NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2026 Ford Escape PHEV Safety Ratings
The 2026 Ford Escape PHEV scores 82 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 1 recall, and 0 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
A perfect 5 out of 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating anchors the 2026 Ford Escape PHEV, contributing to its NHTSA Safety Index of 82/100 and a placement in the Strong band. This robust crash performance, coupled with a near-clean defect record, establishes a solid safety foundation. However, the absence of key advanced driver-assistance features, specifically forward collision warning and lane departure warning, prevents the Escape PHEV from achieving an elite safety rating.
The 2026 Ford Escape PHEV received an overall 5-star crash-test rating from NHTSA and a NHTSA Safety Index of 82 out of 100, sourced from NHTSA crash-test and recall 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 PHEV ranks 127 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 82 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 14.3% |
| Recalls on file | 1 |
| Owner complaints | 0 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 127 of 143 SUVs tested for 2026 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2026 Ford Escape PHEV?
The 2026 Ford Escape PHEV exhibits a notable gap in its crash-avoidance technology. Earning only 2 out of 10 points in this subscore, the vehicle lacks both forward collision warning and lane departure warning systems. This is a significant omission for a new model year in a market where such features are increasingly common. Despite this, the Escape PHEV achieves an 82/100 "Strong" rating in the NHTSA Safety Index. This is largely due to its robust crash protection, evidenced by a 61 out of 70 subscore. The NHTSA awarded the vehicle a 5-star overall safety rating. Its defect record also contributes positively, with a 19 out of 20 subscore, reflecting a single recall campaign and no consumer complaints registered to date. The sole recall addresses the traction battery within the plug-in hybrid system. This component is specific to the PHEV variant, and any manufacturing defects in high-voltage batteries warrant careful scrutiny. While electronic stability control is standard, providing a foundational active-safety measure, the overall assessment for the 2026 Escape PHEV points to strong occupant protection during a collision, yet limited technological intervention to prevent one.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2026 Ford Escape PHEV perform in crash tests?
The 2026 Ford Escape PHEV achieved a perfect 5 out of 5 stars in the critical side-impact crash test. Its overall safety rating from NHTSA is 5 out of 5 stars. Both frontal and rollover protection were rated at 4 out of 5 stars, with the agency reporting a 14 percent rollover risk. There is no dynamic tip result on file for this model year.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 21399
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 PHEV have any recalls?
One recall is on file for the 2026 Ford Escape PHEV. It covers the electrical propulsion system, specifically the traction battery, and affects certain 2022-2026 Ford Escape and 2023-2026 Lincoln Corsair plug-in hybrid vehicles due to a manufacturing concern. Shoppers should verify remedy status by VIN before purchase or operation.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY26V091000
Risk: Battery failure can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. Battery failure can also increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will update the battery energy control module (BECM) and hybrid powertrain control module (HPCM) software, free of charge. Owners are advised to only use "Auto EV" mode and will be instructed by mail to limit the maximum charge of the battery until the remedy has been completed. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-
Reported 2026-02-17
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2026 Ford Escape PHEV?
NHTSA has received zero owner complaints for the 2026 Ford Escape PHEV. No crash, fire, injury, or death allegations have been reported to the agency. Because this is a current-model-year vehicle with limited time in service, the absence of complaints should be understood in that context.
0 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2026 Ford Escape PHEV?
Shoppers of the current model year are advised to verify the traction battery recall remedy status with a franchised dealer, using NHTSA's recall lookup tool and the vehicle's VIN, before any transaction is finalized.
- The 2026 Ford Escape PHEV holds a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, with side-impact protection at a perfect 5 stars and both frontal and rollover protection at 4 stars, giving this specific model year one of the stronger occupant-protection profiles in its segment.
- One active recall campaign affects this model year, targeting the traction battery in the plug-in hybrid propulsion system across certain 2022-2026 Ford Escape PHEVs. Confirming remedy completion by VIN is essential for any prospective buyer.
- The avoidance-technology subscore of 2 out of 10 reflects the absence of both forward collision warning and lane departure warning on this model year, a meaningful gap that shoppers prioritizing pre-crash safety systems should weigh carefully.
- Zero owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2026 model year to date. Given how recently this vehicle entered the market, that figure reflects limited time in service rather than a long-term complaint trend.
RANKINGSWhere the 2026 Ford Escape PHEV places
The 2026 Ford Escape PHEV qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2026 Ford Escape PHEV safety questions
Was the 2026 Ford Escape PHEV crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2026 Ford Escape PHEV, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 82 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 PHEV crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2026 Ford Escape PHEV earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 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 14.3%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2026 Ford Escape PHEV have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2026 Ford Escape PHEV. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2026 Ford Escape PHEV?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 0 owner complaints are on file for the 2026 Ford Escape PHEV. 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.
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 21399), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Ford Escape PHEV 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 127 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.