# Ford Escape check engine light: complaints, recalls and what to do **Verdict:** Drive to a shop this week - **Owner complaints:** 2245 - **Most complaints:** 2017 (1008) - **Related recalls:** 15 - **Verdict:** This week ## Quick answer NHTSA has 2,245 owner complaints about the check engine light on the Ford Escape (2015-2026 models), most for the **2017** model year (1008). There are **15 recalls** for related parts; check yours by VIN. Drive to a shop this week: With a steady light and a car that drives normally, yes, it is usually safe to keep driving for a few days while you get the code read. ## Ford Escape check engine light complaints by model year | Model year | Complaints mentioning the check engine light | All complaints that year | Share | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2015 | 99 | 1135 | 9% | | 2016 | 126 | 1180 | 11% | | 2017 | 1008 | 2701 | 37% | | 2018 | 681 | 1823 | 37% | | 2019 | 181 | 599 | 30% | | 2020 | 83 | 1839 | 5% | | 2021 | 16 | 375 | 4% | | 2022 | 31 | 388 | 8% | | 2023 | 13 | 139 | 9% | | 2024 | 6 | 89 | 7% | | 2025 | 1 | 5 | 20% | Counts are complaints filed with NHTSA whose description mentions this light. They show where owners have had trouble, not a failure rate: popular years collect more complaints simply because more cars are on the road. ## Ford Escape recalls related to the check engine light **[26V301000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=26V301000)** (2026 models, reported 2026-05-13): A loss of park function can allow the vehicle to rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** The Secondary On Board Diagnostic Module C (SOBDMC) software will be updated over-the-air (OTA) or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 16, 2026. **[26V122000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=26V122000)** (2025 models, reported 2026-03-04): An unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Dealers will replace the EGR valves, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 31, 2026. **[25V467000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=25V467000)** (2020-2022 models, reported 2025-07-11): 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... **[25V165000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=25V165000)** (2020-2022 models, reported 2025-03-14): 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. **[25V133000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=25V133000)** (2022 models, reported 2025-03-01): 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. **[24V634000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=24V634000)** (2023-2024 models, reported 2024-08-23): 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. **[24V330000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=24V330000)** (2020-2022 models, reported 2024-05-11): 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. **[24V187000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=24V187000)** (2022 models, reported 2024-03-08): 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. Owner notification letters were mailed on April 24, 2024. **[22V859000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=22V859000)** (2020-2023 models, reported 2022-11-19): 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... **[22V413000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=22V413000)** (2015-2019 models, reported 2022-06-10): A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, and cause the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction. Additionally, the vehicle may roll after the driver selects the 'Park' position. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash or injury. **Remedy:** Dealers will replace the under hood shift bushing and add a protective cap over the shift cable bushing, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 1, 2022. Remedy parts are expected to be available in 4th Quarter 2022. Owner notification letters were... **[22V254000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=22V254000)** (2015 models, reported 2022-04-14): A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, and cause the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction. Additionally, the vehicle may roll after the driver selects the 'Park' position. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash or injury. **Remedy:** Dealers will replace the under hood shifter bushing and add a protective cap over the shift cable bushing, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 27, 2022. **[22V191000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=22V191000)** (2020-2022 models, reported 2022-03-25): 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 inspect the oil separator for damage or oil leaks, and replace the oil separator and seals, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 18, 2022. **[21V625000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=21V625000)** (2021 models, reported 2021-08-10): An engine stall increases the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Dealers will replace the fuel delivery module, free of charge. Interim notification letters (remedy not available) were mailed on September 30, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on December 14, 2021. **[21V011000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=21V011000)** (2020 models, reported 2021-01-15): If the rear drive unit seizes, there may be a loss of drive and/or a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Ford will notify owners, and dealers will check the rear drive unit lubricant level. Axles found to have lubricant at the minimum level will be filled to the full level. Axles found to be below the minimum lubricant fill level will be replaced, free of charge. This recall began March 12, 2021. **[20V550000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=20V550000)** (2020 models, reported 2020-09-10): Missing or loose bolts on the start stop accumulator endcap could result in a transmission fluid leak and may progress to a loss of transmission function. A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of