2022 Ford Escape Engine Problems
Engine problems account for 46 of 231 complaints (20%) filed on the 2022 Ford Escape, with a median failure mileage of 39,200 miles. Three related recalls cover 2.5L HEV/PHEV and 1.5L engine defects, including oil leak and fire risks.
- Engine complaints
- 46
- 20% of 231
- Crashes reported
- 3
- Fires reported
- 4
- Injuries reported
- 1
- Median mileage
- 39,200 mi
- Related recalls
- 3
Typical engine symptoms owners report
- Owners report sudden fires or explosions coming from the engine bay while the vehicle was parked, with no warning light illuminated beforehand.
- Some describe an abnormal oil odor and oil pooling around the oil reservoir cap after a dealer oil change, with the dipstick reading over the fill line.
- Others report clicking or popping sounds coming from the engine while driving, sometimes with an unknown warning light on.
- Owners describe the vehicle stalling suddenly while driving, in one case on a highway, requiring the engine to be restarted.
- Metal pieces were found in the engine oil after a service engine soon light came on and the vehicle lost power, struggling to exceed low speeds.
When 2022 Ford Escape engine complaints were filed
First complaint May 9, 2022, latest Jul 27, 2026.
Engine recalls for the 2022 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 common are engine problems in the 2022 Ford Escape?
- NHTSA lists 46 engine complaints for the 2022 Ford Escape, which is 20% of the 231 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a recall for the 2022 Ford Escape engine?
- Yes. NHTSA lists three engine-related recalls covering the 2022 Escape: campaign 25V345000 and 23V380000 for 2.5L HEV/PHEV engine failure risks, and 22V191000 for a 1.5L engine oil separator housing that may crack and leak.
- At what mileage do 2022 Ford Escape engine problems tend to happen?
- The median mileage at failure for engine complaints on the 2022 Escape is 39,200 miles.
- Did the 2022 Ford Escape engine issues cause any fires or crashes?
- NHTSA data tied to the engine problem area for the 2022 Escape lists 4 fires, 3 crashes, and 1 injury.
- Are engine problems on the 2022 Escape worse than other years?
- The 20% share of engine complaints for 2022 is lower than years like 2018 (80%) and 2017 (74%), but higher than 2020 (9%) among Escape model years listed.