Model year

2023 Ford Escape Hybrid

SUV, hybrid, 4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4, built in United States. Owner complaints on file from Jun 2, 2023 to Aug 31, 2026.

Recall campaigns covering this model year0No recall campaign lists this model year
Owner complaints23Close to the median 2023 suv
Severity index17.42023 suvs average 6.9
First 24 months11Complaints in its first two years
Complaints over time

Complaints about the 2023 Ford Escape Hybrid peaked in 2024, with 13 filed

Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.

051015202320241320252026
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. The lighter column runs through October.
Components

52% of complaints about the 2023 Ford Escape Hybrid name electrical system

Owner complaints by component. Hover or focus a bar for the crash, fire, injury or death count.

Electrical system
12
Driver assistance
5
Engine and cooling
3
Lighting
2
Seats
2
Powertrain
1
Speed control
1
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. A complaint can name more than one component; it is counted under the first.
Recalls

No recall campaign lists the 2023 Ford Escape Hybrid

Check a specific vehicle by VIN on NHTSA's site: a campaign may cover only part of a model year's production.

Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file.
Owner complaints

What owners reported about the 2023 Ford Escape Hybrid

The full text of every complaint filed with NHTSA about this model year, newest first. Complaints are filed by owners and are not verified by NHTSA; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.

23 complaints on file, page 1 of 2.

  1. Filed Aug 31, 2026Failure Aug 13, 2026Olmsted Township, OHElectrical system, Unknown or other

    After incomplete over-the-air (OTA) update instrument panel cluster (IPC) fails to illuminate and only chimes when powered. Vehicle drives normally, but no speed, fuel, warning telltales shown to the driver. Safety issue as the driver is not informed of this critical vehicle information.

    NHTSA complaint 11760838
  2. Filed Jun 17, 2025Failure Jun 14, 2025Citrus Heights, CAUnknown or other1 injured

    Ear piercing sound coming from what appears to be the stereo speaker system. It was so loud it felt like it blew out my ear drums by the time I got it turned off. Days later my ears are still ringing with intermittent headaches. I have scheduled a warranty service with the local ford dealership. There was no warning and started as soon as I started the car. No one has inspected the vehicle. This took place on 6/14/2025.

    NHTSA complaint 11667568
  3. Filed May 21, 2025Failure May 8, 2025Renton, WAUnknown or other

    Bad battery. Yes, the dealership did replace the 12V battery, however since I do not drive often, and not 60 miles a day. I was advised to install a battery maintainer, which I should have been told at the time of purchase. However, how inconvenient as I will have a power cord in the driveway, and I would have to connect and disconnect the battery maintainer, which to me is a safety issue. I see online Ford has had these problems with their battery. Is Ford doing anything about this problem to ensure this type of problem is fixed? I purchased a new vehicle so I would not have problems.

    NHTSA complaint 11662421
  4. Filed Apr 28, 2025Failure Apr 26, 20258,000 milesManchester, MOElectrical system

    The contact owns a 2023 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle suddenly switched from hybrid to gasoline and started to lose motive power. The contact pulled over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the failure persisted. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V954000 (Electrical System); the VIN was included, but parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 8,000.

    NHTSA complaint 11657199
  5. Filed Feb 5, 2025Failure Feb 5, 2025Port Charlotte, FLAdaptive cruise control, Assist

    The lane keeping system in my 2023 ford escape hybrid platinum keeps me too far to the left. When driving the lane keeping system keeps me too close to the center lane marker. I believe it is a potential safety issue for my car to be so close to the left side lane marker, often with the edge of my rear view mirror only inches from the left side lane marker. My local ford dealer says the lane keeping system can not be recalibrated to center the vehicle about 6 inches more to the right (passenger) side to provide a lager safety buffer on the left side of the car. I believe the lane keeping system should be capable of being calibrated.

