Model year 2020 · Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD, Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD

2020 Ford Escape: recalls, fuel economy and safety ratings

EPA rates the 2020 Ford Escape at 26–41 mpg combined across 6 versions. NHTSA lists 25 safety recalls and 1,910 owner complaints for this model year. Its best NHTSA overall crash-test rating is 5 out of 5 stars.

Safety recalls

25

EPA combined mpg

26–41

NHTSA overall rating

5/5

Recall file dated Oct 28, 2026 · EPA file dated Sep 29, 2026 · updated Oct 28, 2026, 7:36 AM EDT

NHTSA lists this vehicle as ESCAPE HYBRID, ESCAPE PHEV.

Check your own car: enter your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls for that exact vehicle, and contact a Ford dealer to schedule the repair — safety recall repairs are free. The list below covers the whole model year, so not every recall applies to every car.

2020 Ford Escape recalls

NHTSA's recall file lists 25 safety recalls for the 2020 Ford Escape, newest first.

Visibility: Windshield wiper/washer: Motor

NHTSA 26V117000 Reported Mar 3, 2026
Filed by
Ford Motor Company (manufacturer recall no. 26S14)
Units affected
604,533 (estimate)
Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer, Escape, Lincoln Aviator, and Lincoln Corsair vehicles. The windshield wiper motor may fail and prevent the windshield wipers from operating properly.
Risk
Windshield wipers that fail to operate properly can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the front wiper motors as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed April 2, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in November 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S14. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 4, 2026.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Back over prevention: Software

NHTSA 26V123000 Reported Mar 3, 2026
Filed by
Ford Motor Company (manufacturer recall no. 26C11)
Units affected
889,950 (estimate)
Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2020-2024 Lincoln Aviator, and Explorer vehicles. The image on the center display may flip or invert, resulting in an incorrectly displayed rearview image when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Risk
An incorrectly displayed rearview image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will update the accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 23, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C11. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 5, 2026.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Power train: Automatic transmission: Control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)

NHTSA 25V881000 Reported Dec 18, 2025
Filed by
Ford Motor Company (manufacturer recall no. 24S33)
Units affected
87 (estimate)
Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Maverick Hybrid and 2020 Escape Hybrid vehicles. The Hybrid Powertrain Control Module (HPCM) software may cause the vehicle to shift into neutral unexpectedly, causing a loss of drive power.
Risk
A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will update the HPCM software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 12, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S33. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning January 15, 2026. This is an expansion of Recalls 24V330 (24S33) and 25V133 (25S16).

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Structure: Body: Hatchback/liftgate: Hinge and attachments

NHTSA 25V829000 Reported Dec 1, 2025
Filed by
Ford Motor Company (manufacturer recall no. 25SD6)
Units affected
108,762 (estimate)
Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape and 2025 Escape vehicles. The liftgate hinge covers may not be properly secured and detach from the vehicle.
Risk
A detached liftgate hinge cover can create a distraction or a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and reinstall, or replace any missing liftgate hinge covers as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 3, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SD6. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on December 3, 2025.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Electrical system: Propulsion system: Traction battery

NHTSA 25V789000 Reported Nov 14, 2025
Filed by
Ford Motor Company (manufacturer recall no. 25SC4)
Units affected
20,558 (estimate)
Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Ford Escape and 2021-2024 Lincoln Corsair plug-in hybrid 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.
Remedy
Dealers will update the battery energy control module (BECM) and hybrid powertrain control module (HPCM), free of charge. Owners are advised to only use "Auto EV" mode and will be instructed by mail to limit the maximum charge of the battery until the remedy has been completed. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SC4. Vehicles in this recall were previously recalled under 24V954 and will need to have the new remedy performed. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on November 18, 2025.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Equipment: Electrical: Engine block heater

NHTSA 25V685000 Reported Oct 10, 2025
Filed by
Ford Motor Company (manufacturer recall no. 25SA4)
Units affected
59,006 (estimate)
Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Lincoln MKC, 2016-2023 Explorer, 2019-2020 Fusion, 2019-2024 Ranger, 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair, Escape, 2021-2024 Bronco, Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
Risk
An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded blanking plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed December 3, 2025. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated December 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA4. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 15, 2025.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Service brakes, hydraulic: Foundation components: Disc: Pads

NHTSA 25V693000 Reported Oct 10, 2025
Filed by
Ford Motor Company (manufacturer recall no. 21C31)
Units affected
13,451 (estimate)
Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Escape vehicles. The rear brake pads may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can reduce brake function in the event of a brake booster malfunction. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
Risk
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.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the front brake pads, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on November 5, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21C31. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 13, 2025. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 21V922.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Fuel system, gasoline: Fuel injection system

