Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2020 Ford Escape owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the message "restraint indicator lamp" was displayed. The contact's daughter retracted the seat belt and reinserted the seat belt, but the message remained illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. On another occasion while the vehicle was started, the rear passenger's side window button was depressed, and the window fell inside the door. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was determined that several clips and the window regulator needed to be replaced. The front driver's side window was previously repaired under a Customer Satisfaction Program. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 22,260.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the driver's side hinge had fractured. The contact stated that there were three holes in the door. While opening and closing the door, there was an abnormal popping sound heard. Additionally, the window failed to roll down completely. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the door and hinges needed to be replaced. The mechanic informed the contact that the repair was not covered under warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and provided a case number. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 42,000.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that there was an abnormal cracking sound coming from the front driver's side door hinge. The contact stated that the failure progressively worsened, with the front driver's side door being difficult to close properly. The contact also stated that the front driver's side window failed to roll down after several attempts. Upon investigation, the contact discovered that the window failure was also related to the door failure. The dealer was notified of the failure and provided an estimate for an inspection. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 76,000.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the back-over prevention camera screen was blue and there was a beeping sound coming from the camera. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V575000 (Visibility, Back Over Prevention). There was a DTC trouble code sent to the manufacturer regarding the backover prevention camera. The contact called the local dealer and was informed to schedule an appointment. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, opened a case, and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 26,000.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the front driver's side window would not roll down and while exiting the front driver's side door the door would immediately close back. The contact indicated that the door had erroneously sprung back causing a contusion to the left leg upon contact. The same failure had occurred causing a contusion to the left arm of the son. No medical treatment was required. The cause of the failures were not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 45,000.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact received notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V117000 (Visibility); however, the part to perform the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was notified of the issue and confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the windshield wipers failed to operate as intended. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure; however, no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was stationary, the window made a popping sound and the front passenger's side window failed to function as designed. The wrench and several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the dealer to be diagnosed. The vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that several unstated maintenance repairs were needed. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 123,145.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated the front driver's side door striker that was used to prevent the door from overextending while opened had failed. Additionally, the front driver's side window could not completely be opened due to the failure. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who informed the contact that the part needed to be replaced; however, the vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 47,865.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon attempting to close the moon roof, the moon roof failed to close as intended. Eventually, the moonroof was able to close; however, the closing resulted in damage to the overheard liner. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 21,000.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the driver-side door's hinge had disconnected making the door difficult to manage. The door emits a loud clunking noise when being opened and closed. The window had also become inoperable and failed to go down past a certain point. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who diagnosed that the door needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 20,000.
Related recalls
Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Motor
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer, Escape, Lincoln Aviator, and Lincoln Corsair vehicles. The windshield wiper motor may fail and prevent the windshield wipers from operating properly.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the front wiper motors as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed April 2, 2026.
Window & Wiper complaints in other Escape years
Frequently asked questions
How common are window & wiper problems on the 2020 Ford Escape?
NHTSA has 66 complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof of the 2020 Ford Escape, 4% of the model year's 1,612 complaints. The component named most often is sun/moon roof assembly (7 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2020 Ford Escape window & wiper problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 26V-117 (motor, Mar 3, 2026). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2020 Ford Escape window & wiper problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 40,000 miles, and 43% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 0 fires and 2 injuries to windows, wipers & sunroof 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.