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2020 Ford Escape: engine stalls while driving

28 of the 1,621 complaints about the 2020 Ford Escape describe engine stalls while driving.

owner complaints
28
of this car's complaints
2%
typical mileage
60,470
recalls
3
Is there a fix? There are 3 recalls and 27 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below

Engine stalls while driving by model year

What owners say

Filed Aug 3, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · NJ

We have experienced fuel leaks and engine stalling, and three separate dealerships have refused an interim safety fix or alternate transportation. This is our primary vehicle for transporting our children and it's no longer safe. The RPMs jump all over, we occasionally smell gasoline, and the entire car shakes. Everybody tells us they can't replicate the problem and claim it's okay. It stalled on me when I was driving down a busy highway during rush hour and a tractor trailer almost hit me from behind WHILE MY KIDS WERE IN THE BACKSEAT.

Filed Jul 29, 2026 · Fuel system, Transmission · OK

I've taken my car 3 times for the same recalls 1st time was to jack Kisse for power train and fuel injector he told me the recall wasn't to my car I argued I can tell something was wrong with my car it keeps stalling and it's going to end up killing me in traffic from the fuel injectors so I take it too [XXX] of Norton and broken arrow they tell me after sitting there for 8 hours that the powertrain is not taking it takes 4 hours to do it and they only have 30 minutes left and all of a sudden it takes that's a bunch of crap cuz there was only 30 minutes anyway I leave still notice something then a wrench and engine light come on so I take it again were I was charged 've taken my car three different times to get my powertrain recall and fuel injector recall fixed they have failed to do so... and now I have a wrench and engine light showing up on my car I take again cuz my app is still tells me that I have recalls for a powertrain and fuelI injector recalls all they did was charge me to get the code when I knew it was for the recalls over $200 the very next day the lights come right back on my powertrain and fuel injector never been fixed my they told me I have an open fuel line and let me drive off with it now I'm concerned that my car is going to catch on fire especially in the heat and what do I do if you just taking it back for them to not do anything to my car and now I have the ranch and the engine light coming on and off a different time one day one minute will be the ranch next will be the engine sometimes it's both and I have records of it I keep trying to report it to you guys and I'm not hearing anything back I don't know what else to do I believe that my car is a lemon and they're not going to be able to fix it since I'm taking it three times already please contact me back to let me what I should know where I should do thank you you reach me at [XXX] or at my email [XXX] I prefer you contact me through email thank your INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 5

Filed Jul 23, 2026 · Transmission · WI

Our transmission is going out. We started having issues without any warning lights coming on. The car jumps heavily at stops lights when we are coming to a stop. The car then doesn't want to accelerate from a stopped position. When we hit the accelerator, the car starts skipping/jumping and the gas pedal feels like it doesn't have any grip. We had an independent mechanic ride in the vehicle and hook it up to the computers and saw that the codes reading is all transmission related. This has made the car undrivable because there have been several times that we have stalled in the middle of intersections and have to cut the car off and turn it back on to try to get it out of the road. Also, the car jumps so far forward when stopping that we are risking rear ending someone. We had the catalytic converter recall done and two days later we started having codes for the transmission pawl. We contacted Ford (who did the recall), and they wanted to charge us for diagnosing it even though it started right after they had it. Only a few weeks after that, we started having the jumping/skipping of the transmission. The pawl seems to have been a wire issue and was fixed. But we are being told we need a new transmission. The car is only 6 years old.

Filed Jul 17, 2026 · Visibility · MI

While driving intermittent wipers started. After only 4-5 inches in motion, they began stuttering until reaching about ¾ of the full elevation. At that point they stalled. I turned them on, which made no change. When turning off, they returned to the lowered or of position. If it had been raining, my visibility would have been severely impacted. This action continues after 3 days. I learned there is an issued recall for this issue in the same year/make/model, but my VIN / vehicle is not yet covered.

Filed Feb 18, 2026 · Fuel system · 69,000 miles · AK

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle unexpectedly stalled with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was restarted. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 69,000.

Filed Jan 15, 2026 · Fuel system · GA

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 not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact attempted to press the Push to Start button; however, the vehicle stalled. No warning lights were illuminated. The failure had occurred on several occasions. The vehicle remained at the residence. A dealer was not contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Nov 20, 2025 · IN

Informed by insurance company that there is a recall that could start a good fire. Still no remedy to fix. Have called a shop, takes months to get it seen, also says no remedy. Also has a problem starting after gas is put in car. Drops rpms and tries to stall randomly.

Filed Nov 17, 2025 · Driver assistance, Electrical · 100,000 miles · KY

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the infotainment system screen had turned off while driving, requiring the contact to pull over to the side of the road. The contact stated that upon turning off and restarting the vehicle, the infotainment system screen became operable. Additionally, the contact stated that the rearview camera was inoperable while reversing. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

Filed Oct 17, 2025 · Acceleration, Engine · OH

My car hesitates when driving forward from a stop and the rpm's jump up and down. It almost stalls when going up a steep hill. I have to leave it running when filling it up or it is very hard to start and sometimes will stall after starting. Check engine light is on and tire sensor light is on. The sound system doesn't work. Have read online about a lot of people having the same problems with their car.

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 Oct 7, 2025 · Engine · TX

"engine stalls on the road after refueling the vehicle", some sort of evap issue, the purge valve leaks and pours so much vapor to cylinder with overwhelming fuel vapors, system can't handle too much fuel at once and shuts down. this happens every time when I refuel, so I started to park the car and leave it to idle every time after refueling, and even so it's rough idle. If I notice this pattern, this issue with the car for a while! I can't think of a scenario where someone on a highway middle of the night, hits the road after refueling, and if it stalls! rough idling is okay, but stalling on the road is a safety issue! please note, there is no CEL so far!

Filed Sep 15, 2025 · Acceleration, Brakes · LA · crash

Purchased certified vehicle from Wray Ford on 2/23/24. Car was previously leased by FMCC and still listed as a Ford Fleet Vehicle in Michigan as of 9/12/25. VIN confirms it falls under Ford safety recall 24S79, which was never performed. Vehicle experienced unintended acceleration and non-responsive braking, behaving autonomously. FordPass Connect, FMCC, and Wray Ford all confirmed it was unsafe to drive based on 38 diagnostic codes from July/August 2025. June 2025 data and other dates were blacked out. No warning lights or alerts appeared in the FordPass app prior to the crash on 8/25/25.Allstate Insurance removed the vehicle from Wray Ford without authorization, falsely claimed a $10,000 salvage offer, and altered the accident date in the online portal. Damage estimates were manipulated: initial $4,500 based on five photos, later inflated to $13,195 using the same photos. Shreve Collision’s manager confirmed no estimate was performed, contradicting Allstate’s claims. Allstate appears to be shielding Ford from liability. The vehicle is no longer in my possession, but documentation and diagnostic records are preserved. I believe Ford concealed a critical defect and suppressed diagnostic data, putting my safety and others at serious risk.I have contacted FORD and they are stalling and have misrepresented to me many things. They admitted that they can access FORDPASS CONNECT DATA remotely and their agent stated driving this vehicle is not an option. I have almost been involved in prior accidents because of hidden defect in my car. My son has audio recordings, transcripts, Ford Pass Connect Data. We believe Allstate changed the date of the accident to throw off a forensic examinator. I have proof of Allstate changing the accident date and removing documents. This is really a serious breach by Allstate and Ford. I am 80 years old, and if it was not for my son I would have never known this and my son is half owner of the car and is very concerned for my safety.

Service bulletins that may apply

Related recalls

EngineReported May 23, 2025 · 1,809 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Escape, 2021-2023 Corsair, and 2022-2023 Maverick vehicles equipped with 2.5L HEV or PHEV engines that were repaired incorrectly under recall 23V380. In the event of an engine failure, engine oil and fuel vapor may be released into the engine compartment and accumulate near ignition sources such as hot engine or exhaust components, possibly resulting in an engine compartment fire.
Risk
An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
Remedy
Owners are advised to park and shut off the engine as quickly as possible if they hear unexpected engine noises, notice a reduction in vehicle power, or see smoke. Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 27, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S54.

Recall number 25V345000 · Recall details

EngineReported May 26, 2023 · 125,322 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Escape, 2022-2023 Maverick, and 2021-2023 Corsair vehicles equipped with 2.5L HEV or PHEV engines. In the event of an engine failure, engine oil and fuel vapor may be released into the engine compartment and accumulate near ignition sources such as hot engine or exhaust components, possibly resulting in an engine compartment fire.
Risk
An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
Remedy
Owners are advised to park and shut off the engine as quickly as possible if they hear unexpected engine noises, notice a reduction in vehicle power, or see smoke. Dealers will replace the engine long-block in 2023 Escape and Corsair vehicles. For the other vehicles, dealers will update the powertrain control module software. If a connecting rod bearing failure is detected, dealers will replace the engine long-block. All inspections and repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 14, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S27. This recall expands and replaces recall number 22V‑484. Vehicles previously repaired under 22V‑484 will need to have the new remedy completed.

Recall number 23V380000 · Recall details

Engine and engine cooling: engine: oil/lubricationReported March 25, 2022 · 345,451 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape and 2021-2022 Bronco Sport vehicles equipped with 1.5L engines. The engine oil separator housing may crack and develop an oil leak.
Risk
An oil leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the oil separator for damage or oil leaks, and replace the oil separator and seals, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 18, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S21.

Recall number 22V191000 · Recall details

Questions about the 2020 Ford Escape stalling

Is engine stalls while driving a common problem on the 2020 Ford Escape?

28 of 1,621 owner complaints about the 2020 Ford Escape (2%) mention engine stalls while driving. The model year with the most reports is 2013.

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

There are 3 recalls and 27 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 29Fire or smoke 25Backup camera 24Harsh shifting 24Transmission failure 24Adaptive cruise 23Shudder 19Wipers 17Fuel smell 15Key fob 13Won'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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