Complaint volume
88 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
2023 Ford Escape Complaints
88 consumer-submitted complaints on record for the 2023 Ford Escape, grouped by component category.
88 Total complaints
2 Crash reports
3 Fire reports
1 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 electrical system, engine, 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 2 crash reports, 3 fire reports, 1 injury report, and 0 fatality reports. These fields come from complaint records and should be read in context.
Mileage clue
Mileage is available on 23 complaints, with an average reported failure mileage of 27,963 miles. Compare that with the mileage on the listing.
Questions to ask the seller
- Have you had any problems related to electrical system, engine, 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 2023 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.
2023 Ford Escape
Build buyer checklist Compare with other years Sends year, make, and model to pre-fill your checklist.
How severe are the 2023 Ford Escape complaints?
2 Crash
3 Fire
1 Injury
0 Fatality
4 Towed
0 Medical attention
What are the most common 2023 Ford Escape complaint categories?
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 16
ENGINE 11
POWER TRAIN 10
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE 4
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 4
ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 3
BACK OVER PREVENTION 2
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 2
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 2
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE,LANE DEPARTURE 2
88 total complaints on record
Latest complaints
| Date | Component | Summary | Severity | Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 2026 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | The contact owned a 2023 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the infotainment center would display a black screen, and while doing so, the radio would continue to play. The contact stated that while driving at different speeds, the trunk would suddenly open, causing the contact to have to pull over and close the trunk in order to continue to drive. The failure occurred 3 times while the vehicle was parked at home. There would be a burning odor emitting from the vehicle intermittently; however, there would be no smoke or indication of where the smell was coming from. While parked at home and unoccupied, the rear window suddenly shattered, and the vehicle caught on fire. The fire department was called and extinguished the fire. The fire department and the insurance company had determined the vehicle would be totaled; however, an official determination had not been provided. A police report was filed. The dealer was informed of the failure. There were no injuries or medical attention needed. There was no damage done to the property. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 37,000. | Crash: No Fire: Yes | 37,000 |
| Jan 2026 | POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | HI, Vehicle is under a second recall for the High Voltage Battery potential fire hazard. The first recall lasted 7 months before a potential fix. The second recall was issued in November with no fix available yet. Received second recall identical to first recall indicating a fire risk with no apparent fix. I have requested Ford buyback the vehicle, but it fell outside the 18 month NYS Lemon Law. They have refused. They have no fix and will not provide a loaner until it is fixed. The original vehicle electric range was between 38 and 40 with a window sticker range of 37. It is now down to around a range of 20 on full charge with an actual driveable of about 16. I have asked both Ford and delivering dealership to replace the High Voltage Battery pack as it has seriously deteriorated. Ford refuses to allow dealer to replace the Battery Pack. The vehicle is basically unusable for it's original intended purpose as a partial electric vehicle. I asked Ford, what am I supposed to do if I am transporting my two grandchildren in the vehicle and it starts on fire. How do I choose which child to get first? No response. These vehicles should be removed from use by Ford and loaner vehicles provided or a full buy back should take place. I only have 11,000 miles on this vehicle and it has been in the shop for more than 30 days for various warranty repairs and multiple recalls. These vehicles are not safe. See pictures attached for factual information from vehicle. I have plenty of detail if you need it. Please help. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2026 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | Accessory protocol interface module went out screen went dark. No recall on my vin but should be. Problem appeared 12/26/2025 and has been inspected by Peach State Ford. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2025 | POWER TRAIN | The transmission had an internal failure that caused metal fragments to end up in the transmission fluid and caused failure. The vehicle will not drive and required the transmission to be rebuilt | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | My 2023 Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid has experienced repeated high-voltage battery safety issues and prolonged loss of intended function. In February 2025, Ford notified me under recall 24S79 that I must immediately stop charging the vehicle due to the risk of internal battery cell short, potential battery thermal venting, and fire. That “do not charge” instruction lasted approximately six months, eliminating the core plug-in hybrid functionality of the vehicle. Ford originally stated the remedy would be available in Q2 2025, but the repair was not completed until late August 2025. The recall documentation stated that an internal battery cell short could cause the “Stop Safely Now” warning and sudden loss of motive power, which presents a serious safety risk while driving, especially when transporting my family. During the “do not charge” period the vehicle’s plug-in hybrid capability was unusable, and Ford acknowledged the risk of fire and loss of power. In November 2025, I received a new high-voltage battery recall 25SC4 (NHTSA 25V789) for the same general hazard category (internal short, potential fire, loss of motive power). The new recall states that no remedy is available at this time. This means the vehicle is again subject to a serious unresolved safety defect involving the same critical system. The repeated battery failures and the absence of a current fix create an ongoing safety concern, and the vehicle cannot be reliably used or sold during this open recall with no remedy. I am requesting NHTSA review the repeated HV battery defects, extended loss of plug-in hybrid functionality, delayed first recall remedy, and the current “no remedy available” condition, and assess whether further investigation or corrective action is needed for these vehicles. