Complaint volume
1435 consumer-submitted complaints are matched to this model year. Treat the count as a research signal, then read the actual summaries for repeated symptoms.
Complaint records
2020 Ford Escape Complaints
1435 consumer-submitted complaints on record for the 2020 Ford Escape, grouped by component category.
1435 Total complaints
19 Crash reports
3 Fire reports
22 Injury reports
Complaint data reflects consumer-submitted reports. A complaint is not proof
of a defect, recall, or manufacturer fault. Enriched severity fields come
from official bulk records when the complaint can be matched by ODI number.
Buyer interpretation
How to use these complaints before buying
Complaint records are most useful when they turn into inspection points, seller questions, and comparison checks against nearby model years.
Pattern to inspect
The most common categories are structure, unknown or other, power train. Use those categories as a test-drive checklist instead of judging the vehicle from the total count alone.
Severity flags
Enriched records include 19 crash reports, 3 fire reports, 22 injury reports, and 0 fatality reports. These fields come from complaint records and should be read in context.
Mileage clue
Mileage is available on 305 complaints, with an average reported failure mileage of 45,215 miles. Compare that with the mileage on the listing.
Questions to ask the seller
- Have you had any problems related to structure, unknown or other, power train?
- Can I see recent maintenance and repair records?
- Has the vehicle ever been towed, involved in a crash, or repaired for the same issue twice?
- Can we also check the recall record for this 2020 Ford Escape?
Used-car checklist
Use these complaints before the test drive.
Build a buyer checklist to turn these issues into questions and inspection points.
2020 Ford Escape
Build buyer checklist Compare with other years Sends year, make, and model to pre-fill your checklist.
How severe are the 2020 Ford Escape complaints?
19 Crash
3 Fire
22 Injury
0 Fatality
30 Towed
9 Medical attention
What are the most common 2020 Ford Escape complaint categories?
STRUCTURE 503
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 187
POWER TRAIN 110
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE 80
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 38
STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER 34
ENGINE 30
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES 26
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 18
VISIBILITY/WIPER 18
1,435 total complaints on record
Latest complaints
| Date | Component | Summary | Severity | Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | Warning lights coming on and staying on unless I press ok on steering wheel. Warning lights are: pre-collision assist not available, and fault service required, and off, and traction light comes on and stays on. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | My vehicle had been driving great up till about three or four months ago. It started losing speed, stalling and would not accelerate unless i pressed the pedal to the floor which I had to do in order to avoid an accident. All while this was happening the service light with the would comes on, but once I cut the car off and started it up again the next day or after running multiple errands the service light would be gone and my car would drive normal so I thought it was just a fluke and I didn’t worry about it again. Until now!!! Just today my car would not start and at the same time I would also get a warning saying, start the car or cut the engine off as I was trying to start the car so that was crazy. And in order to get it started I had to get the battery jumped, after that it would start right up. But later if I tried starting the car up again it would barley start up without multiple attempts of me pressing the push start, and pressing down hard on the brake pedal and to top it all off my car is losing speed and stalling again.. So because of this I had the battery, terminals, starter, and alternator tested and they said everything is fine so none of that is causing my car not to start up. While trying to find a solution and get a estimate on repairs, I found out my car model has three recalls on it but from what I can see non of these recalls should cause any of these issues. Still I made a appointment to drop it off tomorrow so they can fix the recalls and hopefully figure out what the problem is and fix these other issues. Any who, I thought I should share this just in case others are having these problems and maybe Ford will correct these hazards. Thank you. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | I am the owner of a 2020 Ford escape. My vehicle falls under the recall dealing with defective fuel injectors. The dealership preformed the suggested service or installing the drain tube and updating the software. I’ve been noticing that my vehicle has a slight hesitation while accelerating in speed and I would periodically smell the strong scent of gasoline, but no check engine or warning lights ever come on. Here recently while driving, my car started slowing down unexpectedly by itself and started idling extremely rough, almost like a tractor and the check engine light came on. I pulled over in the nearest parking lot, turned the car off and looked under the hood but didn’t see anything out of the norm except a small wet spot on the engine cover and there was the slight smell of gasoline. I didn’t think anything of it because I had recently had my oil changed and thought it was probably just a slight spill from there they and refilled the engine oil. I was able to restart my car and everything seemed to have went back to normal. I was able to drive my car to the nearest auto part store where they were able to run a diagnostic scan to see why my check engine light was on. The scan pulled two error codes: the first one being P0302 which is a cylinder 2 misfire, and the second one being P3402 which is a Cylinder 1 Deactivation/Intake Valve Control Circuit Performance. I called ford to see what could be done and they informed me that there was currently no fix for my vehicle. And when asked what i should do the person on the phone told me to “drive the car until it was inoperable”. Which is absolutely crazy to me! | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2025 | ENGINE | Engine failure at 50,000 miles. 2020 Ford Escape needs full engine replacement due to the faulty 1.5L engine ford put in these vehicles knowing they were bad. Was driving on the highway and my engine started whining and then all of a sudden heard and felt a crash and then white smoke was coming out of the exhaust. I then lost acceleration which was dangerous on a highway. