Ford Escape Fuel System, Gasoline Problems

Source: NHTSA · Updated Oct 15, 2026 · 713 complaints analyzed

Owners have filed 713 complaints with NHTSA about fuel system, gasoline problems on the Ford Escape across 22 model years. The 2020 model year has the most (120). The words owners use most often: “throttle body” (12% of reports).

What owners describe

Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.

  • Throttle body: mentioned in 85 of 713 complaints (12%)
  • Fuel gasoline contacted: mentioned in 82 of 713 complaints (12%)

At what mileage do fuel system, gasoline problems happen?

Based on 448 complaints that reported the odometer reading.

Under 10k miles19 · 4%
10k–25k miles35 · 8%
25k–50k miles96 · 21%
50k–75k miles135 · 30%
75k–100k miles75 · 17%
100k–150k miles69 · 15%
150k+ miles19 · 4%

How serious are the reports?

Of 713 complaints, 3 mention a crash, 13 a fire, 2 an injury.

Ford Escape fuel system, gasoline complaints by model year

Peak: 2020, with 120 complaints
2001: 4720012002: 182003: 420032004: 92005: 3020052006: 182007: 920072008: 222009: 8820092010: 712011: 3320112012: 262013: 4020132014: 162015: 520152016: 92017: 2120172018: 122019: 820192020: 1201202021: 4420212022: 63

n = 713 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Model yearFuel System, Gasoline complaintsShare of that yearMedian miles
2022 Escape6327%48,950
2021 Escape4413%70,000
2020 Escape1207%52,741
2019 Escape81%63,000
2018 Escape121%112,324
2017 Escape211%83,000
2016 Escape91%80,000
2015 Escape50%60,000
2014 Escape161%91,500
2013 Escape401%68,875
2012 Escape264%47,103
2011 Escape333%42,500
2010 Escape713%64,043
2009 Escape885%62,000
2008 Escape221%65,205
2007 Escape94%53,100
2006 Escape184%50,078
2005 Escape302%64,000
2004 Escape92%82,000
2003 Escape41%25,211
2002 Escape182%70,089
2001 Escape475%25,000

When owners reported it

Peak: 2013, with 146 complaints
2000: 520002001: 192002: 820022003: 102004: 620042005: 92006: 620062007: 32008: 720082009: 112010: 2220102011: 112012: 920122013: 1461462014: 5420142015: 62016: 720162017: 82018: 2920182019: 52020: 720202021: 72022: 2020222023: 952024: 3120242025: 862026: 862026

n = 713 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Related recalls (12)

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

Model years: 2020, 2021, 2022

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.

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

Model years: 2020, 2021, 2022

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.

Fuel system, gasoline:fuel injection system:injectorsAug 23, 2024 · NHTSA campaign 24V634000 · 24 vehicles

Model years: 2023, 2024

Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 Lincoln Corsair, 2023-2024 Escape, 2024 Mustang, and 2025 Explorer vehicles. The fuel injectors may have been assembled without O-ring support discs, which can result in a fuel leak.

Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.

Fix: Dealers will install new fuel injector O-rings and O-ring support discs, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 7, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S54.

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

Model years: 2022

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.

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

Model years: 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023

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.

Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump:control/drive moduleAug 10, 2021 · NHTSA campaign 21V625000 · 13,773 vehicles

Model years: 2021

Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, and 2021-2022 Bronco Sport vehicles. The fuel delivery module may leak inside the fuel tank, causing low fuel pressure which could result in an engine stall.

Risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the fuel delivery module, free of charge. Interim notification letters (remedy not available) were mailed on September 30, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on December 14, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S38.

Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pumpOct 26, 2016 · NHTSA campaign 16V777000 · 329,265 vehicles

Model years: 2010, 2011, 2012

Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Ford Escape vehicles manufactured February 26, 2009, to April 29, 2012, and 2010-2011 Mercury Mariner vehicles manufactured February 25, 2009, to December 12, 2010. On vehicles with a 3.0L engine, the Fuel Delivery Module (FDM) may crack, causing a fuel leak.

Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.

Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the FDM flange with one that has a redesigned fuel supply port, free of charge. Remedy parts are currently unavailable. Interim notices were mailed to owners on December 13, 2016. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S41.

Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pumpJan 9, 2015 · NHTSA campaign 15V005000 · 54,543 vehicles

Model years: 2014

Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) notified the agency on January 8, 2015, that they are recalling certain model year 2014 Ford Escape vehicles manufactured April 15, 2014, to May 8, 2014, and 2015 Lincoln MKC vehicles manufactured April 21, 2014, to May 15, 2014. On April 30, 2015, Ford expanded the recall to cover an additional 45,505 vehicles, including certain model year 2014-2015 Ford Transit Connect vehicles manufactured November 11, 2013, to August 29, 2014, 2014-2015 Ford Fiesta vehicles manufactured April 10, 2014, to June 17, 2014 and 2014 Ford Edge vehicles manufactured April 30, 2014, to May 21, 2014. Improper nickel plating of components within the fuel pump may result in the fuel pump failing.

Risk: If the fuel pump fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began on February 27, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 14S30.

Fuel system, gasoline:deliverySep 2, 2014 · NHTSA campaign 14V525000 · 301 vehicles

Model years: 2014

Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2014 Ford Focus vehicles manufactured May 1, 2014, to May 24, 2014, 2014 Ford Escape vehicles manufactured on June 6, 2014, and 2015 Lincoln MKC vehicles manufactured June 4, 2014, to July 7, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the Fuel Delivery Module (FDM) may crack between the filter body and the filter cap, possibly resulting in low fuel pressure.

Risk: A reduction in fuel pressure may result in a vehicle stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the FDM, free of charge. The recall began in September 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 14S20.

Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsNov 25, 2013 · NHTSA campaign 13V584000 · 9,469 vehicles

Model years: 2013

Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013 Escape vehicles manufactured from October 5, 2011, through July 11, 2012, and equipped with a 1.6L engine subject to prior safety recall NHTSA 12V-336. In some cases, the engine compartment fuel line may have been installed incorrectly when repaired under the prior recall. The misinstalled fuel line could chafe and eventually leak fuel.

Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.

Fix: Ford will notify owners and dealers will inspect the engine compartment fuel line, and if necessary, replace it, free of charge. An interim notice will be mailed to owners during January 2014. The recall began on April 9, 2014. Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's recall number is 13S12.

Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsDo not driveJul 18, 2012 · NHTSA campaign 12V336000 · 9,320 vehicles

Model years: 2013

Problem: Ford is recalling certain model year 2013 Escape vehicles manufactured from October 5, 2011, through July 11, 2012, and equipped with a 1.6L engine. These vehicles have an engine compartment fuel line which may split, resulting in a leak.

Risk: If this leak occurs in the presence of an ignition source, there is an increased risk of a fire and/or personal injury.

Fix: Ford will notify and instruct owners to stop driving their vehicles and contact a Ford or Lincoln dealer to arrange pick-up of their vehicle. Customers will be provided with a rental vehicle if needed. The dealer will replace the engine compartment fuel line, free charge. The recall began on August 10, 2012. Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332.

Fuel system, gasoline:deliverySep 18, 2000 · NHTSA campaign 00V277001 · 10,850 vehicles

Model years: 2001

Problem: Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. The o-ring seals in the fuel line connector at the outlet end of the fuel filter were damaged when the line was connected to the filter during vehicle assembly. In some cases, this damage could result in a fuel odor, or possibly in fuel dripping from the connection.

Risk: Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the fuel line. Owner notification began september 27, 2000. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact ford at 1-800-392-3673.

What owners report

Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline), and the vehicle was taken to the dealer, where an engine control software update was performed as an interim repair. The contact stated that while driving at various…

Received Oct 8, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11769893

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle began shuddering and nearly lost power. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part for the recall repair was not yet available. The local…

Received Oct 1, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11768361

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…

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…

Received Sep 28, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11767416

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the contact became aware that there was fire coming from under the hood. The contact turned off the vehicle, opened the hood, and extinguished the fire using coolant stored in the vehicle. The contact stated…

Received Sep 14, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11764119
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.

Frequently asked questions

Do all Ford Escapes have fuel system, gasoline problems?

No. NHTSA has 713 owner complaints about fuel system, gasoline for the Ford Escape. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.

Was there a recall on the Ford Escape fuel system, gasoline?

Yes: 12 safety recalls list fuel system, gasoline. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.

What do owners say about fuel system, gasoline problems on the Ford Escape?

The most frequent phrase is “throttle body”, in 85 of 713 complaints, followed by “fuel gasoline contacted” (82).

Other Ford Escape problems

See all Ford Escape problems.