Fourth generation
2023 Ford Escape
The most reported problem on the 2023 Ford Escape is infotainment, with 21 complaints, usually around 28,000 miles.
- 99owner complaints
- 11recalls
- 2involved a crash
- 23,106median miles at failure
Newest report Sep 25, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
Problem sheets
No single problem on the 2023 Ford Escape has enough owner reports for a sheet of its own yet. The counts below still cover every complaint on file.
Is the 2023 Ford Escape reliable?
The 2023 Ford Escape has 99 owner complaints on file with NHTSA, below the median of 166 for 2023 SUVs on this site. Of the 12 Escape model years since 2014, it has the 10th most complaints. Complaint counts rise with sales as well as faults, so read what owners report below before deciding.
At a glance
- Next to the 2022 and 2024
- At 25 complaints for each year on the road, the 2023 runs well under the 2022 (46) and close to the 2024 (25).
- Top problem
- Infotainment leads with 21 of the 99 complaints (21%), ahead of stalling at 16. A quarter of the 9 owners who gave a mileage for infotainment saw it by about 11,000 miles, and half by about 28,000.
- Crash, fire and injury reports
- 6 of the 99 complaints (6%) report a crash, a fire or an injury, about the 6% typical of vehicles on this site. Counted separately (one report can carry more than one), 2 reports mention a crash, 3 mention a fire and 1 person was hurt.
- Recalls behind the top problems
- 11 recalls are on file, but no problem here has enough reports to set against them.
- When owners filed
- Complaints are still climbing. 2025 brought 28, the most of any year so far. So far in 2026, 39 more have come in.
When each problem shows up
Each bar covers the middle half of the mileages owners reported for that problem. A quarter saw it earlier, a quarter later. The tick is the median. Most reported: infotainment, screen or backup camera fails, 21 complaints.
middle half of reports, median tick. The heavier grey bars have 75 or more reports.
Behind you
Around your mileage
Ahead of you
How this compares
99 complaints is 1.5 times fewer than the median 2023 model on this site and 1.7 times fewer than the median 2023 SUV. Among the 11 Escape model years here it ranks 10th for complaints. Counts follow sales volume as much as reliability, so a truck that sells 700,000 a year draws more reports than a sedan that sells 200,000.
Service bulletins for the 2023 Ford Escape
Ford filed 184 bulletins and other notices with NHTSA that list the 2023 Ford Escape. 42 of them deal with a problem owners have reported on this car. Newest first.
Federal rules make a manufacturer send NHTSA a copy of any notice about a defect that goes to more than one dealer or owner. Most of these are service bulletins, the repair instructions manufacturers send to dealers. NHTSA generally leaves safety recall bulletins out of this file, and recalls are listed separately.
Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 28 bulletins · 21 complaints
Some 2023-2025 Escape vehicles built on or before 16-Sep-2024 equipped with 1.5L EcoBoost engine may exhibit an "Engine Coolant Over-Temperature" warning message displayed in the IPC and an illuminated MIL with DTCs P1285 and/or P1299 stored in the powertrain ...
Quality improvements include: -Addresses a potential communication condition that may result in a loss of radio audio.
26 more on this problem
Various 2020-2026 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with blind spot information system (BLIS) may experience an inoperative blind spot monitoring with a "Blind Spot System Fault" message displayed in the instrument panel cluster (IPC).
Some 2020-2025 various Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with blind spot information system (BLIS) may experience an inoperative blind spot monitoring with a "Blind Spot System Fault" message displayed in the instrument panel cluster (IPC).
A small percentage of 2023-2025 Escape/Corsair vehicles may exhibit a "Pre-Collision Assist Not Available" warning message displayed in the instrument panel cluster (IPC) along with other various driver assistance feature warning messages and various invalid ...
Various 2021-2025 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with the rear camera on demand feature may exhibit "Please Check Surroundings For Safety" or "Full View Not Available" messages when the rear camera button is pressed and the vehicle is not in reverse.
Some 2023-2024 Escape vehicles built on 01-Jan-2023 and through 07-Jun-2024 equipped with an 8-inch center display screen may experience a rear view camera image in the vehicle's center display screen that is missing the active guidelines overlay and zoom ...
Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit at least one of the following conditions: Various driver assistance feature warning messages in the instrument panel cluster (IPC): - "Blind Spot System Fault" - "Cross-Traffic System ...
Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit at least one of the following conditions: * General system performance/stability/intermittent system reboot * Intermittent wireless CarPlay or Android Auto function * Phone related concerns ...
2023 Escape vehicles equipped with a 2.5L PHEV powertrain may exhibit a condition where the DTE display (gas) disappears from the IPC. This may be due to the software installed in the IPC.
Some 2023-2024 Escape vehicles may exhibit a condition where the image processing module A (IPMA) is unable to program with a message displayed in the Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS) scan tool indicating "Procedure Unsuccessful-Call Get Restore ...
Some 2023 Escape vehicles equipped with a 12 inch IPC display built on or before 10-Jul-2023 may exhibit a roundabout/traffic circle arrow directing the traffic to go to the left (or clockwise) around the roundabout.
Plus 16 older ones not listed here.
Battery dies or the car will not start 5 bulletins · 13 complaints
Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit various electrical symptoms, and/or a no crank/no start condition related to a 12V battery drain condition. This may be due to the software level of the affected module(s).
Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit a 12V battery drain condition. This may be due to the software level of the affected module(s).
3 more on this problem
Software Update 24-PU0122--SPB-PUP for 2023 MY Escape Gas vehicles is now available. Quality Improvements include: - Reduced no start events.
Some 2023 Escape/Corsair vehicles built on or before 07-Sep-2023 may exhibit an intermittent no crank/no start condition with various lost communication diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) stored in various modules and multiple illuminated warning indicators such ...
Some 2021-2023 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit a condition where the high voltage battery stops charging when connected to level 1 or level 2 chargers with an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) and diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P2C94 stored in ...
Engine overheats or leaks coolant 2 bulletins · 13 complaints
Some 2023-2024 Escape vehicles built on or before 11-Jan-2024 equipped with 1.5L engines may exhibit an Engine Coolant Over-Temperature Warning message displayed in the IPC and an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble codes ...
Some 2022-2023 Bronco Sport/Escape vehicles equipped with a 1.5L engine and 2022-2023 Corsair vehicles equipped with a 2.5L engine, built on 01-Sep-2022 and through 06-Apr-2023, may exhibit a low coolant level with engine oil in the coolant and/or coolant in ...
Check engine light or misfire 5 bulletins · 10 complaints
Some 2020-2026 Escape and 2021-2026 Corsair vehicles equipped with a 2.5L engine may exhibit a fuel door that won't open with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P04CA stored in the powertrain control module (PCM).
Software Update: Quality improvements include: -Addresses a potential Malfunction Indicator Lamp caused by two Diagnostic Trouble Codes triggered by a random engine misfire in the first thousand revolutions of vehicle start
3 more on this problem
Some 2023-2024 Escape/Corsair vehicles equipped with a 1.5L or 2.0L EcoBoost engine, 2024 Mustang vehicles equipped with a 2.3L EcoBoost engine, and 2024 Nautilus vehicles may exhibit an engine misfire condition with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) P0301, ...
2022-2023 Escape and Bronco Sport vehicles equipped with 1.5L engines should add local fuel once the vehicle arrive to the dealership to reduce the risk of driving performance issues such as: rough operation, idle quality, engine misfires, lack or loss of ...
Some 2023 Escape/Corsair vehicles built on or before 25-May-2023 equipped with a 2.0L EcoBoost engine may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0300 and/or P0316.
Adaptive cruise or lane keeping misbehaves 1 bulletin · 5 complaints
Some 2020-2023 Escape/Corsair vehicles may exhibit a condition where the vehicle drifts left and right within the vehicle's lane while the lane keeping assist is active.
Infotainment screen freezes or goes black 1 bulletin · 5 complaints
Some of the vehicles listed in the model statement above equipped with SYNC4 may experience a blank center display screen or black center display after welcome animation.
Complaints filed by year
39 complaints came in 2026. Owners file in waves when a problem gets press or an investigation, so a spike measures attention as much as failures.
