2022 Ford Escape Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
BestComplaint Index
20/100
#13 most-complained of 16 Escape years
The 2022 Ford Escape ranks 13th out of 16 model years for reported problems, with a complaint index of 20 and a Best verdict relative to other Escape years. NHTSA lists 231 complaints, 19 recalls, and no do-not-drive orders, with Fuel System issues the top problem area at 36% of complaints.
- Complaints
- 231
- Recalls
- 19
- Crashes / fires
- 7 / 4
- Injuries / deaths
- 9 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 35
- 35.5 city / 35.5 hwy
Top 2022 Ford Escape problems
NHTSA owner 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%)
What owners report
- Owners report fuel odor or fumes inside the cabin, sometimes followed by the vehicle catching fire while parked.
- Some describe the engine emitting loud explosion-like sounds before flames were visible outside the vehicle.
- Owners report the brake pedal going to the floor with no warning light, resulting in loss of stopping power.
- Several describe the steering wheel locking up unexpectedly after minor collisions or repairs.
- Owners report airbag warning lights staying on along with unrelated oil leaking onto hot engine parts.
- One owner noted excessive brake dust on the front wheels shortly after purchase, with no dealer diagnosis performed.
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?
- Compared to other Escape model years, the 2022 ranks 13th out of 16 for reported problems, with a complaint index of 20 and a Best verdict. It has fewer complaints (231) than most earlier Escape years.
- What is the biggest problem area for the 2022 Ford Escape?
- Fuel System complaints lead, making up 36% of all reported issues (84 complaints), with a median mileage at failure of 49,100 miles.
- Does the 2022 Ford Escape have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 19 recalls for the 2022 Escape, including fuel injector cracking, wiper motor failure, and a center display image flip, with none classified as do-not-drive.
- How many complaints and recalls does the 2022 Ford Escape have?
- NHTSA lists 231 complaints and 19 recalls for the 2022 Ford Escape, with 7 crashes, 4 fires, and 9 injuries reported.
- How does the 2022 Ford Escape compare to the 2020 and 2021 models?
- The 2022 Escape has a complaint index of 20, lower than the 2020's 80 (Avoid) but higher than the 2021's 27 (Good), placing it among the better-performing recent Escape years.