2023 Ford Escape Complaint Log

The contact owns a 2023 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the radio displayed a blank screen. A dealer was contacted. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on several occasions. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 34,756.

The left rear liftgate hinge cover flew off in the car wash during the drying cycle. The same thing has happened to my 2020 Escape and that vehicle is covered under a recall but this 2023 Escape is not. I feel it should be because it has the same issue for the same part.

Vehicles coolant emptied out causing vehicle to overheat and smoke from under engine.

I am reporting a recurring safety issue involving sudden loss of power while driving in my 2023 Ford Escape. The vehicle has experienced multiple incidents where, while accelerating or pulling into traffic, it suddenly loses power, hesitates, or fails to respond to the accelerator. In some cases, the RPM drops unexpectedly, and the vehicle will not move or respond for several seconds. After this delay, the vehicle may jerk or surge forward suddenly. This creates a dangerous situation, especially when entering busy roads or intersections, as it puts me at risk of being struck by oncoming traffic. This issue has occurred multiple times and has been brought to the dealership on several occasions. The vehicle has undergone multiple repair attempts, including major engine-related repairs such as cylinder head and cooling system work, as well as a fuel system component replacement. Despite these efforts, the problem persists. On multiple visits, the dealership has stated they were unable to duplicate the issue, even though the condition continues to occur during normal driving. The vehicle has been out of service for an extended number of days due to these ongoing issues. This defect is intermittent but poses a serious safety hazard due to the unpredictable loss of power and delayed acceleration. I am concerned about the risk of an accident or injury if this issue is not properly identified and corrected. I am requesting that this issue be investigated, as it appears to be a recurring defect that may affect other vehicles of the same make and model

My vehicle has stalled several times in the last couple of months. I go to accelerate and the vehicle suddenly stops out of no where. This has almost caused me to get into an accident. I see there have been several recalls on ford escapes and this issue should be looked into for my 2023 escape.

My 2023 Ford Escape acts like it is about to stall out once I hit the gas from a stop. It has happened multiple times. After idling for 10 minutes when I go to take off it will shift so hard that it pushes you forward in your seat. It has not been taken to a dealership yet since no light comes on and it doesn’t happen all the time. It has put my safety at risk since I was turning on the highway and it took 10-15 seconds to get up to speed.

The engine shut off and immediately turned on

I have had many issues with this vehicle. Most concerning is that the other night while driving down the road at night, my car blacked out and I had no lights inside or headlights outside while driving in the dark. My back hatch button only works when it wants to. My screen freezes every once in awhile and also makes horrible noises very frequently. I’ve had one case of my screen freezing on a longer drive with my seat warmer on and the seats getting too hot and burning me. My safety features shut off all the time. My cruise control wouldn’t work at all on a 4 hour drive last month. When I get my oil changed they tell me under my hood is way louder than it should be for a vehicle this old. The dealership did a factory reset hoping it would help but I’ve already had issues with the hatch door not working appropriately, the sound coming from my screen, and notifications that my safety features have been shut off.

Rearview Camera Has turned dark....

i found the brake pedal too high.i was involved in a very low speed crash. i found my right foot caught between the accelerator and break peddle .unable to stop in time. am checking for a video and police report at this time

I was driving on a very flat highway (no other cars around me) and it sounded like an explosion and glass rained down the back of the car. When I get to my destination, I looked at my roof and the sun roof glass had exploded.

Symptoms appeared in January 2026. Check engine light is on-HAD P0301 & P0316. Ran misfire monitor & Relative compression and cylinder 1 is the issue with 70 PSI. Performed cylinder head leak down test- exhaust valve leaking replace cylinder head assembly. Problem confirmed and diagnosed by Ford dealership. The safety issue associated with the car are: sudden jerking or hesitation, loss of acceleration when merging or crossing traffic, unpredictable throttle response, sudden loss of power. Symptoms appeared in September 2025. In October 2025, the car required a turbo repair, which cost a total of $1,600. The safety issue associated with the car are: air-fuel balance, engine misfires, complete stall, loss of power. This was diagnosed by certified repair show. Similar recalls have been made to other Ford Escape cars and I believe my VIN number should be included.

