Body Problems of Ford Escape - part 1

When opening the driver door, it pops and sometimes won't close or open all the way because of the door check arm bracket.

See all problems of the 2020 Ford Escape 🔎.

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.

Component: driver-side door latch and lock assembly. The driver-side door latch appears to have failed, preventing the door from opening from both the inside and outside and creating an occupant entrapment risk. The failure is fully reproducible and ongoing. The condition first occurred without any prior warning signs, messages, or symptoms and has persisted for more than a day without resolving. Although the vehicle responds to unlock commands from the key fob, keypad, and interior door controls with normal audible confirmation, the driver door frequently remains unable to open. Failure behavior includes: •the driver door cannot be opened from inside the vehicle, preventing occupant exit. •the door also cannot be opened from the outside during these events. •an occupant became trapped inside and had to crawl across the vehicle and exit through the passenger side. •the vertical lock indicator moves between locked and unlocked positions, but the latch does not release. •the electronic systems appear functional, yet the mechanical latch does not respond. •using the physical key can sometimes force the lock cylinder past a mechanical click point, temporarily allowing the door to open; however, this places the mechanism into abnormal states where the door may remain permanently unlocked or, when turned in the opposite direction, cannot be opened at all regardless of unlock attempts. •all other vehicle doors operate normally. Video evidence documenting the failure is available. This condition presents a serious safety concern because occupants could become trapped inside the vehicle during an emergency or after a crash, delaying rescue. The latch mechanism is a critical safety component that consumers cannot reasonably inspect, predict, or maintain. Given the life-safety implications of a door that cannot be opened from either side, this issue warrants investigation for potential defect trends.

See all problems of the 2011 Ford Escape 🔎.

Driver side door hinge broke, it’s making it difficult to open and close the door. It’s also making a loud noise when opening and closing the door.

See all problems of the 2022 Ford Escape 🔎.

The sunshade panotramic panel cover that sperates the two roofs seems to be falling off due to cheap two side tape which caused the whole sunshade assembly and motor to break. I took my car to the dealer yeasterday anderson Ford based in Lincoln ne, and they cahrged $119 to diagnis and qouted me over $2000 to fix it. This is manufacturere fault that caused this to happed by using cheap, unreliable two side tape to attach panel cover!. Please address this as alot of Ford Escape owners suffer from this issue.

See all problems of the 2021 Ford Escape 🔎.

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.

The vehicle has experienced repeated electrical failures over an extended period of time despite multiple repair attempts. After the most recent repair, which required the vehicle to be kept for approximately 10 days and included a battery replacement, the same electrical issue returned shortly after the vehicle was returned. The vehicle has previously stalled in traffic, creating a safety concern. In addition, the sunroof collapsed into the passenger compartment while a rear-seat passenger, who was a child, was present. A seat belt malfunction also occurred and required repair. Repairs have been attempted for these issues, but safety-related problems have continued. I do not feel the vehicle is safe to operate, especially when transporting a child.

Sunroof cover has detached. When uncovering sunroof, panel droops and blocks rear window. This happened while driving and can pose a serious safety hazard. Component has been inspected by dealership and diagnostics include taking entire top panel apart which is quoted at 2. 5k. This is a recurring problem with Ford Escape vehicles. There was no warning that this was broken, I realized while driving that it had become detached when I tried to open the sunroof and it blocked my rear window and fell on my kids sitting in the back seat.

Two different things are happening with my car. 1) the paint is chipping and has caused corrosion on the body. Apparently this is a known issue but the peeling/chipping has gotten worse and will keep doing so until it is fixed. 2) car keep running hot and losing coolant but no leak to be found even after several rounds of tests.

See all problems of the 2017 Ford Escape 🔎.

I exited my 2020 Escape and as I walked around the car to go into my house, as ai was passing the back of my car the liftgate glass completely shattered. In the days prior I noticed the defroster was not defrosting all the way. I just got this car a month ago. Glass was everywhere thankfully no one was hurt nor were any of my kids in or around the vehicle at the time the window shattered.

The driver side door is popping and cracking when I open it. It literally sounds like it's going to break and fall off at any moment.

Driver door broke off the hinges and is inoperable the door almost slammed on my child’s hand no warnings.

Drivers door check makes loud popping sounds , hard to open door .

My front driver door started making a loud noise. And every time I would open and close the door I would get resistance. Until it really didn’t want to open or close anymore. It even started to affect my window. It wouldn’t roll down anymore.

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 .

