2020 Ford Escape: engine failure

Filed Jun 23, 2026 · Brakes, Electrical · 40,000 miles · OH

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The transmission independently shifted from drive to neutral and then to park. In addition, the engine seized. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was restarted and taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with gear shifter module failure. The contact was informed that the gear shifter module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a wiring harness failure. The contact was informed that the wiring harness needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed with transmission and computer system failures. The contact was informed that the transmission and computer system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The contact stated that the engine shut off and the vehicle stopped. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with brake line failure. The contact was informed that the brake line needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle had been taken to the dealer several times for the persistent failures. The contact stated that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.

Filed Feb 26, 2026 · Engine · SC

My car shut down from a new engine block recall or mandate. Has been in the shop for four months with no eta on when it will be done. This is my only way of transportation.

Filed Aug 20, 2025 · Engine, Fuel system · SC

2020 Ford Escape SEL was taken into Ford Service Center for oil change and to address acceleration issue that started two days prior, (check engine light had come on the day before drop off). One week after dropping my vehicle off to be assessed, I was told I needed a small part and it would be complete in 3 days. Another week went by, so I reached out and was told that I need a new engine because of a known Ford issue. Unknown to me, coolant was leaking into the engine and destroyed it. I was assured by the Ford technician that this was a known issue and the problem did not arise from something I did/did not do. I was quoted over $9k and weeks worth of work. I easily drove the vehicle to the Service Center, but was told it is now no longer drivable. I drive a LOT for work and had only had the vehicle for 15 months, still owing over $16k on my auto loan. I had no choice but to purchase a new (NOT FORD) vehicle and am now stuck with two vehicle payments. Vehicle is still sitting at the Ford Service Center while I pay on it monthly.

Filed Jul 23, 2025 · Engine · IN

Engine failure at 50,000 miles. 2020 Ford Escape needs full engine replacement due to the faulty 1.5L engine ford put in these vehicles knowing they were bad. Was driving on the highway and my engine started whining and then all of a sudden heard and felt a crash and then white smoke was coming out of the exhaust. I then lost acceleration which was dangerous on a highway.

Filed Jul 15, 2025 · Engine · WI

The "check engine" light came on so took in to be checked. Independent mechanic indicates that there is coolant leaking into one of the cylinders as the result of a casting defect and repair requires complete engine replacement. He tells me this is a common problem. I spoke with a local Ford dealership's service person who tells me this is a known defect in other Ford models as well and, in those models, Ford has extended the warranty to cover this repair. Ford is not covering it for this model, however. Since it is the same problem -- a manufacturing defect, Ford should cover/replace since continuing to drive it will result in a complete engine falure

Filed Dec 5, 2024 · Transmission · 103,635 miles · NJ

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle seized in gear. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to reverse. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to shift into park or drive. The check engine warning light flashed on and off. The wrench symbol was displayed. The powertrain inactive message was displayed. The contact stated that the failure was related to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 24V330000 (Power Train). The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where an unknown diagnosis was completed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, opened a case, but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 103,635.

Filed Oct 30, 2024 · Engine · CT

The engine failed and the symptoms were all the coolant was gone, hot indicator, large amounts amounts of smoke coming out of exhaust and a burning smell. Once coolant added, ck engine light came on with codes P300 and P301 (I think). The vehicle was under warranty and has been fixed with a new engine by dealer. The warranty company did inspect car before being fixed. Initially the only problem that was noticed was hesitation when increasing speed. Once on the highway the overheating light came on and was able to exit off highway before it stalled out. Was able to restart car and drive to gas station where I added 2 gal of coolant and slowly drove a short way to home. The dealership would not tell me the exact problem but just said all the fluids went into the engine and the engine needed to be replaced. Other mechanic friends said it was a cracked head gasket.

Filed Sep 24, 2024 · Steering · 50,000 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel seized. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle became difficult to control. The vehicle was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed and it was determined that the electronic power steering control module had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

Filed May 31, 2024 · Transmission · 50,000 miles · MI

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the gear shift knob was seized on several occasions. After waiting for hours, the gear shifter was able to operate as needed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer, and the contact was informed that a diagnostic test needed to be performed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

Filed Apr 8, 2024 · Engine · CA

78,000 miles second vehicles of this make/model that our business had the head gasket destroyed by - Coolant leaks into the engine -causing a need for an engine replacement that ford will not cover.

Filed Oct 25, 2023 · Acceleration, Engine · OH

Check engine light came on Friday and 24 hours later started making a whirring sound lost power on the highway started smoking and smelled like it was going to catch fire. Was impeding traffic and almost caused an accident. Had it towed to Ford dealership where a diagnostic test was run. They determined that it was engine failure and Ecoboost failure. Coolant was leaking into cylinders 2&3. They claim the code fired on September 9. They asked if I had taken it anywhere to clear the code. I most definitely did not. Ford Motor Company is unwilling to make this right and have quoted me almost $9000 to fix this issue. Certain makes and models of 2020 Ford Escape have had engine recalls. This is clearly a malfunction on their part.