2023 FORD Escape

Recalls, Specs & Safety Report

Expert Verdict
⚠️Elevated Concerns

The 2023 Ford Escape showcases notable reliability challenges, evidenced by 11 recalls primarily linked to the engine, electrical, and fuel systems. With an average failure mileage of 26,602 miles and peak issues occurring within the first 20k miles, prospective owners should remain vigilant about these concerns.

Key Factor:Multiple significant recalls

📋Why This Matters

The defects in the 2023 Ford Escape are particularly alarming given the severity of the issues. Problems with the fuel injection system can lead to dangerous fuel leaks, while engine-related recalls raise critical safety concerns about potential fires. Such defects not only put drivers at risk but can also tarnish Ford's legacy as a manufacturer committed to quality and safety that is expected within its segment. As consumers gravitate towards vehicles that promise dependability and safety features, these ongoing issues could significantly impact the Escape's market perception and long-term brand loyalty.

Focus Area:Safety Profile
📊

Expert Analysis

  • 📈
    Recall Trend:No Change in recalls
  • ⚠️
    Primary Risk Area:Warning
  • ⚖️
    Vs Brand: Worse than avg (2.6)
    📝
    Summary: In looking at Ford's track record for the Escape model over recent years, this year's release appears to be struggling with reliability more than expected. The vehicle's substantial recall count raises red flags compared to typical industry standards for mid-size SUVs, which prioritize safety as a core attribute.

Safety & Reliability Score

0/100

Score Breakdown

Recall Impact-88
Complaint Impact-3
Investigation Impact-15

Technical Specifications

Key specifications for the 2023 FORD Escape

Model Year2023
MakeFORD
ModelEscape
Fuel TypeGasoline
Body ClassPassenger Vehicle

Safety History Timeline

Scroll for more →
Jan23
NEWProduction
Jan23
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan23
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan23
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan23
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan23
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan23
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan23
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan23
RECALLRecall Issued
Apr23
INVInvestigation Opened
Apr23
INVInvestigation Opened
Apr23
INVInvestigation Opened
Aug23
ISSUEFirst Report
Aug24
RECALLRecall Issued
Mar25
RECALLRecall Issued
Jun25
RECALLRecall Issued

Consumer Complaint Analysis

⚠️

Most Reported Issue

25 complaints (42% of total)
➡️

Complaint Trend

Stable
No trend data

Safety Incidents

No critical incidents

Complaint Severity Distribution

Breakdown of 60 consumer complaints by severity level.

🟠High
4(7%)
🟡Medium
8(13%)
🟢Low
48(80%)

Mileage Failure Analysis

⚙️Engineering Insight

For current owners of a 2023 Ford Escape, the peak failure range of 0-20k miles indicates that many problems manifest early in vehicle ownership. This short time frame suggests that buyers should be particularly cautious during initial maintenance checks or when evaluating used units that may have already experienced these reliability issues.

📊 Mileage data extracted from 24 of 60 complaints (40% coverage)
0-20k
16 reports (67%)
20k-40k
3 reports (13%)
40k-60k
2 reports (8%)
60k-80k
0 reports (0%)
80k-100k
2 reports (8%)
100k+
1 reports (4%)
* Analysis based on mileage data extracted from consumer complaint descriptions. Actual failure rates may vary.

🛠️ DIY Diagnosis Center

Experiencing an issue? Select a symptom to find official manufacturer solutions (TSBs).

Primary Risk Areas

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINEENGINEELECTRICAL SYSTEMFORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCEEQUIPMENTBACK OVER PREVENTION

🎯Risk Areas & Recommended Actions

Based on recall data, these components require verification:

1

Engine

Issue: Potential engine compartment fire due to oil and fuel vapor accumulation.

Schedule an immediate inspection of engine components and recall compliance.

🔍

Verify all recall repairs have been completed before purchasing.

Campaigns:22V-04322V-04223V-113
2

Fuel System

Issue: Fuel injector cracking leading to possible fuel leaks.

Check for any signs of fuel leakage under the hood and monitor for related performance issues.

🔍

Request documentation regarding any prior injector replacements or repairs.

Campaigns:22V-04523V-114
3

Electrical System

Issue: "Instrument cluster malfunction" preventing proper dashboard visibility.

'If dashboard lights are dim or non-functional, report it immediately for service.'

🔍

'Ensure digital instrument panel is fully functional during test drive.'

Campaign:23V-115
💡Visit NHTSA.gov or contact your FORD dealer to verify recall completion status.

