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Ford Escape Problems, Recalls and Owner Complaints by Model Year
Across 15 model years, NHTSA lists 151 recalls and 15,804 owner complaints for the Ford Escape. Newest model year first. Data as of November 9, 2026.
Ford Escape by model year
| Model year | Recalls | Complaints | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Ford Escape | 1 | 4 | |
| 2025 Ford Escape | 1 | 31 | |
| 2024 Ford Escape | 10 | 90 | |
| 2023 Ford Escape | 13 | 139 | |
| 2022 Ford Escape | 21 | 388 | |
| 2021 Ford Escape | 21 | 385 | |
| 2020 Ford Escape | 24 | 1,841 | |
| 2019 Ford Escape | 3 | 602 | |
| 2018 Ford Escape | 4 | 1,825 | |
| 2017 Ford Escape | 4 | 2,705 | |
| 2016 Ford Escape | 4 | 1,186 | |
| 2015 Ford Escape | 9 | 1,142 | |
| 2014 Ford Escape | 16 | 2,090 | |
| 2013 Ford Escape | 18 | 2,757 | |
| 2012 Ford Escape | 2 | 619 |
Model years with no recall and fewer than three complaints are not listed. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. All Ford models · How these reports are made.
Ford Escape: questions owners ask
Which Ford Escape year has the most problems?
By owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the Ford Escape model years with the most are the 2013 (2,757), 2017 (2,705) and 2014 (2,090). Newer model years have had less time on the road, so their counts are naturally lower; compare years of a similar age.
Which Ford Escape years have the fewest complaints?
Leaving out the newest model years (too new to compare), the fewest owner complaints were filed for the 2024 (90), 2023 (139) and 2021 (385), out of 13 model years from 2012 to 2024. A low count can also mean that year sold fewer cars.
How many recalls does the Ford Escape have?
NHTSA lists recalls for 15 Ford Escape model years, 151 in total when counted per model year (one recall often covers several years). The years with the most are the 2020 (24), 2021 (21) and 2022 (21). Check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Which Ford Escape years have the most check engine light complaints?
2,369 owner complaints across 12 Ford Escape model years describe the check engine light coming on. The most were filed for the 2017 (882), 2018 (579) and 2013 (263) model years, out of 12 years with such reports. Each model-year report has the owner quotes and any related recall.
Which Ford Escape years have the most overheating complaints?
2,272 owner complaints across 8 Ford Escape model years describe the engine overheating or coolant loss. The most were filed for the 2017 (618), 2013 (530) and 2018 (492) model years, out of 8 years with such reports. Each model-year report has the owner quotes and any related recall.
Which Ford Escape years have the most stalling complaints?
1,965 owner complaints across 14 Ford Escape model years describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. The most were filed for the 2013 (676), 2014 (280) and 2017 (280) model years, out of 14 years with such reports. Each model-year report has the owner quotes and any related recall.
Which Ford Escape years have the most rough idle and misfire complaints?
1,531 owner complaints across 10 Ford Escape model years describe rough idling, misfires or hesitation when accelerating. The most were filed for the 2017 (561), 2018 (424) and 2013 (162) model years, out of 10 years with such reports. Each model-year report has the owner quotes and any related recall.
Which Ford Escape years have the most engine failure complaints?
1,309 owner complaints across 6 Ford Escape model years describe complete engine failure or a replaced engine. The most were filed for the 2017 (548), 2018 (423) and 2019 (119) model years, out of 6 years with such reports. Each model-year report has the owner quotes and any related recall.
Which Ford Escape years have the most transmission failure complaints?
418 owner complaints across 5 Ford Escape model years describe transmission failure, slipping or a replaced transmission. The most were filed for the 2014 (118), 2016 (101) and 2017 (92) model years, out of 5 years with such reports. Each model-year report has the owner quotes and any related recall.
Which Ford Escape years have the most burning smell complaints?
344 owner complaints across 4 Ford Escape model years describe a burning smell or smoke. The most were filed for the 2017 (147), 2018 (98) and 2014 (63) model years, out of 4 years with such reports. Each model-year report has the owner quotes and any related recall.
Which Ford Escape years have the most power steering complaints?
279 owner complaints across 4 Ford Escape model years describe power steering failing, locking up or turning heavy. The most were filed for the 2013 (134), 2014 (69) and 2012 (41) model years, out of 4 years with such reports. Each model-year report has the owner quotes and any related recall.
Which Ford Escape years have the most backup camera complaints?
234 owner complaints across 2 Ford Escape model years describe the rearview or backup camera failing or showing a blank screen. The most were filed for the 2016 (131) and 2015 (103) model years. Each model-year report has the owner quotes and any related recall.
Which Ford Escape years have the most transmission shifting complaints?
70 owner complaints across 3 Ford Escape model years describe harsh, jerky or delayed transmission shifting or shuddering. The most were filed for the 2016 (37), 2019 (21) and 2021 (12) model years. Each model-year report has the owner quotes and any related recall.
How often does the Ford Escape fail its MOT?
In 2023 UK MOT tests, the Ford Escape's first-time failure rate ranged from 8.7% for cars first registered in 2021 to 40.8% for 2010, across 12 registration years with at least 100 tests. Older cars fail more often. The most common failure areas were lights and electrics, tyres, visibility (windscreen, wipers, mirrors). Source: DVSA anonymised MOT results.