10.0
really awful- Crashes / Fires:
- 2 / 0
- Injuries / Deaths:
- 1 / 0
- Average Mileage:
- 13,101 miles
About These NHTSA Complaints:
The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.
« Read the previous 20 complaints
All Wheel Drive (AWD) triggered a fault and stopped functioning while drive, resulting in loss of traction and wheel slippage in slippery conditions. Ford dealership diagnosed a faulty AWD module and admitted this is a very common problem with all 2020 Ford Escapes but that it is NOT covered under warranty. Ford is well aware of these issues with their AWD modules but has so far refused to initiate a recall of their know-faulty AWD modules.
- Midland, MI, USA
Ford Escape Titanium 2020 purchased 8/2020. Transmission issues began 5/21/21. Car slowed on highway with gas pedal pushed to the ground then surged and lunged. Several warning lights and I had it towed to a dealership. BCE module reprogram. car continued lunging, surging as well as shuddering. Stopped in several times to be told nothing wrong, no recalls, couldn't replicate. 4/19/2023 car still surging, esp at speeds of 30-50mph or less. Dealership found no issue. 6/20/238/2023 wrench light along with surging at or below 50mph. Couldn't replicate. 8/23/2023 insisted Mechanic drive with me. Issue noted immediately! Had car 2 months. dealer contacted Ford - no recall but engineers getting similar reports. Replaced spark plugs and transfer case control. Did not fix issue.12/5/23 post inspection told rear shocks wearing out (36,000 miles). 2/5/24 surging 20-40 mph and Check Engine light on. Dealer replaced/purge vapor management valve and cannister purge valves. Continued to express safety concerns. 2/23/24 car speed slowed from 70 to 10 mph on highway and was surging going up ramps. Insisted transmission techs and manager ride with me and immediately registered issues. Asked them to check Driver side door due to problems reported online. told no recall. Complete transmission overhaul (NOT REPLACED) and returned 3/25/24. On 4/11 driver door started making noises. Scheduled 4/19 service on 4/16 was unable to shut car door and had towed to dealership. Door recall that day. Dealer had car from 4/16 through 7/11 to replace doors and rear shocks. Service department initiated buyback. Ford denied and will not provide written reason. I Called Ford customer service and with permission recorded call with rep and then her manager who would not forward my call to another department and told me my only recourse was to file a complaint with the BBB. Car still shuddering and surging. So was loaner car- dealer and mechanic insinuated it may be "characteristic" of model!!!!
- Harrisburg, PA, USA
AWD Module failure
- Denver, CO, USA
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the AWD (All Wheel Drive) fault warning light and several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed AWD module. The contact was informed that the AWD module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was currently being repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 57,000.
- Bloomingrose, WV, USA
We have a 2020 Ford Escape that has less than 90,000 miles and while driving we began having some jarring and spuddering when trying to accelerate. The car seems to have issues gearing up. We have identified the issue by a mechanic as transmission and through research have found this is a known issue by Ford and they are under lawsuits. We are now looking at a 6-$10,000 repair on a car 4 years old. According to Ford no intentions to correct the issue.
- Columbiana, AL, USA
Got an Advanced Trac warning on my dashboard. Lost my AWD traction control forward collision assist. Took it to my service station. They did a diagnostic testing and told me it could be a power train problem and may be covered under warranty and recommended that I take it to the Ford dealership because this appears to be a common problem with Ford Escapes. They also told me that my shocks are starting to leak which is also a common problem with Ford Escapes. Took my car to the Ford dealership along with the receipt from my service station and they also did a diagnostic there. Told me the problem was my AWD module and that it wasn-??t under warranty and would cost $800 plus to repair. I sent them multiple complaints from the NHTSA with the same problem. Told them to do the repair because I felt unsafe driving my car. Asked who I could complain to because this is a recurring problem and they directed me to Ford customer service. They were no help at all and were unable to direct me to anyone else for help. Told me to file a complaint with the NHTSA. I am filing this complaint because I am wondering how many people have to pay out of pocket for problems that appear to be a Ford product problem before they either voluntarily acknowledge the problem or are forced to do a recall. I have not had the shocks replaced yet because that will be another $600 plus bill. I have lost all confidence in my car and Ford. I am retiring soon and this car would be paid off by then but now I may have to get rid of this car and buy another one and have a car payment in retirement. Extremely unhappy with Ford and will never buy another Ford. This is unfair to anyone who buys a product and experiences common problems that the manufacturer chooses to not recognize and fix! Ford needs to step up and acknowledge the problems and pay for the repair!
- Reading, PA, USA
There is a Powetrain Malfunction, loss of Hill Start Assist, AWD failure, Loss of Precollision Assist, loss of traction control, causing notifications to "Service Immediately" This has been confirmed by Ford to be an AWD module failure and requires costly replacement. Multiple Ford dealers have been unable to accommodate timely appointments to correct this issue. This issue affects the ability to drive the vehicle safely. The vehicle had no known issues prior to the dash lights and system messages appearing. The problem and notifications appeared suddenly while driving down the highway, noticeably jolting while the vehicle was in movement. This issue makes the vehicle unable to navigate up inclined roadways. The loss of traction control affects the steering control of the vehicle, especially in roadways experiencing non ideal weather conditions. After these things occurred, the engine started to experience a misfire, most likely due from having to work harder to navigate up Inclined roadways. This vehicle is actively at the dealer for these repairs, pending invoice.
