2022 Ford Escape Complaints

STEERING — Filed 09/12/2026

When attempting to turn, the steering wheel locked up, loosened, locked up, loosened, locked up, loosened

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE — Filed 09/30/2026

The contact owns a 2022 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V467000 (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 not made aware of the issue.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE — Filed 07/01/2026

The contact owns a 2022 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the vehicle had failed to start after several attempts. The check engine warning light was displayed on the instrument panel, with an abnormal sputtering sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was approximately 48,000.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 09/08/2026

car has act6ive recall from July 16th 2025 with no remedy related to the fuel injection system, car is currently experiencing fuel related mechanical failures , ford does not have a fix for these issues that can cause the car to catch fire while driving

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE — Filed 07/11/2025

The contact owns a 2022 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V467000 (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 contact had not experienced a failure.

POWER TRAIN — Filed 09/01/2026

There are no warning lamps on at this time but the transmission is not shifting at the right points. It seems to search a lot for the right gear. Also half the time you hit the gas there is severe transmission lag. It makes it dangerous to pull into traffic. I first had the transmission replaced at roughly 36000 miles. It now has 47000 miles on it and I believe it is already defective.

STEERING — Filed 06/22/2026

Excessive bilateral play/backlash in the steering rack unit was identified by a 3rd party repair organization. Ball-joint wear was ruled out and the problem suspected to be caused by internal wear of mechanical restraints. Third party mechanic advised that the car was unsafe to drive due to possible uncontrolled loss of steering function and that corrective action by the manufacturer was required. Vehicle was subsequently towed to Big Valley Ford where the dealership confirmed the initial diagnosis: "Upon inspection found play - severe internal play in rack". Normal vehicle use was not considered a causal factor of the defect on the vehicle with only 73,394miles. No warning messages were displayed to indicate the problem but front-end noise was noted while operating the vehicle.

SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 07/20/2026

While traveling on the interstate, the driver of the Ford Escape moved into the left lane from behind an 18-wheeler that had stopped while attempting to enter a turning lane. After moving into the left lane, the driver observed traffic ahead stopping. The vehicle ahead was at or beyond the front of the 18-wheeler. The Escape was still behind the rear of the 18-wheeler when the driver began braking. The driver pressed the brake pedal, but the vehicle did not stop as expected. It may have slowed slightly at first. The driver released the brake pedal and pressed it again. On the second application, the vehicle did not appear to slow further, and the brake pedal felt as though it went straight to the floor. The driver continued holding the brake pedal down until the Escape collided with the vehicle ahead, which was at or beyond the front of the 18-wheeler's cab. The driver had applied the brakes twice before the vehicle's forward-collision/impact warning activated. There were no known brake warning lights or brake-related messages before the incident. The suspected system involved is the braking system; the exact cause is UNKNOWN. The collision resulted in the vehicle being declared a total loss by the insurance company. The vehicle is currently being held at the insurance company's investigation yard and has not yet been released to the salvage department, so it remains available for inspection at this time. During approximately three years of ownership, the vehicle had previously experienced recurring squealing from the rear brakes when backing up. The vehicle was taken to Ford regarding the brakes on two occasions, and the brake pads were replaced once. Ford advised that no other issue was found at those times though squealing happened occasionally after.

ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 04/01/2025

Ford refuses to fix this recall for over a year I am stuck with a car I cannot sell because dealer will not honor recall.

POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 07/26/2026

This recall has been in effect for over a year now with no remedy available. I have issues with my engine starting, engine staying running, acceleration during turning, etc. due to this recall. It is extremely unsafe and no remedy being available after a year is very disappointing and puts me in harm everyday.

POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 02/01/2026

When accelerating Rpm needle jumps rapidly up and down. I’m noticing that I am not able to pick up speed in the car continues to jerk.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE — Filed 07/01/2025

The contact owns a 2022 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not made aware of the issue; however, several letters confirmed that parts were not yet available. 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.