The contact owned a 2023 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the infotainment center would display a black screen, and while doing so, the radio would continue to play. The contact stated that while driving at different speeds, the trunk would suddenly open, causing the contact to have to pull over and close the trunk in order to continue to drive. The failure occurred 3 times while the vehicle was parked at home. There would be a burning odor emitting from the vehicle intermittently; however, there would be no smoke or indication of where the smell was coming from. While parked at home and unoccupied, the rear window suddenly shattered, and the vehicle caught on fire. The fire department was called and extinguished the fire. The fire department and the insurance company had determined the vehicle would be totaled; however, an official determination had not been provided. A police report was filed. The dealer was informed of the failure. There were no injuries or medical attention needed. There was no damage done to the property. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 37,000.

HI, Vehicle is under a second recall for the High Voltage Battery potential fire hazard. The first recall lasted 7 months before a potential fix. The second recall was issued in November with no fix available yet. Received second recall identical to first recall indicating a fire risk with no apparent fix. I have requested Ford buyback the vehicle, but it fell outside the 18 month NYS Lemon Law. They have refused. They have no fix and will not provide a loaner until it is fixed. The original vehicle electric range was between 38 and 40 with a window sticker range of 37. It is now down to around a range of 20 on full charge with an actual driveable of about 16. I have asked both Ford and delivering dealership to replace the High Voltage Battery pack as it has seriously deteriorated. Ford refuses to allow dealer to replace the Battery Pack. The vehicle is basically unusable for it's original intended purpose as a partial electric vehicle. I asked Ford, what am I supposed to do if I am transporting my two grandchildren in the vehicle and it starts on fire. How do I choose which child to get first? No response. These vehicles should be removed from use by Ford and loaner vehicles provided or a full buy back should take place. I only have 11,000 miles on this vehicle and it has been in the shop for more than 30 days for various warranty repairs and multiple recalls. These vehicles are not safe. See pictures attached for factual information from vehicle. I have plenty of detail if you need it. Please help. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Accessory protocol interface module went out screen went dark. No recall on my vin but should be. Problem appeared 12/26/2025 and has been inspected by Peach State Ford.

I drive a 2023 Ford escape active, 8F35 transmission, with 111,114 miles on it. I purchased my car in July 2025 from truauto of Ladson SC with 93,000 miles on it. Had a transmission complete failure in December 2025 (5 months after buying). Ford dealership in Valdosta Georgia (where I lived) was no help in trying to get it fixed and it sat on there lot for a months or so, because it was undriveable. I got it towed back to SC to get it fixed by a local transmission shop and it is being halted due to a current planetary lawsuit with these cars for parts. I have now been without a car for 2-3 months and have forked over $6,000+ to get this car fixed. I was not told about any known transmission issues when I bought this car (verbally or written) from Truauto, nor was I contacted about any recall from Ford and I was denied a Remanufactured transmission at the dealership that I went to to get the car fixed. I am out of warranty but that still doesn’t explain a transmission failure in a close to brand new car regardless of miles. I have already paid the $5400 or so for the repair at the local shop and it has yet to be fixed due to lack of availability of parts.

The transmission failed at 70,000 miles. The research the transmission shop did indicated the main bearing fails in these because they are made of cheap metal. The transmission just stopped pulling with little warning. It started with a jerking and then quit pulling. Within a few feet. There was not any slipping of the transmission before hand.

The contact owns a 2023 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V789000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

My 2023 Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid has experienced repeated high-voltage battery safety issues and prolonged loss of intended function. In February 2025, Ford notified me under recall 24S79 that I must immediately stop charging the vehicle due to the risk of internal battery cell short, potential battery thermal venting, and fire. That “do not charge” instruction lasted approximately six months, eliminating the core plug-in hybrid functionality of the vehicle. Ford originally stated the remedy would be available in Q2 2025, but the repair was not completed until late August 2025. The recall documentation stated that an internal battery cell short could cause the “Stop Safely Now” warning and sudden loss of motive power, which presents a serious safety risk while driving, especially when transporting my family. During the “do not charge” period the vehicle’s plug-in hybrid capability was unusable, and Ford acknowledged the risk of fire and loss of power. In November 2025, I received a new high-voltage battery recall 25SC4 (NHTSA 25V789) for the same general hazard category (internal short, potential fire, loss of motive power). The new recall states that no remedy is available at this time. This means the vehicle is again subject to a serious unresolved safety defect involving the same critical system. The repeated battery failures and the absence of a current fix create an ongoing safety concern, and the vehicle cannot be reliably used or sold during this open recall with no remedy. I am requesting NHTSA review the repeated HV battery defects, extended loss of plug-in hybrid functionality, delayed first recall remedy, and the current “no remedy available” condition, and assess whether further investigation or corrective action is needed for these vehicles.

