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2020 Ford Escape
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2020 Ford Escape — Safety Summary
The 2020 Ford Escape has 0 NHTSA safety recalls and 0 owner complaints on record. Transport Canada separately lists 23 Canadian recalls for this model. Based on this public data we rate its risk profile as low. Enter your VIN above to confirm which of these apply to your exact vehicle, then get the Smart Buyer Report for a buyer analysis of this model's reliability, common issues by mileage, and a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
Should you buy the 2020 Ford Escape in Canada?
On the public data available, the 2020 Ford Escape does not show major recall or complaint red flags. That makes it a reasonable used-car candidate for most buyers — but public data reflects model-level patterns, not the condition of one specific car.
The best next step is to run the exact VIN and, if the car still looks promising, get a Smart Buyer Report for a model-specific reliability read and an inspection checklist before you visit the seller.
Canadian ownership considerations
General things worth checking on a used Escape in the Canadian climate — winter, road salt, and cold-weather wear.
- Check AWD or 4WD operation if equipped — driveline components are costly to repair.
- Road salt drives corrosion on underbody and subframe points; inspect the undercarriage on salt-belt vehicles.
- Verify heater, defroster, and rear demister all work ahead of winter.
- Battery and cold-start reliability are worth confirming for Canadian winters.
Pre-purchase inspection priorities
- Bring a qualified mechanic or book an independent pre-purchase inspection.
- Check the undercarriage for rust and corrosion, especially on salt-belt vehicles.
- Confirm all open recalls have been repaired using the VIN.
- Review maintenance records and look for gaps in servicing.
- Test all winter-critical systems: heater, defroster, battery, and (if equipped) AWD/4WD.
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Unlock the full buyer reportNHTSA Recalls
0 recall(s) for this year/model
Transport Canada Recalls
23 Canadian recall(s) from the official Transport Canada database
Visual System
2020-09-24Issue: On certain vehicles, an electrical problem with the rearview camera could cause it not to work properly. As a result, the rearview image may be distorted or not display at all. Safety Risk: A rearview camera image that does not display could reduce a driver's ability to see behind the vehicle while backing up. This could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Ford will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to replace the rearview camera.
Electrical
2020-10-15Issue: On certain vehicles, there may be a problem with the radio frequency receiver in the body control module (BCM). As a result, the signal from the rear tire pressure monitor system (TPMS) sensors may not be received. If this happens, the driver would not be warned if there is low tire pressure. Driving a vehicle with low tire pressure could lead to poor handling and/or a tire failure. This problem may also affect the remote key fob operation. Note: This recall only affects vehicles with a conventional ignition key (not push button start). Safety Risk: Poor handling or a tire failure could cause a loss of control and increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Ford will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to replace the body control module.
Powertrain
2021-01-18Issue: On certain vehicles, the rear drive unit was not properly filled with oil. As a result, the rear axle could seize. If this happens, the rear wheels could lock up and cause a loss of power to the wheels. Safety Risk: A rear-wheel lock up while driving could cause a loss of control that could result in a crash. Corrective Actions: Ford will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a Ford or Lincoln dealer to check the oil level in the rear drive unit. If the drive unit is filled to the minimum oil level, it will be topped up to the full level. If the oil is below the minimum level, the drive unit will be replaced.
Engine
2022-03-29Issue: On certain vehicles equipped with a 1.5 L Ecoboost engine, the engine oil separator could leak. If this happens, oil could leak onto hot engine parts. Safety Risk: Oil that leaks onto hot engine parts could cause a fire. Corrective Actions: Ford will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealership to inspect the engine oil separator for damage and leaks. The oil separator and seals will be replaced, if necessary.
High Voltage
2022-05-16Issue: On a small number of Escape Hybrid models, there could be a problem inside the high-voltage battery that can cause a loss of power. If this happens, a "Stop Safely Now" message and a wrench light will appear in the instrument panel and an alert will sound. Note: This recall only affects certain vehicles equipped with a 2.5 L hybrid powertrain. Safety Risk: A loss of power to the wheels could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Ford will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealership to replace the high-voltage battery.
Engine
2022-07-07Issue: On certain hybrid models, an engine failure can cause a significant buildup of engine oil and/or fuel vapour under the hood. In some cases, this could cause a fire. Note: This recall only affects certain vehicles equipped with a 2.5 L HEV or PHEV engine. Safety Risk: A buildup of engine oil and/or fuel vapour after an engine failure could cause a fire. Corrective Actions: Ford will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealership to modify the under-engine shield and active grille shutter. To reduce the safety risk, Ford recommends that you should shut off the engine as soon as possible if you hear unusual engine noises, see smoke from the engine compartment, or believe the engine has failed.
Fuel System
2022-11-19This recall was replaced by Transport Canada recall no. 2025-376. Issue: On certain vehicles, a fuel injector may crack. If this happens, fuel could leak into the engine compartment. Note: This recall only affects vehicles equipped with a 1.5 L EcoBoost engine. Safety Risk: A fuel leak can create the risk of a fire. Corrective Actions: Ford will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealership to update the engine control software to detect fuel injector leaks. The dealer will also install a drain tube. Ford will also provide an extended warranty of 15 years/240 000 km to replace cracked injectors.
