105 complaints reported

2020 Ford Escape Power Train

Owner-reported problems and safety issues filed with NHTSA. Review common failures, severity levels, and complaint trends over time.

Reports
105
Crashes
2
Fires
0
Injuries
1

Complaint Timeline

Chronological view of owner reports

Jul 2024

My car spontaneously started throwing out Service AdvanceTrac, PowerTrain Malfunction, AWD Fault, Pre-Collision Assist Not Available, and Hill Start Assist warnings. Those all cleared themselves, but the AWD Fault remained. I took it to my local Ford dealer, who replaced the AWD module the same day. The very next day my check engine light came on with the code for the Catalytic Converter and the PowerTrain Catalyst System fell below the efficiency threshold. My car barely has 40,000 miles on it and it is well-maintained. Upon reading some of the other complaints about this year, I see that I am not alone and have read several other complaints explaining the exact same thing that happened with my car. It appears as though there were other 2020 escapes within a certain manufacturing date range that DID qualify for a recall related to these issues, however mine did not for some reason.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Jul 2024
Jul 2024

Took car to dealership for separate covered customer satisfaction program involving door weld. door weld was resolved however the dealer stated that some check engine lights came on. after having my car for three weeks they diagnosed it as needing to replace the AWD Module and 2 related updates. It is publicly known by Ford that this issue has occurred in other 2020 Ford Escapes. This was addressed for some 2020 Ford Escapes in their customer service program 21B19. However my VIN did not qualify as it did not meet the manufacture dates. Nevertheless, the problem, vehicle year, and manufacture year are identical and this is not an issue that occurs with normal wear and tear within 30000 miles. The known issues with the 2020 Ford Escape AWD Module should be expanded to cover this.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Jul 2024
Jul 2024

Had new Ford factory transmission installed due to only getting 72000 miles on original trans. New transmission, after being installed, has been deemed defective from the factory so dealer will have to order and install a replacement. Ford 8 speed transmission.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Jul 2024
Jul 2024

My car spontaneously began displaying error messages saying that pre-collision assistance, hill start asssitance, vehicle stabilization, and AWD were in error and wouldn’t work. I took it to a Ford dealership and they diagnosed the AWD system as faulty and it will need to be replaced. If continued to be driven without replacing it, the AWD fault would cause the car to not be able to move forward. They were surprised a car this new would need this. Upon further research, I am among hundreds, if not more, of 2020 Escape owners with this problem. This is a widespread safety issue.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Jul 2024
Jul 2024

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the message "Service All-Wheel Drive" remained displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the All-Wheel Drive Module was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was later driven to the local dealer who replaced the All-Wheel Drive Module and vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 74,700.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: May 2024
Jun 2024

All Wheel Drive module is malfunctioning. AWD needs serviced light came on. Upon further research it appears that AWF modules that were manufactured at the facility where mine was manufactured, were recalled for dates within 2 days of mine being manufactured. Based on internet searches, it seems this has been a frequent issue and Ford will not replace/recall this module within the other recall. My vehicle only has 13,000 miles on it and is 4 years old. This should not be a problem and is going to be a great expense to get fixed. Ford should recall this part as it is a knows consistent issue with the AWD module that was manufactured out of the same facility.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Jun 2024
Jun 2024

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? AWD module failure How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? While driving the vehicle shifted out of AWD and began losing power as several errors began flashing in dash! They were AWD fault service required Service advance trac Pre collision assist not available AWD off Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes @ Loveland ford Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Yes @ Loveland ford Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Yes wrench and swervy car light came on first happened around June 13 2024 Shown that this year make and model has had this issue and a customer satisfaction program was in place but has since expired and told that since mine did not experience the problem during that time I do not qualify for the replacement