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2025 | POWER TRAIN | Purchased the vehicle approximately 45 days ago. Has driven fine with no problems. Randomly had a hard down shift and when I went to leave my destination put the vehicle in reverse and it would not go. The vehicle would not move in drive and when put in neutral it was still not even able to be pushed. Had it towed to the nearest ford dealership, they diagnosed that there were metal shavings in the transmission, stated the vehicle was no longer drive able and recommend a transmission replacement or rebuild. Vehicle only has 80,000 miles. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | The contact owns a 2023 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the 12-Volt battery had become inoperable. The contact stated that the vehicle lost motive power while attempting to start the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact had to charge the battery several times to start the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was informed that the issue was battery-related and was advised to drive the vehicle differently and to obtain a trickle charger for the battery. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 8,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 8,000 |
| Nov 2025 | SERVICE BRAKES | During braking the car experienced what seemed to be a glitch and lost all breaking power. Foot went to the floor and had to press and release multiple times for break power assist to come back. This happened three times within 100 mile drive. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEATS | my 2023 ford edge caused burns to the back of my legs. i was unaware until my grandma informed me that something was wrong with my legs. i noticed when i got the car 2 months ago level 3 of the seat warmer was way to hot like i felt it burning. so i only used on setting 1 or 2 and did not feel the burning sensation like when used on 3 but somehow my legs are burned | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2025 | VISIBILITY/WIPER | Sunroof molding roof drip rail. Ford part #LJ6Z5450036A. This part is held on with double stick tape. When it comes loose, it can interfere with the proper operation of the sunroof sunshade or fall into the passenger compartment. Mine has been replaced several times under warranty. Even though it was nearly detached, it did not fall. However, if it had, it has the potential of either damaging the sunshade or creating a driver distraction while driving. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEAT BELTS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Campaign 23B56 Description Inspect front door check-arm reinforcement spot welds Next Steps Contact your dealer for next steps. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Recall Action Soon Issue Since 03-14-2025 Drivers side seat buckle replacement For More Information Telematics Generated Issue Recall Action Soon Issue Since 11-08-2024 Inspect front door check-arm reinforcement spot welds For More Information | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2025 | AIR BAGS,ENGINE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | Recall Action Soon Issue Since 03-14-2025 Drivers side seat buckle replacement For More Information Telematics Generated Issue Recall Action Soon Issue Since 11-08-2024 Inspect front door check-arm reinforcement spot welds For More Information | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2025 | ENGINE | For the last 2 weeks After accelerating my engine coolant overheat warning light goes off and i can't accelerate any further until light goes off. Also ford mechanic states there is metal shavings in the coolant that might be causing engine to overheat on top of the sensor issue. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2025 | FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE,LANE DEPARTURE | The contact owns a 2023 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at various speeds with the Adaptive Cruise Control Mode engaged, the vehicle failed to respond as needed after another vehicle pulled in front of the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle jerked and decelerated, and then revved up and accelerated unintendedly until the vehicle was within proximity of the other vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated that the Lane Keep Assist failed to keep the vehicle within the intended lane while driving, and the vehicle veered to the left unintendedly while the Lane Keep Assist was engaged. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed, but the cause of the failure could not be determined. Additionally, the dealer informed the contact that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V440000 (Forward Collision Avoidance), which the contact related to the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 98,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 98,000 |
| Jun 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | The contact owns a 2023 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a loss of automotive power, and the steering wheel became difficult to turn in either direction. The contact stated that the messages "Electrical Power Saver Active" and "Service Charging System Warning" were displayed on the instrument panel. In addition, the contact's husband stated that the vehicle failed to come to a complete stop as intended, and the brake pedal felt firm while being depressed. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer and remained for further investigation. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 35,338. | Crash: No Fire: No Towed | 35,338 |