On 10/12/2025, we noticed the driver's side rear door would not latch properly while shopping. We contacted the dealer the following Monday and dropped the vehicle off for inspection on 10/15/2025 at classic Ford of columbia, SC. Two open recalls were identified: manufacturer recall 16s30 (NHTSA 16v643) - door safety latch: the pawl spring tab in the side door latch broke, preventing secure latching. The recall requires replacing both latches. The failed door latch assembly is available for inspection at the dealership. Manufacturer recall 18s20 (NHTSA 18v471) - transmission shifter cable bushing: the bushing is degraded or detached. Safety risk: the rear door failure risks the door opening unexpectedly while driving, potentially causing ejection or injury to occupants/others. The shifter bushing risks the vehicle rolling if not properly in park. The issues were confirmed by the authorized Ford dealership during the 10/15/2025 inspection. The vehicle has been inspected by the dealership; no other inspections noted. No warning lamps or prior symptoms before the door failure on 10/12/2025. Shifter bushing symptoms unknown. The dealer claimed to fix the shifter bushing on 10/15/2025, but both recalls remain "incomplete". The rear door latch is unfixed, requiring bungee cords to secure it. The vehicle has been driven this way for nearly 4 months. We contacted Ford (case xxx) and escalation began. After weather closure, we were told an appointment would be rescheduled. I emailed tiffany from Ford last night (~10pm 2/5/2026) and called today (2/6/2026); no response yet. This ongoing safety defect endangers the driver who needs the car for work. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

See all problems of the 2014 Ford Escape 🔎.

In my Ford 2020 Escape hybrid titanium awd car, sunroof shade got misaligned and not closing anymore, resulting in more heat flowing into the car creating impacts inside. Also, as per others comments and online forums, there is a chance that this shade would fall on the passengers during the drive if not taken care quickly, resulting in injuries in adults and deaths in infants. Reached to a Ford dealership to fix this issue and its costing me close to $3000. As its a design flaw from Ford, I request Ford to do a fix for free of charge or recall and fix it for their customers and address their safety concerns immediately. Appreciate your looking into this matter.

Concerns regarding my 2010 Ford Escape. Within thirty (30) days of purchase, the transmission completely failed, rendering the vehicle inoperable. Additionally, upon further inspection, it was discovered that the entire underbody of the vehicle is severely rusted and corroded. This corrosion appears extensive enough to compromise the structural integrity of the frame and essential safety components. While operating the vehicle prior to transmission failure, I also experienced significant shaking and vibration during both driving and braking. These issues raise major safety concerns, as they could indicate underlying brake, suspension, or frame instability. Given the combination of a failed transmission, extensive underbody rust, and unsafe driving behavior, I believe this vehicle may present a serious risk to myself and others on the road. These types of defects and corrosion levels are unusual for a vehicle of this make and model and could point to a broader safety or manufacturing issue. I am requesting that Ford review this matter urgently and provide direction on possible inspection, repair, or compensation options. I am more than willing to provide documentation, photos, or mechanic reports to assist in your evaluation. Thank you for your attention to this serious matter. I look forward to your prompt response regarding next steps.

See all problems of the 2010 Ford Escape 🔎.

Bout the vehicle from a used car dealership in victorville and in 22 days the truck valve body gave out in the middle of me driving almost causing a car accident on freeway. The solenoid d is stuck in off and the transmission on this model is known to do this I need help or some answers.

Driver door, door check arm popping and hardly opens and closes won’t allow driver window to roll down all the way.

The driver's side door started making loud cracking noises when opening and closing.

My driver front door latch assembly failed at 42,153 miles. I had it inspected and repaired at the dealership. I had to pay out of pockets due to no longer being covered by the 3/36 warranty. The symptoms were that the driver front door would not lock at all. It took a while to figure this out as I just thought maybe we left it unlocked. Also this vehicle has the perimeter key fob so it automatically unlocks when you have the fob with you and attempting to open. This had been going in fine moths u til we figured out the problem and took it to the dealership. They did offer a discount since I purchased it there but they said due to the design it messed an entire assembly and was over $1k before the discount. They also had parts in stock and I did confirm they had seen this failure before. While we did not have an actual incident happen with us, our vehicle was vulnerable and we had no idea, because the lock appeared to work and it still moved visually, it just wasn’t actually doing anything inside the door. This is my wife’s vehicle so my fear was either someone breaking into the vehicle or even worse, attempting to enter the vehicle while she was inside but she would be unable to lock the doors. As mentioned, the dealer did repair the vehicle and it is worked properly for now. Thought we did have to pay out of pocket.

