Last updated: 2026-04-20

Ford Escape

1 Ford Escape Years to Avoid

Years that score significantly below the Ford Escape average of 66/100

The Ford Escape years to avoid are 2020 based on reliability scores, NHTSA recalls, and owner complaints. The worst year is 2020 with a reliability score of 52/100. The best Ford Escape year to buy is 2024 75/100.

Verdict

The 2020 Ford Escape scores significantly below the model average of 66/100. The weakest year is 2020 with a score of 52/100 due to structure (655) issues. The best year to buy instead is 2019 69/100.

See years to avoid ↓See best year ↓See all years ranked ↓

Ford Escape Years to Avoid

These model years score significantly below the Ford Escape average of 66/100.

#YearScoreRatingRecallsComplaintsTop Issue
1202052/100Mixed251667Structure (655)

Why These Years Should Be Avoided

52
MixedReliability score: 52 out of 100, rated Mixed

2020 Ford Escape

The 2020 Ford Escape has mixed reliability. There are 25 recalls and 1667 owner complaints on file for the 2020 Ford Escape. Severity signals include 19 crash-related complaints and 4 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Structure (655), Unknown Or Other (251), Power Train (220).

25 recalls1667 complaintsEst. repair:

Top issues: Structure (655), Unknown Or Other (251), Power Train (220), Electrical System (130), Fuel System, Gasoline (91), Engine (86)

View full 2020reliability report →

What Are Common Ford Escape Problems?

Top reported issues across all Ford Escape model years, based on NHTSA owner complaints.

ENGINE

1152 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

STRUCTURE

693 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2020, 2022

POWER TRAIN

607 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

394 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2022

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

368 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

307 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

Best Ford Escape Year to Buy Instead

69
GoodReliability score: 69 out of 100, rated Good

2019 Ford Escape

The 2019 Ford Escape has good reliability. There are 3 recalls and 506 owner complaints on file for the 2019 Ford Escape. Severity signals include 22 crash-related complaints and 3 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Engine (190), Power Train (102), Engine And Engine Cooling (78).

Score: 69/100 (Good)3 recalls506 complaints
View full 2019reliability report →
VIN History Report

Found a Safe Year? Check the Specific Car

Even the best Ford Escape year can have hidden problems. A VIN check reveals past accidents, title issues, and service gaps for the exact car you're considering.

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

All Ford Escape Years by Generation

All model years ranked by reliability score, grouped by generation.

Ford Escape Reliability Scores by Year

Excellent Good Mixed Risky

Our data covers 2018–2025 model years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Ford Escape years should you avoid?
Based on our data, you should avoid the following Ford Escape years: 2020 (score: 52/100). These model years score significantly below the Ford Escape average of 66/100.
What is the best year for the Ford Escape?
The best year for the Ford Escape is 2024, with a reliability score of 75/100 ("Good"). It has 10 recalls and 76 owner complaints.
How many recalls does the Ford Escape have?
Across all years in our database, the Ford Escape has a total of 86 recalls. Recall counts vary by year — check individual model year reports for details.
Is a used Ford Escape worth buying?
Yes, especially the 2024 model year, which scores 75/100. Stick to years at or above the model average of 66/100 for the best ownership experience.
What are common Ford Escape problems?
The most common Ford Escape problems are engine (1152 complaints), structure (693 complaints), power train (607 complaints). These issues are reported across multiple model years based on NHTSA owner complaint data.
Is the Ford Escape reliable long-term?
The Ford Escape has an average reliability score of 66/100 across all model years in our database, rated "good". Overall, it is a reliable vehicle, though some model years perform better than others.
Which Ford Escape generation is most reliable?
The most reliable Ford Escape generation is the Fourth generation (2020) with an average score of 67/100. Compare generations in our all-years-by-generation section above.
How much does it cost to maintain a Ford Escape?
The estimated annual maintenance cost for the Ford Escape is $600 based on independent repair cost databases. This may vary depending on the model year and driving conditions.
Is the 2024 Ford Escape a good used buy?
Yes, the 2024 Ford Escape is the highest-scoring model year with a reliability score of 75/100 ("Good"). It has 10 recalls and 76 owner complaints, making it a solid used buy.

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.

See incorrect data? Report an issue