Last updated: 2026-04-20

RELIABILITY SCORE: 74/100 (GOOD)

2025 Ford Escape Reliability Report

Name: 2025 Ford Escape
Brand: Ford

The 2025 Ford Escape scores 74/100 ("Good"). With 10 recalls and 16 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.

Full Breakdown Compare Models

Recalls

Complaints

Complaint Rate

1.1per 10,000 sold

Est. Repair Cost

$600

Annual Fuel Cost

$2,000–$2,300

Detailed Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity77/100

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs80/100

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact57/100

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity80/100

Breadth of reported problem categories

The Verdict

Consider

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

Top Issues to Watch

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (5)
POWER TRAIN (3)
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (2)

Generation & Refresh (US)

Post-Refresh

2025 is 2 years after the 2023 facelift refresh.

Year 6 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.

2025: This Model Year

2025 is 2 years after the 2023 facelift refresh.

Should You Buy the 2025 Ford Escape?

At 74/100, the 2025 Ford Escape lands in "Good" territory — acceptable, but not class-leading. 2025 is 2 years after the 2023 facelift refresh.

Owners log 16 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 (5). An extended warranty is worth pricing out.

Compared to the 2026 Ford Escape. See also the 2024 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: Several electrical system issues with the 2025 Ford Escape (5 complaints)

Compare 2025 Ford Escape With

2025 Honda CR-V

Reliability: 80/100

Excellent

2025 Toyota RAV4

Reliability: 84/100

Excellent

2025 Hyundai Tucson

Reliability: 75/100

Good

2025 Nissan Rogue

Reliability: 84/100

Excellent

2025 Mazda CX-5

Reliability: 82/100

Excellent

Common Problem Categories

Safety

LOW RISK

10 manufacturer recalls issued

Other

HIGH RISK

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (5)
POWER TRAIN (3)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

recalls on record

The 2025 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

1.1

per 10,000 sold

Segment avg: 4.1

LowAvgHigh

Very Low

Safety Incidents

Crashes

Fires

Injuries

Deaths

★★★★★

NHTSA 5/5 Stars

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

2025 Ford Escape Recall Details

10 recalls have been issued for the 2025 Ford Escape. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

26V1220002026-03-03

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Ranger, Lincoln Nautilus, Mustang, Maverick, Explorer, Escape, Lincoln Corsair, Bronco Sport, and Bronco vehicles. The exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve may fail, resulting in an unexpected loss of drive power.

Consequence

An unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

The remedy is currently under development. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed March 20, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in September 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S10. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 4, 2026.

25V8620002025-12-12

SEAT BELTS

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Corsair and Escape vehicles. The seat belt retractors for the left and right rear passenger seats may not be securely fastened.

Consequence

An improperly secured seat belt retractor may not restrain an occupant as intended, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and secure, or replace the seat belt retractor bolts, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 26, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25C68. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on December 15, 2025.

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.

VIN History Report

Buying a used 2025 Ford Escape? Check its history first

Every 2025 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

2025 Ford Escape NHTSA Safety Ratings

Overall Safety Rating

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, 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)Unattended Child Reminder Direct Sensing System (No)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

PHEV Powertrain

Driver: 4/5Passenger: 5/5

Rollover risk: 14.3%

Safety Technologies

View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Ford EscapeRepair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

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

Plug-in Hybrid

39–40 MPG

Running cost: $2,100–$2,150/yr

Fuel + repair

42 city / 36–37 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 2025 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	27	34	30	$2,000
Escape AWD 1.5L 3-cyl	All-Wheel Drive	Automatic 8-spd	26	32	28	$2,150
Escape AWD 2.0L 4-cyl	All-Wheel Drive	Automatic 8-spd	23	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)	42	37	40	$1,500

Used Buying Checklist

Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2025 Ford Escape.

Inspect for engine stalling during turns or stops
Test transmission for unexpected gear shifts
Check for electrical system warnings or malfunctions
Verify turn signal audibility with radio on
Ensure Forward Collision Avoidance and Lane Departure systems function correctly
Confirm high-voltage battery system warnings are resolved

2025 Ford Escape Common Problems by Component

16 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (5)POWER TRAIN (3)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (3)ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (2)SERVICE BRAKES (1)STEERING (1)ENGINE (1)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

5 complaints

Owners report several electrical system issues with the 2025 Ford Escape. Complaints frequently mention problems with the vehicle stalling, particularly in intersections, without triggering diagnostic codes or dashboard warnings. Additionally, there are reports of the Forward Collision Avoidance and Lane Departure Assist systems engaging erroneously, as well as independent brake activation while using cruise control. Multiple owners describe warning messages related to the high-voltage battery and powertrain, with some vehicles experiencing extended repair times due to part availability. These issues are noted at varying mileages, from as low as 1,500 miles to around 35,000 miles, and highlight potential safety implications, including unexpected vehicle behavior and prolonged downtime.

5 complaints total

POWER TRAIN

3 complaints

Owners of the 2025 Ford Escape frequently report issues with the vehicle's power train, particularly with unexpected gear shifts. Complaints often describe the transmission shifting from Drive to Park or other gears without driver input, sometimes causing the vehicle to shut off. These problems persist despite multiple dealer visits and software updates. Additionally, some owners mention a burning or rotten egg smell at high speeds and hesitation when accelerating from a stop. Safety implications include potential loss of control due to unexpected gear changes, with some reports suggesting vehicle shutdowns. These issues appear to occur despite low mileage, as specific mileage ranges are not provided.

3 complaints total

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

3 complaints

Owners of the 2025 Ford Escape report issues primarily related to turn signal audibility and door locking mechanisms. Complaints frequently mention that the turn signal volume is too low to hear, affecting driver awareness of signal activation. Additionally, some owners describe a problem with the driver's door locking when keys are left inside the vehicle, while other door locks remain unaffected. These issues are noted without specific mileage or timeline patterns. There are no reported safety implications such as crashes or loss of control associated with these complaints.

3 complaints total

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (2 complaints)

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

2 complaints

Owners of the 2025 Ford Escape report issues related to the engine and engine cooling system, with two main symptoms described. One owner mentions the vehicle stalling at various speeds and while turning, particularly from a complete stop, with no warning lights appearing. Another owner highlights an inability to complete a recall repair due to unavailable parts, though they have not experienced a failure. Both complaints reference a recall, suggesting a potential safety risk, as one owner notes the recall notification warns of possible crashes. The reported issues occur at low mileage, around 5,000 miles, indicating early onset of these problems.

2 complaints total

SERVICE BRAKES (1 complaints)

SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint

2026-01-06

The contact owns a 2025 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and depressing the brake pedal, the engine revved up unexpectedly. Additionally, more effort was needed to depress the brake pedal, causing the braking distance to become extended. The dealer was notified of the failure, but the vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V122000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 5,000.

STEERING (1 complaints)

STEERING

1 complaint

2025-10-30

Turn Signal is barely audible when turning. If the radio is on, or at higher speeds on the highway, it is impossible to hear the turn signal. Sometimes, you may miss hit the turn signal when changing lanes, and may not actual signal, when you meant to.

ENGINE (1 complaints)

ENGINE

1 complaint

2025-08-30

Car experienced intermittent check-engine light accompanied by "lugging" and inability to accelerate quickly, especially when driving uphill. I felt this was safety related because highway driving in heavy traffic often calls for the ability to accelerate suddenly to merge or to avoid other cars. Dealer finally diagnosed the problem as caused by all four ignition coils being defective.

When Do 2025 Ford Escape Problems Start?

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

5,000 milesEngine stalling

1,500–35,000 milesElectrical system warnings

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 score

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

Good

2024

10Recalls

76Complaints

Good

2025

(Current Model)

10Recalls

16Complaints

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.

Mixed

2020

25Recalls

1667Complaints

See full Ford Escape years-to-avoid analysis

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
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

Reliability scores compared across model years
Year	Score	vs Prior Year	Rating	Recalls	Complaints
2026	67/100 (predicted)	—	Predicted	1	2
2025(selected)	74/100	-1	Good	10	16
2024	75/100	+3	Good	10	76
2023	72/100	+10	Good	13	107
2022	62/100	+10	Good	20	325
2020	52/100	-17	Mixed	25	1667
2019	69/100	+9	Good	3	506
2018	60/100	—	Good	4	1597

2025 Ford Escape Reliability by Powertrain

The 2025 Ford Escape is available with 3powertrain options. Here's how they compare on reliability.

Reliability comparison across powertrain options
Powertrain	Complaints	Recalls	Crash Rating
Gas	15	9	5 out of 5
HEV	0	0	5 out of 5
PHEV	1	1	5 out of 5
Total	16	10

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 2025 Ford Escape reliable?

The 2025 Ford Escape has a "Good" reliability rating with a score of 74/100. It is reasonably reliable with 10 recalls and 16 owner complaints, though some issues have been reported.

What are the most common problems with the 2025 Ford Escape?

The most commonly reported problems with the 2025 Ford Escape include: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (5 complaints), POWER TRAIN (3 complaints), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (3 complaints), ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (2 complaints), SERVICE BRAKES (1 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.

How many recalls does the 2025 Ford Escape have?

The 2025 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 2025 Ford Escape expensive to maintain?

The 2025 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 74/100, some repairs may be needed, but overall ownership costs are manageable.

Don’t buy a 2025 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

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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