Where are the fuses on a Ford Escape?

Fuses in a Ford Escape are usually in two main places: an interior fuse box under the driver’s dash and an engine-compartment fuse/relay box near the battery. Some trims also add a rear cargo-area fuse box. Exact layouts depend on year and trim, so check the fuse box diagram or the owner's manual for your model.

Typical fuse locations by generation

Below are the common locations you’ll find fuses on recent Escape generations. If you’re unsure, consult the diagrams on the fuse box covers or your vehicle’s manual for year-specific details.

Interior fuse box

The interior fuse box is usually located inside the cabin on the driver’s side dash panel or kick panel. Access is typically through a removable cover that snaps off, revealing labeled fuses and sometimes a smart junction box with a diagram on the lid. Use the diagram to identify fuses for items like the radio, climate controls, power windows, and interior lighting.

• Location: Driver’s side dash or kick panel behind a small access door.


• What it contains: Fuses for radios, HVAC, power accessories, lighting, airbags, and control modules.


• Access: Open the cover, refer to the diagram, and pull or replace fuses as needed.

Note: The exact fuse numbering and circuits can vary by year and trim; rely on the label inside the lid or the manual for your vehicle.

Engine compartment fuse/relay box

The engine compartment fuse/relay box is typically located near the driver's side of the engine bay, close to the battery or a strut tower. It contains higher-amperage fuses and relays for essential systems like the engine, charging, and power distribution. The cover usually features a diagram showing which fuse protects each circuit.

• Location: In the engine bay, often near the battery along the fender or near the front of the engine bay.


• What it contains: Main fuses for the engine, charging system, and powertrain components; relays for various systems; sometimes a separate power distribution box.


• Access: Remove the lid to view the diagram and replace fuses with the same amperage rating.

As with the interior box, verify the exact layout in the diagram on the cover or in the manual for your model year.

Rear cargo area fuse box

Some Escapes—particularly certain trims with power liftgates, rear wipers, or other cargo-area electronics—include a fuse box in the rear hatch or cargo area. This is less common on older generations but does appear on some newer models and hybrids.

• Location: In the rear cargo area, often on the side wall or under a panel.


• What it contains: Fuses for rear hatch, defroster, and cargo-area accessories; may include liftgate circuits.


• Access: Remove the cover and consult the diagram for proper fuse identification.

If your Escape lacks a rear cargo fuse box, you will not find a panel in the cargo area.

How to identify and check fuses

To determine if a fuse is the cause of an electrical issue, visually inspect the fuse’s metal element. A blown fuse typically shows a broken or melted strip. If you need to replace a fuse, remove the old one, match the amperage rating printed on the fuse label, and insert a new fuse of the same rating. Do not replace a blown fuse with a higher-amp fuse to avoid wiring damage.

What to do if you can’t locate the fuse

If you cannot locate the fuse or the problem persists after replacing a fuse, consult the owner's manual online, Ford’s official support site, or a certified mechanic. You can search by year, trim, and VIN to pull up the exact fuse map for your vehicle.

Summary

In most Ford Escapes, fuses live in two primary boxes—the interior cabin fuse box and the engine-compartment fuse/relay box—with a possible third box in the rear cargo area depending on the trim. Always verify the diagram on the fuse box cover or in the owner's manual for the precise year-specific layout and amperage ratings. If you share your Escape’s year and trim, I can pull up the exact fuse map for that configuration.

Where is the fuse box on a Ford Escape?

A Ford Escape has multiple fuse boxes, including one in the engine compartment (near the battery), one inside the passenger cabin (below the glove box), and another in the luggage compartment (behind the passenger side wheel well trim). The specific location of the interior fuse box can vary slightly by model year.
 
Passenger compartment fuse box

• Location: Typically found in the passenger's side of the dashboard, underneath the glove box. 
• How to access: You will likely need to remove a cover by releasing one or more clips. The cover may have a fuse puller attached to it, as shown in this YouTube video. 

This video shows how to access the passenger compartment fuse box: 58sQuiteAlrightYouTube · Feb 20, 2022
Engine compartment fuse box

• Location: Under the hood, typically on the driver's side or attached to the positive battery post. 
• How to access: Open the hood and locate the box. The cover is secured by clips or latches, as shown in this YouTube video. 

This video shows how to access the engine compartment fuse box: 59sLehewYouTube · Mar 4, 2021
Luggage compartment fuse box

• Location: In the cargo area, behind the trim panel on the passenger's side wheel well. 
• How to access: You may need to remove the trim panel to get to it. 

This video shows how to access the luggage compartment fuse box: 59sHardReset_info CARsYouTube · Jul 16, 2024

Where is the fuse box in a Ford Escape 2011?

Or you can use a screwdriver. It's kind of hard to use your finger. It's in there pretty good so just get underneath here pry out on this door just like that.

Where is the inside fuse box located?

The interior fuse box is typically located under the steering column on the driver's side of the vehicle's dashboard. It may be behind a panel that needs to be pulled down or have a cover that you need to remove. Some vehicles may also place it under the glove box or in the luggage compartment. 
This video shows where to find the fuse box in a car: 56sCars FuseYouTube · Sep 8, 2023

• Most common location: Under the steering column, on the driver's side of the dashboard. 
• How to access: You may need to remove a small panel or coin holder to find it. 
• Other possibilities: Some models place it under the glove box or in the luggage compartment. 
• For specific models: Always consult your owner's manual for the exact location of the fuse box in your vehicle. 

You can also watch this video to learn how to open and access the fuse box: 1mExpertVillage Leaf GroupYouTube · Nov 19, 2007

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.