2023 FORD ESCAPE

What owners reported to NHTSA, ranked by how often and how seriously.

This is complaint data, not a random sample.

It only includes owners who chose to file a federal complaint, so it over-represents dramatic and safety-related problems and under-represents minor issues an owner just had fixed without reporting. Read this as what NHTSA complainants report most, not as this vehicle's true failure rate. Full methodology.

Component ranking

  1. #1

    engine cooling

    1 stranded, 8 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    10
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "At approximately 1,000 miles on 2 separate occasions while traveling on the interstate, roughly 10 minutes apart, an audible chime and visual alert within the speedometer cluster appeared “engine coolant over temperature” for approximately 10 seconds. The temp…"complaint #1920159
    • "Vehicle has a 1.5L dragon 3 cylinder. When passing vehicles, on 3 occasions it throws codes that says that the engine has an engine overheated issue, service asap, and goes into a limp mode which does not give you any time to get to safety before your speed i…"complaint #1938156
    • "3 times, either merging on the highway or full throttle, vehicle screams overheat warning with wrench light for a couple of seconds and disappears. No limp mode or smoke at all. And coolant level is at MAX. No clue is this some sort of glitch or engine failure…"complaint #1939332
    • "Shortly after purchasing this, my daughter was driving it and the check engine light came on and it said it was overheating. The dealer was contacted and it was taken in for repairs. We got it back and was told that it was a broken wire in the wiring harness a…"complaint #1942604
    • "New 2023 Ford Escape purchased Dec 15, 2023. While accelerating onto expressway- get an error flashing "Engine Coolant Over temperature - service vehicle soon" "complaint #1955093
  2. #2

    engine internal

    8 unsafe

    8
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "The contact owns a 2023 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle suddenly decelerated after the engine overheated and shifted into "LIMP Mode". The contact stated that during the failure, the message "Engine Overheated" was displayed.…"~4,200 mi, complaint #2019698
    • "The contact owns a 2023 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine and the front driver’s side tire. In addition, the instrument panel was occasionally turned off independently. Additiona…"~5,000 mi, complaint #2041678
    • "The contact owns a 2023 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at 55 MPH he smelled a burning odor. The vehicle was pulled into a parking lot where the hood was lifted and the odor emanated strongly from the engine compartment. Addi…"~7,400 mi, complaint #1956866
  3. #3

    transmission automatic

    4 stranded, 3 unsafe

    7
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "The contact owns a 2023 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was notified of the failure, and the contact was instructed to bring the…"~41,000 mi, complaint #2076543
    • "The contact owns a 2023 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, the transmission overheated warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The contact stopped and had the vehicle towed to th…"~150,002 mi, complaint #2077789
  4. #4

    engine stall or no start

    1 stranded, 5 unsafe

    6
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "Engine does not start or crank. It is available for inspection upon request. Pregnant wife and child were left stranded in the cold until I could pick them up. Problem has occurred on three separate occasions: 6/29/23 - No DTCs generated, Ford dealership did n…"complaint #1963373
    • "The engine shut off and immediately turned on "complaint #2182542
    • "My vehicle has stalled several times in the last couple of months. I go to accelerate and the vehicle suddenly stops out of no where. This has almost caused me to get into an accident. I see there have been several recalls on ford escapes and this issue should…"complaint #2186584
    • "1.engine failed and my infotainment system turned off 2.i feel like I was scared because I didnt know if I was going to come back on 3. No 4. No"complaint #2207155
    • "[Recurring No-Start Issue with Multiple Warning Alerts – Safety Concern] I am reporting a recurring vehicle issue involving failure to start, which I believe may pose a safety risk. The issue has occurred five times: August 11, 2023 April 12, 2025 June 13, 202…"complaint #2208347
  5. #5

    battery and charging

    1 stranded, 3 unsafe

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "The contact owns a 2023 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the 12-Volt battery had become inoperable. The contact stated that the vehicle lost motive power while attempting to start the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact had to char…"~8,000 mi, complaint #2150131
    • "The contact owns a 2023 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a loss of automotive power, and the steering wheel became difficult to turn in either direction. The contact stated that…"~35,338 mi, complaint #2099248
  6. #6

