2022 Ford Escape Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Oct 13, 2026 · 235 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other Escape years
Far fewer complaints than other years 22nd of 27 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
5 out of 5 stars

Owners have filed 235 complaints with NHTSA about the 2022 Ford Escape. That ranks 22nd out of 27 Escape model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is fuel system, gasoline (63 complaints, 27%), typically at around 48,950 miles. Complaints mention 7 crashes, 4 fires, 9 injuries. There are 19 safety recalls covering this model year. NHTSA has opened 2 defect investigations involving it.

Ford Escape
2024 Ford Escape ST-Line Elite photographed in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada.. Representative photo; appearance varies by model year. Photo: Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.

Compare with another car

Most common 2022 Ford Escape problems

Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.

Fuel System, Gasoline63 · ~48,950 mi
Engine33 · ~39,200 mi
Service Brakes33 · ~15,000 mi
Power Train31 · ~21,500 mi
Fuel/propulsion System24
Unknown or Other24
Structure20 · ~10,000 mi
Electrical System19 · ~58,595 mi
Back Over Prevention9 · ~32,000 mi
Vehicle Speed Control9 · ~20,252 mi
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Fuel System, Gasoline problems6327%48,950“fuel gasoline contacted” (38%)—
Engine3314%39,200——
Service Brakes3314%15,000——
Power Train3113%21,500——
Fuel/propulsion System2410%———
Unknown or Other2410%———
Structure209%10,000——
Electrical System198%58,595——
Back Over Prevention94%32,000——
Vehicle Speed Control94%20,252——
Engine and Engine Cooling63%49,100——
Forward Collision Avoidance63%109,000——
Steering63%———
Exterior Lighting52%1,500——
Seat Belts52%34,000——
Suspension52%48,500——
Air Bags42%34,000——
Seats42%———
Lane Departure21%———
Tires21%5,600——
Visibility21%35,000——
Visibility/wiper21%———
Latches/locks/linkages10%5,000——
Service Brakes, Hydraulic10%———
Wheels10%———

One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2026, with 73 complaints
2022: 142022142023: 422023422024: 432024432025: 632025632026: 73202673

n = 235 complaints · Source: NHTSA

2022 Ford Escape recalls (19)

Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.

Visibility:windshield wiper/washer:motorMar 3, 2026 · NHTSA campaign 26V117000 · 604,533 vehicles

Problem: 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. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed April 2, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in October 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S14. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 4, 2026.

Back over prevention:softwareMar 3, 2026 · NHTSA campaign 26V123000 · 889,950 vehicles

Problem: 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. Owner notification letters were mailed June 23, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C11. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 5, 2026.

Structure:body:hatchback/liftgate:hinge and attachmentsDec 1, 2025 · NHTSA campaign 25V829000 · 108,762 vehicles

Problem: 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. Owner notification letters were mailed June 3, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SD6. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on December 3, 2025.

Equipment:electrical:engine block heaterOct 10, 2025 · NHTSA campaign 25V685000 · 59,006 vehicles

Problem: 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. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded blanking plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed December 3, 2025. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated September 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA4. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 15, 2025.

Fuel system, gasoline:fuel injection systemJul 11, 2025 · NHTSA campaign 25V467000 · 694,271 vehicles

Problem: 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. In addition, dealers will replace the high-pressure fuel rail assembly and fuel injectors, free of charge. As an interim repair, dealers will update the engine control software, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed August 29, 2025. Second letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in July 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S76. This recall expands and replaces previous recall numbers 22V-859, 24V187, and 25V165. Vehicles previously remedied under 22V-859, 24V187, and 25V165 will need to have the new final remedy performed once it is available.

Back over prevention:softwareJun 27, 2025 · NHTSA campaign 25V442000 · 200,237 vehicles

Problem: 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. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S72.

EngineMay 23, 2025 · NHTSA campaign 25V345000 · 1,809 vehicles

Problem: 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. 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.

Fuel system, gasoline:fuel injection systemMar 14, 2025 · NHTSA campaign 25V165000 · 33,576 vehicles

Problem: 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. Owner notification letters were mailed April 22, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S21.

