Exterior Lighting Problems of Ford Escape - part 1

Water intrusion severe in both taillight assemblies with normal rain. Safety issue due to water dimming or completely blocking out the bottom light car has less than 40k miles.

See all problems of the 2017 Ford Escape 🔎.

1 brakes are making noise all times when in slow motion the brake paddle depressed ether is moving forward or reversing the repairs did not fix the problem. 1. Left taillight show the when the vehicle is expose to water from rain or washed, evaporation and condensation will occur creating a film of running down inside of the assembled taillight and will last for days sometimes. That also cause the dimming of the light from the brakes and from turning light. As driver I am concerned that the dimming of the light can become a safety issue when in transit for diminishing of visibility for other drivers behind of this vehicle.

See all problems of the 2021 Ford Escape 🔎.

When one of my back up lights went out it shorted out the back up video camera. After replacement, found out from Ford that the wiring of the lighting is tied also into the video camera system. After replacement the camera shorts out and is not replaceable.

See all problems of the 2015 Ford Escape 🔎.

Around Aug. 3, I noticed that when I drove, the interior lights would not turn off. When the car was off, they went out as they should. But every time I started the car they came on and would not turn off. It made it very difficult to drive went it was getting dark. The dealership confirmed that it wasn't the knobs inside the car that were causing this problem. Later, I took it in for them to find out what was wrong. I scheduled an appointment and dropped off the car. That was Aug, 7. Today is September 1, and I have no idea when I might get my car back. Apparently, it needed a 'body control module'. They got a new Ford part, put it in and it solved the problem with the interior lights, but nothing else was working. They tried a second new, Ford part with the same results. So, I've been without a car, I have had a rental for a week, but will be turning it in, too expensive for me. I need a car I work mornings. What are my options now? it only has 52,000 miles. And while I am the 2nd owner, it belonged to a friend that I lived with and took care of and was the primary driver. How long before they should say we can't fix it?.

See all problems of the 2016 Ford Escape 🔎.

My transmission and electrical. . How's a vehicle made with "no dip stick"?? and my "only goes to a Ford car service center. . ????????????????????.

Simply put, the headlights repeatedly blow out with no apparent reason found. Bulbs have been changed multiple times personally and by professionals -- both headlights went out nearly simultaneously in September of 2024 and I replaced the bulbs myself, assuming it was a fluke or the bulbs had simply aged out. At the beginning of March, 2025, the passenger-side bulb went out again and I brought it to my dealership to get checked out. They couldn't find anything wrong, and I had them replace the bulb again. Now, for the third time since I bought the vehicle in April or may of 2024, I have to replace the passenger-side bulb again. I'm returning to the dealership to see if there's anything else to look for, but a quick internet search shows that there are lots of others experiencing this same problem without any kind of solution in sight. This is obviously not normal.

See all problems of the 2019 Ford Escape 🔎.

Both low beam head lights stop working while driving. This is the third time in 18 months this has happened. The temporary fix has been to replace an electrical harness that has been burnt from heat. I understand a safety recall has been issued for other Ford Escapes with this condition.

Headlights continue to go out causing reduced visibility. Google search shows a lot of people having the same issue. Available for inspection. Driving during dark hours puts myself and others at risk when the light randomly goes out. I have consulted local shop and they confirm it's a common problem and unsure of a fix besides guessing and replacing parts. No warnings or notifications that the light is out.

See all problems of the 2018 Ford Escape 🔎.

Vehicle burns out low beam headlights at a rapid rate. I’ve been the only owner of this car, and have replace the headlights 8 times in 168k miles. I do not drive abundantly at night, primarily during the day. In the span of the past two weeks I have replaced the headlights twice. I have come to a point that I keep spare headlights in the glove box for when they will go out again. Researching the issue online lead me to many forms of drivers with the same vehicle going through the same issue. The vehicle causing the headlights to go out at such a fast rate has presented a dangerous nighttime driving scenario when combined with the daytime running lights that give off enough light to make it unknown if the headlights are truly functioning or not. Given the consumable nature of bulbs the issue has not been taken to the dealer for, only serviced by replacement of bulbs.

I have a 2019 Ford Escape. I’ve replaced the lightbulbs on both sides several times. The housing has burned out several times not just the bulbs. Twice they have burned out at the same time. The 2019 and the 2017 have the same light fixtures. The 2017 headlights were recalled. I contend that my car should be covered under the recall. I’ve called two local Ford dealers both are familiar with my problem and have told me there’s recall “yet”.

I have had to replace multiple headlight bulbs every few months. The bulbs and fuses are working fine. Sometimes one side will work and the other side will turn off without warning. I have been stranded on the side of the road multiple times. It is unsafe to drive this way. Finally today both lights just stop working without any warning. This is why I came to this page to see if I was the only one having this issue and it looks like I'm not. I have made an appointing to take it in to the dealer hopefully they can find the problem.

My headlights will not turn on, and will not stay on. No I have not taken it to dealer as of yet. I do not feel safe driving at night. Roads are too dark, not enough illumination coming from the car. There was no warning. Member of my family pointed out headlight not working.

On September 20, 2024, both low beam headlights stopped working while driving at night. High beams continued to work. This same problem happened about a year ago. At that time, a heavier duty wiring harness was changed to correct the problem. The problem has returned. We are in the process of getting this issue looked at.

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the headlights became inoperable. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that neither the VIN nor the vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign number: 15v861000 (exterior lighting). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 13,000.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle the rear drivers side and rear passenger side brake lights and tail lights did not illuminate. The contact discovered water and condensation inside both the rear tail light assemblies. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who advised that both the rear brake light and tail light assemblies needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failures but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 34,000.

See attached document for complaint.

