2023 Ford Escape problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Power Train (22) · Electrical System (17) · Engine (15)
🧭 Reliability snapshot
Compared against other Ford Escape model years — complaint volume vs the model's median year, recalls and severity. How we score →
🛣️ Complaints by mileage
26 NHTSA complaints that reported an odometer reading.
Safety recalls (11)
Engine 2025-06-03 · campaign 25V372000 · 404 vehicles
Defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Escape, and 2025 Bronco Sport vehicles. The cylinder head may have been improperly manufactured, which can cause the ball plugs to fail, resulting in an oil leak.
Risk: 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.
Fix: Dealers will replace the cylinder head assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 8, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S61.
Equipment:electrical:engine Block Heater 2025-05-23 · campaign 25V343000 · 6,781 vehicles
Defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Lincoln Nautilus, 2023-2025 Escape, 2023 Lincoln Corsair, 2025 Lincoln Corsair, Maverick, and Bronco Sport vehicles equipped with a 1.5L or 2.0L MPC engine and an engine block heater. The engine block heater may overheat when the vehicle is parked with the block heater plugged in.
Risk: An overheated engine block heater can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: Dealers will replace the block heater element and inspect the electrical cord, replacing it if necessary, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded blanking plug coupled, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Owner notification letters were mailed June 9, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S52.
Engine 2025-05-23 · campaign 25V345000 · 1,809 vehicles
Defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Escape, 2021-2023 Corsair, and 2022-2023 Maverick vehicles equipped with 2.5L HEV or PHEV engines that were repaired incorrectly under recall 23V380. In the event of an engine failure, engine oil and fuel vapor may be released into the engine compartment and accumulate near ignition sources such as hot engine or exhaust components, possibly resulting in an engine compartment fire.
Risk: An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
Fix: Owners are advised to park and shut off the engine as quickly as possible if they hear unexpected engine noises, notice a reduction in vehicle power, or see smoke. Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 27, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S54.
Back Over Prevention:software 2025-05-09 · campaign 25V315000 · 1,076,138 vehicles
Defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Bronco, F-150, 2021-2024 Edge, 2022-2025 Escape, F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, F-600, 2022-2024 Expedition, 2022-2025 Transit, 2021-2023 Mach-E, 2024 Ranger, Mustang, 2021-2023 Lincoln Nautilus, 2022-2024 Navigator, and 2023-2024 Corsair vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera image to delay, freeze, or not display when the vehicle is in reverse.
Risk: A frozen or missing rearview camera image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: The accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air update, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model years. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on June 26, 2025. Additional letters will be mailed once the final remedy is available on each phase. Owner notification letters were sent on October 8, 2025. Owners may contact Ford
Electrical System:propulsion System:traction Battery:management System/Energy Control Module (Bms/Becm) 2024-12-20 · campaign 24V954000 · 20,484 vehicles
Defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Ford Escape, and 2021-2024 Lincoln Corsair vehicles. A manufacturing defect in one or more of the high voltage battery cells may result in an internal short circuit and battery failure.
Risk: 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.
Fix: Owners are advised not to charge battery till the remedy has been completed. Dealers will perform a battery energy control module (BECM) software update, and replace the high voltage battery pack, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 30, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S79.
Equipment:other:labels 2024-11-08 · campaign 24V852000 · 27,678 vehicles
Defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, 2020-2024 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2018-2024 F-150, Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The air bag warning label may be missing from the dashboard. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirement Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Risk: 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.
Fix: Ford will mail owners the warning labels, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 19, 2024. Owners may call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24C39.
Fuel System, Gasoline:fuel Injection System:injectors 2024-08-23 · campaign 24V634000 · 24 vehicles
Defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 Lincoln Corsair, 2023-2024 Escape, 2024 Mustang, and 2025 Explorer vehicles. The fuel injectors may have been assembled without O-ring support discs, which can result in a fuel leak.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Fix: Dealers will install new fuel injector O-rings and O-ring support discs, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 7, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S54.
Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control 2024-06-14 · campaign 24V440000 · 209 vehicles
Defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Escape two-wheel drive vehicles equipped with adaptive cruise control. The cruise control radar module was misaligned during production.
Risk: 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 increa
Fix: Dealers will adjust the angle of the radar module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 3, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S39.
Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel 2023-07-21 · campaign 23V506000 · 38,695 vehicles
Defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 Escape, Super Duty F-250, Super Duty F-350, Super Duty F-450, and Super Duty F-550 vehicles equipped with a digital instrument panel cluster. The module may have been improperly soldered, preventing the instrument panel from illuminating. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 101, "Control and Displays."
Risk: An inoperable instrument panel cannot show critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, which may increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the module or instrument panel as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on November 4, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23C25.
Engine 2023-05-26 · campaign 23V380000 · 125,322 vehicles
Defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Escape, 2022-2023 Maverick, and 2021-2023 Corsair vehicles equipped with 2.5L HEV or PHEV engines. In the event of an engine failure, engine oil and fuel vapor may be released into the engine compartment and accumulate near ignition sources such as hot engine or exhaust components, possibly resulting in an engine compartment fire.
