Complaint volume
1436 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
1436 consumer-submitted complaints on record for the 2020 Ford Escape, grouped by component category.
1436 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 188
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
1,436 total complaints on record
Latest complaints
| Date | Component | Summary | Severity | Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 2023 | STRUCTURE | Driver side door internal function has failed. Door window not functioning properly, not opening correctly and does not stay open in position. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2023 | ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE | The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was a burning odor detected. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact also stated that after starting the vehicle, the vehicle lost motive power. After several attempts, the vehicle restarted. The contact stated that upon entering the vehicle, there was an abnormal odor detected inside the cabin of the vehicle. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V191000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) and 22V859000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The vehicle was not yet taken to a local dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2023 | POWER TRAIN | The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to reverse while the transmission was shifted into reverse(R). The transmission and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with diagnostic trouble code (DTC): P0766 (Shift Solenoid "D" Performance/Stuck Off) and the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact related the failure to Technical Service Bulletin: 21-2421 (FWD - 1.5L - 8F24 Transmission - No Reverse Engagement with DTCs P0766 And P2703) however, the vehicle was not covered under the TSB. The failure mileage was approximately 19,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 19,000 |
| Feb 2023 | VISIBILITY,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES | The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that there was an abnormal cracking sound coming from the front driver’s side door hinge. The contact stated that the failure progressively worsened, with the front driver’s side door being difficult to close properly. The contact also stated that the front driver’s side window failed to roll down after several attempts. Upon investigation, the contact discovered that the window failure was also related to the door failure. The dealer was notified of the failure and provided an estimate for an inspection. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 76,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 76,000 |
| Feb 2023 | FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE | The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of the NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V859000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The local dealer was notified of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2023 | FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ENGINE | The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that on separate occasions while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle intermittently hesitated and stalled. The contact stated that on multiple occasions he was able to restart the vehicle. The service engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that while the accelerator pedal was depressed, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The contact stated that on another occasion he smelled a burning odor throughout the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine control software needed to be updated along with unknown repairs. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that he became aware that the VIN was included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V859000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) from the Low Jack App. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that parts would be available within two years. The contact was advised to call the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 63,000. | Crash: No Fire: No Towed | 63,000 |
| Feb 2023 | STRUCTURE | The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated while opening the front driver's side door, there was an abnormal popping and snapping sound while the door was being opened or closed. The contact stated that the failure made it more difficult to open and close the door securely. The contact stated that the window had also stopped operating and no longer was able to be raised or lowered. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the driver's side door spot weld had fractured and needed to be rewelded. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA ID Number: 10201603 (Structure). The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 43,640. | Crash: No Fire: No | 43,640 |
| Feb 2023 | AIR BAGS,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES | The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and making a right turn, another vehicle crashed into the front driver's side of the vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. The contact sustained whiplash and neck pain. The contact had not sought medical attention. The contact stated that upon attempting to open the front driver's door, the door failed to open immediately. The contact then pushed the door with excessive force and it opened. The contact related the failure to Ford Technical Service Bulletin Number: 22-2246. The contact was able to exit the vehicle. A police report was filed. The contact's grand-son met her at the scene and assisted her with driving the vehicle to a nearby autobody center. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired for air bags and door failure. The failure mileage was approximately 12,700. | Crash: Yes Fire: No Injuries: 1 | 12,700 |
| Feb 2023 | LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES | The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the driver’s side door failed to close securely. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the door latch was replaced; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was not available. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2023 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Driver door check arm attachment point (black door hinge) snapped from manufactured spot weld to frame of door. Ford Dealer stated my Escape was the 3rd one that month with the same problem. Mechanic said the hinge was not welded properly at the bottom spot weld by manufacturer and that I should call Ford and NHTSA to see why my 2020 Ford Espace S 1.5 AWD isn't covered under the Recall ID # 10201603 as it is a Ford Escape between 2020 and 2021. SSM 50150 recall notice | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2023 | STRUCTURE | Spot welds on the left front door check arm attachment to the car door broke. It is available for inspection. The door is no longer limited in motion and can fly open in an uncontrolled manner. The problem has been confirmed by the dealer and SSM 50150 by NHTSA shows this is a known problem to the manufacturer, Ford. There was no warning or symptom prior to the failure. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2023 | FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE | The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of the NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V859000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The local dealer was notified of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2023 | LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES | The contact's friend owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the driver's side front door failed to fully open, causing the contact's friend to slide sideways to enter the vehicle. Additionally, the driver's side front window failed to roll down. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the driver's side front door needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 86,000 |
