Window & Wiper complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 33% | — |
| 2025 | 1 | 4% | — |
| 2024 | 1 | 1% | 16,000 miles |
| 2023 | 3 | 3% | 13,000 miles |
| 2022 | 3 | 1% | 10,000 miles |
| 2021 | 24 | 7% | 58,000 miles |
| 2020 | 66 | 4% | 40,000 miles |
| 2019 | 3 | 1% | — |
| 2018 | 12 | 1% | 34,000 miles |
| 2017 | 15 | 1% | 56,000 miles |
| 2016 | 20 | 2% | 24,000 miles |
| 2015 | 21 | 2% | 48,000 miles |
| 2014 | 25 | 1% | 39,000 miles |
| 2013 | 38 | 1% | 58,000 miles |
| 2012 | 20 | 3% | 50,000 miles |
| 2011 | 45 | 3% | 48,000 miles |
| 2010 | 87 | 4% | 39,000 miles |
| 2009 | 10 | 1% | 58,000 miles |
| 2008 | 28 | 1% | 60,000 miles |
| 2007 | 11 | 4% | 82,000 miles |
| 2006 | 21 | 5% | 83,000 miles |
| 2005 | 33 | 2% | 70,000 miles |
| 2004 | 14 | 3% | 64,000 miles |
| 2003 | 5 | 1% | 90,000 miles |
| 2002 | 32 | 3% | 35,000 miles |
| 2001 | 26 | 3% | 95,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2023 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the front driver's door window would not completely roll up and close. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who replaced the front driver's side door window motor, and the vehicle was repaired but failure reoccurred. Additionally, while operating the vehicle, the message "Front Collision Camera Inoperable" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, but failure code could not be retrieved, and the cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failures, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 13,000.
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.
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.
Sunroof fabric shade detached from roller arms meant to move shade open/closed. Plastic clips meant to hold shade fabric to roller arms snapped. Caused shade fabric to detach and cause hazard by hanging fabric, unable to see backseat or out back windshield. Caused hazard by not have shade to block out sunlight from above, hindering visibility.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 26V123000 (Back Over Prevention) and 26V117000 (Visibility); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that the rearview camera image was blurry while in reverse(R). Additionally, the contact stated that the windshield wipers failed to operate while driving 35 MPH in the rain. The driver's view was obstructed due to the failure, which almost caused a crash with another vehicle during the failure. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer, and the contact was informed that a diagnostic test was needed to determine the cause of the failure. The contact paid for a diagnostic test and the repair of the windshield wipers. The vehicle was repaired; however, the windshield wipers operated at a slower speed while on the highest setting. …
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal fuel odor inside the vehicle. The contact stated that the engine seized. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was restarted. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The dealer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline), 26V123000 (Back Over Prevention), and 26V117000 (Visibility); however, parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.
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.
Related recalls (5)
Visibility › Power window devices and controls
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017 Escape vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 16V617. The power-operated windows may exert excessive force when encountering an object, before they automatically reverse.
Remedy: Dealers will update the power window operating system software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 22, 2026. Owners may contact customer service at 1-866-436-7332.
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.
Visibility › Sun/moon roof assembly
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2014 Ford Escape vehicles manufactured October 15, 2013, through October 22, 2013. The panorama roof glass may not be properly bonded to the attaching bracket.
Remedy: Ford has notified owners. Dealers will inspect each vehicle and replace the front roof glass if its production date and sequence number falls within the affected range, free of charge.
Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Motor
On certain trucks, passenger cars and sport utility vehicles, the windshield wiper motor May have been produced without grease being applied to the output shaft gear.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the wiper motor for the presence of grease and grease the wiper motor gears if necessary. The recall began on November 22, 2005.
Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Linkages
Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. The windshield wiper linkage can disengage due to a broken ball socket.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the wiper module.
Frequently asked questions
Which Ford Escape years have window & wiper problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2010 (87), 2020 (66), 2011 (45), 2013 (38) and 2005 (33) model years. Window & Wiper complaints make up 4% of all complaints for the 2010.
Is there a recall for Ford Escape window & wiper problems?
Yes — 5 recalls, including 26V-374 (power window devices and controls, Jun 9, 2026); 26V-117 (motor, Mar 3, 2026); 14V-403 (sun/moon roof assembly, Jul 2, 2014). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Ford Escape window & wiper problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 52,000 miles; 51% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the glass, side/rear (86 mentions), followed by the sun/moon roof assembly (45).
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.