| Jun 2025 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Sunshade retracted all the way and center roof molding holding it was with double stick tape. Rolled all the back and cannot get it to go back. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2025 | BACK OVER PREVENTION | The contact owns a 2023 Ford Escape. The contact state while reversing, the back over prevention camera failed to function as intended. The contact stated that the back over prevention camera failed to display images of pedestrians or vehicles. The contact stated that due to the failure, the contact almost struck a pedestrian. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the failure was not duplicated. The vehicle was then taken to another dealer where a software update was performed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was offered a buyback. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 55,000 |
| May 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 12v battery system failure to keep 12v battery that boots operating system of car charged. This leads to a vehicle that cannot be started or moved unless jump started. This has happened daily, and sometimes multiple times a day, requiring a jump pack to get the car to turn on. This issue has been reproduced and confirmed via multiple revised manufacturer TSBs. This has likely been inspected by the ford dealership that sold the used vehicle to me. Multiple safety warnings appear when the vehicle determines the 12v battery is not sufficiently charged. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2025 | FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | The contact owns a 2023 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the Adaptive Cruise Control altered the speed after detecting the number on the Minnesota county road sign ending in the number 5. The Adaptive Cruise Control was changed without warning. The vehicle gradually accelerated after the failure. While driving at slow speeds, the speeds spontaneously increased from 30 MPH to 50 MPH. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, who referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 19,280. | Crash: No Fire: No | 19,280 |
| Apr 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | The contact owns a 2023 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V954000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The dealer was contacted. The dealer 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 and informed the contact that a second notice would be mailed whenever parts were available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | The contact owns a 2023 Ford Escape. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that rodents had damaged the coil wiring. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 23,106. | Crash: No Fire: No | 23,106 |
| Apr 2025 | POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | The contact owns a 2023 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The contact stated that the RPM was not increasing on the gauge on the instrument cluster. There was no warning illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent but became a recurring failure. Additionally, the contact reported several electrical failures. The contact stated that the instrument cluster was blank, and the windows failed to respond while attempting to raise or lower the windows. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission software needed to be re-flashed, and the 12-Volt battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred, and the vehicle was taken back to the same dealer. The dealer replaced the 12-Volt battery; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 15,500. | Crash: No Fire: No | 15,500 |
| Mar 2025 | POWER TRAIN | The contact owns a 2023 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, the transmission overheated warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The contact stopped and had the vehicle towed to the dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle but could not duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred, and the vehicle was taken to another dealer who also was not able to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the transmission failed and was unable to shift into reverse(R) or park(P). The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000. | Crash: No Fire: No Towed | 150,002 |
| Mar 2025 | POWER TRAIN | The contact owns a 2023 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was notified of the failure, and the contact was instructed to bring the vehicle in for a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 41,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 41,000 |
| Mar 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | Summary of Issues: 1. March 2024 – First Incident: •Warning lights appeared on the dashboard while driving (including ABS and power steering). •Vehicle was taken to Camelback Ford. •Dealership diagnosed a software update failure due to low voltage. •Battery was recharged, software updated, and codes cleared. ⸻ 2. April 6, 2024 – Battery Replacement: •Vehicle continued to experience electrical issues. •Battery was replaced by dealership under warranty. ⸻ 3. June 11, 2024 – Second Incident: •Dashboard warning lights returned. •Dealership again cleared codes, no new repair or replacement performed. •Explanation given was “modern cars have more computers” and that these issues were “normal.” ⸻ 4. July 12, 2024 – Third Incident: •While stopped at a red light, the entire dashboard shut off and restarted on its own. •Engine remained on, but the sudden blackout raised serious safety and reliability concerns. •Vehicle was not moved after the incident. •Dealership advised to return only if issue happens again. ⸻ Ongoing Concern: This vehicle has experienced repeated electrical system failures including instrument cluster blackout and communication errors, despite warranty repairs and a new battery. These intermittent issues pose a potential safety risk, especially if they occur while driving. The lack of a consistent fix raises concerns about the vehicle’s electrical integrity and reliability. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |