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Is Ford recalling Ford Escape?

Yes, Ford has issued recalls that affect some Ford Escape models in recent years, but whether your specific vehicle is recalled depends on its VIN, model year, and production date.


Recall campaigns are issued when safety or compliance concerns are identified. The status of recalls can change as Ford issues remedies and owners bring vehicles in for service. To determine if your Escape is affected, you should check official sources with your vehicle’s VIN and stay updated through Ford and national safety agencies.


Current recall status for the Ford Escape


Recall information is published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Ford. Each campaign lists the affected model years, the reason for the recall, and the remedy. The only reliable way to know if your exact Escape is affected is to search by VIN in the official databases or Ford’s owner resources.


What owners should know about recall campaigns


Not every Ford Escape will be part of a given recall. A vehicle can be unaffected by one campaign and affected by another, depending on its specific VIN and production details. Always verify using official lookup tools and contact a dealer if you see any recall notices.


Before you use the lookup tools, gather your VIN and basic vehicle details (model year, trim, and purchase date) to ensure an accurate check.


Be aware that recall status can be updated if new campaigns are issued or existing ones are expanded. Regular checks are advisable for ongoing safety updates.


To understand the scope and remedy, read the recall notices carefully. They explain which parts are involved, the potential risk, and how the fix will be applied.


If you do not see any active recalls for your VIN, your specific Escape is not listed in current campaigns. However, new recalls can be announced, so periodic verification is prudent.


Before proceeding to any listed steps, ensure you are using the most up-to-date sources such as the NHTSA recall database and Ford’s official recall pages.


For the most current information, you can also sign up for recall notifications from NHTSA or set up a Ford Owner account to receive updates on your vehicle.


In this section, the goal is to help you confirm whether your Escape is affected and to understand the process for remedies if it is.


Summary of how to stay informed and verify recall status will help protect occupants and ensure timely service if needed.


Summary: Ford periodically issues recalls for the Escape. To know if yours is affected, check your VIN against official recall databases, especially NHTSA and Ford’s recall resources, and contact a dealer for a free remedy if a campaign applies.


What to do if your Escape is recalled


If the search results show your Escape is affected by a recall, follow these steps to get the recall addressed promptly.


Note: Recall work is typically performed at no cost to the vehicle owner, and scheduling a service appointment with an authorized Ford dealer is the standard path to receive the remedy.



  • Contact a Ford dealer or authorized service center to schedule the recall remedy. Have your VIN handy so the advisor can identify the correct campaign and repair plan.

  • Confirm the appointment is for a recall remedy (not just a general service). Ask how long the repair will take and whether a loaner vehicle or alternate transportation is available if the service is lengthy.

  • Bring any related documentation and proof of ownership or registration if required by the dealership. The dealer will perform the required repair or update the vehicle’s components or software as specified in the recall notice.

  • After the service, check your Ford Owner account or request a recall completion letter from the dealer to confirm the remedy has been applied and that the recall is considered closed for your VIN.


Concluding this process, always verify that the recall remedy has been completed and document the service. Completing recall work improves safety and can protect against potential issues linked to the campaign.


Summary


Recall status for the Ford Escape is not uniform across all vehicles; it depends on VIN, model year, and production date. To determine whether your Escape is affected, check the VIN against official recall databases (NHTSA and Ford). If a recall applies, contact a Ford dealer to schedule the free remedy and keep records of service completion for future reference. Stay informed with periodic checks, as new recalls can be announced at any time.

What year are Ford Escapes being recalled?


The safety of you and your passengers is key to every vehicle we build. That's why we are issuing a safety recall on 2020—2023 Ford Escape® and 2022—2023 Maverick® vehicles with 2.5L HEV/PHEV engines. The recall repair for all vehicles is now available.



What is the current recall on Ford Escape?


The most recent major Ford Escape recalls are for: a potential underhood fire risk due to cracked fuel injectors in certain 2020–2022 models with a 1.5L engine (recall 25S76), an issue with the rearview camera not displaying an inverted image on some 2025 models (recall 25V161000), and a potential high voltage battery short circuit that could lead to a fire or loss of drive power in some 2020-2024 models (recall 24V954000). Owners can check for open recalls on their specific vehicle by entering the VIN on the Ford support website.
 
Recent recalls

  • Cracked Fuel Injectors (2020-2022 Escape): A recall (25S76) was issued for 2020–2022 Ford Escapes with 1.5L engines due to a risk of underhood fire from cracked fuel injectors. A software update is available to help detect cracked injectors, and a new remedy is being developed for the issue. 
  • Rearview Camera Malfunction (2025 Escape): A recall (25V161000) affects certain 2025 Escapes where the rearview camera may display an inverted image in reverse, reducing visibility. 
  • High Voltage Battery Issue (2020-2024 Escape): Recall 24V954000 addresses a manufacturing defect in the high voltage battery cells of certain 2020–2024 Escapes. This can cause a short circuit, leading to battery failure, a potential loss of drive power, or an increased risk of fire. 
  • Engine Failure (2020-2023 Escape): Some 2.5L HEV/PHEV models from 2020-2023 are part of a recall for engine failure risk. The failure can release engine oil and fuel vapor, potentially leading to an underhood fire. 
  • Other recalls: Other recalls have been issued for issues like misaligned cruise control radar modules and incorrectly manufactured rear brake linings, but the most recent and significant ones are listed above. 

How to check for recalls
  • Visit the Ford support website and enter your vehicle's 17-digit VIN. 
  • Ford will also send a notification by mail if your vehicle is affected by a safety recall. 
  • You can also check the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website. 



What Ford models are currently recalled?


Recent Recalls

  • Takata Airbag Recall.
  • 25S76: 2021-2024 Ford Bronco Sport® / 2020-2022 Ford Escape®
  • 24S55: 2021-2022 Ford Bronco® / Edge® / Explorer® / F-150®
  • 24S44: 2022-2023 Ford Mustang®
  • 23S37: 2014 Ford F-150®



Which year to avoid Ford Escape?


Years to avoid for the Ford Escape include the 2005, 2008, 2013, 2014, and 2020-2022 models due to a high number of complaints and recalls for serious issues like engine failure, transmission problems, and steering loss. Other problematic years often cited are 2016, 2017, 2021, 2022, and 2023.
 
This video explains why you should be careful when buying a used Ford Escape and which model years to avoid: 1mCar Lensy YouTube · Apr 23, 2025
Ford Escape years to avoid

  • 2005: Prone to severe rust-related structural failures, leading to a risk of steering loss. 
  • 2008: High number of complaints for transmission and steering system issues. 
  • 2013 & 2014: Known for significant engine and transmission problems, with the 2013 model even seeing a risk of engine fires. 
  • 2016, 2017, and the 2020-2022 models: Have significant engine and transmission issues. 
  • 2020-2022: Suffer from engine and transmission problems, oil leaks, and infotainment glitches. 
  • 2021 & 2022: Mentioned as years to avoid, potentially due to continuing issues from the redesign generation. 

General problems to watch for
  • Engine issues: Overheating, coolant leaks, and engine failure are common complaints, particularly in 1.6L EcoBoost engines from 2013-2019. 
  • Transmission problems: High failure rates have been reported across several model years, including the 2008-2014 models. 
  • Steering and electrical issues: Some years have had problems with power steering loss or other electrical glitches. 
  • Structural problems: Rust, especially in the subframe, has been a significant issue on certain models. 


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.