NHTSA 25V467000 Reported Jul 11, 2025
Filed by
Ford Motor Company (manufacturer recall no. 25S76)
Units affected
694,271 (estimate)
Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Bronco Sport and 2020-2022 Escape 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.
Remedy
Dealers will update the engine control software. In addition, dealers will replace the high-pressure fuel rail assembly and fuel injectors, free of charge. As an interim repair, dealers will update the engine control software, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed August 29, 2025. Second letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in July 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S76. This recall expands and replaces previous recall numbers 22V-859, 24V187, and 25V165. Vehicles previously remedied under 22V-859, 24V187, and 25V165 will need to have the new final remedy performed once it is available.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Back over prevention: Software

NHTSA 25V442000 Reported Jun 27, 2025
Filed by
Ford Motor Company (manufacturer recall no. 25S72)
Units affected
200,237 (estimate)
Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, MKX, Edge, Continental, F-150, Nautilus, Fusion, 2019-2023 Ranger, Mustang, 2020-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape, F-250 SD, Corsair, 2020-2023 Aviator, Transit, 2020-2024 Explorer, 2021-2024 Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank image, or the image may remain on the display after the backing event has ended.
Risk
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.
Remedy
Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S72.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Engine

NHTSA 25V345000 Reported May 23, 2025
Filed by
Ford Motor Company (manufacturer recall no. 25S54)
Units affected
1,809 (estimate)
Problem
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.
Remedy
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.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Fuel system, gasoline: Fuel injection system

NHTSA 25V165000 Reported Mar 14, 2025
Filed by
Ford Motor Company (manufacturer recall no. 25S21)
Units affected
33,576 (estimate)
Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape and 2021-2023 Bronco Sport vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall numbers 22V-859 or 24V-187. 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.
Remedy
Dealers will update the powertrain control module (PCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 22, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S21.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Electrical system: Propulsion system: Traction battery: Management system/energy control module (bms/becm)

NHTSA 24V954000 Reported Dec 20, 2024
Filed by
Ford Motor Company (manufacturer recall no. 24S79)
Units affected
20,484 (estimate)
Problem
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.
Remedy
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.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Equipment: Other: Labels

NHTSA 24V852000 Reported Nov 8, 2024
Filed by
Ford Motor Company (manufacturer recall no. 24C39)
Units affected
27,678 (estimate)
Problem
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.
Remedy
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.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Power train: Automatic transmission: Control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)

NHTSA 24V330000 Reported May 10, 2024
Filed by
Ford Motor Company (manufacturer recall no. 24S33)
Units affected
9,312 (estimate)
Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Maverick, 2020-2022 Escape, and 2021-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles. The Hybrid Powertrain Control Module (HPCM) software may cause the vehicle to shift into neutral unexpectedly, causing a loss of drive power.
Risk
A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will update the HPCM software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 22, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S33.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Engine

NHTSA 23V380000 Reported May 26, 2023
Filed by
Ford Motor Company (manufacturer recall no. 23S27)
Units affected
125,322 (estimate)
Problem
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.
Remedy
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 notification letters were mailed on June 14, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S27. This recall expands and replaces recall number 22V-484. Vehicles previously repaired under 22V-484 will need to have the new remedy completed.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Fuel system, gasoline: Fuel injection system

NHTSA 22V859000 Reported Nov 18, 2022
Filed by
Ford Motor Company (manufacturer recall no. 22S73)
Units affected
521,746 (estimate)
Problem
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.
Remedy
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 previously recalled under 22V-191. Vehicles previously remedied under 22V-191 will need to have the new remedy performed.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Structure: Body: Bumpers: Active shutters/grill and 2 more components

NHTSA 22V484000 Reported Jul 7, 2022
Filed by
Ford Motor Company (manufacturer recall no. 22S47)
Components
Structure: Body: Bumpers: Active shutters/grill; Structure: Frame and members: Underbody shields; Engine and engine cooling
Units affected
100,689 (estimate)
Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape, 2021-2022 Lincoln Corsair, and 2022 Maverick 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.
Remedy
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 modify the under engine shield and active grille shutter, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 19, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S47.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Electrical system: Propulsion system: Traction battery

NHTSA 22V331000 Reported May 13, 2022
Filed by
Ford Motor Company (manufacturer recall no. 22S33)
Units affected
27 (estimate)
Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Escape and 2021 Lincoln Corsair vehicles equipped with 2.5L hybrid powertrains. Insufficient welds inside the high voltage battery may fail, resulting in a loss of drive power.
Risk
A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the high voltage battery, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on July 12, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed August 8, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S33.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Engine and engine cooling: Engine: Oil/lubrication