    control module

    3 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "The contact owns a 2023 Ford Escape. The contact stated on several occasions while driving, or while the vehicle was parked, all four doors locked inadvertently with the keys inside the vehicle. The contact stated the hatch failed to lock securely and there wa…"~4,000 mi, complaint #2008121
    • "The contact owns a 2023 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the center console display remained off. The contact was able to continue driving the vehicle however, the center console and the display was independently turning on and o…"~8,000 mi, complaint #2047935
  7. #7

    wiring harness

    4 unsafe

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "The contact owns a 2023 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the "Blind Spot Detection System Fault" message was displayed. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagn…"~9,000 mi, complaint #2073927
    • "The contact owns a 2023 Ford Escape. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that rodents had damaged the coi…"~23,106 mi, complaint #2080018
  8. #8

    acceleration loss or hesitation

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "The contact owns a 2023 Ford Escape. The contact stated that on several occasions, while stopped, while the accelerator was depressed, the vehicle hesitated while accelerating. The contact was almost rear-ended several times when the failure occurred. The cont…"~3,000 mi, complaint #2176575
  9. #9

    backup camera

    2 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "The contact owns a 2023 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the back-over prevention camera screen went to a blue screen. The contact stated that while driving, the camera turned on and the image was shown. The camera was…"~10,668 mi, complaint #2059262
    • "The contact owns a 2023 Ford Escape. The contact state while reversing, the back over prevention camera failed to function as intended. The contact stated that the back over prevention camera failed to display images of pedestrians or vehicles. The contact sta…"~55,000 mi, complaint #2095555
  10. #10

    engine head gasket

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "The contact owns a 2023 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at approximately 50 MPH, he observed a warning chime dinging, the power train warning light illuminated, and the 'low engine coolant' message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the resi…"~3,900 mi, complaint #1995445
  11. #11

    engine turbo supercharger

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "The contact owns a 2023 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the engine unexpectedly stated revving at a high rate. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with tu…"~42,616 mi, complaint #2218485
  12. #12

    instrument cluster

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "The navigation icon located on the instrument panel is a mirror image of the actual direction icon for roundabouts. If you are to take a right tune from a roundabout the indicator on the instrument panel shows you turning into oncoming traffic and taking a lef…"complaint #1958545
    • "While driving on an interstate, the Instrument cluster / digital gauge cluster screen behind my steering wheel turned off. I was driving with my adaptive cruise control on when all of a sudden I see the screen go black and I was no longer able to see how fast…"complaint #2060140
    • "My ford escape has an ongoing safety issue where the instrument cluster shuts off while driving and the dealership has not been able to fix it. "complaint #2179009
  13. #13

    other

    2 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "The contact rented a 2023 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at about 20 MPH and driving over a railroad track, the hood of the vehicle opened abruptly and struck the windshield. The contact lost visibility and went through an intersection befo…"complaint #1985641
    • "The contact owns a 2023 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V954000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The dealer was contacted. The dealer confirmed that parts were not yet av…"complaint #2081336
    • "Recall Action Soon Issue Since 03-14-2025 Drivers side seat buckle replacement For More Information Telematics Generated Issue Recall Action Soon Issue Since 11-08-2024 Inspect front door check-arm reinforcement spot welds For More Information"complaint #2111986
  14. #14

    brake hydraulics

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "During braking the car experienced what seemed to be a glitch and lost all breaking power. Foot went to the floor and had to press and release multiple times for break power assist to come back. This happened three times within [REDACTED ADDRESS]."complaint #2148131
    • "i found the brake pedal too high.i was involved in a very low speed crash. i found my right foot caught between the accelerator and break peddle .unable to stop in time. am checking for a video and police report at this time"complaint #2169939
  15. #15

    hv battery and range

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "My 2023 Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid has experienced repeated high-voltage battery safety issues and prolonged loss of intended function. In February 2025, Ford notified me under recall 24S79 that I must immediately stop charging the vehicle due to the risk of i…"complaint #2152907
    • "HI, Vehicle is under a second recall for the High Voltage Battery potential fire hazard. The first recall lasted 7 months before a potential fix. The second recall was issued in November with no fix available yet. Received second recall identical to first re…"complaint #2162619
  16. #16

    infotainment head unit

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "The contact owned a 2023 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the infotainment center would display a black screen, and while doing so, the radio would continue to play. The contact stated that while driving at different speeds, the trunk would suddenly open,…"~37,000 mi, complaint #2164330
  17. #17

