Last updated: 2026-04-20

2022 Ford Escape
RELIABILITY SCORE: 62/100 (GOOD)

2022 Ford Escape Reliability Report

The 2022 Ford Escape scores 62/100 ("Good"). With 20 recalls and 325 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.

Recalls

20

Complaints

325

Complaint Rate

23.7per 10,000 sold

Est. Repair Cost

$600

Annual Fuel Cost

$2,000–$2,300

Detailed Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity50/100

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs80/100

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact45/100

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity77/100

Breadth of reported problem categories

The Verdict

Consider

Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.

Top Issues to Watch

  • ENGINE (63)
  • FUEL SYSTEM (52)
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (38)

Generation & Refresh (US)

Post-Redesign (Year 3)

2022 is year 3 of the Fourth generation (2020).

  • Redesigned for the 2020 model year.
  • Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
  • A refresh arrives in 2023.
  • 4th generation Escape (US).

What this means for buyers

Well into the generation cycle — most design and manufacturing issues should be resolved by now.

2020: Fourth generation (2020) Launch

Generation start — new platform.

2022: This Model Year

2022 is year 3 of the Fourth generation (2020).

2023: Mid-Cycle Refresh

Updated features and styling tweaks.

Should You Buy the 2022 Ford Escape?

At 62/100, the 2022 Ford Escape lands in "Good" territory — acceptable, but not class-leading. 2022 is year 3 of the Fourth generation (2020).

Its complaint rate of 23.7 per 10,000 vehicles sold runs above the SUV segment average of 14.3. The most common reports involve engine (53).

Get a pre-purchase inspection on any used example, with extra attention to engine (53). An extended warranty is worth pricing out.

Compared to the 2023 Ford Escape, which scored 10 points higher. See also the 2020 Ford Escape for an earlier comparison.

Pros

  • +Acceptable reliability score
  • +Infrequent unscheduled repairs
  • +Low major repair risk (11%)

Cons

  • Above-average repair costs for its class
  • Above-average recall count
  • Above-average complaint rate for SUV

Compare 2022 Ford Escape With

Common Problem Categories

Safety

LOW RISK
  • 20 manufacturer recalls issued

Other

HIGH RISK
  • ENGINE (63)
  • FUEL SYSTEM (52)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

20

recalls on record

The 2022 Ford Escape has 20 recalls on record, which is above average. A high count can flag multiple component concerns, though it also shows the manufacturer is actively addressing known issues.

NHTSA.gov →

Complaint Breakdown

23.7

per 10,000 sold

Segment avg: 14.3

LowAvgHigh
Moderate

Safety Incidents

9

Crashes

5

Fires

8

Injuries

0

Deaths

NHTSA 5/5 Stars

Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.

2022 Ford Escape Recall Details

20 recalls have been issued for the 2022 Ford Escape. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

26V1230002026-03-03

BACK OVER PREVENTION

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2020-2024 Lincoln Aviator, and Explorer vehicles. The image on the center display may flip or invert, resulting in an incorrectly displayed rearview image when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Consequence

An incorrectly displayed rearview image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

The remedy is currently under development. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed April 6, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated second quarter of 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C11. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 5, 2026.

26V1170002026-03-03

VISIBILITY

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer, Escape, Lincoln Aviator, and Lincoln Corsair vehicles. The windshield wiper motor may fail and prevent the windshield wipers from operating properly.

Consequence

Windshield wipers that fail to operate properly can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and replace the front wiper motors as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed April 2, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in May 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S14. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 4, 2026.

25V8290002025-12-01

STRUCTURE

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape and 2025 Escape vehicles. The liftgate hinge covers may not be properly secured and detach from the vehicle.

Consequence

A detached liftgate hinge cover can create a distraction or a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and reinstall, or replace any missing liftgate hinge covers as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed January 19, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SD6. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on December 3, 2025.

Showing 10 of 20 recalls. View all on NHTSA.gov →

VIN History Report

Buying a used 2022 Ford Escape? Check its history first

Every 2022 Ford Escape has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you. No VIN? Just hit “Check VIN” to look one up.

