Electrical System Problems of Ford Escape - part 1

While driving down the road the vehicle lost all power and left my wife in a dangerous position on the road. The vehicle was just in for service 4 days before and we were told the vehicle had no error codes. The vehicle has lost power on multiple occasions and we have had it at different dealer service departments where Ford trained technicians continue to tell us nothing is wrong with the vehicle. However, I find the vehicle to be unsafe and unfit for the road.

See all problems of the 2020 Ford Escape 🔎.

2020 Ford Escape – awd and multiple safety system failures I own a 2020 Ford Escape with approximately 99,000 miles. Every time I drive my vehicle, the dashboard displays the following warnings: * all-wheel drive off * pre-collision assist not available * service advancetrac * all-wheel drive fault – service required * hill start assist not available * see manual I contacted an authorized Ford dealership regarding customer satisfaction program 21b19, which addressed an awd control module issue in certain 2020 Ford Escapes. The dealership checked my VIN and informed me that my vehicle was not included in the program. The dealership did not inspect or diagnose my vehicle. I subsequently contacted Ford motor company directly and requested goodwill repair assistance. Ford informed me that it would not provide goodwill assistance. I am concerned that my vehicle may be experiencing a defect similar to the one addressed by program 21b19. Multiple driver-assistance and stability-control systems appear to be affected. I am requesting that NHTSA review this safety concern and investigate whether additional 2020 Ford Escape vehicles may be affected by a related defect. The underlying cause has not yet been diagnosed.

On approximately September 28, 2026, the vehicle began sputtering when first turned on. It then progressed to running extremely rough. On September 30, 2026 the engine icon lit up first. A few days later, I received an engine fault service now message. I went to the auto zone on October 4, 2026 and they ran a diagnostic check. These are the codes that were found: check engine fail replace ignition coil and spark plug #3 p0303 cylinder 3 misfire detected p0339 crankshaft position sensor a circuit intermittent p0300 random misfire detected cylinder 3 on October 5, 2026, I took it to my mechanic and he began checking everything. He found oil on and inside the computer. He also found that there was antifreeze residue on the cylinder and spark plugs. He did some research to find out what could cause this to happen. He found the following: 1,134–1,711 engine complaints depending on dataset. Failures typically occur between 50,000 and 100,000 miles. Main engine problems 1. Coolant intrusion (1. 5l ecoboost – most common & severe) coolant leaks past the block/head sealing surface into cylinders. Not a head gasket failure—requires short-block or long-block replacement. Symptoms: misfire codes (p0300–p0304) white exhaust smoke unexplained coolant loss rough idle, stalling, overheating. 2. Cracked engine block often the end result of prolonged coolant intrusion. Leads to catastrophic engine failure requiring full replacement. On Friday, October 9, 2026, I drove my car to work, approximately 2. 5 miles, after the Escape sitting for 3. 5 hours, I started it. I immediately received the high engine temperature stop safely, and the engine shut off. On the 3rd try, the Escape stayed running. I could only drive 11 mph. On my final turn onto a busy street, the Escape began sputtering and would not accelerate at all. I was stuck in the middle of the street, putting myself at risk of being hit. I finally made it to a parking lot but had to be pushed home by my son.

See all problems of the 2018 Ford Escape 🔎.

I am requesting a serious investigation into potentially life-threatening steering, braking, and stability-control interventions in modern vehicles. I have experienced unexpected steering forces, directional changes, shaking, and behavior consistent with unintended wheel-specific braking across multiple vehicles, including my 2019 Toyota prius and rental vehicles from several manufacturers. These behaviors occur on ordinary roads with uneven asphalt, pavement seams, manhole covers, and cross-slopes. I am concerned that electronic steering, stability control, wheel-speed sensors, or driver-assistance systems may be interacting incorrectly. How can these features be considered safe if their interventions can push a vehicle toward another traffic lane or into a bicycle lane? the risk is especially serious during freeway lane changes, when drivers must simultaneously monitor traffic ahead, approaching vehicles behind, blind spots, and available space. An unexpected steering or braking intervention at that moment can create a dangerous loss of control. I am also concerned that drivers may lack a meaningful way to disable certain interventions, even when they believe the systems are creating danger. I previously submitted complaint 11669864 and was informed that more complaints might be necessary before an investigation could begin. A potentially life-threatening defect should not be dismissed simply because insufficient reports have accumulated. I request that NHTSA review my existing complaint, assess whether unintended steering or braking interventions can cause dangerous directional changes, examine driver override limitations, and determine whether a broader investigation is warranted. I consider these behaviors potentially life-threatening. A feature’s intended safety purpose does not guarantee that its interventions are safe. Drivers, passengers, and nearby motorists and cyclists not be exposed to avoidable hazards from systems intended to protect them.