    NHTSA complaint 11640805
  6. Filed Dec 28, 2024Failure Oct 16, 2023Urbana, ILElectrical system

    It seems to be the hybrid battery, it does not hold a charge, our safety or others are not affected it is the hassle of having to jump start your vehicle when it happens. This is a 2023 Escape Hybrid. The dealer had it towed and tried to figure it out but could not. They said that Ford is aware of the problem but have no fix. So we have been charged for the use of remote features but can not use them, on the window sticker. I have heard others that have put in the bigger battery and it solved the problem but Ford will not reimburse you because it is not a recall. We were told we have to drive the car for at least an hour every day to keep the battery charged, we also get this message every day, Remote features disabled to preserve battery, We have got that message since 1 week after the purchase. I don't know if anyone else has reported this problem, but on the complaint sites when it is googled it pops up with everyone's frustration with the problem and ford. They do not seem to care about the problem

    NHTSA complaint 11632890
  7. Filed Dec 27, 2024Failure Aug 20, 202416,000 milesCedar Lake, INElectrical system

    The contact owns a 2023 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, the low battery warning was illuminated. The contact stated many of the safety features such as the blind spot warning, Electronic Stability Control, and other unknown warnings were illuminated and indicated that the features were disabled. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that there was no failure of the 12V battery. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact had researched online and read that the 12V battery was not able to power all of the safety features for the same year, make, and model. The contact stated that the failure was recurring. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 16,000.

    NHTSA complaint 11632663
  8. Filed Dec 27, 2024Failure Dec 1, 2024Cincinnati, OHUnknown or other

    Popping sound coming under body around gas tank and hybrid battery. Dealerships knows the problem but has not come up a solution to resolve it. They know it’s most common problem with 2020 to 2024 models. The noise is big deal that u can hear it over the radio. I fear that will fall off and cause accidents or hurt someone’s. The problem start when you go past 35 miles hour or more.

    NHTSA complaint 11632590
  9. Filed Dec 11, 2024Failure Oct 14, 20248,000 milesWarrenton, ORElectrical system

    The contact owns a 2023 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the Lane Assist, Forward Collision Avoidance, and other safety features intermittently failed to operate as needed with various messages displayed. The dealer was notified of the failure, and a diagnostic test was performed; the contact was informed that the Hybrid battery had failed to operate at full capacity which caused to the failures. The contact was informed that there was no remedy for the failure. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 8,000.

    NHTSA complaint 11630126
  10. Filed Nov 26, 2024Failure Nov 26, 2024Arkansas City, KSEngine

    Failed to shift into reverse. Seems to run some sort of safety check. Still does not reverse Dash active and showing messages from safety check - lights work. Wont shift into reverse. Car is parked in garage where it has been for previous 14 hours. Temp is above freezing No previous indication of problems other than low tire pressure on one tire.

    NHTSA complaint 11627492
  11. Filed Nov 5, 2024Failure Aug 1, 2024Cranford, NJ12v/24v/48v battery, Interior lighting

    See attached document for complaint.

    NHTSA complaint 11623677
  12. Filed Sep 19, 2024Failure Aug 29, 2024Fairfax, VAElectrical system

    12volt battery is too small Ford replace the battery with another small battery that one failed Vehicle went into sleep mode twice I payed for a AGM battery about a month ago I haven’t had trouble since I want Ford to pay for the larger battery $308.32

    NHTSA complaint 11615519
  13. Filed Aug 22, 2024Failure Aug 22, 2024Taylor Mill, KYElectrical system

    This vehicle is on the shop having it's 3rd 12 volt battery (4th overall if you count the factory battery) installed since I bought it in July 2023. There have been multiple instances of the car refusing to start and actually had to be towed to the dealer on one occasion. The only warning that you get when it is becoming an issue is that the vehicle shows going into deep sleep mode in the Ford Pass app. The batteries seem to last about 6 months on average. I do not have copies of all the service records with me at this time but can provide if needed.

