2020 Ford Escape: ABS light or ABS activating

Filed Jul 23, 2026 · Engine, Lights · OH

I have things wrong with my vehicle that are not currently included in recalls for my specific VIN but they are for the same model year. Yesterday, I paid $6000 to fix a stuck wastegate on the turbo and something to do with the ABS. I was informed that there is a $700 problem with a vacuum pump. I have also paid for 2 costly repairs, one that wouldn't let the car start after refueling and something else that triggered a check engine light. How do you get a recall extended to include other VINs? I work as a contractor at Ford, what an embarrassment to have one of our vehicles with so many issues. Please help. I'm a young widow with limited income, commuting 2 hours a day. I cannot be without my car and I can't afford to pay for repairs while also financing.

Filed Feb 5, 2026 · Electrical, Fuel system · NY

Summary of Problem: Following the mandatory software update for the federal safety agency Recall 22V859 (Ford 22S73) on my 2020 Ford Escape 1.5L, the vehicle experienced a catastrophic electrical failure. The vehicle is now subject to the expanded the federal safety agency Recall 25V467 (Ford 25S76) with a status of 'Remedy Not Available'. Safety Failures: Continuous Overcharging: A multimeter test confirms the alternator is overcharging at 15.5V or higher, posing a severe risk of battery explosion or vehicle fire. Safety System Collapse: The overvoltage has forced multiple safety modules into 'fail-safe' mode, disabling the Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Traction Control, and AWD Powertrain. Network Communication Failure: Diagnostic reports confirm a U3000 critical control module fault and 'Lost Communication' with the Battery Energy Control Module, indicating a software-induced network collapse. Undriveable Status: The vehicle has been unusable for over 30 days and cannot pass NY State Inspection due to persistent EVAP and module communication codes triggered by the recall update. Dealer Negligence: [XXX] (Dealer #XXX) confirmed that all physical communication lines are functional but refused a free recall-related diagnosis, demanding a $600 fee instead of honoring the federal safety recall mandate. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jan 19, 2026 · Electrical, Transmission · PA

The AWD module failed with less than 60,000 miles on the vehicle. I live in the Northeast and we get some brutal weather, especially snowstorms. I believe this part should be under a broader recall as it was the same grounding issue as reported in the other current recall for a certain production date escape for its awd module this year. I have always owned a four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive vehicle, and we love to take scenic trips especially in winter for something to do. The only inspection of the module was the Tunkhannock ford dealer that replaced it. The system did warn me after filling up with gas that there was an issue. I feel that this could have gone really bad if we had been in lake Seneca, Killington or driving up to Bangor. It is the whole idea of it not working because of a single bad grounding wield that shuts all the traction control off to get stuck out in very little snow... I don't even know if the ABS would react the same under this condition.

Filed Dec 1, 2025 · Transmission · NY

Since the remedy was completed for the last recall for the fuel injectors cracking my Ford Escape 2020 has had many issues resulting in warning lights on in 5 different modules. My escape will not pass NY state inspection and the dealer wants 600$ just to diagnose these issues. I have a powertrain/AWD fault that results in not AWD and vehicle has no power and does not run smoothly. The RPMs jump constantly between 2 and 3. Others warning lights and errors include traction control, tire pressure sensor failure, ABS, electric park fault, and also issues with the power steering. Got an appraisal down by my dealer and was told the escape is only worth $3,000 now. I owe 16,000.

Filed Oct 23, 2025 · Brakes, Driver assistance · ME

I went for a diagnostic test for AWD module failures, and when auto zone did the test ABS came back as failed and this was in July of 2025.

Filed Sep 29, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · FL

It appears that either the rear differential is locked up, or the traction control system has decided to lock all tires for the same rotation. When making any turns at slow speed, the tires grind and pop on the road. If turning in grass it will rip up the grass where the turn was made. In addition, the RPMs and vehicle lurch at normal cruising speed and when accelerating. I understand this as an issue with the torque converter. When the tires locked up, it put excessive force e on this component. It was stated in a similar TSB with the exact issue. There was a lack of fluid in the rear differential when it left the factory. Determination on repair was based on an inspection of the differential fluid and its levels. The cascade of failures happened after a road trip from FL to NY, I believe the miles were around 45,000. Upon arrival, NY roads were covered in snow for the next 5 months of travel, masking the severity of a locked drive train. No recalls were out, we thought maybe we needed tires. Now at 66k miles, there is a strain on the entire drive train and tires, whenever turning, accepting, I would further speculate, that this has put excessive wear on the CV/half shafts, wheel bearings, and related components. Although there’s a system failure, No codes have been thrown. Vehicle Speed Sensors and system, and or the ABS system should have noted some kind of error. While numerous complaints have arose accross varying ford models, no recalls issued. Ford may honor some repair costs. The location and nature of the initial failing unit, the rear differential, as its not part of routine maintenance, Would lead to an increase accross all related components and systems, which would lead to vehicle failure. Possibly causing loss of life or serous physical harm.

Filed Aug 22, 2025 · Electrical, Transmission · MI

Around the 38,000 mile mark on our 2020 Ford Escape we received many different errors (AWD Fault, ABS, AdvanceTrac Service, Hill assist, etc). I found out via the federal safety agency and other forums that this is a common issue in the vehicle from the AWD module, and although it is AWD related, it is not eligible for the Powertrain warranty per Ford because it is an electrical component. I declined the $1200 repair at the dealership so I could first call Ford Customer Service, at the recommendation of the dealership, though the Service Tech did mention it is a safety concern because the ABS is apparently also controlled by the AWD. After a couple different calls to Ford, they have refused to acknowledge that it is a manufacturer defect, or pay for the repair. With no help from Ford, I have no other option than to file a complaint here. Based on other resources online, the issue seems to stem from improper grounding of the wiring on the AWD module.

Filed Aug 4, 2025 · Electrical · CT

My 2020 Ford Escape Hybrid experiences complete electrical failure - battery saving mode followed by total power loss. Ford has published Technical Service Bulletins SSM 49990 (the federal safety agency ID: MC-10199655-0001) and SSM 49574 (the federal safety agency ID: MC-10187983-0001) addressing this exact issue through ABS module programming. However, both my local Ford dealership and Ford Customer Service claim these documented TSBs do not exist in their systems. This appears to be systematic denial of safety-related warranty repairs for a known defect. According to my research, some of Ford owners could receive a 8 year Hybrid component warranty through these TSBs. It seems to be a typical pattern for Ford to avoid warranty procedures by denying TSBs. I have records of the calls. I cannnot upload it from this page

Filed Dec 30, 2024 · Brakes, Electrical · 16,900 miles · VT

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle the ABS and Traction Control warning messages had been displayed and the power steering had failed causing the steering wheel to become difficult to turn in each direction. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the steering column was faulty. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failures but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 16,900.

Filed Aug 13, 2024 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 12,000 miles · MI

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and making a right turn, the vehicle failed to exceed 18 MPH. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who replaced the fuel pump, fuel rail, and the battery; however, the failure reoccurred. Additionally, while operating the vehicle, the ABS and traction control warning lights illuminated. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 12,000.

Filed Aug 6, 2024 · Brakes · WV

Vehicle has 14,000 miles on it. Was taken to Ford garage after the AWD light came on. They placed the AWD module on the vehicle and then ran diagnostics again and it still pulled the errors. They determined that the ABS system is bad and also needs replaced. He provided me with a notice that was sent to Ford/Lincoln dealers -Customer Satisfaction Program 20B5 which was for vehicles manufactured in 2020 where the dealers were to replace the electronic break booster. My vehicle was manufactured in 2019, but has the same problem as this recall and unfortunately was not part of the dates where Ford would fix the issue.