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2020 Ford Escape: key fob or push-button start problems

13 of the 1,621 complaints about the 2020 Ford Escape describe key fob or push-button start problems.

owner complaints
13
of this car's complaints
1%
recalls
3
Is there a fix? There are 3 recalls and 57 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below

Key fob or push-button start problems by model year

  • 2021
    1
  • 2020
    13
  • 2019
    2
  • 2018
    5
  • 2017
    11
  • 2016
    3
  • 2015
    9
  • 2014
    4
  • 2013
    8
  • 2011
    1
  • 2010
    4
  • 2009
    1
  • 2008
    1
  • 2007
    1
  • 2005
    3
  • 2001
    1

What owners say

Filed Aug 7, 2026 · Driver assistance, Electrical · 71,000 miles · MA

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact received notifications of the federal safety agency Campaign Numbers: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 26V123000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. While the contact’s son was driving approximately 45 MPH, the screen on the radio went black. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road, and the radio independently reset and displayed the correct information. The failure had occurred approximately 3 - 4 times. The radio screen often displayed erroneous information with distorted images. The contact stated that the vehicle was included in a recall for the door, and after the recall repair was performed, the key fob failed to lock and unlock the doors. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact was informed that the manufacturer had not provided the parts for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 71,000.

Filed May 13, 2026 · Electrical · MT

Vehicle Door Locks: -driver door lock failed to unlock. All other doors locks remained functional - 2 days later or 450+ miles later all doors locked, then when attempting to unlock all doors whether key fob or door lock/unlock buttons on both driver and passenger doors, door locks failed to respond to any button attempt. -manual lock/unlocking is needed to lock/unlock any doors. If i needed to escape from an aggressive attacker or a child was in a backseat while it was 80+ degrees Fahrenheit outside lives would be in danger

Filed Aug 7, 2025 · Electrical · TN

My key fob stopped working due to BCM not being able to communicate.

Filed Aug 5, 2025 · Electrical · TN

A module is causing communication issues in the car between its and the key fob causing the car not to be able to start at all. It has been at the Ford dealer [XXX] for over a month now and they are unable to remedy the situation. They claim they can’t update the software or can’t find out what’s wrong with the car. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Feb 5, 2025 · Electrical · 60,470 miles · WV

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact was locked outside of the vehicle; however, the key fob was within range. On another occasion, the contact attempted to start the vehicle using the key fob and the manufacturer app however, the vehicle stalled. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the battery was dead and needed to be replaced. The VIN was not included in the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 24V954000 (Electrical System). The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,470.

Filed Oct 18, 2024 · Body, Electrical · VA

Dashboard message indicates the left front door is open although the door is properly closed and locked. I'm still able to lock and unlock the door using the lock switch on the inside door panel while sitting in the driver's seat. I can also lock and unlock the door using my key fob.

Filed Aug 3, 2024 · Electrical · AZ

Back door of my ,2020 Ford Escape SE, is stuck closed! Won't open at all with key fob or buttons on driver side or button on back door. Multiple times before it got stuck closed, the door wouldn't latch properly and bounce open randomly over bumps in the road!

Filed Apr 22, 2024 · Body, Electrical · TX

Front passenger door is coming apart - literally the inside structure is separating from the frame of the car. The driver door is automatically locking even when key fob is in the car. When rolling up windows- the Automatic windows continue to roll up and down without touching the buttons. Engine is puttering upon start up- low idling. The engine cuts out when pressing gas upon driving.

Filed Apr 10, 2024 · Body, Electrical · NM

I have already put in a complaint about the broken spots welds, I am now adding to that complaint. I had the window fixed but because the door is broken I cannot roll down the window. My door is now not locking so stays open even when engaging the locks. The electrical system is giving me errors telling me that there is no key detected and so the engine won't start right away. The radio screen blacks out and doesn't work right, won't keep my settings anymore. This all has been happening since my door broke. I am sick of this car. Casa Ford says that my door is not covered by my extended warranty, but my window was, which was broken because of the broken spot welds in the door. This makes no sense since I am not able to use the window because of the door being broken.

Filed Mar 22, 2024 · Body · FL

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while in the front driver's seat, the key fob was used to open the trunk. The contact stated that there was suddenly the mechanical sound of the trunk closing and the contact observed that the trunk had fallen approximately 5 inches. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure recurred while walking to grab items from the trunk, the contact opened the trunk with the key fob. While the contact was in the trunk the contact suddenly heard the mechanical sound of the trunk closing and jumped back and observed that the trunk had fallen halfway. The contact stated that there was an unknown part that appeared to be disconnecting from the ride area of the trunk. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Jul 28, 2023 · Electrical · 20 miles · GA

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the electrical system was behaving erratically. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred with the keyless entry failing to lock or unlock the vehicle and the vehicle failing to recognize the key fob. Additionally, the infotainment system was inadvertently changing the radio station and the lights were turning on and off independently. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the electronic control module. The contact was informed that the module needed to be reset. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure became a recurring failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 20.

Filed Jul 23, 2023 · Body, Electrical · TX

My check arm broke at the welding sites and has now affected my locks, window, and the door staying open/shut. I am worried about my window shattering and my door not closing or opening while I am driving. My locks are no longer working which leaves me to be worried about someone getting into my car, since there is not way for me to lock my door. They don’t even work with the key fob. The outside manual lock will not turn. The problem was confirmed by the dealership Ken Stoepel Ford In Kerrville, TX. But they will not fix it because it is out of warranty due to mileage. There was no warning of this. I was parked when it happened. I simply opened my door to get in and it snapped.

Service bulletins that may apply

Related recalls

Electrical system: propulsion system: traction battery: management system/energy control module (bms/becm)Reported December 20, 2024 · 20,484 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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
Battery failure can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. Battery failure can also increase the risk of a fire.
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.

Recall number 24V954000 · Recall details

Electrical system: propulsion system: traction batteryReported May 13, 2022 · 27 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Escape and 2021 Lincoln Corsair vehicles equipped with 2.5L hybrid powertrains. Insufficient welds inside the high voltage battery may fail, resulting in a loss of drive power.
Risk
A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the high voltage battery, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on July 12, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed August 8, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S33.

Recall number 22V331000 · Recall details

Electrical system: body control module/bcmReported October 15, 2020 · 689 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Escape vehicles equipped with a key-start ignition system. The Body Control Module (BCM) intermittently may not pick up the signal from the rear Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) sensors or the Remote Key Fob. In the event of a low tire pressure condition, the TPMS system may not provide an adequate warning.
Risk
Low tire pressure may lead to poor vehicle handling and a possible loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of crash.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the BCM, free of charge. Owners are advised that two key fobs are required for the repair to be completed. The recall began December 1, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S59.

Recall number 20V635000 · Recall details

Questions about the 2020 Ford Escape key fob

Is key fob or push-button start problems a common problem on the 2020 Ford Escape?

13 of 1,621 owner complaints about the 2020 Ford Escape (1%) mention key fob or push-button start problems. The model year with the most reports is 2020.

Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2020 Ford Escape?

There are 3 recalls and 57 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.

Other symptoms on the 2020 Ford Escape

Check engine light 74Power windows 60Door locks 49Collision warning 44Grinding brakes 38Jerking 33Hesitation 32Loss of power 29Stalling 28Fire or smoke 25Backup camera 24Harsh shifting 24Transmission failure 24Adaptive cruise 23Shudder 19Wipers 17Fuel smell 15Won't shift 13ABS 11Engine failure 11Overheating 11Fuel leak 9Slipping 9Headlights 8Warning lights 8No deployment 7Lane assist 7Ball joint 6Screen failure 6Misfire 6Won't start 6Knocking 5

All model years of the Ford Escape

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