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Ford · Known Issues

2025 Ford Escape Problems: 5 Known Issues

2025 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated September 2026

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Issue summary

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2025 Ford Escape has 5 documented known issues, with 3 rated critical. The most serious are Cylinder Head Ball-Plug Ejection Causing Oil Leak, Fire, and Engine Seizure (1.5L EcoBoost, Recall 25V372) ($0-$0 repair), EGR Valve Failure — Unexpected Loss of Drive Power (Recall 26S10 / NHTSA 26V122000) and Engine Block Heater Can Overheat While Plugged In - Fire Risk (Recall 25S52 / NHTSA 25V343000). DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

In This Article

  • Escape Engine1
  • Escape Emissions1
  • Escape Electrical1
  • Escape Exterior1
  • Escape Transmission1
  • Recalls33
  • FAQ
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In This Article

  • Engine1
  • Emissions1
  • Electrical1
  • Exterior1

All 5 Known Issues

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ALL YEARS2025202420232022202120202019201820172016201520142013201220112010200920082007200620052004200320022001

On the 2023-2025 Ford Escape 1.5L EcoBoost, select 2023-2025 Escape (and 2025 Bronco Sport) vehicles with the 1.5L EcoBoost engine left the cylinder-head supplier (Nemak Monterrey) with insufficient heat treatment, leaving the head hardness below specification and the ball plugs without enough retention force. During operation a ball plug can be ejected from the cylinder head, causing an oil leak that can ignite a fire and/or lead to rapid oil loss and engine seizure with loss of motive power. The affected population is small (roughly 400 engines), tied to supplier power failures that interrupted heat treatment, but the failure mode is severe. This is distinct from the earlier 2.5L hybrid engine-block-breach fire recall.

This issue also affects: Ford Explorer, Ford F-150, Ford Fiesta

Common Symptoms

  • Engine oil leak / oil spots under the vehicle
  • Burning oil smell or smoke from the engine bay
  • Low oil pressure warning light
  • Loss of engine power or sudden engine seizure
  • Ticking/knocking before failure

How to Fix

Under NHTSA recall 25V372 (Ford 25S61), dealers inspect and replace the cylinder head assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owners who see oil leaks, smell burning oil, or get low-oil-pressure warnings should stop driving and contact a Ford dealer. Repairs are free under the recall.

Typical repair cost:$0 - $0

Research This Issue

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Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Jun 2026

On the 2025 Ford Escape, certain 2025 Ford Escapes are covered by Ford recall 26S10. The exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve may fail, and NHTSA states the failure can leave the vehicle with an unexpected loss of drive power. The safety consequence is the crash risk that comes with a vehicle unexpectedly losing power. The Escape shares this campaign with eight other 2025 Ford and Lincoln models; the 47,804 units NHTSA reports is the campaign-wide total.

This issue also affects: Ford Bronco, Ford Bronco Sport, Ford E-Series

Common Symptoms

  • Vehicle unexpectedly loses drive power

How to Fix

Ford dealers replace the EGR valve free of charge. Schedule the free repair by giving your dealer recall number 26S10 or NHTSA campaign 26V122000. Notification letters were mailed July 31, 2026; VIN lookup for this campaign went live March 4, 2026, so you can verify coverage immediately at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Questions to Ford: 1-866-436-7332.

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High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

On the 2023-2025 Ford Escape, ford is recalling certain 2023-2025 Escape vehicles built with a 1.5L or 2.0L MPC engine and a factory engine block heater. On the affected vehicles, the engine block heater may overheat when the Escape is parked with the block heater plugged in. NHTSA lists the consequence plainly: an overheated engine block heater can increase the risk of a fire. Because the heater only draws power when it is connected to an outlet, the risk is present while the vehicle is parked and plugged in rather than while driving. The recall campaign covers 6,781 vehicles in total across every model included in it - that figure is campaign-wide and is not a count of Escapes.

