Ford Escape Hybrid Best and Worst Years (2005–2025)
Ford Escape Hybrid years to avoid are 2008, 2009, 2020, and 2021, based on high complaint indexes (93, 79, 100, and 86) and, for 2020-2021, recall campaigns. The best years are 2012 and 2013, with complaint indexes of just 21 and 7.
Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls per model-year, ranked within this model — not a reliability rating. Methodology.
- Model years
- 15
- 2005–2025
- NHTSA complaints
- 1,739
- Recall campaigns
- 2
- Crashes reported
- 48
- Fires reported
- 11
- Top problem area
- Engine
Escape Hybrid Complaint Index by year
Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.
Ford Escape Hybrid problems and recalls by year
| Year | Verdict | Index | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Recalls | Top issue | MPG | NCAP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | Caution | 57 | 178 | 4 | 0 | 0 | Brakes | 28 | — |
| 2006 | Caution | 71 | 219 | 6 | 1 | 0 | Brakes | 28 | — |
| 2007 | Caution | 50 | 124 | 1 | 1 | 0 | Brakes | 28.5 | — |
| 2008 | Avoid | 93 | 443 | 13 | 1 | 0 | Brakes | 30 | — |
| 2009 | Avoid | 79 | 153 | 6 | 3 | 0 | Steering | 30 | — |
| 2010 | Good | 36 | 59 | 3 | 0 | 0 | Steering | 30.5 | — |
| 2011 | Good | 29 | 37 | 3 | 0 | 0 | Steering | 30.5 | — |
| 2012 | Best | 21 | 15 | 3 | 0 | 0 | Engine | 30.5 | — |
| 2013 | Best | 7 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | Engine | — | — |
| 2020 | Avoid | 100 | 288 | 1 | 1 | 1 | Structure & Body | — | — |
| 2021 | Avoid | 86 | 122 | 2 | 2 | 1 | Engine | — | — |
| 2022 | Caution | 64 | 68 | 3 | 2 | 0 | Engine | — | — |
| 2023 | Good | 43 | 23 | 2 | 0 | 0 | Electrical System | — | — |
| 2024 | No verdict | 14 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Electrical System | — | — |
| 2025 | No verdict | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Fuel System | — | — |
Escape Hybrid years to avoid: what went wrong
2020 Ford Escape Hybrid Index 100 · 288 complaints · 1 recalls
The 2020 Escape Hybrid has the highest complaint index in the lineup at 100, with 288 complaints. Structure and Body issues lead at 38% share, at a median mileage of 33,420 miles. Owners reported "stop safely now" warnings, sudden engine power loss while driving, and unexpected shifts to neutral. One recall (25V881000) addresses Hybrid Powertrain Control Module software that can cause unexpected shifts into neutral. Transmission complaints occurred at a median of just 11,600 miles, pointing to early-life failures.
2020 structure & body problems →2020 engine problems →2020 electrical system problems →
2008 Ford Escape Hybrid Index 93 · 443 complaints · 0 recalls
The 2008 Escape Hybrid has a complaint index of 93 and 443 complaints, the second-highest count in the lineup. Brakes lead the complaints at 36% share, with owners reporting the ABS light coming on along with a "check brake system" message and reduced or lost braking ability, at a median mileage of 111,200 miles. Engine problems (28% share) included sudden shutdowns while driving, traced in at least one case to a failed electronic cooling pump. Steering complaints (25% share) occurred at a median of 116,742 miles. No recalls were issued for this model year.
2008 brakes problems →2008 engine problems →2008 steering problems →
2021 Ford Escape Hybrid Index 86 · 122 complaints · 1 recalls
The 2021 Escape Hybrid has a complaint index of 86 from 122 complaints. Engine problems lead at 33% share and a median mileage of 32,250 miles, including reports of stalling, white smoke, zero oil pressure warnings, and engine shutdowns tied to a failed electric motor cooling pump. A recall (22V109000) covers incorrectly manufactured crankshafts that can cause engine damage. Owners also reported airbag non-deployment in a crash and high-voltage battery warnings.
2021 engine problems →2021 structure & body problems →2021 electrical system problems →
2009 Ford Escape Hybrid Index 79 · 153 complaints · 0 recalls
The 2009 Escape Hybrid carries a complaint index of 79 from 153 complaints. Steering issues dominate at 46% share and a median mileage of 105,000 miles. Owners also reported brake failures, including one case where the brakes did not stop the vehicle despite repeated dealer visits and part replacements. Structure and electrical complaints included a seatback collapsing in a rear-end collision and a vehicle fire while parked. Engine complaints (24% share) occurred around a median of 86,850 miles. No recalls were filed for this year.
2009 steering problems →2009 engine problems →2009 brakes problems →
Most common Ford Escape Hybrid problems (all years)
Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.
- Engine470 (27%)
- Brakes444 (26%)
- Steering276 (16%)
- Electrical System246 (14%)
- Structure & Body196 (11%)
- Transmission & Powertrain158 (9%)
- Other145 (8%)
- Fuel System119 (7%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires60 (3%)
- Visibility & Wipers27 (2%)
Frequently asked questions
- What year Ford Escape Hybrid should I avoid?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2008, 2009, 2020, and 2021 Ford Escape Hybrid model years are rated Avoid, with complaint indexes of 93, 79, 100, and 86 respectively.
- What is the best year for the Ford Escape Hybrid?
- The 2012 and 2013 Escape Hybrid are rated Best, with complaint indexes of only 21 and 7, the lowest in the lineup.
- Does the Ford Escape Hybrid have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists two recall campaigns for the Escape Hybrid: one for 2020 models covering Hybrid Powertrain Control Module software that can cause unexpected shifts into neutral, and one for 2021 models covering incorrectly manufactured engine crankshafts.
- Is the 2020 Ford Escape Hybrid reliable?
- The 2020 Escape Hybrid has the highest complaint index in the lineup at 100, with 288 complaints and a recall for powertrain control module software, so it is rated Avoid relative to other Escape Hybrid years.
- What is the most common problem with the Ford Escape Hybrid?
- Across all model years, Engine complaints account for 27% of the 1,739 total complaints and Brakes account for 26%, the two largest problem areas.