2023 FORD ESCAPE — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data
5/5
Safety Rating
116
Owner Complaints
11
Recalls
76
Service Bulletins
0
Investigations
Overview of the 2023 FORD ESCAPE
The 2023 FORD ESCAPE has received a total of 116 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It earned an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program crash tests. There have been 17 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE, ENGINE. 76 technical service bulletins have been issued by Ford Motor Company for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Electrical System (27 complaints), Engine (20 complaints), and Power Train (16 complaints).
Recalls for the 2023 FORD ESCAPE
NHTSA has recorded 17 recalls for the 2023 FORD ESCAPE, potentially affecting up to 3,037,641 vehicles.
Recall 25V315000 — BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE
| 1,076,138 vehicles affected
Defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Bronco, F-150, 2021-2024 Edge, 2022-2025 Escape, F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, F-600, 2022-2024 Expedition, 2022-2025 Transit, 2021-2023 Mach-E, 2024 Ranger, Mustang, 2021-2023 Lincoln Nautilus, 2022-2024 Navigator, and 2023-2024 Corsair vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera image to delay, freeze, or not display when the vehicle is in reverse.
Consequence: A frozen or missing rearview camera image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: The accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air update, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model...
View full details →Recall 25V315000 — BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE
| 1,076,138 vehicles affected
Defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Bronco, F-150, 2021-2024 Edge, 2022-2025 Escape, F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, F-600, 2022-2024 Expedition, 2022-2025 Transit, 2021-2023 Mach-E, 2024 Ranger, Mustang, 2021-2023 Lincoln Nautilus, 2022-2024 Navigator, and 2023-2024 Corsair vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera image to delay, freeze, or not display when the vehicle is in reverse.
Consequence: A frozen or missing rearview camera image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: The accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air update, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model...
View full details →Recall 25V372000 — ENGINE
| 404 vehicles affected
Defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Escape, and 2025 Bronco Sport vehicles. The cylinder head may have been improperly manufactured, which can cause the ball plugs to fail, resulting in an oil leak.
Consequence: An oil leak can result in loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, an oil leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the cylinder head assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 8, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S61.
View full details →Recall 25V345000 — ENGINE
| 1,809 vehicles affected
Defect: 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,...
Consequence: An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
Remedy: 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....
View full details →Recall 24V954000 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY:MANAGEMENT SYSTEM/ENERGY CONTROL MODULE (BMS/BECM)
| 20,484 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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...
View full details →Recall 24V954000 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY:MANAGEMENT SYSTEM/ENERGY CONTROL MODULE (BMS/BECM)
| 20,484 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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...
View full details →Recall 24V852000 — EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
| 27,678 vehicles affected
Defect: 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."
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
View full details →Recall 24V852000 — EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
| 27,678 vehicles affected
Defect: 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."
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
View full details →Recall 24V852000 — EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
| 27,678 vehicles affected
Defect: 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."
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
View full details →Recall 24V852000 — EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
| 27,678 vehicles affected
Defect: 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."
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
View full details →Recall 24V634000 — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:INJECTORS
| 24 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: 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.
View full details →Recall 24V440000 — FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
| 209 vehicles affected
Defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Escape two-wheel drive vehicles equipped with adaptive cruise control. The cruise control radar module was misaligned during production.
Consequence: Misalignment of the radar module can result in the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) misclassifying an overhead object as an object in the vehicle's path, causing the vehicle to unexpectedly slow and/or stop. Other safety systems that depend on the radar model (Pre-Collision Assist, Forward Collision Warning, and Auto Emergency Braking) could have diminished or lost function. These conditions increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will adjust the angle of the radar module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 3, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S39.
View full details →Recall 23V380000 — ENGINE
| 125,322 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
Remedy: 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...
View full details →Recall 23V506000 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
| 38,695 vehicles affected
Defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 Escape, Super Duty F-250, Super Duty F-350, Super Duty F-450, and Super Duty F-550 vehicles equipped with a digital instrument panel cluster. The module may have been improperly soldered, preventing the instrument panel from illuminating. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number...
Consequence: An inoperable instrument panel cannot show critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, which may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the module or instrument panel as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on November 4, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23C25.
