Ford Escape years to avoid (and the best years)
18,361 NHTSA owner complaints and 79 recalls across 16 model years, 2010 to 2025. Built from NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, generated October 26, 2026.
- 18,361complaints
- 79recalls
- 396reported crashes
- 278reported fires
- 396reported injuries
- 5reported deaths
Which Ford Escape years should you avoid?
By NHTSA owner complaints, the Ford Escape years to avoid are 2013 and 2017. The typical Ford Escape year has 1,102 complaints on file.
- 2013: 2,748 complaints, 2.5 times the typical year. Most reported problem: Engine overheating and coolant leaks.
- 2017: 2,676 complaints, 2.4 times the typical year. Most reported problem: Coolant leaking into engine cylinders.
What are the best Ford Escape years?
The Ford Escape years with the fewest complaints on file are the 2023 (95) and 2022 (231). Model years after 2023 are left out: they have not been on the road long enough to compare.
NHTSA does not publish sales figures, so these are complaint counts, not a rate per car on the road. A year that sold more cars collects more complaints, and older years have had longer to collect them.
Every model year
| Year | Complaints | vs typical year | Recalls | Crashes | Injuries | Our read | Most reported |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 23 | 0.0× | 9 | 0 | 0 | Few red flags | Engine |
| 2024 | 76 | 0.1× | 8 | 5 | 6 | Some concerns to check | Electrical system |
| 2023 | 95 | 0.1× | 11 | 2 | 1 | Few red flags | Electrical system |
| 2022 | 231 | 0.2× | 19 | 7 | 9 | Few red flags | Fuel system |
| 2021 | 343 | 0.3× | 19 | 9 | 5 | Some concerns to check | Body and structure |
| 2020 | 1,524 | 1.4× | 23 | 20 | 28 | Some concerns to check | Driver door check weld breaks |
| 2019 | 586 | 0.5× | 3 | 24 | 28 | Some concerns to check | Engine |
| 2018 | 1,788 | 1.6× | 4 | 25 | 30 | Some concerns to check | Coolant leaking into engine cylinders |
| 2017 | 2,676 | 2.4× | 4 | 39 | 56 | Approach with caution | Coolant leaking into engine cylinders |
| 2016 | 1,113 | 1.0× | 4 | 36 | 19 | Some concerns to check | Transmission and drivetrain |
| 2015 | 1,092 | 1.0× | 9 | 29 | 32 | Some concerns to check | Transmission and drivetrain |
| 2014 | 2,083 | 1.9× | 16 | 47 | 41 | Some concerns to check | Engine coolant loss and overheating |
| 2013 | 2,748 | 2.5× | 18 | 49 | 54 | Approach with caution | Engine overheating and coolant leaks |
| 2012 | 598 | 0.5× | 2 | 37 | 26 | Some concerns to check | Fuel system |
| 2011 | 1,316 | 1.2× | 3 | 38 | 38 | Some concerns to check | Steering |
| 2010 | 2,069 | 1.9× | 5 | 29 | 23 | Some concerns to check | Throttle body failure and power loss |
Most reported problem areas
Share of the 5,709 complaints sorted by system, all years together.
- Engine & powertrain2,783 (49%)
- Structure & body1,223 (21%)
- Steering, suspension & tires885 (16%)
- Electrical & infotainment349 (6%)
- Other systems209 (4%)
Recalls (79)
Body & glass · 26V374000 · Jun 2026 · model year 2017
A closing window that does not reverse direction as expected can pinch a driver or passenger before retracting, increasing the risk of injury.
Body & glass · 26V117000 · Mar 2026 · model years 2020, 2021, 2022
Windshield wipers that fail to operate properly can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Safety · 26V123000 · Mar 2026 · model years 2020, 2021, 2022
An incorrectly displayed rearview image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Engine · 26V122000 · Mar 2026 · model year 2025
An unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Safety · 26V011000 · Jan 2026 · model years 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019
An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Seat belts · 25V862000 · Dec 2025 · model year 2025
An improperly secured seat belt retractor may not restrain an occupant as intended, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Structure · 25V829000 · Dec 2025 · model years 2020, 2021, 2022, 2025
A detached liftgate hinge cover can create a distraction or a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Safety · 25V787000 · Nov 2025 · model year 2025
Loss of vehicle stability control or brake power assist can increase the risk of a crash.
Safety · 25V695000 · Oct 2025 · model years 2015, 2016
A rearview camera that fails to properly display an image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Safety · 25V685000 · Oct 2025 · model years 2020, 2021, 2022
An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Brakes · 25V693000 · Oct 2025 · model year 2020
Reduced brake function can require the driver to apply more brake pedal force, and the distance required to stop the vehicle may be extended, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fuel system · 25V467000 · Jul 2025 · model years 2020, 2021, 2022
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source, such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
Safety · 25V442000 · Jun 2025 · model years 2020, 2021, 2022
A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver. Both of these situations can increase the risk of a crash.
