Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2020 Ford Escape Hybrid owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the key fob would not unlock the door. The contact attempted to manually start the vehicle however, there was no electrical power and the engine was not cranking. The contact jump started the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. The contact drove the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the connectors between the battery, the Power Train Control Module (PCM), and the battery needed to be replaced. The dealer stated that the battery connectors were wet due to severe weather in the area prior to the failure. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 53,000.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 76 MPH with the cruise control activated, the vehicle inadvertently decelerated without warning. The contact deactivated the cruise control feature and attempted to accelerate; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed. The contact pulled over safely, turned off, and restarted the vehicle, and the vehicle operated as intended. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired; however, the mechanic stated that the power module was possibly inoperable. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed, and stated that the vehicle needed to be diagnosed. The failure mileage was 19,500.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated while having an annual inspection on the vehicle, the inspector informed her that the computer was not reading the vehicle and advised her to contact the dealer. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer stated that an unknown module needed to be updated. The contact was unsure of what module needed to be updated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and the manufacturer advised her to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was 140,800.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the shifter selector assembly had sharp edges. There were sharp edges on the side of the dial. The contact sustained injuries to her fingers, but medical attention was not provided. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the shifter selector assembly knob needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 36,000.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, the AWD system fault message was displayed. Additionally, the message was flashing. The local dealer was contacted, and informed the contact that a diagnostic test was needed to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
While driving, the wrench icon illuminated, and the vehicle began to decelerate, unable to exceed 35mph. The Ford Pass app relayed a message indicating a Powertrain Malfunction with reduced power. It also warned that, "the powertrain control module has detected the engine timing chains have exceeded 95% of their useful life and requires service now. The control system invokes a symptom of limited power." During service, the dealer reset the codes, and the vehicle functioned well for about two weeks before the same problem recurred, leading to its tow to another dealer. There, the codes were reset again, and the engine vibration sensor was replaced. However, merely two days post-repair and two weeks after the initial code reset, the issue resurfaced. The codes have been cleared once more, and the vehicle is scheduled for another dealer visit next week. …
The vehicle is just under 37K miles. I was operating the vehicle normally, and the wrench icon came on, indicating a powertrain issue. There are recalls for this for some vehicles but not all, and it seems to occur just after warranties expiring. I am concerned my vehicle falls under this service bulletin but has not been properly added: SSM 49157 - 2020 Escape - Illuminated MIL With DTCs U0100, U0401, P166B, P1753, P0929, And/Or P0919 Some 2020 Escape vehicles may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) and diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) U0100, U0401, P166B, P1753, P0929, and/or P0919. The vehicle may also exhibit an illuminated powertrain malfunction (wrench) indicator lamp. This may be due to the software in the gear shift module (GSM). To correct the condition, reprogram the GSM using the latest software level of the appropriate Ford diagnostic scan tool. …
Our 2020 Ford Escape Titanium began making a flutter noise at lower speeds. An independent mechanic checked for codes and none were present. He advised to drive until the check engine light comes on. Two days later the car had a knocking noise in the engine compartment. Driving home, accelerating onto a hiway the engine made a loud metallic noise as the engine started to overspeed. The car shut itself off and we pulled over to the shoulder. We were stuck on a 65 mph 4 lane hiway for 3 hours trying to work with roadside assistance for a tow. We towed it to McGraw Ford in Aransas Pass, TX and it sat in their back lot for 8 weeks with no diagnosis. We then had it towed to a Ford certified mechanic near our home and he wanted many hours of labor as the transmission needed to be removed to provide an estimate. He was throwing numbers approaching $10k as a guess. …
Upon purchasing and receiving the car from a dealership, I attempted to drive it around my neighborhood and after about 1 minute received a warning saying "safely stop now!" and the steering wheel locked and the power shut off in the middle of the street. The car would not turn back on and had to be towed to the dealership. The dealership (not Ford) already replaced the battery and that did not fix the issue. They are having to take it to Ford service to get it looked at. This poses a very significant safety risk because it could have happened on the highway, as some Ford Escape users have reported on forums. Before purchasing the car, all available recalls were addressed and "resolved", but clearly not all issues have been fixed.
Gear shifter locked into park when there are excessive outdoor heat temperatures. (Over 95 ) The car must run for 20-30 minutes to cool down before shifter will unlock into Drive. Took it to the dealership where they could not recreate the problem (in September when temperatures dropped) and were unable to fix it. I have reported once before and have seen multiple online forums of others having the same issue in the 2020 ford escape models. This should be an immediate safety recall. I would not be able to leave in a timely manner if there were an emergency with my husband or kids. I cannot perform my job of assessing patients homes if I cannot drive my vehicle when it is hot outside.
Related 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.
Transmission complaints in other Escape Hybrid years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2020 Ford Escape Hybrid?
NHTSA has 30 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2020 Ford Escape Hybrid, 10% of the model year's 289 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission › control module (tcm/pcm/tecm) (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2020 Ford Escape Hybrid transmission problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 25V-881 (control module (tcm/pcm/tecm), Dec 18, 2025). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2020 Ford Escape Hybrid transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 20,000 miles, and 58% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to transmission & drivetrain problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.