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2025 | POWER TRAIN | I started experiencing transmission issues with my vehicle around 80,000 miles. When I initially brought it to a Ford dealership for inspection, I was told there was nothing wrong—despite also reporting other concerns with the vehicle. The jerking and shifting issues continued over the following months and became more frequent. Once the vehicle reached just over 100,000 miles, I returned to the dealership and was then informed that the transmission had failed. This was frustrating, as I had been reporting symptoms for a long time with no resolution. To this day, no warning lights or dashboard messages have appeared to indicate any transmission issues.No warning lights, messages, or diagnostic codes appeared before or during the progression of this issue. The only symptom has been the physical jerking and irregular shifting, which first appeared around 80,000 miles. I have a case number with Ford. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE | Underneath the transmission is a part that once damaged could emit steel into the transmission which causes damage to the transmission. Small pieces of steel. My technician said it happens to all the Ford vehicles mainly the Ford Escape and Ford has not provided a recall for this and it cost $3,500.00 to be replaced. I am disgusted that this damaged part that puts pieces of steel into the transmission could not be noted by Ford as a legitimate recall. Please see what you can do. It's been reported constantly. Thank you | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2025 | STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER | The trim piece located between the sunroof and moonroof is secured only with double-sided tape, which is inadequate. As a result, the trim becomes detached and falls onto the sunroof shade. This causes the shade to come off its track, leading to sagging or complete detachment. When this occurs, the shade obstructs the driver’s rear visibility, presenting a potential safety hazard | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,WHEELS | Subject: Safety Complaint – TPMS & Trunk System Failure on 2020 Ford Escape Hybrid I’m reporting two ongoing issues with my 2020 Ford Escape Hybrid that I believe are connected to a recall I’ve seen issued for other vehicles of the same make and model year. 1. Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS): My dashboard only displays pressure readings for two of the four tires. The other two do not register at all, which makes it difficult to monitor tire safety. 2. Trunk Release Button Failure: The button to electronically open my trunk no longer works. I have to manually open the liftgate each time, which is not how the vehicle was designed to function. The last time I took my vehicle in for a recall-related service, I was told I would need to return to complete additional recall work. I never received follow-up communication, and my VIN currently does not show any active recalls, despite these ongoing issues and my earlier service visit. I have since discovered that other 2020 Ford Escape models have been recalled for failures related to the Body Control Module or related systems—which seem directly tied to my problems. I’m requesting a review of my case, as these failures could compromise vehicle safety. I’d also appreciate consideration for repair assistance or further investigation into whether my VIN should be included in the relevant recalls. Thank you for your time and attention. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2025 | POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | When it's hot outside, the car will not shift out of park. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2025 | STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | I am the owner of a 2020 Ford Escape experiencing two serious issues: 1.My vehicle is exhibiting the exact symptoms outlined in Ford CSP 23B56—specifically, the failure of the driver-side door check-arm welds. The door produces loud popping noises, feels unstable when opening/closing, and has visible signs of structural stress. Despite this, my VIN has been deemed ineligible for the program. Given that the issue matches the failure described in CSP 23B56, I am requesting a re-evaluation of my VIN’s coverage and a formal inspection under this program. 2.My vehicle is also subject to NHTSA Recall 25V467 / Ford Recall 25S76, concerning the potential for a cracked fuel injector leading to fuel accumulation on top of the engine—a serious fire hazard. According to NHTSA, there is currently no remedy available. This adds another layer of safety concern, particularly considering the compounding risks and Ford’s delay in delivering a fix. Between the structural door failure and a pending recall involving potential engine fires, I am deeply concerned about the safety and reliability of my vehicle. I am asking that my concerns be formally investigated and that Ford take appropriate responsibility for repairs, reimbursement (if applicable), or an expanded VIN inclusion under the CSP. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2025 | STRUCTURE | Front passenger side door is making a popping noise upon opening and closing. The door is difficult to close. This problem occurred suddenly. I am taking the car to the dealership. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2025 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | Check engine light came on and car died at stop sign and wouldn’t restart. This happened multiple times after filling up car with gas. I took it to my dealership and they said it was the purge valve. I think should have been covered under warranty. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2025 | STRUCTURE | The headliner has come loose and is drooping. So when I open it my back window is covered completely and I can’t see behind me in my windshield mirror. I think this is a big safety hazard. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE | When I push the driver window down and when I want to roll it up. The driver window don't go up i have to play with button by pushing it up and down for about 5 to 10 minutes. I have to keep pushing the button up-and-down or turn my car off, open my door it takes a minute for it to go back up. The passenger window goes up and on its on like for example i want to let the window up it comes down by itself. Ford has fixed the driver door panel for the window, but it's doing the same thing. My tire system, it doesn't give me the tire pressure. And when I put gas in my suv, my engine is revving up-and-down, and it cuts off. And when I'm driving, he doesn't want to go I have to push on the gas to make it go. But as far as the window, I have issues with that every single day ever since Ford fixed my suv. And the gas, every time I put gas in My suv make like it wanna shut off, and it do shut off. Sometimes when I put my foot on the gas after pumping gas. This is a ongoing procedure for me. This happens every single day, and every time that I put gas in my suv. This has been going on for about six months or more. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2025 | ENGINE | The "check engine" light came on so took in to be checked. Independent mechanic indicates that there is coolant leaking into one of the cylinders as the result of a casting defect and repair requires complete engine replacement. He tells me this is a common problem. I spoke with a local Ford dealership's service person who tells me this is a known defect in other Ford models as well and, in those models, Ford has extended the warranty to cover this repair. Ford is not covering it for this model, however. Since it is the same problem -- a manufacturing defect, Ford should cover/replace since continuing to drive it will result in a complete engine falure | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2025 | ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was drivable and was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 90,000 |