See all problems of the 2025 Ford Escape 🔎.

My 2011 Ford Escape is experiencing symptoms of the recall of the faulty electric power steering (eps) torque sensor. Its not often, but when I turn on the car I wont have power steering but when I turn it off and turn it back on the power steering works. Is there anyway you could open/put a recall on my 2011 Ford Escape.

See all problems of the 2011 Ford Escape 🔎.

**NHTSA vehicle safety complaint** vehicle: 2010 Ford Escape awd VIN: [xxx] I am submitting this complaint because my vehicle has experienced serious safety problems involving both the steering system and the fuel system. The steering wheel has become extremely difficult to turn, making it unsafe to drive. In addition, the fuel system is leaking fuel, creating a potential fire hazard. My understanding is that this vehicle previously received recall repairs related to these systems. Despite those repairs, the same dangerous conditions have returned. The vehicle has been undrivable for approximately two weeks because I believe it is unsafe to operate. I am requesting that NHTSA review whether the recall remedy was effective and whether these failures indicate that additional action is necessary to protect owners of affected vehicles. Because these defects involve steering control and a potential vehicle fire, I believe they present an unreasonable safety risk. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

See all problems of the 2010 Ford Escape 🔎.

At first, I just bought it two weeks ago. It was smoke coming from the engine and there was no coolant. The coolant wasn’t holding in the car now I was driving last night. I had coolant in it and there was just flames coming out by where the oil is.

See all problems of the 2014 Ford Escape 🔎.

About a month ago, my vehicles dash lit up and the car told me to shut it off. I had it towed to the dealership who then completed module updates and said I was all set. 20 minutes after picking it up, all of the lights came back on the dash and I brought it back. They again completed some kind of update with little to no information on what they did or the steps they took. Once again, I picked up my vehicle and immediately had a lit up dash. It was brought back and they had my car for 2 weeks before installing a new module. After picking up my car, I again dealt with lights on my dash, but this time one in particular. I had a notice to “service advancetrac” and a notification on my Ford app about powertrain failure.

See all problems of the 2023 Ford Escape 🔎.

While driving, a message was displayed [hill start assist not available] and all mileage figures previously displayed disappered. Additional warning lights were displayed indicating traction control, and abs failures. Electric power steering assist also stopped. Subsequent testing indicated the ebcm had failed. The part is on national backorder. While drivable, I'm afraid other issues will arise. This is my only vehicle and I'm within 20,000 miles of needing the timing belt and water pump replaced as well. I could not find a recall for the ebcm (a part not usually prone to failure) for the 2014 Ford Escape se 1. 6l 4-cyl ecoboost. In 2017, I had the entire transmission replaced @ 70,000 miles, under warranty, but Ford did not honor the warranty terms: coverage for lodging and rental vehicle, so I lost $$$$ that shouldn't have happened.

Recall under 25sa9 has not been remedied a whole year later. Not having my back up camera has caused safety incidents. And a few damages from things I could not see.

See all problems of the 2016 Ford Escape 🔎.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the "service engine soon" warning light illuminated on the instrument cluster. On a separate occasion, the vehicle shut off unexpectedly while driving but was able to be restarted. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer for a diagnostic test associated with the warning light; however, the technicians only replaced external sensors. The warning light remained illuminated. The manufacturer was notified of the issue and referred the contact to the dealer for assistance.

See all problems of the 2017 Ford Escape 🔎.

I am the owner of a u. S. -specification 2020 Ford Escape currently stationed in the netherlands under military orders. I attempted to complete all open safety recalls through an authorized Ford dealership in the netherlands. The dealership reviewed the vehicle and performed the actions available to them, but the recalls remain open. Open recalls include Ford recall 25s76 / NHTSA recall 25v467 involving the fuel injector system and Ford recall 26c11 / NHTSA recall 26v123 involving the sync and rearview camera display system. The dealership advised that not all recall actions could be fully completed overseas due to limitations associated with servicing a u. S. -market vehicle and/or remedy availability. The vehicle was inspected and serviced by an authorized Ford dealer in the netherlands. I am submitting this report to document that I made a good-faith effort to obtain recall repairs before returning the vehicle to the united states, where I intend to complete any remaining recall actions.