Safety · 25V372000 · Jun 2025 · model years 2023, 2024, 2025
An oil leak can result in loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, an oil leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
Safety · 25V345000 · May 2025 · model years 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023
An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
Electrical system · 25V343000 · May 2025 · model years 2023, 2024, 2025
An overheated engine block heater can increase the risk of a fire.
Safety · 25V315000 · May 2025 · model years 2023, 2024
A frozen or missing rearview camera image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fuel system · 25V165000 · Mar 2025 · model years 2020, 2021, 2022
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
Safety · 25V161000 · Mar 2025 · model year 2025
An inverted rearview camera image will not accurately display what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Transmission · 25V133000 · Feb 2025 · model year 2022
A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Electrical system · 25V049000 · Jan 2025 · model year 2025
An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.
Electrical system · 24V954000 · Dec 2024 · model years 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024
Battery failure can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. Battery failure can also increase the risk of a fire.
Safety · 24V852000 · Nov 2024 · model years 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024
Without a label that shows the proper restraint usage guidelines, the occupants may have an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Electrical system · 24V850000 · Nov 2024 · model years 2024, 2025
During air bag deployment, the air bag cover may break and project fragments into the vehicle, or the air bag may deploy improperly, increasing the risk of occupant injury.
Fuel system · 24V634000 · Aug 2024 · model years 2023, 2024
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Safety · 24V440000 · Jun 2024 · model years 2023, 2024
Misalignment of the radar module can result in the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) misclassifying an overhead object as an object in the vehicle's path, causing the vehicle to unexpectedly slow and/or stop. Other safety systems that depend on the radar model (Pre-Collision Assist, Forward Collision Warning, and Auto Emergency Braking) could have diminished or lost function. These conditions increase the risk of a crash.
Transmission · 24V330000 · May 2024 · model years 2020, 2021, 2022
A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Fuel system · 24V187000 · Mar 2024 · model year 2022
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
Electrical system · 23V506000 · Jul 2023 · model year 2023
An inoperable instrument panel cannot show critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, which may increase the risk of a crash.
Safety · 23V380000 · May 2023 · model years 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023
An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
Fuel system · 22V859000 · Nov 2022 · model years 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
Engine · 22V484000 · Jul 2022 · model years 2020, 2021, 2022
An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
Transmission · 22V413000 · Jun 2022 · model years 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019
A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, and cause the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction. Additionally, the vehicle may roll after the driver selects the 'Park' position. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash or injury.
Electrical system · 22V331000 · May 2022 · model year 2020
A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Transmission · 22V254000 · Apr 2022 · model year 2015
A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, and cause the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction. Additionally, the vehicle may roll after the driver selects the 'Park' position. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash or injury.
Engine · 22V191000 · Mar 2022 · model years 2020, 2021, 2022
An oil leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
Electrical system · 22V149000 · Mar 2022 · model years 2021, 2022
A sudden loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Brakes · 21V922000 · Nov 2021 · model years 2021, 2022
During certain situations, the driver may have to apply more brake pedal force, and the distance required to stop the vehicle may be extended, increasing the risk of a crash.
Electrical system · 21V869000 · Nov 2021 · model year 2021
A sudden loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Fuel system · 21V625000 · Aug 2021 · model year 2021
An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Tires · 21V155000 · Mar 2021 · model year 2019
Over cured tires may develop a break in the sidewall, resulting in sudden air loss or belt edge separation which could lead to tread/belt loss. Either condition can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Transmission · 21V011000 · Jan 2021 · model year 2020
If the rear drive unit seizes, there may be a loss of drive and/or a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Electrical system · 20V635000 · Oct 2020 · model year 2020
Low tire pressure may lead to poor vehicle handling and a possible loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of crash.
Safety · 20V575000 · Sep 2020 · model year 2020
Reduced rearward visibility can increase the risk of a crash.
Transmission · 20V550000 · Sep 2020 · model year 2020
Missing or loose bolts on the start stop accumulator endcap could result in a transmission fluid leak and may progress to a loss of transmission function. A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of fire.
Airbags · 20V415000 · Jul 2020 · model year 2020
In the event of a crash, if the diffuser detaches from the inflator during air bag deployment, the curtain air bag may not inflate properly, increasing the risk of injury.
Safety · 20V331000 · Jun 2020 · model years 2013, 2014, 2015
A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
Safety · 19V633000 · Aug 2019 · model year 2020
A seat back with an improperly assembled recliner mechanism may have reduced strength and may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Transmission · 18V471000 · Jul 2018 · model years 2013, 2014
If the vehicle is exited without the transmission being in Park and without the parking brake being applied, the vehicle may unexpectedly move, increasing the risk of a crash.
