Ford Escape Hybrid fire or smoke problems

Filed Jul 24, 2026 · Body, Engine · MI · fire

On 20 July 2026, my 2022 Ford Escape HEV caught fire in the engine compartment while parked. The vehicle is likely a total loss (insurance pending). On-site emergency personnel responded within minutes of the fire and the local fire department was on scene within 5 minutes of the 911 call. They cleared the incident (and d/c the 12V) within 32 minutes of arrival. Detroit Fire Department Incident: 202620101471. This vehicle was subject to Ford Safety Recall 23S27 and Customer Satisfaction Program 23N06, which address a manufacturing defect in the 2.5L HEV/PHEV engine. Under that recall, connecting rod bearing journals were not properly finished, causing premature bearing and engine failure that can release engine oil and fuel vapor into the under-hood area resulting in a fire. The recall remedy was completed on my vehicle, as were all customer satisfaction program campaigns. The dealer performed the PCM software update, which is intended to detect early signs of bearing failure through diagnostic trouble codes (P1061 and P032F) so the failure can be caught before an engine breach occurs. The engine long block was NOT replaced. Under Ford's own criteria, long block replacement was only authorized if the vehicle exhibited loud metal-to-metal clanking noises, a loss of torque, or the associated diagnostic codes. Dealership personnel assured me an engine light would illuminate and I would have time to safely move the vehicle to the side of the road. My vehicle did not have any warnings: no clanking, loss of torque, or leaks-no diagnostic warnings of any kind before the fire. The recall remedy did not prevent the exact failure it was designed to prevent--Ford's response was inadequate to protect owners. My the federal safety agency VIN lookup shows no open recalls. I completed every recall and CSP Ford issued. I have complete dealer service records for this vehicle, photos of the damage, hi-res surveillance video is saved at work, as well. The vehicle is intact and has not been salvaged.

Filed Apr 12, 2024 · Engine · MI

I formally request an investigation on the reason for delay and reporting of incidents occured. Recall notice 23S27 / 23V380 is going on ONE YEAR and STILL NO REMEDY! FordPass recall incomplete, remedy not yet available. If my engine catches on fire and I can't get my newborn out of the car seat in time and anyone is hurt or injured as a result of this incompetence then what? My vehicle is now leaking oil and it can be smelled in the passenger compartment.

Filed Feb 19, 2024 · Engine, Fuel system · CA

We stopped driving this vehicle when notice was sent about the possible engine fire. We are appalled that Ford has provided no fix for this for 9 months (May 2023 to Feb 2024, the time of this complaint). We contacted a Lemon Law lawyer but there's no protection unless the engine were to malfunction. Tell me: Would you want to drive your kids in a vehicle with an engine that could explode into flames without notice? We've lost $12,000 so far: $6,000 paying the loan + dmv/insurance on the Ford and another $6,000 for the same for a replacement vehicle. Cannot do PNO bec of lien.

Filed Jan 2, 2024 · Engine · FL

Nothing has yet happened, however, Ford sent a recall notice regarding premature engine failure in May 2023. The recall (the federal safety agency recall 23V380) stated that they anticipated a solution by October 2023, but they have no solution still. I don't know what the nature of the defect is, but I did not anticipate waiting more than 8 months for a solution on something that could cause the engine to set on fire. This vehicle is a daily driver for us, and we'd like to take it on a road trip this summer, but the combination of heat and unknown engine risk makes me not want to risk it.

Filed Dec 24, 2023 · Engine · MI

Recall 23S27 has no remedy available since May 2023, and Ford has not made any reasonable attempt to repair the engine that they say may catch on fire due to failure. Originally promised a fix announcement by October 2023, that has since come and went, then they said November and it's now December 24, 2023 and there's no fix for this issue. The previous related recall to increase ventilation did not work, nor does it address the defective engine block or other lubricated components that caused block breaches and subsequent fires. Why is Ford allowed to not fix this issue in a timely manner? I rely on this vehicle for family transportation and knowing that they have yet to come out with a repair means they are willfully risking the lives of their customers over the cost of repairing or replacing the engines with components that aren't defective.

