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    GREEN CHOICE

    Ford Escape Hybrid

    EPA MPG: 40 mpg

    Reliability

    Overall Reliability

    The 2020 Escape Hybrid is much less reliable than other cars from the same model year.

    Most Common Trouble Spots
    Common Trouble Spot
    Common Trouble Spot

    Owner Reported Trouble Spots

    The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2020 Ford Escape Hybrid owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

    Electrical Accessories

    Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

    What Owners Say

    12V battery

    "Get a message that the system is being shut down to conserve the battery. Battery doesnt seem to hold a charge or isnt charging. I now carry a portable jumper just in case."

    Anonymous A., MI (2020 Ford Escape Hybrid Hybrid Titanium 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    ""lost charge over three months, I finally decided it needed replacement""

    Anonymous, NY (2020 Ford Escape Hybrid Hybrid SE 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    ""Started by showing a message that could not put into drive out of park. Said "Shift Sys Fault" it took them quite some time to figure it out, in the end said needed new battery, yet I had put in a new battery - seems to work now and have not had any issues since""

    Anonymous A., BC (2020 Ford Escape Hybrid Hybrid Titanium 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    "2nd failure with no voltage. Dealer changed supplier"

    Anonymous, FL (2020 Ford Escape Hybrid Hybrid Titanium 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
    12V power plug

    "Console plug has stopped working. Havent taken it in to get fixed yet."

    Anonymous A., AB (2020 Ford Escape Hybrid Hybrid Titanium 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
    Alarm or security system (excluding aftermarket systems)

    ""Occasionally, when using keyless entry, I hear the click of the doors unlocking but alarm goes off when I open the driver or passenger door""

    Anonymous, AZ (2020 Ford Escape Hybrid Hybrid Titanium 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
    Exterior lights (other than headlights)

    "A leak developed in the right rear taillight and moisture accumulated. I began to get warnings of an electrical system failure. Replacement taillight was $950, labor to install was $25. It took about ten minutes to complete. after taxes the total cost was over $1000."

    Anonymous, NY (2020 Ford Escape Hybrid SE 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
    Gauges

    "The display started to go haywire along with the digital clock"

    Anonymous, QC (2020 Ford Escape Hybrid Unsure 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
    Keyless entry

    "Proximity access was lost and alarm would go off when doors were opened. As long as the key fob was close it is supposed to automatically unlock but wasn't working."

    Anonymous A., WA (2020 Ford Escape Hybrid Hybrid Titanium 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    "The left passenger door keyless entry system stopped working. Needed repair by dealership."

    Anonymous, NM (2020 Ford Escape Hybrid Hybrid SE 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    "Difficult to activate"

    Anonymous, QC (2020 Ford Escape Hybrid Unsure 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
    Other electrical system problem

    "I get a warning almost every time I get in the car that says: System shutting down to save the battery either turn the car off or start the engine."

    Anonymous, OH (2020 Ford Escape Hybrid Hybrid Titanium Unsure)

    "Starting about six months after I bought it, would get into the car the next morning and there would be a warning that the battery system was low. Checked and checked and checked, and there is nothing plugged in or connected anywhere that would cause this. Brought it to Ford multiple times and they could not find out why. My sons car a 2020 fusion had the exact same problem. With his they changed the battery multiple times thinking it was it, and it did not solve the problem. At times at night when I would park the car come back in about an hour and still see the screen illuminated on the dashboard very dimly. Now I always carry a battery jump charger with me just in case."

    Anonymous, IL (2020 Ford Escape Hybrid Hybrid SE 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
    Remote engine starter

    "Vehicle goes to sleep with system off to save battery message. Remote start is disabled. Happens very often. Dealer has replaced the battery to no avail."

    Anonymous A., AB (2020 Ford Escape Hybrid Hybrid Titanium 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
    Tire pressure monitor

    "Back left tire would need air added ever 2-3 weeks"

    Anonymous A., (2020 Ford Escape Hybrid SE 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
    Warning lights

    ""The blind spot detection on the passenger side constantly goes off for no reason. This also seems to be related to the keyless entry on that side, not working, and some other electronic type problems.""

    Anonymous, ON (2020 Ford Escape Hybrid Hybrid Titanium 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    ""Service people loading/unloading snow tires from back of car disturbed sensors operating lift gate, causing dash message "Lift gate ajar" when it was securely latched. This happened multiple times, and the lift gate would only open half-way when needed. Dealer corrected all problems.""

