2020 Ford Escape Problems And Complaints

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Rating7.4

Ranked #6 in 

Compact SUV
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$24,885 - $36,835
Starting Price 

Users Opinions on 2020 Ford Escape

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Disliked by Users

  • DB

    Donovan Boswell

    21/09/2023

    Rating:

    (1 Out Of 5 stars)

    ... weeks because “something had to be checked”- come to find out it was a recall- only one of many to follow- On the engine!!! I Do NOT Recommend this vehicle to anyone- it has had one recall after another and now my warranty has run out so nothing is covered unless it’s a recall- which means arguing at times to explain it IS a RECALL! I’m ready to trade it in if I get anymore recalls- the car cuts out due to valve issues over and over- doesn’t talk withRead More

    Source: edmunds

  • DD

    Disappointed Driver

    15/08/2022

    Rating:

    (2 Out Of 5 stars)

    ... Titanium trim. I drove a mustang prior and never had any issues, even as a used rental. Ford missed the mark with this one. Some issues included leaky windshield wiper fluid tank, battery issues within first six months, interior parts started chipping and coming loose early on such as the window buttons, blind spot detection would detect things that weren't there, windows roll right back down after rolling them up. It was also fairly jerky when shifting gears, just not as smooth as some of the competition. One day I'm driving andRead More

    Source: edmunds

  • G

    GADSDEN

    09/09/2021

    Rating:

    (2 Out Of 5 stars)

    I purchased my 2020 Escape 10 months ago. I loved everything about it up until June. The reverse went out. It was in the shop until late July. I got it back & the transmission went out once again. Same probRead More

    Source: edmunds

2020 Ford Escape SUV Problems, Issues, Complaints, Recalls, and Which Year to Avoid

18

Recalls

2

Investigations

1474

Complaints
Overall Safety Rating
Nathan Dyer's image
Nathan Dyer 

Senior Editor,

Updated on August 26, 2024

The 2020 Ford Escape comes off as “mediocre” when it comes to the usual standards of the “affordable compact SUV”. The SUV has issues with the cabin and being reliable as up against the likes of the 2020 Jeep Wrangler, the 2020 Jeep Cherokee, and the 2020 GMC terrain.

Even the "DriveAndBeDriven" believes that "there is lack of rear occupant alert system" just as we do. To know more about, Click on the video below: 

2020 Ford Escape User Complaints and Problems 

Mechanical Problems

  • Engine oil leak - Buyers of the 2020 Ford Escape have reported problems with the engine oil and cooling system. The oil usually leaks from the engine oil separator due to the heat. Although the amount of complaints is not enough to suggest this to be a major problem, there has been a recall.
  • Brakes premature failing -. The brakes of the 2020 Ford Escape seem to have an issue of prematurely failing. Often the driver, occupant, or both find that the vehicle feels like it’s in motion even when the brakes are applied. There hasn’t been an official record of any recall related to brakes.
  • Steering vibration - At times when you accelerate on “normal mode”, you might feel a vibration on the steering, which the users have filled to be discomforting.
  • Transmission fluid leaks - Transmission seems to be a major problem here. Both the 2019 and 2020 models have faced multiple issues. The gears seem to change abruptly that can disrupt the quality of driving, at the least in a discomforting way.

Electrical Problems

  • Electrical malfunction - Electrical malfunction seems to be a major issue here. Plenty of cases have been reported where the navigation system just shuts down and partially causes the vehicle to malfunction as well. There have also been problems with the rear-view camera, which has been a concern for other models like the Mustang, the F-150, and so forth.

Safety Problems

  • Airbags - An official statement has been made on certain models of Escape and 2020 Transit that have malfunctioning side airbags. The investigation has reported this is most likely from a malfunctioning diffuser.

2020 Ford Escape Recalls

S. No

Date

NHTSA

Issues Noticed

Additional remarks.

Remedy

1

10th Sept 2020

20V550000

Missing/ loose bolt on the start and stop accumulator.

The start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing or loose bolts. May lead to transmission fluid leak and spark on the ignition, increasing the risk of fire.

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the start/stop accumulator, free of charge. 

2

15th October 2020

20V635000

Tire pressure monitor system malfunctioning

The TPMS system malfunctions and does not provide an accurate measurement of each tire’s pressure properly.

Dealers will replace the BCM, free of charge. Owners are advised that two key fobs are required for the repair to be completed. 

