According to Au7o's analysis of 380+ owner reports, the 2023 Ford Escape has 2 documented known issues, with 1 rated critical. The most serious is 2.5L Hybrid Engine Block / Oil Pan Breach - Underhood Fire Risk (Recall 23S27) ($0-$0 repair). The most commonly reported issue is 2.5L Hybrid Engine Block / Oil Pan Breach - Underhood Fire Risk (Recall 23S27) with 380 owner reports. Across all issues, repair costs range from $0 to $6,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
On the 2020-2023 Ford Escape, 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 released into the hot engine bay, creating an underhood fire risk. The failure affects engines manufactured on or before September 1, 2022. Ford issued Safety Recall 23S27 (NHTSA 23V380000) to address this. No engine block breaches have been reported on engines built after September 1, 2022.
Common Symptoms
Loud metal-to-metal clanking noise from engine (primary warning before failure)
Smoke or fire from engine compartment
Oil or fuel smell under hood
Oil pressure warning light
Sudden engine failure
Check engine light with multiple codes
How to Fix
Ford Safety Recall 23S27 provides free dealer inspection and repair. Affected vehicles should not be operated until inspected. Dealers inspect the engine and replace it if a manufacturing defect is found. Call Ford at 1-833-807-3673 and reference recall 23S27. Check recall status at fordowner.com with VIN.
What Owners Are Using
Parts and tips from 380+ owners who fixed this issue
NoteThis is a SAFETY RECALL - do not ignore it. Underhood fires have been reported. Check fordowner.com with your VIN immediately if you have a 2020-2022 Escape hybrid. Recall 23S27 / NHTSA 23V380000.
TipIf you hear loud metal-on-metal clanking from the engine, stop driving immediately and call for a tow. Do not attempt to drive to the dealer.
TipCall Ford Customer Service at 1-833-807-3673 and reference 23S27 to check if your VIN is affected. Recall repairs are free and dealers must prioritize safety recall work.
High Confidence380 reportsLast reported by owners Aug 2025Reviewed Feb 2026
On the 2020-2025 Ford Escape, 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 in stop-and-go traffic and when transitioning between electric and gas power. Some vehicles have had the transmission replaced under warranty.
Have the dealer perform a TCM (Transmission Control Module) software update first, as Ford has released calibration updates that improve shift quality. If the software update does not resolve the issue, a CVT fluid change may help. Persistent cases may require valve body or full transmission replacement under the powertrain warranty ($4,000-6,000 out of warranty).
What Owners Are Using
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
Medium Confidence0 reportsLast reported by owners Invalid DateReviewed Invalid Date
⚠️NHTSA Recalls33 recalls
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Escape vehicles. The passenger side instrument panel cover may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can cause the air bag not to deploy as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Campaign #24V85000008/11/2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Bronco Sport, Escape, and Lincoln Corsair vehicles. The Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) may not illuminate at startup or while driving. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 101, "Control and Displays" and 102, "Transmission shift lever sequence, starter interlock, and transmission braking effect" as well as FMVSS numbers 126, 108, 135, 138, 208, and 305.
Campaign #25V04900031/01/2025
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Escape vehicles. The rearview camera may incorrectly display an inverted image when the vehicle is in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Campaign #25V16100014/03/2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
Campaign #25V34300013/06/2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Ranger, Lincoln Nautilus, Mustang, Maverick, Explorer, Escape, Lincoln Corsair, Bronco Sport, and Bronco vehicles. The exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve may fail, resulting in an unexpected loss of drive power.
According to Au7o's analysis of 380+ owner reports, the 2023-2023 Ford Escape has 2 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: 2.5L Hybrid Engine Block / Oil Pan Breach - Underhood Fire Risk (Recall 23S27), CVT Transmission Shudder and Jerking (2020+ Hybrid). Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Ford Escape reliable?
The 2023-2023 Ford Escape has 2 known issues documented across 380+ owner reports. 1 issue is rated critical: 2.5L Hybrid Engine Block / Oil Pan Breach - Underhood Fire Risk (Recall 23S27). 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 $6,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, 2.5L Hybrid Engine Block / Oil Pan Breach - Underhood Fire Risk (Recall 23S27), typically costs $0-$0 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
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 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.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.