Common Symptoms

  • Engine block heater overheating when the vehicle is parked with the heater plugged in

How to Fix

The repair is free at a Ford dealer under recall 25S52. Dealers will replace the engine block heater element and inspect the electrical cord, replacing the cord if necessary. Ford is also offering owners an alternative option: the block heater element can be replaced with a threaded blanking plug and the block heater electrical cord removed, which permanently gives up block heater use in exchange for eliminating the hazard. Owner notification letters were mailed June 9, 2026. If you are unsure whether your Escape is included, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 and reference recall 25S52.

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Call to confirm they service Ford vehicles and check your VIN, recall eligibility, parts availability, and appointment options.

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High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

On the 2020-2025 Ford Escape, about 108,762 Escape SUVs equipped with the optional panoramic glass roof have rear liftgate hinge covers that may not be properly secured and can detach while driving, creating a road hazard for following vehicles and increasing crash risk. For roughly 102,350 units built Nov 2018-Apr 2022 (2020-2022 model years), Louisville-plant workers did not fully engage the hinge-cover attachments during assembly; for about 6,412 newer 2025-model-year units built Dec 2024-Apr 2025, a supplier quality issue caused adhesive (dual-lock) failure. This is distinct from the liftgate/door latch failures already documented — here it is the external hinge cover trim detaching.

Common Symptoms

  • Liftgate/rear-roof hinge cover not sitting flush
  • New wind noise at highway speed
  • Rattling or buzzing from the rear roof area
  • Missing hinge cover trim piece

How to Fix

Under NHTSA recall 25V829, dealers inspect and reinstall or replace the liftgate hinge covers free of charge. Warning signs include hinge covers not sitting flush with the roofline, new wind noise, or rattling near the rear roof. Contact a Ford dealer or Ford customer service to confirm coverage; repairs are free.

Typical repair cost:$0 - $0

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High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Jun 2026

On the 2020-2025 Ford Escape, the 2020+ Ford Escape Hybrid uses a CVT that develops shuddering and jerking during low-speed driving and light acceleration. Owners report the transmission feels like it is "hunting" for the right ratio, with noticeable hesitation between 15-35 mph. The issue is most pronounced in stop-and-go traffic and when transitioning between electric and gas power. Some vehicles have had the transmission replaced under warranty.

This issue also affects: Ford Contour, Ford Crown Victoria, Ford Edge

Common Symptoms

  • Shuddering at 15-35 mph
  • Jerking during light acceleration
  • Hesitation when accelerating from stop
  • RPM flare without corresponding acceleration
  • Clunking when shifting from park to drive

How to Fix

Have the dealer perform a TCM (Transmission Control Module) software update first, as Ford has released calibration updates that improve shift quality. If the software update does not resolve the issue, a CVT fluid change may help. Persistent cases may require valve body or full transmission replacement under the powertrain warranty ($4,000-6,000 out of warranty).

Typical repair cost:$0 - $6,000

Research This Issue

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Community Reported
Medium Confidence
NHTSA Recalls33 recalls

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Bronco Sport and Escape vehicles. The rear brake linings may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can affect braking performance. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."

Campaign #21V92200023/11/2021

BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Bronco, F-150, 2021-2024 Edge, 2022-2025 Escape, F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, F-600, 2022-2024 Expedition, 2022-2025 Transit, 2021-2023 Mach-E, 2024 Ranger, Mustang, 2021-2023 Lincoln Nautilus, 2022-2024 Navigator, and 2023-2024 Corsair vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera image to delay, freeze, or not display when the vehicle is in reverse.

Campaign #25V31500009/05/2025

ENGINE

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Escape, and 2025 Bronco Sport vehicles. The cylinder head may have been improperly manufactured, which can cause the ball plugs to fail, resulting in an oil leak.

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Other Ford Models

Ford F-15094Ford Explorer73Ford Mustang46Ford Fiesta32Ford Bronco32Ford Ranger26

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Ford Escape problems?