    NHTSA complaint 11610122
  14. Filed Feb 23, 2024Failure Jan 29, 2024Platteville, WIAdaptive cruise control, Vehicle speed control

    My vehicle incorrectly read highway number signs as though they were speed limit signs. This occurred eight times on state highway [XXX] in Florida; and once on state highway [XXX]. The speed limit was actually 55 mph on highway [XXX]. If I would have had “Predictive Speed Assist” turned on, and was using adaptive cruise control, it would have automatically decelerated to 40, +/- whatever “tolerance” I had set. What would happen if this occurs on highway 80, or highway 100? Acceleration to 100 mph, and possibly to 120 mph if I had the tolerance set to +20? This error, which happened while I was a passenger, could significantly exacerbate problem #1. See details in the attached 5 page pdf. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

    NHTSA complaint 11573696
  15. Filed Feb 5, 2024Failure Aug 29, 2023Flat Rock, NCForward collision avoidanceCrash

    See attached document for complaint

    NHTSA complaint 11570029
  16. Filed Feb 1, 2024Failure Feb 1, 2024Memphis, TNUnknown or other

    The incident is that my car continuously enters "Deep Sleep" or "Battery Saver" mode, even immediately after very long drives. This has been recurring since June 2023, and has resulted in one battery replacement at 6 weeks after the car was received (temporarily remediated the issue for about 6 weeks). This has not caused an accident or injury, but does call into question vehicle reliability (e.g., will it start?). I have taken the car in to attempt repairs multiple times to no avail.

    NHTSA complaint 11569374
  17. Filed Jan 24, 2024Failure Jan 11, 2024New Helen, MNElectrical system

    Low Battery Voltage on a brand new 2023 Escape caused the engine to not start, leaving me stranded in 10 degree weather. Had to call Ford towing to get me and my car home. Indicators of low battery voltage include dome lights not turning on, battery saver mode in the FordPass app, and messages on the infotainment screen. Been a week and the dealer has not been able to fix this problem. According to many forum posts, this seems to be a problem in 2020-2023 Ford Hybrid Escapes. See: [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] There should not be this many battery issues, without Ford fixing the actual problem with a recall or TSB. Please help us. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

    NHTSA complaint 11567403
  18. Filed Jan 12, 2024Failure Jan 1, 2024Blairsville, GAElectrical system, Engine, Exterior lighting

    Several symptoms occur: First off Its cold where we live & the car goes into deep sleep mode every night. I get a FordPass message that states battery saver feature is activated. The car fails to start using the remote start or Key Fob. Dome lights don't turn on and remote features not allowed. This is a serious safety concern as it's getting colder, and engines not starting on a brand new vehicle is unacceptable. Please investigate this issue, as Ford dealers claim there is nothing wrong a TSB/Recall is needed to resolve this problem for all customers.

    NHTSA complaint 11565069
  19. Filed Dec 15, 2023Failure Nov 22, 2023Schenectady, NYElectrical system, Engine, Unknown or other

    Several symptoms occur: Car goes into deep sleep mode after an hour sitting idle. Car fails to start, with all warning lights active on dashboard. Dome lights don't turn on and remote features not allowed due to low battery. This is related to non-AGM 12V batteries being installed in the 2020, 2022, and 2023 Hybrid Escape. 2021's have the AGM battery and there are no problems reported on the forums regarding this issue for that model year. This is a serious safety concern as the winters get colder, and engines not starting on a brand new vehicle is a matter of life and death. Please investigate this issue, as Ford dealers claim there is noting wrong, and they refuse to install the AGM batteries. A TSB is needed to resolve this problem for all customers. [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

    NHTSA complaint 11560226
  20. Filed Nov 16, 2023Failure Nov 16, 2023Nipomo, CASeats

    You’re making the new ford cars unsafe for shorter women. I just bought a new ford escape. I’m 5’3” tall (short, but not far from average) and the 2023 ford escape seat HEADREST DOES NOT FIT. My seat is relatively farther forward so my feet can reach the peddles and the seat back is sort of straight up so that I can reach the steering wheel. This puts the headrest pointing forward into my head. I like to wear a ponytail which makes it even worse. The car should accommodate multiple sizes and hairstyles. The old 2013 edge headrest was adjustable and worked, but not this miserable piece of garbage. I’m ready to turn the headrest backwards or chuck this headrest. Please provide a solution!!! P.S.I actually wanted to buy the new ford edge, but couldn’t because the headrest was worse. You’re making Ford cars unsafe for shorter women. Smarten up!

    NHTSA complaint 11555452
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file.
Investigations

NHTSA has not opened an investigation on this model year

Source: NHTSA ODI investigations file.
Service bulletins

14 manufacturer communications cover this model year

Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall.

