2023 Ford Escape Engine Problems
NHTSA lists 38 engine complaints for the 2023 Ford Escape, 39% of its 98 total complaints, with a median failure mileage of 5,000 miles. Three engine-related recalls apply, covering cylinder head oil leaks and 2.5L hybrid engine failure risks.
- Engine complaints
- 38
- 39% of 98
- Crashes reported
- 1
- Fires reported
- 2
- Injuries reported
- 1
- Median mileage
- 5,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 3
Typical engine symptoms owners report
- Engine coolant over-temperature warnings appear on the cluster during highway acceleration or merging, sometimes triggering limp mode that cuts speed below 55 mph.
- Some owners report the overheat warning clears after a few seconds with no limp mode and coolant at the correct level, suggesting a possible sensor or software glitch rather than actual overheating.
- One owner reported the engine would not start or crank on three separate occasions, with the dealer unable to find diagnostic codes and only replacing a module once.
- A reported case of unintended acceleration occurred while cruise control was set at 45 mph, with the vehicle speeding up to 65 mph without warning lights.
- In one case the vehicle lost power near 60 mph with an overheating message and was towed in for what the dealer described as needing a new top end of the motor.
- A fire was reported in the engine compartment after a burning odor and sparking were noticed while driving at 55 mph.
When 2023 Ford Escape engine complaints were filed
First complaint Aug 18, 2023, latest Aug 21, 2026.
Engine recalls for the 2023 Ford Escape
- 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 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.
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 the 2023 Ford Escape have?
- NHTSA lists 38 engine complaints for the 2023 Escape, which is 39% of the 98 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there an engine recall for the 2023 Ford Escape?
- Yes. NHTSA lists three engine-related recalls: 25V372000 for a cylinder head oil leak, 25V345000 for 2.5L hybrid/PHEV engines repaired under an earlier recall, and 23V380000 covering 2.5L HEV/PHEV engine failure risk.
- At what mileage do 2023 Escape engine problems usually appear?
- The median mileage at failure for engine-related complaints on the 2023 Escape is 5,000 miles.
- Are the engine problems dangerous?
- NHTSA data tied to this engine complaint area for the 2023 Escape includes 1 crash, 2 fires, and 1 injury.
- What kind of engine does the 2023 Ford Escape have complaints about?
- Sample complaints reference both the 1.5L three-cylinder engine, tied to overheating warnings and limp mode, and the 2.5L hybrid/PHEV engine covered by the recalls.