    Anonymous, MI (2020 Ford Escape Hybrid Hybrid Titanium 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
    Wiper motor or washer

    "I was in an accident that messed up the wheel that had the back washer in it"

    Anonymous, NC (2020 Ford Escape Hybrid Hybrid Titanium 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    In-car Electronics

    Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

    What Owners Say

    Apple CarPlay

    "Started 2 yrs ago. CarPlay would drop out and sometimes reconnect, sometimes not. Both USB-A and USB-C connections had this issue. Began working again for a few months after taking it to a Ford dealer for service, but eventually the problem recurred. Works intermittently now with a wireless receiver (plugged into USB-A)."

    Anonymous, MO (2020 Ford Escape Hybrid Hybrid Titanium 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
    Other in-car electronics problem

    ""Sensor issues have interfered with proper operation of lift gate multiple times. Driver's window operation has failed multiple times, kept reopening after closing.""

    Anonymous, MI (2020 Ford Escape Hybrid Hybrid Titanium 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    "I tow the car behind the motor home. The battery dies"

    Anonymous, TX (2020 Ford Escape Hybrid Hybrid Titanium 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    "Less than a year after owning the car I had to have the battery jumped. Several days later I noticed that after I closed the tailgate and locked the car, the display would not shut off. The screen was darkened but you could see that it still was backlit. I had to open the front door to get the Ford emblem to display then lock the car again to finally completely shut the display screen. It only happens occasionally but if not caught the battery will be drained by the next day. Complained about it but since it didnt happen all the time it was never witnessed by the dealership. I am unable to leave my car parked unlocked in my garage and even when locked I have to double check the screen"

    Anonymous, NC (2020 Ford Escape Hybrid Hybrid Titanium 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
    Phone pairing (e.g., Bluetooth)

    ""Since owning the car in october twenty twenty, there have been probably five or six instances where the phone pairs, but would not answer incoming calls. This would last upwards of two months before resolving itself, for no apparent reason.""

    Anonymous, ON (2020 Ford Escape Hybrid Hybrid Titanium 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
    Voice control commands

    "Poor voice recognition."

    Anonymous, AZ (2020 Ford Escape Hybrid Hybrid Titanium 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    Body Hardware

    Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

    What Owners Say

    Doors or sliding doors

    "The welds broke on the left front door hinge due to an error on the assembly line. The hinge problem also made it so the window will not operate up and down. Ford is aware of the problem and sent a notice in August of 2024 promising to fix or replace the doors at no cost to owners. My dealer has ordered a new door for our car and others but as of May 2025 they have yet to receive any doors from Ford and the problem is unrepaired."

    Anonymous, MT (2020 Ford Escape Hybrid Hybrid SE 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    "I'm currently dealing with this problem as I fill out the questionnaire. The rear passenger door window unit completely failed, leaving the window completely open and not able to be closed. The window regulator and motor both failed. The parts are expensive compared to the same parts of other vehicles, and not easy to find locally."

    Anonymous, OH (2020 Ford Escape Hybrid Hybrid SE 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
    Locks and latches

    "Door latch broke about 2 years into ownership. Paid the repair and got reimbursed about a year later when Ford recalled this problem"

    Anonymous, NC (2020 Ford Escape Hybrid Hybrid Titanium 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
    Seat controls - power

    "Electric front seat controls frequently failed"

    Anonymous, CA (2020 Ford Escape Hybrid Hybrid Titanium 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
    Tailgate, hatch or trunk

    "Foot opener works inconsistently. To close had to hit button more than once."

    Anonymous, WI (2020 Ford Escape Hybrid Hybrid Titanium 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    EV Battery

    Electric/hybrid battery pack failure, replacement or malfunction, or cooling.

    What Owners Say

    Electric/hybrid battery pack replacement

    "Quit without notice while stopped. Took 6 weeks to get totally resolved. Had difficulty getting a loaner vehicle."

    Anonymous, FL (2020 Ford Escape Hybrid Hybrid Titanium 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    "The dealer said the hybrid battery failed and they replaced it at no cost to y"

    Anonymous, CA (2020 Ford Escape Hybrid Hybrid Titanium 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
    Other electric/hybrid battery problem

    ""Dead battery needing jump start has happened multiple times since buying car new in 2020. Direct short in front passenger seatbelt was originally diagnosed a couple years ago and fixed by dealer, however problem has continued though less frequently.""

    Anonymous A., MO (2020 Ford Escape Hybrid Hybrid Titanium 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    ""Car experienced several occurrences of complete loss of electrical power. Each time, a backup booster battery was needed to jump start the electrical system to start the car. Purchased a backup booster battery to keep in the car for such occurrences. On other occasions when the car lost all electrical power, a 'thumping' noise was heard from the audio speakers. This has occurred many times as well. I have audio/video recordings of some of these events.""

