2023 Ford Escape Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
BestComplaint Index
7/100
#15 most-complained of 16 Escape years
The 2023 Ford Escape ranks 15th out of 16 model years with a Complaint Index of 7, the second-best year for this model. NHTSA logs 98 complaints, 11 recalls, 3 fires, and no deaths, with Electrical System (42%) and Engine (39%) as top problem areas.
- Complaints
- 98
- Recalls
- 11
- Crashes / fires
- 2 / 3
- Injuries / deaths
- 1 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 34.5
- 34.5 city / 35 hwy
Top 2023 Ford Escape problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System41 (42%)
- Engine38 (39%)
- Transmission & Powertrain21 (21%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras12 (12%)
- Other9 (9%)
- Fuel System7 (7%)
- Lane Departure7 (7%)
- Structure & Body7 (7%)
- Brakes4 (4%)
- Visibility & Wipers3 (3%)
What owners report
- Owners report the engine compartment catching fire shortly after a burning smell was noticed, in one case within two weeks of purchase.
- Some drivers describe a coolant overheat warning and limp mode triggered while passing or merging, with the vehicle refusing to exit limp mode until shut off and restarted.
- Others report the infotainment screen going black while the radio kept playing, sometimes paired with the trunk unexpectedly popping open while driving.
- Some owners describe the vehicle failing to illuminate interior and exterior lights after sitting idle for about two days, describing a mysterious battery deep sleep issue.
- A few drivers report unexpected acceleration at low speed without added throttle input, resulting in a collision with a fixed structure.
- One owner describes recurring check-engine lights tied to the EVAP system that a dealer could not permanently resolve despite replacing a canister purge solenoid.
2023 Ford Escape recalls
11 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 25V372000Jun 3, 2025Engine404 vehicles
Engine
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Escape, and 2025 Bronco Sport vehicles. The cylinder head may have been improperly manufactured, which can cause the ball plugs to fail, resulting in an oil leak.
Risk: An oil leak can result in loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, 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 replace the cylinder head assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 8, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S61.
- NHTSA 25V343000May 23, 2025Electrical System6,781 vehicles
Electrical system
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Lincoln Nautilus, 2023-2025 Escape, 2023 Lincoln Corsair, 2025 Lincoln Corsair, Maverick, and Bronco Sport vehicles equipped with a 1.5L or 2.0L MPC engine and an engine block heater. The engine block heater may overheat when the vehicle is parked with the block heater plugged in.
Risk: An overheated engine block heater can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the block heater element and inspect the electrical cord, replacing it if necessary, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded blanking plug coupled, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Owner notification letters were mailed June 9, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S52.
- 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.
2023 Ford Escape fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 34.5 MPG
- Highway
- 35 MPG
- Combined
- 34.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $1,900
- 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.
2023 compared with other Escape years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2023 Ford Escape reliable?
- Compared to other Escape model years, 2023 ranks well. It has a Complaint Index of 7 and sits 15th out of 16 years, with a verdict of Best.
- What problems does the 2023 Ford Escape have?
- NHTSA lists 98 complaints for the 2023 Escape, with Electrical System issues making up 42% and Engine issues 39% of complaints. There were 3 reported fires and 2 crashes, but no deaths.
- Does the 2023 Ford Escape have engine fire recalls?
- NHTSA lists an engine recall (25V372000) for improperly manufactured cylinder heads that can cause oil leaks, plus a separate engine recall (25V345000) tied to incorrect prior repairs that can lead to unexpected engine noise or issues.
- How many recalls does the 2023 Ford Escape have?
- NHTSA lists 11 recalls for the 2023 Ford Escape, covering the Engine, Electrical System, Collision Avoidance & Cameras, Fuel System, and other components.
- What is the median mileage for reported failures on the 2023 Escape?
- Across all reported problems, the median mileage at failure is 19,280 miles. Electrical System failures show a median of 15,500 miles, while Transmission & Powertrain failures show a median of 24,250 miles.