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

May 2025

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the chrome on the gear shifter had started to peel, creating sharp edges on the shifter knob. The contact stated that while attempting to move the gear shifter, the contact sustained minor cuts to the fingers from the peeling gear shifter. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Feb 2025
May 2025

Rotary style gear shift does not go into gear on hot days. Gear shift is stuck in park and will not rotate to drive or another gear, leaving motorist stranded.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: May 2025
May 2025

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact attempted to shift gear, and the vehicle jerked abnormally. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was opened. The contact was also referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 131,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: May 2025
May 2025

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the message "Vehicle Shutting Down - Place Vehicle in Neutral to Restart" was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact stated that the failure had occurred several times in one day. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. In addition, the contact stated that upon further investigation, the contact noticed on the Ford App that a message "Powertrain Malfunction - Reduced Power" was displayed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Apr 2025
Apr 2025

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the gear shifter was stuck in park(P). The contact stated that the failure occurred while the temperature was hot. The contact stated after parking the vehicle, the gear shifter remained stuck in park(P). The contact waited for 30 minutes before the gear shifter was able to be shifted to the desired gear. The vehicle was taken to several independent mechanics and to the local dealer; however, no cause for the failure was found. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Sep 2024
Apr 2025

On hot days the gear shift gets stuck in park. The car interior has to cool down before the shifter will turn in to gear.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Apr 2025
Apr 2025

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from underneath the rear of the vehicle. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local Pep Boys; however, the cause of the failure was not identified. The contact stated that after the attempted diagnostic test, while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle independently swerved in various directions and hesitated while accelerating with the accelerator pedal depressed. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Aug 2024
Feb 2025

AWD module fault. $2200 repair. Reading online many 2020 ford escape are having this issue of the part failing. Most are still under warrenty when it goes but in my case I wasn't. This part should he investigated because there shouldn't be this many reports of the part malfunctioning without a recall.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Feb 2025
Feb 2025

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving up an incline at various speeds, the turbo failed to operate as needed and the vehicle failed to accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated after the failure. The contact stated that the vehicle had been taken to the dealer on three separate occasions where the turbo was replaced each time only for the failure to return. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 75,800.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Jan 2023
Feb 2025

2020 ford escape in 2023 transmission started slipping amd stuttering around 60,000 miles on it. Ford service said nothing wrong. Problem persisted and now at 103,000 miles they admit need a whole new transmission. Service bulletin released in 2022 did not fix the issue and now that warranty is out they want the customer to replace it. The car is unsafe as you can't count on acceleration as the transmission slips going up inclines and oftent times when accelerating to pass or turn into traffic. Additionally a new class action lawsuit seems to state all of the same issues I have had and am having. Ford knows about the issue and refuses to recall the transmission or help monetarily with the repairs.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Jan 2023
Jan 2025

On a cross country road trip the vehicle started leaking transmission fluid. Took it to the dealer where they told me the Torque Converter seal has be installed incorrectly at the factory. This has been leaking since the vehicle was new. The splash shield is fabric and absorbs all the leaking fluid until it is saturated leading to possible transmission failures.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Feb 2024
Jan 2025

Since the remedy was completed for the last recall for the fuel injectors cracking my Ford Escape 2020 has had many issues resulting in warning lights on in 5 different modules. My escape will not pass NY state inspection and the dealer wants 600$ just to diagnose these issues. I have a powertrain/AWD fault that results in not AWD and vehicle has no power and does not run smoothly. The RPMs jump constantly between 2 and 3. Others warning lights and errors include traction control, tire pressure sensor failure, ABS, electric park fault, and also issues with the power steering. Got an appraisal down by my dealer and was told the escape is only worth $3,000 now. I owe 16,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: May 2025
Jan 2025

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the power train warning light illuminated, and the "AWD Fault" message was displayed. The vehicle taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that an unknown module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure reoccurred approximately a year later. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 21,804.

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

CVT transmission is faulty and the gears shudder and slip. It also lags between shifting, causing near accidents. My local ford dealer tried to fix it last year and couldn’t, it seems like they don’t even know how to fix it. It should be a recall, it makes driving frustrating and unsafe.

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

Clunking sound from rear of vehicle when making slow turns. Dealer states needs a new rear drive unit no warning lights present in dash

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

There is a Powetrain Malfunction, loss of Hill Start Assist , AWD failure, Loss of Precollision Assist, loss of traction control, causing notifications to "Service Immediately" This has been confirmed by Ford to be an AWD module failure and requires costly replacement. Multiple Ford dealers have been unable to accommodate timely appointments to correct this issue. This issue affects the ability to drive the vehicle safely. The vehicle had no known issues prior to the dash lights and system messages appearing. The problem and notifications appeared suddenly while driving down the highway, noticeably jolting while the vehicle was in movement. This issue makes the vehicle unable to navigate up inclined roadways. The loss of traction control affects the steering control of the vehicle, especially in roadways experiencing non ideal weather conditions. After these things occurred, the engine started to experience a misfire, most likely due from having to work harder to navigate up Inclined roadways. This vehicle is actively at the dealer for these repairs, pending invoice.

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

We have a 2020 Ford Escape that has less than 90,000 miles and while driving we began having some jarring and spuddering when trying to accelerate. The car seems to have issues gearing up. We have identified the issue by a mechanic as transmission and through research have found this is a known issue by Ford and they are under lawsuits. We are now looking at a 6-$10,000 repair on a car 4 years old. According to Ford no intentions to correct the issue.

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

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the AWD (All Wheel Drive) fault warning light and several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed AWD module. The contact was informed that the AWD module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was currently being repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 57,000.

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

All wheel drive control module controls the powertrain but is apparently not covered under powertrain warranty. Very expensive repair on a relatively new vehicle.

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

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the " Power train malfunction and reduced power" and the "4-WD Power Train Fault" messages were displayed on the instrument panel; the power train fault warning light was illuminated. The contact researched and was made aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V330000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the contact was informed that the Hybrid Powertrain Control Module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 54,000.

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

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH, the vehicle was vibrating and shaking abnormally. The contact pulled over to the side of the roadway and turned off and restarted the vehicle and the shaking ceased. The contact stated that the failure had become a persistent failure. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the vehicle had experienced an All-Wheel drive (AWD) failure; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 46,000.

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

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the "All Wheel Drive" warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who determined that the rear differential was faulty and needed be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V011000 (Power Train). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 41,000.

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

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle unexpectedly downshifted with the transmission warning light illuminated. The vehicle was restarted; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 34,000. The VIN was not available.

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

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The AWD module failed after 35000 miles. Dealership said it needed to be replaced. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The failure shut off my collision assist, traction control, AWD, and hill assist. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Unknown, it seems to be a fairly common issue with 2020 Ford Escapes from what I've seen online. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Just the dealership Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Unknown, I had warnings on my dash stating AWD fault service required and soon after began reporting the other errors.

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

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that on several occasions after shifting into reverse, the vehicle erroneously drove forward. The contact stated that on another occasion while driving at highway speeds, the vehicle erroneously shifted into neutral. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the transmission was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in for routine maintenance, it was discovered that there was hydraulic fluid leaking from the rear shock absorbers. The shock absorbers were replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 60,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Aug 2023

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.