NHTSA Owner Complaint Log
This page lists owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2020 Ford Escape. Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA and do not by themselves prove a defect or defect rate.
Data synced from NHTSA on May 4, 2026
I have a Ford recall notice 23B56. I have been waiting three months for replacement parts. Ford provides dealership NO status on parts to repair the recall.
WHEN THE SUN/MOON ROOF WAS OPENED A METAL PIECE HOLDING IT TOGETHER FELL OFF.IT WEIGHS A COUPLE POUNDS AND CAN COME FORWARD AND HIT SOMEONE, DRIVER INCLUDED.. IT WAS HELD ON BY DOUBLE SIDED TAPE. WE CHECKED YOU TUBE AND SAW OTHERS FROM 2020 TO 2023 ARE ALSO HAVING THIS HAPPEN IT CANNOT BE REPAIRED BY THE OWNER. FORD SAID IT CAN BE FIXED FOR $1300-1500.
A 2020 Ford Escape that was purchased in new condition in September of 2020. The vehicle has had numerous issues with transmission failure as well as the failure of other engine/transmission components causing drivability and safety issues such as hard shifting, not shifting, and not accelerating properly. I was not informed of Ford's buyback program until August 28, 2024, when a friend who had previously experienced similar issues with a Ford vehicle alerted me to its existence. She assisted me in contacting Ford Consumer Affairs and initiating a buyback request (case #[XXX]). On October 20, 2024 we called Ford Motor Corp Consumer Affairs to follow up on the case and they advised the application for buyback was denied since it had not been submitted within the 30 month period as outlined in Texas Lemon Law. We were advised that the only way I could seek remedy was via BBB complaint. I need assistance to advocate for my consumer rights related to Lemon Law and Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. It is my belief that Ford Motor Corp has repeatedly failed to perform their due diligence with regard to the transmission, engine, and other components installed in my vehicle. June 3, 2022 - Vehicle taken to Bob Tomes Ford service department. Diagnosed transmission failure and the transmission was replaced at 14,158 miles. I received the vehicle back on July 2, 2022. August 2, 2022 - Vehicle taken to Bob Tomes Ford service department for shifting/drivability issues and failed communications of OBD system. Vehicle had 14,557 miles and I received it back on August 29, 2022. April 21, 2023 - Vehicle taken to Bob Tomes Ford service department for check engine light at 18,554 miles. I received the vehicle back on May 22, 2023. August 6, 2024 - Vehicle taken to Bob Tomes Ford service department for hard shifting and drivability issues at 20,281 miles and as of November 4, 2024 the vehicle is still in the service department. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The AWD module failed after 35000 miles. Dealership said it needed to be replaced. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The failure shut off my collision assist, traction control, AWD, and hill assist. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Unknown, it seems to be a fairly common issue with 2020 Ford Escapes from what I've seen online. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Just the dealership Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Unknown, I had warnings on my dash stating AWD fault service required and soon after began reporting the other errors.
Casting of the turbocharger failed, leaking coolant into the wastegate and exhaust. the turbo coolant passages cracked. I thought I blew a head gasket at first. Pulled plugs and changed oil, all looked good. Cooling system held pressure. No warnings except a small coolant leak over months and months. not even on the ground. Large white smoke clouds coming out of the exhaust.
Back door of my ,2020 Ford Escape SE, is stuck closed! Won't open at all with key fob or buttons on driver side or button on back door. Multiple times before it got stuck closed, the door wouldn't latch properly and bounce open randomly over bumps in the road!
On the door, the brace to control the stability of the door has broken off on the inside of the door. This is very annoying that this is not considered a recall as this is something that can only be fix by replacing the entire door. That is not a convenient amount of money to just spend.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a popping sound coming from the front door on the driver's side. The contact stated that the door failed to close completely as intended. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or local dealer. The contact related the failure with an unknown recall; however, the vehicle was not included. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 31,000.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the "All Wheel Drive" warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who determined that the rear differential was faulty and needed be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V011000 (Power Train). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 41,000.
My car says that collision assist, All wheel drive is unavailable and is locked to front wheel drive only.
