2022 Ford Escape Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2022 Ford Escape has a Complaint Index of 25 and carries a Caution verdict, capped because of 19 recall campaigns despite a relatively low complaint volume. Fuel System issues are the top concern, accounting for 36% of the 231 complaints filed with NHTSA. It ranks 16th worst out of 21 model years.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 25/100
- #16 of 21 Escape years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 231
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 19
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 7
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 4
- Injuries
- 9
- Top issue
- Fuel System
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 35
- 35.5 city / 35.5 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 9 / 0
Top 2022 Ford Escape problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Fuel System84 (36%)
- Engine46 (20%)
- Brakes34 (15%)
- Transmission & Powertrain31 (13%)
- Structure & Body25 (11%)
- Other24 (10%)
- Electrical System22 (10%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras15 (6%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires7 (3%)
- Seat Belts5 (2%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners report fuel odors and gasoline fumes entering the cabin, sometimes followed by the vehicle catching fire.
- Some describe hearing loud explosions while the vehicle was parked, then finding it engulfed in flames.
- Brakes reportedly failed completely in at least one case, with the pedal reaching the floor and the vehicle unable to stop.
- Owners report the steering wheel locking up unexpectedly while driving after a minor repair.
- Some describe oil leaking near the oil reservoir cap and an abnormal burning odor after a dealer oil change.
- Airbag warning lights reportedly stay illuminated for extended periods without explanation.
2022 Ford Escape recalls
19 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 26V123000Mar 3, 2026Collision Avoidance & Cameras889,950 vehicles
Back over prevention:software
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2020-2024 Lincoln Aviator, and Explorer vehicles. The image on the center display may flip or invert, resulting in an incorrectly displayed rearview image when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Risk: An incorrectly displayed rearview image can reduce the driverâs view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 23, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C11. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 5, 2026.
- NHTSA 26V117000Mar 3, 2026Visibility & Wipers604,533 vehicles
Visibility:windshield wiper/washer:motor
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer, Escape, Lincoln Aviator, and Lincoln Corsair vehicles. The windshield wiper motor may fail and prevent the windshield wipers from operating properly.
Risk: Windshield wipers that fail to operate properly can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the front wiper motors as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed April 2, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in October 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S14. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 4, 2026.
- NHTSA 25V829000Dec 1, 2025Structure & Body108,762 vehicles
Structure:body:hatchback/liftgate:hinge and attachments
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape and 2025 Escape vehicles. The liftgate hinge covers may not be properly secured and detach from the vehicle.
Risk: A detached liftgate hinge cover can create a distraction or a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and reinstall, or replace any missing liftgate hinge covers as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 3, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SD6. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on December 3, 2025.
2022 Ford Escape fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 35.5 MPG
- Highway
- 35.5 MPG
- Combined
- 35 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $1,875
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2022 compared with other Escape years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2022 Ford Escape reliable?
- NHTSA data gives the 2022 Escape a Complaint Index of 25 and a Caution verdict, ranking 16th worst out of 21 model years. The verdict is capped at Caution mainly because of 19 recall campaigns, not because complaint volume is unusually high.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2022 Ford Escape?
- Fuel System complaints are the largest category, making up 36% of the 231 total complaints, with a median failure mileage of 49,100 miles. Engine issues follow at 20% of complaints.
- Does the 2022 Ford Escape have a fuel system recall?
- Yes. NHTSA lists multiple recalls tied to fuel injectors that may crack and leak fuel inside the engine compartment on 1.5L-equipped 2020-2022 Escape vehicles, along with a related powertrain control module software update recall.
- How many recalls does the 2022 Ford Escape have?
- NHTSA lists 19 recall campaigns for the 2022 Ford Escape, covering areas including fuel system, collision avoidance cameras, structure and body, and engine components.
- How does the 2022 Escape compare to other model years?
- The 2022 Escape's Complaint Index of 25 is lower than the worst years, such as 2017 (index 100) and 2020 (index 95), but its 19 recalls keep it at Caution rather than Good.