Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (doors, hood, frame, rust, paint and trim).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2022 Ford Escape owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH on a high windy day, the vehicle failed to resist the wind, was being pushed, and nearly became uncontrollable. The contact stated that the failure recurred while driving on a high windy day, and the contact felt that the vehicle was hydroplaning. The contact stated that the failure had recurred while driving on a bridge. Additionally, the contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle failed to resist a sudden wind gust and was pushed into another lane. The contact was able to immediately steer the vehicle back into the intended lane. The contact stated that the failure had recurred several times while driving on high and lower windy days, and the contact had noticed that the vehicle became easier to control upon decelerating. …
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Escape. The contact stated that when opening the door, there was an abnormal, unknown noise detected. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to Customer Satisfaction Program 23B56: The local dealer was contacted and scheduled an appointment. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, who confirmed there were no open recalls. But no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 137,000.
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Escape. The contact stated while using the liftgate, the liftgate failed to stay open. The contact stated that the trunk fell and struck her on the head causing a minor injury. No medical attention was sought. On another occasion, while seated in the vehicle, the contact heard an abnormal clicking sound before the trunk opened independently. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 2,000.
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, there was an abnormal movement near the rear of the vehicle. The contact became aware that the rear window was detaching. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the drip rail molding was replaced. The failure persisted. The vehicle was repaired three times. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case opened. The failure mileage was 10,000.
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, she observed a missing piece of the roof rack on the passenger's side. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the black applique mounting needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 5,000.
This hasn't caused an accident or stranded me yet, but Ford won't do anything to help me avoid danger in the faulty vehicle they sold. There have been several recalls on my 2022 Ford Escape PHEV over the past year or so, including safety recalls. The number of recalls, requiring me to take the time to deal with scheduling, drop off/pickup the car, and being unable to use the car when it is in the shop for the recall rectifications seems excessive. Worse yet, they have safety related recalls from 2025 that still do not have a fix. I do not feel safe in my car. I went through the company's lemon recall process and they refused to repurchase the vehicle. People should expect a basic level of quality and definitely safety when buying a car. I will never buy another Ford and would never recommend that anyone else do so. …
The vehicle has experienced repeated electrical failures over an extended period of time despite multiple repair attempts. After the most recent repair, which required the vehicle to be kept for approximately 10 days and included a battery replacement, the same electrical issue returned shortly after the vehicle was returned. The vehicle has previously stalled in traffic, creating a safety concern. In addition, the sunroof collapsed into the passenger compartment while a rear-seat passenger, who was a child, was present. A seat belt malfunction also occurred and required repair. Repairs have been attempted for these issues, but safety-related problems have continued. I do not feel the vehicle is safe to operate, especially when transporting a child.
The power window on our 2022 Ford Escape will remain down after being rolled down and cannot be raised. This issue has occurred three separate times. When it happens, the vehicle cannot be secured and is exposed to weather and theft. The failure appears to be intermittent but recurring, indicating a possible design or electrical defect rather than misuse. This creates a safety and security risk, especially if the failure occurs while away from home or during bad weather. This problem has happened multiple times and is not resolved by normal operation of the window switch. Engine problems are occurring as well due to the stated recalls provided by nhtsa.
I have a foot operated lift gate and I constantly have to find the exact spot for it to open. Twice it lifted and while I was putting groceries in the back it came back down on me. The first time in smacked the back of my head and left a big knot. The second time it caught my shoulder and then I was able to get out of the way. I thought if the lift gate touched something coming down that it would go back up. It is a 2022 and does not even have 3000 miles on it. No I have not contacted the dealer. I have been extremely ill and it slipped my mind. Thank you very much for a quick reply.
Paint is bubbling and popping for no reason. Issues have been seen on body panels and seals on inside of car where noting would touch it. Problem spots look like little volcanos or in some cases have already chipped away. Car has only been hand washed and waxed since owned. Application Performance Upgrade 22G08 may need to be expanded out to other colors as this one has discolored plastic panels as compared to metal panels and black base is also showing on nose through clear coat.
Related recalls
Structure › Body › Hatchback/liftgate › Hinge and attachments
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape and 2025 Escape vehicles. The liftgate hinge covers may not be properly secured and detach from the vehicle.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and reinstall, or replace any missing liftgate hinge covers as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 3, 2026.
Structure › Body › Bumpers › Active shutters/grill
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape, 2021-2022 Lincoln Corsair, and 2022 Maverick 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…
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.
NHTSA investigations
Failed Door Check Arm Attachment Point
On July 7, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE23-013 to investigate instances of check arm bracket failure in the front doors in model year (MY) 2020-2021 Ford Escape vehicles. At the time of opening, ODI received 118 Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) alleging this failure. To date, ODI has received 593 VOQs alleging this failure, with a variety of reported failure conditions.
Body complaints in other Escape years
Frequently asked questions
How common are body problems on the 2022 Ford Escape?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the body & structure of the 2022 Ford Escape, 8% of the model year's 237 complaints. The component named most often is body (16 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2022 Ford Escape body problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 25V-829 (hinge and attachments, Dec 1, 2025); NHTSA recall 22V-484 (active shutters/grill, Jul 7, 2022). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2022 Ford Escape body problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 10,000 miles, and 80% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to body & structure 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.