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Jun 2024
Jun 2024

I just bought this car less than 6 months ago, and the other day I had an “AWD Fault Service Required” light come on. Come to find out it’s a bad AWD computer module. I get to searching online and see hundreds of people with the same problem. I am not sure what I’m going to do, but if this is as common of an occurrence as forums lead me to believe it is, someone should look into this as a recall. There is already a recall for this exact problem for this same model of cars built within a specific factory and timeframe. It’s happening to enough people that this umbrella should probably be extended

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Jun 2024
Jun 2024

A clunking noise in the rear at turns to the right starting up from a stop. Local automotive shop diagnosed contaminated rear differential fluid. Changed fluid and told me to contact dealership. Differential should not have the issue at only 30,000 miles. Dealership confirmed issue and recommended TSB 24-2185 be performed at this time. However RDU vent nose part unavailable at this time and had to pay for a special order shipment when it was produced by third party vendor. Did not change fluid and Escape is clunking at right and left turns now and feels unsafe to drive as I herk and jerk down the road.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: May 2024
Jun 2024

The vehicle is flashing warning lights for Powertrain Failure, AWD System Failure, Collision-Assist Failure, AdvanceTrac Failure, Hill-Assist Failure. Apparently, these are all linked to a faulty AWD module. Ford is claiming that it is not covered by their Powertrain warranty even though it is a major component of that system. This issue is becoming more and more prevalent with Ford customers. This item should be a recall. Please assist us in making that happen.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Jan 2024
Jun 2024

2020 Escape has a turn style shifter that becomes stuck in park and will not shift into gear on hot summer days making the car inoperable leaving unsuspecting drivers stranded. The issue happens almost weekly to daily to my vehicle. The dealership has found no cause for this issue as when the shifter is acting up and is inoperable, the dealership has no opening to serivce vehicle.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Jun 2024
Jun 2024

2020 Has a 8f35 transmission with the same torque converter issues and low speed shudder under 35 same as bulletin 21-2081... ford edge with same transmission ford recommended replacement at 90000 miles didn't offer to even attempt to work on it. No warning lights are on

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Oct 2024
May 2024

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the gear shift knob was seized on several occasions. After waiting for hours, the gear shifter was able to operate as needed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer, and the contact was informed that a diagnostic test needed to be performed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Dec 2024
May 2024

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle seized in gear. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to reverse. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to shift into park or drive. The check engine warning light flashed on and off. The wrench symbol was displayed. The powertrain inactive message was displayed. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V330000 (Power Train). The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where an unknown diagnosis was completed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, opened a case, but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 103,635.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Jan 2024
May 2024

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was jerking. The contact stated that the failure occurred increasingly while driving from a complete stop. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the torque converter and the main control assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Jul 2024
May 2024

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with AWD module failure. The contact was informed that the AWD module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact researched and discovered the Customer Satisfaction Program: 21B19; however, the contact was informed that the VIN was not associated with the program. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 51,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Mar 2024
May 2024

transmission problems : High RPMs as vehicle fails to shift up Lurching/“bucking” forward at intervals Hesitation

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Apr 2024
Apr 2024

Vehicle 4 years old under 100,000 miles now having transmission issues, vehicle took into for dealership for review (check engine light on)car owner informed service member that specializes in transmission repair not in for 3 weeks as of March 2024. Vehicle now experiencing slipping when acceleration/ deceleration, slipping to stop. Vehicle showing signs of issues as reported with current Ford Lawsuit Accusing Automaker of Concealing Fusion, Escape 6F35 Transmission Problems.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Mar 2024
Apr 2024

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle downshifted with no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V550000 (Power Train). A case was opened, and the manufacturer referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Apr 2024
Apr 2024

All Wheel Drive (AWD) triggered a fault and stopped functioning while drive, resulting in loss of traction and wheel slippage in slippery conditions. Ford dealership diagnosed a faulty AWD module and admitted this is a very common problem with all 2020 Ford Escapes but that it is NOT covered under warranty. Ford is well aware of these issues with their AWD modules but has so far refused to initiate a recall of their know-faulty AWD modules.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Apr 2024
Apr 2024