    Anonymous A., OK (2020 Ford Escape Hybrid Hybrid Titanium 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    Exhaust

    Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Other/unsure

    "too many recalls"

    Anonymous, NM (2020 Ford Escape Hybrid Hybrid SE 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    ""Im not sure where these problems should be categorized. I have not had success with the auto open hath back with the foot under bumper. The Android auto seems to have intermittent bugs that prevent proper use. When I came home from vacation, I had to delete then reinstall my phone, contacts, etc. Things that worked, no longer worked. The driver alert--collision-- has come on when there was no near or even close to collision. The braking actually, could have caused an accident if a driver had been tailgating me. Updates seem to change the choices I have made in the electronics of the vehicle--thru the choices on the screen. My Escape is very low mileage. I worry about keeping this SUV. I bought it to Keep it for a long time. But I have lost faith in the vehicle.""

    Anonymous, WA (2020 Ford Escape Hybrid Hybrid Titanium 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    "automatic trunk opener is temperamental"

    Anonymous A., MD (2020 Ford Escape Hybrid Hybrid Titanium 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    ""The factory installed 12 V battery was very small and completely inadequate for this model of hybrid. Ford should have probably had a recall because it was a very common issue. We replaced the 12 V battery with a larger AGM battery, and had zero issues. What would happen is the car would go into a very deep sleep and wouldnt start back up by the key fob it wouldnt open the doors, and we had to get a jump and as soon as it jump, it would start right up. No issues since the battery change.""

    Anonymous A., MO (2020 Ford Escape Hybrid Hybrid Titanium 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    Transmission Major

    Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

    What Owners Say

    Transmission rebuild or replacement

    ""Transmission shot after 50,000 miles. Ford warranty covered brand new transmission.""

    Anonymous A., GA (2020 Ford Escape Hybrid Hybrid Titanium 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    "Car surged forward unexpectedly a couple of times. A couple of weeks later the check engine light started blinking. I took it to my Ford dealer and they said that Fords resolution to the problem was to replace the transmission. I drove the car home and used it for a week without a problem. They ordered a replacement. The installation took 8 days."

    Anonymous A., IL (2020 Ford Escape Hybrid Hybrid Titanium 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    "Extremely noisy when brand new"

    Anonymous, NY (2020 Ford Escape Hybrid Hybrid Titanium 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    Noises/Leaks

    Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Squeaks or rattles

    "The vehicle was cheaply made, and that's evident when entering the car. Majority of the interior is cheap plastic and rattles/creaks when the vehicle is moving. When tapping the touchscreen infotainment system, the unit creaks if you don't tap gently. There is a constant rattle coming from somewhere in the interior and passengers have noticed and commented on it."

    Anonymous, OH (2020 Ford Escape Hybrid Hybrid SE 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    Drive System

    Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

    What Owners Say

    Differential

    "AWD died causing all sorts of electronic problems"

    Anonymous, NY (2020 Ford Escape Hybrid Hybrid Titanium 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    Paint/Trim

    Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

    What Owners Say

    Loose exterior trim or moldings

    ""Dealer gave 2 options, a new door or glue the piece back on. I had it glued and still holding.""

    Anonymous, WV (2020 Ford Escape Hybrid Hybrid Titanium 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    Climate System

    AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

    Engine Electrical

    Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

    Brakes

    Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

    Engine Cooling

    Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

    Transmission Minor

    Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

    Fuel System/Emissions

    Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

    Engine Minor

    Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

    Engine Major

    Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

    Suspension/Steering

    Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

    2020 SUVs Reliability

    This Car
    vs. Similar Cars

    Ford vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

    Reliability History
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    Overall Reliability Verdict
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    POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
    Powertrain
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    Electric Motor
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    EV Battery
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    Engine Major
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    Engine Minor
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    Engine Cooling
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    Engine Electrical
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    Transmission Major
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    Transmission Minor
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    Drive System
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    Fuel System/Emissions
    NA
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    Exhaust
    NA
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    Suspension/Steering
    NA
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    Brakes
    NA
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    Climate System
    NA
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    Build Quality
    NA
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    Electrical Accessories
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    Body Hardware
    NA
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    Paint/Trim
    NA
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    Noises/Leaks
    NA
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    In-car Electronics
    NA
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    Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for about 380,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2025 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes, to power equipment and the electrical accessories.
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