Last updated: 2026-04-20

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
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
Top Issues to Watch
- ENGINE (63)
- FUEL SYSTEM (52)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (38)
Generation & Refresh (US)
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

2022 Honda CR-V
Reliability: 76/100

2022 Toyota RAV4
Reliability: 80/100

2022 Hyundai Tucson
Reliability: 66/100

2022 Nissan Rogue
Reliability: 70/100

2022 Mazda CX-5
Reliability: 87/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 20 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- ENGINE (63)
- FUEL SYSTEM (52)
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 soldSegment avg: 14.3
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.
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.
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.
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 →
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.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2022 Ford Escape NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 16.9%
Safety Technologies
HEV Powertrain
Rollover risk: 16.9%
Safety Technologies
PHEV Powertrain
Rollover risk: 14.3%
Safety Technologies
Ford EscapeRepair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
4Maintenance rating: 4 out of 5Based 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
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
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Escape FWD 1.5L 3-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic 8-spd | 28 | 34 | 30 | $2,000 |
| Escape AWD 1.5L 3-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic 8-spd | 26 | 31 | 28 | $2,150 |
| Escape AWD 2.0L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic 8-spd | 22 | 31 | 26 | $2,300 |
Plug-in Hybrid trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Escape FWD PHEV 2.5L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 43 | 38 | 40 | $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.
ENGINE
63 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners 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.
FUEL SYSTEM
52 complaintsOwners 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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
38 complaintsOwners 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.
SERVICE BRAKES (37 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
37 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners 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.
POWER TRAIN (33 complaints)
POWER TRAIN
33 complaintsOwners 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.
STRUCTURE (25 complaints)
STRUCTURE
25 complaintsOwners 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.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (6 complaints)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
6 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners 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.
STEERING (6 complaints)
STEERING
6 complaintsOwners 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.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (5 complaints)
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
5 complaintsOwners 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.
AIR BAGS (5 complaints)
AIR BAGS
5 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners 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.
When Do 2022 Ford Escape Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst Ford Escape Years
Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.
Best Ford Escape Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreThe 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.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 60/100 | Good |
| 2019 | 69/100 | Good |
| 2020 | 52/100 | Mixed |
| 2022 | 62/100 | Good |
| 2023 | 72/100 | Good |
| 2024 | 75/100 | Good |
| 2025 | 74/100 | Good |
Ford Escape Reliability Compared to Other Years
2022 Ford Escape Reliability by Powertrain
The 2022 Ford Escape is available with 3powertrain options. Here's how they compare on reliability.
| Powertrain | Complaints | Recalls | Incidents* | Crash Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gas | 189 | 19 | 10 | 5 out of 5 |
| HEV | 62 | 0 | 3 | 5 out of 5 |
| PHEV | 74 | 1 | 1 | 5 out of 5 |
| Total | 325 | 20 | 14 |
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?
What are the most common problems with the 2022 Ford Escape?
How many recalls does the 2022 Ford Escape have?
Is the 2022 Ford Escape expensive to maintain?
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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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
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.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
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.
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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