How do I know if my Ford Escape has a recall?

To know if your Ford Escape has a recall, check your vehicle’s VIN against official recall records on the NHTSA SaferCar.gov site or Ford’s recall portal. If there’s an open recall, Ford will repair the issue at no cost to you.

Check recall status using your VIN

Use your vehicle identification number (VIN) to pull up recalls that apply specifically to your Escape. Here are the steps you should follow.

Before listing the steps, note that using the VIN is the most precise way to identify whether a recall affects your exact vehicle.

1. Locate your VIN. For a Ford Escape, the 17-character VIN is usually visible on the driver’s side of the dashboard near the windshield and on the driver’s doorjamb sticker; you can also find it on your registration or insurance documents.


2. Visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) SaferCar.gov recall lookup and enter your VIN to see any open recalls specific to your vehicle.


3. Review the results for campaign numbers, descriptions, and required repairs. Each recall entry will indicate what parts are involved and the remedy.


4. Optionally check Ford’s official recall page or your Ford Owner account for any additional notices tied to your VIN.

Using the VIN ensures you see only recalls that affect your specific Escape. If your VIN shows no recalls, your vehicle currently has no open recall on file.

Cross-check with official sources

In addition to the VIN lookup, you can use other official sources to verify recalls and understand potential remedies. This can help you confirm results and learn about campaign details.

Before listing the options, here are reliable channels you can use to cross-check recall information.

• Ford’s official Owner portal: Sign in to view recalls and safety notices for registered vehicles, and enable alerts if available.


• NHTSA recall search by model/year: You can review recalls that have been issued for the Ford Escape generation that matches your vehicle; for precise status, rely on the VIN lookup.


• Contact your local Ford dealer or Ford Customer Service: If you’re unsure about the results, a dealer can interpret recalls for your VIN and explain next steps.

Cross-checking with multiple official sources helps ensure you don’t miss an active safety recall or important remedy information.

What to do if a recall is found

If a recall shows up for your Escape, take action promptly. Recall remedies are performed at no charge and are funded by the manufacturer. Here is how to proceed.

Before listing the steps, this guidance helps you plan the next actions after a recall is identified.

1. Schedule a repair appointment with a Ford dealership or an authorized service center as soon as possible. Repairs for recalls are free of charge to the vehicle owner.


2. Bring your driver’s license and proof of ownership, and have the VIN handy. If you have any recall notices or campaign numbers, bring those too for reference.


3. Explain the recall and request the approved remedy. If you notice any safety concerns (e.g., issues that affect steering, braking, or airbag systems), inform the advisor immediately and consider not driving the vehicle until the issue is addressed if it’s safe to do so.


4. Ask for a work order or receipt confirming the recall repair, and request any relevant documentation or a certificate of completion.

During a recall repair, the dealer may replace parts, update software, or adjust components as specified by Ford and the recall notice. If the repair requires more time, ask about loaner vehicles or rental options the dealership might offer.

What if there’s no recall for your Escape?

If your VIN search shows no open recalls, you should still monitor official channels for any future notices. Recalls can be issued for new safety concerns over time, and vehicles may be added to recall campaigns years after purchase.

Before describing the monitoring options, here are practical steps to stay informed about recalls without delay.

• Register your vehicle and enable recall alerts in Ford’s Owner portal (if available).


• Periodically check NHTSA’s VIN-based recall lookup and model-year recall lists for your Escape generation.


• Keep your contact information up to date with Ford and your dealer so you receive Recall notices by mail if applicable.

Even without an active recall, staying connected to these official sources helps ensure you’re prepared should a new safety campaign arise for your vehicle.

Summary

Key steps to determine if your Ford Escape has a recall are: locate and use your VIN, check NHTSA’s SaferCar.gov recall lookup, and optionally verify through Ford’s Owner portal. If a recall is found, work with a Ford dealer to obtain the free remedy as soon as possible. If not, continue to monitor official channels to stay informed about future safety campaigns. Always follow dealer guidance and prioritize safety whenever a potential recall is involved.

How do I check to see if my Ford has a recall?

The Ford App

1. Open the Ford app.
2. Tap the Tool icon to go to the Service dashboard.
3. Select the Recall tile. Note: This tile will only appear if there is an active recall on your vehicle.

How do I find out if my Ford Escape has a recall?

The Ford app will open the Ford Recall page with information specific to your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). If your vehicle is involved in a recall, contact your Ford Dealer as soon as possible to schedule an appointment.

What is the most common problem with Ford Escapes?

The biggest problems with the Ford Escape are transmission failures and engine issues, particularly in specific model years like 2008, 2013, 2014, and 2020–2022. Other common complaints include ignition misfires and, in some hybrid models, fire risks from lithium-ion batteries. 
This video explains some common issues with the Ford Escape, including transmission and engine problems: 59sThe SUV GuyYouTube · Jan 31, 2025
Transmission issues

• Widespread problem: Transmission issues are frequently cited as the most significant weakness across multiple model years.
• Symptoms: Drivers report issues like harsh, jerky shifts, and complete failure.
• Timing: For some newer models, critical failures can occur around or after the warranty expires, with replacement costs averaging around $4,000.
• Affected models: Some particularly troublesome years include 2008, 2014, and 2016, but other years are also affected. 

Engine problems

• Ignition misfires: A very common problem reported by owners, often affecting models from 2001 through 2013. 
• Engine failure: Some model years have been associated with more severe engine issues. 
• Other issues: Some models have experienced oil leaks and other engine-related problems. 

This video discusses common engine problems in the Ford Escape: 58sCarnivautoYouTube · Feb 10, 2025
Hybrid-specific issues

• Fire risk: A class-action lawsuit alleges that lithium-ion batteries in some hybrid and plug-in hybrid models have a risk of suddenly catching fire. 
• Coolant pump failure: Hybrid models may experience coolant pump failure, which can cause the check engine light to come on and lead to engine shutdown. 

Which Ford Escapes have been recalled?

Recent Ford Escape recall issues include an underhood fire risk due to cracked fuel injectors in 2020–2022 models, an engine fire risk from fuel and oil vapor leaks in 2020–2023 HEV/PHEV models, and a high-voltage battery issue for 2020–2024 models that could lead to a short circuit and battery failure. Other recalls involve potential issues with the transmission, adaptive cruise control, and airbags. To find a complete list for a specific vehicle, use its VIN on the Ford website.
 
2020–2022 Escape 

• Fire risk: Due to cracked fuel injectors that can leak fuel, posing a risk of underhood fire. This recall is being expanded to include more vehicles and will have a new remedy in development. 
• Engine fire risk: Certain 2.5L HEV/PHEV models have an engine fire risk if engine oil and fuel vapor leak into the engine compartment. A remedy is available for this recall, according to the Ford website. 

2021–2024 Escape (and others)

• High-voltage battery: A manufacturing defect in the high-voltage battery cells can cause an internal short circuit, leading to battery failure. This affects certain 2020–2024 Escape and 2021–2024 Lincoln Corsair vehicles. 

Other recent recalls

• Rearview camera: In certain 2025 models, the rearview camera may show an inverted image when the vehicle is in reverse. 
• Transmission: The bushing connecting the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach in some 2013–2019 Escapes. 
• Forward collision avoidance: The adaptive cruise control radar module may be misaligned on some 2023–2024 models. 
• Airbags: A recall for front-end airbags was issued. 

How to check for specific recalls

• Visit the Ford recall website and enter your vehicle's VIN to get a list of open recalls for your specific vehicle.