Ford service center diagnosed a failed AWD module. It was only examined by the Ford techs at the dealership where I bought it. Total price was approx $1200 which was covered by extended warranty plan, but I had to pay a $250 deductible. The mileage when the warning illuminated was approx 38,900. While driving, AWD OFF was illuminated on dash. As well as POWERTRAIN FAULT, HILL START ASSIST OFF, PRE-COLLISION ASSIST UNAVAILABLE, SERVICE ADVANCETRAC, AND SEE MANUAL. I was put at risk because all of my safety features seemed to be failing. I have heard many others having the same issue all with low miles.(40,000 or less) I believe this component requires a recall because I had only owned the car 3 weeks when this happened. I havent even made a payment on it yet!!

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Apr 2024
Apr 2024

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, various unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the driveline control module and the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 48,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Nov 2023
Mar 2024

While driving home from work the car stopped reacting to the gas pedal and I was going fast enough to coast into a parking lot. Had I been on the bridge or turnpike it could have been a disaster.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Aug 2024
Mar 2024 Crash Injury

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that she had parked the vehicle in the driveway and went to manually open the garage door to reverse inside the garage. The contact stated that while opening the garage door, the vehicle started rolling back. The contact stated that the front driver's side door knocked her down, and the front driver's side tire rolled up her right foot. The vehicle crashed into the contacts residential garage. The contact stated that she sustained a crushing wound on the heel of her right foot that was 7 inches long and 1 inch wide. The contact stated that her right heel blew wide open and the tendons and muscles were detached from the bone. The contact stated that she underwent surgery and 3 months of basic bed rest. The vehicle was taken to an autobody repair shop, where it was repaired. The vehicle was also taken to the dealer, where the cause of the failure could not be determined, and the dealer informed the contact that she might have failed to park the vehicle before the incident. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 10,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Mar 2022
Mar 2024

Ford Escape Titanium 2020 purchased 8/2020. Transmission issues began 5/21/21. Car slowed on highway with gas pedal pushed to the ground then surged and lunged. Several warning lights and I had it towed to a dealership. BCE module reprogram. car continued lunging, surging as well as shuddering. Stopped in several times to be told nothing wrong, no recalls, couldn't replicate. 4/19/2023 car still surging , esp at speeds of 30-50mph or less. Dealership found no issue. 6/20/238/2023 wrench light along with surging at or below 50mph. Couldn't replicate. 8/23/2023 insisted Mechanic drive with me. Issue noted immediately! Had car 2 months. dealer contacted Ford - no recall but engineers getting similar reports. Replaced spark plugs and transfer case control. Did not fix issue.12/5/23 post inspection told rear shocks wearing out (36,000 miles). 2/5/24 surging 20-40 mph and Check Engine light on. Dealer replaced/purge vapor management valve and cannister purge valves. Continued to express safety concerns. 2/23/24 car speed slowed from 70 to 10 mph on highway and was surging going up ramps. Insisted transmission techs and manager ride with me and immediately registered issues. Asked them to check Driver side door due to problems reported online. told no recall. Complete transmission overhaul (NOT REPLACED) and returned 3/25/24. On 4/11 driver door started making noises. Scheduled 4/19 service on 4/16 was unable to shut car door and had towed to dealership. Door recall that day. Dealer had car from 4/16 through 7/11 to replace doors and rear shocks. Service department initiated buyback. Ford denied and will not provide written reason. I Called Ford customer service and with permission recorded call with rep and then her manager who would not forward my call to another department and told me my only recourse was to file a complaint with the BBB. Car still shuddering and surging. So was loaner car- dealer and mechanic insinuated it may be "characteristic" of model!!!!

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: May 2021

Trend Over Time

Complaints by year

Quick Summary

The 2020 Ford Escape has 105 Power Train complaints on file. 2 crashes have been reported. Review the timeline above for detailed owner experiences.