UsedScore

2022 Ford Escape: Too new to judge

The 2022 Ford Escape has been on the road for 59 months, short of the five years we need to rate it. Owners have filed 377 complaints with NHTSA so far. That's 1.3× the rate other Escape years drew in their first 59 months, per vehicle sold.

The biggest problem area, counting serious complaints more, is the engine (28% of complaints, median 44,000 miles).

Complaint index
1.3×
partial: first 59 months
Rank
Not ranked
rated after five years
Complaints
377
in 59 months so far
Recalls
21
campaigns
4th generation, 2020–today · Updated September 24, 2026 · How we rate
2021 Ford Escape Hybrid SEL AWD

Photo: 2021 Ford Escape Hybrid SEL AWD · Mr.choppers, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Problem areas

Ranked by severity-weighted complaints · share · median miles
  1. Engine28% · 107 complaints · median 44,000 miles
  2. Fuel and propulsion25% · 95 complaints · median 49,000 miles
  3. Brakes13% · 49 complaints · median 20,000 miles
  4. Powertrain12% · 47 complaints · median 15,000 miles
  5. Electrical14% · 52 complaints · median 38,000 miles
  6. Driver assistance6% · 23 complaints · median 46,000 miles
  7. Body and structure8% · 32 complaints · median 21,000 miles
  8. Air bags2% · 6 complaints
  9. Seats and belts3% · 10 complaints
  10. Speed control3% · 10 complaints

Bars rank problem areas by complaints weighted for severity (crashes, fires, injuries and deaths count more). A complaint can name more than one area. Mileage is reported on about half of complaints.

What owners describe

Brakes

Many owners of this Escape report noisy brakes, especially a squealing or moaning sound when reversing, along with heavy brake dust on the wheels. A few also describe the brakes feeling grabby or slow to respond, and dealers have often been unable to fully resolve the noise.

Warning signs:
Owners notice loud squealing, grinding, or moaning sounds when braking or reversing, visible brake dust on wheels, and occasional grabbing, jerking, or delayed stopping.
What shops did:
Dealers often could not duplicate or diagnose the noise, sometimes replaced pads, rotors, or caliper parts, or said the condition was normal, with mixed results.
Mileage:
most between 5,000 and 35,000 miles, among 17 complaints that give it

“when coming to a stop, backing out, slowing down the brakes makes this horrendous sound”

Engine

Owners describe engine trouble ranging from oil leaks and heavy oil consumption to stalling, loss of power, and in a few cases smoke or fire in the engine bay. Many say they were told a related recall repair had no parts available, leaving the problem unresolved for months.

Warning signs:
Owners report warning lights (check engine, low oil pressure, wrench symbol), popping or clicking/ticking sounds, burning or fuel odors, reduced power, and stalling before the failure.
What shops did:
Dealers often could not diagnose or repair the issue, and many owners say the recall repair part was on backorder or not yet available when they sought service.
Mileage:
most between 15,000 and 55,000 miles, among 16 complaints that give it

“the engine started pouring out smoke and we immediately left the car. We opened the hood and saw fire inside the engine compartment”

“the check engine warning light continued to flash off and on, and the vehicle had experienced a loss of motive power”

Fuel and propulsion

Owners of this Escape describe fuel-system issues like gas odors, stalling, hesitation and rough starts, often tied to open recalls. Many say dealers could not get repair parts for months, leaving the problem unresolved.

Warning signs:
Owners report fuel smells inside or around the vehicle, check engine or wrench warning lights, rough starts, jerking, stalling, RPM fluctuation, and occasional smoke.
What shops did:
Many owners were told replacement parts for the recall repair were not yet available, and some had fuel injectors, purge valves, catalytic converters or turbochargers diagnosed but not repaired.
Mileage:
most between 45,000 and 60,000 miles, among 21 complaints that give it

“the vehicle hesitated and jerked abnormally and nearly stalled. The RPM fluctuated, indicating a failure with the fuel system”

“she observed a ticking noise emanating from the engine compartment”

Summaries are written with AI from the owner complaints shown on NHTSA's site and checked against them; quotes are word for word.

Recalls (21)

Check a VIN on NHTSA ›
  • NHTSA 26V117000March 2026604,533 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.

    Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the front wiper motors as necessary, free of charge.

  • NHTSA 26V123000March 2026889,950 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 driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Fix: Dealers will update the accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software, free of charge.

  • NHTSA 26V091000February 202625,237 vehicles

    Electrical system: propulsion system: traction battery

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2026 Ford Escape and 2023-2026 Lincoln Corsair plug-in hybrid vehicles. A manufacturing defect in one or more of the high voltage battery cells may result in an internal short circuit and battery failure.

