2020 Ford Escape Engine Problems
NHTSA lists 144 engine complaints for the 2020 Ford Escape, 9% of all complaints filed for the year, with a median failure mileage of 62,500. Three related recalls cover engine oil separator cracks and oil/fuel vapor leak risks tied to fire.
- Engine complaints
- 144
- 9% of 1,599
- Crashes reported
- 3
- Fires reported
- 2
- Injuries reported
- 2
- Median mileage
- 62,500 mi
- Related recalls
- 3
Typical engine symptoms owners report
- Owners report a vibration and low humming noise in the steering and cabin that starts around 25 mph and grows louder as speed increases, stopping only when off the accelerator.
- Some describe a ticking noise coming from under the hood shortly after taking delivery, with no oil leak visible and no warning light illuminated.
- Others report hard, jerky shifting and stalling episodes where the vehicle loses throttle response, sometimes tied to the auto start-stop feature.
- Several owners report the check engine light repeatedly coming on, in one case accompanied by jerking, stalling, and an emissions failure message near 10,000 miles.
- A few owners noticed the auto start-stop feature engaging or disengaging intermittently and unpredictably.
- One owner reported sudden power loss and lag during acceleration, described as losing roughly half of engine power.
When 2020 Ford Escape engine complaints were filed
First complaint Jan 21, 2020, latest Sep 5, 2026.
Engine recalls for the 2020 Ford Escape
- NHTSA 25V345000May 23, 2025Engine1,809 vehicles
Engine
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Escape, 2021-2023 Corsair, and 2022-2023 Maverick vehicles equipped with 2.5L HEV or PHEV engines that were repaired incorrectly under recall 23V380. In the event of an engine failure, engine oil and fuel vapor may be released into the engine compartment and accumulate near ignition sources such as hot engine or exhaust components, possibly resulting in an engine compartment fire.
Risk: An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park and shut off the engine as quickly as possible if they hear unexpected engine noises, notice a reduction in vehicle power, or see smoke. Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 27, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S54.
- NHTSA 23V380000May 26, 2023Engine125,322 vehicles
Engine
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Escape, 2022-2023 Maverick, and 2021-2023 Corsair vehicles equipped with 2.5L HEV or PHEV engines. In the event of an engine failure, engine oil and fuel vapor may be released into the engine compartment and accumulate near ignition sources such as hot engine or exhaust components, possibly resulting in an engine compartment fire.
Risk: An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park and shut off the engine as quickly as possible if they hear unexpected engine noises, notice a reduction in vehicle power, or see smoke. Dealers will replace the engine long-block in 2023 Escape and Corsair vehicles. For the other vehicles, dealers will update the powertrain control module software. If a connecting rod bearing failure is detected, dealers will replace the engine long-block. All inspections and repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 14, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S27. This recall expands and replaces recall number 22V-484. Vehicles previously repaired under 22V-484 will need to have the new remedy completed.
- NHTSA 22V191000Mar 25, 2022Engine345,451 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling:engine:oil/lubrication
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape and 2021-2022 Bronco Sport vehicles equipped with 1.5L engines. The engine oil separator housing may crack and develop an oil leak.
Risk: An oil leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the oil separator for damage or oil leaks, and replace the oil separator and seals, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 18, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S21.
Engine complaints by Escape model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many engine complaints does NHTSA have for the 2020 Ford Escape?
- NHTSA lists 144 engine complaints for the 2020 Ford Escape, which is 9% of the 1,599 total complaints filed for the model year.
- Is there an engine recall for the 2020 Ford Escape?
- Yes. NHTSA lists three engine-related recalls: campaign 22V191000 for a cracked oil separator housing on 1.5L engines, and campaigns 23V380000 and 25V345000 covering 2.5L HEV/PHEV engines that can leak oil or fuel vapor near hot surfaces.
- At what mileage do 2020 Escape engine problems typically show up?
- The median mileage at failure for engine complaints on the 2020 Escape is 62,500 miles, based on NHTSA complaint data.
- Did the engine problems cause any crashes or fires?
- Across all complaint categories tied to this data set, NHTSA recorded 3 crashes and 2 fires, with 2 injuries reported, for the 2020 Escape overall.
- How does the 2020 Escape compare to other model years for engine complaints?
- The 2020 Escape's engine complaint share of 9% is lower than years like 2017 (74%) and 2018 (80%), according to NHTSA data, based on owner complaints and recalls relative to other Escape model years.