ENGINE — Filed 10/31/2025

A Terrifying Ordeal and a Broken Promise: M.A’s Story A Known Danger Ignored In August 2025, M.A, a [XXX] woman living with Multiple Sclerosis, received a letter from Ford Motor Company. It was a recall notice for her 2022 Ford Escape, warning that a defect in the turbo system could cause engine fires. Despite this known danger, the letter contained a chilling instruction: there was "no recommendation to stop operating the vehicle." Trusting the manufacturer, M.A continued to drive her car—her essential link to independence. A Nightmare on the Road Two months later, in October 2025, that trust nearly cost M.A her life. While driving in Windsor, Ontario, she saw smoke, then flames erupt from under the hood. In a horrifying instant, the engine compartment burst into fire. Paralyzed by panic—a "brain freeze" moment where she couldn't even unlock her door—she was trapped. Only with the help of bystanders was she pulled to safety, where she watched helplessly as her car and everything she owned—clothes, jewelry, two laptops, an iPad, and three suitcases—were consumed by flames. Physical and Emotional Devastation The fire was extinguished, and the car was towed away, but the damage to M.A’s life was just beginning. The traumatic event triggered a severe relapse of her Multiple Sclerosis, worsening her physical disability. The profound stress and sadness have been overwhelming. She is now without a vehicle, struggling daily with lost mobility and independence. Abandoned by the Company at Fault When M.A contacted Ford for help, seeking accountability for the defect they had already acknowledged, she was met with indifference. Customer service representatives, both by phone and on Facebook, directed her only to her insurance company, washing their hands of responsibility for the catastrophic failure their recall had warned about INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 09/05/2025

I am writing to formally demand immediate action regarding my 2022 Ford Escape, VIN [XXX] a 0% financing plan and Ford’s New Vehicle Limited Warranty. Since purchase, the Escape has suffered serious safety defects, including gasoline fumes inside the cabin, burning odors, and repeated performance failures tied to the fuel system. On [XXX] and again on [XXX], the vehicle flamed up while being driven, requiring emergency intervention to extinguish. In August 2025, Ford issued Safety Recall 25S76, admitting that these vehicles may suffer fuel injector cracking, fuel leaks, and under-hood fires while being driven. Ford further admitted that no permanent repair remedy exists. The interim software update provided does not correct the defect. As a retired U.S. Army Combat Medic and Purple Heart recipient, I live with PTSD triggered by vehicle fires and explosions. The Escape’s condition has placed me in a state of medical crisis, making it impossible for me to safely operate the vehicle. FORD HAS DISCONTINUED THE LINE. I WANT A REPLACEMENT CAR OR I WANT TO BE COMPENSATED FOR THE RISK OF LOSS OF LIFE IF I DRIVE THE CAR. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS — Filed 06/08/2024

The contact owned a 2022 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while slowing down to stop a second vehicle traveling approximately 50 MPH, crashed into the rear of the vehicle. During the crash, the contact's vehicle was pushed into the rear of a third vehicle causing severe damage to the vehicle's frontend. The contact indicated that the front driver and passenger side air bags did not deploy and both the front driver and passenger side seatbelts failed to secure the occupants. The driver sustained a head contusion, neck and back, and right calf injuries, and the front passenger sustained a head contusion, thumb, back, neck, and shoulder injuries. Both occupants were transported to the local hospital and received medical treatment. The vehicle was destroyed and towed away. A police report was taken at the scene. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 34,000.

AIR BAGS,ENGINE — Filed 02/06/2024

Since purchase airbags light stays on reported this several times! Next engine oil has been leaking on hot parts of engine report to manufacturer and they are doing nothing this is my only vehicle! This could cause a fire! Several vehicles same year and model same problem!

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL — Filed 02/06/2024

I was in a minor accident involving a small animal on [XXX] and there was not much damage done to it. After it got repaired a few months later the steering wheel started locking up on me so I had it towed down to Bob Johnson Ford in Pulaski NY. They couldn't diagnose the issue and said I was safe to drive it home. On the way home the steering wheel locked up while exiting the highway and caused me to run into a guard rail. (XXX) After it got repaired I thought it was fixed but months later it started locking up again. On [XXX] had it towed to Wally's ford in Adams ny. They also have not been able to diagnose the issue. I am trying to get Ford to buy back the car but they say it's outside the lemon law and to see if the insurance company can do anything about it. Ford and USAA both told me to not drive the vehicle but neither of them will give me a rental car. So I'm stuck between companies and have nothing to drive. Please help. The car is a 2022 Ford escape SEL, 28000 miles on it. Please contact me at [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

SEATS — Filed 07/09/2024

Driver's side seat: I use heated seat at times along with a/c to help my lower back pain. On [XXX] I was using it. I moved my right leg as I was driving with cruise control and I felt some skin tear off of the back of my thigh. Of course, it hurt and I immediately put my hand down and the seat was ridiculously hot! I had to keep my hand cupped underneath as I pulled off on the next exit. My daughter, [XXX] , was with me to witness this. She took pics in the gas station bathroom. I had 3 blisters total and 1 had ripped open with the skin hanging on the side. I have diabetes and diabetic neuropathy. Not a good combination with a defective heated seat that overheats to the point of blisters! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

SEATS — Filed 05/19/2024

I was on the passenger rear side, lifting the lever to lay the back of the seat flat and forward while doing so I was slightly in the vehicle, trying to lift the lever. When all of a sudden the seat flew forward very rapidly like spring action, and the piece that holds the seatbelt at the top of the back of the seat, which is plastic, slammed into my bridge of my nose, causing a laceration and possible nose fracture.

SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 03/12/2024

The brakes failed completely, the pedal touched the ground. It is currently getting inspected a ford dealership. The vehicle was unable to stop causing it to crash into my house. This could out the driver and passengers are risk if it occurred on a main road or highway. It has not been inspected yet. It is in the process. No. Not warning on the dash for brakes before or after the accident.

STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 06/29/2023

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.

AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS — Filed 07/13/2022

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Airbags and Seatbelts failed in a T-bone accident on the Highway and am unsure if it available for review on the car do to insurance taking possession of car. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? It did not restrain or protect me during accident. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? It was confirmed by my insurance. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Yes Insurance and Police Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No nothing was on the dash prior to crash

ENGINE — Filed 04/19/2023

The contact owned a 2022 Ford Escape. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact heard two loud explosions, when the contact looked outside the vehicle was in flames, causing the siding of the contact's home siding to melt. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated, but the contact smelled an odor of fuel coming from the vehicle before the explosion. No one was injured and a police report was filed. The fire department was able to extinguish the flames. The vehicle was not towed. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 1,500.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE,LANE DEPARTURE — Filed 09/02/1981

I used to drive my Ford Escape just perfectly and I was happy. I liked it. One day in December 2022, I drove my car normally and perfectly during the day. Then, after work, I went to do my shopping. After I finished shopping, I drove my car again. I changed the cruise control settings. After less than a mile, I was tuning left at low and normal speed less than 10MPH. Suddenly, I found the car accelerated on its own and I lost the control of the wheel. I did not feel the pedals under my feet, no resistance. Every thing was out of my control. Then, the car hit a tree. Fortunately, no injury, I had a pain lasted for weeks, but no injury. There are huge smokes, but no fire. The car was declared as a total loss, and I lost a lot of money. After that I was curious what happened to me. I found complaints about Ford Escape, in which the drivers stating the same experience as mine. The accelerated on its own after adjusting the cruise control. That’s inspired me to complain and warn other driver about the safety of this car. I don’t know the main reason the car accelerated, but I hope it will be investigated. However, I found that Ford has a recall in the last week of November (a week before my accident) related to fuel injection. I searched again and I found that the problems on car’s computer, fuel injector or ECU could lead to uncontrolled amount of fuel passing to the engine and may cause acceleration or burn. I am very lucky that the acceleration didn’t hit people or the car burnt from speed and heat. Again, I don’t know what happened, but I hope it will be investigated to safe lives of others. Photos can be supported upon request. The car is now with the insurance company.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL — Filed 06/21/2022

On June 21 Inn the afternoon my wife and I were driving on I-94 near Minneapolis, MN in a rental car. Suddenly the car started accelerating on its own – and the acceleration was aggressive (“pedal to the metal” type acceleration). I hit the brakes but nothing happened. As the car continued to accelerate I pumped the brakes taped on the accelerator and hit the ignition switch but nothing would slow the car. I could see congestion further ahead of us with slow moving vehicles and all lanes occupied. I started looking for an escape route – one that would hopefully enable us to survive while not hurting/injuring others. To my right I saw a an entry or exit ramp and on the other side of the ramp was an embankment. I turned toward the embankment, crossing the ramp and going up the embankment not knowing what was on the other side of it. I must have been going at least 100 mph when I topped the embankment. As we went over the embankment I looked down and saw a parking lot that looked vacant. It seemed to me that the parking lot was 6-8 feet below us (the EMT later said it was 10-12 ft). We both lost consciousness when we hit the ground in the parking lot (and the air bags deployed). When we regained consciousness we had hit an object in the parking lot. The rescue squad arrived soon thereafter. An hour earlier that afternoon I was adjusting the cruise control when suddenly the car accelerated unexpectedly. I hit the brakes and the cruise control went off as it should. I then attempted to adjust it again and again the car accelerated unexpectedly. This time when I hit the brakes the car continued to accelerate. I pumped the brakes but the acceleration continued. The car finally stopped accelerating when I turned the cruise control off. I wondered if I should continue using the cruise control since it had malfunctioned but decided to try it and it seemed to be working so I continued on using the cruise control. In hindsight that was a serious mistake.