| Jan 2023 | FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN | The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that during cold starts, a rattling sound was present coming from underneath the vehicle. Additionally, while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would not properly accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The failure was also present when accelerating from a stationary position. Also, while operating the vehicle, the there was an abnormal fuel odor inside the cabin of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who examined the vehicle but found no cause for the failure. The contacted stated that the failure persisted. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V859000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 55,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 55,000 |
| Jan 2023 | FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE | The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V859000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. 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. Parts distribution disconnect. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2023 | ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE | The contact owned a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 15-20 MPH and coming to a stop with his wife in the front passenger seat and daughter in the rear seat, the coolant temperature warning light illuminated; however, the temperature gauge indicated that the vehicle temperature was normal. The contact then saw smoke coming out of underneath the hood of the vehicle. The contact parked and turned off the vehicle. The contact and his family immediately exited the vehicle. The contact stated that the front end of the vehicle burned significantly. The contact was able to extinguish the fire with the assistance of the fire department. A fire department report was filed. A police report was filed. There were no injuries sustained. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard, where it was totaled. The Chevrolet dealer, where the vehicle was purchased was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist as the vehicle was not under recall. The contact later received a recall notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V859000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) that he related to the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. | Crash: No Fire: Yes Towed | Unknown |
| Jan 2023 | FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN | The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 25-35 MPH, the steering wheel shuddered significantly between 1200 and 1500 rpms. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the failure was diagnosed as a transmission shudder; however, the dealer informed the contact that the vehicle was operating as designed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring while driving. Additionally, the contact received a recall notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V859000 ( Fuel System, Gasoline), however, the parts to do the recall repair were not yet available. The stated that there was a strong gasoline odor inside the vehicle. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was 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 failure mileage was approximately 4,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available. | Crash: No Fire: No | 4,000 |
| Jan 2023 | FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE | The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V859000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. 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 contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2023 | FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE | The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V859000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal gasoline odor inside the vehicle. 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 20,000. Parts distribution disconnect. | Crash: No Fire: No | 20,000 |
| Jan 2023 | FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE | The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V859000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The dealer had been notified about the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer had been notified of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2023 | STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER | The spot welds on the driver side door where the arm connects the door to the car broke. My window, locks, and side keypad now malfunction. In addition, my battery drains at night. I have taken my car to the dealership service center and body shop/collision center. My door will have to be replaced. There were no warning messages or symptoms prior to the spot welds breaking. The door doesn't properly open or close and fingers could get slammed when it closes on it's own. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2023 | FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | There's a recall that may cause my car to explode and there's no solution and I can't get an inspection done until April | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2023 | ENGINE | 11-30-22, Was driving home from Escanaba, MI to Hastings, MI on an extremely windy and snowy day. When I was about 5 miles north of Clare, MI southbound on US 127, cruise control on 71mph when my car started bucking, loosing power and flashing engine light. I was unable to maintain safe highway speed, I pulled to the shoulder and put on emergency flashers. With the cold and blowing snow, I did not want to be stopped on the side of the highway. I was able to maintain a 40-45mph on the shoulder and make it to a gas station parking lot in Clare, MI. I called AAA for towing service. Being out of town and not knowing the problem, the suggested towing to Auto-Lab in Mount Pleasant, MI. Auto-Lab could not look at the car until the next day. They called and reported a cylinder failure on the engine. They gave me 3 option of repair. Tear apart the engine, inspect and maybe repair, install a new OEM engine or install a used 7,500 mile engine. I opted for the used engine. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2022 | STRUCTURE | Front passenger door began making loud snapping noise when closing or opening. Window was affected, would only go down halfway and required manual assist to close. Took to dealer, repair not covered by warranty. Told spotwelds at door check were busted. I had the spotwelds replaced on 12-29-22. It was quite expensive and didn't seem this should happen in a car only 2 years old.. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2022 | STRUCTURE | The spot welds have broken on both front doors at the check arm attachment points in the door assembly. See 10201603NHSTA safety issue. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |