2022 Ford Escape: fire, smoke or burning smell

Filed Oct 31, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · OH

In early XXX, my 2022 Ford Escape SE (1.5L EcoBoost) experienced repeated engine stalls while my wife was driving with our children inside. The vehicle had only 33,028 miles. Whenever the A/C was engaged, the engine stalled and could not restart normally until the A/C was turned off. With the A/C off, the vehicle could restart and drive. Turning the A/C back on caused the engine to stall again. A strong burning/electrical smell accompanied the malfunction and persisted even with the A/C off. The failure occurred suddenly, without prior symptoms. Whether dashboard warning lights appeared is UNKNOWN. Losing engine power while driving created a serious collision risk for my family and other motorists. I drove the vehicle to [XXX] of [XXX], and reported the problem. The dealership documented the engine stalling while driving and burning smell under Repair Order #XXX, dated XXX. [XXX] diagnosed a catastrophic internal A/C compressor failure with metal contamination throughout the A/C system, requiring extensive repairs. However, identifying the failed compressor does not explain why it failed or its precise relationship to the engine stalling. Despite repeated requests since XXX, Ford has not provided a technical explanation of the root cause or whether a manufacturing or supplier defect was considered. Ford Customer Relations closed my case with these questions unanswered. Whether the dealership reproduced the stalling during testing or Ford conducted a separate physical inspection is UNKNOWN. The vehicle remains at Germain Ford awaiting repair authorization. To my knowledge, the failed components remain installed and available for inspection. I have requested their preservation. I request the federal safety agency investigate this potential safety defect to determine whether other Ford Escape owners may be at risk. I am concerned this failure could occur without warning in other vehicles, putting additional families at risk. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Dec 21, 2025 · Engine · MI · fire

A Terrifying Ordeal and a Broken Promise: M.A’s Story A Known Danger Ignored In August 2025, M.A, a [XXX] woman living with Multiple Sclerosis, received a letter from Ford Motor Company. It was a recall notice for her 2022 Ford Escape, warning that a defect in the turbo system could cause engine fires. Despite this known danger, the letter contained a chilling instruction: there was "no recommendation to stop operating the vehicle." Trusting the manufacturer, M.A continued to drive her car—her essential link to independence. A Nightmare on the Road Two months later, in October 2025, that trust nearly cost M.A her life. While driving in Windsor, Ontario, she saw smoke, then flames erupt from under the hood. In a horrifying instant, the engine compartment burst into fire. Paralyzed by panic—a "brain freeze" moment where she couldn't even unlock her door—she was trapped. Only with the help of bystanders was she pulled to safety, where she watched helplessly as her car and everything she owned—clothes, jewelry, two laptops, an iPad, and three suitcases—were consumed by flames. Physical and Emotional Devastation The fire was extinguished, and the car was towed away, but the damage to M.A’s life was just beginning. The traumatic event triggered a severe relapse of her Multiple Sclerosis, worsening her physical disability. The profound stress and sadness have been overwhelming. She is now without a vehicle, struggling daily with lost mobility and independence. Abandoned by the Company at Fault When M.A contacted Ford for help, seeking accountability for the defect they had already acknowledged, she was met with indifference. Customer service representatives, both by phone and on Facebook, directed her only to her insurance company, washing their hands of responsibility for the catastrophic failure their recall had warned about INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Dec 16, 2025 · Electrical · VT

I received a letter saying that if I charge my battery over 80% it will catch on fire. This is the second battery recall this year saying my car will catch on fire. I couldn't charge my car for 6 months with the first recall and I bought this car because I only drive short distances and use the battery for most daily driving. Having two recalls saying that my car will catch on fire makes me very scared to drive with my wife and son in the car, so I would like to have this vehicle replaced immediately.

Filed Nov 12, 2025 · Engine, Fuel system · CA

Recall has been issued since 7/16/25 and a serious safety risk issue has not been resolve. It is mentally draining and scary that whenever we drive our car there is always a risk of safety like car catching on fire. We have been patiently waiting for a long time now. Consumer safety should always be a priority specially we have 2 kids inside the car.

Filed Nov 6, 2025 · Engine, Fuel system · 49,100 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2022 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the vehicle began to skid, and there was smoke coming from the engine and the exhaust. The wrench symbol was displayed. The engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the turbocharger and the engine became inoperable. The contact had received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were on backorder. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The contact stated that the manufacturer stated that there would be no action unless the vehicle blew up or there was a fatality. The failure mileage was approximately 49,100.

Filed May 4, 2023 · Engine · 1,500 miles · TX · fire

The contact owned a 2022 Ford Escape. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact heard two loud explosions, when the contact looked outside the vehicle was in flames, causing the siding of the contact's home siding to melt. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated, but the contact smelled an odor of fuel coming from the vehicle before the explosion. No one was injured and a police report was filed. The fire department was able to extinguish the flames. The vehicle was not towed. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 1,500.