  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

2022 Ford Escape NHTSA Safety Ratings

Overall Safety Rating

Overall safety rating: 5 out of 5
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Driver: 5/5Passenger: 5/5

Rollover risk: 16.9%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Advanced Belt Feature (Standard)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Curtain (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Torso/Pelvis (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Knee (Driver)Additional Air Bags (Not Available)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (No)LATCH Locations (Rear Seat)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (None)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Not Available)

HEV Powertrain

Driver: 5/5Passenger: 5/5

Rollover risk: 16.9%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Advanced Belt Feature (Standard)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Curtain (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Torso/Pelvis (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Knee (Driver)Additional Air Bags (Not Available)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (No)LATCH Locations (Rear Seat)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (None)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Not Available)

PHEV Powertrain

Driver: 4/5Passenger: 5/5

Rollover risk: 14.3%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Advanced Belt Feature (Standard)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Curtain (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Torso/Pelvis (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Knee (Driver)Additional Air Bags (Not Available)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (No)LATCH Locations (Rear Seat)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (None)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Not Available)
View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Ford EscapeRepair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

4Maintenance rating: 4 out of 5

Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.

Est. Annual Maintenance

$600

vs $521 avg for compact SUVs

vs $652 avg for all vehicles

Repair Frequency

0.3

unscheduled repair visits per year

Severe Repair Probability

11%

chance of a major repair

Annual Cost Comparison

Escape
$600
Category Avg
$521
All Vehicles
$652

Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.

MPG & Annual Running Costs

Gas

26–30 MPG

Running cost: $2,600–$2,900/yr

Fuel + repair

22–28 city / 31–34 hwy MPG

Plug-in Hybrid

40–41 MPG

Running cost: $2,050–$2,100/yr

Fuel + repair

43–44 city / 37–38 hwy MPG

Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2022 EPA label cycle.

Gas trims
TrimDriveTrans.CityHwyCombFuel Cost
Escape FWD 1.5L 3-cylFront-Wheel DriveAutomatic 8-spd283430$2,000
Escape AWD 1.5L 3-cylAll-Wheel DriveAutomatic 8-spd263128$2,150
Escape AWD 2.0L 4-cylAll-Wheel DriveAutomatic 8-spd223126$2,300
Plug-in Hybrid trims
TrimDriveTrans.CityHwyCombFuel Cost
Escape FWD PHEV 2.5L 4-cylFront-Wheel DriveAutomatic (variable gear ratios)433840$1,500

Used Buying Checklist

Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2022 Ford Escape.

  • Inspect transmission for smooth shifting in all gears

  • Check for any engine oil leaks or unusual engine noises

  • Test brakes for grinding or squealing sounds, especially in reverse

  • Verify door hinges and liftgate operate smoothly and securely

  • Ensure all dashboard warning lights are off during a test drive

  • Confirm recall repairs are completed, especially for engine and fuel system

2022 Ford Escape Common Problems by Component

325 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

63
52
38
37
33
46
ENGINE (63)FUEL SYSTEM (52)ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (38)SERVICE BRAKES (37)POWER TRAIN (33)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (25)STRUCTURE (25)VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (6)Other (46)

ENGINE

63 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2022 Ford Escape frequently report issues related to an unresolved engine recall, with many indicating that parts for the repair are not yet available. Complaints consistently mention that the manufacturer has exceeded a reasonable time for recall repairs, and some owners express concern about potential engine fires, which are noted in four complaints. While most reports do not describe specific failures, one owner mentions an engine oil leak confirmed by a third party. The timeline for these issues appears to extend over several months, as the recall has been active since May 2023. Safety implications include the risk of engine fires, which are a significant concern for some owners. This information is critical for potential buyers to consider, especially if recall repairs remain incomplete.

63 complaints total4 fires

FUEL SYSTEM

52 complaints

Owners report issues with the fuel system of the 2022 Ford Escape, primarily related to a recall for which parts are frequently unavailable. Complaints frequently mention stalling, difficulty starting after refueling, and fluctuating RPMs, often accompanied by illuminated warning lights. These symptoms often arise around 44,000 to 95,000 miles. Safety implications include instances of vehicles stalling while driving and the potential risk of fire, as suggested by some owners' reluctance to drive their vehicles. Prospective buyers should be aware of these recurring issues and the potential for unresolved recall repairs.

