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2025 Ford Escape problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2025 Ford Escape has been recalled for and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.
- 1safety recall
- 31owner complaints
- 0crash reports
- 0fire reports
- 0injuries reported
31 complaints, against an average of 1,121 for the other 14 Ford Escape model years.
Every Ford Escape model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2025 Ford Escape?
The components named most often in the 31 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2025 Ford Escape owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 31 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
Has the 2025 Ford Escape been recalled?
1 U.S. safety recall. Repairs are free at a franchised dealer; some are done over the air.
Electrical System: Propulsion System: Traction Battery Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2026 Ford Escape and 2023-2026 Lincoln Corsair plug-in hybrid vehicles. A manufacturing defect in one or more of the high voltage battery cells may result in an internal short circuit and battery failure.
Risk: Battery failure can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. Battery failure can also increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: Dealers will update the battery energy control module (BECM) and hybrid powertrain control module (HPCM) software, free of charge. Owners are advised to only use "Auto EV" mode and will be instructed by mail to limit the maximum charge of the battery until the remedy has been completed. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SC4. This recall expands previous recall numbers 24V954 and 25V489. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on February 18, 2026.
Is the 2025 Ford Escape recalled in the UK or Europe?
Recalls issued by the UK's DVSA and through the EU's Safety Gate system that cover this model and build period. European models can differ from U.S. ones, and "years estimated" means the recall gave no build dates, so confirm your own car with your registration or VIN.
UK DVSAMulti Vehicle Line: Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR) Unexpected Activation / Deactivation
Risk: Affected vehicles have been identified where the Traffic Sign Recognition and Driver Alert System are being turned on or off without the expected notification to the driver.
Fix: Update the vehicles configuration and Software.
UK DVSA26S62 Kuga – EDS Wiring touch
Risk: Affected vehicles may have a touch condition between a fixing screw and push nut to the Instrument Panel (IP) wiring harness. If the vehicle’s wiring is damaged different warning messages may appear depending on which wire is affected. These could include warnings for the airbag system eCall stability control or driver assistance features such as Lane Keeping Aid or Pre-Collision Assist. The airbags will not deploy by accident but if an airbag warning is ignored the airbags may not work correctly in a crash. In some cases the vehicle could lose power while driving and display a “Stop safely now” message. If this happens braking and steering will still work so the driver can safely bring the vehicle to a stop. Damaged wiring could also cause a short circuit which may increase the risk of fire.
Fix: Inspect and reposition wiring harness to increase clearance and protect surfaces and if necessary repair or replace the instrument panel wiring harness.
UK DVSAKuga Ranger - Potential Exhaust Gas Recirculation Valve Failure
Risk: On affected vehicles the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) valve may fail leading to weak acceleration engine vibration a no start condition or a loss of power.
Fix: Replace the EGR valve.
UK DVSAMulti Vehicle Line: Unintended High Beam Behaviour - Compliance
Risk: Affected vehicles may experience erratic behaviour of the Glare Free High Beam function under certain circumstances.
Fix: Update the Advanced Driver Assistance Systems Electronic Control Unit software.
UK DVSA25SC4 Kuga - Do not charge high voltage battery to levels above 80%
Risk: On affected vehicles the high voltage battery may have some cells that could potentially develop a short circuit leading to a Stop Safely Now message and possible loss of motive power or battery thermal venting.
Fix: Update the vehicle's Battery Energy Control Module software.
UK DVSAKuga – Cylinder head replacement25S61 – Kuga – Cylinder head replacement
Risk: On affected vehicles the cylinder head may have loose ball plugs. This condition may result in a rapid oil leak if a ball plug comes out of the cylinder head.
Fix: Replace the cylinder head.
EU Safety GateA screw and push nut may come into contact with the wiring harness behind the driver-side instrument panel and damage the wires.As a result, this could cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of an accident. Moreover, the wiring harness could overheat due to a short circuit, increasing the risk of fire.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: 08/10/2026
EU Safety GateAn internal short circuit may occur in the cells of the high-voltage battery which can lead to a fire.In addition, a loss of propulsion power may occur, increasing the risk of accidents and injuries.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateAn engine-oil leak may result in engine damage and a consequent loss of power.If the oil comes into contact with hot engine parts, the vehicle can catch fire and cause injuries to the user.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
What do 2025 Ford Escape owners report?
12 of the 31 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
I am requesting a serious investigation into potentially life-threatening steering, braking, and stability-control interventions in modern vehicles. I have experienced unexpected steering forces, directional changes, shaking, and behavior consistent with unintended wheel-specific braking across multiple vehicles, including my 2019 Toyota Prius and rental vehicles from several manufacturers. These behaviors occur on ordinary roads with uneven asphalt, pavement seams, manhole covers, and cross-slopes. I am concerned that electronic steering, stability control, wheel-speed sensors, or…
I am writing to file a formal safety complaint regarding a systemic, life-threatening defect in the tuning of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) software in modern vehicles, specifically experienced in the 2024 Ford Escape. I am a professional driver who operates vehicles for approximately 14 hours a day. My livelihood and my life depend on predictable vehicle handling. The current federal mandates surrounding un-deletable active driver assists are not protecting drivers; they are actively creating high-risk highway hazards. The Safety Defect: When…
Multiple computer related problems, including sensing objects that do not exist while using automated cruise control. Automatic braking engagement when car senses objects that do not exist both in the front and rear while driving. Rear sensor occupancy alert randomly triggered when it has been turned off, And when there is nobody in the back seat. GPS unable to locate signal even in wide open spaces, randomly drops service. Various climate control components read improperly, or do not display appropriately. Numerous morning messages both before and after incidents. The vehicle has been to Ford…
On XXX at approximately 2:45pm MDT I was traveling on XXX in [XXX]. I had approximately a quarter tank of gas. I received a low fuel alert, stating 50 miles to empty. My plan was to stop at the next exit approximately 10 miles away. However, over approximately the next minute, the distance to empty rapidly decreased to 0, at which point the vehicle stopped moving while in the right lane of traffic. I could not re-start the car. It would not move out of park into gear. After several minutes sitting stalled in the lane of travel, I was able to get the vehicle started for a few seconds to move to…
The digits no longer display on the speedometer gauge of the electronic dashboard. Digits on the high voltage battery discharge and charging gauge also do not display. Given those failures, I have concerns about warning lights that may not be working. The lack of proper speed indication increases the possibility of a collision. The lack of presence of the digits that are supposed to be there has been distracting and increases the possibility of a collision. Note: This seems to be the same or similar to a defect in the gas version of this model, for which there was a recall.