Recalls that include the 2023 Ford Escape
Whether your car is included depends on its VIN. Check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
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.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Dealers will replace the cylinder head assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 8, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S61.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Lincoln Nautilus, 2023-2025 Escape, 2023 Lincoln Corsair, 2025 Lincoln Corsair, Maverick, and Bronco Sport vehicles equipped with a 1.5L or 2.0L MPC engine and an engine block heater. The engine block heater may overheat when the vehicle is parked with the block heater plugged in.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Dealers will replace the block heater element and inspect the electrical cord, replacing it if necessary, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded blanking plug coupled, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Owner notification letters were mailed June 9, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S52.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Escape, 2021-2023 Corsair, and 2022-2023 Maverick vehicles equipped with 2.5L HEV or PHEV engines that were repaired incorrectly under recall 23V380. In the event of an engine failure, engine oil and fuel vapor may be released into the engine compartment and accumulate near ignition sources such as hot engine or exhaust components, possibly resulting in an engine compartment fire.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Owners are advised to park and shut off the engine as quickly as possible if they hear unexpected engine noises, notice a reduction in vehicle power, or see smoke. Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 27, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S54.
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.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: The accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air update, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model years. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on June 26, 2025. Additional letters will be mailed once the final remedy is available on each phase. Owner notification letters were sent on October 8, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S49.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Ford Escape, and 2021-2024 Lincoln Corsair vehicles. A manufacturing defect in one or more of the high voltage battery cells may result in an internal short circuit and battery failure.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Owners are advised not to charge battery till the remedy has been completed. Dealers will perform a battery energy control module (BECM) software update, and replace the high voltage battery pack, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 30, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S79.
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."
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Ford will mail owners the warning labels, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 19, 2024. Owners may call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24C39.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 Lincoln Corsair, 2023-2024 Escape, 2024 Mustang, and 2025 Explorer vehicles. The fuel injectors may have been assembled without O-ring support discs, which can result in a fuel leak.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Dealers will install new fuel injector O-rings and O-ring support discs, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 7, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S54.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Escape two-wheel drive vehicles equipped with adaptive cruise control. The cruise control radar module was misaligned during production.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Dealers will adjust the angle of the radar module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 3, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S39.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 Escape, Super Duty F-250, Super Duty F-350, Super Duty F-450, and Super Duty F-550 vehicles equipped with a digital instrument panel cluster. The module may have been improperly soldered, preventing the instrument panel from illuminating. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 101, "Control and Displays."
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Dealers will replace the module or instrument panel as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on November 4, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23C25.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Escape, 2022-2023 Maverick, and 2021-2023 Corsair vehicles equipped with 2.5L HEV or PHEV engines. In the event of an engine failure, engine oil and fuel vapor may be released into the engine compartment and accumulate near ignition sources such as hot engine or exhaust components, possibly resulting in an engine compartment fire.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Owners are advised to park and shut off the engine as quickly as possible if they hear unexpected engine noises, notice a reduction in vehicle power, or see smoke. Dealers will replace the engine long-block in 2023 Escape and Corsair vehicles. For the other vehicles, dealers will update the powertrain control module software. If a connecting rod bearing failure is detected, dealers will replace the engine long-block. All inspections and repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 14, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S27. This recall expands and replaces recall number 22V-484. Vehicles previously repaired under 22V-484 will need to have the new remedy completed.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Escape and 2021-2023 Bronco Sport vehicles equipped with 1.5L engines. A fuel injector may crack and leak fuel inside the engine compartment.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Dealers will update the engine control software to include fuel injector leak detection and install a drain tube, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed January 9, 2023. Remedy parts are expected to be available in 1st Quarter of 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed February 28, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S73. This recall includes all vehicles previously recalled under 22V-191. Vehicles previously remedied under 22V-191 will need to have the new remedy performed.
All 11 recalls on the 2023 Ford Escape, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
Guide Buying one used? How to research one car’s history before you pay
Questions
What is the most common problem on the 2023 Ford Escape?
Infotainment, with 21 of the 99 complaints. Owners who gave a mileage for it put the median at about 28,000 miles.
At what mileage do 2023 Ford Escape problems start?
Of the 36 complaints that give a mileage, a quarter came by about 8,000 miles and half by about 23,000.
Is the 2023 Ford Escape better or worse than the 2022 and 2024?
Counted per year on the road, the 2023 has fewer complaints than the 2022 and about as many complaints as the 2024: 25 a year against 46 and 25.
How many 2023 Ford Escape complaints involve a crash, fire or injury?
6 of them (6%). The typical vehicle on this site is at 6%.
Is there a recall for infotainment on the 2023 Ford Escape?
Yes, NHTSA lists 3 recalls on the same system: 23V-506, 24V-954 and 25V-343. Its summary says which failure it covers, and that isn't always the one owners describe.