fire. **Remedy:** Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the start/stop accumulator, free of charge. The recall began September 23, 2020. Recall repairs are free at any Ford dealer. Enter your 17-character VIN at [nhtsa.gov/recalls](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) to see whether yours is still open. ## What Ford Escape owners report - "My vehicle began displaying multiple warning messages including "High Voltage Battery Warning," "Powertrain Malfunction," and "Service Engine Soon." These warnings appeared while the vehicle was charging using a Level 2 charger, which raises significant concerns about the safety and reliability of the vehicle's..." -- owner of a 2025 Ford Escape, complaint filed 2026 - "Check engine light came on. Vehicle has around 5000 miles on it. My app told me it at misfire was detected. We took it to the dealer ship. All they said is ford is aware of this issue." -- owner of a 2024 Ford Escape, complaint filed 2025 - "I ran a "check engine" check with no stored codes in temporary or permanent storage. My 2023 Ford Escape has the 1.5L EcoBoost engine. When the warnings appeared, there was no reduction in engine power(limp mode) and no signs of steam while looking in the rear view mirror." -- owner of a 2023 Ford Escape, complaint filed 2023 Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly cleaned for reading. They are owners' own accounts and have not been verified. ## What the check engine light means The check engine light means the engine computer has stored a diagnostic trouble code for an emissions, engine or transmission fault. Common causes include a loose gas cap, a failing oxygen sensor, a worn catalytic converter, and misfires from plugs or coils. A steady light is usually not an emergency, but a flashing light means a severe misfire and you should reduce speed and get it checked right away. The most common causes, on any make: 1. **Loose gas cap or EVAP system leak** (common) 2. **Failing oxygen sensor** (common) 3. **Catalytic converter efficiency below threshold** (common) 4. **Misfire from worn spark plugs or ignition coils** (common) Full causes, what to do and how to reset it: [Check engine light](/warning-lights/check-engine). ## Frequently asked questions ### Is there a recall for the Ford Escape check engine light? Yes. NHTSA lists 15 related recalls (26V301000, 26V122000, 25V467000, 25V165000, 25V133000, 24V634000, 24V330000, 24V187000, 22V859000, 22V413000, 22V254000, 22V191000, 21V625000, 21V011000, 20V550000) covering 2015-2026 models. Recall repairs are free; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is open. ### Which Ford Escape years have the most check engine light complaints? In NHTSA's database the 2017, 2018 and 2019 Escape model years have the most complaints mentioning the check engine light, with 1008 for 2017. Complaint counts reflect how many cars were sold as well as how often problems happen. ### Is it safe to drive a Ford Escape with the check engine light on? Drive to a shop this week. With a steady light and a car that drives normally, yes, it is usually safe to keep driving for a few days while you get the code read. If the light is flashing, the engine runs very rough, or the temperature or oil light also comes on, stop driving and have it checked. ### How do I check if my Ford Escape has an open recall? Enter the 17-character VIN from your dashboard or registration at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask any Ford dealer. Open recalls are fixed free of charge, even if you are not the first owner. ## Sources - [NHTSA: Vehicle safety complaints and recalls (api.nhtsa.gov)](https://www.nhtsa.gov/nhtsa-datasets-and-apis) - [NHTSA: Check for recalls by VIN](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) ## Other Ford Escape warning lights - [ABS warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/abs/ford-escape): 23 complaints - [Airbag (SRS) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/airbag/ford-escape): 27 complaints - [Battery (charging system) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/battery/ford-escape): 27 complaints - [Brake warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/ford-escape): 59 complaints - [Coolant temperature warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/ford-escape): 1520 complaints - [Oil pressure warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/oil-pressure/ford-escape): 19 complaints - [Power steering warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/ford-escape): 178 complaints - [Tire pressure (TPMS) light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/tire-pressure/ford-escape): 36 complaints - [Traction control light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/ford-escape): 57 complaints ## Check engine light on other models - [Ford Edge](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/ford-edge): 1380 complaints - [Chevrolet Silverado](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chevrolet-silverado): 911 complaints - [Kia Soul](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/kia-soul): 785 complaints - [Hyundai Sonata](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-sonata): 731 complaints - [Hyundai Tucson](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-tucson): 705 complaints - [Chevrolet Malibu](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chevrolet-malibu): 666 complaints - [Chrysler Pacifica](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chrysler-pacifica): 630 complaints - [Hyundai Santa Fe](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-santa-fe): 602 complaints - [Jeep Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/jeep-cherokee): 587 complaints - [Kia Sorento](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/kia-sorento): 578 complaints ## Ford Escape - [Ford Escape specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/ford-escape) --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/ford-escape Updated: 2026-11-04 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.