Check a vehicle VIN check Latest recalls Latest complaints Common problems Rankings Compare vehicles Recall roundups All makes Guides Share your experience
Theme

Electrical system

Ford Escape Electrical problems by year

2,518 complaints filed with NHTSA about the Ford Escape's electrical system. Dead batteries, warning lights, wiring, alternators, infotainment and electronic module failures.

Electrical complaints by model year

YearElectrical complaintsCrashesInjuriesRecalls
20250003
202428012
202341012
202220000
202134210
2020159001
201937430
201857320
2017155240
201695110
2015137232
2014216442
2013340372
201242100
2011117220
2010219230
2009143280
2008200440
200750200
200679120
200431000
200352310
2002125000
2001140320
20001000

Electrical recalls

Latest Escape electrical complaints

2015 Ford EscapeElectrical system

I have a 2015 Ford Escape, and the rear view camera has been recalled. My rear camera that is inoperable has caused me almost several accidents. I feel very unsafe and the remedy to fix it has not been authorized yet. The safety of myself and others is largely put at risk. I am still waiting for parts to arrive at the Ford dealership so this recall can be taken care of. Until then, I do have an attorney on standby in case an accident does occur due to the failure of the rear view camera on the vehicle not working. Please be advised!

Filed Incident Electrical system · Unknown or otherNHTSA 11775375
2022 Ford EscapeElectrical systemEngine & cooling

In early [redacted], my 2022 Ford Escape SE (1.5L EcoBoost) experienced repeated engine stalls while my wife was driving with our children inside. The vehicle had only 33,028 miles. Whenever the A/C was engaged, the engine stalled and could not restart normally until the A/C was turned off. With the A/C off, the vehicle could restart and drive. Turning the A/C back on caused the engine to stall again. A strong burning/electrical smell accompanied the malfunction and persisted even with the A/C off. The failure...

Read the full complaint

occurred suddenly, without prior symptoms. Whether dashboard warning lights appeared is UNKNOWN. Losing engine power while driving created a serious collision risk for my family and other motorists. I drove the vehicle to [[redacted]] of [[redacted]], and reported the problem. The dealership documented the engine stalling while driving and burning smell under Repair Order #[redacted], dated [redacted]. [[redacted]] diagnosed a catastrophic internal A/C compressor failure with metal contamination throughout the A/C system, requiring extensive repairs. However, identifying the failed compressor does not explain why it failed or its precise relationship to the engine stalling. Despite repeated requests since [redacted], Ford has not provided a technical explanation of the root cause or whether a manufacturing or supplier defect was considered. Ford Customer Relations closed my case with these questions unanswered. Whether the dealership reproduced the stalling during testing or Ford conducted a separate physical inspection is UNKNOWN. The vehicle remains at Germain Ford awaiting repair authorization. To my knowledge, the failed components remain installed and available for inspection. I have requested their preservation. I request NHTSA investigate this potential safety defect to determine whether other Ford Escape owners may be at risk. I am concerned this failure could occur without warning in other vehicles, putting additional families at risk. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Incident Electrical system · Unknown or other · EngineNHTSA 11774820
2015 Ford EscapeElectrical system

The rear-view camera could display a blank or distorted image on the center display screen when the vehicle is in reverse. We also receive a message that the rear-view camera is unavailable on the center display screen.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Unknown or otherNHTSA 11774363
2024 Ford EscapeElectrical systemDriver assistance

My vehicle was traveling okay back in the beginning of June 2026. While driving down the road with my children in the car the vehicle started throwing several codes out of no where. The codes were pre-collision assist not available, Service Advance Trac, Park Break fault service now. I took it to O'reileys after calling the Ford Dealership that (at the time) was local and that was their recommendation. I had the car scanned and it recorded a first cylinder misfire. We had to disconnect the battery and jump the car...

Read the full complaint

to get it to start. I brought the car to the Ford Dealership I baught the car from on June 12th where they kept the car for a week returning it on the 18th and stated they reprogrammed the gateway module. A week and a day later I had the same issue arise but with MORE codes, not starting without jumping, stalling while driving. the dealership had my car from 07/06/2026 - 07/27/2026 and replaced and reporgrammed the new gateway module. I made it 45 minutes from the dealership when the car started throwing even more codes including powertrain codes, parking brake codes. Endangering the lives of me and my children. The dealership came and got the car 7/29 via private tow and checked it in 7/30. They kept my car until 10/22 due to numerous codes, safety concerns. Stated they replaced the wiring harness, all modules, tested the wires one by one, applied a pigtail from the wiring harness to the PCM. Yesterday 10/27, five day after ford had my car for 85 days and we are throwing all the codes YET AGAIN for a 4th time but now umongst the stalling and the codes and the braking concerns we are also now having power steering concerns. This has now endagered the lives of me my husband and my children under numerous occasions. Ford has had my car a total of 112 days in the last 5 months 85 of them concecutively. We have even contacted Ford Motor Company and BBB Auto Line and were told there is nothing anyone can do due to it being out of premesis or over mileage.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Lane departure · Forward collision avoidanceNHTSA 11774328
2010 Ford EscapeSteeringElectrical systemFuel system

**NHTSA Vehicle Safety Complaint** Vehicle: 2010 Ford Escape AWD VIN: [[redacted]] I am submitting this complaint because my vehicle has experienced serious safety problems involving both the steering system and the fuel system. The steering wheel has become extremely difficult to turn, making it unsafe to drive. In addition, the fuel system is leaking fuel, creating a potential fire hazard. My understanding is that this vehicle previously received recall repairs related to these systems. Despite those...