| Jul 2025 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | This problem is well documented and many other owners have had the same issue with the Ford Escape for many model years including 2020. When the car is left in the heat which is unavoidable these days and the gear shift knob is in the direct sunlight from the windshield it becomes locked. The knob will not turn out of the park position. So, you are stuck and must wait for it to cool. This last time it was several hours risking life being unable to leave the heat and possibly dangerous location. Once the car/shift knob cool normal operations resume. Obviously a engineering design flaw that the car “can’t stand the heat.” Please issue a recall and have Ford address the issue. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2025 | POWER TRAIN | Transmission shredded internally after piston blew. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2025 | FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | The vehicle in question shuttered into low RPM and then shut off with the electrical system still working with an error message: “Manual Restart Required” and a flashing orange auto-start/stop indicator on dashboard. Vehicle must be restarted after stopping at a red light or stop sign in traffic posing a safety concern to occupants and other drivers while the driver manually restarts the vehicle. Local Ford dealership attempted to troubleshoot the vehicle. Issue is worst after getting gas and with low fuel in tank. Initial diagnostics showed no error codes. Issue began happening around March 2025 and has persisted and gotten worse since then. Vehicle taken for diagnostics around May 8, 2025. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2025 | WHEELS | Tire pressure monitoring system failure in rear tire. Error message states failure on dashboard. Issue began happening week of July 7, 2025. Vehicle has not been inspected by dealer or other professional. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2025 | ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN | The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the DPFE sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic to be repaired. The vehicle was repaired but the failure reoccurred approximately five months later when the check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the check engine warning light illuminated, and several minutes later, the power train warning light illuminated and a message to "Refer to the Owner’s Manual” was displayed and the vehicle failed to accelerate above 40 MPH. The contact stated that the vehicle went into "LIMP Mode". The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road and turned off. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic where DTC: P0402 and P1061 were retrieved, and the vehicle was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 56,819. | Crash: No Fire: No Towed | 56,819 |
| Jul 2025 | POWER TRAIN | turn on vehicle dashboard lights up where my AWD not working, my collision assist not working, Trac not working, drive mode not working. This started about a week ago from end of June. I did find a recall for 2020 Escape EcoBoost but my vin is not on there. I cannot access my drive mode my collision light does not work and I am driving in front wheel. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2025 | STRUCTURE | My door start making a crunching noise i looked it up on YouTube and learned its called the door check bracket it looks like the dealership i bought it off put rivets in to band aid it up the window won't go down either very upset about this situation as it is my first purchase from a dealership | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2025 | POWER TRAIN,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE | For 6 months, after a routine visit and safety recall preformed by ford, I have had an issue with the park brake engaging on its own. When pressing the button to disengage it, the car would not disengage and would remain locked. The only way to disengage it would be to throw the car into reverse, press the button to disengage the park brake and step on the gas pedal as fast as you could. After 6 months of trying to diagnose the issue, ford pittsville came up inconclusive, replacing multiple parts of the e-brake such as the buttons themselves, the wires connecting the brakes, and checking over the brakes. The issue itself was unrecreatable but the only common denominator was remote starting the car via the app. The most recent investigation this past month conducted by ford revealed that the pin for my brake and e brake was loose after they (ford) had replaced it. They fixed the connection and delivered my car to me. I hadnt even driven the car yet, only remote started it due to the heat. When the car was started, it immediately popped up with a new issue. The powertrain had failed, with codes popping up via fords system indicating the: park brake, brake system, gear shift, and 5 other codes that i cannot recall at the moment showing on their system. Ford diagnosed the problem, finding the gear shift itself was not engaging due to a loose pin (code: P0929:77). I was told that the car was safe to drive but there has been zero communication on when the part would be ordered or taken care of. I have tried to follow up multiple times with the dealership in the past two weeks and update them about the cars current state, including now with the error still showing, my steering feels loose and my car feels as if it is drifting while i drive. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2025 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | The sunroof shade rolled all the way back, detaching itself from the motors that move it. The guard plate between the sunroof and the moonroof fell off as it is held in place by double-sided tape tabs, landing on top of the shade which likely caused the issue. Ford will not repair it under my extended warranty even though the vista roof itself is covered they are classifying the sunshade as a trim piece. They are instead, offering to cover 1/2 of the $1800+ dollar repair. There was no warning prior to this happening and had someone been in the rear seat the large panel would have fallen on them potentially injuring them. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |