2020 Ford Escape PHEV Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
No verdictComplaint Index
0/100
#6 most-complained of 6 Escape PHEV years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2020 Ford Escape PHEV has just 1 complaint on file with NHTSA and a complaint index of 0, ranking 6th out of 6 model years but with the lowest complaint volume. It carries 1 recall covering a high-voltage battery cell defect.
- Complaints
- 1
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes / fires
- 0 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- —
Top 2020 Ford Escape PHEV problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Other1 (100%)
2020 Ford Escape PHEV recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- NHTSA 25V789000Nov 14, 2025Electrical System20,558 vehicles
Electrical system:propulsion system:traction battery
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Ford Escape and 2021-2024 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.
Remedy: Dealers will update the battery energy control module (BECM) and hybrid powertrain control module (HPCM), 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. Vehicles in this recall were previously recalled under 24V954 and will need to have the new remedy performed. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on November 18, 2025.
2020 compared with other Escape PHEV years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2020 Ford Escape PHEV reliable?
- NHTSA lists only 1 complaint for the 2020 Escape PHEV, giving it a complaint index of 0, the lowest of the six model years with data. It ranks 6th out of 6 years for reported problems, meaning it has fewer owner complaints than the other years.
- Does the 2020 Ford Escape PHEV have a recall?
- Yes. Recall 25V789000 covers a manufacturing defect in one or more high voltage battery cells that may cause an internal issue. Ford dealers will update the battery energy control module (BECM) and hybrid powertrain control module (HPCM) free of charge.
- How does the 2020 Escape PHEV compare to other model years?
- The 2020 model has a complaint index of 0, far lower than 2021 (80), 2022 (100), and 2023 (60). Only 2024 (20) and 2025 (40) come close to matching its low complaint volume.
- What is the top problem area for the 2020 Escape PHEV?
- NHTSA data does not identify a specific top problem area for this year, and no sample complaint narratives are available.