Power train:automatic transmission:control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)Feb 28, 2025 · NHTSA campaign 25V133000 · 207 vehicles

Problem: 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. Owner notification letters were mailed April 11, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S16.

Electrical system:propulsion system:traction battery:management system/energy control module (bms/becm)Dec 20, 2024 · NHTSA campaign 24V954000 · 20,484 vehicles

Problem: 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. Dealers will perform a battery energy control module (BECM) software update, and replace the high voltage battery pack, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 30, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S79.

Equipment:other:labelsNov 8, 2024 · NHTSA campaign 24V852000 · 27,678 vehicles

Problem: 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. Owner notification letters were mailed December 19, 2024. Owners may call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24C39.

Power train:automatic transmission:control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)May 10, 2024 · NHTSA campaign 24V330000 · 9,312 vehicles

Problem: 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. Owner notification letters were mailed May 22, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S33.

Fuel system, gasoline:fuel injection systemMar 8, 2024 · NHTSA campaign 24V187000 · 42,652 vehicles

Problem: 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. Owner notification letters were mailed on April 24, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S16. This recall is an expansion of previous recall number 22V-859.

EngineMay 26, 2023 · NHTSA campaign 23V380000 · 125,322 vehicles

Problem: 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. 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.

Fuel system, gasoline:fuel injection systemNov 18, 2022 · NHTSA campaign 22V859000 · 521,746 vehicles

Problem: 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. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed January 9, 2023. Remedy parts are expected to be available in 1st Quarter of 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed February 28, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S73. This recall includes all vehicles previously recalled under 22V-191. Vehicles previously remedied under 22V-191 will need to have the new remedy performed.

Structure:body:bumpers:active shutters/grill; structure:frame and members:underbody shields; engine and engine coolingJul 7, 2022 · NHTSA campaign 22V484000 · 100,689 vehicles

Problem: 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. Dealers will modify the under engine shield and active grille shutter, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 19, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S47.

Engine and engine cooling:engine:oil/lubricationMar 25, 2022 · NHTSA campaign 22V191000 · 345,451 vehicles

Problem: 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. Owner notification letters were mailed April 18, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S21.

Hybrid propulsion system; electrical system:propulsion system:traction batteryMar 11, 2022 · NHTSA campaign 22V149000 · 3 vehicles

Problem: 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. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S48.

Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:disc:caliperNov 23, 2021 · NHTSA campaign 21V922000 · 114,666 vehicles

Problem: 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. Owner notification letters were mailed August 17, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21C31.

To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.

NHTSA defect investigations

  • Underhood fires caused by fuel leak (RQ24008) — opened Apr 11, 2024, closed Oct 30, 2025, led to recall 25V467.
  • Failed Door Check Arm Attachment Point (PE23013) — opened Jul 7, 2023, closed Jan 24, 2024.

Recent owner reports

Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.

This recall has not been resolved by Ford in a timely manner while newer recalls have been announced and remedies were made available.

Engine · received Oct 13, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11770736

When attempting to turn, the steering wheel locked up, loosened, locked up, loosened, locked up, loosened

Steering · received Oct 1, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11768363

The contact owns a 2022 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V467000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated…

Fuel System, Gasoline · received Sep 30, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11768104

The contact owns a 2022 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the vehicle had failed to…

Fuel System, Gasoline · received Sep 28, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11767416

car has act6ive recall from July 16th 2025 with no remedy related to the fuel injection system, car is currently experiencing fuel related mechanical failures , ford does not have a fix for these issues that can cause the car to catch fire while driving

Fuel/propulsion System · received Sep 15, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11764301

Other Ford Escape years

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See all Ford Escape problems by year, every Ford model, or the Ford VIN decoder.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2022 Ford Escape?

Owners most often report fuel system, gasoline, engine, service brakes problems. The top one, fuel system, gasoline, accounts for 63 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 2022 Ford Escape?

Yes, 19 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 2022 Ford Escape a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other Escape model years, the 2022 has far fewer complaints than most years, and NHTSA rates it 5 out of 5 stars overall in crash tests. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.