape and Corsair vehicles. For the other vehicles, dealers will update the powertrain control module software. If a connecting rod bearing failure is detected, dealers will replace the engine long-block. All inspections and repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 14, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S27. This recall expands and replaces recall number 22V-484. Vehicles previously repaired under 22V-484 will need to have the new remedy completed.
89.4% repairedof 125,322 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 23V380000
Listed for 2020 Ford Escape. Not checked against your VIN.
Cracked Fuel Injector May Leak and Cause a Fire
Fuel system, gasoline · fuel injection system
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Escape and 2021-2023 Bronco Sport vehicles equipped with 1.5L engines. A fuel injector may crack and leak fuel inside the engine compartment.
- Consequence
- A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will update the engine control software to include fuel injector leak detection and install a drain tube, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed January 9, 2023. Remedy parts are expected to be available in 1st Quarter of 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed February 28, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S73. This recall includes all vehicles previously recalled under 22V-191. Vehicles previously remedied under 22V-191 will need to have the new remedy performed.
100% repairedof 521,746 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 22V859000
Listed for 2020 Ford Escape. Not checked against your VIN.
Engine Compartment Fire Risk
Engine and engine cooling
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape, 2021-2022 Lincoln Corsair, and 2022 Maverick vehicles equipped with 2.5L HEV or PHEV engines. In the event of an engine failure, engine oil and fuel vapor may be released into the engine compartment and accumulate near ignition sources such as hot engine or exhaust components, possibly resulting in an engine compartment fire.
- Consequence
- An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- Owners are advised to park and shut off the engine as quickly as possible if they hear unexpected engine noises, notice a reduction in vehicle power, or see smoke. Dealers will modify the under engine shield and active grille shutter, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 19, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S47.
95% repairedof 100,689 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 22V484000
Listed for 2020 Ford Escape. Not checked against your VIN.
Insufficient Welds in High Voltage Battery
Electrical system · propulsion system · traction battery
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Escape and 2021 Lincoln Corsair vehicles equipped with 2.5L hybrid powertrains. Insufficient welds inside the high voltage battery may fail, resulting in a loss of drive power.
- Consequence
- A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the high voltage battery, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on July 12, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed August 8, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S33.
22.2% repairedof 27 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 22V331000
Listed for 2020 Ford Escape. Not checked against your VIN.
Engine Oil Leak
Engine and engine cooling · engine · oil/lubrication
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape and 2021-2022 Bronco Sport vehicles equipped with 1.5L engines. The engine oil separator housing may crack and develop an oil leak.
- Consequence
- An oil leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the oil separator for damage or oil leaks, and replace the oil separator and seals, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 18, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S21.
94.5% repairedof 345,451 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 22V191000
Listed for 2020 Ford Escape. Not checked against your VIN.
Inadequate Lubrication In Rear Drive Unit
Power train · driveline · driveshaft
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Edge, 2020 Lincoln Nautilus and Ford Escape and 2021 Lincoln Corsair and Ford Bronco Sport vehicles. An inadequate amount of lubricant in the rear drive unit may cause seizure of the rear drive axle.
- Consequence
- If the rear drive unit seizes, there may be a loss of drive and/or a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will check the rear drive unit lubricant level. Axles found to have lubricant at the minimum level will be filled to the full level. Axles found to be below the minimum lubricant fill level will be replaced, free of charge. This recall began March 12, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S02.
95.9% repairedof 147 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 21V011000
Listed for 2020 Ford Escape. Not checked against your VIN.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System Malfunction
Electrical system · body control module/bcm
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Escape vehicles equipped with a key-start ignition system. The Body Control Module (BCM) intermittently may not pick up the signal from the rear Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) sensors or the Remote Key Fob. In the event of a low tire pressure condition, the TPMS system may not provide an adequate warning.
- Consequence
- Low tire pressure may lead to poor vehicle handling and a possible loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of crash.
- Remedy
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the BCM, free of charge. Owners are advised that two key fobs are required for the repair to be completed. The recall began December 1, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S59.
93.2% repairedof 689 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 20V635000
Listed for 2020 Ford Escape. Not checked against your VIN.