In early September 2026, my 2022 Ford Escape se (1. 5l ecoboost) experienced repeated engine stalls while my wife was driving with our children inside. The vehicle had only 33,028 miles. Whenever the a/c was engaged, the engine stalled and could not restart normally until the a/c was turned off. With the a/c off, the vehicle could restart and drive. Turning the a/c back on caused the engine to stall again. A strong burning/electrical smell accompanied the malfunction and persisted even with the a/c off. The failure occurred suddenly, without prior symptoms. Whether dashboard warning lights appeared is unknown. Losing engine power while driving created a serious collision risk for my family and other motorists. I drove the vehicle to germain Ford of beavercreek, ohio, and reported the problem. The dealership documented the engine stalling while driving and burning smell under repair order #663106, dated October 15, 2026. Germain diagnosed a catastrophic internal a/c compressor failure with metal contamination throughout the a/c system, requiring extensive repairs. However, identifying the failed compressor does not explain why it failed or its precise relationship to the engine stalling. Despite repeated requests since September, Ford has not provided a technical explanation of the root cause or whether a manufacturing or supplier defect was considered. Ford customer relations closed my case with these questions unanswered. Whether the dealership reproduced the stalling during testing or Ford conducted a separate physical inspection is unknown. The vehicle remains at germain Ford awaiting repair authorization. To my knowledge, the failed components remain installed and available for inspection. I have requested their preservation. I request NHTSA investigate this potential safety defect to determine whether other Ford Escape owners may be at risk. I am concerned this failure could occur without warning in other vehicles, putting additional families at risk.

See all problems of the 2022 Ford Escape 🔎.

Vehicle: 2020 Ford Escape I am experiencing a recurring drivability issue with my 2020 Ford Escape. During normal or light acceleration, primarily between approximately 1,000 and 2,000 rpm, the vehicle intermittently jerks, surges, or hesitates. At the same time, I can observe slight rpm fluctuation. The condition continues to occur even when the vehicle is driven in sport mode. On some occasions, the vehicle has also accelerated suddenly and more aggressively than expected, making the vehicle’s response unpredictable. I have had situations where I nearly collided with another vehicle because of the unexpected acceleration. The vehicle has displayed diagnostic trouble code p0600 – serial communication link. The ignition coils and spark plugs have already been replaced, but the condition remains unchanged. I am concerned because the hesitation, jerking, surging, and unexpected acceleration occur while the vehicle is being driven and could affect safe and predictable vehicle control in traffic. I have not yet received a final diagnosis confirming whether the cause is related to the transmission, torque converter, pcm/tcm, communication system, speed control system, or another component. I am reporting this issue so that NHTSA has a record of the condition in case other owners of 2020–2021 Ford Escape vehicles are experiencing similar drivability and unexpected acceleration problems.

On September 4, 2026, at approximately 6:00 pm, I was driving my 2018 Ford Escape se (1. 5l ecoboost) and executing a left-hand turn across an intersection. Mid-turn, the vehicle suddenly lost all power, an "engine fault" warning message illuminated on the dashboard, and the engine completely stalled out. Because the vehicle died directly in the path of oncoming traffic, I was forced to steer the coasting vehicle out of harm's way to avoid an imminent side-impact collision. This emergency maneuver caused the vehicle to scrape a curb—damaging the right tire rim—and collide with a utility pole. Fortunately, no injuries occurred. I managed to bring the vehicle to a stop on a side street. Once stopped, the vehicle exhibited a total "no crank, no start" condition and completely refused to turn over or restart. The vehicle had to be towed to a repair facility. Upon professional diagnostic inspection, the technician discovered extensive engine oil intrusion within the main engine wiring harness. Engine oil had dynamically wicked through the harness directly into the powertrain control module (pcm), completely compromising and shorting out the primary computer. This electronic failure is what triggered the sudden, catastrophic engine shutdown mid-traffic. This vehicle has a chronic history of severe electrical, powertrain, and "no-start" defects at only 56,000 miles, despite being meticulously maintained with routine synthetic oil changes as required. This is the second time I have experienced a life-threatening loss of engine power while actively driving, and I am fortunate to have narrowly avoided a major, high-speed collision on both occasions. In July 2025, the throttle body failed and initiated a dangerous limp mode mid-traffic, forcing a tow for replacement. In July 2026, a starter failure resulted in another total "no crank, no start" condition during the holiday weekend, requiring an emergency mobile mechanic. Following this my car has sat for a month.

Ford issued notice 25sc4 then issued another one, 26n15 about the risk of fire with the high voltage battery in my car. These notices state a potential for a short circuit in the battery which they say could result in "increasing the risk of a crash" , "increasing the risk of injury", and it "can progress to a vehicle fire". These are all unacceptable risks to me and my family. Their software "remedy" is to reduce the charging limit to 80% (12% of the electric driving range. ) this is not acceptable to me. And the remedy only reduces the risk of a fire, it does not eliminate it. I think to best and safest resolution is to replace the batteries.