    Risk: Battery failure can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. Battery failure can also increase the risk of a fire.

    Fix: Dealers will update the battery energy control module (BECM) and hybrid powertrain control module (HPCM) software, free of charge.

  • NHTSA 25V829000December 2025108,762 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.

    Fix: Dealers will inspect and reinstall, or replace any missing liftgate hinge covers as necessary, free of charge.

  • NHTSA 25V789000November 202520,558 vehicles

    Electrical system: propulsion system: traction battery

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Ford Escape and 2021-2024 Lincoln Corsair plug-in hybrid vehicles. A manufacturing defect in one or more of the high voltage battery cells may result in an internal short circuit and battery failure.

    Risk: Battery failure can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. Battery failure can also increase the risk of a fire.

    Fix: Dealers will update the battery energy control module (BECM) and hybrid powertrain control module (HPCM), free of charge.

  • NHTSA 25V685000October 202559,006 vehicles

    Equipment: electrical: engine block heater

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Lincoln MKC, 2016-2023 Explorer, 2019-2020 Fusion, 2019-2024 Ranger, 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair, Escape, 2021-2024 Bronco, Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.

    Risk: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.

    Fix: Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied.

  • NHTSA 25V467000July 2025694,271 vehicles

    Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Bronco Sport and 2020-2022 Escape vehicles equipped with 1.5L engines. A fuel injector may crack and leak fuel inside the engine compartment.

    Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source, such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.

    Fix: Dealers will update the engine control software.

  • NHTSA 25V442000June 2025200,237 vehicles

    Back over prevention: software

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, MKX, Edge, Continental, F-150, Nautilus, Fusion, 2019-2023 Ranger, Mustang, 2020-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape, F-250 SD, Corsair, 2020-2023 Aviator, Transit, 2020-2024 Explorer, 2021-2024 Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank image, or the image may remain on the display after the backing event has ended.

    Risk: A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver. Both of these situations can increase the risk of a crash.

    Fix: Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge.

  • NHTSA 25V345000May 20251,809 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.

    Fix: 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.

  • NHTSA 25V165000March 202533,576 vehicles

    Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape and 2021-2023 Bronco Sport vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall numbers 22V-859 or 24V-187. A fuel injector may crack and leak fuel inside the engine compartment.

    Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.

    Fix: Dealers will update the powertrain control module (PCM) software, free of charge.

  • NHTSA 25V133000February 2025207 vehicles

    Power train: automatic transmission: control module (TCM/PCM/TECM)

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Maverick, 2022 Escape, and 2021-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 24V-330. The Hybrid Powertrain Control Module (HPCM) software may cause the vehicle to shift into neutral unexpectedly, causing a loss of drive power.

    Risk: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.

    Fix: Dealers will update the HPCM software, free of charge.

  • NHTSA 24V954000December 202420,484 vehicles

    Electrical system: propulsion system: traction battery: management system/energy control module (BMS/BECM)

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Ford Escape, and 2021-2024 Lincoln Corsair vehicles. A manufacturing defect in one or more of the high voltage battery cells may result in an internal short circuit and battery failure.

    Risk: Battery failure can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. Battery failure can also increase the risk of a fire.

    Fix: Owners are advised not to charge battery till the remedy has been completed.

  • NHTSA 24V852000November 202427,678 vehicles

    Equipment: other: labels

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, 2020-2024 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2018-2024 F-150, Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The air bag warning label may be missing from the dashboard. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirement Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

    Risk: Without a label that shows the proper restraint usage guidelines, the occupants may have an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.

    Fix: Ford will mail owners the warning labels, free of charge.

  • NHTSA 24V330000May 20249,312 vehicles

    Power train: automatic transmission: control module (TCM/PCM/TECM)

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Maverick, 2020-2022 Escape, and 2021-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles. The Hybrid Powertrain Control Module (HPCM) software may cause the vehicle to shift into neutral unexpectedly, causing a loss of drive power.

    Risk: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.

    Fix: Dealers will update the HPCM software, free of charge.

  • NHTSA 24V187000March 202442,652 vehicles

    Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Bronco Sport and 2022 Escape vehicles equipped with 1.5L engines. A fuel injector may crack and leak fuel inside the engine compartment.

    Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.

    Fix: Dealers will update the engine control software to include fuel injector leak detection and install a drain tube, free of charge.

  • NHTSA 23V380000May 2023125,322 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.

    Fix: 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.

  • NHTSA 22V859000November 2022521,746 vehicles

    Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Escape and 2021-2023 Bronco Sport vehicles equipped with 1.5L engines. A fuel injector may crack and leak fuel inside the engine compartment.

    Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.

