Ford Escape recalls and problems by year
NHTSA lists 95 recalls and 27,528 owner complaints for the Ford Escape (model years 2000–2026). The most reported problem area is engine (7,192 complaints), followed by power train (4,661 complaints). The 2020 model year has the most recalls (23).
| Model year | Recalls | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 0 | |
| 2025 | 9 | 26 | 0 | 0 | |
| 2024 | 8 | 76 | 5 | 0 | |
| 2023 | 11 | 101 | 2 | 3 | |
| 2022 | 19 | 236 | 7 | 4 | |
| 2021 | 19 | 352 | 9 | 9 | |
| 2020 | 23 | 1,618 | 20 | 4 | |
| 2019 | 3 | 597 | 24 | 3 | |
| 2018 | 4 | 1,822 | 26 | 6 | |
| 2017 | 4 | 2,702 | 39 | 15 | |
| 2016 | 4 | 1,170 | 39 | 10 | |
| 2015 | 9 | 1,132 | 30 | 20 | |
| 2014 | 16 | 2,089 | 47 | 104 | |
| 2013 | 18 | 2,753 | 49 | 91 | |
| 2012 | 1 | 604 | 38 | 3 | |
| 2011 | 2 | 1,318 | 38 | 7 | |
| 2010 | 3 | 2,070 | 29 | 3 | |
| 2009 | 1 | 1,693 | 34 | 2 | |
| 2008 | 3 | 1,974 | 59 | 6 | |
| 2007 | 2 | 254 | 15 | 2 | |
| 2006 | 3 | 464 | 16 | 9 | |
| 2005 | 4 | 1,394 | 40 | 20 | |
| 2004 | 6 | 499 | 29 | 14 | |
| 2003 | 7 | 558 | 43 | 27 | |
| 2002 | 8 | 1,027 | 66 | 104 | |
| 2001 | 13 | 996 | 76 | 58 | |
| 2000 | 0 | 5 | 1 | 0 |
By complaints filed, the peak model years are 2013 (2,753), 2017 (2,702) and 2014 (2,089). Among model years at least two years old, the 2000 has the fewest complaints on file (5).
Most reported problem areas
What owners name in their complaints across all Ford Escape model years. A complaint can name more than one area.
| Problem area | Complaints | Model years | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 7,192 | 25 of 27 | |
| Power train | 4,661 | 25 of 27 | |
| Steering | 3,918 | 20 of 27 | |
| Electrical system | 2,524 | 26 of 27 | |
| Structure | 2,295 | 24 of 27 |
Latest 8 of 95 recalls
| Recall | Date | Problem area | Model years | Vehicles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26V374000 | Jun 9, 2026 | Visibility: power window devices and controls | 2017 | 18,124 |
| 26V301000 | May 12, 2026 | Power train: automatic transmission, internal, park pawl | 2026 | 208 |
| 26V123000 | Mar 3, 2026 | Back over prevention: software | 2020–2022 | 889,950 |
| 26V122000 | Mar 3, 2026 | Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system, emission control, gas recirculation valve (egr valve) | 2025 | 47,804 |
| 26V117000 | Mar 3, 2026 | Visibility: windshield wiper/washer, motor | 2020–2022 | 604,533 |
| 26V011000 | Jan 15, 2026 | Equipment: electrical, engine block heater | 2013–2019 | 116,672 |
| 25V862000 | Dec 12, 2025 | Seat belts: rear/other, retractor | 2025–2026 | 780 |
| 25V829000 | Dec 1, 2025 | Structure: body, hatchback/liftgate, hinge and attachments | 2020–2022, 2025 | 108,762 |
Vehicles: the manufacturer's estimate of all vehicles potentially affected by the recall, across every model it covers. Each model-year page lists what its recalls fix.
Owners reported a crash in 780 complaints and a fire in 524 complaints; 690 people injured and 17 deaths are recorded in these reports. These are the owners' accounts, not findings of cause.
Complaint counts grow with how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road; compare years with that in mind. Complaints are unverified owner reports.