2023 FORD ESCAPE — Owner-Reported Problems

NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation Snapshot 2026-08-22 126 complaints · 13 recalls
Most-reported system: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (40 complaints · 31.8%)
Safety signals:
  • Crashes 4
  • Fires 3
  • Injuries 3
  • Deaths 0
Compare with 2022 →
NHTSA Consumer Complaints Snapshot 2026-08-21 Open source record Read our complete data methodology →

Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.

Component Problem Distribution

Share of owner complaints filed for each vehicle system (unaffected by sales volume)

Component Problem Distribution ELECTRICAL SYSTEM appears in 40 of 126 owner complaints (31.8%) in this vehicle snapshot. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: 40 complaints, 31.8% of reports ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 40 · 31.8% · 1 fire reports ENGINE: 19 complaints, 15.1% of reports ENGINE 19 · 15.1% · 2 fire reports POWER TRAIN: 14 complaints, 11.1% of reports POWER TRAIN 14 · 11.1% FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: 11 complaints, 8.7% of reports FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 11 · 8.7% · 2 crash reports LANE DEPARTURE: 5 complaints, 4.0% of reports LANE DEPARTURE 5 · 4.0% BACK OVER PREVENTION: 3 complaints, 2.4% of reports BACK OVER PREVENTION 3 · 2.4% FUEL SYSTEM: 3 complaints, 2.4% of reports FUEL SYSTEM 3 · 2.4% SERVICE BRAKES: 3 complaints, 2.4% of reports SERVICE BRAKES 3 · 2.4% · 1 crash reports EXTERIOR LIGHTING: 2 complaints, 1.6% of reports EXTERIOR LIGHTING 2 · 1.6% UNKNOWN OR OTHER: 39 complaints, 31.0% of reports UNKNOWN OR OTHER 39 · 31.0% · 1 crash reports 0% 25% 50% 75% 100%

UNKNOWN OR OTHER is an NHTSA classification artifact and is always listed last.

View component data as a table
System / Component Complaints Share of Reports Safety Reports (Crashes / Fires)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 40 31.8% 0 crashes · 1 fires
ENGINE 19 15.1% 0 crashes · 2 fires
POWER TRAIN 14 11.1% 0 crashes · 0 fires
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 11 8.7% 2 crashes · 0 fires
LANE DEPARTURE 5 4.0% 0 crashes · 0 fires
BACK OVER PREVENTION 3 2.4% 0 crashes · 0 fires
FUEL SYSTEM 3 2.4% 0 crashes · 0 fires
SERVICE BRAKES 3 2.4% 1 crashes · 0 fires
EXTERIOR LIGHTING 2 1.6% 0 crashes · 0 fires
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 39 31.0% 1 crashes · 0 fires
NHTSA Consumer Complaints, NHTSA Safety Recalls, and NHTSA Defect Investigations Snapshot 2026-08-22 Open source record Read our complete data methodology →

Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.

Problem & Recall Timeline

Observed complaint volume and manufacturer recall actions over time

Problem & Recall Timeline Owner reports in this snapshot begin in Apr 2023; the first recall shown was reported in Nov 2022. 2023-Q2: 1 owner reports 1 2023-Q3: 4 owner reports 4 2023-Q4: 9 owner reports 9 2024-Q1: 12 owner reports 12 2024-Q2: 10 owner reports 10 2024-Q3: 8 owner reports 8 2024-Q4: 9 owner reports 9 2025-Q1: 11 owner reports 11 2025-Q2: 13 owner reports 13 2025-Q3: 3 owner reports 3 2025-Q4: 6 owner reports 6 2026-Q1: 21 owner reports 21 2026-Q2: 14 owner reports 14 2026-Q3: 5 owner reports 5 Owner reports Nov 2022 Jul 2026 Recall campaign 22V859000 ◆ Recall campaign 22V859000 Recall campaign 23V380000 ◆ Recall campaign 23V380000 Recall campaign 23V506000 ◆ Recall campaign 23V506000 Recall campaign 24V440000 ◆ Recall campaign 24V440000 Recall campaign 24V634000 ◆ Recall campaign 24V634000 Recall campaign 24V852000 ◆ Recall campaign 24V852000 Recall campaign 24V954000 ◆ Recall campaign 24V954000 Recall campaign 25V315000 ◆ Recall campaign 25V315000 Recall campaign 25V343000 ◆ Recall campaign 25V343000 Recall campaign 25V345000 ◆ Recall campaign 25V345000 Recall campaign 25V372000 ◆ Recall campaign 25V372000 Recall campaign 25V789000 ◆ Recall campaign 25V789000 Recall campaign 26V091000 ◆ Recall campaign 26V091000
  • Campaign 24V440000 was reported 325 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 24V634000 was reported 123 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 24V852000 was reported 525 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 24V954000 was reported 352 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 25V315000 was reported 259 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 25V789000 was reported 681 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 26V091000 was reported 776 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
View timeline records as a table
Date Record type Count Record identifier
2023-Q2 Owner reports 1
2023-Q3 Owner reports 4
2023-Q4 Owner reports 9
2024-Q1 Owner reports 12
2024-Q2 Owner reports 10
2024-Q3 Owner reports 8
2024-Q4 Owner reports 9
2025-Q1 Owner reports 11
2025-Q2 Owner reports 13
2025-Q3 Owner reports 3
2025-Q4 Owner reports 6
2026-Q1 Owner reports 21
2026-Q2 Owner reports 14
2026-Q3 Owner reports 5
Recall campaign 1 22V859000
Recall campaign 1 23V380000
Recall campaign 1 23V506000
Recall campaign 1 24V440000
Recall campaign 1 24V634000
Recall campaign 1 24V852000
Recall campaign 1 24V954000
Recall campaign 1 25V315000
Recall campaign 1 25V343000
Recall campaign 1 25V345000
Recall campaign 1 25V372000
Recall campaign 1 25V789000
Recall campaign 1 26V091000
NHTSA Safety Recalls Snapshot 2026-08-22 Open source record Read our complete data methodology →