3

17th July 2020

20V4150

Side curtain airbags may not deploy, partially or entirely, due to a malfunction

An improperly crimped diffuser for the side curtain airbags, which may result in the diffuser detaching from the inflator in the event of airbag deployment and may increase complications during an event.

Ford dealership will inform owners, and dealers will replace the side curtain airbag modules, free of charge. 

4

28th August 2020

19V633000

Reduced seat back strength.

An improperly fitted seat recliner might be problematic, inadequately restraining the occupant during a crash.

The dealership will inspect and change the defective seats, if necessary, free of charge.

5

25th March 2022

22V191000

Oil leak in the engine.

The engine oil separator, might crack and cause oil to leak, which can ignite under heat.

The dealership will do a thorough check of the engine oil separator and its seals, and do the necessary, free of charge.

6

15th January 2021

21V011000

Insufficent lubrication in the Rear drive unit.

An insufficient amount of lubricant in the rear-drive unit may cause seizure of the rear-drive axle and increase the risk of crashing.

The dealership will inspect the Axle. Where the lubrication is at a minimum level, will be filled to the max. And, where it is found below minimum level, the axle will be replaced. Both are free of charge.

7

23rd September 2020

20V575000

Faulty wiring with the rear-view camera.

There seems to be a faulty electrical connection with the rear view camera. Which might render the camera inoperable at times.

Since it does not comply with FMVSS number “111”, ford has informed the dealership to inspect the affected vehicles, and change the camera fee of charge.

Should you buy the 2020 Ford Escape AWD?

Despite the problems indicated, the majority of the SUVs sold reported no problems. The 2020 Ford Escape recorded more than 178,000 sales. The 2020 Ford Escape fairs far better in terms of reliability than its competitors. While the 2020 GMC Terrain is the only one of the competitors with a 5-star rating, just 2 recalls, and 31 complaints, but the Ford counterpart isn’t a bad choice nonetheless. So, if you plan on buying the 2020 Escape, it would be wise to check the navigation system and the transmission. If no faults are found, this SUV can be a decent choice.

  • Complaints
  • Recalls
  • Investigations
  • Manufacturer Communications

October 2, 2025, NHTSA ID Number: 11691094

Components: 162000 STRUCTURE

NHTSA ID Number:
11691094

Incident Date:
October 2, 2025

Vehicle Identification Number:
1FMCU9DZ2LU

Consumer Location:
BROOK PARK, OH

Summary
In August 2025, the plastic cover in between the two pieces of glass on the panoramic sunroof unknowingly...

October 1, 2025, NHTSA ID Number: 11690791

Components: 100000 POWER TRAIN

NHTSA ID Number:
11690791

Incident Date:
October 1, 2025

Vehicle Identification Number:
1FMCU9H93LU

Consumer Location:
CLINTON, MA

Summary
On my dash my AWD fault warning has showed up followed by hill assist not available and traction control ...

September 29, 2025, NHTSA ID Number: 11690302

Components: 100000 POWER TRAIN

NHTSA ID Number:
11690302

Incident Date:
September 29, 2025

Vehicle Identification Number:
1FMCU9F61LU

Consumer Location:
LADY LAKE, FL

Summary
It appears that either the rear differential is locked up, or the traction control system has decided to ...

September 29, 2025, NHTSA ID Number: 11690437

Components: 100000 POWER TRAIN

NHTSA ID Number:
11690437

Incident Date:
September 29, 2025

Vehicle Identification Number:
1FMCU0G61LU

Consumer Location:
Unknown

Summary
The gear shift module for my 2020 Ford Escape is detaching and sinking below where it is attached in the ...

September 26, 2025, NHTSA ID Number: 11689890

Components: 100000 POWER TRAIN

NHTSA ID Number:
11689890

Incident Date:
September 26, 2025

Vehicle Identification Number:
1FMCU9F64LU

Consumer Location:
WEST LIBERTY, KY

Summary
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle...

72/100Best

Quality & Reliability

Assesses the extent of issues, glitches, and design imperfections encountered by...

83/100Best

Driving Experience

Owners' assessments regarding the vehicle's design, performance, comfort, functi...

79/100Best

Resale

CARHP's projection of depreciation, which estimates the probable decrease in the...

78/100Best

Dealership Experience

Owners' interactions with dealerships associated with this brand, encompassing b...

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