Read the full complaint

repairs, the same dangerous conditions have returned. The vehicle has been undrivable for approximately two weeks because I believe it is unsafe to operate. I am requesting that NHTSA review whether the recall remedy was effective and whether these failures indicate that additional action is necessary to protect owners of affected vehicles. Because these defects involve steering control and a potential vehicle fire, I believe they present an unreasonable safety risk. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Incident Steering · Electrical system · Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11774137
2020 Ford EscapeElectrical systemFuel system

I am the owner of a U.S.-specification 2020 Ford Escape currently stationed in the Netherlands under military orders. I attempted to complete all open safety recalls through an authorized Ford dealership in the Netherlands. The dealership reviewed the vehicle and performed the actions available to them, but the recalls remain open. Open recalls include Ford Recall 25S76 / NHTSA Recall 25V467 involving the fuel injector system and Ford Recall 26C11 / NHTSA Recall 26V123 involving the SYNC and rearview camera...

Read the full complaint

display system. The dealership advised that not all recall actions could be fully completed overseas due to limitations associated with servicing a U.S.-market vehicle and/or remedy availability. The vehicle was inspected and serviced by an authorized Ford dealer in the Netherlands. I am submitting this report to document that I made a good-faith effort to obtain recall repairs before returning the vehicle to the United States, where I intend to complete any remaining recall actions.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11772868
2020 Ford EscapeElectrical systemDriver assistance

2020 Ford Escape - AWD and Multiple Safety System Failures I own a 2020 Ford Escape with approximately 99,000 miles. Every time I drive my vehicle, the dashboard displays the following warnings: * All-Wheel Drive Off * Pre-Collision Assist Not Available * Service AdvanceTrac * All-Wheel Drive Fault - Service Required * Hill Start Assist Not Available * See Manual I contacted an authorized Ford dealership regarding Customer Satisfaction Program 21B19, which addressed an AWD control module issue in certain 2020...

Read the full complaint

Ford Escapes. The dealership checked my VIN and informed me that my vehicle was not included in the program. The dealership did not inspect or diagnose my vehicle. I subsequently contacted Ford Motor Company directly and requested goodwill repair assistance. Ford informed me that it would not provide goodwill assistance. I am concerned that my vehicle may be experiencing a defect similar to the one addressed by Program 21B19. Multiple driver-assistance and stability-control systems appear to be affected. I am requesting that NHTSA review this safety concern and investigate whether additional 2020 Ford Escape vehicles may be affected by a related defect. The underlying cause has not yet been diagnosed.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Unknown or other · Forward collision avoidanceNHTSA 11772352
2018 Ford EscapeElectrical systemEngine & coolingFuel system

On approximately September 28, 2026, the vehicle began sputtering when first turned on. It then progressed to running extremely rough. On September 30, 2026 the Engine Icon lit up first. A few days later, I received an Engine Fault Service Now message. I went to the Auto Zone on October 4, 2026 and they ran a diagnostic check. These are the codes that were found: Check Engine Fail Replace Ignition Coil and Spark Plug #3 P0303 Cylinder 3 misfire detected P0339 Crankshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Intermittent...

Read the full complaint

P0300 Random misfire detected Cylinder 3 On October 5, 2026, I took it to my mechanic and he began checking everything. He found oil on and inside the computer. He also found that there was antifreeze residue on the Cylinder and Spark Plugs. He did some research to find out what could cause this to happen. He found the following: 1,134-1,711 engine complaints depending on dataset. Failures typically occur between 50,000 and 100,000 miles. Main Engine Problems 1. Coolant Intrusion (1.5L EcoBoost - Most Common & Severe) Coolant leaks past the block/head sealing surface into cylinders. Not a head gasket failure - requires short-block or long-block replacement. Symptoms: Misfire codes (P0300-P0304) White exhaust smoke Unexplained coolant loss Rough idle, stalling, overheating. 2. Cracked Engine Block Often the end result of prolonged coolant intrusion. Leads to catastrophic engine failure requiring full replacement. On Friday, October 9, 2026, I drove my car to work, approximately 2.5 miles, after the Escape sitting for 3.5 hours, I started it. I immediately received the HIGH ENGINE TEMPERATURE STOP SAFELY, and the engine shut off. On the 3rd try, the Escape stayed running. I could only drive 11 mph. On my final turn onto a busy street, the Escape began sputtering and would not accelerate at all. I was stuck in the middle of the street, putting myself at risk of being hit. I finally made it to a parking lot but had to be pushed home by my son.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Engine · Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11770490
2011 Ford EscapeSteeringElectrical system

My 2011 ford escape is experiencing symptoms of the recall of the faulty Electric Power Steering (EPS) torque sensor. Its not often, but when I turn on the car I wont have power steering but when I turn it off and turn it back on the power steering works. Is there anyway you could open/put a recall on my 2011 ford escape.