The AWD module failed after 22,000 miles. This affects the awd and many other options not to work. Trac control, Hill assist, Awd etc. Dealership wont cover due to 3 years. Dealership is fixing with $1160 out of pocket to me. This part is a known issue with Ford and many other complaints have been made.
Driver door hinge welds are broken. Door will not open or close correctly.
I opened the driver side door and it the arm suddenly started making noises and it’s hard to open and close.
The Passenger door Check assembly is making alot of noise. I see there is a problem with the weld of the bracket to the door which could cause the door to fall off the vehicle
The sunroof headliner came separated from a component and the entire headliner fell.. hitting my child and not allowing me to visibly see while on the interstate. My entire vision behind me was impacted. I had to pull over and eventually just let the whole shade get stuck on the roller in the back section of the sunroof.
AWD FAULT, PRE-COLLISION ASSIST AND HILL START ASSIST WARNINGS DISPLAYING IN CLUSTER.
Took car to dealership for separate covered customer satisfaction program involving door weld. door weld was resolved however the dealer stated that some check engine lights came on. after having my car for three weeks they diagnosed it as needing to replace the AWD Module and 2 related updates. It is publicly known by Ford that this issue has occurred in other 2020 Ford Escapes. This was addressed for some 2020 Ford Escapes in their customer service program 21B19. However my VIN did not qualify as it did not meet the manufacture dates. Nevertheless, the problem, vehicle year, and manufacture year are identical and this is not an issue that occurs with normal wear and tear within 30000 miles. The known issues with the 2020 Ford Escape AWD Module should be expanded to cover this.
My car spontaneously started throwing out Service AdvanceTrac, PowerTrain Malfunction, AWD Fault, Pre-Collision Assist Not Available, and Hill Start Assist warnings. Those all cleared themselves, but the AWD Fault remained. I took it to my local Ford dealer, who replaced the AWD module the same day. The very next day my check engine light came on with the code for the Catalytic Converter and the PowerTrain Catalyst System fell below the efficiency threshold. My car barely has 40,000 miles on it and it is well-maintained. Upon reading some of the other complaints about this year, I see that I am not alone and have read several other complaints explaining the exact same thing that happened with my car. It appears as though there were other 2020 escapes within a certain manufacturing date range that DID qualify for a recall related to these issues, however mine did not for some reason.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was jerking. The contact stated that the failure occurred increasingly while driving from a complete stop. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the torque converter and the main control assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.
My car spontaneously began displaying error messages saying that pre-collision assistance, hill start asssitance, vehicle stabilization, and AWD were in error and wouldn’t work. I took it to a Ford dealership and they diagnosed the AWD system as faulty and it will need to be replaced. If continued to be driven without replacing it, the AWD fault would cause the car to not be able to move forward. They were surprised a car this new would need this. Upon further research, I am among hundreds, if not more, of 2020 Escape owners with this problem. This is a widespread safety issue.
Had new Ford factory transmission installed due to only getting 72000 miles on original trans. New transmission, after being installed, has been deemed defective from the factory so dealer will have to order and install a replacement. Ford 8 speed transmission.
AWD module has failed and per FORD is not covered in replacement cost. Multiple error messages about forward collision, AWB and adaptive cruise control. This module was covered un a previous customer satisfaction program (Customer Satisfaction Program 21B19) and in multiple issues noted in on line forums should be taken up for a recall. Vehicle appears to run more poorly and thus could put myself and passengers at risk for accident. The error shows up every time the vehicle starts up. I see there are over 40 complaints listed here and I am sure there are more.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH, the vehicle was vibrating and shaking abnormally. The contact pulled over to the side of the roadway and turned off and restarted the vehicle and the shaking ceased. The contact stated that the failure had become a persistent failure. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the vehicle had experienced an All-Wheel drive (AWD) failure; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 46,000.
The driver's door makes cracky noise and it hard to open and close. Before this it was the window had problems closing.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while having routine maintenance at the local dealer, the vehicle was inspected, and it was determined that the driver's side front door weld was cracked. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 40,000.