    sunroof

    1 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "Sunshade retracted all the way and center roof molding holding it was with double stick tape. Rolled all the back and cannot get it to go back."complaint #2098570
    • "Sunroof molding roof drip rail. Ford part #LJ6Z5450036A. This part is held on with double stick tape. When it comes loose, it can interfere with the proper operation of the sunroof sunshade or fall into the passenger compartment. Mine has been replaced sev…"complaint #2119547
  18. #18

    adas adaptive cruise

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "After reviewing my owner’s manual on my newly purchased vehicle, I was shocked at how quickly and unexpectedly I was propelled from 75mph to 105mph because of a new-to-me feature on this model. I was surprised and moreover shocked that a system like this is ma…"complaint #1949548
  19. #19

    adas collision warning

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "The contact owns a 2023 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at various speeds with the Adaptive Cruise Control Mode engaged, the vehicle failed to respond as needed after another vehicle pulled in front of the vehicle. The contact stated that the veh…"~98,000 mi, complaint #2104111
  20. #20

    adas lane keeping

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "At any random time, all sensors fail. Blind spot systems, parking sensors, pre-collision assist, front camera fault, cross traffic system, cruise control, lane assist, auto headlights. Returned to the dealership multiple times, with no resolution. All sensors…"complaint #2018942
  21. #21

    cruise control conventional

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "The contact owns a 2023 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving with the cruise control set to 45 MPH, the vehicle unintendedly accelerated to 65 MPH. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer and was not diagnosed or r…"complaint #1979129
  22. #22

    door latch and hinge

    1 annoyance

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "The contact owns a 2023 Ford Escape. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact attempted to close the front driver’s side door; however, the door failed to close securely. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the r…"~30,000 mi, complaint #2064584
  23. #23

    engine mounts

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "Stopped at a Light and took off thru the intersection and car made a loud bang noise then no power and kept bogging out, pulled into parking lot and stopped then car wouldn’t move. Shut car off then restarted it and put into reverse and car drive forward, put…"complaint #2208893
  24. #24

    ev charging system

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • " Reporting Long term safety defect and manufacturer behavior. There was no single incident. This is an ongoing safety defect related to multiple battery recalls that now limit my vehicle to 80% charging (in the past, no plug in charging), now going on nearly…"complaint #2189087
  25. #25

    evap system

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "engine light came on took it into dealership. they said it was evap system then fixed it. picked car up in a wednesday by the friday, light came on again. took back into dealership, they didn’t detect any leaks.. said they were going to put in a canister purge…"complaint #1933205
  26. #26

    glass and windshield

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "I was driving on a very flat highway (no other cars around me) and it sounded like an explosion and glass rained down the back of the car. When I get to my destination, I looked at my roof and the sun roof glass had exploded. "complaint #2166552
  27. #27

    lighting interior

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "After the vehicle sits idle for about two contiguous days and you open the driver's door, there are not lights on inside or outside. Normally when you open the driver's door, the center dash and console light up as well as the ambient lighting in various areas…"complaint #1931931
  28. #28

    power windows and locks

    1 broken

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "The contact owns a 2023 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the front driver's door window would not completely roll up and close. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who replaced the front driver's side door window motor, and the vehicle was repaired b…"~13,000 mi, complaint #2061286
  29. #29

    seat mechanism

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "my 2023 ford edge caused burns to the back of my legs. i was unaware until my grandma informed me that something was wrong with my legs. i noticed when i got the car 2 months ago level 3 of the seat warmer was way to hot like i felt it burning. so i only used…"complaint #2138592
  30. #30

    seatbelt and pretensioner

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "Campaign 23B56 Description Inspect front door check-arm reinforcement spot welds Next Steps Contact your dealer for next steps. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Recall Action Soon…"complaint #2112076
  31. #31

    software or update

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "The contact owns a 2023 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The contact stated that the RPM was not increasing on the gauge on the instrument cluster. Th…"~15,500 mi, complaint #2079597
  32. #32

    trunk or liftgate

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "The left rear liftgate hinge cover flew off in the car wash during the drying cycle. The same thing has happened to my 2020 Escape and that vehicle is covered under a recall but this 2023 Escape is not. I feel it should be because it has the same issue for t…"complaint #2191452
  33. #33

    unintended acceleration

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "While pulling into a residential parking space at low speed, the vehicle (2023 Ford Escape) suddenly accelerated unexpectedly without additional throttle input. The acceleration was abrupt and forceful, and I was unable to stop the vehicle before it struck the…"complaint #2202620

Search NHTSA's own recall and complaint database for FORD ESCAPE directly.