What is the 2020-2023 Ford Escape 2.5L Hybrid Engine Block / Oil Pan Breach - Underhood Fire Risk (Recall 23S27)?

Certain 2020-2023 Ford Escape HEV and PHEV models equipped with the 2.5L Atkinson-cycle hybrid engine can suffer from isolated manufacturing defects that cause the engine block or oil pan to breach. When this occurs, significant quantities of engine oil and/or fuel vapor are rele… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.

What is the 2013-2022 Ford Escape Electric Power Steering Rack Failure?

The 2013-2022 Escape uses an electric power steering (EPS) rack that can fail, causing heavy steering, intermittent loss of power assist, or a steering warning light. The EPS motor or torque sensor within the rack assembly can malfunction due to heat and electrical issues. When t… Repairs typically run $100-$1,700. Severity: high.

What is the 2020-2022 Ford Escape Hybrid Forced-Neutral / Sudden Loss of Motive Power (HPCM Software, Recall 24V330)?

On 2020-2022 Escape Hybrid models, faulty Hybrid Powertrain Control Module (HPCM) software can force the transmission into Neutral while driving with no torque to the wheels, even though the engine continues running. The vehicle coasts to a stop, then automatically shifts to Park… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.

What is the 2013-2020 Ford Escape P0741 — Torque Converter Clutch Failure in the 6F35 Automatic?

P0741 means the PCM commanded torque-converter-clutch lockup but the clutch isn't engaging (stuck off) or is slipping. The 2013-2020 Escape with the 6F35 6-speed automatic has a well-documented pattern of internal torque converter failure — worn lockup clutch lining, failed inter… Repairs typically run $600-$2,500. Severity: high.

What is the 2013-2022 Ford Escape Panoramic Sunroof Water Leak Into Cabin?

Escapes equipped with the panoramic sunroof experience water leaks into the headliner and cabin, particularly during heavy rain or car washes. The issue stems from clogged sunroof drain tubes that run through the A and C pillars. When blocked with debris, water backs up and overf… Repairs typically run $0-$800. Severity: medium.

What is the 2020-2021 Ford Escape Front Door Check-Arm Weld Failure — Doors Pop, Bind, or Won't Stay Closed?

Owners of 2020-2021 Escape (4th gen) report front doors that pop, click loudly, become hard to open or close, sag, or in some cases fail to stay securely closed. The root cause was traced to failed/insufficient spot welds at the front-door check-arm (door-check) attachment points… Repairs typically run $150-$600. Severity: medium.

What is the 2020-2025 Ford Escape Liftgate Hinge Cover Can Detach and Become a Road Hazard (Panoramic Roof, Recall 25V829)?

About 108,762 Escape SUVs equipped with the optional panoramic glass roof have rear liftgate hinge covers that may not be properly secured and can detach while driving, creating a road hazard for following vehicles and increasing crash risk. For roughly 102,350 units built Nov 20… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: medium.

What is the 2013-2021 Ford Escape P0011 — Intake Cam Timing Over-Advanced from Sticking VCT Solenoid?

P0011 sets when the Bank 1 intake camshaft is more advanced than the PCM commands. On the Escape the dominant cause is a sticking intake VCT (variable cam timing) solenoid, almost always from low or dirty engine oil letting debris jam the solenoid spool — Ford has multiple TSBs a… Repairs typically run $100-$450. Severity: medium.

What is the 2013-2022 Ford Escape P0420 — Failed Catalytic Converter (Bank 1) on EcoBoost Escapes?

P0420 sets when the downstream (post-cat) oxygen sensor mirrors the upstream sensor too closely, telling the PCM the Bank 1 catalytic converter is no longer storing/releasing oxygen efficiently. On the Escape this most often means a genuinely worn-out or contaminated main catalyt… Repairs typically run $250-$2,200. Severity: medium.

What is the 2020-2025 Ford Escape CVT Transmission Shudder and Jerking (2020+ Hybrid)?

The 2020+ Ford Escape Hybrid uses a CVT that develops shuddering and jerking during low-speed driving and light acceleration. Owners report the transmission feels like it is "hunting" for the right ratio, with noticeable hesitation between 15-35 mph. The issue is most pronounced… Repairs typically run $0-$6,000. Severity: medium.

What is the 2008-2022 Ford Escape P0442 — Small EVAP Leak from Gas Cap or Canister Purge Valve?

P0442 flags a small evaporative-emissions leak on the Escape. The number-one cause is a loose, cracked, or worn-O-ring gas cap on cap-equipped model years; on capless cars a degraded filler-neck seal does the same thing. The second most common source is a failing canister purge v… Repairs typically run $20-$200. Severity: low.

What is the 2013-2022 Ford Escape P0455 — Gross EVAP Leak from Capless Filler Neck or Purge Valve?

P0455 is a large (gross) EVAP leak. On late-model Escapes the leading cause is the capless fuel filler inlet — debris or a worn internal flap prevents the neck from sealing, and a 'Check Fuel Fill Inlet' dash message is a dead giveaway the leak is at the filler rather than under… Repairs typically run $80-$350. Severity: low.