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2025 Ford Escape has 5 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Cylinder Head Ball-Plug Ejection Causing Oil Leak, Fire, and Engine Seizure (1.5L EcoBoost, Recall 25V372), EGR Valve Failure — Unexpected Loss of Drive Power (Recall 26S10 / NHTSA 26V122000), Engine Block Heater Can Overheat While Plugged In - Fire Risk (Recall 25S52 / NHTSA 25V343000). Of these, 3 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Ford Escape reliable?

The 2025 Ford Escape has 5 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 3 issues are rated critical: Cylinder Head Ball-Plug Ejection Causing Oil Leak, Fire, and Engine Seizure (1.5L EcoBoost, Recall 25V372) and EGR Valve Failure — Unexpected Loss of Drive Power (Recall 26S10 / NHTSA 26V122000) and Engine Block Heater Can Overheat While Plugged In - Fire Risk (Recall 25S52 / NHTSA 25V343000). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Ford Escape problems?

Repair costs for known Ford Escape issues range from $0 to $6,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Cylinder Head Ball-Plug Ejection Causing Oil Leak, Fire, and Engine Seizure (1.5L EcoBoost, Recall 25V372), typically costs $0-$0 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2023-2025 Ford Escape Cylinder Head Ball-Plug Ejection Causing Oil Leak, Fire, and Engine Seizure (1.5L EcoBoost, Recall 25V372)?

Select 2023-2025 Escape (and 2025 Bronco Sport) vehicles with the 1.5L EcoBoost engine left the cylinder-head supplier (Nemak Monterrey) with insufficient heat treatment, leaving the head hardness below specification and the ball plugs without enough retention force. During opera… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.

Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.

Data compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, automotive forums, and AI-assisted research. No aggregated owner-report counts available for this vehicle yet.

Transmission
1
  • Recalls33
  • FAQ
    • Campaign #25V37200003/06/2025

    POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Maverick, 2020-2022 Escape, and 2021-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles. The Hybrid Powertrain Control Module (HPCM) software may cause the vehicle to shift into neutral unexpectedly, causing a loss of drive power.

    Campaign #24V33000010/05/2024

    EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, 2020-2024 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2018-2024 F-150, Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The air bag warning label may be missing from the dashboard. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirement Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

    Campaign #24V85200008/11/2024

    + 28 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov

    Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.

    What is the 2025 Ford Escape EGR Valve Failure — Unexpected Loss of Drive Power (Recall 26S10 / NHTSA 26V122000)?

    Certain 2025 Ford Escapes are covered by Ford recall 26S10. The exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve may fail, and NHTSA states the failure can leave the vehicle with an unexpected loss of drive power. The safety consequence is the crash risk that comes with a vehicle unexpected… Severity: high.

    What is the 2023-2025 Ford Escape Engine Block Heater Can Overheat While Plugged In - Fire Risk (Recall 25S52 / NHTSA 25V343000)?

    Ford is recalling certain 2023-2025 Escape vehicles built with a 1.5L or 2.0L MPC engine and a factory engine block heater. On the affected vehicles, the engine block heater may overheat when the Escape is parked with the block heater plugged in. NHTSA lists the consequence plain… Severity: high.

    What is the 2020-2025 Ford Escape Liftgate Hinge Cover Can Detach and Become a Road Hazard (Panoramic Roof, Recall 25V829)?

    About 108,762 Escape SUVs equipped with the optional panoramic glass roof have rear liftgate hinge covers that may not be properly secured and can detach while driving, creating a road hazard for following vehicles and increasing crash risk. For roughly 102,350 units built Nov 20… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: medium.

    What is the 2020-2025 Ford Escape CVT Transmission Shudder and Jerking (2020+ Hybrid)?

    The 2020+ Ford Escape Hybrid uses a CVT that develops shuddering and jerking during low-speed driving and light acceleration. Owners report the transmission feels like it is "hunting" for the right ratio, with noticeable hesitation between 15-35 mph. The issue is most pronounced… Repairs typically run $0-$6,000. Severity: medium.