  • SSM 54808 May 6, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    The instrument panel cluster (IPC) in 2023-2026 Escape and 2025-2026 Maverick hybrid vehicles has a power gauge section on the left side of the display. This power gauge section has a white or gray engine icon that is specifically used to indicate when the …
  • SSM 54631 Mar 6, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Some 2020-2026 Escape and 2022-2026 Maverick 2.5L Duratec hybrid vehicles may require various repairs on the exhaust system. This may require removal of the exhaust heat exchanger. WSM, Section 309-00 Exhaust System > 2.5L Duratec hybrid > Removal and Insta…
  • 24N19 May 20, 2025 · Other
    Certain 2020-2024 Model Year Escape and 2021-2024 Model Year Corsair Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV) – High Voltage Battery Replacement
  • SSM 53352 Feb 4, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    When replacing the 12V battery on 2022-2025 Escape hybrid vehicles, download and run the Battery Type Configuration application using the latest version of the Ford Diagnostic and Repair System (FDRS) scan tool.
  • SSM 52773 Aug 2, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    2023-2024 F-150/Escape/Explorer/Maverick and 2024 Nautilus vehicles equipped with a full hybrid electric vehicle (FHEV) powertrain may exhibit diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0A7D and/or P0DE6 and the vehicle identification number (VIN) is not recognized b…
  • TSB 24-2078 Mar 19, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This article supersedes TSB 23-2244 to add 2024 model year. Some 2020-2024 Escape hybrid vehicles equipped with a 2.5L (FHEV) full hybrid electric vehicle powertrain and 4-wheel drive (4WD) may exhibit a grinding or rubbing noise while braking at or below 1…
  • TSB 23-2420 Feb 6, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Some 2023 Escape Hybrid vehicles built on or before 05-Oct-2023 may experience a pop or click noise during Drive/Reverse engagements most often from the left side axle halfshaft, or in some cases the right axle halfshaft on 2wd models. This may be due to an…
  • SSM 52261 Feb 14, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Some 2023 Escape vehicles with hybrid powertrain built on or before 27-Oct-2023 and 2023 Corsair vehicles with hybrid powertrain built on or before 24-Oct-2023 may exhibit an intermittent no audio condition with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) U1A00:87 stored…
  • SSM 52230 Feb 1, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    2023 F-150/Escape/Explorer/Maverick vehicles equipped with a full hybrid electric vehicle (FHEV) powertrain may exhibit diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0A7D and/or P0DE6 and the vehicle identification number (VIN) is not recognized by the Midtronics xRC-33…
  • SSM 52229 Feb 1, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    2020-2023 Escape/Explorer, 2021-2023 F-150 and 2022-2023 Maverick vehicles equipped with a full hybrid electric vehicle (FHEV) powertrain may exhibit a cable connection error screen from the Midtronics xRC-3363 High Voltage Battery Rescue Charger. The xRC-3…
  • SSM 52201 Jan 24, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Some 2020-2023 Escape, 2021-2023 Corsair vehicles equipped with 2.5L engine full hybrid electric vehicle (FHEV) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) powertrain and 2022-2023 Maverick vehicles equipped with 2.5L engine FHEV powertrain may exhibit a con…
  • SSM 52190 Jan 18, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Some 2023 Escape Hybrid vehicles may exhibit a click or pop noise during drive/reverse engagements most often from the left front axle halfshaft on all wheel drive (AWD) or front wheel drive (FWD) vehicles or in some cases the right front axle halfshaft on …
  • SSM 52024 Oct 27, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Some 2020-2023 Escape/2021-2023 Corsair equipped with 2.5L engine full hybrid electric vehicle (FHEV) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) powertrain and 2022-2023 Maverick vehicles equipped with 2.5L engine FHEV powertrain may exhibit a condition whe…
  • TSB 23-2244 Aug 2, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Some 2020-2023 Escape hybrid vehicles equipped with a 2.5L (FHEV) full hybrid electric vehicle powertrain and 4-wheel drive (4WD) may exhibit a grinding or rubbing noise while braking at or below 10 mph (16 km/h) from the front of the vehicle. This may be d…
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications files.