Engine
2023-05-29Issue: On certain vehicles equipped with a 2.5 L HEV or PHEV engine, a manufacturing problem could lead to an engine failure. In some cases, an engine failure can create the risk of a fire. Safety Risk: An engine failure could cause a fire. Corrective Actions: Ford will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to update the powertrain control module (PCM) software or replace the engine, as necessary. To reduce the safety risk, Ford recommends that you should shut off the engine as soon as possible if you hear unusual engine noises, see smoke from the engine compartment, or notice reduced engine power.
Powertrain
2024-05-10Issue: On certain hybrid vehicles, a software update completed by a Ford dealer could cause the transmission to shift into neutral (N) unexpectedly. If this happens, there could be a sudden loss of power to the wheels. Safety Risk: A loss of power to the wheels could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Ford will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to update the hybrid powertrain control module software.
High Voltage
2024-12-20Issue: On certain vehicles, a problem inside the high-voltage battery could cause a short circuit. If this happens, there could be a loss of power to the wheels and/or the high-voltage battery could overheat. Note: This recall only affects certain plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEV) equipped with a 2.5 L engine. Safety Risk: A loss of power to the wheels could increase the risk of a crash. A battery that overheats can create a fire risk, even while the vehicle is parked and turned off. Corrective Actions: To reduce the safety risk, Ford advises not to charge your vehicle until the recall repairs have been completed. Ford will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to update the battery energy control module (BECM) software. The software will monitor the high-voltage battery and warn you if it detects a problem. If you see this warning, you should contact a dealership to arrange replacement of the high-voltage battery pack.
Engine
2025-03-14Issue: On certain vehicles, the recall repairs completed by a Ford dealer during recalls 22S73 (Transport Canada recall no. 2022-658) or 24S16 (Transport Canada recall no. 2024-160) may not have been done correctly. As a result, another repair is required. On certain vehicles, a fuel injector may crack. If this happens, fuel could leak into the engine compartment. Note: This recall only affects vehicles equipped with a 1.5 L EcoBoost engine. Safety Risk: A fuel leak can create the risk of a fire. Corrective Actions: Ford will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to update the engine control software to detect fuel injector leaks. The dealer will also install a drain tube. Ford will also provide an extended warranty of 15 years/240 000 km to replace cracked injectors.
Engine
2025-05-23Issue: On certain vehicles, the recall repairs completed by a Ford dealer during recall 23S27 (Transport Canada recall no. 2023-309) may not have been done correctly. As a result, a second repair is required. On certain vehicles equipped with a 2.5 L HEV or PHEV engine, a manufacturing problem could lead to an engine failure. In some cases, an engine failure can create the risk of a fire. Safety Risk: An engine failure could cause a fire. Corrective Actions: Ford will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to update the powertrain control module (PCM) software. To reduce the safety risk, Ford recommends that you should shut off the engine as soon as possible if you hear unusual engine noises, see smoke from the engine compartment, or notice reduced engine power.
Visual System
2025-06-27Issue: On certain vehicles, a software problem could cause the rearview camera image not to display when the transmission is shifted into reverse. Canadian regulations require the rearview image to display when the vehicle is reversing. Safety Risk: A rearview camera image that doesn't display could reduce a driver's ability to see behind the vehicle while backing up. This could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Ford will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to update the SYNC software.
Engine
2025-07-14Issue: On certain vehicles, a fuel injector may crack. If this happens, fuel could leak into the engine compartment. Note: This recall only affects vehicles equipped with a 1.5 L EcoBoost engine. This recall replaces Transport Canada recalls 2022-658, 2024-160 and 2025-134. Safety Risk: A fuel leak can create the risk of a fire. Corrective Actions: Ford will notify owners by mail. As an interim repair, a dealer will update the engine control software to detect fuel injector leaks. Owners that have already received this software update will be informed that the interim repair is not required. Once the final repair is available, Ford will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to replace the high-pressure fuel rail assembly, high-pressure fuel injectors, and update the engine control software.
Brakes
2025-10-11Issue: Certain vehicles may not meet the minimum stopping requirements of Canadian regulations. In particular, the vehicle may have an extended stopping distance if there is a loss of power brake assist. Note: This recall does not affect vehicles with an electronic brake booster (EBB). This recall replaces Transport Canada recall no. 2021-727. Vehicles that were repaired under that recall don't require this repair. Safety Risk: Reduced braking could cause extended stopping distances and increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Ford will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to replace the front brake pads.
Electrical
2025-10-10This recall was replaced by Transport Canada recall no. 2026-005. Issue: On certain vehicles, the engine block heater could leak coolant. If this happens, the block heater could short circuit when it's plugged in. Safety Risk: A short circuit can create the risk of a fire. Corrective Actions: To reduce the safety risk, Ford advises you not to use the engine block heater until the recall repairs have been completed. Ford will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to replace the block heater.