- Bradford, VT, USA
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated while operating the vehicle, the messages "Hill Start Assist Not Available", "Pre-Collision Assist Not Available", "Service Advance-trac" and "Service All Wheel Drive" remained displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the All-Wheel Drive module was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 12,000.
- Chicago, IL, USA
One day my all wheel drive, pre-collision emergency braking, lane departure warnings, cruise control, lane assist, and hill start assist stopped working. I could no longer use any of these functions. There was no accident, fire, or any other damage that occurred to my vehicle to cause this malfunction. It just stopped working. I was alerted by error messages on my dash that all wheel drive and pre collision assist were not functional. I scheduled an appointment with the dealership. When I took my car in for inspection at the dealership, they found that the all wheel drive module was defective, directly impacting the functionality of the powertrain, and needed replaced immediately. They confirmed that this module was not working. Without this function, I could not use all wheel drive in icy, snowy, or rainy weather, thus impacting the safety of the vehicle for myself and my 8month old daughter who I drive daily. This also prevented collision emergency braking and lane departure warning features from functioning, which are important for preventing dangerous accidents. Even though my car is still covered under the powertrain warranty, and this defect affects the function of the powertrain, they do not consider it covered under warranty.
- Ballwin, MO, USA
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the " Power train malfunction and reduced power" and the "4-WD Power Train Fault" messages were displayed on the instrument panel; the power train fault warning light was illuminated. The contact researched and was made aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V330000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the contact was informed that the Hybrid Powertrain Control Module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 54,000.
- Warminster, PA, USA
My AWD module stopped working for no reason WHILE DRIVING! My car-??s dashboard lit up like a Christmas tree stating for me to pull over safely, AWD fault service required, Hill start failure, pre-collision failure, and the stability and traction control failure light was on as well. My car was towed to my local Ford dealership. I researched what in the world could be going on with my car. I typed in the exact warnings displayed by my car and MULTIPLE articles about the AWD module failing for countless other 2020 Ford Escape cars! I also saw there was a RECALL on this module back in 12/2021-04/2022. They are saying my car is not apart of that recall though"?" How when my car-??s AWD module FAILED JUST LIKE THE RECALL STATED! This is happening/happened to hundreds of other 2020 Escape owners! This recall should be EXTENDED to every owner of the 2020 Escape experiencing AWD failure! This is a HUGE SAFETY RISK! Your car literally just stops working while driving. I got extremely lucky that I was already pulling into a gas station when this happened to me. I can-??t imagine what could-??ve happened if I were driving on the interstate when this occurred, which is EXACTLY what I was going to be doing after fueling up!
- Navarre, FL, USA
Upon purchasing and receiving the car from a dealership, I attempted to drive it around my neighborhood and after about 1 minute received a warning saying "safely stop now!" and the steering wheel locked and the power shut off in the middle of the street. The car would not turn back on and had to be towed to the dealership. The dealership (not Ford) already replaced the battery and that did not fix the issue. They are having to take it to Ford service to get it looked at. This poses a very significant safety risk because it could have happened on the highway, as some Ford Escape users have reported on forums. Before purchasing the car, all available recalls were addressed and "resolved", but clearly not all issues have been fixed.
- San Diego, CA, USA
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH, the vehicle was vibrating and shaking abnormally. The contact pulled over to the side of the roadway and turned off and restarted the vehicle and the shaking ceased. The contact stated that the failure had become a persistent failure. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the vehicle had experienced an All-Wheel drive (AWD) failure; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 46,000.
- Staten Island, NY, USA
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was jerking. The contact stated that the failure occurred increasingly while driving from a complete stop. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the torque converter and the main control assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.
- Connersville, IN, USA
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with AWD module failure. The contact was informed that the AWD module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact researched and discovered the Customer Satisfaction Program: 21B19; however, the contact was informed that the VIN was not associated with the program. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 51,000.
- Haverhill, MA, USA
While driving car at highway speeds and RPMs at or below 2500 and either driving uphill or into a strong headwind car seems to get a flat spot in acceleration and does not downshift to compensate. Powertrain malfunction light illuminates and vehicle enters reduced power mode. After turning off ignition and waiting a few minutes the light clears and car drives normally until the next time. Rarely does a DTC pop up on code reader to identify issue. Has happened multiple times and been in mechanic and dealer at least 4 times with no resolution.
- Inyokern, CA, USA
We were traveling to Springfield MO and just before Strafford our 2020 Ford Escape Hybrid SE flashed a wrench warning on our screen and immediately went into limp mode in rush hour traffic on I-44. We were in the passing lane going up a hill at the time passing a commercial truck and our speed dropped significantly. Luckily the vehicles behind us to were able slow down in time.
- Sullivan, MO, USA
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle unexpectedly downshifted with the transmission warning light illuminated. The vehicle was restarted; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 34,000. The VIN was not available.
- Indian Harbour Beach, FL, USA
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request" The AWD module failed after 35000 miles. Dealership said it needed to be replaced. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The failure shut off my collision assist, traction control, AWD, and hill assist. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Unknown, it seems to be a fairly common issue with 2020 Ford Escapes from what I've seen online. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Just the dealership Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear" Unknown, I had warnings on my dash stating AWD fault service required and soon after began reporting the other errors.
- Cranston, RI, USA
- Allen, TX, USA