Electrical System Problems of Ford Escape - part 1

Ford Escape owners have reported 1,992 problems related to electrical system (under the electrical system category). The most recently reported issues are listed below. Also please check out the statistics and reliability analysis of Ford Escape based on all problems reported for the Escape.

1 Electrical System problem of the 2020 Ford Escape

Failure Date: 07/29/2026

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.

See all problems of the 2020 Ford Escape 🔎.

2 Electrical System problem of the 2015 Ford Escape

Failure Date: 07/17/2026

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.

See all problems of the 2015 Ford Escape 🔎.

3 Electrical System problem of the 2015 Ford Escape

Failure Date: 07/11/2026

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.

4 Electrical System problem of the 2018 Ford Escape

Failure Date: 07/09/2026

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.

See all problems of the 2018 Ford Escape 🔎.

5 Electrical System problem of the 2017 Ford Escape

Failure Date: 07/06/2026

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.

See all problems of the 2017 Ford Escape 🔎.

6 Electrical System problem of the 2020 Ford Escape

Failure Date: 07/05/2026

Hello, I recently purchased this vehicle used. Within the past two weeks I’ve had some concerns. The hood latching mechanism is not reliable. If you try to open the hood it has been not opening completely and gets stuck. If you keep pulling the opening lever it barely works to open and or close the hood. Today the hood would not close completely and the whole lever stopped working, becoming jammed. Driving 20mph with the hood closed as much as it would the hood still flew open while driving. Immediately I pulled over and it opened to the point of me being about to close it completely. I am not touching it now due to the unreliability and concern of issues that can lead to an accident if hood was able to reopen. I believe it is a very serious safety concern. The vehicle has been inspected prior to this happening and passed. Online says that this error can happen. The dash has been lighting up with notifications regarding the hood being open, even when the hood appears closed.

7 Electrical System problem of the 2011 Ford Escape

Failure Date: 07/03/2026

The rear hatch clicks like it wants to open but doesn't release the latch to open it and I can't get to the place to release an lower the spare tire which is safety concern to me. Also the driver side seat belt casing broke and doesn't release every time you push button to unlatch it which can cause serious problems if in an accident I had a individual garage guy inspect an said he had replaced several latch mechanisms in the hatch for several Escape owners I can't afford to have it replaced at this time. If we're to have a flat in extreme heat or extremely cold weather it can cause heat stroke or hypothermia. There were no warning signs one day wouldn't open. An seatbelt wouldn't release one day until pushed so hard the casing broke off an could push clip inside.

See all problems of the 2011 Ford Escape 🔎.

8 Electrical System problem of the 2014 Ford Escape

Failure Date: 06/24/2026

Rear camera intermittently does not work properly. Multiple incidents of the rear camera flickering off and on when in reverse, image is sometimes upside down, or the rear camera doesn't work at all.

See all problems of the 2014 Ford Escape 🔎.

9 Electrical System problem of the 2023 Ford Escape

Failure Date: 06/22/2026

The contact owns a 2023 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 25v789000 (electrical system); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the unrepaired recall repair was an inconvenience because the battery could only be charged to 80-percent. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not contacted. The contact had not experienced a failure.

See all problems of the 2023 Ford Escape 🔎.

10 Electrical System problem of the 2017 Ford Escape

Failure Date: 06/13/2026

Vehicles auto start stop malfunctions and turns car off at red light. Message states to shift to park and then to press ignition.