The door locking mechanism on the front driver and passenger side door fails to operate. When attempting to lock vehicle the front doors will make a sound attempting to lock but does successfully lock the doors. Safety is put at risk because anyone can enter the vehicle without a key at any time. Problem has not been inspected by manufacturer or independent service advisor. Has not been inspected by manufacturer, police, insurance representative, or others. No warning of problem prior to failure. Problem first appeared after Ford dealer performed customer satisfaction program 23b56 for the front door check-arm reinforcement welds that can crack and pull away from door structure.

My vehicle was subject to Ford campaign 23b56 (front door check-arm reinforcement spot weld inspection). The dealership marked the campaign as completed and claimed the left front door failed inspection and was replaced. However, the door still does not close properly, and the check-arm area appears unchanged or improperly repaired. I believe the recall repair was not performed correctly or was misrepresented as completed. This is a safety concern because the door does not operate properly. I am requesting investigation of improper recall completion.

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.

See attached documents: subject: ongoing unresolved recall issues and safety concerns with my Ford vehicle I am writing to formally express my deep concern and frustration regarding my Ford vehicle, which currently has 15 open recalls that have gone unresolved for nearly two years. During this time, I have contacted every Ford dealership within a 50-mile radius of my home in repeated attempts to have these recalls addressed. Each dealership has provided a different excuse for not completing the necessary repairs. Some initially allowed me to schedule service appointments, only to cancel them once they realized the work involved recall issues. In several cases, I was never notified that my appointment had been canceled—I only discovered this when no one showed up. Other dealerships claimed they did not have the required parts and assured me they would contact me once the parts became available. To date, none have followed up. One dealership required that I speak with a supervisor before scheduling any recall work, but despite multiple messages, my calls were never returned. On one dealership’s website, I attempted to schedule the recall repairs online. The system showed numerous open appointment dates until I selected “recall service,” at which point all availability disappeared, and I was unable to proceed. Each dealership I contacted referred me elsewhere, passing responsibility without resolution. Ford has been fully aware of the potential safety risks—including the risk of serious injury or death—associated with these recalls, yet I was repeatedly told it was “safe to continue driving. ” this was clearly not the case. Recently, while driving, my vehicle suddenly lost all power and stopped moving. I managed to pull over to the side of the road and called for a tow truck. As the tow truck driver prepared to load my car, it unexpectedly lurched forward on its own and crashed into the tow truck. Fortunately, no one was injured, but the incident caused significant front-end damage to my vehicle. It could have easil.

Purchased a 2018 Ford Escape in oct 2024. By January 2025 the white paint around the windshield is chipping and cracking and peeling. The Ford dealership said that this was happening to all white Escapes and other Ford models in the white color. I was told that they are aware of the problem with the white paint but refuse to do anything about it. I was told the the surface was not cleaned properly causing the white paint not to be applied properly. The 2018 Ford Escapes has engine problems too ( 2 engine replacement in 7 years also due to another known Ford problem and again they will not do anything about it.

See all problems of the 2018 Ford Escape 🔎.

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.

Right passenger door came unlatched while driving. Had to manually keep the door shut while driving.

See all problems of the 2013 Ford Escape 🔎.

The trim piece located between the sunroof and moonroof is secured only with double-sided tape, which is inadequate. As a result, the trim becomes detached and falls onto the sunroof shade. This causes the shade to come off its track, leading to sagging or complete detachment. When this occurs, the shade obstructs the driver’s rear visibility, presenting a potential safety hazard.

Driver door check bracket is making loud crunching sound and making door difficult to open and close. This is cause for concern about integrity of door and ability to use vehicle. Not been inspected yet.

Front passenger side door is making a popping noise upon opening and closing. The door is difficult to close. This problem occurred suddenly. I am taking the car to the dealership.

My door start making a crunching noise I looked it up on youtube and learned its called the door check bracket it looks like the dealership I bought it off put rivets in to band aid it up the window won't go down either very upset about this situation as it is my first purchase from a dealership.

The paint along the windshield columns and rear tailgate are flaking off in large sections. This is causing premature rusting which is left to a consumer to absorb the cost of an entire paintjob, can lead to lack of action causing structural integrity issues.

Rear passenger door latch no longer latches. The broken pawl spring tab in the door latch causes the door to not be able to close and stay closed. I see recalls for Ford Escapes up to 2016. It has not been inspected by a dealer no warning lamps or any other indicators before it broke. I shut the door and heard a crack sound. I inspected the latch myself and see a part is broken off.