MODEL
Ford Escape
NHTSA safety across every Ford Escape model year we cover.
Across the 7 model years of the Ford Escape we cover (2019 to 2025), the strongest crash-test showing is the 2019 at 83 on the NHTSA Safety Index, and the lowest is the 2021 at 74. 92 recalls have been issued across those years.
The Ford Escape is a compact crossover SUV that has occupied one of the most competitive segments in the American market for over two decades. Aimed squarely at small-family buyers and urban commuters who want a practical, car-like driving experience with elevated ride height, the 2019-2025 generation brings a modern platform and a range of powertrain options including hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants. It competes directly against the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, and Chevrolet Equinox.
The Ford Escape puts up a genuinely mixed safety picture across the 2019 to 2025 model years, and shoppers deserve the full, unvarnished story before signing anything. On the positive end, the 2025 model year earns our best recorded Safety Index score of 91 out of 100, landing in our Exceptional band - a meaningful achievement in a crowded segment. Crash-test geometry tells a similar story of highs and lows: side-impact protection is a clear strength at 5 out of 5 stars, while frontal and rollover results settle at a respectable but not class-leading 4 out of 5 stars each. That rollover figure is worth noting for buyers who prioritize stability. Where the Escape draws sharper concern is in its recall and complaint volume. Across these seven model years, NHTSA data shows 83 recalls - a figure that is elevated by any reasonable standard for a single nameplate generation. Owner complaints total 2,729, with 63 alleged crashes, 23 alleged fires, and 73 alleged injuries reported among those unverified claims. Fire allegations in particular are a category we flag prominently for shoppers. The bottom line: the newest Escape has clearly improved, but the broader 2019-2025 record carries enough recall activity and complaint volume that buyers of earlier model years should research their specific year carefully before purchasing.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally regard the Ford Escape as a comfortable, well-rounded compact SUV that rides and handles more like a car than many of its rivals. They tend to praise its cabin refinement and the availability of electrified powertrains, while frequently noting that the interior technology and cargo space fall short of segment leaders. Overall sentiment is positive but measured, positioning the Escape as a solid rather than standout choice in its class.
- Recall volume is high: 83 recalls across the 2019-2025 model years is an above-average figure. Any used Escape purchase should begin with a free VIN lookup at NHTSA.gov to confirm all open recalls have been addressed.
- The 2025 model year represents the safest version of this generation by our data, earning a 91 out of 100 Safety Index score in the Exceptional band - a significant jump from the Average-band results seen in some earlier years covered.
- Side-impact crash protection is the standout crash-test result at 5 out of 5 stars, but frontal and rollover ratings both sit at 4 out of 5 stars, meaning the Escape is not a top performer across every crash scenario.
- Owner-reported fire allegations number 23 across covered model years in NHTSA complaint data. These are unverified allegations, but the category warrants attention - shoppers should check whether any open recalls related to fuel, electrical, or hybrid systems apply to the specific vehicle they are considering.
Most-recalled year on record: 2020 Ford Escape with 23 recalls.