See all problems of the 2023 Ford Escape 🔎.

The headlights keep burning out, alternating from driver’s side to passenger’s side. The bulbs burn out about every three months but have burnt out in as little as 1 month (same bulbs). A search on the internet shows numerous persons having the same problem with their Ford Escapes.

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the instrument cluster screen malfunctioned and turned black or flickered off and on. Additionally, the headlights, turn signals, and brake lights intermittently failed to operate as needed. The transmission and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The cause of the failures was not yet determined. The local dealer was contacted regarding the failures, but no assistance was provided. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 130,000.

See all problems of the 2014 Ford Escape 🔎.

Failure of defective and dangerous head and tail lights - total of six. Luckily, I identified the problem before a serious accident. This was previously reported without details or supporting documentation under NHTSA complaint 11600823 by a family member. The uploaded documents show the actions of the dealership (art hill Ford) and Ford motor company.

I have had to replace multiple headlight bulbs every few months, but recently both headlights just stopped working. The bulbs and fuses are fine. If this had happened at night, I would not have been safe driving this car.

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 25-26 mph, the message "engine fault" was displayed, and the contact noticed an abnormal burning odor. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. The contact stated that upon inspecting the vehicle, there was coolant leaking onto the ground. The contact drove to the residence and parked the vehicle. The contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 17v209000 (engine and engine cooling); however, the VIN was not included. Additionally, the contact stated that rear passenger's side taillight failed to operate as needed, and the taillight bulb had been replaced several times; however, the failure persisted. The contact also stated that the infotainment system and the rearview camera were inoperable. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 171,000.

All four of the tail lights, on the hatch and on the sides of the car are leaking and retaining water which has caused the brake/tail lights on the rear to fail. This is an obvious safety hazard and a quick google search reveals that it is a widespread problem. There has always been some water in the light, starting with condensation about a year ago, but as of the last few weeks, the lights are inconsistent, and now appear to not be working at all.

Without any warning, discovered the left brake lamp/tail lamp failed due to extensive water intrusion, caused by the failure of the plastic bonding all along the upper edge of the tail lamp assembly, which allowed copious amounts of water to leak in. The right tail lamp assembly appears to be susceptible to the same failure. Brake & tail lamps are safety components of any motor vehicle, and are critical for accident/crash avoidance/prevention. One online Escape owner's forum cites identical issues, indicating that this defective part is not unique or one of a kind. Original owner.

Low beam headlights keep burning out, no repair information on alldata and no recall for this safety problem.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 mph, the headlights turned off independently. The contact was able to manually turn on and turn off the headlights to see the roadway. The contact stated that the failure was a recurring failure. The contact was using the high beam headlights instead of the low beam headlights. The contact stated that while switching from high to low beam the headlights shut off. The contact stated that the headlights flickered before shutting off. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 138,000.

See all problems of the 2013 Ford Escape 🔎.

The instrument panel cluster gets inoperative including a blank multiple functional display (mfd), and non-functional warning chimes, messages and warning lights. The engine cylinder head overheats crack and leak oil. Other 2014 Ford Escapes have had recalls for the same issues but they are saying mine isn't affected. Obviously it is.

Rh and lh low beam headlamps keep burning out have replaced the bulbs in both lamps 3 times in 9 months issue causing sudden problem driving at night currently now found the connector on both lamps have melted and required replacing dealer wanted $3500 to replace both headlamp assemblys as there was an issue with the connectors there was no warning when the lamps went out.

The headlights keep going out. Every couple weeks to a month one of them blows out. Alternates between both of them to the point that there are times that both are out.

It seems like this is a common occurrence especially with this particular vehicle. The low beam led headlight bulbs keep on breaking resulting in no headlights. These bulbs are expensive and it is such a headache replacing them so often. This should not be the case, but it is.

The known issue with the 1. 5l ecoboost engines happened to my 2017 Escape at 79k miles right after having a the transmission shifter cable bushing recall fixed. Coincidentally, it didn't have the extensive issue before bringing it in for the recall and also ,coincidentally, my warranty expired last month and they told me it's my problem.

Several symptoms occur: first off its cold where we live & the car goes into deep sleep mode every night. I get a Fordpass message that states battery saver feature is activated. The car fails to start using the remote start or key fob. Dome lights don't turn on and remote features not allowed.  this is a serious safety concern as it's getting colder, and engines not starting on a brand new vehicle is unacceptable. Please investigate this issue, as Ford dealers claim there is nothing wrong a TSB/recall is needed to resolve this problem for all customers.

The edges of the tail light covers are sharp and when I accidentally brush my arms on them while the tailgate is up exposing the edges, I cut my arms badly. I could not upload pictures of the tailgate cover edges or the cuts on my arm which I have.

See all problems of the 2020 Ford Escape 🔎.

Night driving safety risk due to no ambient lighting and unable to locate door controls,usb connection,heating controls,cup holder, while driving. Interior is in total darkness throughout night driving! if I need to find any connections I am unable and when I was driving I had to look away from traffic and avoided losing control of my vehicle!! Ford says this 2022 Escape doesn’t have ambient lighting and because this is a safety risk, I am hoping this can be rectified.

See all problems of the 2022 Ford Escape 🔎.

While driving on the interstate at 70mph, the entire dash display went black for a few seconds, then returned on. This happened three times, then returned back to normal.

There is an issue with the instrument gauge cluster upon ignition start-up. The digital gauge cluster screen suddenly turns off and restarts after a full minute of turning on the car's ignition. After an automatic software restart of the gauge cluster and driving on the highway through northbound mopac loop 1 in austin, the cluster shows a frozen black background with the blue normal drive mode. The gauge cluster works fine but intermittently goes blank after starting the car.