AWD fault at 58,000 miles. AWD module has to be replaced at approximately $750. Power train/drivetrain warranty good for 60,000 miles. Was informed at the dealership that it wasn’t covered under the power train/drivetrain warranty. I have read several complaints from owners having the same issue. Ford needs to offer a recall and reimburse all funds.
2020 Has a 8f35 transmission with the same torque converter issues and low speed shudder under 35 same as bulletin 21-2081... ford edge with same transmission ford recommended replacement at 90000 miles didn't offer to even attempt to work on it. No warning lights are on
just got off car lot in july 2024 been having trouble with transmission slipping from day one. only i was told the car drives hard anyways but dealership refused to look at it once its off lot. lights are reading hillside drivers assistant and other readings no one can get off
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the sunroof molding detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 55,300.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact was informed by a Ford mechanic that the front driver’s side window could possibly shatter while rolled down. The contact was informed that the door needed to be replaced; however, the replacement door remained on backorder. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. The check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle was taken to the dealer. The contact was informed that the engine valve was defective and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The contact stated that the brake pedal felt spongy. The contact stated that the brake pedal had to be pushed unusually hard to activate the brakes. In addition, the contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was informed of Customer Service Program: 21B19; however, the contact was informed that the VIN was not associated with the Customer Satisfaction Program. The contact was advised to report the failure to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 34,000.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, there was excessive smoke coming from the exhaust, after which the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who observed a hole in the cylinder #1 piston, resulting in damages to the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, who confirmed the diagnostic result. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 97,000.
Different warning lights were coming on in my suv while I was on vacation a couple weeks ago. The lights consist of AWD, Pre-collision assist, traction control and hill assist. The door and window is also broken but that will be fixed for free because of a recall. I’m extremely frustrated because I just got this car in February. Now all this is breaking down at the same time. We did not get the warranty on it because we had to buy a car last minute and couldn’t afford the extra fee. I drive all over because I own a cleaning business. My frustration is that there was a recall on certain vehicles with the same exact issues that my suv is having. So I feel like this is a manufacturing problem. I don’t want to spend a $1000,00 or more if this is in fact a manufacturing issue. Especially if my car was made around Covid time. I’m getting a diagnostic test done on it now. It’s at the ford dealership where I bought it. So I’m waiting on that. I’m hoping to find out tomorrow how much it is going to cost. I would really appreciate an investigation into this. For all this to go out all at the same time is frustrating and makes no sense. I just can’t afford it and I need my car for work. Ford gave me a case #[XXX]. I hope this is right. The first couple of numbers could possibly be wrong. If they are, I can call ford again. Thank you, [XXX] P.S. I can send you a picture of the diagnostic paper work when I receive it tomorrow. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
I just bought this car less than 6 months ago, and the other day I had an “AWD Fault Service Required” light come on. Come to find out it’s a bad AWD computer module. I get to searching online and see hundreds of people with the same problem. I am not sure what I’m going to do, but if this is as common of an occurrence as forums lead me to believe it is, someone should look into this as a recall. There is already a recall for this exact problem for this same model of cars built within a specific factory and timeframe. It’s happening to enough people that this umbrella should probably be extended
The entire advanced track system quit working. Sometimes if you turn the vehicle off and on a bunch of times it will work until you turn off the vehicle.
2020 Escape has a turn style shifter that becomes stuck in park and will not shift into gear on hot summer days making the car inoperable leaving unsuspecting drivers stranded. The issue happens almost weekly to daily to my vehicle. The dealership has found no cause for this issue as when the shifter is acting up and is inoperable, the dealership has no opening to serivce vehicle.
All Wheel Drive module is malfunctioning. AWD needs serviced light came on. Upon further research it appears that AWF modules that were manufactured at the facility where mine was manufactured, were recalled for dates within 2 days of mine being manufactured. Based on internet searches, it seems this has been a frequent issue and Ford will not replace/recall this module within the other recall. My vehicle only has 13,000 miles on it and is 4 years old. This should not be a problem and is going to be a great expense to get fixed. Ford should recall this part as it is a knows consistent issue with the AWD module that was manufactured out of the same facility.
