NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
288 reportsMileage unknown · Apr 5, 2023
StructureVisibility/wiper
While attempting to fuel the vehicle, thinking the hood latch was the fuel door release, the hood latch was pulled (twice). After completing fueling we re-entered the roadway and at about 45 mph, the hood flew up and backwards over the windscreen. We were able to stop the vehicle and close the hood without further incident altho…
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While attempting to fuel the vehicle, thinking the hood latch was the fuel door release, the hood latch was pulled (twice). After completing fueling we re-entered the roadway and at about 45 mph, the hood flew up and backwards over the windscreen. We were able to stop the vehicle and close the hood without further incident although there is damage to body panels and the windscreen. Although an operator error was made by confusing the hood latch with the fuel door release, it seems like a poor and dangerous design to be able to completely unlatch the hood (no manual safety under the hood as is customary) allowing it to fly up while underway. Upon further investigation, we determined that the newest generation of these vehicles simply require two pulls of the hood latch to completely release it. The more typical method of one pull of the latch followed by manual release of the safety by reaching under the hood has been abandoned in this design.
NHTSA ODI #11515576
Mileage unknown · Apr 5, 2023
Service Brakes
Pulling up to a stop sign going slowly as I was in a shopping center parking lot. When I applied the breaks they felt mushy and I had to pump the pedal. A red light flashed but quickly went out as I stopped. I believe it was the break warning light, but I was concentrating on stopping so can't be sure. Driving home all was well …
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Pulling up to a stop sign going slowly as I was in a shopping center parking lot. When I applied the breaks they felt mushy and I had to pump the pedal. A red light flashed but quickly went out as I stopped. I believe it was the break warning light, but I was concentrating on stopping so can't be sure. Driving home all was well but the next day the break light came on and stayed on. I had the vehicle towed to the dealer, but noticed as I backed out of the driveway for the tow the break light was off. The dealer could not reproduce the issue and said there were no fault codes present.
NHTSA ODI #11515535
Mileage unknown · Apr 3, 2023
Structure
The welds on the bracket inside the drivers door that attatch to the check arm broke, leaving me with 3 holes in my door and unable to close the door.
NHTSA ODI #11515255
Mileage unknown · Mar 30, 2023
Engine
2020 FORD FOCUS. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDING UNINTENDED ACCELERATION.
NHTSA ODI #11514602
Mileage unknown · Mar 15, 2023
Electrical System
Vehicle has gone stone dead on two occasions with no electrical response of any kind. Physical key was required to unlock. First was 11/21/22 at 9,733 miles. Vehicle spent 10 or so days in the shop while problem was traced and some warranty work was done. Second was 3/11/23 with same symptoms. Dead first thing in the morning. Mi…
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Vehicle has gone stone dead on two occasions with no electrical response of any kind. Physical key was required to unlock. First was 11/21/22 at 9,733 miles. Vehicle spent 10 or so days in the shop while problem was traced and some warranty work was done. Second was 3/11/23 with same symptoms. Dead first thing in the morning. Mileage was 12,470. Based on first experience, purchased a robust charger and brought the car to 100 charge and problem solved for the short term. Online forums mention this as a common problem for this and the 2021 Escape hybrids. Fix seems to be getting a larger AGM battery which, with its greater capacity and faster charging capacity can better handle the parasites in the electrical system. In the runup to both 'deaths' the vehicle's computers began shutting down accessories such as remote start, handle touch unlocking, etc. All I ask is a replacement of the 12 volt battery with the larger 70aH AGM battery (Ford part BAGM48H6760). My wife and I have one car. She has a disability. I purchased this car to give her easier entrance and exit. It never occurred to me that it would not start reliably.
NHTSA ODI #11511986
Mileage unknown · Mar 14, 2023
Electrical SystemEnginePower Train
Vehicle enters deep sleep mode within minutes of parking and won’t start again until it is jump started. This software problem has left me stranded three times.
NHTSA ODI #11511893
Mileage unknown · Mar 6, 2023
Structure
For no apparent reason, Driver side door malfunctioned in early March 2023. Every time the door was opened it would make a horrible popping sound. No accidents or incidents at all with the car, was bought new in Feb. 2021. This morning when the door was opened it sounded like something snapped, now the door will just swing wide …
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For no apparent reason, Driver side door malfunctioned in early March 2023. Every time the door was opened it would make a horrible popping sound. No accidents or incidents at all with the car, was bought new in Feb. 2021. This morning when the door was opened it sounded like something snapped, now the door will just swing wide open so I have to hold the door and barely open to squeeze in and out or it won't shut correctly. Called Ford Dealership and was advised to take to a body shop for repair, which would involve replacing the left front door check arm and door because the spot welds break on the driver door check arm attachment point, at a price point of over $2K. They stated that is is a common occurrence on the 2020 Escapes, because of a manufacturer defect. This is mentioned in the NHTSA ID #10201603. If a door will not properly shut or window properly open it won't pass a safety inspection for any state.
