- Ford recalled 108,762 Escape vehicles after reinvestigating a liftgate hinge cover defect first identified in 2021
- Loose hinge covers can detach while driving and become road debris for other vehicles
- Ford will inspect and secure or replace the hinge covers free of charge
Overview of the Ford Escape Liftgate Recall
In 2021, Ford discovered a defect in some Ford Escape vehicles that could lead to liftgate hinge covers detaching and becoming road obstacles.
It did not pursue a recall then because it determined the pieces too small to cause significant issues on the road.
After further analysis, Ford determined that detached hinge covers could create an unreasonable risk to other motorists, prompting the recall under federal safety standards.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), approximately 6%, or 6,525, of recalled vehicles are estimated to have the defect.
While this recalls involves a safety issue affecting other motorists, repeat or unresolved liftgate problems can also give rise to lemon law concerns.
If the defect persists after recall repairs, consumer may be entitled to a repurchase, replacement vehicle or cash settlement under applicable state lemon laws.
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Why Ford Issued the Liftgate Recall
Short Answer: Short Answer: Ford recalled certain Escape vehicles because plastic liftgate hinge covers may not be securely attached and can detach while driving.
After investigating the issue and determining that the plastic liftgate hinge covers could come off while driving, Ford decided to issue this recall.
Their primary reason is that the detached covers can become obstacles on the road for other drivers, which could lead to accidents.
Ford also mentions that the hinges can rattle at high speeds, which could distract the driver or cause them to think that something else is wrong with their vehicle.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the liftgate hinge covers may detach while driving and become road debris, creating a potential hazard for other motorists.
Ford’s Planned Remedy for the Liftgate Defect
Short Answer: Impacted drivers can take their Fords to a dealership to have the hinge covers inspected, secured, and replaced, if necessary, free of charge.
The hinge covers in question are small, plastic pieces that Ford will inspect at a dealership and repair or replace if needed.
Drivers will receive remedy notification letters in the mail with more details about which dealerships they can take their vehicles to and how the procedure will go.
Recall repairs normally do not come at any cost to the consumer, and this recall is no different.
Owner Safety Considerations Until Repairs Are Completed
Drivers of affected Ford Escape vehicles should be aware that unsecured liftgate hinge covers may detach while driving and fall onto the roadway.
While the covers are small, detached components can become road debris and pose a hazard to other motorists, particularly at highway speeds.
In some cases, loose hinge covers may produce a rattling noise, especially when driving at higher speeds. This sound can serve as an early warning that the covers are not securely attached and should be inspected as soon as possible.
Although the detached covers typically fall behind the vehicle and do not present a direct risk to the driver, preventing road debris is an important safety responsibility.
Ensuring the hinge covers are properly secured through the recall repair can help reduce the risk of accidents involving other vehicles.
Ford Escape Liftgate Recall FAQs
1. Which Ford Escape model years are affected by the liftgate recall?
The 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2025 Ford Escape vehicles are included in this recall.
2. Why is the Ford liftgate defect considered a safety concern?
Detaching liftgate hinge covers can create small obstacles on the road, which other drivers may not see in time (or see at all) to avoid them. Depending on the size of these objects, a car could be damaged by running them over.
3. Has Ford reported injuries or incidents related to the liftgate problem?
According to documentation from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, no injuries or incidents have been reported related to this issue.
4. What should I do if my liftgate covers fall off after the recall repair?
If the hinge covers continue to detach after recall repairs, owners should return to the dealership and document each visit. If the issue persists after multiple repair attempts, lemon law protections may apply.
When Legal Help May Be Appropriate for a Liftgate Defect
Based on prior lemon law cases involving Ford Escape vehicles with safety defects, some consumers may qualify for relief depending on the nature and frequency of their repair history as well as jurisdiction.
| Affected Model | Average Lemon Law Settlement |
| 2020-2022 Ford Escape | $54,059 |
| 2025 Ford Escape | $58,336 |
*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.
The lemon law process generally begins when a vehicle has a defect that keeps coming back despite multiple repair attempts.
Once it becomes clear that the problem isn’t being fixed, especially if it affects safety, reliability, or normal use, the owner should start collecting repair orders, service invoices, and records showing how long the vehicle was out of service.
This documentation helps establish that the manufacturer had a fair opportunity to correct the issue but failed to do so.
After the records are organized, a lemon law attorney can review the repair history to determine whether the vehicle qualifies for a claim.
If it does, the attorney will contact the manufacturer and request a resolution, which may include a buyback, a replacement vehicle, or a cash settlement.
Many claims are resolved through negotiation, but if the manufacturer refuses to cooperate, legal action may be necessary to enforce the consumer’s rights.
Speak With a Lawyer About Your Defective Ford Escape!
Consumers expect functional and satisfying vehicles and dealing with a defective one can be stressful and financially exhausting.
If your Ford Escape experiences liftgate problems after recall repairs, a lemon law claim may be available. To take the first step to get back on the road, contact the Lemon Law Experts today for a free case review to understand your options.
Our team will take a look at your case and help you decide whether to move forward with a lemon lawsuit. Contact us by calling (877) 885-5366 or by filling out an online contact form!
Citations
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Part 573 Safety Recall Report, U.S. Department of Transportation. https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2025/RCLRPT-25V829-2637.pdf. Accessed December 31, 2025.
