2020 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID Complaints

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Driver door brake bracket spot welds failed preventing driver door from closing. Fortunately for me the event happened when I arrived home buy renders the vehicle unusable because the driver door is hanging nearly wide-open. I see via the internet thay others with this same vehicle are having the same issue and the repair requires the door to be replaced but there are no doors available. There are only 3 tiny spot welds securing this bracket to the door. The car has 49 thousand miles on the odometer and to my knowledge has never been wrecked. I purchased it in 2020 with 4 thousand miles on the odometer from Greene Ford in Gainesville Georgia.