View full details →Recall 23V506000 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
| 38,695 vehicles affected
Defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 Escape, Super Duty F-250, Super Duty F-350, Super Duty F-450, and Super Duty F-550 vehicles equipped with a digital instrument panel cluster. The module may have been improperly soldered, preventing the instrument panel from illuminating. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number...
Consequence: An inoperable instrument panel cannot show critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, which may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the module or instrument panel as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on November 4, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23C25.
View full details →Recall 22V859000 — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
| 521,746 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: 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...
View full details →Recall 25V343000 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
| 6,781 vehicles affected
Defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Lincoln Nautilus, 2023-2025 Escape, 2023 Lincoln Corsair, 2025 Lincoln Corsair, Maverick, and Bronco Sport vehicles equipped with a 1.5L or 2.0L MPC engine and an engine block heater. The engine block heater may overheat when the vehicle is parked with the block heater plugged in.
Consequence: An overheated engine block heater can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the block heater element and inspect the electrical cord, replacing it if necessary, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded blanking plug coupled, and remove...
View full details →Owner Complaints for the 2023 FORD ESCAPE
116 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2023 FORD ESCAPE. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.
Most Recent Complaints
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.
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.
I drive a 2023 Ford escape active, 8F35 transmission, with 111,114 miles on it. I purchased my car in July 2025 from truauto of Ladson SC with 93,000 miles on it. Had a transmission complete failure in December 2025 (5 months after buying). Ford dealership in Valdosta Georgia (where I lived) was no help in trying to get it fixed and it sat on there lot for a months or so, because it was undriveable. I got it towed back to SC to get it fixed by a local transmission shop and it is being halted due to a current planetary lawsuit with these cars for parts. I have now been without a car for 2-3 months and have forked over $6,000+ to get this car fixed. I was not told about any known transmission issues when I bought this car (verbally or written) from Truauto, nor was I contacted about any recall from Ford and I was denied a Remanufactured transmission at the dealership that I went to to get the car fixed. I am out of warranty but that still doesn’t explain a transmission failure in a close to brand new car regardless of miles. I have already paid the $5400 or so for the repair at the local shop and it has yet to be fixed due to lack of availability of parts.
I drive a 2023 Ford escape active, 8F35 transmission, with 111,114 miles on it. I purchased my car in July 2025 from truauto of Ladson SC with 93,000 miles on it. Had a transmission complete failure in December 2025 (5 months after buying). Ford dealership in Valdosta Georgia (where I lived) was no help in trying to get it fixed and it sat on there lot for a months or so, because it was undriveable. I got it towed back to SC to get it fixed by a local transmission shop and it is being halted due to a current planetary lawsuit with these cars for parts. I have now been without a car for 2-3 months and have forked over $6,000+ to get this car fixed. I was not told about any known transmission issues when I bought this car (verbally or written) from Truauto, nor was I contacted about any recall from Ford and I was denied a Remanufactured transmission at the dealership that I went to to get the car fixed. I am out of warranty but that still doesn’t explain a transmission failure in a close to brand new car regardless of miles. I have already paid the $5400 or so for the repair at the local shop and it has yet to be fixed due to lack of availability of parts.
I drive a 2023 Ford escape active, 8F35 transmission, with 111,114 miles on it. I purchased my car in July 2025 from truauto of Ladson SC with 93,000 miles on it. Had a transmission complete failure in December 2025 (5 months after buying). Ford dealership in Valdosta Georgia (where I lived) was no help in trying to get it fixed and it sat on there lot for a months or so, because it was undriveable. I got it towed back to SC to get it fixed by a local transmission shop and it is being halted due to a current planetary lawsuit with these cars for parts. I have now been without a car for 2-3 months and have forked over $6,000+ to get this car fixed. I was not told about any known transmission issues when I bought this car (verbally or written) from Truauto, nor was I contacted about any recall from Ford and I was denied a Remanufactured transmission at the dealership that I went to to get the car fixed. I am out of warranty but that still doesn’t explain a transmission failure in a close to brand new car regardless of miles. I have already paid the $5400 or so for the repair at the local shop and it has yet to be fixed due to lack of availability of parts.
Safety Rating for the 2023 FORD ESCAPE
The 2023 FORD ESCAPE received an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).
| Test Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall Rating | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Frontal Crash | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Side Crash | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Rollover | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Safety ratings are based on controlled crash tests conducted by NHTSA. A 5-star rating indicates the highest level of occupant protection.