Rear view camera fails frequently displaying a distorted image or no image with an error message. This creates danger to all parties involved and unnecessary risk to property. Manufacturer issued a recall in October 2025 and has failed to provide a timely repair, they should face reprimand.

Windows sometimes don't roll up or down, driver side doors do not lock, vehicle doesn't properly accelerate/very slow to go like gas isn't reaching where it needs to go, the transmission area makes a clunking noise, and the back sensor seems to have fallen out and it constantly beeps as if I am going to hit something, the side mirrors sometimes tell me there is something next to me when nothing is around, dash warning lights go off randomly sometimes.

See all problems of the 2021 Ford Escape 🔎.

At least once per day the back up camera goes black. While I am in the act of backing up or starting to back up. This has been happening for over 3 years. No one believed me at the dealership for years. Now there is a recall finally recognizing the issue and Ford can not fix it. I am left dealing with this. Also electrical issues with the car doors not opening with code or key fob, back windshield washer blades going off unexpectedly and they would not stop until I shut the entire car down.

See all problems of the 2015 Ford Escape 🔎.

Electronic power steering went out a couple times on me .

See all problems of the 2008 Ford Escape 🔎.

When im driving sometimes it stalls. I give it gas and car wount go. It only idles.

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was serviced under customer satisfaction program 23b-56; however, the replacement welding caused the front driver's side door to fail. Additionally, the contact stated that while attempting to enter the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start, and multiple warning lights illuminated. The vehicle required a jump-start to start. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the battery had failed and needed to be replaced. The battery was replaced, and the contact was informed that the previously installed battery was incorrect for the vehicle. The contact was referred to a second dealer for further assistance. The vehicle was towed to the second dealer, where it was diagnosed that a water leak at the c-105 connector on the front driver's side door had caused an electrical system failure. The dealer determined that the wiring harness had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 76,000.

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact received notifications of NHTSA campaign numbers: 25v467000 (fuel system, gasoline) and 26v123000 (back over prevention); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. While the contact’s son was driving approximately 45 mph, the screen on the radio went black. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road, and the radio independently reset and displayed the correct information. The failure had occurred approximately 3 - 4 times. The radio screen often displayed erroneous information with distorted images. The contact stated that the vehicle was included in a recall for the door, and after the recall repair was performed, the key fob failed to lock and unlock the doors. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact was informed that the manufacturer had not provided the parts for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 71,000.

Theres an electrical problem concern the tcu my doors are locking and unlocking and the car is indicating ive had several accidents and I havent the radio is coming on automaticlly and the lights flicker and the horn turning signals and lights flicker and wont turn off unlesss I hit the key fob button im trying nto to get my groceries stolen or my vehicle tampered with and its hard if the components arnt working I dont care about the cause I just need a safe vehicle I dont have money to waiste I am trying to find a job and I cant afford the labor for a malware attack.

As I was driving my 2018 Ford Escape se 1. 5 liter ecoboost on the interstate at the posted 70 mph limit, my dash warning center display said cross traffic fault, hill start assist not available, front camera fault, collision warning not available, blindspot left sensor fault, awd temporarily unavailable, and speed control (radar?) not available. It then felt as if my awd was switching on and off while making weird clicking noises. My engine then began missing and running very rough. After a very short period of time, it completely shut down and would not start and I wasn’t able to get the all the way to the right because of impatient drivers passing me on the right as my vehicle slowed. I’m [xxx] and had trouble pushing the car with the driver door open while steering it. The road was slightly uphill. Fortunately, two men stopped and helped me push it off the road. After several hours of waiting on the side of the road I was able to get it towed on a flatbed tow truck. I had it towed to brondes Ford in maumee, ohio and they diagnosed that it has the coolant intrusion issue. They said it needed a new motor and the estimate was about $11,000. I contacted Ford customer support for help with the cost and was told there was no customer satisfaction program to help me. She said I would need to pay the entire amount myself. I asked for her to have a supervisor call me and the supervisor said there was nothing she could do as Ford had made no accommodations for owners of these 1. 5-liter ecoboost vehicles (“open deck” cooling grooves block design defect) which have a known extremely high percentage of engine failure. My Escape is still sitting unrepaired in the Ford dealer’s lot as I’m hoping that a class action suit will prevail to help those customers, including myself, that Ford chose to turn their back on. This known by Ford engine failure probability was extremity dangerous for me and could easily have cost me my life. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(.