11 Electrical System problem of the 2017 Ford Escape

Failure Date: 06/12/2026

While driving on the highway at speed of 65-70 mph, there was a loud and felt "clunk" and immediate loss of power. Dashboard screen said "faulty engine service immediately" and warning bells came on. Frightened, I immediately pulled over in the shouldee of the highway and turned off ignition. When I turned the car back on, dashboard read same faulty engine message, then started to go through a diagnostics in which it reported sensors not functioning (parking sensors). Vehicle was able to be started after this incident and drove fine afterward. This was not the first time this vehicle has had electrical issues. It has been known to have intermittent start up issues where the engine would not turn on but only the lights and accessories will come on. After some varying amount of reattemtps to turn on car, the dashboard screen will go through same messages: "fauly engine" and go through sensors not found or working etc. After these messages appear, then the car is able to start normally. I have taken this car in to 2 different Ford dealerships, 1 Buick/GMC dealership, and 2-3 independent auto shops, all of which cannot get the vehicle to replicate the issue enough times for them to diagnose the car. It does not store any codes to pinpoint the issue. The vehicle has been in and out of shops for a total of 4-6 weeks now with no answers. Now, it did this while driving on the highway! I am fortunate it did not cause a crash, but I am scared to death to drive it on the highway again. I dont know what to do because my job requires a lot of driving, especially on the highway. I do not want to get in an accident if this happens again or becomes worse the next time. There are no warning sounds, lights or medsages before it happens. Plus I owe way more on it than the car is worth, so selling it is not really an option. Please help.

12 Electrical System problem of the 2021 Ford Escape

Failure Date: 06/10/2026

Following up on Nov 20,2025 manufacturer recall number25sc4 NHTSA recall number25v789 recall statusrecall incomplete, remedy not yet available this recall has been out for 7 months - no remedy yet. We are not able to use our phev to the extgent is was designed.

See all problems of the 2021 Ford Escape 🔎.

13 Electrical System problem of the 2021 Ford Escape

Failure Date: 06/07/2026

While vehicle is set on cruise control , set at 70 mph , ( or set to any other speed) , anytime the speed limit changes to 80 mph (or other change) car accelerates and cruise control is set to 100 mph . It also accelerates and resets to 90 -100 mph at random . It is frightening and dangerous to have my car randomly accelerate. I have attempted to pass a vehicle, when my car randomly accelerates to 100 mph . This is very dangerous and can happen at any random time . The lane assist is also dangerous when car can not see lines separating lanes . I have had my car jerk the wheel when I was detoured through construction. I am very concerned with my car accelerating. Not only does it leave me vulnerable to receiving a speeding ticket , it also increases the likelihood of hitting an object or having an accident.

14 Electrical System problem of the 2021 Ford Escape

Failure Date: 06/07/2026

On xxx I was driving my 2021 Ford Escape for 10 minutes before I stopped at sheetz gas station on [xxx]. I ran into the building to withdraw cash from the atm leaving my fiance and dog in the car while it sat idle. Upon exiting the building about 30 seconds to a minute later, I witnessed smoke coming up from the hood of my car. My fiance and dog quickly evacuated the car as we saw flames emerging. I ran inside to get assistance from the workers and they brought out fire extinguishers. The attempt to extinguish the flames was unsuccessful and the front of the car quickly went up. Police and fire department were called and they showed up about 10 minutes later to handle the situation. Reports from the officer, fire department and the sheetz assistant were taken. I do not have access to those. My car insurance is covering the cost of the vehicle and a 7 day car rental. They are not covering the loss of both mine and my fiance's cell phones. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

15 Electrical System problem of the 2019 Ford Escape

Failure Date: 06/01/2026

Dash board has been flashing images and turning black and white like something is malfunctioning the automatic stop start has been inconsistently working I have issues with the lights getting dimmer while I’m driving at night and sometimes I have to manually hold the brights forward for the lights to work there seems to be something distracting me in the control paneling of the vehicle making me nervous and tired sometimes distracting my eyes.

See all problems of the 2019 Ford Escape 🔎.

16 Electrical System problem of the 2021 Ford Escape

Failure Date: 05/29/2026

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape phev. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 25v789 (electrical system); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available.  the dealer was 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 contact had not experienced a failure.

17 Electrical System problem of the 2021 Ford Escape

Failure Date: 05/25/2026

My car was at only 55,000 miles, there was a weird shuddering and my rpms were very jumpy. It almost felt like my car was going to stall out. I took it in to the Ford dealership and I had to get my torque converter replaced. I had no dash lights on or any other problems. I got it replaced, but my car still feels shaky while at low speeds. Apparently it’s a very common problem in this car.

18 Electrical System problem of the 2021 Ford Escape

Failure Date: 05/24/2026

My windshield wipers aren’t working properly and it causes me to not be able to see while driving which cause me to hit a curb and damage my front fender and my trunk makes a nose when I drive like it wants to pop open my car flashes warnings and then no sign of issues.