NHTSA 22V191000 Reported Mar 25, 2022
Filed by
Ford Motor Company (manufacturer recall no. 22S21)
Units affected
345,451 (estimate)
Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape and 2021-2022 Bronco Sport vehicles equipped with 1.5L engines. The engine oil separator housing may crack and develop an oil leak.
Risk
An oil leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the oil separator for damage or oil leaks, and replace the oil separator and seals, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 18, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S21.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Power train: Driveline: Driveshaft

NHTSA 21V011000 Reported Jan 15, 2021
Filed by
Ford Motor Company (manufacturer recall no. 21S02)
Units affected
147 (estimate)
Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Edge, 2020 Lincoln Nautilus and Ford Escape and 2021 Lincoln Corsair and Ford Bronco Sport vehicles. An inadequate amount of lubricant in the rear drive unit may cause seizure of the rear drive axle.
Risk
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.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will check the rear drive unit lubricant level. Axles found to have lubricant at the minimum level will be filled to the full level. Axles found to be below the minimum lubricant fill level will be replaced, free of charge. This recall began March 12, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S02.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Electrical system: Body control module/bcm and 1 more component

NHTSA 20V635000 Reported Oct 15, 2020
Filed by
Ford Motor Company (manufacturer recall no. 20S59)
Components
Electrical system: Body control module/bcm; Tires: Pressure monitoring and regulating systems
Units affected
689 (estimate)
Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Escape vehicles equipped with a key-start ignition system. The Body Control Module (BCM) intermittently may not pick up the signal from the rear Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) sensors or the Remote Key Fob. In the event of a low tire pressure condition, the TPMS system may not provide an adequate warning.
Risk
Low tire pressure may lead to poor vehicle handling and a possible loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of crash.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the BCM, free of charge. Owners are advised that two key fobs are required for the repair to be completed. The recall began December 1, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S59.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Back over prevention: Sensing system: Camera

NHTSA 20V575000 Reported Sep 23, 2020
Filed by
Ford Motor Company (manufacturer recall no. 20C19)
Units affected
620,246 (estimate)
Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Ford F-150, F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, Explorer, Mustang, Transit, Expedition, Escape, Ranger and Edge, and Lincoln Nautilus and Corsair vehicles. Due to a poor electrical connection, the rearview camera may intermittently display a blank or distorted image. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Risk
Reduced rearward visibility can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rearview camera, free of charge. The recall began November 17, 2020. Remedy became available on February 1, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on February 1, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20C19.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Power train: Automatic transmission

NHTSA 20V550000 Reported Sep 10, 2020
Filed by
Ford Motor Company (manufacturer recall no. 20S49)
Units affected
97 (estimate)
Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Edge, Transit Connect and Lincoln MKX and 2020 Escape and Lincoln Corsair vehicles. The start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing or loose bolts.
Risk
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.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the start/stop accumulator, free of charge. The recall began September 23, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S49.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Air bags: Side/window

NHTSA 20V415000 Reported Jul 17, 2020
Filed by
Ford Motor Company (manufacturer recall no. 20S35)
Units affected
68 (estimate)
Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Escape and Transit vehicles. The affected vehicles may have an improperly crimped diffuser in the side curtain air bags which may result in the diffuser detaching from the inflator in the event of an air bag deployment.
Risk
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.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the side curtain air bag modules, free of charge. An interim letter notifying owners of the safety risk was mailed August 3, 2020. The recall began January 11, 2021. Owners may contact Ford's customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S35.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Seats: Mid/rear assembly and 1 more component

NHTSA 19V633000 Reported Aug 28, 2019
Filed by
Ford Motor Company (manufacturer recall no. 19C07)
Components
Seats: Mid/rear assembly; Seats: Front assembly: Recliner
Units affected
639,137 (estimate)
Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 and 2019-2020 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty pickup trucks, and 2018-2019 Ford Explorer, 2019-2020 Expedition, and 2020 Escape vehicles equipped with driver and/or passenger's manual front seat back recliner mechanisms. Also included are certain 2020 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with rear outboard seats and manual seat back recliner mechanisms. The recliner mechanisms may be missing the third pawl required for seat back strength, resulting in a loose seat back. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 202, "Head Restraints" and 207, "Seating Systems."
Risk
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.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and Ford and Lincoln dealers will inspect the seat structure and replace them, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 21, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19C07.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Recall summaries are written by NHTSA from manufacturers' defect reports. Dates are when NHTSA received the report.

