# Ford Escape oil pressure warning light: complaints, recalls and what to do **Verdict:** Stop driving - **Owner complaints:** 19 - **Most complaints:** 2017 (6) - **Related recalls:** 1 - **Verdict:** Stop now ## Quick answer NHTSA has 19 owner complaints about the oil pressure warning light on the Ford Escape (2015-2026 models), most for the **2017** model year (6). There is **1 recall** for related parts; check yours by VIN. Stop driving: No. ## Ford Escape oil pressure warning light complaints by model year | Model year | Complaints mentioning the oil pressure light | All complaints that year | Share | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2015 | 2 | 1135 | 0% | | 2016 | 3 | 1180 | 0% | | 2017 | 6 | 2701 | 0% | | 2018 | 4 | 1823 | 0% | | 2019 | 2 | 599 | 0% | | 2021 | 1 | 375 | 0% | | 2022 | 1 | 388 | 0% | 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 oil pressure warning light **[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. 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 - "The contact stated while his wife was driving approximately 65-70 MPH, the low oil pressure message illuminated. The vehicle experienced reduced engine power with unknown messages and warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that white smoke was coming from the vehicle. The driver coasted to the side of the..." -- owner of a 2022 Ford Escape, complaint filed 2023 - "The check engine and oil pressure warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or local dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000." -- owner of a 2021 Ford Escape, complaint filed 2024 - "Oil light started flashing as if car was stalling. Took back to dealership. They said they didn't know what was wrong. They have had for going on 4 weeks with no word on what they found. Car had 27,939 miles when we bought know has 30,030 miles. Had since april of 2020 and was been in shop 11 week." -- owner of a 2019 Ford Escape, complaint filed 2021 Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly cleaned for reading. They are owners' own accounts and have not been verified. ## What the oil pressure warning light means The red oil pressure light means oil pressure has dropped too low to protect the engine. The most common cause is a low oil level, but a failing pressure sensor, a worn oil pump, or a clogged pickup can also do it. Pull over and shut the engine off as soon as it is safe; running without oil pressure can destroy the engine in minutes. The most common causes, on any make: 1. **Low oil level** (most common) 2. **Failing oil pressure sensor or switch** (common) 3. **Wrong or very old oil** (less common) 4. **Clogged oil pickup or failing oil pump** (less common) Full causes, what to do and how to reset it: [Oil pressure warning light](/warning-lights/oil-pressure). ## Frequently asked questions ### Is there a recall for the Ford Escape oil pressure light? Yes. NHTSA lists 1 related recall (22V191000) covering 2020-2022 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 oil pressure light complaints? In NHTSA's database the 2016, 2017 and 2018 Escape model years have the most complaints mentioning the oil pressure warning light, with 6 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 oil pressure light on? Stop driving. No. Stop driving as soon as it is safe and shut off the engine. Only drive again if adding oil turns the light off immediately and the engine sounds normal; otherwise have it towed. ### 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 - [Check engine light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/ford-escape): 2245 complaints - [Coolant temperature warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/ford-escape): 1520 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 ## Oil pressure warning light on other models - [Kia Soul](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/oil-pressure/kia-soul): 230 complaints - [Kia Sorento](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/oil-pressure/kia-sorento): 216 complaints - [Hyundai Tucson](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/oil-pressure/hyundai-tucson): 202 complaints - [Hyundai Santa Fe](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/oil-pressure/hyundai-santa-fe): 175 complaints - [Hyundai Sonata](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/oil-pressure/hyundai-sonata): 168 complaints - [Kia K5](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/oil-pressure/kia-k5): 159 complaints - [Jeep Compass](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/oil-pressure/jeep-compass): 100 complaints - [Kia Sportage](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/oil-pressure/kia-sportage): 76 complaints - [Hyundai Elantra](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/oil-pressure/hyundai-elantra): 72 complaints - [Jeep Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/oil-pressure/jeep-cherokee): 64 complaints ## Ford Escape - [Ford Escape specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/ford-escape) --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/oil-pressure/ford-escape Updated: 2026-11-04 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.