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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 2025 | FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN,ENGINE | The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that after refueling, the vehicle hesitated while attempting to start, with the power train warning light illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 18,474. | Crash: No Fire: No | 18,474 |
| Oct 2025 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Moonroof/sunroof shade came off tracks upon normal use (opening) and is loose. The shade falling down impairs visibility of the road. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2025 | STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER | In August 2025, the plastic cover in between the two pieces of glass on the panoramic sunroof unknowingly fell off when the shade liner was closed due to ineffective glue/sticky tabs that failed to keep the plastic cover on safely. When I went to open the liner, the plastic cover got trapped in the shade/roller housing, broke, and then the shade got completely sucked up into the housing where I can’t get it back out. Quotes to fix this range in the thousands of dollars due to the intensive labor replacing the shade requires. I have seen this happen to multiple owners, especially on the 2020 model. There is a video on YouTube describing this issue with over 6,000 views. Many in the comments also describe having their shade roller being completely damaged and spending thousands of dollars to fix it. There was no warning that the plastic cover was failing to hold up and no alert once it has fallen off. There was no safety mechanism in place to prevent the shade from being rolled. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2025 | POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER | On my dash my AWD fault warning has showed up followed by hill assist not available and traction control not available. I have looked for in formation online about it and it seems that it’s a recurring issue with 2020 Ford Escape and many others. I’ve seen that there was a customer satisfaction effective on April 9,2021 through April 30, 2022 but I have just gotten this car last year and dealer states that I am responsible for fixing a manufacturing issue. I’m not sure where my car was manufactured but my car is affected. I have about 83,600 miles and don’t seem to understand why I have to pay since in the customer satisfaction program it states that the module needs to be replaced before sale and customers that have already purchased the vehicle should have it replaced no charge to them. I’ve only just gotten this car last year February 2024 and not sure if the owner before got the notice or not. Since winter is starting soon I really need to get this fixed it’s a safety hazard and I’m not understanding why it is not a recall since it showed up suddenly and stopped my drive modes from working and traction that’s very important in the winter. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2025 | POWER TRAIN | The gear shift module for my 2020 Ford Escape is detaching and sinking below where it is attached in the car. The gear shift isn't working correctly and sometimes operates as if it is in a different gear than what I shift the circular knob to be in gear for... P N R D (park, neutral, reverse, drive). Sometimes I put it into reverse but the car acts like it is in drive. This has cause some very dangerous near accidents with myself and my children in the car. The 2020 Ford Escape has been the worst car I have ever owned and is constantly falling apart. It has had over 10+ recalls since I purchased my car. I hope they will get this problem recalled before I am injured in a serious accident. I have attached pictures to show what it SHOULD look like if attached properly and what is looks like in MY BROKEN CAR. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2025 | POWER TRAIN,ENGINE | It appears that either the rear differential is locked up, or the traction control system has decided to lock all tires for the same rotation. When making any turns at slow speed, the tires grind and pop on the road. If turning in grass it will rip up the grass where the turn was made. In addition, the RPMs and vehicle lurch at normal cruising speed and when accelerating. I understand this as an issue with the torque converter. When the tires locked up, it put excessive force e on this component. It was stated in a similar TSB with the exact issue. There was a lack of fluid in the rear differential when it left the factory. Determination on repair was based on an inspection of the differential fluid and its levels. The cascade of failures happened after a road trip from FL to NY, I believe the miles were around 45,000. Upon arrival, NY roads were covered in snow for the next 5 months of travel, masking the severity of a locked drive train. No recalls were out, we thought maybe we needed tires. Now at 66k miles, there is a strain on the entire drive train and tires, whenever turning, accepting, I would further speculate, that this has put excessive wear on the CV/half shafts, wheel bearings, and related components. Although there’s a system failure, No codes have been thrown. Vehicle Speed Sensors and system, and or the ABS system should have noted some kind of error. While numerous complaints have arose accross varying ford models, no recalls issued. Ford may honor some repair costs. The location and nature of the initial failing unit, the rear differential, as its not part of routine maintenance, Would lead to an increase accross all related components and systems, which would lead to vehicle failure. Possibly causing loss of life or serous physical harm. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2025 | POWER TRAIN | The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. An independent mechanic was contacted regarding the failure and the mechanic acknowledged that several other similar vehicles had experienced the same failure with the transmission. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 50,000 |
