Last updated: 2026-04-20

2024 Ford Escape
RELIABILITY SCORE: 75/100 (GOOD)

2024 Ford Escape Reliability Report

The 2024 Ford Escape scores 75/100 ("Good"). With 10 recalls and 76 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.

Recalls

10

Complaints

76

Complaint Rate

4.8per 10,000 sold

Est. Repair Cost

$600

Annual Fuel Cost

$2,000–$2,300

Detailed Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity76/100

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs80/100

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact57/100

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity86/100

Breadth of reported problem categories

The Verdict

Consider

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

Top Issues to Watch

  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (29)
  • ENGINE (9)
  • FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (7)

Generation & Refresh (US)

Post-Refresh

2024 is 1 year after the 2023 facelift refresh.

  • Year 5 in the Fourth generation (2020) (2020–present).
  • Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
  • 4th generation Escape (US).

What this means for buyers

Post-refresh years tend to be among the most refined — updates have been applied and early kinks worked out.

2020: Fourth generation (2020) Launch

Generation start — new platform.

2023: Mid-Cycle Refresh

Updated features and styling tweaks.

2024: This Model Year

2024 is 1 year after the 2023 facelift refresh.

Should You Buy the 2024 Ford Escape?

At 75/100, the 2024 Ford Escape lands in "Good" territory — acceptable, but not class-leading. 2024 is 1 year after the 2023 facelift refresh.

Owners log 76 complaints on this model year — enough to suggest attention is needed, but no single failure mode dominates yet.

Get a pre-purchase inspection on any used example, with extra attention to electrical system (29). An extended warranty is worth pricing out.

Compared to the 2025 Ford Escape, which scored 1 points lower. See also the 2023 Ford Escape for an earlier comparison.

Pros

  • +Acceptable reliability score
  • +Infrequent unscheduled repairs
  • +Low major repair risk (11%)
  • +Below-average complaint rate for SUV

Cons

  • Above-average repair costs for its class
  • Above-average recall count
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM issues reported (29 complaints)

Compare 2024 Ford Escape With

Common Problem Categories

Safety

LOW RISK
  • 10 manufacturer recalls issued

Other

HIGH RISK
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (29)
  • ENGINE (9)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

10

recalls on record

The 2024 Ford Escape has 10 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

4.8

per 10,000 sold

Segment avg: 7.7

LowAvgHigh
Low

Safety Incidents

2

Crashes

0

Fires

3

Injuries

0

Deaths

NHTSA 5/5 Stars

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

2024 Ford Escape Recall Details

10 recalls have been issued for the 2024 Ford Escape. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

25V3720002025-06-03

ENGINE

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Escape, and 2025 Bronco Sport vehicles. The cylinder head may have been improperly manufactured, which can cause the ball plugs to fail, resulting in an oil leak.

Consequence

An oil leak can result in loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, 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 replace the cylinder head assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 8, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S61.

25V3430002025-06-13

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Lincoln Nautilus, 2023-2025 Escape, 2023 Lincoln Corsair, 2025 Lincoln Corsair, Maverick, and Bronco Sport vehicles equipped with a 1.5L or 2.0L MPC engine and an engine block heater. The engine block heater may overheat when the vehicle is parked with the block heater plugged in.

Consequence

An overheated engine block heater can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the block heater element and inspect the electrical cord, replacing it if necessary, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded blanking plug coupled, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed June 11, 2025. A second notice will be sent once the final remedy is available. The parts are anticipated to be available April 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S52.

25V3150002025-05-14

BACK OVER PREVENTION

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Bronco, F-150, 2021-2024 Edge, 2022-2025 Escape, F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, F-600, 2022-2024 Expedition, 2022-2025 Transit, 2021-2023 Mach-E, 2024 Ranger, Mustang, 2021-2023 Lincoln Nautilus, 2022-2024 Navigator, and 2023-2024 Corsair vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera image to delay, freeze, or not display when the vehicle is in reverse.

Consequence

A frozen or missing rearview camera image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

The accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air update, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model years. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on June 26, 2025. Additional letters will be mailed once the final remedy is available on each phase. Owner notification letters were sent on October 8, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S49.

VIN History Report

Buying a used 2024 Ford Escape? Check its history first

Every 2024 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

2024 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: 17.4%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Advanced Belt Feature (Not Available)Seat Belt Pretensioners (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Seat Belt Load Limiters (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Head Protection (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Torso and/or Pelvis Protection (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Knee (Driver)Additional Air Bags (Not Available)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (2nd row)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Standard)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Driver)

HEV Powertrain

Driver: 5/5Passenger: 5/5

Rollover risk: 16.9%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Advanced Belt Feature (Not Available)Seat Belt Pretensioners (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Seat Belt Load Limiters (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Head Protection (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Torso and/or Pelvis Protection (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Knee (Driver)Additional Air Bags (Not Available)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (2nd row)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Standard)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Driver)

PHEV Powertrain

Driver: 4/5Passenger: 5/5

Rollover risk: 14.3%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Advanced Belt Feature (Not Available)Seat Belt Pretensioners (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Seat Belt Load Limiters (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Head Protection (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Torso and/or Pelvis Protection (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Knee (Driver)Additional Air Bags (Not Available)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (2nd row)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Standard)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Driver)
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

23–27 city / 31–34 hwy MPG

Hybrid

39 MPG

Running cost: $2,150/yr

Fuel + repair

42 city / 36 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 2024 EPA label cycle.