19 Electrical System problem of the 2022 Ford Escape

Failure Date: 05/20/2026

Check engine light on with powertrain malfunction / reduced power notification on myford pass app. Scanned with obd scanner and it has code p0929.

See all problems of the 2022 Ford Escape 🔎.

20 Electrical System problem of the 2026 Ford Escape

Failure Date: 05/15/2026

Description on your vehicle, the integrated park module ipm may not properly engage the park pawl, preventing the vehicle from locking into park when park p is selected. If this condition occurs, a wrench light and shift system fault message will be displayed in the instrument panel cluster. Additionally, the vehicles electronic parking brake epb will automatically apply. Safety risk if the park pawl is not properly engaged and the electronic parking brake - epb - is not applied, your vehicle may experience a roll-in-park, increasing the risk of a crash. Remedy a remedy is not yet available. Ford motor company is working to provide software for this repair. When the remedy becomes available, Ford motor company will notify you via mail to schedule a service appointment with your dealer for repairs to be completed free of charge. The remedy is anticipated to be available July 10, 2026. Next steps contact your dealer for more information to schedule the free service.

21 Electrical System problem of the 2023 Ford Escape

Failure Date: 05/14/2026

1. Engine failed and my infotainment system turned off 2. I feel like I was scared because I didnt know if I was going to come back on 3. No 4. No.

22 Electrical System problem of the 2021 Ford Escape

Failure Date: 05/12/2026

Hello I am so sick of the recall on the high voltage battery. When I first got in in April of last year it had 126 miles on it and was told by [xxx] at the time and Ford auffenburg used cars that it had no recalls at all. Low and behold months later after charging the plug in portion found out there was a recall and I couldn't plug it in which was the reason I bought it. So I had no choice mostly it was sitting until I had to travel for funeral services not local to me. Then there was a fix for the recall only to find out its a software patch they don't replace the battery knowing there is a defect in the high voltage battery confirmed. So now the same issue just new number there is a second recall on it again and not to plug it in. Since then it has 138800 on it now. Because I have to get some where but I stay local. At this point I just want a buy back I am tired of dealing with it and now there are two more recalls concerning a wiper motor and something to do with sync screen update. I can't afford to have them contstantly diagnose this issue. I am tired of trying to deal with auffenburg in general on these issues I had to get them to program the computer just to do emmisions in illinois. All I want it a buy back so I can pick something else. The first recall was 24s79 now its 25sc4/25v789 this car has been nothing but recall on the high voltage battery. It's a bad safety issue and really want to get rid of it. Thee have been a few times taking it down the street I lost power in hybrid normal running mode. It's just scary I had no control in the wheel information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

23 Electrical System problem of the 2020 Ford Escape

Failure Date: 05/10/2026

Vehicle door locks: -driver door lock failed to unlock. All other doors locks remained functional - 2 days later or 450+ miles later all doors locked, then when attempting to unlock all doors whether key fob or door lock/unlock buttons on both driver and passenger doors, door locks failed to respond to any button attempt. -manual lock/unlocking is needed to lock/unlock any doors. If I needed to Escape from an aggressive attacker or a child was in a backseat while it was 80+ degrees fahrenheit outside lives would be in danger.

24 Electrical System problem of the 2015 Ford Escape

Failure Date: 05/08/2026

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse, the rearview camera became inoperable. The contact stated that the rearview camera image would intermittently fail, flicker on and off, and at times display would appear upside down. The contact also stated that the instrument panel became inoperable. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 25v695000 (back over prevention); however, the parts required to complete the recall repair were not yet available. The dealer was contacted multiple times. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer confirmed that the remedy parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time to provide a remedy for the recall. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.

25 Electrical System problem of the 2021 Ford Escape

Failure Date: 05/07/2026

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 25v789000 (electrical system) and 26v123000 (back over prevention) and 26v117000 (visibility) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer confirmed that the remedy parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure.