    Fix: Dealers will update the engine control software to include fuel injector leak detection and install a drain tube, free of charge.

  • NHTSA 22V484000July 2022100,689 vehicles

    Structure: body: bumpers: active shutters/grill · Structure: frame and members: underbody shields · Engine and engine cooling

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape, 2021-2022 Lincoln Corsair, and 2022 Maverick 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.

    Fix: 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.

  • NHTSA 22V191000March 2022345,451 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.

    Fix: Dealers will inspect the oil separator for damage or oil leaks, and replace the oil separator and seals, as necessary, free of charge.

  • NHTSA 22V149000March 20223 vehicles

    Electrical system: propulsion system: traction battery · Hybrid propulsion system

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022 Corsair and 2021-2022 Escape vehicles equipped with a 2.5L Hybrid powertrain. The high voltage battery may fail, resulting in a sudden loss of drive power.

    Risk: A sudden loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.

    Fix: Dealers will replace the high voltage battery, free of charge.

  • NHTSA 21V922000November 2021114,666 vehicles

    Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: caliper

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Bronco Sport and Escape vehicles. The rear brake linings may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can affect braking performance. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."

    Risk: During certain situations, the driver may have to apply more brake pedal force, and the distance required to stop the vehicle may be extended, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Fix: Dealers will replace the front brake pads, free of charge.

A recall only helps if the repair was done. Enter the vehicle's 17-character VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup before you buy.

Service bulletins

Ford sent NHTSA 167 service bulletins and other notices to dealers covering the 2022 Escape. These are repair instructions, not recalls. Warranty extensions and bulletins about its top problem areas:

  • 25M03 · August 2026Customer Satisfaction Program 25M03 Certain 2020-2025 Model Year Escape, 2021-2025 Model Year Corsair and 2022- 2025 Model Year Maverick Vehicles equipped with a 2.5L Hybrid or Plug-In Hybrid engine…
  • SSM 54857 · May 20262020-2026 Explorer/Escape/Corsair, 2021-2026 Bronco Sport/Bronco, 2022-2026 Maverick, 2024-2026 Mustang/Ranger/Nautilus vehicles equipped with a 2.0L or 2.3L EcoBoost engine may require removal of…
  • 25B51 · May 2026Certain 2021-2024 Model Year Bronco, 2021-2024 Model Year Bronco Sport, 2020-2022 Model Year Corsair and Escape, 2016-2024 Model Year Explorer, 2019-2020 Model Year Fusion, 2016-2018 Model Year Focus…
  • SSM 54631 · March 2026Some 2020-2026 Escape and 2022-2026 Maverick 2.5L Duratec hybrid vehicles may require various repairs on the exhaust system.
  • SSM 54615 · February 2026Some 2020-2026 Escape and 2021-2026 Corsair vehicles equipped with a 2.5L engine may exhibit a fuel door that won't open with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P04CA stored in the powertrain control…
  • 25M02 · December 2025Customer Satisfaction Program 25M02 Certain 2021-2024 Model Year Bronco Sport and 2020-2022 Escape with 1.5L Engine and 8F35 Transmission Upstream Catalytic Converter Replacement, If Required
  • SSM 54312 · October 2025Some 2020-2026 Escape and 2021-2026 Corsair PHEV vehicles may require inspection of the high voltage battery due to rust, scratches, curb strikes, road debris, or other minor damage.
  • 25N03 · October 2025Customer Satisfaction Program 25N03 Certain 2021-2023 Model Year Bronco Sport and 2020-2022 Escape with 1.5L Engine and 8F35 Transmission.

All 2022 Escape bulletins on NHTSA ›

Questions owners ask

Is the 2022 Ford Escape reliable?
The 2022 Ford Escape has been on the road for 59 months, short of the five years we need to rate it. Owners have filed 377 complaints with NHTSA so far. That's 1.3× the rate other Escape years drew in their first 59 months, per vehicle sold. Ratings compare Escape years with each other using complaints filed with NHTSA; they don't measure every problem owners have.
What are the most common 2022 Escape problems?
Owners' complaints most often involve the engine (28%), the fuel or propulsion system (25%) and the brakes (13%). A complaint can name more than one area.
Has the 2022 Ford Escape been recalled?
Yes. NHTSA lists 21 recall campaigns for the 2022 Ford Escape, the most recent in March 2026 (visibility). Enter the vehicle's VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to see whether the repairs were done.

Sources

Owner complaints, recalls and manufacturer communications from NHTSA's public data files, as of September 24, 2026. Complaints are counted once each, over the model year's first 60 months on the road. UsedScore is not affiliated with NHTSA or Ford. The 2022 Ford Escape on NHTSA.gov · How we rate