High Voltage
2025-11-14This recall was replaced by Transport Canada recall no. 2026-070. Issue: On certain vehicles, the software update installed by a Ford dealer during recall 24S79 (Transport Canada recall no. 2024-781) may not be effective. As a result, a second repair is required. On certain vehicles, a problem inside the high-voltage battery could cause a short circuit. If this happens, there could be a loss of power to the wheels and/or the high-voltage battery could overheat. Note: This recall only affects certain plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEV) equipped with a 2.5 L engine. Safety Risk: A loss of power to the wheels could increase the risk of a crash. A battery that overheats can create a fire risk, even while the vehicle is parked and turned off. Corrective Actions: To reduce the safety risk, Ford advises not to charge your vehicle until the recall repairs have been completed. Ford will notify owners by mail. The corrective actions for this recall are under development.
Structure
2025-12-01Issue: On certain vehicles, the hinge covers for the liftgate may not have been properly attached. As a result, the cover(s) could loosen and detach from the vehicle. Safety Risk: Parts that detach from the vehicle could create a hazard for others and increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Ford will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to inspect and secure or replace the liftgate hinge covers, as necessary.
Electrical
2026-01-09Issue: On certain vehicles, the engine block heater could leak coolant. If this happens, the block heater could short circuit when it's plugged in. Note: This recall replaces Transport Canada recall no. 2025-554. Vehicles that were repaired under that recall don't require this repair. Safety Risk: A short circuit can create the risk of a fire. Corrective Actions: To reduce the safety risk, Ford advises you not to use the engine block heater until the recall repairs have been completed. Ford will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to replace the block heater. Alternatively, owners can choose to have the dealership permanently disable the engine block heater.
High Voltage
2026-02-18Issue: On certain vehicles, the software update installed by a Ford dealer during recall 24S79 (Transport Canada recall no. 2024-781) may not be effective. As a result, a second repair is required. On certain vehicles, a problem inside the high-voltage battery could cause a short circuit. If this happens, there could be a loss of power to the wheels and/or the high-voltage battery could overheat. Note: This recall replaces Transport Canada recall no. 2025-628. This recall only affects certain plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEV) equipped with a 2.5 L engine. Safety Risk: A loss of power to the wheels could increase the risk of a crash. A battery that overheats can create a fire risk, even while the vehicle is parked and turned off. Corrective Actions: To reduce the safety risk, Ford advises that you set the maximum charge setting of your vehicle at 80% and to only use normal EV mode until the recall repairs have been completed. Ford will notify owners by mail. The corrective actions for this recall are under development.
Engine
2026-02-18Issue: On a small number of vehicles, the recall repairs completed by a Ford dealer during recall 25S54 (Transport Canada recall no. 2025-283) may not have been done correctly. As a result, another repair is required. On certain vehicles equipped with a 2.5 L HEV or PHEV engine, a manufacturing problem could lead to an engine failure. In some cases, an engine failure can create the risk of a fire. Safety Risk: An engine failure could cause a fire. Corrective Actions: Ford will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to update the powertrain control module (PCM) software. To reduce the safety risk, Ford recommends that you should shut off the engine as soon as possible if you hear unusual engine noises, see smoke from the engine compartment, or notice reduced engine power.
Visual System
2026-03-03Issue: On certain vehicles, the windshield wiper motor may not have been manufactured properly. As a result, the motor could fail and cause the windshield wipers not to work. Safety Risk: Windshield wipers that don't work could reduce visibility and increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Ford will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to inspect and, if necessary, replace the windshield wiper motor.
Visual System
2026-03-05Issue: On certain vehicles, a software problem could cause the rearview camera image not to display properly when the transmission is shifted into reverse. Canadian regulations require the rearview image to display when the vehicle is reversing. Safety Risk: A rearview camera image that doesn't display correctly could reduce a driver's ability to see behind the vehicle while backing up. This could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Ford will notify owners by mail. The corrective actions for this recall are under development.
Contains information sourced from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database, licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada. Data is provided "as is" from Transport Canada's monthly release and may not reflect real-time updates. Transport Canada does not endorse this service. Always confirm open recalls with the manufacturer or Transport Canada before purchase.
Owner Complaints
0 complaint(s) filed with NHTSA
Want the full picture?
The free data above comes from public NHTSA records. The Smart Buyer Report adds buyer analysis for this exact model — reliability score, common problems by mileage, real maintenance costs in CAD, a pre-purchase inspection checklist, a market value estimate, and Canadian notes on rust, winter, and fuel.
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Data disclaimer:Vehicle history information on CarHistoryReport.ca is compiled from publicly available government sources, primarily the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Reports may not include all incidents, recalls, or issues related to a specific vehicle. Data is provided "as-is" without warranty of completeness or accuracy. Always obtain a professional pre-purchase inspection before buying any used vehicle. CarHistoryReport.ca is not liable for purchasing decisions made based on report contents.