The contact owns a 2023 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the 12-Volt battery had become inoperable. The contact stated that the vehicle lost motive power while attempting to start the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact had to charge the battery several times to start the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was informed that the issue was battery-related and was advised to drive the vehicle differently and to obtain a trickle charger for the battery. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 8,000.

Purchased the vehicle approximately 45 days ago. Has driven fine with no problems. Randomly had a hard down shift and when I went to leave my destination put the vehicle in reverse and it would not go. The vehicle would not move in drive and when put in neutral it was still not even able to be pushed. Had it towed to the nearest ford dealership, they diagnosed that there were metal shavings in the transmission, stated the vehicle was no longer drive able and recommend a transmission replacement or rebuild. Vehicle only has 80,000 miles.

The transmission had an internal failure that caused metal fragments to end up in the transmission fluid and caused failure. The vehicle will not drive and required the transmission to be rebuilt

During braking the car experienced what seemed to be a glitch and lost all breaking power. Foot went to the floor and had to press and release multiple times for break power assist to come back. This happened three times within 100 mile drive.

my 2023 ford edge caused burns to the back of my legs. i was unaware until my grandma informed me that something was wrong with my legs. i noticed when i got the car 2 months ago level 3 of the seat warmer was way to hot like i felt it burning. so i only used on setting 1 or 2 and did not feel the burning sensation like when used on 3 but somehow my legs are burned

For the last 2 weeks After accelerating my engine coolant overheat warning light goes off and i can't accelerate any further until light goes off. Also ford mechanic states there is metal shavings in the coolant that might be causing engine to overheat on top of the sensor issue.

The contact owns a 2023 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a loss of automotive power, and the steering wheel became difficult to turn in either direction. The contact stated that the messages "Electrical Power Saver Active" and "Service Charging System Warning" were displayed on the instrument panel. In addition, the contact's husband stated that the vehicle failed to come to a complete stop as intended, and the brake pedal felt firm while being depressed. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer and remained for further investigation. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 35,338.

Sunshade retracted all the way and center roof molding holding it was with double stick tape. Rolled all the back and cannot get it to go back.

Purchased brand new 11/2023, immediately started with electrical problems 01/2024, also would put car in reverse and car would cut off, was dropped off at service but never given a reason for the issue or a repair. 01/2025 car had acceleration issues, dropped off at service and was given a rental and given car back with no explanation. 6/2025 car went into limp mode and was towed to service where they found shards of metal throughout motor, replaced motor and then started having problems with cab filling with exhaust, was told they had no rental available and could continue to drive the car with my baby in it, then told was just a gasket needed to be replaced, car had same issue immediately, returned back to service where the turbo then needed to be replaced as well as catalytic converter gasket, after repair, called numerous times complaining that car would shift very hard and wouldn’t accelerate while driving or pulling out on an intersection or from a stop light, was told valve body needed to be replaced, then check engine light came on immediately after pickup, returned car and purge valve needed to be replaced, after pickup issue of car not accelerating continued, was told no issue found, car acceleration issues has became worse and now have been told soonest available appointment and rental is 02/12/2026.

Sunroof molding roof drip rail. Ford part #LJ6Z5450036A. This part is held on with double stick tape. When it comes loose, it can interfere with the proper operation of the sunroof sunshade or fall into the passenger compartment. Mine has been replaced several times under warranty. Even though it was nearly detached, it did not fall. However, if it had, it has the potential of either damaging the sunshade or creating a driver distraction while driving.