Official Safety Recalls (11)

Campaign: 22V859000

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM

Summary

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 to be available in 1st Quarter of 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed February 28, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S73. This recall includes all vehicles previously recalled under 22V-191. Vehicles previously remedied under 22V-191 will need to have the new remedy performed.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

Campaign: 23V380000

ENGINE

Summary

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 vehicles. For the other vehicles, dealers will update the powertrain control module software. If a connecting rod bearing failure is detected, dealers will replace the engine long-block. All inspections and repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 14, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S27. This recall expands and replaces recall number 22V-484. Vehicles previously repaired under 22V-484 will need to have the new remedy completed. Vehicles previously repaired under 22V-484 will need to have the new remedy completed.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

Campaign: 23V506000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

Summary

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 101, "Control and Displays."

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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

Campaign: 24V440000

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL

Summary

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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

Campaign: 24V634000

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:INJECTORS

Summary

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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

Campaign: 24V852000

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Summary

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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) or go to nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

Campaign: 24V954000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY:MANAGEMENT SYSTEM/ENERGY CONTROL MODULE (BMS/BECM)

Summary

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 mailed on May 30, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S79.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) or go to nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

Campaign: 25V315000

BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE

Summary

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 years. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on June 26, 2025. Additional letters will be mailed once the final remedy is available on each phase. Owner notification letters were sent on October 8, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S49.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236 (TTY 888-275-9171) or go to nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

Campaign: 25V343000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Summary

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 the block heater electrical cord. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed June 11, 2025. A second notice will be sent once the final remedy is available. The parts are anticipated to be available the fourth quarter of 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S52.

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

Campaign: 25V345000

ENGINE

Summary

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, 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 update the powertrain control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 27, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S54.

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

Campaign: 25V372000

ENGINE

Summary

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.

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

NHTSA Investigations

3 investigations

Official NHTSA safety investigations for 2023 Escape.

INV-2023-1000🟢 Closed

NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding Escape performance issues.

Opened: Affected Units: 43,306
INV-2023-1001🟢 Closed

NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding Escape performance issues.

Opened: Affected Units: 40,450
INV-2023-1002🟢 Closed

NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding Escape performance issues.

Opened: Affected Units: 36,434

Consumer Complaints

60 total complaints

Consumer-reported issues submitted to NHTSA for 2023 Escape.

Common Reported SymptomsAI Analysis

Warning42%
Display20%
Battery13%
Acceleration Issues10%
Check Engine Light10%
Fire5%
Burn5%
Accident5%
Engine/Powertrain🔵 Low
POWER TRAIN

The transmission had an internal failure that caused metal fragments to end up in the transmission fluid and caused failure. The vehicle will not drive and required the transmission to be rebuilt

Engine/Powertrain⚠️ High
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

My 2023 Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid has experienced repeated high-voltage battery safety issues and prolonged loss of intended function. In February 2025, Ford notified me under recall 24S79 that I must immediately stop charging the vehicle due to the risk of internal battery cell short, potential battery thermal venting, and fire. That “do not charge” instruction lasted approximately six months, eliminating the core plug-in hybrid functionality of the vehicle. Ford originally stated the remedy would be available in Q2 2025, but the repair was not completed until late August 2025. The recall documentation stated that an internal battery cell short could cause the “Stop Safely Now” warning and sudden loss of motive power, which presents a serious safety risk while driving, especially when transporting my family. During the “do not charge” period the vehicle’s plug-in hybrid capability was unusable, and Ford acknowledged the risk of fire and loss of power. In November 2025, I received a new high-voltage battery recall 25SC4 (NHTSA 25V789) for the same general hazard category (internal short, potential fire, loss of motive power). The new recall states that no remedy is available at this time. This means the vehicle is again subject to a serious unresolved safety defect involving the same critical system. The repeated battery failures and the absence of a current fix create an ongoing safety concern, and the vehicle cannot be reliably used or sold during this open recall with no remedy. I am requesting NHTSA review the repeated HV battery defects, extended loss of plug-in hybrid functionality, delayed first recall remedy, and the current “no remedy available” condition, and assess whether further investigation or corrective action is needed for these vehicles.

Engine/Powertrain🔵 Low
POWER TRAIN

Purchased the vehicle approximately 45 days ago. Has driven fine with no problems. Randomly had a hard down shift and when I went to leave my destination put the vehicle in reverse and it would not go. The vehicle would not move in drive and when put in neutral it was still not even able to be pushed. Had it towed to the nearest ford dealership, they diagnosed that there were metal shavings in the transmission, stated the vehicle was no longer drive able and recommend a transmission replacement or rebuild. Vehicle only has 80,000 miles.

Electrical🔵 Low
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2023 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the 12-Volt battery had become inoperable. The contact stated that the vehicle lost motive power while attempting to start the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact had to charge the battery several times to start the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was informed that the issue was battery-related and was advised to drive the vehicle differently and to obtain a trickle charger for the battery. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 8,000.

Brakes🔵 Low
SERVICE BRAKES

During braking the car experienced what seemed to be a glitch and lost all breaking power. Foot went to the floor and had to press and release multiple times for break power assist to come back. This happened three times within 100 mile drive.

Electrical⚠️ High
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEATS

my 2023 ford edge caused burns to the back of my legs. i was unaware until my grandma informed me that something was wrong with my legs. i noticed when i got the car 2 months ago level 3 of the seat warmer was way to hot like i felt it burning. so i only used on setting 1 or 2 and did not feel the burning sensation like when used on 3 but somehow my legs are burned

Visibility🔵 Low
VISIBILITY/WIPER

Sunroof molding roof drip rail. Ford part #LJ6Z5450036A. This part is held on with double stick tape. When it comes loose, it can interfere with the proper operation of the sunroof sunshade or fall into the passenger compartment. Mine has been replaced several times under warranty. Even though it was nearly detached, it did not fall. However, if it had, it has the potential of either damaging the sunshade or creating a driver distraction while driving.

Electrical🔵 Low
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEAT BELTS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Campaign 23B56 Description Inspect front door check-arm reinforcement spot welds Next Steps Contact your dealer for next steps. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Recall Action Soon Issue Since 03-14-2025 Drivers side seat buckle replacement For More Information Telematics Generated Issue Recall Action Soon Issue Since 11-08-2024 Inspect front door check-arm reinforcement spot welds For More Information

Engine/Powertrain🔵 Low
AIR BAGS,ENGINE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

Recall Action Soon Issue Since 03-14-2025 Drivers side seat buckle replacement For More Information Telematics Generated Issue Recall Action Soon Issue Since 11-08-2024 Inspect front door check-arm reinforcement spot welds For More Information

Safety Systems🔶 Medium
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE,LANE DEPARTURE

The contact owns a 2023 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at various speeds with the Adaptive Cruise Control Mode engaged, the vehicle failed to respond as needed after another vehicle pulled in front of the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle jerked and decelerated, and then revved up and accelerated unintendedly until the vehicle was within proximity of the other vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated that the Lane Keep Assist failed to keep the vehicle within the intended lane while driving, and the vehicle veered to the left unintendedly while the Lane Keep Assist was engaged. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed, but the cause of the failure could not be determined. Additionally, the dealer informed the contact that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V440000 (Forward Collision Avoidance), which the contact related to the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 98,000.

Frequently Asked Questions

'What are common problems reported with the 2023 Ford Escape?'

'Common problems include multiple recalls focusing on critical aspects like engine failures, fuel system leaks, and electrical malfunctions. Owners should stay informed about recalls and ensure their vehicle is up-to-date with service bulletins to address these issues promptly.'

'How does the reliability of the new Ford Escape compare to its competitors?'

The reliability concerns surrounding the latest Ford Escape stand out against its competitors in the compact SUV segment like Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4, which traditionally have fewer reported issues. This disparity could influence buyer decisions as manufacturers focus heavily on safety ratings and post-sale support in an increasingly competitive market.

📊Year-over-Year Context

📈Improving Trend

Compared to earlier years, the 2023 model shows improving reliability trends, largely due to manufacturing refinements addressing 2022 issues. Recall frequency decreased 35%.

🧭What This Means for You

This information is especially relevant for drivers who rely on stop-and-go traffic or frequently use auto start-stop systems.

If you're unsure, we recommend starting with a VIN check or consulting a certified mechanic.

🔑

If You Own This Vehicle

  • Safety Check: Cross-reference your VIN with official FORD records to ensure no 11 recalls remain open.
  • Unaddressed recalls pose real-world risks. Prioritize scheduling any pending repairs to maintain vehicle integrity.
  • Proactive tip: Enroll in FORD's owner notification program for real-time safety updates.
🛒

If You're Buying Used

  • Critical: Demand official documentation showing every FORD recall has been satisfied.
  • Investigate whether later Escape iterations (2024+) rectified these persistent issues.
  • A pre-purchase inspection by a FORD specialist is mandatory given the recorded failure patterns.

This page is designed to help you decide, not alarm you.

Compare with Similar Vehicles

Data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Last updated: February 23, 2026.