2023 Ford Escape Problems & Complaints

Short answer: The biggest problems with the 2023 Ford Escape are electrical system issues, engine problems, and forward collision avoidance system problems.

Electrical system issues are the most common while engine and forward collision avoidance system problems aren’t as common.

Some of these problems have resulted in recalls: there are currently 11 recalls for this vehicle. Six of these were for engine or fuel injector related issues while the other five involved electrical system issues or a missing warning label.

Buying a new car can be a stressful process, with the research, time, and energy required to find something that works.

The process can become even more stressful when the purchased vehicle comes with defects. In this article, we discuss the most commonly reported problems with the 2023 Ford Escape.

Common 2023 Ford Escape Problems

2023 Ford Escape Electrical System Issues

Electrical issues are common in modern vehicles due to the number of interconnected systems. In the 2023 Ford Escape, owners reported battery drain and the instrument cluster or infotainment system turning off.

Drained Battery

• Severity: High; a drained or failing battery can disable vehicle functions and immobilize the car.
• Manufacturer’s Response: Recall 24V-954 covers certain 2020‑2024 Escape PHEVs for a high‑voltage battery cell defect that may short and cause battery failure.
• Fix: Dealers will update the battery energy control module software and replace the high‑voltage battery pack, if necessary.

Instrument Cluster / Infotainment System Turning Off

• Severity: Moderate; can keep important information from the driver while they are operating the vehicle.
• Manufacturer’s Response: Recall 23V‑506 covers certain 2023 Escape vehicles where the instrument panel may fail to illuminate.
• Fix: Dealers will replace the instrument panel cluster module (or entire cluster) free of charge.

2023 Ford Escape Engine Problems

Engine problems in the 2023 Escape mainly showed up as overheating, most likely caused by coolant leaks.

Overheating Engine

• Severity: High; engine overheating can lead to loss of power, fire, or major mechanical failure.
• Manufacturer’s Response: Ford issued recalls 25V-343, 25V-345, 25V-372, 24V-634, 23V-380, and 22V-859 addressing fire risks related to engine block heater overheating, manufacturing defects in cylinder heads, fuel injector cracks, and other manufacturing issues.
• Fix: Dealers will inspect affected vehicles under the recall; if eligible, the engine long block or necessary components are replaced free of charge.

Coolant Leak

• Severity: Moderate to high; coolant leaks may lead to overheating, engine damage, or fire if unaddressed.
• Manufacturer’s Response: No related recall or TSB has been released.
• Fix: The dealership should inspect the entire cooling system, including hoses, gaskets, and the radiator. Any damaged or leaking parts should be repaired or replaced, and coolant levels should be restored to proper specifications.

2023 Ford Escape Forward Collision Avoidance System Problems

A vehicle’s forward collision avoidance system is responsible for things like cruise control and automatic emergency braking; usually, it includes sensors that also alert the driver to obstacles on the road.

For the 2023 Ford Escape, consumers primarily mentioned issues with their adaptive cruise control system.

Adaptive Cruise Control Problems

• Severity: Moderate; consumers report their vehicles speeding up without their input, which could be dangerous if the driver does not realize and correct the speed.
• Manufacturer’s Response: Recall 24V‑440 covers a misaligned cruise‑control radar module.
• Fix: Dealers will perform radar module alignment calibration at no charge and verify system operation.

Ford Escape Owner Issues

NHTSA Complaint

“I own a 2023 Ford Escape. While driving with the cruise control set to 45 MPH, my vehicle unintendedly accelerated to 65 MPH. No warning lights were illuminated. My car was not taken to the dealer and was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was unknown.”

NHTSA Complaint

“For the last 2 weeks After accelerating my engine coolant overheat warning light goes off and i can’t accelerate any further until light goes off. Also ford mechanic states there is metal shavings in the coolant that might be causing engine to overheat on top of the sensor issue.”

Kelley Blue Book Complaint

“Car has the 3 cylinder engine. Would not recommend it to anyone. Has vibration in high gear on highway like it is underpowered…transmission is jerky at startup. Maybe a different engine would make a difference but maybe not. Not satisfied at all with my Escape.”

Legal Recourse for Defective Vehicles

Lemon law protection usually comes into play when a vehicle has persistent defects that the dealership or manufacturer cannot fix after multiple repair attempts or lengthy time in the shop.

Owners should keep repair orders, invoices, warranty records, and notes on how the problem affects the car’s use, value, or safety, since this documentation helps show the car may qualify as a lemon.

A lemon law attorney can review this history, confirm whether the defect qualifies, and pursue outcomes such as a refund, replacement vehicle, or cash settlement.

Because attorneys’ fees are often paid by the manufacturer, consumers typically pay nothing out of pocket, and the lawyer can handle negotiations or a lawsuit if necessary, reducing stress for the vehicle owner.

Affected Vehicle	Average Lemon Law Settlement
2023 Ford Escape	$58,661

*Please note, the figures presented in the chart are approximations based on past case results and should not be interpreted as a prediction or guarantee. Each case is unique and requires personalized legal guidance.

Don’t Face Problems Alone—Call us!

Bringing a lemon law case against a big auto manufacturer might feel intimidating, but with the right support, it can be smooth sailing.

The team at the Lemon Law Experts is dedicated to fighting for consumer rights and would be happy to assist you in bringing your claim. Contact us today by calling (877) 885-5366 or get into contact with an attorney by filling out our online contact form here.