Filed Oct 17, 2023 · Engine · IL · fire

We were driving on the interstate and the car began to make a metallic clicking/ticking sound. We started to move to the shoulder as we thought it might be a tire issue when we saw an orange glow reflected on the concrete. As soon as we reached the shoulder the engine started pouring out smoke and we immediately left the car. We opened the hood and saw fire inside the engine compartment. We left the hood up and moved away from the car and called 911. It appears this issue is tied to a known, open recall for which Ford has not released any information on how to fix with no specific timeline in place to release the fix. Our safety was at risk as the car was on fire and we were standing on the side of an interstate at midnight not knowing if the fire was going to go out or the car was going to explode; luckily for us it went out. The vehicle is currently at a Ford dealership for inspection. There was an engine service warning immediately before we heard the clicking noise but that is the first notification of any issue.

Filed Jan 18, 2023 · Electrical · 37,600 miles · MD

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated that after driving for an hour and parking the vehicle, after picking up her coat from the passenger’s side seat she saw a burn mark on the seat with smoke coming from the seat. Additionally, the contact had a burning sensation in her eyes due to the strong chemical burning odor coming from the passenger’s seat. The contact did not seek medical assistance. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was notified of the failure and an appointment was scheduled for a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the federal safety agency hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 37,600.

Filed Oct 12, 2022 · Electrical, Engine · KY · fire

On June7th I was driving home in my 2020 hybrid escape when the motor quit and the car came to a stop, then smoke started coming out from under the hood, I opened the hood and flames shot out at the back side of the motor on the passenger side, oil was leaking on to the road and on fire, I called the fire department, when they got there all the fire finally went out as the oil burned up. I had the car towed that day to Purchase ford in Mayfield KY. where it is still at. At first I was told this would be a warranty covered job, the car had 37500 miles, the power train and motor are good for 60,000 miles. It was apparent this would take a long time to fix, and I told Ford I did not want the car back as it would be depleted in value with a history of a fire, In July I got a recall 22V484 for the very reason my car caught on fire. Come to find out the motor failed and thru a rod and a hole in the block let the oil leak out and catch on fire. I asked for a loaner but they did not have one, I rented a car and Ford finally paid for most of it but I'm still out $500.00, I have returned the rental car. I have made five months of payment on this car without having it. At first Ford said they would do a buy back, then they emailed me saying this was denied due to KY. guidelines? I also asked for another car of equal value and that will not happen. Finally Ford told me to accept the repairs on my car and take it back or they were closing my case. My case # is [XXX], my contact was customer service rep . [XXX]. The car has a value of about $25000.00 if it had not caught on fire. I feel Ford should reimburse me for my payments or give me another car of equal value or make up the difference I will lose if I take the car back. I also think they should provide me a loaner while my car is being fixed. Thank You [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

Filed Apr 12, 2022 · OR · fire

My vehicle 2021 Ford Escape caught fire

Filed Aug 28, 2020 · 1,700 miles · MA

Brand new 2020 ford escape hybrid car intermittently stops and ceases. Seems something wrong with electrical system. This happened while driving 10 MPH down residential street. Car is inaccessible and cant even get into neutral. Tried disengaging electrical battery. Had to let sit for 15+ mins and car seems to reboot itself. Then you can start and put into drive/reverse etc but acceleration does not work and only idles. This is 2nd time happening. First time, we let it sit for 30 more mins and seems it electrically rebooted itself and car worked. Was able to drive to dealership. They had it 1 week and said its fine no computer issues. [xxx]. (8/19/20). Now, 8/28/2020 this happened again. This vehicle is not safe and will be looking for a replacement vehicle. We had a 2012 escape that due to a manufacturing defect caught on fire on highway in 2014. Ford is not putting out safe products and need to be investigated for these faults as these are serious endangerment to their customers lives. Parts of this document have been redacted to protect personally identifiable information pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).