NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 Ford Escape Safety Ratings
The 2020 Ford Escape scores 76 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 23 recalls, and 1,458 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2020 Ford Escape's safety profile is significantly affected by its defect record. With 23 recall campaigns issued, the vehicle scores 0 out of 20 in that category, a key factor in its 76/100 NHTSA Safety Index rating. This places the Escape squarely in the Average safety band for its model year. The volume of recalls warrants close scrutiny from prospective buyers.
The 2020 Ford Escape earned a NHTSA Safety Index of 76/100 and an NHTSA overall crash-test rating of 5 out of 5 stars, according to NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 107 SUVs from 2020 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2020 Ford Escape ranks 90 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 76 / 100 (Average) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 17.4% |
| Recalls on file | 23 |
| Owner complaints | 1,458 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 90 of 107 SUVs tested for 2020 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2020 Ford Escape?
The 2020 Ford Escape faces significant safety concerns, reflected in its Safety Index score of 76/100, a notable decline from the 2019 model's 83/100. This 7-point drop moves the vehicle from the Strong to the Average safety band, primarily driven by a defect record component that scored 0 out of a possible 20 points. This score reflects 23 recall campaigns issued for the 2020 Escape, a high volume that impacts its overall safety assessment. Despite the recall burden, the vehicle demonstrates strong crash protection and avoidance technology. NHTSA awarded the 2020 Escape a 5-star overall safety rating, with perfect scores in both frontal and side crash tests, contributing to a crash protection score of 66 out of 70 points. Its standard safety features, including forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control, earned a perfect 10 out of 10 for avoidance technology. However, the sheer breadth of recall activity, encompassing critical components such as wiper motors, backup camera software, liftgate hardware, engine block heaters, and brake pads, reveals widespread manufacturing issues. This extensive recall history, alongside 1,458 unverified owner complaints, with 601 reports alleging structural issues, significantly diminishes the vehicle's safety profile beyond what crash-test results alone indicate.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2020 Ford Escape perform in crash tests?
The 2020 Ford Escape Hybrid SUV AWD achieved an overall 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA. This strong performance included perfect 5-star scores for both frontal and side impact protection. Its rollover rating of 4 out of 5 stars, with a measured rollover risk of 17 percent and a "No Tip" result in the dynamic test, marks its relative weak point in an otherwise exemplary crash-test profile.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14929
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2020 Ford Escape have any recalls?
Yes, 23 recall campaigns cover this model year. Named components include the windshield wiper motor, backup camera software, liftgate hinge covers, the engine block heater, and rear brake pads. The rear brake pad recall is specific to 2020 Escape vehicles and notes pads may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can reduce braking performance. Buyers should verify remedy completion by VIN before purchase.
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR26V117000
Risk: Windshield wipers that fail to operate properly can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the front wiper motors as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed April 2, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in October 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S14. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs
Reported 2026-03-03
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE26V123000
Risk: An incorrectly displayed rearview image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 23, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C11. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 5, 2026.
Reported 2026-03-03
STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS25V829000
Risk: 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. Owner notification letters were mailed June 3, 2026. 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.
Reported 2025-12-01
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATER25V685000
Risk: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded blanking plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed December 3, 2025. Additional letters
Reported 2025-10-10
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS25V693000
Risk: Reduced brake function can require the driver to apply more brake pedal force, and the distance required to stop the vehicle may be extended, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the front brake pads, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on November 5, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21C31. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 13, 2025. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 21V922.
Reported 2025-10-10
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM25V467000
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source, such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will update the engine control software. In addition, dealers will replace the high-pressure fuel rail assembly and fuel injectors, free of charge. As an interim repair, dealers will update the engine control software, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed August 29, 2025. Second letters will be sent once the final remedy is avai
Reported 2025-07-11
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE25V442000
Risk: A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver. Both of these situations can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S72.
Reported 2025-06-27
ENGINE25V345000
Risk: An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park and shut off the engine as quickly as possible if they hear unexpected engine noises, notice a reduction in vehicle power, or see smoke. Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 27, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S54.
Reported 2025-05-23
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM25V165000
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will update the powertrain control module (PCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 22, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S21.
Reported 2025-03-14
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY:MANAGEMENT SYSTEM/ENERGY CONTROL MODULE (BMS/BECM)24V954000
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: Owners are advised not to charge battery till the remedy has been completed. Dealers will perform a battery energy control module (BECM) software update, and replace the high voltage battery pack, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 30, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S79.
Reported 2024-12-20
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS24V852000
Risk: Without a label that shows the proper restraint usage guidelines, the occupants may have an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will mail owners the warning labels, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 19, 2024. Owners may call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24C39.
Reported 2024-11-08
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)24V330000
Risk: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the HPCM software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 22, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S33.
Reported 2024-05-10
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2020 Ford Escape?
Owners have filed 1,458 unverified complaints with NHTSA, including alleged reports of 19 crashes, 4 fires, and 28 injuries. The most frequently alleged problem areas are Structure with 601 reports, followed by Unknown or Other at 294, Power Train at 213, and Electrical System at 146. All figures are unverified consumer allegations.
1,458 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2020 Ford Escape?
Before purchasing any used 2020 Escape, prospective owners should run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool. With 23 campaigns on record, confirming which remedies have been completed is the single most important safety step a buyer can take for this model, especially given a brake pad recall specific to the 2020 model year.
- The 2020 Escape's Safety Index fell 7 points from the 2019 model year, dropping from 83/100 Strong to 76/100 Average, entirely because the defect record component scored 0 out of 20 points.
- A recall specific to 2020 Escape vehicles addresses rear brake pads that may have been manufactured incorrectly, a direct safety concern that used buyers should confirm has been remedied by VIN.
- Despite the recall burden, NHTSA crash testing returned a 5-star overall score with perfect frontal and side ratings, and the rollover risk measured at 17 percent with a No Tip dynamic result.
- Owners have submitted 1,458 unverified complaints to NHTSA against this model year, with Structure the most frequently alleged problem category at 601 reports, a figure notably high for a vehicle in this segment.
RANKINGSWhere the 2020 Ford Escape places
The 2020 Ford Escape qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2020 Ford Escape safety questions
Was the 2020 Ford Escape crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2020 Ford Escape, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 76 out of 100, placing it in the Average band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2020 Ford Escape crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2020 Ford Escape 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 2020 Ford Escape have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 23 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2020 Ford Escape. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2020 Ford Escape?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 1,458 owner complaints are on file for the 2020 Ford Escape. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Escape years
Rivals in SUV (2020)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Infiniti Qx50 | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 2 |
| 2020 Mazda CX-3 | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2020 Mazda CX-30 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 3 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T5 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T6 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T8 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 14929), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Ford Escape 2020.
- 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 90 of 107 in the SUV class for 2020.
- 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.