26 Electrical System problem of the 2018 Ford Escape

Failure Date: 05/06/2026

My car shifts into gears when in drive and I am breaking, it has locked in park, or drive, my car without emergency break has rolled down my driveway while off and in park. My local dealership claims they don’t have parts for it and I’m stuck paying on a car I don’t feel safe in. They sold it to me knowing there was an active prior recall for this. I’m worried I’ll be driving one day and the gears shift automatically and kill me.

27 Electrical System problem of the 2019 Ford Escape

Failure Date: 05/06/2026

The accident occurred while I was driving south on highway 38 at approximately 45 mph. Another driver pulled forward into my path and did not appear to see my vehicle. I attempted to swerve to avoid a more serious collision and protect both drivers, but the front driver-side area of my vehicle struck the rear driver-side area of the other vehicle. The impact caused significant front-end damage to my vehicle, particularly on the driver-side/front corner. Despite the severity of the collision and damage, my airbags did not deploy. The other vehicle’s airbags did deploy during the crash. I am concerned that the airbag system, crash sensors, or related safety components may have failed to activate properly during the collision. Due to the speed of travel and force of impact, I believe the lack of airbag deployment placed my safety at risk and could have resulted in serious injury. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. At this time, I am requesting an investigation into why the airbags did not deploy during the crash.

28 Electrical System problem of the 2021 Ford Escape

Failure Date: 05/06/2026

This vehicle has had transmission slipping issues since I bought it. I had the pcm flashed and reset but it still jerks and slips out of gear all the time. The car actually stalled on me while turning through an intersection. This almost cause me to be t boned via a car crash. The transmission has already been replaced and still malfunctions. When it stalled there were no lights and the car would not go into neutral unless you pulled the emergency latch for it. This is a huge safety issue and from what I read a lot of people are having the exact same problem. Ford is just giving me the run around and my local dealer literally acted like he didn't know what I was talking about when I mention the new service bullentin. This transmission has clearly been an issue since the vehicle was new according to service records. The fact that Ford isn't reaching out to people is nuts to me. They are also saying it may be over miles for the work to be covered. I really don't understand that as the transmission was replaced with only about 75000 miles on it. That's not normal. They are not honoring any work on an item they built poorly.

29 Electrical System problem of the 2014 Ford Escape

Failure Date: 05/05/2026

My 2014 Ford vehicle the steering wheel began to malfunction, then became worse. I took it to pep boys mechanic, they showed me the recall for this issue. I will include the recall attached. The mechanic told me to call Ford they should fix this problem. I called Ford who said since our VIN no was not indicated on the recall, but same year make and model are, cannot repair due to VIN no not on recall. Then the Ford dealer mechanic recommended I call Ford corporate. I called Ford corporate who advised not covered since the VIN no for this Ford is not in recall, but acknowledged that year make and model is. The recall attached states this recall does not need to be VIN no specific. I told both Ford dealer mechanic and Ford corporate this, and offered to email the recall to them, yet they refused for me to send this. I asked speak to a manager multiple times at Ford corporate and was told one would call back, but no one ever called me back. After multiple calls I finally got a manager on the phone [xxx] who provided me case no xxx and she denied my claim too, since my VIN. No. For vehicle not included in recall. If you read the attached recall my car matches all the criteria for this recall, except the VIN no. As per the recall the steering wheel is a safety hazard, that can cause a crash, as stated in the attached recall. Additionally, the other year I had another issue with the bushing, when I went to park in front a store, but the car kept driving almost ran into the store that had all glass windows. Because I pumped the brake and slammed on the emergency brake it stopped. Had it not stopped would have hurt myself, little daughter in my car, and whomever else was in the store. At the time, this bushing was not on recall. Several months later, I received a notice of this recall. I contacted Ford and provided receipts and they reimbursed me. This vehicle has only been inspected by a mechanic at pep boys who informed us of this recall information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C.

30 Electrical System problem of the 2014 Ford Escape

Failure Date: 05/02/2026

Rear camera will not come on. The issue is intermittent. Ford has had other issues with rear cameras and prompted a recall but not for this vehicle. Screen goes blank when in reverse and message on center display states "rear camera not working. Contact dealer. ".