Vehicle has 14,000 miles on it. Was taken to Ford garage after the AWD light came on. They placed the AWD module on the vehicle and then ran diagnostics again and it still pulled the errors. They determined that the ABS system is bad and also needs replaced. He provided me with a notice that was sent to Ford/Lincoln dealers -Customer Satisfaction Program 20B5 which was for vehicles manufactured in 2020 where the dealers were to replace the electronic break booster. My vehicle was manufactured in 2019, but has the same problem as this recall and unfortunately was not part of the dates where Ford would fix the issue.
The sunshade of the panoramic sunroof came loose a year ago and has continued to sag lower from the glass and closer to our heads over time. When opened, the shade hangs completely blocking the back window and hangs into the back seat. I have been told the clips may need to be replaced, but have not received a definite diagnosis.
I started getting warning lights that stated I was having issues with my AWS and hill assist systems. Ford is telling me that I need a new AWD module installed for $770. The car only has 51,000 miles on it and there are numerous reports on the internet with people having the same issue.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, she became aware of a malfunction with the Forward Collision Avoidance system. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that the Forward Collision Avoidance module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 52,000.
1.) My backup camera has failed, and it is static and then continues today will not display and shows black. I can no longer use it or see out of it for backup purposes. 2.) I use my back up camera everyday as I live in a busy city and use it when parking and to assist me when there is a lot happening with parking on the side of the road and entering and exiting parking spots. 3.) Yes, I had it checked by a ford dealer, and they stated other vehicles were having this issue and it was odd mine had not been recalled. 4.) No my vehicle has not been inspected by anyone other than the warranty holder I have as well as the ford dealership. 5.) No everything was working fine and then the next time I turned my vehicle on the backup camera was no longer of use.
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? AWD module failure How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? While driving the vehicle shifted out of AWD and began losing power as several errors began flashing in dash! They were AWD fault service required Service advance trac Pre collision assist not available AWD off Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes @ Loveland ford Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Yes @ Loveland ford Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Yes wrench and swervy car light came on first happened around June 13 2024 Shown that this year make and model has had this issue and a customer satisfaction program was in place but has since expired and told that since mine did not experience the problem during that time I do not qualify for the replacement
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that during inclement weather, moisture would enter the vehicle through the liftgate. Due to the failure, there was water pouring out of the vehicle upon opening the liftgate. The failure persisted and the contact stated that moisture had started to accumulate inside the spare tire wheel compartment leading to mold developing inside the vehicle. Additionally, rust had started to form around the liftgate latch due to the moisture failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The contact was transferred to the NHTSA Hotline to file a complaint. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the AWD and check engine warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the AWD control module. The vehicle was repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 21B19. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 43,000.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken for the State Inspection and the vehicle failed the emissions test. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the Powertrain Control Module (PCM); determining that the PCM was not sending the emissions information. The contact was informed that an update was required. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 88,000.
The transmission of the car makes a loud rattling noise only on cold starts, almost sounds like metal is rubbing together. Car has 63K miles, and drives fine but will make rattling noise at cold start, typically around 1.3K RPM. Once the car has ran for a bit in idle, the RPM drops to around 1K and the noise subsides. There are no warning lamps and the vehicles has not been inspected. I am unaware how my safety could be at risk, the problem seems to only be during the cold start for now. This problem has been reported by the NHTSA in SSM 49411, but I wanted to notify that I have had a similar issue with the same vehicle.
The vehicle is flashing warning lights for Powertrain Failure, AWD System Failure, Collision-Assist Failure, AdvanceTrac Failure, Hill-Assist Failure. Apparently, these are all linked to a faulty AWD module. Ford is claiming that it is not covered by their Powertrain warranty even though it is a major component of that system. This issue is becoming more and more prevalent with Ford customers. This item should be a recall. Please assist us in making that happen.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the engine temperature gauge indicated that the engine had overheated. While inspecting under the hood the contact discovered that the coolant reservoir was empty. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the engine coolant had leaked into cylinders #1 and #4, causing severe damage to the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 85,000.
Dashboard message indicates the left front door is open although the door is properly closed and locked. I'm still able to lock and unlock the door using the lock switch on the inside door panel while sitting in the driver's seat. I can also lock and unlock the door using my key fob.