The Lemon Index2020 Ford Escape.
The 2020 Ford Escape is one of the worst years by owner complaints: 876 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 495, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about body structure, it has 24 recalls, and it gets 26 to 41 mpg combined. The best Ford Escape year is 2019.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 1,899 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Ford Escape year. 2020 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 21K to 65K miles on the car (455 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- body structure complaints mostly came at 30K–60K miles
- transmission & drivetrain complaints mostly came at 19K–69K miles
- electrical complaints mostly came at 2K–65K miles
Recalls 24
- back over prevention 2026
The image on the center display may flip or invert, resulting in an incorrectly displayed rearview image when the vehicle is placed in reverse.
- visibility 2026
The windshield wiper motor may fail and prevent the windshield wipers from operating properly.
- transmission & drivetrain 2025
The Hybrid Powertrain Control Module (HPCM) software may cause the vehicle to shift into neutral unexpectedly, causing a loss of drive power.
Show all 24 recalls
- body structure 2025
The liftgate hinge covers may not be properly secured and detach from the vehicle.
- brakes 2025
The rear brake pads may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can reduce brake function in the event of a brake booster malfunction.
- equipment 2025
The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
- fuel system, gasoline 2025
A fuel injector may crack and leak fuel inside the engine compartment.
- back over prevention 2025
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.
- engine 2025
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 comp…
- fuel system, gasoline 2025
A fuel injector may crack and leak fuel inside the engine compartment.
- electrical 2024
A manufacturing defect in one or more of the high voltage battery cells may result in an internal short circuit and battery failure.
- equipment 2024
The air bag warning label may be missing from the dashboard.
- transmission & drivetrain 2024
The Hybrid Powertrain Control Module (HPCM) software may cause the vehicle to shift into neutral unexpectedly, causing a loss of drive power.
- engine 2023
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 comp…
- fuel system, gasoline 2022
A fuel injector may crack and leak fuel inside the engine compartment.
- engine 2022
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 comp…
- electrical 2022
Insufficient welds inside the high voltage battery may fail, resulting in a loss of drive power.
- engine 2022
The engine oil separator housing may crack and develop an oil leak.
- transmission & drivetrain 2021
An inadequate amount of lubricant in the rear drive unit may cause seizure of the rear drive axle.
- electrical 2020
The Body Control Module (BCM) intermittently may not pick up the signal from the rear Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) sensors or the Remote Key Fob.
- back over prevention 2020
Due to a poor electrical connection, the rearview camera may intermittently display a blank or distorted image.
- transmission & drivetrain 2020
The start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing or loose bolts.
- airbags 2020
The affected vehicles may have an improperly crimped diffuser in the side curtain air bags which may result in the diffuser detaching from the inflator in the event of an air bag deployment.
- seats 2019
Also included are certain 2020 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with rear outboard seats and manual seat back recliner mechanisms.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Ford told dealers about
Ford sent dealers 289 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- A loss of electrical connection, which may result in loss of engine power
- Some 2019-2020 Edge/Nautilus/Transit Connect and 2020 Escape/Corsair vehicles equipped with a…
- Trace amount
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- OpenRearview camera fmvss 111 noncompliance2021
- ClosedFailed door check arm attachment point2023–2024
- ClosedPedestrian alert sounds2023
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ford Escape SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Ford Escape SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Ford Escape HEV SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Ford Escape HEV SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $1550–2450 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 1.5L 3-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
1 Engine Fire Safety Recall Dealer not able to fix the problem. 2 Driver's side door hinge broken window will not go down. Dealer told me this is not a manufacture problem.
2020 Ford Escape owner · NHTSA complaint 11533959
More owner reports
The weld that holds a mechanism for the door has broken loose. Making cracking sounds and hindering the door to close properly. Also the windows will not go down.
NHTSA complaint 11543418
Left (driver's) door check arm attachment broke - door will not open/close. Only 17,000 miles on 2020 Ford Escape. This is a known issue; why are there no recalls?
NHTSA complaint 11540456
Quick answers
Is the 2020 Ford Escape reliable?
No, it is one of the worst by government complaints. It drew 5× the average car's complaints filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 495; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Ford Escape year by this measure since 2010 is 2025.
What are the most common 2020 Ford Escape problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are body structure (53%), electrical (9%) and transmission & drivetrain (8%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2020 Ford Escape have?
24 safety recalls (latest: back over prevention). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2020 Ford Escape get?
26 to 41 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2020 Ford Escape safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2020 Ford Escape problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 21,000 and 65,000 miles. The middle report was at 42,000 miles, from 455 complaints.
Does the 2020 Ford Escape have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 8% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2020 Ford Escape cost in fuel a year?
About $1550 to $2450 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2020 Ford Escape have?
1.5L 3-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl.
What Ford Escape year is better than the 2020?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2019, 2015 and 2018.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works