Gas trims
TrimDriveTrans.CityHwyCombFuel Cost
Escape FWD 1.5L 3-cylFront-Wheel DriveAutomatic 8-spd273430$2,000
Escape AWD 1.5L 3-cylAll-Wheel DriveAutomatic 8-spd263228$2,150
Escape AWD 2.0L 4-cylAll-Wheel DriveAutomatic 8-spd233126$2,300
Hybrid trims
TrimDriveTrans.CityHwyCombFuel Cost
Escape AWD HEV 2.5L 4-cylPart-time 4-Wheel DriveAutomatic (variable gear ratios)423639$1,550
Escape FWD HEV 2.5L 4-cylFront-Wheel DriveAutomatic (variable gear ratios)423639$1,550

Used Buying Checklist

Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2024 Ford Escape.

  • Test all ADAS features including Blind Spot Detection and Pre-Collision Assist for proper function

  • Check for any warning lights or error messages on the dashboard, especially related to engine and ADAS systems

  • Inspect seat heaters for excessive heat or malfunction

  • Verify that the infotainment and display systems operate without freezing or shutting off

  • Ensure the vehicle accelerates smoothly without hesitation or stalling

2024 Ford Escape Common Problems by Component

76 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

29
9
9
11
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (29)ENGINE (9)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (9)FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (7)VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (4)AIR BAGS (3)BACK OVER PREVENTION (2)LANE DEPARTURE (2)Other (11)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

29 complaints

Owners report frequent issues with the Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) in the 2024 Ford Escape, including failures in Blind Spot Detection, Cross-Traffic Alert, and Pre-Collision Assist. Complaints frequently mention that these systems intermittently fail to provide warnings, with alert histories not updating, which impedes accurate diagnosis and repair. Many reports indicate these problems begin around 3,900 miles and persist despite multiple dealership visits and attempts at repair, often involving module replacements. Safety implications are noted, with one owner nearly experiencing a collision due to undetected vehicles in blind spots. Additionally, seat heater malfunctions have led to at least one reported injury, and there are multiple reports of battery failures leading to dead batteries after short periods.

29 complaints total1 injury

ENGINE

9 complaints

Owners of the 2024 Ford Escape frequently report engine stalling issues, often occurring at intersections or while crossing highways, which poses a potential safety risk due to the sudden loss of power. Complaints also frequently mention engine misfires, with diagnostic trouble codes such as P0300, P0316, and P0301 being common, and some owners note that these issues persist even after attempted repairs. Symptoms like the check engine light illuminating, burning odors, and abnormal engine noises are mentioned, with reports of engine failures occurring as early as 300 to 19,076 miles. In some cases, owners describe being stranded or experiencing a complete engine failure, indicating significant inconvenience and potential safety hazards.

9 complaints total

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

9 complaints

Owners report several recurring issues with the 2024 Ford Escape, primarily involving advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and vehicle stalling. Common symptoms include ADAS malfunctions such as "Front Camera Fault" and "Pre-Collision Assist Not Available," with some vehicles experiencing these issues soon after purchase. Complaints also frequently mention the vehicle stalling or pausing unexpectedly, particularly after starting or while accelerating, which poses a potential safety risk. Additionally, there are reports of windshield cracks and sunroof issues, with one instance of a sunroof shattering outward. These problems often occur at low mileages and have led to multiple dealership visits without resolution, impacting vehicle reliability and safety.

9 complaints total
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (7 complaints)

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

7 complaints

Owners report issues with the 2024 Ford Escape's forward collision avoidance systems, particularly related to adaptive cruise control and associated driver assistance features. Complaints frequently mention error messages such as "Pre-collision assist not available," "check parking sensors," and "blind spot system fault," which often appear while driving and persist until the vehicle is restarted. Some owners describe unexpected changes in speed due to the vehicle misinterpreting route or bridge signs, with one instance causing the vehicle to decelerate from 50mph to 20mph. Multiple reports indicate that these issues have been ongoing for several months, with some owners experiencing repeated dealership visits without resolution, pending a software update from Ford. Safety implications include the potential for sudden speed changes and the absence of critical safety features during operation.

7 complaints total
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (4 complaints)

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

4 complaints

Owners of the 2024 Ford Escape report issues with vehicle speed control, often describing problems with acceleration and warning lights. Common symptoms include a sudden inability to accelerate, with one owner noting a "massive kickback" from the gas pedal before the vehicle ceased to accelerate, and another experiencing difficulty accelerating from a stop. Warning lights for various safety features, such as adaptive cruise control and forward collision systems, frequently illuminate, suggesting potential electronic or software issues. These problems are reported at low mileages, with one vehicle having only 1,400 miles. Safety implications are notable, as owners describe being stuck in intersections and unable to move, posing a risk of accidents.

