Complaint volume
1434 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
1434 consumer-submitted complaints on record for the 2020 Ford Escape, grouped by component category.
1434 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 79
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 38
STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER 34
ENGINE 30
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES 26
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 18
VISIBILITY/WIPER 18
1,434 total complaints on record
Latest complaints
| Date | Component | Summary | Severity | Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 2026 | STRUCTURE | When opening the driver door, it pops and sometimes won't close or open all the way because of the door check arm bracket. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2026 | STRUCTURE | Both front doors started making a severe cracking noise and are difficult to open and close. The popping noise grows more severe with time. The problem has caused major functions with the entire door alignment to include the driver's side windows to malfunction, refusing to go up or down if the door is opened or closed to often. My car is less than 5 years young with less than 27,110 local miles, one owner, purchased new 2020 and shouldn't be falling apart. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2026 | FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,STRUCTURE | The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 25V829000 (Structure); 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. While starting the vehicle, the engine made a choking sound. The failure was more prevalent after fully refueling the vehicle. While driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle was shaking abnormally. While approaching a red light and attempting to stop, the vehicle shut off unintendedly. The vehicle was restarted, and the contact pulled over to the side of the road, where the vehicle started to shake. The contact waited for a while before restarting the vehicle. When the vehicle was restarted, the engine started choking and the vehicle shut off. The vehicle was restarted after a while and driven to the residence. The next day, while starting the vehicle, the engine was choking, and the vehicle was vibrating abnormally. The contact decided not to drive the vehicle to prevent the failures from occurring while driving. The dealer was contacted and informed that parts were not available for the recall repair. The contact was informed that any diagnostic test or repair would be out-of-pocket. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 30,014. | Crash: No Fire: No | 30,014 |
| Feb 2026 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Drivers side door is popping/cracking. Upon reasearching I found numerous others complaing of the same problem | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2026 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEAT BELTS | For months, I have had restraints indicator lamp warning, specifically for the driver seatbelt buckle sensor circuit, as well as one notification for a fault with the occupant classification system which includes air bags and safety belt buckle pretensioners. It is going to cost over $600 to fix the driver belt alone. As this is part of the safety features of a car, I do not feel as though the consumer should be responsible for this. It seems as though it should fall on that of the manufacturer | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2026 | POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | Turbo failed due to oil lines clogged. Failed again after repair two weeks later on highway almost causing a collision. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2026 | POWER TRAIN,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE | 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 | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2026 | FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE | The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle unexpectedly stalled with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was restarted. 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 dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. 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 failure. The approximate failure mileage was 69,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 69,000 |
| Feb 2026 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Premature failure of the moonroof shade dropping down or sagging from the track it is seated in, causing driver visibility issues and noise issues. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2026 | POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE | 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. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2026 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | UNKNOWN December 25th, 2025, my vehicle started to shift poorly, breaking very harshly, giving a clonking sound when putting the vehicle into any gear, and when putting it into reverse, the car rocked roughly and threw a wrench light onto the dash. That wrench light gave a torque converter/transmission code. I took it to a dealership to get it diagnosed and they told me nothing was wrong with it and that it is driving as it should. I took it to a different shop for a second opinion and as soon as my vehicle was in the air, the Mechanic found that ALL of my mounts were bad, I had a transmission leak and might possibly have a bad torque converter. My safety as well as my [XXX] daughters was put at risk from the dealership not doing a thorough diagnostic on my vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2026 | FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE | The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); and the vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the engine control software was updated as an interim repair. The contact became aware of a strong fuel odor. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was notified of the issue, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. 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 failure mileage was approximately 47,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 47,000 |
