NHTSA Safety Database

Ford Escape
Recall Hub

Live data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration covering every Ford Escape model year. Filter by year, search by keyword, or enter your VIN to check your specific crossover. All recall repairs at Astro Ford are free of charge — covering every Escape configuration including Active, ST-Line, ST-Line Select, ST-Line Elite, and Platinum, with 1.5L EcoBoost three-cylinder, 2.0L EcoBoost four-cylinder, 2.5L hybrid, and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrains. Astro Ford technicians are factory-trained on all Escape powertrain configurations including hybrid and PHEV high-voltage battery service.

Check Your Specific Truck

Enter your 17-character VIN to see only the recalls that apply to your exact vehicle. We query NHTSA in real time.

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Notable Escape Recalls to Know

Significant recalls affecting Ford Escape owners across both third-generation (2013–2019) and fourth-generation (2020+) platforms — covering plug-in hybrid (PHEV) high-voltage battery cell short-circuit fire risk, 1.5L EcoBoost cracked fuel injector underhood fire risk, 2.5L hybrid engine block underhood fire, passenger air bag instrument panel cover compliance, rear seat belt retractor bolt security, adaptive cruise control radar misalignment, and engine block heater fire risk. Verified from NHTSA Part 573 reports, Ford safety bulletins, and reputable industry sources. Always check your specific VIN above; not all vehicles in a model year are affected.

