Ford Escape Tires Problems

Source: NHTSA · Updated Oct 15, 2026 · 175 complaints analyzed

Owners have filed 175 complaints with NHTSA about tires problems on the Ford Escape across 21 model years. The 2001 model year has the most (37). The words owners use most often: “tire pressure” (13% of reports).

What owners describe

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

  • Tire pressure: mentioned in 22 of 175 complaints (13%)
  • P235 70R16: mentioned in 12 of 175 complaints (7%)
  • Continental tires: mentioned in 12 of 175 complaints (7%)
  • Tread separated: mentioned in 9 of 175 complaints (5%)

At what mileage do tires problems happen?

Based on 99 complaints that reported the odometer reading.

Under 10k miles15 · 15%
10k–25k miles30 · 30%
25k–50k miles31 · 31%
50k–75k miles11 · 11%
75k–100k miles5 · 5%
100k–150k miles6 · 6%
150k+ miles1 · 1%

How serious are the reports?

Of 175 complaints, 8 mention a crash, 1 a fire, 3 an injury.

Ford Escape tires complaints by model year

Peak: 2001, with 37 complaints
2001: 372001372002: 122003: 1720032004: 32005: 720052006: 42007: 820072008: 252009: 120092010: 22011: 320112012: 12013: 820132014: 122015: 520152016: 22017: 620172018: 22019: 1120192020: 72022: 22022

n = 175 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Model yearTires complaintsShare of that yearMedian miles
2022 Escape21%5,600
2020 Escape70%65,188
2019 Escape112%37,300
2018 Escape20%10,800
2017 Escape60%18,000
2016 Escape20%33,000
2015 Escape50%6,306
2014 Escape121%20,000
2013 Escape80%28,856
2012 Escape10%—
2011 Escape30%59,730
2010 Escape20%21,561
2009 Escape10%23,680
2008 Escape251%29,598
2007 Escape83%45,000
2006 Escape41%22,000
2005 Escape71%26,230
2004 Escape31%25,000
2003 Escape173%22,000
2002 Escape121%39,472
2001 Escape374%20,000

When owners reported it

Peak: 2002, with 14 complaints
2000: 220002001: 112002: 142002142003: 14142004: 920042005: 102006: 220062007: 62008: 142008142009: 112010: 820102011: 42012: 220122014: 92015: 620152016: 62017: 220172018: 42019: 120192020: 22021: 220212022: 92023: 520232024: 92025: 1020252026: 3

n = 175 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Related recalls (2)

TiresMar 10, 2021 · NHTSA campaign 21V155000 · 15,769 vehicles

Model years: 2019

Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 F-150, 2018-2020 F-250, F-350, and 2019 Escape vehicles equipped with Continental tires. On the affected vehicles, it is possible that one or more tires were cured for too long during tire production.

Risk: Over cured tires may develop a break in the sidewall, resulting in sudden air loss or belt edge separation which could lead to tread/belt loss. Either condition can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the tires, and replace them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on March 27, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S10.

Electrical system:body control module/bcm; tires:pressure monitoring and regulating systemsOct 15, 2020 · NHTSA campaign 20V635000 · 689 vehicles

Model years: 2020

Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Escape vehicles equipped with a key-start ignition system. 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. In the event of a low tire pressure condition, the TPMS system may not provide an adequate warning.

Risk: Low tire pressure may lead to poor vehicle handling and a possible loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of crash.

Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the BCM, free of charge. Owners are advised that two key fobs are required for the repair to be completed. The recall began December 1, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S59.

What owners report

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

I purchased four brand new tires Douglas touring AS 102 H all season tires on September 12, 2024 with my mileage at 48,906 miles. On July 14th 2026 I went to Portsmouth Ford used car for a recall the inspected my tires and said I had 7/32 of tread life left. Today on September 17, 2026 I was told…

Received Sep 17, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11765108

Tire size 235/45R-19 95H Vehicle began to shake and vibrate. Upon inspection both the inner and outer tread had separated from the tire. Ford dealership recommended immediate replacement of tires.

Received Jun 18, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11745008

Tire size 235/45R-19 95H Vehicle began shaking and vibrating at highway speed. Upon inspection both front tires had the outer and inner edge tread separating from the tire. Ford dealership advised all tires be replaced.

Received Jun 18, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11745000

The contact owns a 2020 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 contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle hesitated to start. The…

Received Dec 16, 2025 · NHTSA complaint 11705262

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the local dealer for an unstated recall repair. Upon retrieval of the vehicle, the pre-collision, driver assist, and cross traffic systems were inoperable. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer, where the…

Received Oct 17, 2025 · NHTSA complaint 11694010
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 tires problems?

No. NHTSA has 175 owner complaints about tires 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 tires?

Yes: 2 safety recalls list tires. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.

What do owners say about tires problems on the Ford Escape?

The most frequent phrase is “tire pressure”, in 22 of 175 complaints, followed by “p235 70r16” (12).

Other Ford Escape problems

See all Ford Escape problems.