52 complaints total

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

38 complaints

Owners report several electrical system issues with the 2022 Ford Escape, with common problems including intermittent blackouts of the instrument panel and infotainment screens while driving. Complaints frequently mention that these blackouts occur at various mileages, with some reports starting as early as 5,000 miles. Symptoms described include loss of speedometer visibility, warning lights, and in some cases, the cruise control deactivating. Multiple owners describe safety implications such as the vehicle stalling in traffic, loss of motive power, and the potential risk of vehicle fires related to battery issues. These factors contribute to significant safety concerns for potential buyers.

38 complaints total
SERVICE BRAKES (37 complaints)

SERVICE BRAKES

37 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2022 Ford Escape frequently report issues with the service brakes, particularly involving abnormal noises. Common symptoms include grinding, squealing, and moaning sounds, especially when reversing, often linked to weather conditions like humidity or rain. Some complaints describe increased brake pedal force needed, resulting in extended stopping distances. Several reports indicate these issues arise as early as 1,000 miles, with some persisting despite multiple dealer visits and repairs. Notably, two complaints involve crashes, one due to complete brake failure, highlighting potential safety risks for prospective buyers.

37 complaints total2 crashes
POWER TRAIN (33 complaints)

POWER TRAIN

33 complaints

Owners report frequent transmission issues with the 2022 Ford Escape, including hesitation, slipping out of gear, and failure to shift properly. Symptoms often include illuminated warning lights, grinding noises, and vehicles getting stuck in specific gears. These issues are noted across various mileage ranges, with some occurring as early as 5,503 miles and others at higher mileages like 126,000. Safety implications are evident, as multiple complaints describe sudden loss of power or shifting to neutral unexpectedly, which can pose risks during highway driving or when merging into traffic. Potential buyers should be aware of these recurring transmission problems, which may require significant repairs or replacements.

33 complaints total
STRUCTURE (25 complaints)

STRUCTURE

25 complaints

Owners report multiple structural issues with the 2022 Ford Escape, with a significant number of complaints focusing on defective door check arms and hinges. Symptoms frequently described include doors not opening or closing properly, loud noises when operating the doors, and concerns about doors potentially detaching. Many complaints involve these issues occurring at mileages ranging from 5,000 to over 70,000 miles. Additionally, several owners report problems with the rear liftgate, which can open or close unexpectedly, leading to minor injuries. These issues may pose safety risks, especially if doors fail to secure while driving or if the liftgate unexpectedly closes on individuals.

25 complaints total2 injuries
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (6 complaints)

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

6 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2022 Ford Escape frequently report issues with the vehicle's speed control system, particularly related to unintended acceleration. Complaints often describe the vehicle accelerating without input from the accelerator pedal, sometimes occurring when cruise control is engaged or adjusted. This issue is sometimes accompanied by a lack of response from the brakes, leading to loss of vehicle control. Three of the reported incidents involve crashes, with one resulting in an injury. These issues are noted at various mileages, including around 28,000 to 35,000 miles, and some owners mention the problem persisting despite dealer inspections. Potential buyers should be aware of these reports, as they involve significant safety implications, including crashes and loss of control.

6 complaints total3 crashes1 injury
STEERING (6 complaints)

STEERING

6 complaints

Owners of the 2022 Ford Escape report issues with the steering system, primarily involving sudden loss of power steering, which results in manual steering that is difficult to manage, especially at lower speeds. Complaints frequently mention the "Steering Assist Fault Service Required" message appearing, with some owners experiencing the steering wheel locking while driving, and in one case, the steering wheel forcibly snapping from the driver's grip. These incidents occur at various mileages, with one report noting issues at 28,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, as the sudden loss of steering assist or control could lead to accidents. Prospective buyers should be aware of these potential steering issues when considering this vehicle.

