Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2022 Ford Escape Hybrid owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
On November 12, 2022 at approximately 1:00 p.m. an incident occurred with my 2022 Ford Escape Hybrid in Columbia, MO. As I was parking in the Forum Theater parking lot, the engine surged and I had no brakes. I was at a dead stop and when I released the brake to move into a parking slot, the engine surged abruptly. When I applied the brakes, the pedal went clear to the floor with no braking occurring. I absolutely did not hit the wrong peddle causing this surging of power. As a result, the Escape jumped a curb and ran into a tree doing $14,000 damage. The airbags did not deploy nor did the seatbelts lock with the result of my granddaughters and I being thrust sharply forward. Currently the dealer, Moberly Motor Company has no plans to notify Ford of this incident. The $14,000 repair bill is being borne by my insurance, Shelter Insurance. …
We were driving on the interstate and the car began to make a metallic clicking/ticking sound. We started to move to the shoulder as we thought it might be a tire issue when we saw an orange glow reflected on the concrete. As soon as we reached the shoulder the engine started pouring out smoke and we immediately left the car. We opened the hood and saw fire inside the engine compartment. We left the hood up and moved away from the car and called 911. It appears this issue is tied to a known, open recall for which Ford has not released any information on how to fix with no specific timeline in place to release the fix. Our safety was at risk as the car was on fire and we were standing on the side of an interstate at midnight not knowing if the fire was going to go out or the car was going to explode; luckily for us it went out. …
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V380000 (Engine) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated while his wife was driving approximately 65-70 MPH, the low oil pressure message illuminated. The vehicle experienced reduced engine power with unknown messages and warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that white smoke was coming from the vehicle. The driver coasted to the side of the road and became aware that there was oil leaking out of the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 30,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact stated that the driver's side door was making an abnormal clunking noise. Additionally, the window failed to roll up or down as designed. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The EVAP system warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the brake pedal went down to the floor. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 69,000. The VIN was not available.
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated and remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed, and a code for ABS Internal Module Failure was displayed. The contact was informed that further diagnostic tests were needed to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 55,000.
On 20 July 2026, my 2022 Ford Escape HEV caught fire in the engine compartment while parked. The vehicle is likely a total loss (insurance pending). On-site emergency personnel responded within minutes of the fire and the local fire department was on scene within 5 minutes of the 911 call. They cleared the incident (and d/c the 12V) within 32 minutes of arrival. Detroit Fire Department Incident: 202620101471. This vehicle was subject to Ford Safety Recall 23S27 and Customer Satisfaction Program 23N06, which address a manufacturing defect in the 2.5L HEV/PHEV engine. Under that recall, connecting rod bearing journals were not properly finished, causing premature bearing and engine failure that can release engine oil and fuel vapor into the under-hood area resulting in a fire. The recall remedy was completed on my vehicle, as were all customer satisfaction program campaigns. …
From the NHTSA recall notes: May 26,2023 Manufacturer Recall Number23S27 NHTSA Recall Number23V380 Recall StatusRecall Incomplete, remedy not yet available Summary ON YOUR VEHICLE, THE ENGINE COULD FAIL PREMATURELY. IN THE EVENT OF AN ENGINE FAILURE, SIGNIFICANT QUANTITIES OF ENGINE OIL AND/OR FUEL VAPOR MAY BE RELEASED INTO THE UNDER HOOD ENVIRONMENT AND MAY MIGRATE TO AND/OR ACCUMULATE NEAR IGNITION SOURCES. ENGINE FAILURE IS EXPECTED TO PRODUCE LOUD NOISES EXAMPLE METAL-TO-METAL CLANK AUDIBLE TO THE VEHICLES OCCUPANTS. AN ENGINE FAILURE WILL ALSO RESULT IN A REDUCTION IN AVAILABLE ENGINE POWER. Safety Risk ENGINE OIL AND/OR FUEL VAPOR THAT ACCUMULATES NEAR A COMBUSTIBLE SOURCE MAY IGNITE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A FIRE. Remedy FORD MOTOR COMPANY IS WORKING CLOSELY WITH ITS SUPPLIERS TO DEVELOP A REMEDY FOR THIS REPAIR. …
This defect has resulted in multiple vehicle shutdowns while in operation, significantly increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, Ford has identified a potential risk of battery thermal venting, which could lead to a vehicle fire, further endangering my safety and that of others on the road. Ford has advised not to charge the vehicle, further limiting its functionality and reliability. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes, Stevens 112 Ford has confirmed that the vehicle is experiencing high-voltage battery failure, consistent with the recall. However, they have also stated that Ford has not developed a solution to repair this issue. Ford's hotline has advised against any further repairs at this time. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? …
In March 7: Received vehicle alert from Ford PASS , "WARNING MESSAGE: SERVICE ENGINE SOON WARNING THE POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE HAS DETECTED THE ENGINE TIMING CHAINS EXCEEDED 95% OF THEIR USEFUL LIFE AND REQUIRES SERVICE NOW. THE CONTROL SYSTEM INVOKES A SYMPTOM OF LIMITED POWER" while I was driving in highway I5 at WA. The vehicle suddenly slow down itself and lost of acceleration. Took to the dealership ans they could not identified issue. Reset the code and returned the car back to me. In May 12: Same symptom happened again. Took to the dealership next day and the technician did see the issue since the Service Ranch icon was shown on the screen. The service advisor said they contacted Ford Engineering to see how to fix but no result. They reset the code and I brought the car back while they are still waiting form Ford engineering.
"While driving my 2022 Ford Escape Hybrid, the vehicle suffered an abrupt powertrain failure. A wrench icon and check engine light illuminated on the dashboard, and the vehicle immediately dropped into a low-speed mode that severely limited my throttle control on the road. I was unable to drive home and had to leave the vehicle on the road until I could get a tow. The vehicle is currently grounded and unsafe to operate at a Ford dealership lot. Ford customer service is actively refusing to authorize alternative transportation or honor the extended coverage parameters outlined in Customer Satisfaction Program 23N06, which covers this exact engine defect."
Engine complaints in other Escape Hybrid years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2022 Ford Escape Hybrid?
NHTSA has 34 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2022 Ford Escape Hybrid, 49% of the model year's 69 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2022 Ford Escape Hybrid engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2022 Ford Escape Hybrid. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2022 Ford Escape Hybrid engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 55,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 2 fires and 0 injuries to engine & cooling 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.