NHTSA ODI #11510316
10,500 miles · Feb 24, 2023
Latches/locks/linkages
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the driver's side door failed to close, and the window failed to operate as needed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the failure was diagnosed as a spot weld failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mi…
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The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the driver's side door failed to close, and the window failed to operate as needed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the failure was diagnosed as a spot weld failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 10,500.
NHTSA ODI #11508910
140,800 miles · Feb 23, 2023
Electrical SystemPower Train
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated while having an annual inspection on the vehicle, the inspector informed her that the computer was not reading the vehicle and advised her to contact the dealer. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer stated that an unknown module needed to be updated. The conta…
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The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated while having an annual inspection on the vehicle, the inspector informed her that the computer was not reading the vehicle and advised her to contact the dealer. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer stated that an unknown module needed to be updated. The contact was unsure of what module needed to be updated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and the manufacturer advised her to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was 140,800.
NHTSA ODI #11508798
Mileage unknown · Feb 3, 2023
Back Over PreventionElectrical SystemLane Departure
Reoccurring simultaneous failures of safety systems "Cross Traffic System Fault ", "Blind Spot System Fault", complete climate panel failure (defroster, heater, ventilation, ...), accompanying failures of power windows, power seats and most recently the ability to open the rear hatch of the SUV. Warnings about intermitent "Dri…
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Reoccurring simultaneous failures of safety systems "Cross Traffic System Fault ", "Blind Spot System Fault", complete climate panel failure (defroster, heater, ventilation, ...), accompanying failures of power windows, power seats and most recently the ability to open the rear hatch of the SUV. Warnings about intermitent "Drive Mode Not Available". All of the above can occur suddenly when driving or at starting. Windows fog suddenly.
NHTSA ODI #11505412
NHTSA investigations
2PE23013 · Failed Door Check Arm Attachment Point
Opened Jul 7, 2023 · Closed Jan 24, 2024
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Structure:body:door ; Structure:body:door:hinge And Attachments
On July 7, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE23-013 to investigate instances of check arm bracket failure in the front doors in model year (MY) 2020-2021 Ford Escape vehicles. At the time of opening, ODI received 118 Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) alleging this failure. To date, ODI has received 593 VOQs alleging this failure, with a variety of reported failure conditions. The most common reported failure condition was reduced door functionality (e.g. door was more difficult to open or close) and the least common was inadvertent door opening. Other reported failure conditions include inability to latch and inability to open. Three VOQs reported injuries, one of which requiring medical attention. ODI conducted a consumer survey which yielded an additional 44 injuries (although the VOQs did not indicate any injury), none of which requiring medical attention. All these injuries were bumps/bruises from the door closing on occupants’ arms and legs while entering and exiting the vehicle. The function of the check arm system is to provide hold-open assist at specific angles and to assist with door closing energy. It does not provide vertical support of the door and is independent of the latching mechanism. This failure is progressive and detectable by vehicle occupants. Consumers commonly report hearing a popping or snapping noise when opening and closing the door. This noise is caused by some of the welds between the bracket and door structure failing and detaching. There may also be visible damage present to the welds in the door structure. Continued use of the door may result in all welds separating and the bracket fully detaching from the door structure, which could lead to increased resistance in closing and opening the door, restrained window operation, and the door freely rotating when open. ODI inspected 3 consumer vehicles in the field, and 2 test vehicles at Ford’s testing facility. The test vehicles were retrofitted with the failed component. ODI observed an increased door closing resistance, however, was unable to reproduce an inadvertent open while parked or driving, or a failure to latch or open condition. Testing also verified this failure did not affect the door ajar warning system. This system provides an audible and visual warning in the event a door did not achieve primary latch position. Ford has provided details on a one-time-repair customer satisfaction program (23B56), stating that they will provide customers with a letter, currently targeted for March 2024, to bring their vehicle to a Ford dealership for a proactive repair. Dealers will inspect the door check arm welds for damage and will either provide a rivet plate to reinforce the existing door check arm or will provide a replacement door, depending on the level of damage present. Customers will be eligible for reimbursement if they previously paid to repair this issue. In view of the high detectability of failure, low potential hazard to drivers, and Ford’s customer satisfaction program to provide a proactive repair, this Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist. The Agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Structure:body:door
On July 7, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE23-013 to investigate instances of check arm bracket failure in the front doors in model year (MY) 2020-2021 Ford Escape vehicles. At the time of opening, ODI received 118 Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) alleging this failure. To date, ODI has received 593 VOQs alleging this failure, with a variety of reported failure conditions. The most common reported failure condition was reduced door functionality (e.g. door was more difficult to open or close) and the least common was inadvertent door opening. Other reported failure conditions include inability to latch and inability to open. Three VOQs reported injuries, one of which requiring medical attention. ODI conducted a consumer survey which yielded an additional 44 injuries (although the VOQs did not indicate any injury), none of which requiring medical attention. All these injuries were bumps/bruises from the door closing on occupants’ arms and legs while entering and exiting the vehicle. The function of the check arm system is to provide hold-open assist at specific angles and to assist with door closing energy. It does not provide vertical support of the door and is independent of the latching mechanism. This failure is progressive and detectable by vehicle occupants. Consumers commonly report hearing a popping or snapping noise when opening and closing the door. This noise is caused by some of the welds between the bracket and door structure failing and detaching. There may also be visible damage present to the welds in the door structure. Continued use of the door may result in all welds separating and the bracket fully detaching from the door structure, which could lead to increased resistance in closing and opening the door, restrained window operation, and the door freely rotating when open. ODI inspected 3 consumer vehicles in the field, and 2 test vehicles at Ford’s testing facility. The test vehicles were retrofitted with the failed component. ODI observed an increased door closing resistance, however, was unable to reproduce an inadvertent open while parked or driving, or a failure to latch or open condition. Testing also verified this failure did not affect the door ajar warning system. This system provides an audible and visual warning in the event a door did not achieve primary latch position. Ford has provided details on a one-time-repair customer satisfaction program (23B56), stating that they will provide customers with a letter, currently targeted for March 2024, to bring their vehicle to a Ford dealership for a proactive repair. Dealers will inspect the door check arm welds for damage and will either provide a rivet plate to reinforce the existing door check arm or will provide a replacement door, depending on the level of damage present. Customers will be eligible for reimbursement if they previously paid to repair this issue. In view of the high detectability of failure, low potential hazard to drivers, and Ford’s customer satisfaction program to provide a proactive repair, this Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist. The Agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
Structure:body:door:hinge And Attachments
On July 7, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE23-013 to investigate instances of check arm bracket failure in the front doors in model year (MY) 2020-2021 Ford Escape vehicles. At the time of opening, ODI received 118 Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) alleging this failure. To date, ODI has received 593 VOQs alleging this failure, with a variety of reported failure conditions. The most common reported failure condition was reduced door functionality (e.g. door was more difficult to open or close) and the least common was inadvertent door opening. Other reported failure conditions include inability to latch and inability to open. Three VOQs reported injuries, one of which requiring medical attention. ODI conducted a consumer survey which yielded an additional 44 injuries (although the VOQs did not indicate any injury), none of which requiring medical attention. All these injuries were bumps/bruises from the door closing on occupants’ arms and legs while entering and exiting the vehicle. The function of the check arm system is to provide hold-open assist at specific angles and to assist with door closing energy. It does not provide vertical support of the door and is independent of the latching mechanism. This failure is progressive and detectable by vehicle occupants. Consumers commonly report hearing a popping or snapping noise when opening and closing the door. This noise is caused by some of the welds between the bracket and door structure failing and detaching. There may also be visible damage present to the welds in the door structure. Continued use of the door may result in all welds separating and the bracket fully detaching from the door structure, which could lead to increased resistance in closing and opening the door, restrained window operation, and the door freely rotating when open. ODI inspected 3 consumer vehicles in the field, and 2 test vehicles at Ford’s testing facility. The test vehicles were retrofitted with the failed component. ODI observed an increased door closing resistance, however, was unable to reproduce an inadvertent open while parked or driving, or a failure to latch or open condition. Testing also verified this failure did not affect the door ajar warning system. This system provides an audible and visual warning in the event a door did not achieve primary latch position. Ford has provided details on a one-time-repair customer satisfaction program (23B56), stating that they will provide customers with a letter, currently targeted for March 2024, to bring their vehicle to a Ford dealership for a proactive repair. Dealers will inspect the door check arm welds for damage and will either provide a rivet plate to reinforce the existing door check arm or will provide a replacement door, depending on the level of damage present. Customers will be eligible for reimbursement if they previously paid to repair this issue. In view of the high detectability of failure, low potential hazard to drivers, and Ford’s customer satisfaction program to provide a proactive repair, this Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist. The Agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
DP22005 · Pedestrian Alert Sounds
Opened Jan 27, 2023 · Closed Aug 7, 2023
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System:propulsion System
NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after March 1, 2021.On January 27, 2023, NHTSA opened Defect Petition (DP) 22-005 to evaluate the subject matter described in the petition. On June 24, 2023 and as supplemented on June 25, 2023, the petitioner notified NHTSA he was withdrawing his petition. The petitioner indicated that, based on his review of data, there is no justification for asserting potential benefits that could be derived from actions sought by my petition. Based on the petitioner's withdrawal, DP22-005 is closed. Closure of this DP does not represent a determination by NHTSA regarding the subject matter of the petition.
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