The contact owns a 2023 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V954000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The dealer was contacted. The dealer confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and informed the contact that a second notice would be mailed whenever parts were available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

The contact owns a 2023 Ford Escape. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that rodents had damaged the coil wiring. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 23,106.

Summary of Issues: 1. March 2024 – First Incident: •Warning lights appeared on the dashboard while driving (including ABS and power steering). •Vehicle was taken to Camelback Ford. •Dealership diagnosed a software update failure due to low voltage. •Battery was recharged, software updated, and codes cleared. ⸻ 2. April 6, 2024 – Battery Replacement: •Vehicle continued to experience electrical issues. •Battery was replaced by dealership under warranty. ⸻ 3. June 11, 2024 – Second Incident: •Dashboard warning lights returned. •Dealership again cleared codes, no new repair or replacement performed. •Explanation given was “modern cars have more computers” and that these issues were “normal.” ⸻ 4. July 12, 2024 – Third Incident: •While stopped at a red light, the entire dashboard shut off and restarted on its own. •Engine remained on, but the sudden blackout raised serious safety and reliability concerns. •Vehicle was not moved after the incident. •Dealership advised to return only if issue happens again. ⸻ Ongoing Concern: This vehicle has experienced repeated electrical system failures including instrument cluster blackout and communication errors, despite warranty repairs and a new battery. These intermittent issues pose a potential safety risk, especially if they occur while driving. The lack of a consistent fix raises concerns about the vehicle’s electrical integrity and reliability.

The contact owns a 2023 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the "Blind Spot Detection System Fault" message was displayed. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the trailer tow wiring harness (Part Number: LX6Z-15A416-B). The contact was informed that the wiring harness was damaged by the heat shield. 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 approximate failure mileage was 9,000.

Recall Action Soon Issue Since 03-14-2025 Drivers side seat buckle replacement For More Information Telematics Generated Issue Recall Action Soon Issue Since 11-08-2024 Inspect front door check-arm reinforcement spot welds For More Information

Campaign 23B56 Description Inspect front door check-arm reinforcement spot welds Next Steps Contact your dealer for next steps. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Recall Action Soon Issue Since 03-14-2025 Drivers side seat buckle replacement For More Information Telematics Generated Issue Recall Action Soon Issue Since 11-08-2024 Inspect front door check-arm reinforcement spot welds For More Information

12v battery system failure to keep 12v battery that boots operating system of car charged. This leads to a vehicle that cannot be started or moved unless jump started. This has happened daily, and sometimes multiple times a day, requiring a jump pack to get the car to turn on. This issue has been reproduced and confirmed via multiple revised manufacturer TSBs. This has likely been inspected by the ford dealership that sold the used vehicle to me. Multiple safety warnings appear when the vehicle determines the 12v battery is not sufficiently charged.

The contact owns a 2023 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was notified of the failure, and the contact was instructed to bring the vehicle in for a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 41,000.

The contact owns a 2023 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, the transmission overheated warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The contact stopped and had the vehicle towed to the dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle but could not duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred, and the vehicle was taken to another dealer who also was not able to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the transmission failed and was unable to shift into reverse(R) or park(P). The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

The contact owns a 2023 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the front driver's door window would not completely roll up and close. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who replaced the front driver's side door window motor, and the vehicle was repaired but failure reoccurred. Additionally, while operating the vehicle, the message "Front Collision Camera Inoperable" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, but failure code could not be retrieved, and the cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failures, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 13,000.

While driving on an interstate, the Instrument cluster / digital gauge cluster screen behind my steering wheel turned off. I was driving with my adaptive cruise control on when all of a sudden I see the screen go black and I was no longer able to see how fast the car was going, the engine temperature, or how much fuel I had, as well as all of the other metrics on that dashboard. The car never lost power, because the entertainment screen in the middle of my dash remained on and responsive during the short period of time that my instrument cluster screen was off, and I never lost power steering. Instinctively, I pressed on the break pedal and pulled off of the road onto the shoulder, so I’m not sure if the cruise control would have stayed on. After a few minutes on the shoulder, the instrument cluster screen turned back on, not quite like it does when you turn on the car, but it flashed a bunch of the warning lights and slowly came back to normal. I was able to drive my car safely and without another incident back home, however I am very concerned about this happening again. There were no warning lights, signals, or sounds before this happened. Driving on any road, weather it’s a highway or an interstate, it is very important to be able to see how fast you are traveling for the safety of yourself, your children, and the other drivers. There is a popular recall among this same vehicle type, however mine was not included in the previous recall even though it just repeated the same problem the other ford escapes were having. My local dealership is not taking this problem seriously, and I am very concerned.

