What is the recall for the Ford Escape?

The Ford Escape does not have a single recall that applies to every vehicle; recalls are issued for specific model years and VINs. To know which recall, if any, affects your Escape, you must check official sources using your VIN. This article explains how recalls work, where to look them up, and what to do if your vehicle is recalled.

Understanding recalls for the Ford Escape

Recall campaigns are issued when safety-related defects are identified in a specific range of vehicles. For the Ford Escape, campaigns vary by generation, model year, and production batch, and not all Escapes are affected. Owners should treat recalls as urgent safety matters and verify status through official channels tied to their vehicle’s unique VIN.

Model year and VIN matter

Because recalls are VIN-specific, two Escapes of the same model year can have different recall statuses. Always use your 17-character VIN to confirm campaigns, rather than relying on the model year alone.

Where to check recalls for your Escape

The following sources allow you to verify recalls on a VIN-by-VIN basis. They provide the most up-to-date information and tell you exactly which campaigns (if any) apply to your vehicle.

• NHTSA recall database: Visit nhtsa.gov/recalls and enter your VIN to see all open campaigns for your Escape. This is the federal government’s official compilation of safety recalls.


• Ford Owner portal: Sign in at ford.com and use the Recall Information tool to pull up recalls by VIN for your specific Escape. This is Ford’s direct source of service information.


• Contact a local Ford dealer: Provide your VIN, and the dealership can pull up active recalls and schedule free service if needed. Dealers can also explain whether multiple campaigns exist for your vehicle.

Double-checking with these sources helps ensure you have the most current information for your exact vehicle configuration. If you ever doubt the status, contact Ford customer service or your local dealer for confirmation.

What to do if your Escape is recalled

If you receive a recall notice or you discover an open campaign for your Escape, follow these steps to stay safe and compliant with the recall process.

1. Verify the recall using your VIN via the NHTSA or Ford portal to confirm it is active for your specific vehicle.


2. Contact an authorized Ford dealer to schedule the recall service. Recall work is performed at no charge to the vehicle owner.


3. Bring any recall notice and your vehicle information (VIN, model year) to the appointment. Request documentation of the completed work for your records.


4. If you experience any safety-related symptoms while awaiting service, contact the dealer immediately for guidance and consider alternative transportation if advised by the dealer or authority.

If you need assistance understanding a recall notice, or if a dealer won’t honor a recall, you can escalate the matter to Ford Customer Service or the national regulatory agency in your country.

Special considerations by model year

Recalls can involve a range of systems, from airbags and seat belts to fueling, electrical, or drivetrain components. The specific campaigns that apply to your Escape depend on its production date and where it was built. Always prioritize verification by VIN and follow manufacturer guidance for repairs.

Summary

Recalls for the Ford Escape are not universal; they depend on model year and VIN. To determine if your Escape is affected, check the official NHTSA recall database and Ford’s Recall Information portal using your VIN, and contact your local Ford dealer for the exact steps and scheduling. Keeping up with recall status helps ensure ongoing safety and compliance for your vehicle.

Why are they discontinuing the Ford Escape?

Ford is discontinuing the Escape as part of a larger strategic shift to focus on electric vehicles (EVs) and other popular models. Production is ending to retool the Louisville Assembly Plant for new electric SUVs and a low-cost EV pickup truck. This decision also stems from declining sales of the Escape, which has lost ground to competitors and the similarly-sized Bronco Sport, and Ford's goal to streamline its product line. 

• Shift to EVs: Ford is reallocating resources from gasoline and hybrid models to focus on its EV lineup and meet consumer demand for electric vehicles. 
• Factory Retooling: The Louisville Assembly Plant, which builds the Escape, is being retooled to produce new electric SUVs and a new low-cost EV pickup truck. 
• Market Competition: The Ford Escape has faced falling sales and increased competition from other SUVs like the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V. 
• Product Overlap: The introduction of the Bronco Sport, which shares a platform with the Escape but has a more rugged design, has also taken sales away from the Escape. 
• Streamlined Lineup: Ford is simplifying its product portfolio to concentrate on models that align with its long-term goals and have stronger market appeal. 

What is the most common problem with a Ford Escape?

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. 

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 is the latest recall from Ford?

The most recent major Ford recall involves over 229,000 2025-2026 Bronco and Bronco Sport models because their instrument panel displays may not show critical information, increasing the risk of a crash. Other recent recalls include a potential issue with the rearview camera in over 1.4 million vehicles and a recall of 2021-2023 Expedition and Navigator SUVs and F-150, F-250, F-350, and F-450 trucks due to the moonroof wind deflector potentially detaching.
 
Latest recalls:

• 2025-2026 Ford Bronco and Bronco Sport: Over 229,000 vehicles are being recalled because the instrument panel display may not show critical information like warning lights or speed, which increases the risk of a crash. 
• 1.4 million Ford/Lincoln vehicles (2025 rearview camera recall): A recall was issued in October 2025 for over 1.4 million vehicles, including certain Escapes, Explorers, Flexes, and Lincoln models, due to a potential issue with the rearview camera. 
• 2021-2023 Ford Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, F-150, F-250, F-350, and F-450: Over 174,000 SUVs and trucks are being recalled because the moonroof wind deflector could detach and become a road hazard. 

How to check for recalls on your vehicle
You can check for any active recalls on your Ford by using the FordPass app or visiting the Ford Owner Support website.