What is the recall on the Ford Escape overheating?

There isn’t a single nationwide recall titled “overheating” that affects every Ford Escape. Overheating-related recalls have been issued for specific model years and configurations where cooling-system components such as water pumps, thermostats, radiators, or hoses could fail. To know if your vehicle is affected, you must check its VIN against official recall databases.

Understanding the recall landscape

Recall campaigns are issued for particular model years and production ranges. When cooling-system parts fail or leak, engines can overheat, potentially causing engine damage or fire risks in rare cases. Ford and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) publish these recalls and provide free repairs if your VIN is listed. Since the issues are tied to specific builds, not every Escape is eligible.

Common causes linked to overheating recalls

In past campaigns, overheating risks have been linked to coolant leaks, faulty water pumps, thermostat problems, damaged radiator hoses, or sensor and wiring faults that affect cooling-system operation. These items vary by generation and manufacturing period, so a recall may apply to one generation of Escape but not another.

Check your Ford Escape for recalls

To verify whether your Escape is affected by any active recall, use official sources that tie recalls to your vehicle’s VIN, not just the model year.

Before checking the official databases, gather the following: your vehicle identification number (VIN), current mileage, and the model year of your Escape.

1. Find your VIN: It’s located on the dash near the windshield on the driver’s side or on the driver’s door jamb; you can also find it on your vehicle’s registration documents.


2. Search the NHTSA Recall Look-up: Go to nhtsa.gov/recalls and enter your VIN to see any open recalls and campaigns for your specific vehicle, including overheating-related items.


3. Check Ford’s official recall status: Sign in at Ford Owner (owners.ford.com) or contact your local Ford dealer with the VIN to confirm current recall status and scheduling for a fix.


4. Consult a dealer or service center: If a recall is listed, arrange service at no cost to you while the recall is active; the dealer will perform the approved remedy.

If you cannot locate a recall but still have overheating concerns, contact Ford customer service or your local dealer for a diagnostic and to rule out non-recall issues (for example, coolant level, radiator, radiator cap, thermostat, or water pump problems) that may require paid repairs.

What to do now if your Escape starts overheating

Ongoing overheating is a safety concern that should be addressed promptly. Follow these steps to reduce risk while awaiting a recall repair or professional diagnosis.

• Safely pull over and turn off the engine to prevent damage once you notice overheating signs such as rising temperature gauge, steam, or coolant smell.


• Check for visible coolant leaks under the vehicle or around the coolant reservoir and hoses.


• Do not open the radiator cap while the engine is hot; wait until the system cools and then check coolant level if advised by the owner’s manual.


• Call your roadside assistance or a tow service to move the vehicle to a dealership or qualified shop if you cannot safely manage the issue.

Note that a recall repair moves ahead at no cost to you while the campaign is active. If no recall is listed for your VIN, a dealership can still diagnose overheating issues but charges may apply unless a warranty policy applies.

Summary

There is no single Ford Escape recall titled strictly as an “overheating” campaign. Overheating-related recalls have occurred for specific model years due to cooling-system component failures. The surest way to know if your Escape is affected is to check your VIN against NHTSA and Ford’s recall databases and contact a dealer for a no-cost remedy if a recall is listed. Regular maintenance of cooling-system parts can help prevent overheating and avoid potential safety risks.

Why is my Ford Escape overheating?

Your Ford Escape is likely overheating due to a few common issues: a coolant leak from a hose, radiator, or water pump, a failed thermostat that's stuck closed, or a problem with the radiator fan. Other possibilities include a clogged radiator or a bad coolant temperature sensor.
 
This video explains the common reasons for Ford Escape overheating, including coolant leaks, faulty thermostats, and bad water pumps: 56sFree Car RepairYouTube · Dec 16, 2023
Common causes and what to check

• Coolant leaks: Check hoses, the radiator, and the water pump for any signs of leaks or coolant loss. Even a small leak can lead to overheating over time. 
• Faulty thermostat: A thermostat that is stuck closed will prevent coolant from circulating properly, causing the engine to overheat. 
• Radiator fan issues: The fan pulls air through the radiator, especially when the car is stopped. If it's not working, the engine can overheat at idle. 
• Clogged radiator: Debris can block airflow through the radiator, making it hard for coolant to cool down. 
• Bad coolant temperature sensor: In some cases, a corroded sensor can give a false high-temperature reading, even if the engine isn't actually hot. 
• Blown head gasket: This is a more serious issue where oil and coolant mix. It can cause the coolant to appear dark and milky. 

What to do if your Escape is overheating

1. Stop the vehicle safely: Pull over as soon as you can, turn off the engine, and let it cool down completely before you try to inspect anything. 
2. Check coolant levels: Once cool, check the coolant level in the reservoir. 
3. Look for leaks: Visually inspect the hoses, radiator, and under the car for any signs of a coolant leak. 
4. If you can, check the fan: With the engine cool but on, see if the radiator fan kicks on. 
5. If you can't find the issue or if it persists, get professional help: If the problem isn't obvious or you're not comfortable working on it, have the vehicle towed to a mechanic to avoid serious engine damage. 

You can watch this video to see how a clogged coolant reservoir can cause overheating: 55sVehiclesTipsYouTube · Jan 13, 2025

Is there a recall on the Ford Escape overheating?

12V-431 / 12S39 Recall Summary
As leaking engine coolant evaporates on the hot engine, the glycol may ignite, causing an engine compartment fire. An engine overheating condition could also occur. Dealers will seal the existing plug and add a secondary plug cover to correct this concern. The Ford recall number is 12S39.

What is the lawsuit for the Ford Escape coolant leak?

A class-action lawsuit, Nelson, et al. v. Ford Motor Company, alleges that certain Ford EcoBoost engines, including those in some Escapes, have a defect that causes coolant to leak into the cylinders, leading to overheating and potential engine failure. The lawsuit claims this is due to small grooves between the cylinder bores where the head gasket sits, allowing coolant to pool and degrade the gasket. While some older models had a recall, the lawsuit contends that a 2020 technical service bulletin (TSB) provided a "band-aid" fix that doesn't address the root cause for many vehicles. 
This video explains how to join the Ford EcoBoost class action lawsuit: 1mCounty Office LawYouTube · Jul 28, 2024

• The alleged defect: A design flaw in the engine's head gasket allows coolant to leak into the cylinders, leading to engine overheating, smoke, power loss, and eventual failure. 
• Affected vehicles: The lawsuit targets vehicles with specific EcoBoost engines, including some Ford Escapes, along with other Ford and Lincoln models. Specific years mentioned in lawsuits include 2013-2019 Ford Escapes and 2015-2019 Ford Fusions, as well as other models like the Ford Edge and Lincoln MKC. 
• Claims: Plaintiffs allege Ford knew about the defect for years but failed to disclose it to consumers. They also claim Ford's proposed "fix," a technical service bulletin, is insufficient and doesn't permanently solve the problem. 
• Proposed solution: The lawsuit seeks damages and other relief, such as requiring Ford to buy back the defective vehicles. 
• Legal status: The case is a class-action lawsuit that has been consolidated in California federal court. 
• Note: While this lawsuit covers specific models and engine types, other recalls have addressed similar but potentially different coolant issues in other Ford models. For example, some 2013 and 2014 Ford vehicles with the 1.6L engine were recalled for coolant loss issues. 

This video discusses an owner's experience with the engine failure and the lawsuit: 57sWCVB Channel 5 BostonYouTube · Jan 27, 2025

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.