2020 Ford Escape Hybrid recalls and problems

The 2020 Ford Escape Hybrid has 1 safety recall and 290 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Ford dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

290

Crashes / fires

1 / 1

Injuries / deaths

5 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2020 Ford Escape Hybrid vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2020 Ford Escape Hybrid recalls

Recall 25V-881: Power Train

Reported Dec 18, 2025 · 87 vehicles affected · Ford Motor Company

Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Maverick Hybrid and 2020 Escape Hybrid vehicles. The Hybrid Powertrain Control Module (HPCM) software may cause the vehicle to shift into neutral unexpectedly, causing a loss of drive power.

Risk: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will update the HPCM software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 12, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S33. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning January 15, 2026. This is an expansion of Recalls 24V330 (24S33) and 25V133 (25S16).

2020 Ford Escape Hybrid problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Structure	106
Unknown or Other	64
Engine	64
Electrical System	44
Power Train	31
Back Over Prevention	7
Forward Collision Avoidance	7
Visibility/Wiper	6
Lane Departure	6
Fuel/Propulsion System	6
Vehicle Speed Control	5
Service Brakes	5

Most reported parts

Structure › Body — 82
Structure › Body › Door — 13
Lane Departure › Blind Spot Detection — 5
Structure › Body › Door › Hinge and Attachments — 5
Back Over Prevention › Rearview System Braking — 4
Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings — 3
Forward Collision Avoidance › Adaptive Cruise Control — 2
Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 2

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 28,799 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2020 Ford Escape Hybrid complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Visibility · at 74,000 miles · reported Oct 23, 2026

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving during rainy weather, the windshield wipers became inoperable and operated slowly. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V117000 (Visibility); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer confirmed that the part for the repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time to provide the recall repair. The approximate failure mileage was…

Electrical System · reported Oct 15, 2026

While driving down the road the vehicle lost all power and left my wife in a dangerous position on the road. The vehicle was just in for service 4 days before and we were told the vehicle had no error codes. The vehicle has lost power on multiple occasions and we have had it at different dealer service departments where ford trained technicians continue to tell us nothing is wrong with the vehicle. However, I find the vehicle to be unsafe and unfit for the road.

Unknown or Other · reported Aug 29, 2026

The thin metal gear shift dial has peeled extensively beginning in 2022 leaving RAZOR SHARP edges that cause constant skin lacerations as it's impossible to change gears and not to touch the sharp edges. I understand this is a very common problem with 2020 Ford models. Ford has now corrected the problem with newer models and the gear shift does not peel on newer models. However, that is STILL no help for current owners with the defective gear shifts. This is a serious defect causing unavoidable injury and needs to be addressed. This is the same problem that the defective window controls had…

Back Over Prevention · reported Aug 27, 2026

The rear cross traffic sensors are not detecting cross traffic when in reverse every time. It will work sometimes, but it failed to work at all for weeks. I have video showing it not working properly. I brought this to the dealership and was told that this is something that I will be required to fix out of my own pocket. This safety feature should be fixed or replaced at no cost the me because I was not involved in it no longer functioning. It is not clear why safety features that malfunction should be repaired at cost to the vehicle owner. If they stop functioning they should be fixed by the…

Unknown or Other · reported Aug 19, 2026

I went to [XXX] for the weekend, and on Sunday XXX I just left a restaurant and my car was parked on the street. As I left I was driving down a one way public street. I thought I hit a parked car to my right because I heard a noise that sounding like I hit something. I looked in the mirror and saw I was far from the parked cars and kept going. I went about a mile more and parked, and when I got out of the vehicle my friend/passenger said what happened to your car? and the passenger side top cover of my tailgate was missing. I told him I had a safety recall with ford and they fixed it earlier…

Other Ford Escape Hybrid years

2024 2023 2022 202120202013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005

Compare all Ford Escape Hybrid years · All Ford models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2020 Ford Escape Hybrid have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2020 Ford Escape Hybrid: 25V-881 (power train). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2020 Ford Escape Hybrid?

Owners report structure problems most often (106 reports), followed by unknown or other (64). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 28,799 miles.

Are Ford recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Ford dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.