Fire Risk2020–2024 Escape PHEV/Corsair PHEVNHTSA 24V954 / Ford 24S79 (expanded by NHTSA 25V789)
High-Voltage Battery Cell Internal Short Circuit — Loss of Power and Fire Risk
On approximately 20,484 Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV) and Lincoln Corsair PHEV vehicles built 2020-2024, a manufacturing defect at the high-voltage battery cell supplier (Samsung SDI) damaged the separator layer between the cathode and anode in some battery cells. This can result in an internal short circuit, leading to a "Stop Safely Now" warning, loss of motive power, and battery thermal venting that may cause a vehicle fire. Steering, braking, and 12-volt accessories remain operational during a short event. Ford initially advised owners not to charge the battery to reduce fire risk. As of November 2025, Ford was aware of seven thermal venting cases on remedied vehicles (all Kuga PHEV vehicles in Europe), prompting an expanded recall (NHTSA 25V789) because the original BECM software remedy may not be sufficient. The new remedy is under development.
Initial remedy: Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) software update with cell anomaly detection that stops charging if a fault is detected. If software detects potential battery cell damage, the high-voltage battery pack is replaced free of charge. Expanded remedy under development as of late 2025.
Source: NHTSA Recall 24V954 / Ford Safety Recall 24S79 / NHTSA Recall 25V789 (expansion) / Battery Technology Online / The Lemon Law Experts / Ford.com / NHTSA Part 573 Report
Fire Risk2020–2022 Escape / 2021–2024 Bronco SportNHTSA 25V467 / Ford 25S76
Cracked Fuel Injector and Underhood Fire Risk — 1.5L Engine
On approximately 858,000 Ford Escape (2020–2022) and Bronco Sport (2021–2024) vehicles equipped with the 1.5L gasoline turbocharged direct injection three-cylinder engine, a fuel injector may crack and leak fuel inside the engine compartment. Leaking fuel can escape through a drain hole in the cylinder head and pool near ignition sources, increasing the risk of an underhood fire even when the vehicle is parked. This recall expands and replaces previous recalls 22V-859 (Nov 2022), 24V-187 (March 2024), and 25V-165 (March 2025). Drivers may notice fuel odors inside or outside the vehicle, instrument cluster warnings, or smoke and flames from the engine compartment.
Interim remedy: dealers update the engine control software to detect a cracked fuel injector and disable the high-pressure fuel pump, derate engine power, and reduce ignition source temperatures. Final remedy is under development. Vehicles previously remedied under prior recalls will need to have the new final remedy performed once available. Ford extended fuel injector warranty to 15 years or 150,000 miles. Owner notification letters mailed August 18, 2025; second letters anticipated July 2026.
Source: NHTSA Recall 25V467 / Ford Safety Recall 25S76 / CBS News / CNN Business / WardsAuto / NHTSA Part 573 Report
Compliance — FMVSS 2082024–2025 EscapeFord Safety Recall 24C38
Passenger Side Instrument Panel Cover — Air Bag May Not Deploy as Intended
On certain 2024–2025 Ford Escape vehicles, the passenger side instrument panel cover may have been manufactured incorrectly. The defect can cause the front passenger air bag not to deploy as intended in a crash. During air bag deployment, the air bag cover may break and project fragments into the vehicle, or the air bag may deploy improperly, increasing the risk of occupant injury. The vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Dealers replace the passenger side instrument panel cover, free of charge. Owner notification letters mailed February 18, 2025.
Source: Ford Safety Recall 24C38 / Cars.com / Kelley Blue Book / NHTSA Part 573 Report
Injury Risk2025–2026 Escape/CorsairFord Safety Recall 25C68
Rear Passenger Seat Belt Retractor Bolts Not Securely Fastened
On certain 2025–2026 Ford Escape and Lincoln Corsair vehicles, the seat belt retractors for the left and right rear passenger seats may not be securely fastened. An improperly secured seat belt retractor may not restrain an occupant as intended during a crash, increasing the risk of injury or ejection — particularly relevant for vehicles regularly used to transport children in rear seats.
Dealers inspect and secure or replace the seat belt retractor bolts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters mailed December 26, 2025. Affected VINs became searchable on NHTSA.gov on December 15, 2025.
Source: Ford Safety Recall 25C68 / Cars.com / NHTSA Part 573 Report
ADAS Risk2023–2024 Escape 2WDFord Safety Recall (Adaptive Cruise Radar)
Adaptive Cruise Control Radar Misaligned — Vehicle May Brake Unexpectedly
On certain 2023–2024 Ford Escape two-wheel-drive vehicles equipped with adaptive cruise control, the cruise control radar module was misaligned during production. Misalignment of the radar module can cause the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) to misclassify an overhead object such as a sign or bridge as an object in the vehicle's path, causing the vehicle to unexpectedly slow or stop in traffic. Other safety systems that depend on the radar module — Pre-Collision Assist, Forward Collision Warning, and Auto Emergency Braking — may have diminished or lost function. These conditions increase the risk of a crash, particularly a rear-end collision from following traffic.
Dealers inspect and realign or replace the adaptive cruise control radar module as necessary, free of charge.
Source: Ford Safety Recall (ACC Radar) / Cars.com / Kelley Blue Book / NHTSA Part 573 Report
Compliance — FMVSS 1112020–2022 Escape and othersFord Safety Recall 26S12
Center Display May Show Inverted or Flipped Rearview Camera Image
On certain 2020–2022 Ford Escape vehicles (along with 2020–2022 Lincoln Corsair and 2020–2024 Lincoln Aviator and Explorer), the image on the center display may flip or invert, resulting in an incorrectly displayed rearview image when the vehicle is placed in reverse. The vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 111, "Rear Visibility." A flipped or inverted rearview image can confuse the driver and reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a backover incident.
The remedy is under development. Owner notification letters anticipated to be mailed March 9, 2026. Affected VINs became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 4, 2026.
Source: Ford Safety Recall 26S12 / Kelley Blue Book / Cars.com / NHTSA Part 573 Report
Fire Risk — Park Outside2020–2022 Escape and othersFord Safety Recall 25SA4
Engine Block Heater May Crack and Short Circuit — Fire Risk When Plugged In
On certain 2020–2022 Ford Escape vehicles (and various 2016–2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles including Explorer, Bronco, Bronco Sport, Ranger, Maverick, Fusion, Lincoln MKC, and Lincoln Corsair), the engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak. When the block heater is plugged into household power, the coolant leak can cause an electrical short circuit and increase the risk of a fire. Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied.
Dealers replace the engine block heater, free of charge. Interim notification letters mailed December 3, 2025; final remedy letters anticipated September 2026.
Source: Ford Safety Recall 25SA4 / Cars.com / NHTSA Part 573 Report

Escape Recall FAQs

Common questions about Ford F-150 recalls, your rights as an owner, and what to do next.

How do I check if my Escape has an open recall?

The fastest and most accurate method is to enter your 17-character VIN into the checker at the top of this page, which queries the NHTSA database in real time. You can also check directly at nhtsa.gov/recalls or Ford's own recall tool at ford.com/support/recalls-details.

Your VIN is found on the lower left corner of your windshield (visible from outside), on your driver's door jamb sticker, or on your registration and insurance documents.

Are Ford Escape recall repairs free?

Yes — all safety, compliance, and emissions recalls are repaired at no cost to you. Parts and labor are covered by Ford through any authorized Ford dealership, regardless of whether you are the original owner or purchased the truck used.

If you previously paid out of pocket to fix an issue that was later tied to a recall, you may be eligible for a refund. Ask your Ford dealer or contact Ford Customer Service at 1-866-436-7332 for reimbursement details.

