NHTSA Owner Complaint Log
This page lists owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2020 Ford Escape. Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA and do not by themselves prove a defect or defect rate.
Data synced from NHTSA on May 4, 2026
The spot welds where the check arm bracket attaches at the left (driver's) door failed, causing the internal bracket to detach. Once the bracket was no longer attached to the door, any attempt to close the door was met with resistance. Instead of the check arm receding into the door, the act of closing was trying to have both the check arm and bracket recede into the door; the bracket was at risk of damaging the window mechanism. In order to close the door, I have cut the check arm and removed the bolt that attached it to the car; leaving the small portion of check arm with the bracket to drop in the door slightly. Failure of this part is a safety risk to the driver, as it holds the door open; any gust of wind or even gravity will close the door unexpectedly on a person trying to exit the vehicle. The part is currently available for inspection. I have brought it to the dealer and provided them with SSM 51050 that I found regarding the known issue. As it was out of warranty they suggested I see an auto body shop. Searches online yield many complaints and even videos showing the issue. There were no warning lights. Shortly before failure the door presented with a creaking sound; 3 additional closings and it failed.
Drivers side door will not shut due to spot welds failing which causes the door check assembly to come off the inside of the door.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated while attempting to open the front driver’s side door, the door failed to open all the way. Additionally, there was a cracking sound coming from the door. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the door weld on the front driver’s side door had fractured, and that the door needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that assistance would be provided with the cost of the door replacement. The failure mileage was 30,000. The VIN was not available.
Hello, The safety problem that I discovered in the car is as follows When I start the car with me "remote-start"and sit on the driver's seat, I can start the car by pressing the start button without first pressing the foot brake. I mean, if the person was operating the car with the remote control, and there were children in the car, and the children pressed the start button, the car would be completed, and the children might be exposed to danger. What is unique is that it is correct in all cases to start the car with the remote control or from the inside using the usual way. You must press the foot brake first! I have peace and confirmation that the driver of the car is an adult and can connect his feet to the foot brakes. In this problem the operation is done without the foot brake. Only when running through the remote. As for operating from the inside, there are no problems. Once again, the problem is when turning on first with the remote. Ford customer service, agreeed that issuse has to be reported to your devision to test it out. Thank you,
The driverside door has been popping a little bit since we bought the vehicle in August of 2020. Today the popping got worse and you can see what looks to be spot welds broken behind where the door check is located.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V859000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V859000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Door check device on the drivers door broke off at the riveted attachment point. Device started making a popping noise followed by a complete failure. Door would not close and window would not roll down or get stuck in the down position. Stopped and had body shop remove door check device.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V859000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
The driver and passenger only open all the way now. When the doors are opened it sounds like they are breaking or going to fall off. It is the mechanism that holds the door to the car when the doors are open.
I was just driving one day and then the hill start assist warning, pre-collision assist not available, and Powertrain malfunction/reduced power warnings all popped up. Upon further research there have been MULTIPLE people with this exact issue. Ford states the AWD module needs to be replaced. I have yet to do so but will do so in the near future.
2020 FORD ESCAPE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO NHTSA SAFETY RECALL 22V-859. THE DEALER STATED THERE ARE NOT PARTS AVAILABLE TO PERFORM THE RECALL.
Drivers side door popping from doorwell due to broken arm.
I went to get in my car one day and my door was making a popping noise. I took a closer look and my door check strap unwelded from my car door.
faulty spot welds on the drivers door checklink bracket failed and are preventing the door from closing correctly, and now the window wont roll all of the way down. not sure what else is broken inside of the door.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V859000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
vehicle has problems awd off service advance trac precollision assist not available hill star assist not available and the powertrain mall function reduces power and i have a problem with the rear subwoofer which was obtained by the does and the problem continues. The vehicle has been in the ford for two weeks and they have not been able to solve it. I just bought it with 14,000 miles and it has all these problems and he could not enjoy the car, it is a lemon car
Back in March my door started making a popping noise. As time went on the weld spots broke which then led to me not being able use my car door window or lock the doors as the fuse keeps blowing due to the parts that are broken. My door also doesn’t latch completely and I don’t feel safe.
