VehicleVerdict

2023 Ford Escape Phev problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 6 complaints on file for the 2023 Ford Escape Phev — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

6

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2023 compare to other Escape Phev years?

Escape Phev NHTSA complaints by model year, 2023 highlighted101 complaints2020: 1 complaints2021: 28 complaints2022: 101 complaints2023: 6 complaints2024: 4 complaints2025: 2 complaints2026: 0 complaints
Escape Phev NHTSA complaints by model year, 2023 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Escape Phev years to avoid →

What are the most common 2023 Ford Escape Phev problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System350%
Other233%
Fuel System117%

Does the 2023 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.

“The contact owns a 2023 Ford Escape PHEV. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V091000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · June 10, 2026

“When using Apple Car Play for navigation and approaching traffic circles, instrument cluster always indicates the driver navigate to the left of the circle into oncoming traffic. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · June 21, 2023

“The Vehicle's Emission Control System has detected a restricted fuel vapor tube between the fuel tank pressure sensor and the fuel tank which could result in a fire. Service Engine Soon Warning”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · April 21, 2024

2023 Ford Escape Phev — common questions

Is the 2023 Ford Escape Phev reliable?

The record is thin — 6 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2023 Ford Escape Phev have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2023 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 2023 Ford Escape Phev?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2023 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.