Ford Escape PHEV Best and Worst Years (2020–2025)
Avoid the 2021 and 2022 Ford Escape PHEV, which carry Complaint Index scores of 80 and 100, the highest of any year, driven mainly by engine and electrical system complaints. The 2024 is the Best year with an index of just 20, and 2023 rates Caution.
- Model years
- 6
- 2020–2025
- NHTSA complaints
- 122
- Recall campaigns
- 2
- Crashes reported
- 2
- Fires reported
- 0
- Top problem area
- Electrical System
Escape PHEV 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 PHEV problems and recalls by year
Escape PHEV years to avoid: what went wrong
2022 Ford Escape PHEV Index 100 · 78 complaints · 2 recalls
The 2022 Escape PHEV is the worst year in the lineup, with 78 complaints and the highest possible Complaint Index of 100. Engine problems accounted for 47% of complaints with a median failure mileage of just 3,000 miles, and transmission/powertrain issues showed an even lower median of 1,550 miles. Owners reported the vehicle losing motive power and stalling at low speed with the powertrain warning light on, electrical shutdowns that occurred even with adequate battery charge, and loose or missing seat-mounting hardware. This year carries two recalls, both tied to a high-voltage battery cell defect (25V789000 and 26V091000), remedied with BECM and HPCM software updates.
2021 Ford Escape PHEV Index 80 · 22 complaints · 1 recalls
The 2021 Escape PHEV logged 22 complaints, giving it a Complaint Index of 80, the second-worst of the six model years. Engine problems made up 41% of its complaints, with a median failure mileage of 30,600 miles, and electrical system issues followed at 36%, failing around 42,094 miles. Owners reported sudden stalling at low speeds with the battery warning light illuminated, a spontaneously opening power liftgate, and one incident involving a crash after the driver reported dizziness and burning fumes. The year is tied to recall 25V789000 covering a high-voltage battery cell manufacturing defect, addressed by a battery and powertrain control module software update.
Most common Ford Escape PHEV problems (all years)
Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.
- Electrical System47 (39%)
- Engine46 (38%)
- Other15 (12%)
- Transmission & Powertrain14 (11%)
- Fuel System12 (10%)
- Structure & Body8 (7%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras5 (4%)
- Brakes4 (3%)
- Steering3 (2%)
- Airbags2 (2%)
Frequently asked questions
- What years of the Ford Escape PHEV should I avoid?
- NHTSA complaint data flags 2021 and 2022 as the years to avoid, with Complaint Index scores of 80 and 100 respectively, the two highest of the six model years covered.
- Which Ford Escape PHEV year is best?
- The 2024 model year is rated Best, with only 6 complaints and the lowest Complaint Index at 20.
- Is the 2022 Ford Escape PHEV reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the 2022 is the least reliable year, with 78 complaints, a Complaint Index of 100, and an engine-problem median failure mileage of just 3,000 miles.
- Does the Ford Escape PHEV have a battery recall?
- Yes. Recalls 25V789000 and 26V091000 cover a manufacturing defect in high-voltage battery cells across 2020-2026 model years, remedied with a BECM and HPCM software update.
- Is the 2023 Ford Escape PHEV a safe choice?
- The 2023 is rated Caution, with 11 complaints and a Complaint Index of 60, better than 2021 and 2022 but behind the 2024 Best year.