Filed Incident Steering · Electrical systemNHTSA 11769905
2016 Ford EscapeElectrical systemDriver assistance

Ford had a recall for backup camera issues issued 10/13/2025. It's been almost 1 year and no remedy. What is considered a reasonable timeline for this? Is there any way to expedite Fords process to get the parts in for the recall? Any information you can provide will be helpful. Thank you.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Back over preventionNHTSA 11769482
2018 Ford EscapeElectrical systemAcceleration & cruise controlEngine & coolingCrash

On September 4, 2026, at approximately 6:00 PM, I was driving my 2018 Ford Escape SE (1.5L EcoBoost) and executing a left-hand turn across an intersection. Mid-turn, the vehicle suddenly lost all power, an "Engine Fault" warning message illuminated on the dashboard, and the engine completely stalled out. Because the vehicle died directly in the path of oncoming traffic, I was forced to steer the coasting vehicle out of harm's way to avoid an imminent side-impact collision. This emergency maneuver caused the vehicle...

Read the full complaint

to scrape a curb - damaging the right tire rim - and collide with a utility pole. Fortunately, no injuries occurred. I managed to bring the vehicle to a stop on a side street. Once stopped, the vehicle exhibited a total "no crank, no start" condition and completely refused to turn over or restart. The vehicle had to be towed to a repair facility. Upon professional diagnostic inspection, the technician discovered extensive engine oil intrusion within the main engine wiring harness. Engine oil had dynamically wicked through the harness directly into the Powertrain Control Module (PCM), completely compromising and shorting out the primary computer. This electronic failure is what triggered the sudden, catastrophic engine shutdown mid-traffic. This vehicle has a chronic history of severe electrical, powertrain, and "no-start" defects at only 56,000 miles, despite being meticulously maintained with routine synthetic oil changes as required. This is the second time I have experienced a life-threatening loss of engine power while actively driving, and I am fortunate to have narrowly avoided a major, high-speed collision on both occasions. In July 2025, the throttle body failed and initiated a dangerous Limp Mode mid-traffic, forcing a tow for replacement. In July 2026, a starter failure resulted in another total "no crank, no start" condition during the holiday weekend, requiring an emergency mobile mechanic. Following this my car has sat for a month.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Vehicle speed control · EngineNHTSA 11768713
2014 Ford EscapeElectrical systemBrakesDriver assistance

While driving, a message was displayed [Hill Start Assist Not Available] and all mileage figures previously displayed disappered. Additional warning lights were displayed indicating Traction Control, and ABS failures. Electric Power steering assist also stopped. Subsequent testing indicated the EBCM had failed. The part is on National Backorder. While drivable, I'm afraid other issues will arise. This is my only vehicle and I'm within 20,000 miles of needing the timing belt and water pump replaced as well. I could...

Read the full complaint

not find a recall for the EBCM (a part not usually prone to failure) for the 2014 Ford Escape SE 1.6L 4-cyl Ecoboost. In 2017, I had the entire transmission replaced @ 70,000 miles, under warranty, but Ford did not honor the warranty terms: coverage for lodging and rental vehicle, so I lost $$$$ that shouldn't have happened.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Service brakes · Forward collision avoidanceNHTSA 11768433
2016 Ford EscapeElectrical system

Rear view camera fails frequently displaying a distorted image or no image with an error message. This creates danger to all parties involved and unnecessary risk to property. Manufacturer issued a recall in October 2025 and has failed to provide a timely repair, they should face reprimand.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Unknown or otherNHTSA 11768409
2016 Ford EscapeElectrical systemDriver assistance

Recall under 25SA9 has not been remedied a whole year later. Not having my back up camera has caused safety incidents. And a few damages from things I could not see

Filed Incident Electrical system · Unknown or other · Back over preventionNHTSA 11768275
2014 Ford EscapeElectrical systemEngine & coolingFire

At first, I just bought it two weeks ago. It was smoke coming from the engine and there was no coolant. The coolant wasn't holding in the car now I was driving last night. I had coolant in it and there was just flames coming out by where the Oil is

Filed Incident Electrical system · EngineNHTSA 11768215

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked daily. Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

Owners helping owners

Know before you drive.

Every experience you share - good or bad - shows on that vehicle's page and helps the next owner and buyer. Two minutes, anonymous.

Share your experience