2020 Ford Escape fuel economy by version

EPA city/highway/combined estimates for each engine, transmission and drive combination; electric figures are in MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent). Annual fuel cost is EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year (55% city, 45% highway) at EPA's current fuel-price assumptions; your cost will vary.

2020 Ford Escape EPA fuel economy
VersionEngineTransmissionDriveFuelCity/Hwy/CombElectric rangeFuel cost/yrCO2 g/mi
Escape AWD1.5L 3-cyl turboAutomatic 8-spdAll-Wheel DriveRegular26/31/28 mpg—$2,400319
Escape AWD2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic 8-speedAll-Wheel DriveRegular23/31/26 mpg—$2,600342
Escape AWD HEV2.5L 4-cyl hybridAutomaticPart-time 4-Wheel DriveRegular43/37/40 mpg—$1,700224
Escape FWD1.5L 3-cyl turboAutomatic 8-spdFront-Wheel DriveRegular27/33/30 mpg—$2,250297
Escape FWD HEV2.5L 4-cyl hybridAutomaticFront-Wheel DriveRegular44/37/41 mpg—$1,650220
Escape FWD PHEV2.5L 4-cyl plug-in hybridAutomaticFront-Wheel DriveRegular Gas and Electricity / Electricity43/38/41 mpg
102 MPGe on electricity
37 mi$1,65077

Source: FuelEconomy.gov (U.S. DOE and EPA), file dated Sep 29, 2026. Each version links to its FuelEconomy.gov record.

EPA estimates come from standardized lab tests so cars can be compared fairly; real-world mileage depends on speed, weather, load, tires and driving style.

2020 Ford Escape crash-test ratings

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for the tested versions. More stars mean a lower chance of serious injury in that type of crash. Rollover risk is NHTSA's estimated chance of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.

2020 Ford Escape NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
Tested vehicleOverallFrontalSideRolloverRollover riskForward collision warning
2020 Ford Escape HEV SUV AWD5 stars5 stars5 stars4 stars17.4%Standard
2020 Ford Escape HEV SUV FWD5 stars5 stars5 stars4 stars16.9%Standard
2020 Ford Escape PHEV SUV FWDNot ratedNot ratedNot ratedNot rated—Standard
2020 Ford Escape SUV AWD5 stars5 stars5 stars4 stars17.4%Standard
2020 Ford Escape SUV FWD5 stars5 stars5 stars4 stars16.9%Standard

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program), checked Oct 26, 2026.

Star ratings compare vehicles of similar size and weight; a frontal rating for a large pickup is not directly comparable with one for a small car.

2020 Ford Escape owner complaints

Owners have filed 1,910 complaints with NHTSA about the 2020 Ford Escape, most recently on Oct 26, 2026. 21 mention a crash, 5 a fire, 33 injured people and 0 deaths. These are unverified reports; a complaint is not proof of a defect.

Most-cited components in 2020 Ford Escape complaints
Component named in complaintsMentions
Structure: Body576
Unknown or other374
Power train259
Electrical system196
Engine186
Fuel system, gasoline121
Structure: Body: Door103
Fuel/propulsion system83
Structure57
Visibility/wiper51

Source: NHTSA consumer complaint files (complaints received since January 1, 2015). One complaint can name several components.

Had a safety problem with your vehicle? You can report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem.

Other Ford Escape model years

Ford Escape by model year
YearCombinedRecallsComplaintsOverall rating
2026 Escape26–40 mpg345/5
2025 Escape26–40 mpg10315/5
2024 Escape26–39 mpg10885/5
2023 Escape26–40 mpg131395/5
2022 Escape26–41 mpg213865/5
2021 Escape26–41 mpg214985/5
2019 Escape23–26 mpg35995/5
2018 Escape23–26 mpg41,8225/5
2017 Escape23–26 mpg42,7025/5
2016 Escape23–26 mpg41,1724/5
2015 Escape23–26 mpg91,1324/5

All Ford Escape years compared · Decode a VIN

Other 2020 Ford models

Sources

  • Recalls: NHTSA recall flat file (FLAT_RCL_POST_2010), dated Oct 28, 2026, plus a live check of api.nhtsa.gov in your browser.
  • Complaints: NHTSA consumer complaint flat files (COMPLAINTS_RECEIVED), counts only — we do not republish complaint text.
  • Crash tests: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings API.
  • Fuel economy: FuelEconomy.gov vehicles file (U.S. DOE and EPA), dated Sep 29, 2026.
  • NHTSA, EPA and DOE do not endorse OpenVIN. Vehicle names identify vehicles only; OpenVIN is not affiliated with Ford.