| Feb 2026 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | The welds on the Driver's and passenger door hinges broke and now the broken hinge prevents the windows from rolling down. The welds on the muffler are also broken. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2026 | POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | Summary of Problem: Following the mandatory software update for NHTSA Recall 22V859 (Ford 22S73) on my 2020 Ford Escape 1.5L, the vehicle experienced a catastrophic electrical failure. The vehicle is now subject to the expanded NHTSA Recall 25V467 (Ford 25S76) with a status of 'Remedy Not Available'. Safety Failures: Continuous Overcharging: A multimeter test confirms the alternator is overcharging at 15.5V or higher, posing a severe risk of battery explosion or vehicle fire. Safety System Collapse: The overvoltage has forced multiple safety modules into 'fail-safe' mode, disabling the Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Traction Control, and AWD Powertrain. Network Communication Failure: Diagnostic reports confirm a U3000 critical control module fault and 'Lost Communication' with the Battery Energy Control Module, indicating a software-induced network collapse. Undriveable Status: The vehicle has been unusable for over 30 days and cannot pass NY State Inspection due to persistent EVAP and module communication codes triggered by the recall update. Dealer Negligence: [XXX] (Dealer #XXX) confirmed that all physical communication lines are functional but refused a free recall-related diagnosis, demanding a $600 fee instead of honoring the federal safety recall mandate. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2026 | POWER TRAIN | Shuddering transmission, vehicle struggles to change gears smoothly resulting in loss of acceleration. Rough gear changes from 1-3 gears Transmission fluid changed. Same issues. Issues go in hand with the current class action lawsuit of Ford Escape and Ford Focus over transmission issues. Failure of transmission and exorbitant repair cost over a safety critical issue should automatically require a NHTSA investigation. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2026 | STRUCTURE | Took my 2020 Escape into dealer due to recall #23B56/23V502 . Dealer stated that the door needs replacement , this was on Oct 22 ,2025. As of Jan 30 , 2026 Ford has yet to send part. I contacted Ford Customer Service on Jan 26 , 2026 and again on Feb 2, 2026 . They can't give me a date as to when part will arrive . | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2026 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | When in reverse then put in drive the camera freezes while driving still see reverse. GPS BLACKS OUT ALOT.when you want to put windows up they go down, the car has caused so many problems even my mechanic said give it back.we bought the car new with 34 or 35 miles on it n I been feeling so unsafe in this vehicle for a couple yrs I cant even travel in it it dont go up hills .if I try check engine light comes on. And goes aboutv5 or 10 miles per hr.up hill.Ford company does not care. I Told them plenty of times the problems I have with the car n because I have no warnety they didn't want to help I tried for 2 yrs about my problem with the car but they dont care.My door hinges broke they didn't want to fix and my window on passenger side didn't work But I have them problem s fixed for safety recall but after I pd out if pocket almost $1500 to get it fixed n here it got recalled n I wasted my money.Eds Automotive repaired that.but my other concerns that I been telling Ford in Lebanon Shaffer rd. They dont want to do nothing.it again is funny cause the 2020 Ford escape is junk it is no good. N it's funny how all my complaints end up getting fixed cause recall. But what about the cam.in reverse. N my tail gate has a mind of its own when I put my groceries in the tail gate seems to come down n nobody is around got my head hit couple times.started around 35000 45000 miles til I got in about it they said my warranty expired. N thats wrong when they sold me a junky car. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2026 | POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER | The vehicle is subject to an open federal safety recall involving a fuel injector that may crack and leak fuel onto the top of the engine. According to NHTSA, liquid fuel or fuel vapor may accumulate near hot engine or exhaust components, creating a risk of an under-hood fire and injury. I purchased this vehicle after the recall had already been issued. The recall was not disclosed to me at the time of sale, and the vehicle was presented for service multiple times after purchase without any disclosure of the recall or safety warnings. When I contacted an authorized dealer to ask whether there were any open recalls, I was initially told there were none. After I specifically referenced the recall, I was told that parts were not available and that no repair had been completed. The safety risk is that the vehicle may leak fuel near hot components without warning, creating a fire hazard while driving or after the engine is shut off. I have not been provided interim safety guidance or a timeline for repair. NHTSA records currently show the recall remains open, unrepaired, and without an available remedy. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2026 | FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE | 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 dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. 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. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2026 | STRUCTURE | Windshield glass on lift gate shattered spontaneously. Car was not on, windshield had no previous notable cracks or damage. Weather was fair, not extremely hot or cold when incident occurred. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2026 | STRUCTURE | The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact attempted to open the driver's front door, and the inside plastic door hinge and rivets detached. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2026 | FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN,ENGINE | 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. | Crash: No Fire: No Towed | 28,000 |
| Jan 2026 | FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | Ford should act quicker than they are doing. The said vehicle could catch on fire anytime and Ford does not see an emergency here to get parts and take care of problem, they will wait until a life has been taken or someone is badly burned. We are talking of a fire risk here, like the Ford Pinto which could catch on fire anytime possible if hit on the back of car. This could be the same problem that Ford needs to address. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2026 | POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | The AWD module failed with less than 60,000 miles on the vehicle. I live in the Northeast and we get some brutal weather, especially snowstorms. I believe this part should be under a broader recall as it was the same grounding issue as reported in the other current recall for a certain production date escape for its awd module this year. I have always owned a four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive vehicle, and we love to take scenic trips especially in winter for something to do. The only inspection of the module was the Tunkhannock ford dealer that replaced it. The system did warn me after filling up with gas that there was an issue. I feel that this could have gone really bad if we had been in lake Seneca, Killington or driving up to Bangor. It is the whole idea of it not working because of a single bad grounding wield that shuts all the traction control off to get stuck out in very little snow... I don't even know if the ABS would react the same under this condition. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2026 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER,VISIBILITY/WIPER | Sunroof shade blocking rear visibility when open, when open it’s not rolling up into cavity | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |