Equipment Problems of Ford Escape - part 1

Ford Escape owners have reported 2,313 problems related to equipment (under the equipment 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 Equipment problem of the 2017 Ford Escape

Failure Date: 05/02/2026

During normal driving, the vehicle unexpectedly powered off and all functions locked up. A warning message appeared stating that the transmission was not in park. After restarting the vehicle, I was able to continue, but the vehicle has been lagging and exhibiting signs that it may stall again.

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2 Equipment problem of the 2020 Ford Escape

Failure Date: 04/26/2026

My other door is doing cracking like my other door did camera some time hard to see but I brought to frenchie where I bought they said nothing wrong and since I bought this car there been recall after recall I want to trade in because of all in safe recall but they said no.

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3 Equipment problem of the 2024 Ford Escape

Failure Date: 04/25/2026

Power lift get kept closing which caused injury to my son. Lift gate if there is obstruction anywhere it should stop and go back up. Well this kept closing hit my son in the head caused severely bruised nose, laceration on his head and a mild concussion.

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4 Equipment problem of the 2014 Ford Escape

Failure Date: 04/25/2026

During state inspection at malloy Ford in [xxx] , the technician found the coolant of my 2014 Ford Escape almost empty. No warnings at all on the dashboard, either driving to the dealership or during the inspection. I am concerned about no warnings of a potential coolant leak that may cause a short circuit. Car was manufactured in Ford kentucky assembly plant in 2014. Current mileage is 39539 miles. Have read on NHTSA page similar complaints. Received from consumer reports recall tracker notification # xxx. As of today, I have not received a recall letter from Ford. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

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5 Equipment problem of the 2017 Ford Escape

Failure Date: 04/23/2026

My low beam headlights for the past year burn out every 4 to 6 weeks. In the past 3 months, they began to burn out every 2 to 3 weeks. Recently I went to have my headlight changed once again and they told me that the headlight assembly kits were actually burnt/melted and would need replaced on both sides. The cost of those was quoted to be over $2000 each. I was also told that certain Ford Escapes had a previous recall for this very problem but I cannot locate that recall for my vehicle. Could you please help me in this matter? I truly cannot offered to pay to have that repaired and I don't feel that this is an issue that is from routine use. If it was just a burnt out light I would understand and take care of it myself. The mechanic feels that I should reach out and see what Ford can do. Thank you so much.

6 Equipment problem of the 2017 Ford Escape

Failure Date: 04/18/2026

Engine fault light came on took to mechanic nothing popped up on the codes. Then check engine light came on took to another mechanic it showed it was misfiring along with other codes. Then check engine light went away. Then moved car out of driveway and engine overheating light came on.

7 Equipment problem of the 2013 Ford Escape

Failure Date: 04/17/2026

Car is in park but when I tried to come out of park the arm move but it won't shift out of park.

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8 Equipment problem of the 2017 Ford Escape

Failure Date: 04/14/2026

The failure appears to involve the vehicle’s auto start/stop system and related electrical control systems, including the battery management system and/or body control module. The vehicle shuts off unexpectedly while driving and fails to automatically restart, displaying “auto start/stop – manual restart required” and “shift to park. ” the vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The vehicle has shut off unexpectedly in active traffic, causing a sudden loss of power. This creates a dangerous situation where I am unable to accelerate or move with traffic flow, increasing the risk of being rear-ended or involved in a collision. This has occurred on public roads with other vehicles present, putting both myself and others at risk. The issue is intermittent and has not consistently been reproduced on demand. However, it has occurred multiple times during normal driving conditions. I am in the process of having the vehicle inspected and documented by a dealership. The issue has been reported to the manufacturer, and a case has been opened with Ford motor company. At this time, the vehicle has not yet been inspected by police or insurance representatives. There were no consistent warning lamps prior to the failure. At the time of the incident, the vehicle displayed messages including “auto start/stop – manual restart required” and “shift to park. ” these messages appeared simultaneously with the loss of power. The issue has occurred intermittently without advance warning.

9 Equipment problem of the 2020 Ford Escape

Failure Date: 04/14/2026

When the inside of the car gets too hot, you cannot shift the car dial out of park. The engine runs but the car will not go into gear. It happens whenever the car gets too hot. There should be a recall to fix the issue. It is not safe to be stuck sitting in your car unable to move.

10 Equipment problem of the 2021 Ford Escape

Failure Date: 04/11/2026

The panoramic sunroof shade disconnected from the clips that holds it in place to allow it to be opened and closed. It is now rolled up in the car so the sunroof is always exposed and cannot be reconnected without a full replacement according to the dealership. It can impact visibility in bright sunlight.

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11 Equipment problem of the 2014 Ford Escape

Failure Date: 04/09/2026

My reverse camera keeps going blank when reversing or it says contact dealership. My 2015 Lincoln mkc had the safety recall for that camera. I am wondering why my 2014 Ford Escape does not have this same recall? almost wrecked into someone as could not see as there are blind spots. No alert of vehicle behind me.

12 Equipment problem of the 2021 Ford Escape

Failure Date: 04/04/2026

Everytime I drive the car and I don’t get no warming and I bring the car to the dealer and tell them what going on and dealer do and don’t tell me what going on. . I should be able to get another car free because they want me to keep pay thing out my pocket which I don’t have also want to let you know that [xxx] and I will like to explain more on phone [xxx] also the Ford dealership want me to trade in my car for 2,000 which my car is value7,000 because what three thing broken and they want 5600 it not right because I just have tht car right after my mother pass away and it only 2 years now information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

13 Equipment problem of the 2021 Ford Escape

Failure Date: 04/04/2026

Ford manufacturer and local gurley leep Ford dealership failed to provide a remedy to safety recall : manufacturer recall number25s76 NHTSA recall number25v467 in a reasonable timeframe. The local Ford dealership refused to provide a remedy, free of charge, in accordance with the NHTSA guidelines .

14 Equipment problem of the 2020 Ford Escape

Failure Date: 04/01/2026

This is the engine fuel component injection system is not available for fixing within a timly manner and I smell gasoline this is not acceptable to use as it is.

15 Equipment problem of the 2015 Ford Escape

Failure Date: 03/26/2026

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact was concerned about driving the vehicle due to a potential fire risk. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 25v695000 (back over prevention) and 26v011000 (equipment). An appointment was scheduled with the local dealer who confirmed that the parts were on backorder. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Additionally, the vehicle was scheduled to be towed to the local dealer. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.

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16 Equipment problem of the 2018 Ford Escape

Failure Date: 03/23/2026

I have a paid in full 2018 Ford Escape 1. 5l eco boost. I am just over the 150k mile mark and out of the blue I was left stranded on the side of a completely dark highway at 4:30am after working a shift. The car alerted me out of no where with no indication of an issue arising that the engine was overheating and to pull over immediately. The coolant was completley empty even tho I had an oil change and check up the week prior, while getting this done there was no indication of low coolant. I was able to refill the coolant with the help of a friend and make it home that night. 2 days later on the way to work on the same highway it happened again out of the blue with no warning or indication yet again. I was able to get my boss to bring me coolant so I could refill it and get to work and off the highway, the coolant somehow was dry to the bone again. After this second occurrence I took my car to 2 different trustworthy mechanics close to my house to be diagnosed. Both mechanics were able to diagnose that the issue is coming from coolant is leaking into the engine and causing the car to overheat and engine failure. The only option to fix the car is to get a new engine. Currently my car is not drivable and I have no transportation. Ford is aware of the issues with the engine and I have had many phone calls and case numbers with them to try and get my car fixed by them. However I am out of luck because my VIN is not included in the current recall 26s01 even though they are fully aware this recall affects many makes and models. I've been given no news or time frame on if or when the 1. 5l engine will be added to this recall. Again Ford is fully aware of the issue and that it is affecting many makes and models but claim until my VIN is attached to the recall they can't do a thing. I have been without a car since March 23, 2026.

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17 Equipment problem of the 2015 Ford Escape

Failure Date: 03/20/2026

(1) what happened? suddenly the rear camera screen went blank. It took me half a second to realize the problem and to react and automatically stepping the breaks. Luckily, there was no one behind the car. (2) what component or system failed or malfunctioned? rear camera view/screen. (3) is it available for inspection upon request? yes. (4) how was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? other people and my self was in very high risk! (5) has the problem been reproduced? yes, many times after the first incident! (6) confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? there is an open recall for this problem already, but Ford dealer refuses to fixed it! (7) were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? no warnings, no messages. Rear camera view/screen goes blue and then a warning is shown on the screen.

18 Equipment problem of the 2020 Ford Escape

Failure Date: 03/19/2026

Awd module fault seeing a lot of other owners having same issue of awd module breaking and causing awd to not function.

19 Equipment problem of the 2015 Ford Escape

Failure Date: 03/19/2026

The Ford Escape was parked in a parking lot and then approximately 10-15 minutes later it caught on fire under the hood.

20 Equipment problem of the 2018 Ford Escape

Failure Date: 03/16/2026

Spark plug cylinder 1 gets stuck trying to replace which causes vehicle to misfire.

21 Equipment problem of the 2018 Ford Escape

Failure Date: 03/15/2026

On 3/15/2026 I was on my way home from massachusetts to pennsylvania, and about 35 minutes into my drive I got an alert stating "high engine temperature stop safely", so I pulled over immediately and turned the car off. After allowing the engine to cool down, I opened the hood and started the car to see if I could identify any issues, the "engine fault service now" alert came up. This was the first time this ever happened, this put me, my two dogs who were in the car with me, and possibly others on the road at risk, had the conditions escalated. (I. E. Under hood fire). The vehicle was towed to an authorized Ford dealership, mathieu Ford sales, inc. Who diagnosed the issue on 3/17/2026. The dealership removed the spark plugs to inspect cylinders and found coolant intrusion into cylinders significantly on cylinder 2. Dealership referenced TSB 22-2322, is recommending short block assembly and related parts to remedy concern. Dealership advised it was safe and okay to drive the vehicle slowly to a nearby residence (to store the vehicle/retain possession), noting to pull over if an alert pops up and to have it towed if I received another message like before. The dealership advised it was not safe to drive the vehicle back to pennsylvania. There weren't any issues driving the vehicle back on 3/17/2026 following the dealership's guidance; the car hasn't been driven since. The car needed to be jumped to start the vehicle on 4/17/2026 for a tow truck to load the vehicle onto its bed. The vehicle is currently back in possession of the dealership who diagnosed the issue. Upon doing research, this appears to be a widespread manufacturing design defect that Ford has failed to properly address/recall. My vehicle met the criteria under their customer satisfaction program in 2022 - the vehicle is an Escape, 2017-2019, assembled in louisville, that was built before April 8, 2019, and which exhibited a covered condition, having low coolant. Ford motor CO is failing to remedy-cure.

22 Equipment problem of the 2016 Ford Escape

Failure Date: 03/14/2026

Rear main seal leak and transaxle leak. I see there was a recall in the 2000s but my 2016 is having the same issues. Would this issue still fall under the newer vehicle recall since it I the same problem?.

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23 Equipment problem of the 2016 Ford Escape

Failure Date: 03/13/2026

My car moves when pushed or pulled and the vehicle is off and in park. Additionally, my car does not accelerate over 5 miles per hour and makes a whining noise when trying to drive.

24 Equipment problem of the 2018 Ford Escape

Failure Date: 03/10/2026

A metallic clinking/rattling noise developed from the engine/transmission area while the vehicle was running. The issue was diagnosed as a failed flexplate. The flexplate is a critical component that connects the engine to the transmission. Continued operation with a failed flexplate can lead to further mechanical failure and could result in loss of propulsion or inability to move the vehicle, creating a potential safety risk, particularly in traffic or when acceleration is needed. The problem was confirmed by a dealership service center. The vehicle was still operable at the time, but the noise was persistent and indicated a failure condition. No warning lights or messages were observed prior to the issue. The noise appeared suddenly. The component was replaced during repair. It is unknown if the failed part is available for inspection. There are reports of similar flexplate failures in comparable vehicles, raising concern this may not be an isolated issue.

25 Equipment problem of the 2022 Ford Escape

Failure Date: 03/05/2026

Just after 36 month warranty expired, ceiling sunscreen came off track hanging down into car obstructing view through rear view mirror.

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26 Equipment problem of the 2002 Ford Escape

Failure Date: 03/05/2026

I bought a vehicle that has recalls on it. I contacted a dealer. Im told the car is to old to fix the recalled abs relay. Now I have a vehicle thats on the road a fire hazard. The Ford dealership have left me my with and kids and grand kids in danger.

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27 Equipment problem of the 2025 Ford Escape

Failure Date: 03/02/2026

Turn signal volume is too low to hear. . Dealer say's that's how it is.

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28 Equipment problem of the 2020 Ford Escape

Failure Date: 03/02/2026

Panoramic roof, sunshield, coming off track and drooping which blocks the rear window. This causes a safety issue of not being able to see what is behind you while you’re driving.

29 Equipment problem of the 2016 Ford Escape

Failure Date: 03/02/2026

Rear back up camera shows up distorted, upside down and sometimes not at all.

30 Equipment problem of the 2015 Ford Escape

Failure Date: 02/25/2026

The back up/rear view camera display a blank or distorted image while in reverse and has reduced and distorted my view of what is behind in not one, but on both my 2015 Fords which have been recalled. I have come close on several occasions to having an accident. I got a letter from Ford confirming both cars are in a recall in October of 2025. We are now 6 months later and the service department at my Ford dealer has no answers. This is insane - 6 moths for both cars and they have no answers!! this is dangerous and it is infuriating that there is still no fix?!?!?!?!? this problem has been going on in both cars now at least 24 months. I want to dump them and never drive a Ford again, but I cannot afford to at this time. Help!!!.

31 Equipment problem of the 2015 Ford Escape

Failure Date: 02/20/2026

The rear-view camera hasn't worked for several months. I was going to get it repaired until I received the recall letter in October of 2025. I use this when backing up and need to see how far from the vehicle behind me is. Just curious, how long before this has been resolved?.

32 Equipment problem of the 2020 Ford Escape

Failure Date: 02/20/2026

Drivers side door is popping/cracking. Upon reasearching I found numerous others complaing of the same problem.

33 Equipment problem of the 2016 Ford Escape

Failure Date: 02/18/2026

I stopped at the end of my road and went to take a left and my car was in the road and didn’t want to go. Luckily I wasn’t hit and I got it out of the road. I believe it’s from the transmission.

34 Equipment problem of the 2020 Ford Escape

Failure Date: 02/16/2026

System failures with lights and warnings include: hill start assist, all wheel drive fault, precollision assist, advanctrac. Rear differential and awd module had to be replaced. Car has 57,000 miles on it and is a 2020. Safety is put at risk with a failing rear differential. There were minor vibrations that could've turned into wheel lock. All of the different drive modes were unavailable, and with heavy snow and ice in the area where I live, it made driving more difficult. The car was diagnosed and 2 dealers and one independent service center and the work was ultimately done at a dealer because the all wheel drive module has to be programmed.

35 Equipment problem of the 2011 Ford Escape

Failure Date: 02/16/2026

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.

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