NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2023 Ford Escape Safety Ratings
The 2023 Ford Escape scores 76 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 11 recalls, and 92 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2023 Ford Escape's safety profile presents a mixed picture. While its crash-test results are strong, a significant number of recall campaigns impact its overall standing. The model earned a 76 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index, placing it in the Average band. This assessment is tempered by a defect record sub-score of 4.75 out of 20, influenced by 11 recall campaigns.
The 2023 Ford Escape PHEV SUV FWD earned an overall 5-star NHTSA crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 76 out of 100, derived entirely from NHTSA crash-test, recall, and complaint data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 139 SUVs from 2023 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2023 Ford Escape ranks 120 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 | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 14.3% |
| Recalls on file | 11 |
| Owner complaints | 92 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 120 of 139 SUVs tested for 2023 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2023 Ford Escape?
The 2023 Ford Escape PHEV SUV FWD holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 76 out of 100, unchanged from the 2022 model year's identical 76. That flat movement means no measurable safety improvement or deterioration between the two years on paper, but the composition of the score tells a more specific story for 2023. Crash protection contributes a solid 61 out of 70, and the vehicle earns a perfect 10 out of 10 for standard crash-avoidance technology, reflecting the inclusion of forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control as standard equipment. What suppresses the index is the defect record sub-score of only 4.75 out of 20, a figure directly tied to the 11 recall campaigns now attached to this model year. Those campaigns span serious hardware concerns, including a cylinder head defect, a traction battery management system manufacturing flaw, and a back-over prevention software failure. The 92 unverified owner complaints, with the electrical system and engine drawing the most allegations, reinforce why the defect record component weighs on the final score. A 76 is not a failing mark, but the gap between the crash-test strength and the defect record is the defining tension of this specific model year.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2023 Ford Escape perform in crash tests?
The 2023 Ford Escape PHEV SUV FWD received an overall 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA. This excellent rating is supported by a 5-star side-crash performance. Frontal impact protection was rated at 4 out of 5 stars, with the same 4-star assessment for rollover protection. The measured rollover risk stands at 14 percent, with no dynamic tip event recorded during testing.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 17292
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2023 Ford Escape have any recalls?
Yes, 11 recall campaigns cover the 2023 Ford Escape. Component areas include the engine, with a cylinder head manufacturing concern, the electrical system, the propulsion system and traction battery management module, a back-over prevention software issue, and a 2.5L hybrid powertrain defect spanning multiple Ford and Lincoln nameplates. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is noted in the supplied campaign text, but buyers should verify current remedy status by VIN.
ENGINE25V372000
Risk: An oil leak can result in loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, an oil 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 replace the cylinder head assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 8, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S61.
Reported 2025-06-03
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM25V343000
Risk: An overheated engine block heater can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the block heater element and inspect the electrical cord, replacing it if necessary, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded blanking plug coupled, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Owner notification letters were mailed June 9, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.
Reported 2025-05-23
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
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE25V315000
Risk: A frozen or missing rearview camera image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: The accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air update, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model years. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on June 26, 2025. Additional letters will be mailed once the final remedy is avail
Reported 2025-05-09
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
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:INJECTORS24V634000
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will install new fuel injector O-rings and O-ring support discs, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 7, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S54.
Reported 2024-08-23
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL24V440000
Risk: Misalignment of the radar module can result in the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) misclassifying an overhead object as an object in the vehicle's path, causing the vehicle to unexpectedly slow and/or stop. Other safety systems that depend on the radar model (Pre-Collision Assist, Forward Collision Warning, and Auto Emergency Braking) could have diminished or lost function. These conditions increase
Remedy: Dealers will adjust the angle of the radar module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 3, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S39.
Reported 2024-06-14
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL23V506000
Risk: An inoperable instrument panel cannot show critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, which may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the module or instrument panel as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on November 4, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23C25.
Reported 2023-07-21
ENGINE23V380000
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 replace the engine long-block in 2023 Escape and Corsair vehicles. For the other vehicles, dealers will update the powertrain control module software. If a connecting rod bearing failure is detected, dealers will replace th
Reported 2023-05-26
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM22V859000
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 to include fuel injector leak detection and install a drain tube, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed January 9, 2023. Remedy parts are expected to be available in 1st Quarter of 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed February 28, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-
Reported 2022-11-18
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2023 Ford Escape?
A total of 92 unverified consumer allegations have been reported to NHTSA for the 2023 Escape. The most frequently alleged problem areas are the Electrical System with 38 reports, the Engine with 28, and the Power Train with 18. Owners have also filed 10 unverified allegations specifically targeting Forward Collision Avoidance performance.
92 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2023 Ford Escape?
With 11 recall campaigns on record, confirming completed remedies at a dealership is the single most important safety step for any shopper considering a used 2023 Ford Escape. Prospective buyers should run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool before purchase.
- The 2023 Escape carries 11 recall campaigns, including a cylinder head manufacturing defect and a traction battery management system flaw specific to the hybrid powertrain, making VIN-level remedy verification essential for this model year.
- The defect record sub-score of 4.75 out of 20 is the weakest component of the 2023 Safety Index, directly reflecting the volume and breadth of those 11 recall campaigns across engine, electrical, and propulsion systems.
- NHTSA recorded 92 unverified consumer allegations for this model year, with 38 targeting the Electrical System and 10 specifically alleging problems with Forward Collision Avoidance, a system that is otherwise rated standard equipment in the avoidance tech scoring.
- The overall Safety Index of 76 is flat versus the 2022 model year's 76, meaning the 2023 model year did not represent a safety step forward, and the accumulation of post-sale recall campaigns is the primary factor holding the score at that level.
RANKINGSWhere the 2023 Ford Escape places
The 2023 Ford Escape qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2023 Ford Escape safety questions
Was the 2023 Ford Escape crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2023 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 2023 Ford Escape crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2023 Ford Escape 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 2023 Ford Escape have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 11 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2023 Ford Escape. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2023 Ford Escape?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 92 owner complaints are on file for the 2023 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 (2023)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Tesla Model X Later Release | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Later Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Early Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Later Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Buick Envision | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2023 Lexus Rz 450e | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 17292), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Ford Escape 2023.
- 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 120 of 139 in the SUV class for 2023.
- 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.