31 Electrical System problem of the 2019 Ford Escape

Failure Date: 05/02/2026

I am reporting the failure of Ford motor company to perform a mandatory safety recall (recall 22s43 / NHTSA id 22v413) on my 2019 Ford Escape. This failure is compounded by evidence of falsified internal service records (oasis reports) that misrepresent the vehicle's recall status as 'completed. ' ?furthermore, the failure to perform this specific recall directly prevented a necessary diagnostic inspection of the transmission linkage and adjacent engine compartment. Had this recall been performed, the technician would have identified the progressive corrosion and mechanical stress that subsequently destroyed the high-pressure fuel pump and the transmission control module (tcm). ?the manufacturer meticulously recorded routine maintenance while ignoring a critical federal safety mandate. Their negligence directly caused a cascading mechanical failure, rendering my vehicle an unsafe, non-operational hazard. I am seeking a formal investigation into these falsified service records and the manufacturer's failure to remedy this safety hazard. I attempted to resolve this manner at the lowest levels, before taking this route. Unfortunately, to their detriment; Ford basically told me I was on my own. I have already alerted the attorney general for the state of tennessee, as well. The subsequent loss of the vehicle as a result of the abhorrent behavior of Ford motor company has resulted in time lost with my kids and my mental health appointments with the veterans administration. I can not make it to my therapist or get my medication. I have the carfax and oasis reports as further evidence to back these claims.

32 Electrical System problem of the 2020 Ford Escape

Failure Date: 05/01/2026

My car has following issues recently. 1. Tire pressure monitoring system failed for all four tires. 2. Electrical door lock systems failed. All these symptoms match the bcm recall for the model and year of my car. But my VIN is not included with the recall. I believe Ford did not include all impacted car in this recall.

33 Electrical System problem of the 2021 Ford Escape

Failure Date: 05/01/2026

I am filing this safety complaint on behalf of myself and my wife, [xxx] , the primary driver of our 2021 Ford Escape phev, with active under recall 25sc4 (no remedy available). The vehicle has experienced 8+ sudden complete shutdowns during normal driving since February 2026, always during ev-to-hybrid mode transition, always without prior warning. The only warning is a brief sound like air escaping immediately before shutdown. At shutdown: engine cuts completely, steering wheel locks rigid and cannot be turned, brake pedal locks hard and cannot be depressed, gear selector locks in drive and cannot be changed. The driver has zero ability to steer, brake, or move the vehicle. Must activate hazards and wait 1-5 minutes for restart while immobilized in an active traffic lane. Incidents occurred: (1) February 2026: multiple times, dealer retained vehicle 5 days, found nothing. (2) early April 2026: multiple times, including one witnessed by a police officer who directed traffic around immobilized vehicle. Dealer kept 3 days, blamed the original Ford-supplied charger. Replacement did not fix defect. (3) may 1, 2026: 4 times in one day with my wife only in the car, including on the dolphin [xxx] near miami int [xxx] 3:30pm Friday rush hour, with our [xxx] child in the vehicle on thr [xxx] r occasions. Ford's own recall documentation states steering and braking remain functional during shutdown. This is directly contradicted by our firsthand experience. Both are completely inoperable. Dealer on second attempt blamed original Ford-supplied charger — replacement did not resolve defect. This vehicle is subject to active class action [xxx] et al. V. Ford motor company (case xxx). Formal warranty demand letter sent to Ford motor company via certified mail under magnuson-moss warranty act simultaneously with this complaint. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

34 Electrical System problem of the 2017 Ford Escape

Failure Date: 04/28/2026

Tail light has water intrusion and water shorted out the led brake light on the driver's side rear of vehicles and has to be replaced as the ed's are not serviceable.

35 Electrical System problem of the 2021 Ford Escape

Failure Date: 04/27/2026

Vehicle headlights constantly dimming in and out, replaced alternator and battery, problem still persisted if not worse than before. Vehicle constantly struggles to accelerate once at running temperature, high revs and doesn't accelerate at all, vehicle experienced complete power loss after approaching red light, vehicle restarted but showed severe signs of power deficiency.


Other Common Electrical System related problems of Ford Escape


Escape Service Bulletins
Escape Safety Recalls
Escape Defect Investigations