2020 Ford Escape
Common Problems
Ranked from 705 federal NHTSA complaints and 14 recalls. Every problem links to the complaint IDs behind it.
24 Common Problems
Ordered by how often owners reported each one to NHTSA. The bar shows how common a problem is relative to the most-reported on this vehicle. Expand any problem to see the federal complaint IDs.
- 1
Driver's side door hinge failure
450complaintsHigh severityOtherThe driver's side door hinge is failing, leading to the door making loud popping noises and becoming difficult to close.
Related recall: 24V852000
- 2
Driver Side Door Weld Failure
99complaintsHigh severityOtherSpot welds on the driver side door check arm have broken, causing the door to make loud noises and become difficult to open or close.
Related recall: 24V852000
- 3
Driver Side Door Malfunction
78complaintsHigh severityOtherThe driver side door has issues with the hinges and welds, leading to difficulty in opening and closing the door and problems with the window operation.
Related recall: 24V852000
- 4
Electrical System Glitches
26complaintsHigh severityElectricalThe media screen and gear shift frequently malfunction, causing dashboard warnings and system glitches.
Related recalls: 20V635000, 22V331000, 24V954000, 25V685000
- 5
Fuel System Recall Issues
20complaintsMedium severityFuel systemIssues related to the fuel system recall, where parts are not available or the manufacturer exceeds a reasonable time for repair, leading to potential fire and injury risks.
Related recalls: 22V859000, 25V165000, 25V467000
- 6
Fuel System Malfunction
15complaintsHigh severityFuel systemFuel system issues cause abnormal sounds and engine stalling, leading to potential under-hood fires.
Related recalls: 22V859000, 25V165000, 25V467000
- 7
Recall Repair Delays
10complaintsMedium severityOtherMultiple recalls for various systems have delayed repairs, causing ongoing issues and customer dissatisfaction.
Related recall: 24V852000
- 8
Engine Stall and Misfire
9complaintsMedium severityEngineEngine stalls and misfires occur, often accompanied by check engine light illumination and loss of power.
$200–$900est. ignition service (coils/plugs) · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recalls: 22V191000, 22V484000, 23V380000, 25V345000, 25V685000
- 9
Engine Performance Issues
8complaintsMedium severityEngineEngine performance issues including loss of power, hesitation, and occasional stalling, often accompanied by check engine lights.
Related recalls: 22V191000, 22V484000, 23V380000, 25V345000, 25V685000
- 10
Recall Issues Not Addressed Timely
5complaintsMedium severityOtherMultiple recalls for various components have not been addressed in a timely manner, leaving vehicles unsafe.
Related recall: 24V852000
- 11
Structural Issues
5complaintsMedium severityOtherStructural issues cause abnormal noises and potential safety risks during door operation.
Related recall: 24V852000
- 12
Engine Performance Problems
4complaintsMedium severityEngineEngine runs rough and stalls, causing unexpected deceleration and check engine light illumination.
Related recalls: 22V191000, 22V484000, 23V380000, 25V345000, 25V685000
- 13
Safety Concerns with Sunroof
4complaintsSafety riskOtherSunroof malfunctions pose safety risks, including falling parts and obstructed rear visibility, potentially leading to accidents.
Related recall: 24V852000
- 14
Structural Defects
4complaintsMedium severityOtherDoor and window mechanisms fail, leading to safety risks and difficulty in operating the vehicle.
Related recall: 24V852000
- 15
Transmission Problems
4complaintsHigh severityTransmissionTransmission issues such as violent jerking, hesitating, and mis-shifting, often requiring major repairs or replacements.
$200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recalls: 20V550000, 24V330000
- 16
Power Train Issues
3complaintsHigh severityTransmissionPower train malfunctions cause hesitation, stalling, and loss of vehicle control.
Related recalls: 20V550000, 24V330000
- 18
Dashboard Warning Light Issues
2complaintsLow severityElectricalMultiple warning lights appear on the dashboard, indicating various system malfunctions.
$100–$250est. professional diagnosis · 1–2 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recalls: 20V635000, 22V331000, 24V954000, 25V685000
- 19
Door Weld Defects
2complaintsMedium severityOtherDriver-side doors have issues with welds, leading to improper closure and potential detachment.
Related recall: 24V852000
- 20
Engine Knocking Sound
2complaintsMedium severityEngineAn abnormal knocking sound occurs from the engine, often accompanied by a check engine light.
Related recalls: 22V191000, 22V484000, 23V380000, 25V345000, 25V685000
- 21
Gear Shift Sticking in Park
2complaintsMedium severityTransmissionThe gear shift gets stuck in park, requiring the vehicle to cool down before shifting gears.
$200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recalls: 20V550000, 24V330000
- 22
Panoramic Sunroof Shade Malfunction
2complaintsMedium severityOtherThe panoramic sunroof shade malfunctions, causing the shade to sag and obstruct rear visibility.
Related recall: 24V852000
- 23
Recall Non-Compliance
2complaintsMedium severityOtherFord is not complying with certain recalls, leading to unresolved issues and safety concerns.
Related recall: 24V852000
- 24
Sunroof Shade Detachment and Sagging
2complaintsMedium severityOtherThe sunroof shade detaches and sags, obstructing rear visibility and potentially causing safety hazards.
Related recall: 24V852000
Other years & sources
Data source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) owner complaints and recalls. Problems are clustered and ranked from the complaint record; occurrence counts reflect corroborating complaints, not total incidence. Vehicle image is illustrative. Repair-cost figures are typical U.S. independent-shop ranges (parts + labor) for the class of repair shown — actual quotes vary by region, engine, and diagnosis; always confirm with a local shop.