Ford Escape Reliability by Year, 2016–2020
Comparing a used Ford Escape? Start with what changed between model years, then open the report for the car you are considering. The records below help you identify recall work, reported symptoms and questions for an inspection.
These records do not establish which year is most reliable. The 2016 has had more time to accumulate reports than the 2020, and we do not have sales or mileage data to calculate failure rates. Why age matters when reading complaints.
What changed from year to year
Compare the EPA-listed engines, transmissions, drivetrains and fuel economy with the previous year, alongside NHTSA crash-test ratings and recall campaigns. Open a pair for the details; the timeline does not cover every trim, equipment or production change.
-
2016
The earliest model year covered here, so there is no prior year to compare it with.
-
2017 Substantially different from 2016
EPA lists a 1.5-litre four-cylinder for 2017 that does not appear in the 2016 listing; the 1.6-litre four-cylinder is listed for 2016 but not for 2017; four recall campaigns name one of the two years and not the other (air bags, back over prevention and visibility).
-
2018
The best combined rating for the 2.0-litre four-cylinder falls from 25 to 24 mpg; four recall campaigns name one of the two years and not the other (air bags, service brakes and visibility).
-
2019
The best combined rating for the 2.0-litre four-cylinder rises from 24 to 25 mpg; three recall campaigns name one of the two years and not the other (air bags, service brakes and tires).
-
2020 Substantially different from 2019
A hybrid appears in the 2020 listing for the first time in this range; EPA lists a 1.5-litre three-cylinder for 2020 that does not appear in the 2019 listing; 26 recall campaigns name one of the two years and not the other (air bags, back over prevention, electrical system and others).
The record, year by year
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | Investigations | Combined MPG | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 4 | 1,109 | 0 | 23–26 | Full report → |
| 2017 | 4 | 2,669 | 0 | 23–26 | Full report → |
| 2018 | 4 | 1,783 | 0 | 23–26 | Full report → |
| 2019 | 3 | 582 | 0 | 23–26 | Full report → |
| 2020 | 23 | 1,810 | 2 | 26–41 | Full report → |
The same years side by side on one screen →
Patterns we looked into separately
These articles examine specific symptoms alongside manufacturer bulletins and recall records. Use the engine, model year and program details to decide which questions apply to the car you are viewing.
Sources and methodology
- Recalls, complaints and investigations: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
- Engines, transmissions, drive types and fuel economy: FuelEconomy.gov (EPA/DOE)
- See our methodology and data sources pages for how these reports are built and their limitations.