When I open the door the driver door. It’s separated from the bracket to the door. Will do keep those pieces together, came apart in the door.
The contact owns 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while parked, the driver's side door stopper made an abnormal sound and the door failed to close or open as needed. Additionally, the driver's side window failed to operate. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 49,000. The contact stated that the dealership and manufacturer were aware of the failure happening to other vehicles. The door was replaced by the delership.
The inside run channel which holds the "check strap arm" on the driver-side door has broken loose from the welds. The door would barely open which is a potential safety concern should someone need to exit the vehicle quickly in an emergency. This is the same issue reported in SSM 50150. Ford should issue a recall as this is a widespread issue with this model as reported online by customers and in SSM 50150.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the front driver's side door made an abnormal popping sound and opened independently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed with a front driver's side arm assembly fracture. The contact was informed that the door and arm assembly needed to be replaced; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
Driver's side door is broken. Started with popping sounds, then just snapped. Door can open and close but automatic window cannot be used. I have a video of the sound the door makes currently but was unable to upload it.
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. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline, but no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 107,000.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V859000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
2020 ford escape only 41k miles Broken spot welds in left front door check arm attachment points .. started making popping noise when opening door and know have trouble with opening g and closing door and ford won't fix it
Opened the drivers side door to get out of the car and heard a crack and the door would barely open. Hard to get in and out of and the window won't roll down. Definitely a safety issue. It has not been in a collision nor has the wind caught the door. The car is only 3 years old.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V859000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealers: Sayville Ford (5686 Sunrise Hwy, Sayville, NY 11782: (631) 573-0338) and Steven's 112 Ford (507 NY-112, East Patchogue, NY 11772: (631) 475-1133) were contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
3.09.2023 I received a 2nd recall notice letter from Ford last week that the parts are now available and to contact my dealer to schedule an appt. I just contacted my dealer, and was told that the parts are extremely constrained from Ford TO the dealers, with them stating they are only getting 2-3 repair kits per week. I was placed on a list, and apparently am number 65 in the waiting queue and it may be 4-6 months before I get a call back. While my car is operating fine, I find it extremely deceiving that customers would be contacted saying the parts are available, when they clearly are not. I doubt you can do anything, but did want to report this as it certainly can impact the statistical chance of my vehicle being impacted by this recall. Regards,
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V859000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
The initial occurrence was on March 7, 2023. The door suddenly made very loud popping noises when opening and closing the drivers side front door. The window was inoperable because of the door malfunction. I took the vehicle to Borgman Ford on March 8, 2023. They acknowledged that they knew what the problem was and had seen quite a few Escapes with the same issue. My Escape was then scheduled for repair/replacement on March 13-15, 2023. This was a great expense to me.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that she heard a cracking sound in the front driver’s side door. The contact then stated that the front driver’s side window failed to operate as designed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that an unknown front driver’s side door latch assembly part needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in a recall. The contact was advised to call the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 74,000.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V859000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V859000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving various speeds, the brake pedal was depressed, and depressed to the floorboard. The vehicle eventually stopped; however, the failure persisted. Additionally, the check engine warning light had remained illuminated for approximately four months. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed and it was determined that the parking brake, brakes, and the turbo charger needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the VIN was included NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V859000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 22V191000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the driver’s side door was making abnormally loud sounds while opening and closing the door. The contact stated that the latch on the door fractured, causing the door to swing open unintendedly. Additionally, it was difficult to roll the window up or down. There was no warning prior to the failure. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, and it was determined that the door welds were fractured causing the failure. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacture was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 22,000.
The contact's grandmother owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the driver's side door failed to operate as needed. Additionally, the driver's side window failed to roll down. The contact related the failure to Technical Service Bulletin: 15-0052 (Door Latch). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated while opening the front driver’s side door, the door failed to open completely. The contact had to forcefully pull the door handle for the door to open. The contact became aware that the latch was welded incorrectly. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer stated that the front driver’s side door needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired because the door was not available. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 19,000.
