Which Ford Escapes are to be recalled?
Context: why recalls happen and how they are issued
How to check if your Escape is affected
- Check the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recall database by entering your vehicle identification number (VIN). The VIN is a 17-character code found on the driver’s dash and door frame. This lookup shows current and past recalls tied to your specific VIN.
- Contact your local Ford dealer with your VIN; dealers can pull the active recall status and arrange service if a recall applies.
- Keep an eye on official Ford and NHTSA announcements, as new recalls can be issued for newer model years and additional VINs.
What to do if your Escape is recalled
What to expect at the dealership
Summary
Which Ford Escapes have been 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.
How do I find out if my Ford Escape has a recall?
Recent Ford Escape recalls include an underhood fire risk in certain 2020–2022 models with 1.5-liter engines, a high-voltage battery short circuit risk in 2020–2024 plug-in hybrids, and issues with brake linings or a start/stop accumulator on other models. Ford will contact owners via mail for safety recalls and provides a VIN checker on its website for owners to verify if their vehicle is affected.
Recent recalls
- 2020–2022 Escape (1.5L Engine): A recall for a fire risk due to cracked fuel injectors that can leak fuel under the hood. An interim software update is being provided, with a permanent fix under development.
- 2020–2024 Escape PHEV: A recall for a risk of high-voltage battery short-circuiting, which could cause a fire. A previous software update was insufficient, and a new remedy is being developed.
- 2025 Escape: A recall for issues with stability control and brake assist, which could make the vehicle difficult to control.
- 2021–2022 Escape: A recall for incorrectly manufactured rear brake linings that can affect braking performance.
- 2020 Escape: A recall for a transmission issue where missing or loose bolts in the start/stop accumulator endcap may occur.
How to check for recalls
- Online VIN checker: Use the Ford's safety recall checker or the RepairPal recall checker by entering your vehicle's VIN or license plate number.
- Mail notification: Ford will mail a notice to the registered owner of the vehicle if a safety recall applies to it. The notice will provide details about the defect, repair timeline, and instructions on how to get the repair done at no cost.
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 Ford escapes to stay away from?
You should avoid Ford Escapes from the 2008, 2013, 2014, and 2016 model years due to significant problems with transmissions, power steering, and electrical systems. Other model years to approach with caution include 2017 for brake and engine issues, 2009 for engine and handling problems, and the 2021-2024 models for potential electrical, fuel system, and other widespread recalls.
Model years to avoid
- 2008: This model year had more complaints than any other in its generation, with major issues related to its transmission, power steering, and engine.
- 2009: Continued many of the problems from the previous year, including engine and handling complaints.
- 2013: Had 16 recalls from the NHTSA, including problems with its electronic systems, and significant mechanical issues like leaks and faulty catalytic converters.
- 2014: Suffered from severe transmission problems, from minor issues to complete shutdowns. It also had power steering failures, recalls, and other mechanical problems.
- 2016: Faced a recurrence of the transmission issues from the 2014 model, along with power steering failures and noisy, hard-to-press brakes.
- 2017: Continued to have the loud brake issues from the previous year and added engine problems where the engine would stumble or stutter.
Other years to be cautious about
- 2015-2019: While not as problematic as the years above, these models were part of the same generation with a high number of complaints. The EcoBoost engines in some of these years had head gasket issues.
- 2021-2024: These newer models have had a high number of recalls, including issues with the fuel system, electrical system, and doors. Some 2024 models were also predicted to be less reliable than average.
Recommendations
- For the most reliable models, look for the 2016 Ford Escape or the newer 2020-2022 models, though the newer models may have higher price tags.
- If buying a used Escape, get a professional inspection before purchasing, and check the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to see if it falls under any recalls.
