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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 2024 | STRUCTURE | Driver side door check arm bracket has completely broken off due to bad spot welds. Makes driver side door function very poorly. The check arm completely broke off while opening the door in my driveway. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2024 | SEAT BELTS | Seat belt fault | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2024 | POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE | The contact owns a 2020 Ford Edge. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a loud clanking noise coming from the engine. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the exhaust cap and catalytic converter had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed a gasoline odor coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the purge valve had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the gasoline odor was still present. Additionally, the contact stated that the AWD warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the AWD system failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 95,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 95,000 |
| Dec 2024 | POWER TRAIN | The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle seized in gear. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to reverse. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to shift into park or drive. The check engine warning light flashed on and off. The wrench symbol was displayed. The powertrain inactive message was displayed. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V330000 (Power Train). The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where an unknown diagnosis was completed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, opened a case, but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 103,635. | Crash: No Fire: No Towed | 103,635 |
| Dec 2024 | POWER TRAIN | The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle downshifted with no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V550000 (Power Train). A case was opened, and the manufacturer referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 100,000 |
| Dec 2024 | VISIBILITY/WIPER | Panoramic headliner fabric is sagging causing an obstruction to drivers rear view while also creating a hazard for rear passengers in the event of an accident. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2024 | ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ENGINE | The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the contact pulled into a parking lot and the vehicle stalled. The check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who determined that the transmission fluid was black, and the transmission was replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The contact stated that after shifting to reverse the vehicle failed to respond. Additionally, while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the catalytic converter valves were rusted. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, who opened a case, but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000. | Crash: No Fire: No Towed | 118,000 |
| Nov 2024 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | I have 2 recalls on my vehicle and every time I tried to schedule the service I was told that they couldn’t because the parts were on back order and they didn’t know when they could get them in. It’s been 2 years. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2024 | POWER TRAIN | CVT transmission is faulty and the gears shudder and slip. It also lags between shifting, causing near accidents. My local ford dealer tried to fix it last year and couldn’t, it seems like they don’t even know how to fix it. It should be a recall, it makes driving frustrating and unsafe. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2024 | POWER TRAIN | Clunking sound from rear of vehicle when making slow turns. Dealer states needs a new rear drive unit no warning lights present in dash | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2024 | POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | The awd module is faulty. It's causing thr collision assistance, the lane assistance, the awd and a few other things to not work or throw a faulty warning. I've been doing some digging and it seems to be a very common thing. The ford escape titanium is already in recall I believed | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2024 | SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE | 1st: water reservoir tank was empty and didn't notice it until heat was cold...inspected and filled reservoir back to max had it tested and couldn't find reason for coolant to be low...Ford tech told me to drive it because they were unable to explain.2nd issue when vehicle sets overnight when backing out of carport back brake system sounds like a scrubbing sound then after drive awhile it may or may not do it when I put it in reverse. just curious. Haven't had said vehicle but one year. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2024 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | AWD fault service required see manual Pre-collision assist not available Service advance trac Hill start assist not available. These are the codes that popped up when I started my car this morning. Escape has 74,000 miles on it. I got this warning one other time about 20,000 or 25,000 miles ago and it went away. This Time every time I start the car I get this warning. After a Google search I found many other drivers reporting this issue with the 1.5 and the 2.0 model engine. The AWD drive control model ground is the issue. This forum here found the issue and found a work around to fix it: [XXX] . Would be nice if Ford would fix the problem. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2024 | ENGINE,LANE DEPARTURE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | just got off car lot in july 2024 been having trouble with transmission slipping from day one. only i was told the car drives hard anyways but dealership refused to look at it once its off lot. lights are reading hillside drivers assistant and other readings no one can get off | Crash: No Fire: No | 106,020 |