Brakes · 18V104000 · Feb 2018 · model year 2018
A brake fluid leak may lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Airbags · 17V803000 · Dec 2017 · model year 2018
If the component detaches during deployment, it may enter the passenger compartment and be a projectile within the vehicle cabin, increasing the risk of injury.
Seat belts · 17V472000 · Jul 2017 · model years 2014, 2015
The improperly manufactured bolts may fracture. If a seat, seatback, or seatbelt anchor attaching bolt fractures, the affected component may not be properly secured, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Airbags · 17V398000 · Jun 2017 · model year 2016
In the event of a crash, if the driver's knee air bag does not inflate as intended, the driver has an increased risk of injury.
Engine · 17V209000 · Mar 2017 · model year 2014
If the cylinder head cracks and leaks oil, the oil may contact a hot engine or exhaust component, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fuel system · 16V777000 · Oct 2016 · model years 2010, 2011, 2012
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Safety · 16V643000 · Sep 2016 · model years 2013, 2014, 2015
A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
Body & glass · 16V617000 · Aug 2016 · model year 2017
If a window closes on a body part, it can increase the risk of injury.
Electrical system · 15V813000 · Dec 2015 · model year 2013
The incorrect signals could cause the vehicle to hesitate or the engine to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Electrical system · 15V436000 · Jul 2015 · model year 2015
If the engine does not turn off as expected, someone could move the transmission shifter out of park and the vehicle may move unintentionally, increasing the risk of a crash.
Electrical system · 15V406000 · Jun 2015 · model years 2014, 2015
If the instrument cluster is inoperative, the driver of may not be warned of safety related issues such as low tire pressures or disabled air bags, increasing the risk of personal injury or a crash.
Suspension · 15E045000 · Jun 2015 · model years 2010, 2011, 2012
Use of an incorrectly sized wheel bearing can adversely affect the braking and steering of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fuel system · 15V005000 · Jan 2015 · model year 2014
If the fuel pump fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
Airbags · 14V597000 · Sep 2014 · model years 2013, 2014
The short circuits could cause the frontal air bags, side curtain air bags and the seat belt pretensioners to not function as intended when needed, increasing the risk of occupant injury in the event of a crash.
Fuel system · 14V525000 · Sep 2014 · model year 2014
A reduction in fuel pressure may result in a vehicle stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Electrical system · 14V495000 · Aug 2014 · model years 2013, 2014
The incorrect signals could cause the vehicle to hesitate or the engine to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Body & glass · 14V403000 · Jul 2014 · model year 2014
If the glass panel is improperly bonded, the glass may separate from the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Steering · 14V284000 · May 2014 · model years 2010, 2011
If power steering assist is lost, greater driver effort would be required to steer the vehicle at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
Structure · 14V239000 · May 2014 · model years 2013, 2014
A door that opens unexpectedly may result in an unrestrained occupant falling from the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury.
Airbags · 14V237000 · May 2014 · model years 2013, 2014
If the side-curtain rollover air bag is delayed in deploying in certain rollover circumstances, the risk of injury to the passengers is increased.
Safety · 14V164000 · Apr 2014 · model years 2013, 2014
The back of the subject seats may become loose or lean while driving and potentially increase the risk of injury in certain crashes.
Fuel system · 13V584000 · Nov 2013 · model year 2013
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
Safety · 13V583000 · Nov 2013 · model year 2013
Leaking engine oil may come into contact with a hot engine surface potentially resulting in an engine compartment fire.
Safety · 13V085000 · Mar 2013 · model year 2013
The operator may incorrectly believe the child lock is engaged. However, the door may be opened from the inside, increasing the risk of injury to an unrestrained child.
Engine · 12V551000 · Dec 2012 · model year 2013
If flammable engine fluids come in contact with the vehicles hot exhaust system, a vehicle fire could occur.
Engine · 12V431000 · Sep 2012 · model year 2013
As leaking engine coolant evaporates on the hot engine, the glycol may ignite causing an engine compartment fire.
Fuel system · 12V336000 · Jul 2012 · model year 2013
If this leak occurs in the presence of an ignition source, there is an increased risk of a fire and/or personal injury.
Brakes · 12V319000 · Jul 2012 · model year 2013
THE REDUCED CLEARANCE MAY RESULT IN THE DRIVER?S FOOT CONTACTING THE SIDE OF THE BRAKE PEDAL WHILE TRANSFERRING THE FOOT FROM THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL TO THE BRAKE PEDAL, INCREASING STOPPING DISTANCES AND THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Safety · 10E043000 · Sep 2010 · model year 2010
AN IMPROPERLY DEPLOYED AIRBAG COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY.
Transmission · 10V222000 · May 2010 · model year 2010
A VEHICLE PARKED WITHOUT AN ENGAGED PARK PAWL AND WITHOUT AN APPLIED PARKING BRAKE MAY HAVE UNINTENDED MOVEMENT WHICH MAY CAUSE A CRASH.