4 complaints total
AIR BAGS (3 complaints)

AIR BAGS

3 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2024 Ford Escape report issues with airbag deployment, particularly in crash situations. In some cases, the driver-side airbag fails to deploy during collisions, as noted in incidents involving both side and rear-end crashes. Complaints also frequently mention illuminated airbag warning lights and messages indicating a need for service, although these issues are sometimes not addressed due to the absence of a recall. The reported mileage at the time of these issues varies, with at least one vehicle having approximately 118,000 miles. These complaints highlight potential safety concerns related to airbag functionality in this model.

3 complaints total2 crashes
BACK OVER PREVENTION (2 complaints)

BACK OVER PREVENTION

2 complaints

Owners of the 2024 Ford Escape report issues related to back over prevention systems, primarily involving the radio display shutting off intermittently and persistent "Park Aid Malfunction" alerts. These symptoms occur at varied mileages, with one owner experiencing them at approximately 35,690 miles and another at just 3,900 miles. Complaints frequently mention the inability of dealers to resolve these issues despite attempted software updates, with alerts recurring shortly after service. No reports indicate crashes, fires, or loss of control linked to these problems, but the sudden alerts can be startling to drivers. Buyers should be aware of potential unresolved software update needs and ongoing alerts affecting the park assist system.

2 complaints total
LANE DEPARTURE (2 complaints)

LANE DEPARTURE

2 complaints

Owners report persistent issues with the 2024 Ford Escape's advanced driver-assistance systems, particularly involving the Pre-Collision Assist, Forward Collision Warning, and Blind Spot Information System (BLIS). Complaints frequently mention dashboard alerts such as "Regain Control," "Blind Spot System Fault," and "Pre-Collision Assist Not Available." These issues appear soon after purchase, with one owner noting problems beginning within a month of acquiring the vehicle. Attempts to resolve these faults, including system wipes and module replacements, have been unsuccessful, with faults reoccurring shortly after service. While no crashes or loss of control are reported, the persistent nature of these faults and unresolved repair attempts suggest potential safety concerns for prospective buyers.

2 complaints total
SERVICE BRAKES (2 complaints)

SERVICE BRAKES

2 complaints

Owners report issues with the brakes in the 2024 Ford Escape, including a transmission-related hopping sensation during braking and a potential ABS problem. Multiple owners describe the vehicle jumping when the brakes are applied, which could affect control. Additionally, complaints frequently mention a clicking noise from under the hood after the vehicle is turned off, with one owner noting the brake pedal depresses to the floor but returns to normal function upon restart. These issues do not specify mileage ranges but highlight potential safety concerns related to brake performance and control.

2 complaints total
STRUCTURE (2 complaints)

STRUCTURE

2 complaints

Owners of the 2024 Ford Escape report issues with vehicle structure, specifically with the driver's side door and wind noise. One complaint describes the driver's side door limiting bar detaching, leading to a recommendation for door replacement at approximately 9,062 miles. Another owner notes significant wind noise at speeds over 30 miles per hour, which they find distracting. While there are no reports of crashes or safety incidents related to these issues, potential buyers should be aware of these structural concerns, especially at higher mileages.

2 complaints total

When Do 2024 Ford Escape Problems Start?

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

3,900–4,000 milesADAS system failures
3,500–5,000 milesEngine stalling

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).

Top Pick
75
Good

2024

(Current Model)

10Recalls
76Complaints
74
Good

2025

10Recalls
16Complaints
72
Good

2023

13Recalls
107Complaints

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
2024(selected)75/100+3Good1076
202372/100+10Good13107
202262/100+10Good20325
202052/100-17Mixed251667
201969/100+9Good3506
201860/100Good41597

2024 Ford Escape Reliability by Powertrain

The 2024 Ford Escape is available with 3powertrain options. Here's how they compare on reliability.

Reliability comparison across powertrain options
PowertrainComplaintsRecallsIncidents*Crash Rating
Gas70825 out of 5
HEV4005 out of 5
PHEV2205 out of 5
Total76102

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 2024 Ford Escape reliable?
The 2024 Ford Escape has a "Good" reliability rating with a score of 75/100. It is reasonably reliable with 10 recalls and 76 owner complaints, though some issues have been reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2024 Ford Escape?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2024 Ford Escape include: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (29 complaints), ENGINE (9 complaints), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (9 complaints), FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (7 complaints), VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (4 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.
How many recalls does the 2024 Ford Escape have?
The 2024 Ford Escape has 10 recalls on record. Recalls are safety or compliance fixes issued by the manufacturer and repaired at no cost at authorized dealerships.
Is the 2024 Ford Escape expensive to maintain?
The 2024 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 75/100, some repairs may be needed, but overall ownership costs are manageable.

Don’t buy a 2024 Ford Escape without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.

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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