The contact owns a 2025 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the message that the engine was overheating was displayed, and the vehicle drove under reduced power. The contact exited the highway, pulled into a gas station, and waited for the engine to cool down. The contact resumed driving, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer with the check engine warning light illuminated. The dealer later informed the contact that the warning light was no longer illuminated, and the failure…
I bought this vehicle in mid April 2026 with 9,500 miles. It has the 1.5L Ecoboost engine. I drove the car for 3,000 miles and noticed the coolant was at ‘minimum’ and wondered why a car with so few miles is using coolant. I took the car to my dealer and they confirmed coolant intrusion into the engine due to a bad head gasket. The vehicle is now at the dealer waiting on either a new head gasket or other more intensive repairs due to internal damage. I wanted to flag this because the engine is the 3rd version of this engine but the same issues as previous versions. The repair is under…
The contact owns a 2025 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V122000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the recall notification stated that in the event of a failure, the vehicle could crash. The manufacturer was made aware of the concern, and a case was filed. The contact had not experienced a failure.
1. Passenger airbag fails to activate randomly. Passenger airbag light shows "off" with a passenger in the seat. Sometimes it works but often stays off for a whole day. 2. Transmission shifts gears by itself. Drive to neutral, Reverse to park. A software update changed the behavior but did not eliminate the fault. Now goes from Drive to Park. One time the vehicle shut off by itself after shifting from Drive to Park. It has been to the dealer 3 times for these problems, now scheduled for a fourth time. They keep saying they can't find the fault.
The engine continues to have a burning smell or rotten egg smell at high speeds, the car continues to hesitate when taking off from a red light like it is going to shut off and then jumps forward, and the engine continues to lag as does the battery or power when turning on the vehicle most mornings. I have brought the car in several times to the dealership and due to there being no codes showing, they will not diagnose it further and as soon as I get the vehicle back, the same issues and problems happen over and over again. I have had 4 service appointments now with no resolutions. I feel as…
Turn Signal is barely audible when turning. If the radio is on, or at higher speeds on the highway, it is impossible to hear the turn signal. Sometimes, you may miss hit the turn signal when changing lanes, and may not actual signal, when you meant to.
The contact owns a 2025 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, the Forward Collision Avoidance system engaged erroneously. Additionally, the contact stated that while attempting to switch lanes at highway speeds, the Lane Departure Assist erroneously engaged and pulled the vehicle back into the initial lane, preventing the contact from switching lanes. The contact was uncertain whether a warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where the computer system was reprogrammed; however, the failure recurred soon after. The vehicle was not…
2025 Ford Escape: questions owners ask
Is the 2025 Ford Escape reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 31 complaints with NHTSA about the 2025 Ford Escape; the most common categories were electrical system (10, 32.3%), engine (5, 16.1%), forward collision avoidance (5, 16.1%). There is 1 safety recall.
What are the most common problems with the 2025 Ford Escape?
Across 31 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are electrical system (32.3% of complaints), engine (16.1% of complaints), forward collision avoidance (16.1% of complaints), engine and engine cooling (12.9% of complaints), fuel/propulsion system (9.7% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2025 Ford Escape have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2025 Ford Escape; the most recent (campaign 26V091000, 2026-02-17) concerns Electrical System: Propulsion System: Traction Battery. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why does my 2025 Ford Escape stall, lose power or shut off while driving?
4 of the 31 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2025 Ford Escape (12.9%) describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. One owner wrote: "Electrical/Motor~ Yes, Myself, [XXX] daughter and others safety is at risk from stalling in a busy intersection. yes, its happened multiple times. The dealerships says its not throwing a code and have nothing to go off of." (NHTSA complaint 11718857, February 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does adaptive cruise control not work properly on my 2025 Ford Escape?
3 of the 31 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2025 Ford Escape (9.7%) describe adaptive cruise control disengaging, braking or not working. One owner wrote: "Multiple computer related problems, including sensing objects that do not exist while using automated cruise control. Automatic braking engagement when car senses objects that do not exist both in the front and rear while driving." (NHTSA complaint 11761617, September 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Check your own Escape
Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), DVSA vehicle recalls (Open Government Licence v3.0), EU Safety Gate alerts (© European Union), retrieved October 25, 2026. Model year 2025 only; combines NHTSA's entries for ESCAPE GAS, ESCAPE HEV and ESCAPE PHEV.