Technical Service Bulletins for the 2023 FORD ESCAPE
Ford Motor Company has issued 76 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2023 FORD ESCAPE. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.
TSB 26-2012 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
This article supersedes TSB 25-2384 to update Service Procedure enhancements and labor allowances by operation in place of AP (Actual Programming) Time. Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit various electrical symptoms, and/or a no crank/no start condition related to a 12V battery drain condition....
TSB 25-2381 — POWER TRAIN
This article supersedes TSB 24-2412 to update the Service Procedure and the Part List. Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit at least one of the following: Illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) Diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P0767, P0766 and/or P2703 stored in the...
SSM 54312 — FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Some 2020-2026 Escape and 2021-2026 Corsair PHEV vehicles may require inspection of the high voltage battery due to rust, scratches, curb strikes, road debris, or other minor damage. Section 414-03A of the Workshop Manual (WSM) has recently been updated to improve diagnostics for such damage and provides a list of...
SSM 54089 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Some 2023-2024 Escape vehicles built on 01-Jan-2023 and through 07-Jun-2024 equipped with an 8-inch center display screen may experience a rear view camera image in the vehicle's center display screen that is missing the active guidelines overlay and zoom button icon, while in reverse. This may be due to the...
SSM 54068 — ENGINE
Some 2023-2025 Escape vehicles built on or before 16-Sep-2024 equipped with 1.5L EcoBoost engine may exhibit an "Engine Coolant Over-Temperature" warning message displayed in the IPC and an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P1285 and/or P1299 stored in the powertrain control module (PCM) during hard...
ABS-24.80.6 Escape — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Software Update: Quality improvements include: -Addresses a false "Service the park brake" message -Quicker brake release when shifting to reverse -Customers will receive alerts if the park brake gets stuck in the release maneuver, or if a shift to neutral occurs with driver off brakes
PCM-25.12.3 Escape — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Software Update: Quality improvements include: -Addresses a potential Malfunction Indicator Lamp caused by two Diagnostic Trouble Codes triggered by a random engine misfire in the first thousand revolutions of vehicle start
PCM-25.12.3 Escape — ENGINE
Software Update: Quality improvements include: -Addresses a potential Malfunction Indicator Lamp caused by two Diagnostic Trouble Codes triggered by a random engine misfire in the first thousand revolutions of vehicle start
SSM 53971 — ENGINE
Some 2023-2025 Escape vehicles equipped with a 1.5L/2.0L EcoBoost engine, 2023-2025 Corsair vehicles equipped with a 2.0L EcoBoost engine, 2024-2025 Nautilus vehicles equipped with a 2.0L EcoBoost engine, 2024-2025 Mustang vehicles with a 2.3L EcoBoost engine, and 2025 Bronco/Explorer/Ranger vehicles equipped with a 2.3L EcoBoost engine may exhibit an engine...
TSB 25-2248 — SERVICE BRAKES
* This article supersedes TSB 23-2428 to update the service procedure and update labor times from actual time to actual time with a limit. Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit one of the following conditions: * Multiple illuminated warning indicators displayed in the instrumental...
Showing 10 of 76 technical service bulletins.
NHTSA Investigations for the 2023 FORD ESCAPE
There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.
Other Model Years of the FORD ESCAPE
- 2018 FORD ESCAPE — 1,910 complaints
- 2019 FORD ESCAPE — 624 complaints
- 2020 FORD ESCAPE — 1,870 complaints
- 2021 FORD ESCAPE — 330 complaints
- 2022 FORD ESCAPE — 239 complaints
- 2023 FORD ESCAPE (current)
- 2024 FORD ESCAPE — 125 complaints
- 2025 FORD ESCAPE — 16 complaints
- 2026 FORD ESCAPE — 0 complaints
Other FORD Models
- FORD F-150 — 45,660 total complaints
- FORD EXPLORER — 42,140 total complaints
- FORD FOCUS — 29,539 total complaints
- FORD FUSION — 28,243 total complaints
- FORD TAURUS — 23,867 total complaints
- FORD WINDSTAR — 19,456 total complaints
- FORD EDGE — 17,247 total complaints
- FORD MUSTANG — 11,551 total complaints