6 complaints total
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (5 complaints)

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

5 complaints

Owners of the 2022 Ford Escape report issues related to engine and engine cooling, with symptoms including flashing check engine lights, loss of motive power, abnormal engine noises, and oil leaks. Complaints frequently mention coolant intrusion into cylinders and oil leaks around the oil reservoir cap, often leading to engine replacement recommendations. The reported issues typically occur at mileages ranging from as low as 3,600 to over 110,000 miles. Some owners describe safety concerns such as the vehicle failing to accelerate and emitting smoke from the engine bay, though no crashes or fires are reported. Buyers should be aware of these engine-related issues, especially in vehicles with higher mileage or those experiencing similar symptoms.

5 complaints total
AIR BAGS (5 complaints)

AIR BAGS

5 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2022 Ford Escape frequently report issues with the airbag system, including warning lights illuminating on the dashboard and airbags failing to deploy during accidents. In two reported crashes, airbags and seatbelts did not function as expected, resulting in injuries. One owner also describes a persistent airbag warning light paired with engine oil leaks, which they fear could lead to a fire. The reported incidents occur at various mileage points, with one specific case noted at 34,000 miles. These patterns suggest potential safety implications for buyers considering this model, particularly regarding airbag and seatbelt reliability.

5 complaints total2 crashes1 fire3 injuries

When Do 2022 Ford Escape Problems Start?

Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.

30,000–65,000 milesTransmission issues
30,000–60,000 milesEngine failures
1,000–5,000 milesBrake noises

Best & Worst Ford Escape Years

Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.

Best Ford Escape Years to Buy

The best Ford Escape year is 2024 with a reliability score of 75/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2025 (74/100) and 2023 (72/100).

Ford Escape Years to Avoid

The worst Ford Escape year is 2020 with a score of 52/100, primarily due to structure (655) issues.

Ford Escape Reliability Score Trend

Ford Escape reliability has improved in recent years, with newer models scoring an average of 71/100 compared to 60/100 for older years.

Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.

Ford Escape reliability scores by year
YearScoreRating
201860/100Good
201969/100Good
202052/100Mixed
202262/100Good
202372/100Good
202475/100Good
202574/100Good

Ford Escape Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
YearScorevs Prior YearRatingRecallsComplaints
202667/100 (predicted)Predicted12
202574/100-1Good1016
202475/100+3Good1076
202372/100+10Good13107
2022(selected)62/100+10Good20325
202052/100-17Mixed251667
201969/100+9Good3506
201860/100Good41597

2022 Ford Escape Reliability by Powertrain

The 2022 Ford Escape is available with 3powertrain options. Here's how they compare on reliability.

Reliability comparison across powertrain options
PowertrainComplaintsRecallsIncidents*Crash Rating
Gas18919105 out of 5
HEV62035 out of 5
PHEV74115 out of 5
Total3252014

NHTSA tracks complaints separately for each powertrain configuration. Totals reflect the sum across all variants. N/T = Not tested by NHTSA.

* Incidents = crash + fire reports. A single complaint can include multiple incident types.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2022 Ford Escape reliable?
The 2022 Ford Escape has a "Good" reliability rating with a score of 62/100. It is reasonably reliable with 20 recalls and 325 owner complaints, though some issues have been reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2022 Ford Escape?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2022 Ford Escape include: ENGINE (63 complaints), FUEL SYSTEM (52 complaints), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (38 complaints), SERVICE BRAKES (37 complaints), POWER TRAIN (33 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.
How many recalls does the 2022 Ford Escape have?
The 2022 Ford Escape has 20 recalls on record. Recalls are safety or compliance fixes issued by the manufacturer and repaired at no cost at authorized dealerships.
Is the 2022 Ford Escape expensive to maintain?
The 2022 Ford Escape has estimated annual repair costs of $600/year, which is $79 more than the compact SUVs average of $521. With a reliability score of 62/100, some repairs may be needed, but overall ownership costs are manageable.

Don’t buy a 2022 Ford Escape without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.

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Look Up a VIN →

How We Calculate Reliability Scores

Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.

Key Ranking Factors

1

Complaint Severity

NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

Recall Impact

Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.

4

Issue Diversity

Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.

Scores are grouped into four tiers:

  • 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
  • 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
  • 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
  • 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution

Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.

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