NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2022 Ford Escape Safety Ratings
The 2022 Ford Escape scores 76 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 19 recalls, and 216 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2022 Ford Escape presents a complex safety profile, marked by strong crash-test performance but significantly undermined by a high volume of recall activity. While its 76/100 score on the NHTSA Safety Index places it squarely in the Average band, a sub-score of 0/20 in the defect-record category is directly attributable to 19 active recall campaigns. This extensive recall history warrants careful consideration from prospective owners, despite the vehicle's otherwise commendable crash protection ratings.
The 2022 Ford Escape earned a NHTSA Safety Index of 76 out of 100 and a 5-star NHTSA overall crash-test rating, according to federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 135 SUVs from 2022 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2022 Ford Escape ranks 117 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 | 19 |
| Owner complaints | 216 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 117 of 135 SUVs tested for 2022 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2022 Ford Escape?
The 2022 Ford Escape Hybrid SUV AWD moved the NHTSA Safety Index two points higher than the 2021 model, rising from 74 to 76, both within the Average band. That incremental gain reflects a consistent crash-protection sub-score of 66 out of 70 and a perfect 10 out of 10 for crash-avoidance technology, with forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control all standard. What distinguishes this model year negatively is the defect record, which scores 0 out of 20. Nineteen recall campaigns have been issued against this specific year, spanning components as varied as the windshield wiper motor, liftgate hinges, backup-camera software, engine block heater wiring, and a fuel injection concern specific to 1.5L-equipped units. The complaint tally of 216 reports, with alleged fires and injuries among them, reinforces that the defect-record drag on the Index is not a statistical artifact. The 2022 Escape is a vehicle where passive crash protection is genuinely strong, but the volume of open safety campaigns is the defining safety story for this model year specifically.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2022 Ford Escape perform in crash tests?
The 2022 Ford Escape Hybrid SUV AWD achieves a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, matching this top score for both frontal and side impact protection. Its rollover resistance is rated at 4 stars, representing a 17 percent risk of rollover. The vehicle performed a "No Tip" result in the dynamic tip test. No NCAP evaluation categories are unrated for this model.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 16379
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2022 Ford Escape have any recalls?
Yes. The 2022 Ford Escape carries 19 recall campaigns. Named components include the windshield wiper motor, backup-camera software, liftgate hinge attachments, the engine block heater, and the 1.5L fuel injection system, which involves a fuel injector concern on Escape models with that engine. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is noted in the provided campaign data, but owners should verify current remedy status by VIN through NHTSA.
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
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
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)25V133000
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 April 11, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S16.
Reported 2025-02-28
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 2022 Ford Escape?
NHTSA has received 216 unverified consumer complaints for the 2022 Ford Escape. Alleged problem areas include the Fuel System and Gasoline components (59 reports each), Service Brakes (33), Engine (28), and Power Train (26). Owners also allege 6 crashes, 4 fires, and 7 injuries. These are unverified allegations, not established facts.
216 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2022 Ford Escape?
Shoppers considering a used 2022 Ford Escape must prioritize a VIN-specific recall check through NHTSA's database. With 19 recall campaigns on record for this model year, verifying completed remedies at a dealership is the most critical safety action.
- The 2022 Ford Escape carries 19 NHTSA recall campaigns, the highest-impact factor dragging its defect-record sub-score to 0 out of 20, which is the primary reason the Safety Index sits at Average rather than higher despite strong crash results.
- A recall specific to 2020-2022 Escape models equipped with a 1.5L engine addresses a fuel injection system concern, making engine-variant identification critical for used buyers evaluating this model year.
- NHTSA crash tests gave this year a 5-star overall, frontal, and side rating, with rollover the only category below that ceiling at 4 stars and a 17 percent measured rollover risk.
- The 216 unverified consumer complaints on file include alleged reports of fire and injury, with the Fuel System and Gasoline categories leading all reported problem areas at 59 allegations each.
RANKINGSWhere the 2022 Ford Escape places
The 2022 Ford Escape qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2022 Ford Escape safety questions
Was the 2022 Ford Escape crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2022 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 2022 Ford Escape crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2022 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 2022 Ford Escape have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 19 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2022 Ford Escape. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2022 Ford Escape?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 216 owner complaints are on file for the 2022 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 (2022)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Tesla Model Y 5-Seat | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2022 Infiniti Qx55 | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2022 Buick Encore GX | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2022 Buick Envision | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2022 Nissan Murano | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2022 Buick Enclave | 94/100 | 4 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 16379), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Ford Escape 2022.
- 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 117 of 135 in the SUV class for 2022.
- 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.