| Nov 2024 | STRUCTURE | I have a Ford recall notice 23B56. I have been waiting three months for replacement parts. Ford provides dealership NO status on parts to repair the recall. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2024 | POWER TRAIN,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | My car says that collision assist, All wheel drive is unavailable and is locked to front wheel drive only. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2024 | POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | Wrench light came on car lost power running high RPMs and hard shifting | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2024 | POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | Dashboard light with wrench icon and message AWD Fault Service Required appeared, along with multiple other alerts including Service AdvanceTrac, Pre-Collision Assist Disabled, Hill Start Assist Not Available. Could feel handling of vehicle had changed, no other indications of issue. Upon inspection at dealership, it was determined AWD Control Module needed to be replaced. Dealership noted this had been an issue with multiple other 2020 Ford Escapes. Repair not covered under Powertrain Warranty, despite the fact that malfunction of this module can cause loss of power distribution to the wheels. While there had been a Customer Satisfaction Program notice issued for select 2020 Ford Escapes (21B19, issued April 9, 2021 and expiring April 2022), my VIN was not included. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2024 | POWER TRAIN,ENGINE | A 2020 Ford Escape that was purchased in new condition in September of 2020. The vehicle has had numerous issues with transmission failure as well as the failure of other engine/transmission components causing drivability and safety issues such as hard shifting, not shifting, and not accelerating properly. I was not informed of Ford's buyback program until August 28, 2024, when a friend who had previously experienced similar issues with a Ford vehicle alerted me to its existence. She assisted me in contacting Ford Consumer Affairs and initiating a buyback request (case #[XXX]). On October 20, 2024 we called Ford Motor Corp Consumer Affairs to follow up on the case and they advised the application for buyback was denied since it had not been submitted within the 30 month period as outlined in Texas Lemon Law. We were advised that the only way I could seek remedy was via BBB complaint. I need assistance to advocate for my consumer rights related to Lemon Law and Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. It is my belief that Ford Motor Corp has repeatedly failed to perform their due diligence with regard to the transmission, engine, and other components installed in my vehicle. June 3, 2022 - Vehicle taken to Bob Tomes Ford service department. Diagnosed transmission failure and the transmission was replaced at 14,158 miles. I received the vehicle back on July 2, 2022. August 2, 2022 - Vehicle taken to Bob Tomes Ford service department for shifting/drivability issues and failed communications of OBD system. Vehicle had 14,557 miles and I received it back on August 29, 2022. April 21, 2023 - Vehicle taken to Bob Tomes Ford service department for check engine light at 18,554 miles. I received the vehicle back on May 22, 2023. August 6, 2024 - Vehicle taken to Bob Tomes Ford service department for hard shifting and drivability issues at 20,281 miles and as of November 4, 2024 the vehicle is still in the service department. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2024 | POWER TRAIN | All Wheel Drive (AWD) triggered a fault and stopped functioning while drive, resulting in loss of traction and wheel slippage in slippery conditions. Ford dealership diagnosed a faulty AWD module and admitted this is a very common problem with all 2020 Ford Escapes but that it is NOT covered under warranty. Ford is well aware of these issues with their AWD modules but has so far refused to initiate a recall of their know-faulty AWD modules. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2024 | POWER TRAIN | Ford Escape Titanium 2020 purchased 8/2020. Transmission issues began 5/21/21. Car slowed on highway with gas pedal pushed to the ground then surged and lunged. Several warning lights and I had it towed to a dealership. BCE module reprogram. car continued lunging, surging as well as shuddering. Stopped in several times to be told nothing wrong, no recalls, couldn't replicate. 4/19/2023 car still surging , esp at speeds of 30-50mph or less. Dealership found no issue. 6/20/238/2023 wrench light along with surging at or below 50mph. Couldn't replicate. 8/23/2023 insisted Mechanic drive with me. Issue noted immediately! Had car 2 months. dealer contacted Ford - no recall but engineers getting similar reports. Replaced spark plugs and transfer case control. Did not fix issue.12/5/23 post inspection told rear shocks wearing out (36,000 miles). 2/5/24 surging 20-40 mph and Check Engine light on. Dealer replaced/purge vapor management valve and cannister purge valves. Continued to express safety concerns. 2/23/24 car speed slowed from 70 to 10 mph on highway and was surging going up ramps. Insisted transmission techs and manager ride with me and immediately registered issues. Asked them to check Driver side door due to problems reported online. told no recall. Complete transmission overhaul (NOT REPLACED) and returned 3/25/24. On 4/11 driver door started making noises. Scheduled 4/19 service on 4/16 was unable to shut car door and had towed to dealership. Door recall that day. Dealer had car from 4/16 through 7/11 to replace doors and rear shocks. Service department initiated buyback. Ford denied and will not provide written reason. I Called Ford customer service and with permission recorded call with rep and then her manager who would not forward my call to another department and told me my only recourse was to file a complaint with the BBB. Car still shuddering and surging. So was loaner car- dealer and mechanic insinuated it may be "characteristic" of model!!!! | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2024 | POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER | AWD Module failure | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2024 | STRUCTURE | Front drivers side door makes loud popping sound when opening or closing. Now it doesn't shut completely. One of the spot welds near the door check has torn through the metal frame, and is causing the window to not roll up or down. When driving over any small bump or uneven road, door cracks loudly, and twice has popped open in transit, then would not close until I pulled over, stopped, and manhandled the door to a close. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2024 | ENGINE | The engine failed and the symptoms were all the coolant was gone, hot indicator, large amounts amounts of smoke coming out of exhaust and a burning smell. Once coolant added, ck engine light came on with codes P300 and P301 (I think). The vehicle was under warranty and has been fixed with a new engine by dealer. The warranty company did inspect car before being fixed. Initially the only problem that was noticed was hesitation when increasing speed. Once on the highway the overheating light came on and was able to exit off highway before it stalled out. Was able to restart car and drive to gas station where I added 2 gal of coolant and slowly drove a short way to home. The dealership would not tell me the exact problem but just said all the fluids went into the engine and the engine needed to be replaced. Other mechanic friends said it was a cracked head gasket. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2024 | POWER TRAIN | We have a 2020 Ford Escape that has less than 90,000 miles and while driving we began having some jarring and spuddering when trying to accelerate. The car seems to have issues gearing up. We have identified the issue by a mechanic as transmission and through research have found this is a known issue by Ford and they are under lawsuits. We are now looking at a 6-$10,000 repair on a car 4 years old. According to Ford no intentions to correct the issue. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |