Body complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2 | 8% | — |
| 2024 | 2 | 3% | 9,000 miles |
| 2023 | 5 | 5% | — |
| 2022 | 20 | 8% | 10,000 miles |
| 2021 | 92 | 26% | 42,000 miles |
| 2020 | 670 | 42% | 45,000 miles |
| 2019 | 12 | 2% | 50,000 miles |
| 2018 | 20 | 1% | 26,000 miles |
| 2017 | 62 | 2% | 40,000 miles |
| 2016 | 21 | 2% | 30,000 miles |
| 2015 | 36 | 3% | 49,000 miles |
| 2014 | 84 | 4% | 40,000 miles |
| 2013 | 87 | 3% | 39,000 miles |
| 2012 | 68 | 11% | 57,000 miles |
| 2011 | 43 | 3% | 48,000 miles |
| 2010 | 84 | 4% | 66,000 miles |
| 2009 | 32 | 2% | 72,000 miles |
| 2008 | 41 | 2% | 80,000 miles |
| 2007 | 18 | 7% | 121,000 miles |
| 2006 | 63 | 14% | 128,000 miles |
| 2005 | 434 | 31% | 120,000 miles |
| 2004 | 138 | 28% | 120,000 miles |
| 2003 | 121 | 22% | 109,000 miles |
| 2002 | 87 | 8% | 125,000 miles |
| 2001 | 54 | 5% | 133,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (doors, hood, frame, rust, paint and trim).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
While pulling into a residential parking space at low speed, the vehicle (2023 Ford Escape) suddenly accelerated unexpectedly without additional throttle input. The acceleration was abrupt and forceful, and I was unable to stop the vehicle before it struck the structure in front of the parking space. The incident occurred at very low speed and under normal driving conditions. The driver was applying the brake at the time of the unintended acceleration. Airbags deployed upon impact. There were no prior warning lights or indications of a mechanical issue before the incident. The vehicle sustained significant front-end damage.
I've had this thing less than 6 months, I've already had the engine rebuilt with 34 parts a month and a half in and the drivers side rear door handle replaced during this time because it would not open from the outside and only the inside despite being unlocked. All of this occurred at the beginning of May 2024 and it sat for 3 months due to the engine being basically rebuilt with most parts being on backorder. Today the same door is having the same issue, only this time the same exact door won't open neither from the inside or outside, which is a huge safety hazard in my eyes if I got into an accident and had passengers in the backseat. I do have video proof of this too.
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 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while reversing out of the driveway, the vehicle suddenly shut off and failed to start. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed that the fuel injector had failed. The vehicle was repaired. After having the vehicle repaired, the contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline), 25V829000 (Structure), 26V123000 (Back Over Prevention), and 26V117000 (Visibility); however, the parts for the repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that when idle and attempting to acclerate the vehicle would jerk forward. The vehicle would jolt forward and shake when transitioning from 2nd to 3rd gear at various speeds. Whistle noises were coming from near the liftgate. The contact was experiencing hard shifting. There were no warning lights illuminated. …
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was serviced under Customer Satisfaction Program 23B-56; however, the replacement welding caused the front driver's side door to fail. Additionally, the contact stated that while attempting to enter the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start, and multiple warning lights illuminated. The vehicle required a jump-start to start. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the battery had failed and needed to be replaced. The battery was replaced, and the contact was informed that the previously installed battery was incorrect for the vehicle. The contact was referred to a second dealer for further assistance. …
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 25V829000 (Structure); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. While starting the vehicle, the engine made a choking sound. The failure was more prevalent after fully refueling the vehicle. While driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle was shaking abnormally. While approaching a red light and attempting to stop, the vehicle shut off unintendedly. The vehicle was restarted, and the contact pulled over to the side of the road, where the vehicle started to shake. The contact waited for a while before restarting the vehicle. When the vehicle was restarted, the engine started choking and the vehicle shut off. …
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while closing the front driver's side door, added pressure was needed why closing the door. The contact stated that she had to apply pressure to the front passenger's side door to close the door securely. As a result, the front driver's and passenger's side windows rolled down halfway and failed to operate as designed. The vehicle as taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the front driver's and passenger's side spot welds had cracked, and the front driver's and passenger's side doors needed to be replaced. The contact was then informed by the dealer to take the vehicle to a local repair shop to have the door welded. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the mileage on the vehicle was over the warranty mileage coverage. …
Related recalls (5)
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.
Structure › Body › Door
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Escape vehicles manufactured October 5, 2011, through April 10, 2014. Due to an assembly misalignment between the exterior door handle and the door outer panel, the affected vehicles have doors that may be difficult to close or may possibly open while driving.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and correct the mounting of the door handles, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on May 30, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-800-392-3673.
Structure › Frame and members
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2001-2004 Escape vehicles manufactured October 22, 1999, through January 23, 2004, originally sold, or currently registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New…
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will install a newly designed reinforcement cross-brace, free of charge. The recall began on May 30, 2014. Owners may contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.
Structure
Ford is recalling certain model year 2013 escape vehicles manufactured from March 8, 2012 through June 7, 2012. Due to mis-positioned carpet padding the center console trim panel May be pushed outboard of the intended position, reducing clearance relative to the pedal package.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will remove the carpet padding and left-side console trim panel replaced with a new panel, free of charge. The recall began on July 20, 2012.
NHTSA investigations
Rear Liftgate Window Glass Breakage
In its response to the agency, Ford acknowledged a higher than normal level of glass breakage incidents in the model year (MY) 2010 to early-build MY 2011 subject vehicles.The incidentsoccurred when the liftgate glass was being opened, or more typically while being closed, but in both cases while the vehicle was stationery, i.e., not moving on the roadway.Additionally failures often occurred during early morning…
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.
Frequently asked questions
Which Ford Escape years have body problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2020 (670), 2005 (434), 2004 (138), 2003 (121) and 2021 (92) model years. Body complaints make up 42% of all complaints for the 2020.
Is there a recall for Ford Escape body problems?
Yes — 5 recalls, including 25V-829 (hinge and attachments, Dec 1, 2025); 22V-484 (active shutters/grill, Jul 7, 2022); 14V-239 (door, May 7, 2014). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Ford Escape body problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 90,000 miles; 25% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the body (1,667 mentions), followed by the body › door (142).
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.