Ford · Known Issues

2020 Ford Escape Problems: 18 Known Issues

2020 model year · 1,620+ owner reports · Updated September 2026

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According to Au7o's analysis of 1,620+ owner reports, the 2020 Ford Escape has 18 documented known issues, with 10 rated critical. The most serious are 1.5L EcoBoost Coolant Intrusion into Cylinders - Engine Block Porosity ($0-$6,500 repair), 2.5L Hybrid Engine Block / Oil Pan Breach - Underhood Fire Risk (Recall 23S27) ($0-$0 repair), 1.5L EcoBoost Cracked Fuel Injector Leaking Fuel Onto Hot Engine Surfaces (Underhood Fire Risk) ($0-$0 repair), 8F35 8-Speed Automatic Transmission Needle-Bearing Failure and Shudder/Buck (Non-Hybrid) ($3,500-$6,000 repair), PHEV High-Voltage Battery Cell Internal Short Circuit — Loss of Power / Thermal Venting Fire (Recall 24V954) ($0-$0 repair), Rear Brake Linings Manufactured Out of Specification — Increased Pedal Effort and Longer Stopping Distance (Recall 21V922) ($0-$0 repair), Electric Power Steering Rack Failure ($100-$1,700 repair), 1.5L EcoBoost Engine Oil Separator Housing Cracks — Oil Leak Onto Hot Engine and Underhood Fire (Recall 22V191 / Ford 22S21).

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Ford Escape problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 1,620+ owner reports, the 2020 Ford Escape has 18 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: 1.5L EcoBoost Coolant Intrusion into Cylinders - Engine Block Porosity, 2.5L Hybrid Engine Block / Oil Pan Breach - Underhood Fire Risk (Recall 23S27), 1.5L EcoBoost Cracked Fuel Injector Leaking Fuel Onto Hot Engine Surfaces (Underhood Fire Risk). Of these, 10 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Ford Escape reliable?

The 2020 Ford Escape has 18 known issues documented across 1,620+ owner reports. 10 issues are rated critical: 1.5L EcoBoost Coolant Intrusion into Cylinders - Engine Block Porosity and 2.5L Hybrid Engine Block / Oil Pan Breach - Underhood Fire Risk (Recall 23S27) and 1.5L EcoBoost Cracked Fuel Injector Leaking Fuel Onto Hot Engine Surfaces (Underhood Fire Risk) and 8F35 8-Speed Automatic Transmission Needle-Bearing Failure and Shudder/Buck (Non-Hybrid) and PHEV High-Voltage Battery Cell Internal Short Circuit — Loss of Power / Thermal Venting Fire (Recall 24V954) and Rear Brake Linings Manufactured Out of Specification — Increased Pedal Effort and Longer Stopping Distance (Recall 21V922) and Electric Power Steering Rack Failure and 1.5L EcoBoost Engine Oil Separator Housing Cracks — Oil Leak Onto Hot Engine and Underhood Fire (Recall 22V191 / Ford 22S21) and Hybrid Forced-Neutral / Sudden Loss of Motive Power (HPCM Software, Recall 24V330) and P0741 — Torque Converter Clutch Failure in the 6F35 Automatic. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Ford Escape problems?

Repair costs for known Ford Escape issues range from $0 to $6,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, 1.5L EcoBoost Coolant Intrusion into Cylinders - Engine Block Porosity, typically costs $0-$6,500 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

All 18 Known Issues

Other Ford Models

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Ford Escape problems?

Is the Ford Escape reliable?

How much does it cost to fix common Ford Escape problems?

What is the 2017-2022 Ford Escape 1.5L EcoBoost Coolant Intrusion into Cylinders - Engine Block Porosity?

2017-2022 Ford Escape: 1.5L EcoBoost Coolant Intrusion into Cylinders - Engine Block Porosity#

2020-2023 Ford Escape: 2.5L Hybrid Engine Block / Oil Pan Breach - Underhood Fire Risk (Recall 23S27)#

2020-2022 Ford Escape: 1.5L EcoBoost Engine Oil Separator Housing Cracks — Oil Leak Onto Hot Engine and Underhood Fire (Recall 22V191 / Ford 22S21)#

2013-2021 Ford Escape: P0011 — Intake Cam Timing Over-Advanced from Sticking VCT Solenoid#

2020-2022 Ford Escape: 8F35 8-Speed Automatic Transmission Needle-Bearing Failure and Shudder/Buck (Non-Hybrid)#

2020-2022 Ford Escape: Hybrid Forced-Neutral / Sudden Loss of Motive Power (HPCM Software, Recall 24V330)#

2013-2020 Ford Escape: P0741 — Torque Converter Clutch Failure in the 6F35 Automatic#

2020-2025 Ford Escape: CVT Transmission Shudder and Jerking (2020+ Hybrid)#

2020-2023 Ford Escape: 1.5L EcoBoost Cracked Fuel Injector Leaking Fuel Onto Hot Engine Surfaces (Underhood Fire Risk)#

2020-2024 Ford Escape: PHEV High-Voltage Battery Cell Internal Short Circuit — Loss of Power / Thermal Venting Fire (Recall 24V954)#

2020-2022 Ford Escape: Rear Brake Linings Manufactured Out of Specification — Increased Pedal Effort and Longer Stopping Distance (Recall 21V922)#

2013-2022 Ford Escape: Electric Power Steering Rack Failure#

2013-2022 Ford Escape: P0420 — Failed Catalytic Converter (Bank 1) on EcoBoost Escapes#

2008-2022 Ford Escape: P0442 — Small EVAP Leak from Gas Cap or Canister Purge Valve#

2013-2022 Ford Escape: P0455 — Gross EVAP Leak from Capless Filler Neck or Purge Valve#

2013-2022 Ford Escape: Panoramic Sunroof Water Leak Into Cabin#

2020-2021 Ford Escape: Front Door Check-Arm Weld Failure — Doors Pop, Bind, or Won't Stay Closed#

2020-2025 Ford Escape: Liftgate Hinge Cover Can Detach and Become a Road Hazard (Panoramic Roof, Recall 25V829)#