VehicleVerdict

2022 Ford Escape Phev problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 101 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 25.3 times the median Escape Phev year — the 2022 model ranks #1 of 7 Escape Phev years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Engine leads the complaint categories with 35 reports (35% of the total). In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

101

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

2

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2022 compare to other Escape Phev years?

Escape Phev NHTSA complaints by model year, 2022 highlighted101 complaints2020: 1 complaints2021: 28 complaints2022: 101 complaints2023: 6 complaints2024: 4 complaints2025: 2 complaints2026: 0 complaints
Escape Phev NHTSA complaints by model year, 2022 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Escape Phev years to avoid →

What are the most common 2022 Ford Escape Phev problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine3535%
Electrical System2121%
Other1010%
Transmission1010%
Fuel System88%
Body & Structure55%
Driver Assistance33%
Brakes22%
Steering22%
Visibility & Wipers11%
Seats11%
Speed Control11%
Suspension11%
Airbags11%

Does the 2022 Ford Escape Phev have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

26V091000Electrical SystemFebruary 17, 2026 · 25,191 units

Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2026 Ford Escape and 2023-2026 Lincoln Corsair plug-in hybrid vehicles. A manufacturing defect in one or more of the high voltage battery cells may result in an internal short circuit and battery failure.

Consequence

Battery failure can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. Battery failure can also increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy

The remedy is currently under development. Owners are advised to only use "Auto EV" mode and charge their vehicles to a maximum of 80% battery capacity until the repair has been completed. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, and instructions to limit the maximum charge of the battery were mailed February 26, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SC4. This recall expands previous recall numbers 24V954 and 25V489. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on February 18, 2026.

25V789000Electrical SystemNovember 14, 2025 · 20,558 units

Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Ford Escape and 2021-2024 Lincoln Corsair plug-in hybrid vehicles. A manufacturing defect in one or more of the high voltage battery cells may result in an internal short circuit and battery failure.

Consequence

Battery failure can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. Battery failure can also increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy

The remedy is currently under development. Owners are advised to only use "Auto EV" mode and will be instructed by mail to limit the maximum charge of the battery until the remedy has been completed. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, and instructions to limit the maximum charge of the battery were mailed December 8, 2025. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SC4. Vehicles in this recall were previously recalled under 24V954 and will need to have the new remedy performed. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on November 18, 2025.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“I want to know why there has been no remedy for the 23V380 recall. A remedy was anticipated in October 2023. Also, I got notice of a new recall Ford campaign #23E09 regarding reprogramming the PCM for emissions. When I enter 23E09 on your Web site it takes me to the 23V380 recall. Are they related?…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · January 28, 2024

“I responded several times to ford's letters (ford customer relationship center), including today and was told "ford will not fix the problem at this time" putting my family's life at risk, especially our 2 year old son that the engine can go on fire. should i take legal action?”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · October 28, 2024

“When parked and shut off the car rolled backwards about 6 inches when the door was opened. This happens when returning to the parked car and the door is opened from the outside. It has happened twice. It also happened once when being unplugged from the level 1 charging unit. The dealer was…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · January 22, 2024

“I want to know why there has been no remedy for the 23V380 recall. A remedy was anticipated in October 2023. Also, I got notice of a new recall Ford campaign #23E09 regarding reprogramming the PCM for emissions. When I enter 23E09 on your Web site it takes me to the 23V380 recall. Are they related?…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · January 28, 2024

“I want to hold Ford accountable for Recall 23S27. Ford continues to miss their own planned dates to come up with a solution. I want them to buy back their Lemon at Fair Trade-In Value per KBB, which is $30,500. This reminds me of the Ford Pinto fiasco many years ago. Thanks, [XXX] . INFORMATION…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · May 23, 2023

2022 Ford Escape Phev — common questions

Is the 2022 Ford Escape Phev reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 101 complaints put the 2022 model at #1 of 7 Escape Phev years. It is one of the Escape Phev years to avoid.

What are the most common 2022 Escape Phev problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (35 complaints), electrical system (21 complaints), other (10 complaints).

Does the 2022 Ford Escape Phev have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2022 Ford Escape Phev. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Ford Escape Phev years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Escape Phev years to avoid are 2022. The cleanest record among Escape Phev years belongs to 2026.

How safe is the 2022 Ford Escape Phev?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2022 Ford Escape Phev earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.