| Sep 2025 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | The sunshade fell of the tracks due to a malfunction with the slide being hit by the guard piece that is attached by adhesive pads and is sagging. The sunshade fell on our head while trying to retract it when it broke. I did take the vehicle to the dealership and it is not covered by the dealership’s extended warranty. I was quoted for the repair. I have contacted Ford about this issue but have not been contacted back. The vehicle is only 5 years old and has 30k miles on it. No warning of this breaking, I just hit the button to open the shade and it broke. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2025 | POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE | On 9/15/2025, my 2020 Ford Escape SE began experiencing serious electrical and shift system issues: hard downshifting, “Shift System Fault” warning, inability to go into park, and failure to shut off without disconnecting the battery. I confirmed a related PCM recall was active and had the vehicle towed to Art Hill Ford for diagnostic and recall service. The dealership refused to perform the PCM recall, claiming my issue “didn’t match” the symptoms — despite clear electrical failure. Instead, they diagnosed a park pawl solenoid issue without scanning or physically inspecting the vehicle. I was told the issue was resolved, paid ~$1,400, and picked up the vehicle. Within 24 hours, new and dangerous transmission issues arose: harsh downshifting, loss of power, sudden high RPMs, and dashboard warnings. I became stranded in the middle of the road and had to have the car towed again. After this second visit, the dealer claimed there were metal shavings in the transmission and now says I need a full transmission replacement (~$10,000). These shavings were not reported during their first transmission disassembly — which is highly suspicious and may indicate the damage was caused during or after their service. Replacing transmission fluid on high-mileage vehicles (mine has ~132,000 miles) is known to be risky and can cause internal failure if not done carefully. My transmission had no mechanical problems prior to this visit. I now believe the dealership’s misdiagnosis, failure to perform the PCM safety recall 1st, and service caused a safety-critical failure that they are refusing to take responsibility for. I am a veteran with a pregnant wife — we depend on this vehicle. Ford corporate has not provided assistance. This situation has left me without transportation and potentially with catastrophic repair costs due to service-related damage. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2025 | FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE | The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while accelerating from a complete stop or while driving at various speeds, the vehicle jerked, sputtered, and hesitated to respond. The power train warning light was illuminated. 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 local 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 failure mileage was unknown. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2025 | STRUCTURE | I’m hearing a popping or snapping noise when I open and close my drivers side door. I also noticed a leak on the right upper side of the engine. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2025 | 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 for the recall repair. 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. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2025 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | A recall on rear camera was listed. My vehicle has distorted image when damp and rainy weather. Can make out is behind you. When contact dealer,she just said,my Vin # didn't match problem . It states that my vehicle doesn't meet Federal Safty standards for rear visibility.which could cause a accident. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2025 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Moonroof shade trim failure causing moonroof shade to derail. Requires extensive disassembly to repair. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | I turned in a safety problem on my 2020 Ford Escape yesterday (tracking number 11688297), and now, with the same door (driver door), the electrical window is not working. I received a letter on 9/11 stating that this issue was known. Is there a recall to fix the door and repair, if any, electrical issues within the door? | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2025 | STRUCTURE | The driver's side door started making loud cracking noises when opening and closing | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2025 | POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | The primary component that failed is the turbocharger system, which has malfunctioned five times since October 2024. Additional failures include the catalytic converter, and there is now suspected motor damage. These components are currently in possession of the dealership and are available for inspection upon request. The safety of myself and my children was repeatedly put at risk. The first turbocharger failure left us stranded in early morning traffic, with no engine power and limited ability to exit the roadway safely. Subsequent failures occurred within 24 hours of service completion. These breakdowns created dangerous roadside conditions, especially during high-traffic hours and in areas without safe pull-off zones. The problem has been reproduced and confirmed multiple times by the dealership’s service department. Each turbocharger replacement has failed