Driver side door hinge broke away from the frame and as a result you cannot open the drivers door nor can you roll down the window because of this I have to climb over into the passenger side to get out of the car...if I am in a wreck or the car catches on fire I cannot get out from the driver's side. If I am unconscious because of an accident , rescuers cannot get to me because of the door hinge..warranty will not pay for repair..this is a safety issue
Door welds broke. Ford is refusing to assist in covering. Repair shop is saying this is fords responsibility and a defect.
In February 2023, we noticed a popping/ snapping sound coming from the driver's door and it would not stay open on its own. Over the next couple weeks the power window began having trouble staying up and then it simply would not stay up at all. In March I took it to the dealership it was purchased from and had it looked it. After a couple hours I was told that the spot welds had failed and that the only way to fix it was to replace the entire door at my expense (approx $2k). The gentleman in charge told me it was not the first he had seen with this issue and if I got it repaired anywhere to keep my receipt for any issues recalls. The only solution I had was to have my husband get the window into place and disconnect the electrical to the window buttons. I have also had to deal with many bruises on my legs due to the door randomly closing on me while getting in and out. I'm disabled and this is a major problem for me. I have personally inspected the door and there are three holes next to the interior door panel that I believe are the location of some of the broken welds.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH and going over a bridge, the vehicle lost traction. The vehicle spun 360 degrees and spun off the bridge and then back onto the roadway. The contact attempted to steer the vehicle in a forward direction; however, the vehicle failed to steer forward direction while turning the steering wheel. The contact that she heard an abnormal "thumping" noise coming from underneath the floorboard. The contact was able to regain control of the vehicle. The contact stated that the AWD, Pre-Collision Assist, and power train malfunction" warning lights were illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the AWD Module needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to Ford Customer Satisfaction Program: 21B19 AWD Module (Power Train). The failure mileage was approximately 64,000.
My car has been in shop month at a time it lost all power to start with it has been torn up for the last 2 years 7 turbo 2 in one vist now it has metal saving in the motor ford say dealer ship is responsible dealer ship say ford but I lost my job have 2 kids and no way to go
Spot welds for driver's side door restrainer broke allowing the door to swing open, not close fully and window to not go down.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to reverse while the transmission was shifted into reverse(R). The transmission and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with diagnostic trouble code (DTC): P0766 (Shift Solenoid "D" Performance/Stuck Off) and the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact related the failure to Technical Service Bulletin: 21-2421 (FWD - 1.5L - 8F24 Transmission - No Reverse Engagement with DTCs P0766 And P2703) however, the vehicle was not covered under the TSB. The failure mileage was approximately 19,000.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated while opening the front driver's side door, there was an abnormal popping and snapping sound while the door was being opened or closed. The contact stated that the failure made it more difficult to open and close the door securely. The contact stated that the window had also stopped operating and no longer was able to be raised or lowered. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the driver's side door spot weld had fractured and needed to be rewelded. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA ID Number: 10201603 (Structure). The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 43,640.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V859000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was contacted, and the contact was informed and advised to schedule a recall repair appointment with a dealer. The dealer stated that only two parts per week were received from the manufacturer. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon opening the driver’s side door, a popping sound was coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the contact was informed that the spot weld on the front driver’s side door had fractured at the check arm attachment point. The contact then took the vehicle to two other independent mechanics who provided the same results and provided an estimate for repair. The manufacturer was not notified the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 39,000.
At around 66,000, I opened the driver's side door and noticed a popping sound when the door opened wide. I investigated a bit and noticed the door welds were cracked. The workaround was to only open the driver's side door slightly when entering and exiting. Then the driver's side window began behaving erratically. It could lower slightly but then may roll back up or roll all the way down without human intervention. Then, if it was lowered, you may have to help guide the window back up to the top using the button and pulling the window upward. I do not know if this issue affects the integrity of the door, and if it is at risk of becoming dislodged. I took it to Ford who wanted to charge me to replace the door, which I have not yet done. There is a communication number and an NHTSA ID number, but so far Ford is not doing the right thing by having a recall for this defective engineering and safety issue. NHTSA ID Number: 10201603 Manufacturer Communication Number: SSM 50150
The Driver, left front, door has a bracket that makes a popping noise when the door is opened fully and when it is being closed. The vehicle has not been to a dealer yet for repair. We're in the process of making an appointment now.