Safety Recalls (13)

Official safety recall campaigns filed with NHTSA

  1. Manufacturer action

    Recall campaign 22V859000

    Report date
    Component:
    FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
    Consequence:
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  2. Manufacturer action

    Recall campaign 23V380000

    Report date
    Component:
    Not available in the source record
    Consequence:
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  3. Manufacturer action

    Recall campaign 23V506000

    Report date
    Component:
    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
    Consequence:
    An inoperable instrument panel cannot show critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, which may increase the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  4. Manufacturer action

    Recall campaign 24V440000

    Report date
    Component:
    FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
    Consequence:
    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.
    Remedy:
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  5. Manufacturer action

    Recall campaign 24V634000

    Report date
    Component:
    FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
    Consequence:
    A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
    Remedy:
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  6. Manufacturer action

    Recall campaign 24V852000

    Report date
    Component:
    EQUIPMENT
    Consequence:
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  7. Manufacturer action

    Recall campaign 24V954000

    Report date
    Component:
    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
    Consequence:
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  8. Manufacturer action

    Recall campaign 25V315000

    Report date
    Component:
    BACK OVER PREVENTION
    Consequence:
    A frozen or missing rearview camera image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    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 customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S49.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  9. Manufacturer action

    Recall campaign 25V343000

    Report date
    Component:
    Not available in the source record
    Consequence:
    An overheated engine block heater can increase the risk of a fire.
    Remedy:
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  10. Manufacturer action

    Recall campaign 25V345000

    Report date
    Component:
    Not available in the source record
    Consequence:
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  11. Manufacturer action

    Recall campaign 25V372000

    Report date
    Component:
    Not available in the source record
    Consequence:
    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.
    Remedy:
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  12. Manufacturer action

    Recall campaign 25V789000

    Report date
    Component:
    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
    Consequence:
    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. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, and instructions to limit the maximum charge of the battery were mailed December 8, 2025. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available. 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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  13. Manufacturer action

    Recall campaign 26V091000

    Report date
    Component:
    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
    Consequence:
    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) software, 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. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, and instructions to limit the maximum charge of the battery were mailed February 26, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SC4. This recall expands previous recall numbers 24V954 and 25V489. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on February 18, 2026.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →
NHTSA Consumer Complaints Snapshot 2026-08-21 Open source record Read our complete data methodology →

Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.

Complaint Narrative Explorer

Verbatim owner-reported defect narratives from NHTSA public records

Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation · snapshot 2026-08-21
Safety incident filters
Showing 0 of 126 complaints · page 1 of 6

No complaints match the current filters.
EPA Fuel Economy Database Snapshot 2026-08-21 Open source record Read our complete data methodology →

Estimated Ownership Cost

EPA fuel economy ratings and annual operating cost estimates

Data: US EPA Fuel Economy Guide · snapshot 2026-08-21
Supported range: 1,000–60,000 miles per year
Supported range: $1.50–$10.00 per gallon
55% city45% highway
Estimate unavailable

EPA fuel-economy data is unavailable for this vehicle.

No estimate is shown when required EPA values are unavailable.

 Open Ownership Cost Calculator →

Adjacent Model Years

Immediate preceding and succeeding model year records

NHTSA Consumer Complaints Snapshot 2026-08-21 Open source record Read our complete data methodology →

Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.

Methodology & Data Integrity

Data sourced from NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Snapshot date: 2026-08-21.

Read our complete data methodology → Sources