NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2026 Ford Escape Gas Safety Ratings
The 2026 Ford Escape Gas scores 88 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 0 recalls, and 3 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2026 Ford Escape Gas achieved a five-star overall crash-test rating from NHTSA, contributing to its Strong NHTSA Safety Index of 88/100. This model year also presents a clean recall record, with zero recalls on file. However, the performance of its avoidance technology significantly impacted its overall Safety Index score.
The 2026 Ford Escape Gas received a five-star overall crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 88/100 based on NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 143 SUVs from 2026 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2026 Ford Escape Gas ranks 67 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 88 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 17.4% |
| Recalls on file | 0 |
| Owner complaints | 3 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 67 of 143 SUVs tested for 2026 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2026 Ford Escape Gas?
The 2026 Ford Escape Gas demonstrates a three-point decline in its Safety Index from the prior model year, achieving a score of 88/100, down from the 2025 model’s 91/100. This places it in the Strong band. The decrease is not attributable to a change in crash protection, as the Escape Gas maintains its overall rating from NHTSA, with consistent performance in both frontal and side impact tests. Its rollover rating shows a 17 percent risk and a "No Tip" dynamic result. The primary factor for the reduced Safety Index score is the vehicle’s active-safety technology. The 2026 Escape Gas scores only 2 out of 10 points in the avoidance-tech subscore, reflecting the absence of standard forward collision warning and lane departure warning; only electronic stability control is standard. In contrast, the defect record subscore is a perfect 20/20, with zero recalls reported. The crash-protection subscore stands at a robust 66/70. Consumers evaluating the 2026 model against its 2025 predecessor should note that the critical distinction lies in standard active-safety features, not in fundamental crashworthiness.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2026 Ford Escape Gas perform in crash tests?
The 2026 Ford Escape Gas achieved a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. While frontal and side protection both earned five stars, the rollover category registered a four-star rating. This is attributed to a 17 percent rollover risk, though the vehicle did not tip during dynamic testing.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 21396
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2026 Ford Escape Gas have any recalls?
No recall campaigns are on file for the 2026 Ford Escape Gas. There are zero active recall campaigns to report, no park-outside advisories, and no do-not-drive orders associated with this model year. Shoppers should still run a VIN check through NHTSA's recall database, as campaigns can be added at any time.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2026 Ford Escape Gas?
Three unverified consumer allegations have been reported to NHTSA for this model year. The top components cited in those unverified reports are the Electrical System and Engine, each appearing twice, followed by alleged concerns involving Service Brakes, the Fuel and Propulsion System, and Visibility and Wipers.
3 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2026 Ford Escape Gas?
As the current model year, the vehicle's recall status is subject to change. Buyers should verify any specific VIN through NHTSA's official recall lookup. This is the single most important safety-desk step for any new acquisition.
- The 2026 Ford Escape Gas scores 88/100 on the NHTSA Safety Index, a three-point decline from the 2025 model's 91/100 Exceptional rating, driven by a low avoidance-tech subscore of 2/10.
- NHTSA crash tests show five stars overall, five stars frontal, five stars side, and four stars rollover with a 17 percent rollover risk and a No Tip dynamic result for this specific model year.
- Zero recall campaigns are on file for the 2026 Ford Escape Gas, contributing to a perfect defect-record subscore of 20/20 within the Safety Index.
- Forward collision warning and lane departure warning are both listed as not standard on this model year, which is the primary factor limiting the avoidance-tech portion of the Safety Index to 2 out of 10 points.
RANKINGSWhere the 2026 Ford Escape Gas places
The 2026 Ford Escape Gas qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2026 Ford Escape Gas safety questions
Was the 2026 Ford Escape Gas crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2026 Ford Escape Gas, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 88 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2026 Ford Escape Gas crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2026 Ford Escape Gas earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 5 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 17.4%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2026 Ford Escape Gas have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2026 Ford Escape Gas as of Oct 1, 2026. Equipment recalls, if any, are excluded from the Safety Index. Run your VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm the status is current.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2026 Ford Escape Gas?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 3 owner complaints are on file for the 2026 Ford Escape Gas. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Escape Gas years
Rivals in SUV (2026)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Lexus GX 550 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Lexus Rz 350e BEV | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Lexus Rz 550e BEV | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander MHEV | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 21396), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Ford Escape Gas 2026.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 67 of 143 in the SUV class for 2026.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.