The contact owns a 2023 Ford Escape. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact attempted to close the front driver’s side door; however, the door failed to close securely. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.

The contact owns a 2023 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the back-over prevention camera screen went to a blue screen. The contact stated that while driving, the camera turned on and the image was shown. The camera was unavailable, and a message to contact the dealer was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the camera needed to be reset and the software updated. The vehicle was test-driven. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 10,668.

The contact owns a 2023 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at various speeds with the Adaptive Cruise Control Mode engaged, the vehicle failed to respond as needed after another vehicle pulled in front of the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle jerked and decelerated, and then revved up and accelerated unintendedly until the vehicle was within proximity of the other vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated that the Lane Keep Assist failed to keep the vehicle within the intended lane while driving, and the vehicle veered to the left unintendedly while the Lane Keep Assist was engaged. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed, but the cause of the failure could not be determined. Additionally, the dealer informed the contact that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V440000 (Forward Collision Avoidance), which the contact related to the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 98,000.

The contact owns a 2023 Ford Escape. The contact state while reversing, the back over prevention camera failed to function as intended. The contact stated that the back over prevention camera failed to display images of pedestrians or vehicles. The contact stated that due to the failure, the contact almost struck a pedestrian. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the failure was not duplicated. The vehicle was then taken to another dealer where a software update was performed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was offered a buyback. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.

I've had this thing less than 6 months, I've already had the engine rebuilt with 34 parts a month and a half in and the drivers side rear door handle replaced during this time because it would not open from the outside and only the inside despite being unlocked. All of this occurred at the beginning of May 2024 and it sat for 3 months due to the engine being basically rebuilt with most parts being on backorder. Today the same door is having the same issue, only this time the same exact door won't open neither from the inside or outside, which is a huge safety hazard in my eyes if I got into an accident and had passengers in the backseat. I do have video proof of this too.

I was driving home to Aspen, CO from Denver. I was about 44 miles from my home, on the other side of an 11,000 ft mountain pass. As I was passing another vehicle, the car died. The dashboard light said "engine coolant over temperature". The car died as I was pulling back into the right lane. The person behind me swerved around me. I had to have the car towed to a dealer that is 2 1/2 hours from my home. It's been sitting at the Ford Dealership in Salida, CO for 9 days. They keep telling me they will get it in to diagnose the problem but every day it's the same story and they do nothing. After doing online research, that make, model and year vehicle engine issue has been reported by many owners. There was no warning about this issue. It simply died while driving on the highway.

The contact owns a 2023 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the center console display remained off. The contact was able to continue driving the vehicle however, the center console and the display was independently turning on and off. No warning lights were illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 8,000.

a 2023 Ford Escape. while driving at approximately 76 MPH, I observed a warning chime dinging, the power train warning light illuminated, and the low engine coolant message was displayed. I received a notification via the Ford Pass APP stating that "There was a failure with the vehicle and to see the dealer'. I contacted the dealer, and they stated they did not see any warnings. Anytime I exceeded a certain rate of speed it still does this. The first time it happened, it had less than 800 miles on it.

My ford escape has an ongoing safety issue where the instrument cluster shuts off while driving and the dealership has not been able to fix it.

HAD A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COME ON 2 WEEKS AGO. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY REPROGRAMMED THE PCM AND INSPECTED CYLINDER BORES. DEALER ALSO CHANGED THE OIL AT THAT TIME. SHORTLY AFTER THAT THE LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN, TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER THEY'VE HAD SINCE LAST FRIDAY AND NOW REPORT THE VEHICLE MAY NEED A REPLACEMENT ENGINE BLOCK. VEHICLE HAS 10,565 MILES AND IS JUST 13 MONTHS OLD. I HAVE RESEARCHED AND FOUND MANY OTHER SIMILAR INSTANCES ON THE INTERNET.