Risk: An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
Fix: Owners are advised to park and shut off the engine as quickly as possible if they hear unexpected engine noises, notice a reduction in vehicle power, or see smoke. Dealers will replace the engine long-block in 2023 Escape and Corsair vehicles. For the other vehicles, dealers will update the powertrain control module software. If a connecting rod bearing failure is detected, dealers will replace the engine long-block. All inspections and repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notific
Fuel System, Gasoline:fuel Injection System 2022-11-18 · campaign 22V859000 · 521,746 vehicles
Defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Escape and 2021-2023 Bronco Sport vehicles equipped with 1.5L engines. A fuel injector may crack and leak fuel inside the engine compartment.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: Dealers will update the engine control software to include fuel injector leak detection and install a drain tube, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed January 9, 2023. Remedy parts are expected to be available in 1st Quarter of 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed February 28, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S73. This recall includes all vehicles previ
Service bulletins (193)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Unknown Or Other 2026-10-22 · TSB 26-2449 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this bulletin supersedes 26-2428. reason for update: to update the service procedure to remove the fuel tank isolation valve replacement and include fuel vapor vent valve replacement and update the causal part number. some of the vehicles listed in the model statement above may exhibit an illuminate
Unknown Or Other 2026-10-14 · TSB 26-2442 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this bulletin supersedes 26-2297. reason for update: add 2022-2025 transit vehicles. some of the vehicles listed in the model statement above equipped with sync4 may experience a blank center display screen or black center display screen after welcome animation. the rear-view camera will still funct
Unknown Or Other 2026-10-06 · SSM 55221 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
for 2022 2026 vehicles equipped with a 8f35 transmission, a revision to the road testing vehicle procedure has been made in the wsm, section 307-01 > diagnosis and testing. this updated procedure improves the diagnosis of customer reported transmission concerns and aids in locating the proper root c
Unknown Or Other 2026-10-02 · SSM 55211 · Over The Air
2023-2026 escape and 2025-2026 bronco sport vehicles equipped with a 1.5l ecoboost engine may require removal of the turbocharger wastegate control actuator linkage for various reasons. the workshop manual (wsm), section 303-04 fuel charging and controls - turbocharger - 1.5l ecoboost > removal and
Unknown Or Other 2026-09-29 · TSB 26-2428 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this bulletin supersedes 25-2326. reason for update: update the service procedure to include the fuel tank isolation valve replacement, update the causal part number, and increase the labor time allowance to include the fuel tank isolation valve replacement. some of the vehicles listed in the model
Unknown Or Other 2026-09-29 · TSB 26-2428 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this bulletin supersedes 25-2326. reason for update: update the service procedure to include the fuel tank isolation valve replacement, update the causal part number, and increase the labor time allowance to include the fuel tank isolation valve replacement. some of the vehicles listed in the model
Showing the 6 most recent of 193 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2026-10-26 · Power Train“i was driving to work and the transmission faltered, grinded, tried to shift, and i thought the vehicle was going to crash. there were cars around me, and i was going about 30 to 35 miles per hour. i was able to pull over and turned off the car. i then drove it to an auto shop and the mechanic stated that it is the transmission. my ford escape 2023…”
2026-10-20 · Power Train“the transmission failed while driving around xxx near the legends in [xxx]. restarting from a stop the transmission clunked and after parking it would no longer go in reverse. safety was a concern because the incident happened in a heavy traffic area. there were no other warnings from the car itself. the day before it had a little difficulty star…”
2026-10-05 · Power Train · 63,000 mi“the contact owns a 2023 ford escape. the contact stated that while driving 45 mph, the vehicle decelerated unintendedly. additionally, the transmission was unable to be shifted in reverse(r). an unknown warning light flashed briefly. the contact stated that after the transmission was shifted in reverse to reverse out of the driveway, the vehicle je…”
2026-09-25 · Power Train“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 mot…”
2026-09-24 · Structure:body“the liftgate hinge cover flew off of my car on the highway and hit the car behind me. other escape years have been recalled, but the 2023 year was skipped.…”
2026-09-24 · Power Train“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 d…”
2026-09-20 · Electrical System“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 unaccepta…”
2026-08-21 · Vehicle Speed Control“**on august 19, 2026, while driving my 2023 ford escape on interstate 57 (i-57), with approximately 35,575 miles on the vehicle, the vehicle suddenly accelerated unexpectedly. i immediately attempted to apply the brakes, but the vehicle did not respond as expected and i could not stop it immediately. i became very frightened and started sounding th…”
2026-07-02 · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline:turbo/Supercharger“my 2023 ford escape (with fewer than 50,000 miles) began experiencing significant mechanical issues. i noticed exhaust fumes entering the cabin that passengers and i would inhale, loud noises from under the hood, and lose power during acceleration. after inspecting the vehicle, the dealership determined that the turbocharger wastegate/flapper valv…”
2026-06-30 · Power Train · 33,000 mi“the contact owns a 2023 ford escape. the contact stated that while driving approximately 65 mph the "wrench icon" was illuminated and the message "service gear shifter" and the vehicle began to rapidly reduce speed. the contact was able to drive the vehicle to the shoulder of the highway road and the vehicle stalled. the vehicle was towed to the lo…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.