Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 24 | 1.2× | — | Electrical | Average |
| 2022 | 69 | 2.1× | — | Engine | Avoid |
| 2021 | 124 | 3.3× | 1 | Engine | Avoid |
| 2020 | 289 | 5.8× | 1 | Body | Avoid |
| 2013 | 5 | −93% | — | Engine | Good |
| 2012 | 15 | −84% | — | Brake | Good |
| 2011 | 37 | −68% | — | Steering | Good |
| 2010 | 59 | −46% | — | Steering | Good |
| 2009 | 153 | 1.5× | — | Steering | Caution |
| 2008 | 443 | 4.3× | — | Brake | Avoid |
| 2007 | 139 | 1.3× | — | Brake | Average |
| 2006 | 256 | 2.3× | 1 | Brake | Avoid |
| 2005 | 190 | 1.3× | — | Brake | Average |
* Complaints compared with the median Escape Hybrid year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Ford Escape Hybrid problems
Latest Ford Escape Hybrid recalls
Power train › Automatic transmission › Control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Maverick Hybrid and 2020 Escape Hybrid vehicles. The Hybrid Powertrain Control Module (HPCM) software may cause the vehicle to shift into neutral unexpectedly, causing a loss of drive power.
Remedy: Dealers will update the HPCM software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 12, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S33.
Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Hard parts internal/mechanical
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Escape Hybrid vehicles. The engine crankshaft may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in engine damage.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the crankshaft and replace the engine, as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed March 2, 2022.
Power train › Driveline
On certain front wheel drive hybrid vehicles, the intermediate shaft May not have been properly heat treated and May fracture while the vehicle is being driven.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the drivetrain intermediate shaft and replace it if necessary. The recall began on October 23, 2006. Owners May contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Ford Escape Hybrid should you avoid?
2020, 2008, 2021, 2022, 2009 and 2006 — these years have the most complaints relative to other Escape Hybrid years at the same age, led by body & structure problems in the 2020.
What is the best year for the Ford Escape Hybrid?
2013 has the fewest complaints compared with other Escape Hybrid years at the same age, followed by 2012 and 2011. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Ford Escape Hybrid problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the brakes (465), engine & cooling (427) and steering (281). Brake complaints peak in the 2008 model year.
How many recalls has the Ford Escape Hybrid had?
3 recalls across 2005–2023. The model year with the most is 2006. See all Ford Escape Hybrid recalls by year.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.