Distorted or Inoperative Rearview Camera/FMVSS 111
Back over prevention · sensing system · camera
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Ford F-150, F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, Explorer, Mustang, Transit, Expedition, Escape, Ranger and Edge, and Lincoln Nautilus and Corsair vehicles. Due to a poor electrical connection, the rearview camera may intermittently display a blank or distorted image. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
- Consequence
- Reduced rearward visibility can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rearview camera, free of charge. The recall began November 17, 2020. Remedy became available on February 1, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on February 1, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20C19.
82.2% repairedof 620,246 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 20V575000
Listed for 2020 Ford Escape. Not checked against your VIN.
Missing or Loose Bolts on Start/Stop Accumulator
Power train · automatic transmission
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Edge, Transit Connect and Lincoln MKX and 2020 Escape and Lincoln Corsair vehicles. The start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing or loose bolts.
- Consequence
- Missing or loose bolts on the start stop accumulator endcap could result in a transmission fluid leak and may progress to a loss of transmission function. A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of fire.
- Remedy
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the start/stop accumulator, free of charge. The recall began September 23, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S49.
87.6% repairedof 97 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 20V550000
Listed for 2020 Ford Escape. Not checked against your VIN.
Side Curtain Air Bags May Not Properly Inflate
Air bags · side/window
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Escape and Transit vehicles. The affected vehicles may have an improperly crimped diffuser in the side curtain air bags which may result in the diffuser detaching from the inflator in the event of an air bag deployment.
- Consequence
- In the event of a crash, if the diffuser detaches from the inflator during air bag deployment, the curtain air bag may not inflate properly, increasing the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the side curtain air bag modules, free of charge. An interim letter notifying owners of the safety risk was mailed August 3, 2020. The recall began January 11, 2021. Owners may contact Ford's customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S35.
82.4% repairedof 68 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 20V415000
Listed for 2020 Ford Escape. Not checked against your VIN.
Reduced Seat Back Strength/FMVSS 202 & 207
Seats · front assembly · recliner
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 and 2019-2020 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty pickup trucks, and 2018-2019 Ford Explorer, 2019-2020 Expedition, and 2020 Escape vehicles equipped with driver and/or passenger's manual front seat back recliner mechanisms. Also included are certain 2020 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with rear outboard seats and manual seat back recliner mechanisms. The recliner mechanisms may be missing the third pawl required for seat back strength, resulting in a loose seat back. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 202, "Head Restraints" and 207, "Seating Systems."
- Consequence
- A seat back with an improperly assembled recliner mechanism may have reduced strength and may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- Ford will notify owners, and Ford and Lincoln dealers will inspect the seat structure and replace them, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 21, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19C07.
77.8% repairedof 639,137 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 19V633000
PlainVIN shows public government records for education. It isn't a vehicle inspection or legal advice. Check your own VIN with NHTSA or your dealer.
Owner complaints (1,604)
1,604 complaints filed with NHTSA (owner reports, not verified findings). The structure is mentioned most often.
20involved a crash
4involved a fire
28injuries reported
0deaths reported
As reported by owners in their complaints. These are reports, not NHTSA findings.
Most-reported components
| Component | Complaints | % of 1,604 |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | 670 | 41.8% |
| Unknown or other | 308 | 19.2% |
| Power train | 240 | 15% |
| Electrical system | 158 | 9.9% |
| Engine | 121 | 7.5% |
| Fuel system | 120 | 7.5% |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 75 | 4.7% |
| Forward collision avoidance | 67 | 4.2% |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 54 | 3.4% |
| Visibility/wiper | 43 | 2.7% |
How 2020 compares with other Escape years
Best and worst Escape years →20161,139
20172,692
20181,807
2019590
20201,604
2021349
2022234
202399
202476
202524
| Model year | Complaints | Recall campaigns |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 1,139 | 4 |
| 2017 | 2,692 | 4 |
| 2018 | 1,807 | 4 |
| 2019 | 590 | 3 |
| 2020 | 1,604 | 23 |
| 2021 | 349 | 19 |
| 2022 | 234 | 19 |
| 2023 | 99 | 11 |
| 2024 | 76 | 8 |
| 2025 | 24 | 9 |
This year (2020)Other yearsStill collecting reports
Counts are owner reports, not failure rates. Higher sales years tend to draw more reports. Owners are still filing reports for recent model years, so these counts will grow. Source: NHTSA ODI, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.
Crash tests: 5 stars overall
Overall★★★★★
Frontal crashDriver 5★ · Passenger 5★★★★★★
Side crashDriver 5★ · Passenger 5★★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
RolloverRollover risk 16.9%★★★★☆
Compare fairly. Compare stars only between vehicles of similar size and weight. Ratings apply to the tested configuration.