within days, and the vehicle is currently awaiting its fifth turbocharger in two months. The dealership has also confirmed damage to the catalytic converter and now suspects motor damage. The vehicle has been inspected repeatedly by the dealership, which is in contact with Ford Motor Company. However, Ford has not provided a permanent solution or acknowledged the root cause. No inspections have been conducted by police or insurance representatives at this time. Prior to second breakdown; the FordPass app displayed an oil life warning at 0%, which was reportedly reset by the service department, raising concerns about system accuracy. The vehicle has also triggered diagnostic codes P0420 (Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold) and P0234 (Turbocharger Overboost Condition), both of which are consistent with the mechanical failures observed. Additionally, Manufacturer Recall 25S76 was acknowledged, but when asked whether the fuel injectors had been inspected, the technician stated they would only be replaced if a fuel leak or smell was present. This reactive approach contradicts the intent of the recall. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2025 | 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. Months before the NHTSA notification was received, the contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a fuel-burning odor entering the interior of the vehicle. The local dealer was not 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 failure mileage was unknown. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2025 | SEAT BELTS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | .After activating the cruise control on the freeway for a few minutes, the cruise control deactivated and displayed the "Adaptive Cruise Not Available" message on the dashboard, immediately lowering the speed. Additionally, the sunroof interior stopped working after opening it. The bar that helps retract the sunroof interior came loose, and Ford says the repair is not covered under the extended warranty. There was also a problem with the rear seat belts, which displayed a warning: "REAR BELT MONITOR FAULT. SERVICE REQUIRED." | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE | Car has self started in my garage 3 times in the last two weeks, just now it did it again. This is very dangerous, could hurd someone or burn my house down. This needs to be looked into. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2025 | STEERING,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | EVERY TIME I TRIED TO PUT GAS IN THE CAR IT WILL NOT START AND THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKS | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2025 | POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | Powertrain control module failure causing vehicle to lose power and engine to run at 5 to 6 RPMs. and transmission not shifting properly. Vehicle is going into limp mode and will also shut down while driving but the engine stays running and the cruise does not shut off. There is not remedy for the recall that I believe is causing these issues. This has been going on for 6 month. This vehicle has been nothing but a problem. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2025 | POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES | Purchased certified vehicle from Wray Ford on 2/23/24. Car was previously leased by FMCC and still listed as a Ford Fleet Vehicle in Michigan as of 9/12/25. VIN confirms it falls under Ford safety recall 24S79, which was never performed. Vehicle experienced unintended acceleration and non-responsive braking, behaving autonomously. FordPass Connect, FMCC, and Wray Ford all confirmed it was unsafe to drive based on 38 diagnostic codes from July/August 2025. June 2025 data and other dates were blacked out. No warning lights or alerts appeared in the FordPass app prior to the crash on 8/25/25.Allstate Insurance removed the vehicle from Wray Ford without authorization, falsely claimed a $10,000 salvage offer, and altered the accident date in the online portal. Damage estimates were manipulated: initial $4,500 based on five photos, later inflated to $13,195 using the same photos. Shreve Collision’s manager confirmed no estimate was performed, contradicting Allstate’s claims. Allstate appears to be shielding Ford from liability. The vehicle is no longer in my possession, but documentation and diagnostic records are preserved. I believe Ford concealed a critical defect and suppressed diagnostic data, putting my safety and others at serious risk.I have contacted FORD and they are stalling and have misrepresented to me many things. They admitted that they can access FORDPASS CONNECT DATA remotely and their agent stated driving this vehicle is not an option. I have almost been involved in prior accidents because of hidden defect in my car. My son has audio recordings, transcripts, Ford Pass Connect Data. We believe Allstate changed the date of the accident to throw off a forensic examinator. I have proof of Allstate changing the accident date and removing documents. This is really a serious breach by Allstate and Ford. I am 80 years old, and if it was not for my son I would have never known this and my son is half owner of the car and is very concerned for my safety. | Crash: Yes Fire: No Towed | Unknown |
| Sep 2025 | POWER TRAIN,WHEELS,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | My car togs a lot. My tire sensors keep going out. I've smelt gas before while driving. It's very slow going up hill. I hear grinding sounds intermittently | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2025 | WHEELS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER | My tire sensors keep going out. I've replace them twice already. It's a concern for my especially traveling at highway speed | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |