2020 Ford Escape: sudden loss of power

Filed Oct 20, 2026 · Acceleration, Engine · KY

2020 Ford Escape is suffering from sudden, uncommanded loss of power, severe engine hesitation and violent stuttering during acceleration and problem is getting worse. Took to our service center to fix and they said the problem is a recall - the federal safety agency - 25V467 recall 25S76 (engine hesitant acceleration, rough idling, reduced engine power). Called Airport Ford in Florence, KY. They are saying they can't fix this issue -there is no remedy and that the program has been paused. This condition poses an immediate safety hazard. The unexpected failure of the powertrain to respond during high-demand situations - such as merging onto highways, passing vehicles or making left turns across oncoming traffic - makes me feel very vulnerable to rear-end or side impact crashes. The failure occurs at all speeds but is worse at 10-30 miles per hour. There is a Ford Recall on this issue. If the recall is paused - I assume they are no longer trying to find a fix. This is a 2020 car - surely in 6 years the Ford experts should have found a viable fix. In addition to the Dealership also talked to Ford Consumer Hotline and were given the same info as from the dealership. Please help! I love my Fords - I have had Fords all my adult life. Please help us.

Filed Oct 1, 2026 · Fuel system · 130,000 miles · WI

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle began shuddering and nearly lost power. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part for the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, and the vehicle was taken to the dealer for an interim repair. The contact stated that there was an abnormal rotten egg odor coming from the vehicle after the repair. The vehicle was sputtering while accelerating, and there was a delay with the engine responding. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 130,000.

Filed Jul 29, 2026 · Transmission · OH

The transmission on my 2020 Ford Escape began shuddering around 30 mph and occasionally shifted harshly during acceleration without any warning lights or messages. I took the vehicle to Beechmont Ford, where the technician confirmed the concern, found metal contamination in the transmission fluid, and determined the transmission has internal damage consistent with a failed output planetary bushing, requiring a complete transmission overhaul. The vehicle has approximately 65,000 miles, and the estimated repair cost is $7,200. This issue creates a safety concern because the transmission could unexpectedly lose power, fail to shift properly, or stop propelling the vehicle while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

Filed Jun 29, 2026 · Transmission · NC

Vehicle: 2020 Ford Escape Issue: Transmission / Torque Converter My 2020 Ford Escape has ongoing transmission problems, including slipping, shuddering, delayed shifting, and sudden loss of power. The vehicle hesitates when accelerating and sometimes fails to engage properly, creating unsafe situations in traffic. These issues appear related to the torque converter and are happening more often over time. This behavior makes the vehicle unreliable and dangerous to drive. I request that the federal safety agency investigate transmission and torque converter defects in the 2020 Ford Escape

Filed Apr 23, 2026 · Engine · OR

My car has been in shop month at a time it lost all power to start with it has been torn up for the last 2 years 7 turbo 2 in one vist now it has metal saving in the motor ford say dealer ship is responsible dealer ship say ford but I lost my job have 2 kids and no way to go

Filed Mar 21, 2026 · Driver assistance, Transmission · PA

Powertrain malfunction/ reduced power hill start assist warning Pre- collision assist not available

Filed Mar 11, 2026 · Engine · KS

The car has been jerking and shuddering and losing power when I accelerate. Was told it needs a new transmission.

Filed Feb 16, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · OH

The transmission shifting got increasingly rough over time, and then suddenly refused to shift into gear/reverse. The Ford shop told us it was the reverse solenoid, but it ended up requiring a full transmission rebuild. Safety of the car refusing to shift gears led to loss of power several times, unable to accelerate in traffic, until total failure occurred. Problem was inspected by Ford dealership, then repaired by independent service center due to cost. Not inspected by insurance, as it did not result in a collision. Warning lamps did not turn on until total failure occurred. Then lights on gear shift dial blinked, refused to allow us to put the car in gear. Dash lights also indicated "check engine" at that time, but no earlier.

Filed Oct 14, 2025 · Fuel system · 44,000 miles · NC

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while attempting to accelerate while driving at various speeds or from being idle, the vehicle hesitated before accelerating as if the vehicle was about to stall or lose power. The vehicle also jerked while in park. The dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 44,000.

Filed Sep 25, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · IN

On 9/15/2025, my 2020 Ford Escape SE began experiencing serious electrical and shift system issues: hard downshifting, “Shift System Fault” warning, inability to go into park, and failure to shut off without disconnecting the battery. I confirmed a related PCM recall was active and had the vehicle towed to Art Hill Ford for diagnostic and recall service. The dealership refused to perform the PCM recall, claiming my issue “didn’t match” the symptoms — despite clear electrical failure. Instead, they diagnosed a park pawl solenoid issue without scanning or physically inspecting the vehicle. I was told the issue was resolved, paid ~$1,400, and picked up the vehicle. Within 24 hours, new and dangerous transmission issues arose: harsh downshifting, loss of power, sudden high RPMs, and dashboard warnings. I became stranded in the middle of the road and had to have the car towed again. After this second visit, the dealer claimed there were metal shavings in the transmission and now says I need a full transmission replacement (~$10,000). These shavings were not reported during their first transmission disassembly — which is highly suspicious and may indicate the damage was caused during or after their service. Replacing transmission fluid on high-mileage vehicles (mine has ~132,000 miles) is known to be risky and can cause internal failure if not done carefully. My transmission had no mechanical problems prior to this visit. I now believe the dealership’s misdiagnosis, failure to perform the PCM safety recall 1st, and service caused a safety-critical failure that they are refusing to take responsibility for. I am a veteran with a pregnant wife — we depend on this vehicle. Ford corporate has not provided assistance. This situation has left me without transportation and potentially with catastrophic repair costs due to service-related damage.

Filed Sep 15, 2025 · Engine, Fuel system · NY

Powertrain control module failure causing vehicle to lose power and engine to run at 5 to 6 RPMs. and transmission not shifting properly. Vehicle is going into limp mode and will also shut down while driving but the engine stays running and the cruise does not shut off. There is not remedy for the recall that I believe is causing these issues. This has been going on for 6 month. This vehicle has been nothing but a problem.

Filed Aug 15, 2025 · MI

The exhaust gas cooler (EGR) leaked coolant into the intake manifold and mixed with oil causing the engine over-temperature light to come on, a burning smell from the engine bay, loss of power while driving and while smoke to billow from the exhaust. I had my escape towed to the Ford dealership and their mechanic installed a new K2GZ 9F464-B EGR cooler, bled and filled the anti-freeze, drained the contaminated oil and installed a new oil filter and oil. Total cost of repairs was $1100.52