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), 2020 Ford Escape suv fwd, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.
Fuel economy: up to 41 mpg combined
41
mpg combined
44
city
37
highway
- EPA annual fuel cost
- $1,650
- CO₂ tailpipe
- 220 g/mi
- EPA class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle
What it costs you to run
$1,593per year
$133per month
366gallons a year
Miles ÷ 41 mpg × $4.354 (EIA US average regular, week of Oct 5, 2026, all taxes included). Source: EPA · EIA.
EPA label estimates from lab tests; your mileage will vary.
Specs by configuration
| Engine · transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | EPA $/yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 L 4-cyl · CVT | Front-Wheel Drive | 44 / 37 / 41 | $1,650 | 220 |
| 2.5 L 4-cyl · CVT | Front-Wheel Drive | 43 / 38 / 41 | $1,650 | 77 |
| 2.5 L 4-cyl · CVT | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 43 / 37 / 40 | $1,700 | 224 |
| 1.5 L 3-cyl · 8-speed automatic | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 / 33 / 30 | $2,250 | 297 |
| 1.5 L 3-cyl · 8-speed automatic | All-Wheel Drive | 26 / 31 / 28 | $2,400 | 319 |
| 2 L 4-cyl · 8-speed automatic | All-Wheel Drive | 23 / 31 / 26 | $2,600 | 342 |
Source: EPA fuel economy data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026. Configurations are listed when EPA and NHTSA records match.
Looking at a 2020 Escape for sale?
Print a one-page buyer's checklist: each recall campaign with a box to tick when the seller shows proof of repair, the top complaint areas to inspect, crash stars, MPG, and a link back to this page.
Where to next
2020 Ford Escape FAQ
How many recalls does the 2020 Ford Escape have?
NHTSA lists 23 recall campaigns: 26V117000 (visibility), 26V123000 (rear camera), 25V829000 (structure), 25V685000 (engine), 25V693000 (brake), 25V467000 (fuel system), 25V442000 (rear camera), 25V345000 (engine), 25V165000 (fuel system), 24V954000 (electrical), 24V852000 (equipment), 24V330000 (power train), 23V380000 (engine), 22V859000 (fuel system), 22V484000 (engine), 22V331000 (electrical), 22V191000 (engine), 21V011000 (power train), 20V635000 (electrical), 20V575000 (rear camera), 20V550000 (power train), 20V415000 (air bag), 19V633000 (seat). Use NHTSA's VIN lookup to see whether a specific car was repaired.
What are the most common 2020 Ford Escape problems?
Owners filed 1,604 complaints with NHTSA. Structure (670), Unknown or other (308), Power train (240) are mentioned most. These are owner reports, not verified findings.
What mpg does the 2020 Ford Escape get?
EPA rates the 2.5 L 4-cyl · CVT version at 44 city, 37 highway and 41 combined mpg. Other configurations are listed in the fuel economy section.
What safety rating did the 2020 Ford Escape get?
NHTSA rated the 2020 Ford Escape suv fwd 5 stars overall, with 5 stars frontal, 5 stars side and 4 stars rollover (16.9% rollover risk).
How does the 2020 Escape compare with other years?
Among the 2016–2021 Ford Escape model years at least five years old, the 2021 drew the fewest complaints (349) and the 2017 the most (2,692). The 2020 drew 1,604. Counts are owner reports, not failure rates.
How this page was madeSources, processing, limits, review and changes
Data sources
- NHTSA recalls by vehicle
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - US DOT recall completion rates (data.transportation.gov)
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - NHTSA ODI owner complaints
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - NHTSA NCAP 5-Star Safety Ratings
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - EPA fuel economy data (licence confirmation pending)
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - EIA weekly retail gasoline prices
Weekly, all taxes included
Processing
- Complaints are counted per component. One complaint can list several, so component totals add up to more than the total.
- Fuel cost = miles per year ÷ EPA combined mpg × EIA weekly price for your region.
Limitations
- Complaint counts are owner reports, not verified findings or failure rates. There is no sales denominator.
- Recall campaigns are listed for the model year. Only NHTSA and the automaker know whether a specific car was repaired.
- Recent model years are still collecting reports.
Review
Summary reviewed on Oct 6, 2026.
Changelog
- 2026-10-06 Data refreshed from the official files.
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