Do Ford Escape recalls ever expire?

Safety, compliance, and emissions recalls do not expire. Ford is required by federal law to repair these defects free of charge regardless of the vehicle's age or mileage, and regardless of how many owners the truck has had.

Customer Satisfaction Programs (which are separate from safety recalls) may have time and mileage limitations. If you are unsure whether something is a safety recall or a CSP, ask your dealer or check NHTSA.gov — only official safety recalls appear in the NHTSA database.

Can I still drive my Escape if it has an open recall?

It depends on the severity. Most recalls allow you to continue driving while awaiting a repair appointment — the risk is present but not immediate. However, some recalls carry a "Do Not Drive" or "Park It Outside" warning from NHTSA, meaning the vehicle poses an immediate safety risk and should not be operated until repaired.

Always read the full recall description for your specific truck. If in doubt, contact Astro Ford or Ford Customer Service at 1-866-436-7332 for guidance specific to your VIN.

How will I be notified about a recall?

Ford is required by law to mail notification letters to all registered owners of affected vehicles once a recall is announced and VINs are confirmed. These letters identify the defect, the safety risk, and instructions for getting the repair done.

You can also proactively sign up for alerts through the free NHTSA SaferCar app or via Ford's recall notification sign-up. Because mailing lists depend on vehicle registration, used truck buyers may not always receive letters — this is why checking your VIN directly is important.

Which Escape model years have the most recalls?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2020–2024 fourth-generation Ford Escape carries the heaviest recall load, with the highest concentration of activity on hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains. The most serious campaign is the 2020–2024 Escape PHEV high-voltage battery cell short-circuit recall (Ford 24S79, NHTSA 24V954, expanded by NHTSA 25V789, ~20,484 vehicles) which carries fire and loss-of-motive-power risks.

The 2020–2022 Escape with the 1.5L EcoBoost three-cylinder is part of the cracked fuel injector underhood fire-risk recall (Ford 25S76, NHTSA 25V467, ~858,000 vehicles total) which has been expanded multiple times since 2022 and still does not have a permanent remedy as of mid-2026.

The 2024–2025 Escape is covered by the passenger side instrument panel cover air bag compliance recall (24C38, FMVSS 208), and the 2025–2026 Escape is covered by the rear seat belt retractor bolt recall (25C68) shared with Lincoln Corsair. The 2023–2024 Escape 2WD with adaptive cruise control is covered by the radar misalignment recall, and the 2020–2022 Escape is part of multiple rearview camera and engine block heater recalls.

According to iSeeCars analysis published in 2026, the Escape has been a top-recalled Ford model, largely because of issues with the hybrid system architecture and 1.5L engine. A high recall count does not mean the SUV is unreliable — it means defects are being identified and remedied at no cost to owners.

What's the difference between a recall and a Customer Satisfaction Program?

A safety recall is a federally mandated action where Ford must fix a confirmed safety defect at no cost, with no expiration date. These are filed with NHTSA and appear in the official recall database.

A Customer Satisfaction Program (CSP) is a voluntary Ford initiative to address quality issues that do not rise to the level of a federal safety recall. CSPs often have expiration dates and mileage limits, and they do not appear on NHTSA.gov. Your Ford dealer can check your VIN for any open CSPs when you bring your truck in for service.

How long does a recall repair take at the dealership?

It varies widely by the nature of the recall. A simple software update — whether dealer-applied or delivered over the air — can often be completed in under an hour. More involved repairs like replacing a brake booster, rear axle assemblies, or engine components may require several hours or a parts order if inventory is limited.

When you schedule your recall appointment at Astro Ford, our service team can give you an estimated completion time based on the specific recall and parts availability.

Can a recall affect my Escape's resale value?

An open, unrepaired recall can negatively affect resale value, and in some states dealers are legally prohibited from selling a vehicle with an unrepaired safety recall. Getting recalls repaired promptly — and keeping documentation — actually protects your truck's value.

A completed recall has no negative impact on resale value, and in many cases demonstrates that the vehicle has been properly maintained. Always provide recall repair documentation when selling your F-150.

Does Astro Ford handle recall repairs?

Yes. As an authorized Ford dealership, Astro Ford performs all Ford safety recall repairs at no charge to you, using genuine Ford parts and factory-trained technicians. You do not need to have purchased your truck from us — any Ford dealer can complete your recall repair.

Call us or schedule your recall appointment online and mention your recall campaign number when booking. Our service team will verify your VIN and confirm parts availability before your visit.