The customer may notice coolant spots on the driveway or garage floor, a loss of cabin heat, powertrain unit overheating, or a warning indicator for a low coolant level. Additionally, the condition can cause heat damage to the block heater electrical wiring and connector and the customer may notice an odor or smoke matching recall 26v011 my car is a 2017 Ford Escape 2. 0 that was manufactured in louisville ky.

Sound control module, can't hook up phone for hands free driving.

Got recalls notice but the local dealership in st george SC (family Ford) told me they wont do the brake or fuel injector recall until I have issues so I guess until my car catches on fire with my kids in it then they will do something.

These are the failed systems since the recall was being repaired since July 27th 2026. The car is presently still at the dealer today. Sept 18 2026. Sync screen goes black instrument cluster goes black. Auto-hold fails pre-collision emergency assist not available forward camera not available drive mode not available powertrain control module fails with error to Ford app service engine light on at all times we have all repair times it went back total of 4 times. No replacement vehicles was provided. Here are the additional files in this link there are approximately 16 repair files 3 are ian pictures below uploaded https://acrobat. Adobe. Com/id/urn:aaid:SC:va6c2:4e092f62-ba12-4fac-888f-d529227f810a.

While driving, multiple unrelated warning lights and warning messages appeared on the dashboard. Odometer changed to display dashes instead of mileage. Speedometer got stuck displaying an incorrect value (such as '0' when the vehicle was in motion, or '59' when the vehicle was as a complete stop). Warning messages displayed while vehicle was in motion included "park brake fault service now", "pre-collision assist not available", "service advancetrac", "cross-traffic system fault", and several more. Ford mobile app connected to the car reported 26 different errors. Safety was at risk due to speedometer displaying incorrect values and safety features going offline. Symptoms would come and go without driver intervention. After turning off the vehicle, vehicle failed to start entirely and had to be towed to the dealer. Dealer found the "whole fd-can network will not communicate" and traced the issue to an intermittent open circuit in the power steering control module. Additional photo + video evidence available upon request.

The battery keeps dying even though it's been tested and is good. Lights keep shorting out I've had to replace the brake light and wires twice. The coolant is disappearing causing the vehicle to overheat even after driving ahort diatances but no puddle is left to show a cracked tank or something similar.

Dash board panel comes on when you turn on the car, but once you put it in drive it automatically shuts off accept the rpm gauge, car goes into limp mode when driving and causes it to not allow any acceleration or movement of vehicle.

Multiple instances of low power to ignition coils (all of have been replaced with new coils and plugs). Transmission immediately stopped transmitting power to the wheels and would not re-engage. Transmission would sometimes go into gear, but slam into gear, lurch, or only shift into 1 or 2.

On July 7, 2026, at approximately 113,080 miles, my 2016 Ford Escape displayed a “transmission fault – service now” warning. The exact failed component is currently unknown, but the issue appears to involve the transmission/powertrain and possibly an electrical fault. While driving, I experienced abnormal symptoms including a rotational/squeaking noise from the front-right area and an air-leak/pressure-type noise from the right side. The pressure-type noise could also be heard while revving the vehicle at idle. The check engine light also illuminated. I took the vehicle to an independent repair facility on July 7, 2026. The mechanic documented the symptoms and diagnostic trouble codes and advised that additional electrical diagnosis was necessary to determine the exact cause. The transmission itself has not been conclusively diagnosed as failed, and I am not claiming a specific failed internal component without further inspection. I consider this a serious safety concern because an unresolved transmission or powertrain malfunction could potentially cause improper shifting, hesitation, reduced propulsion, loss of acceleration, or other unexpected vehicle behavior while driving in traffic. I contacted Ford regarding the problem and followed up again on July 17, 2026. After receiving no resolution, I contacted Ford again on September 9, 2026. Ford advised me that there was no exact timeframe for when the aso would contact me and that the aso may or may not contact me at all. I requested that Ford make a final escalation of the safety concern. Ford confirmed that my escalation and my intention to submit the unresolved safety issue to NHTSA were documented under Ford case cxh-08511841-t8x5l4. To my knowledge, Ford has not inspected the vehicle or provided a substantive resolution to the transmission/powertrain concern. I am also concerned that this may not be an isolated maintenance issue. I am aware of other owners reporting transmission and powertrain problems.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle failed to start. The contact check the vanity lights but there was no power inside the vehicle. The vehicle was without electrical power for approximately 30 minutes before power returned to vehicle. The contact was concerned about driving the vehicle because the potential failure reoccurring. The dealer was notified of the failure; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 73,000.