2022 Ford Escape: True Cost, Problems & Verdict
228 NHTSA owner complaints · 12 recalls · data-computed verdict. No opinions — public data only.
Editor's note
The third-generation Escape (2013–2019) launched with the 1.6-litre EcoBoost engine, and that engine is the reason the 2013 and 2014 model years carry the highest complaint counts of any compact crossover in the dataset: coolant leaks into the cylinders, overheating and engine fires, addressed by a string of recalls that continued for years. The 2.0-litre EcoBoost in the same body is a better engine, but the transmission and electrical complaints of the early years apply to both. Read the full note on the model page. 2022 specifically: 228 complaints on record, score 65/100 — read the year table on the model page to see where it sits among its siblings.
Read the guide
Used Ford Escape: why 2013 and 2014 are the years to walk past, including 2022 — written and signed by Adir Trabelsi, 2026-09-01.
Owner complaints: 228 filed with NHTSA
Complaints per year on the road: 57.0
What owners say
Verbatim reports filed with the United States safety regulator (NHTSA) by owners of this exact model year. Public record.
Excessive bilateral play/backlash in the steering rack unit was identified by a 3rd party repair organization. Ball-joint wear was ruled out and the problem suspected to be caused by internal wear of mechanical restraints. Third party mechanic advised that the car was unsafe to drive due to possible uncontrolled loss of steering function and that corrective action by the manufacturer was required. Vehicle was subs…
Ford refuses to fix this recall for over a year I am stuck with a car I cannot sell because dealer will not honor recall.
This recall has been in effect for over a year now with no remedy available. I have issues with my engine starting, engine staying running, acceleration during turning, etc. due to this recall. It is extremely unsafe and no remedy being available after a year is very disappointing and puts me in harm everyday.
Recalls: 12 campaigns (6 severe)
| Campaign | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| 22V484000 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape, 2021-2022 Lincoln Corsair, and 2022 Maverick vehicles equipped with 2.5L HEV or PHEV engines. In the event of an engine failure, engine oil and fuel vapor may be released into the engine compartment and accumulate near ignition sources such as hot engine or exhaust components, possibly… |
| 24V187000 | Fuel System, Gasoline:Fuel Injection System | Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Bronco Sport and 2022 Escape vehicles equipped with 1.5L engines. A fuel injector may crack and leak fuel inside the engine compartment. |
| 24V852000 | Equipment:Other:Labels | Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, 2020-2024 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2018-2024 F-150, Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The air bag warning label may be missing from the dashboard. |
| 24V330000 | Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Control Module (Tcm/Pcm/Tecm) | Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Maverick, 2020-2022 Escape, and 2021-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles. The Hybrid Powertrain Control Module (HPCM) software may cause the vehicle to shift into neutral unexpectedly, causing a loss of drive power. |
| 22V149000 | Electrical System:Propulsion System:Traction Battery | Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022 Corsair and 2021-2022 Escape vehicles equipped with a 2.5L Hybrid powertrain. The high voltage battery may fail, resulting in a sudden loss of drive power. |
| 25V165000 | Fuel System, Gasoline:Fuel Injection System | Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape and 2021-2023 Bronco Sport vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall numbers 22V-859 or 24V-187. A fuel injector may crack and leak fuel inside the engine compartment. |
| 22V859000 | Fuel System, Gasoline:Fuel Injection System | Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Escape and 2021-2023 Bronco Sport vehicles equipped with 1.5L engines. A fuel injector may crack and leak fuel inside the engine compartment. |
| 24V954000 | Electrical System:Propulsion System:Traction Battery:Management System/Energy Control Module (Bms/Becm) | Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Ford Escape, and 2021-2024 Lincoln Corsair vehicles. A manufacturing defect in one or more of the high voltage battery cells may result in an internal short circuit and battery failure. |
What it costs to buy — and what owning it really takes
Class-level estimates, priced as a compact SUV of its model year, re-priced to your country. Not a quote, not a valuation of one specific car — condition, mileage and options move it. How these are computed.
What it costs to run
EPA combined 28 MPG · estimated annual fuel cost $2,200
Re-priced automatically from your country's retail fuel, electricity and parts indices — change country in the bar at the top. Estimates; see methodology.
What this car's problems cost to fix
Ranked by the components owners of this exact model year actually complain about. Each figure is flat-rate labour hours x the local shop rate plus a parts band — an estimate of what this kind of failure costs, not a quote, and not a prediction that this car will need it. Formula.
- Fuel System60 complaints · typical job: Fuel pump or injector replacement (3.5 h labour + parts)$680–$1,620
- Gasoline60 complaints · typical job: Fuel delivery and emissions repair (3.0 h labour + parts)$580–$1,360
- Service Brakes34 complaints · typical job: Pads, rotors and caliper service, both axles (3.0 h labour + parts)$580–$1,140
- Engine32 complaints · typical job: Cooling-system or timing-drive repair (6.0 h labour + parts)$1,040–$2,220
- Power Train30 complaints · typical job: Transmission service or clutch-pack repair (7.0 h labour + parts)$1,290–$4,040
- Unknown Or Other24 complaints · typical job: Diagnosis and mixed repair (2.0 h labour + parts)$360–$940
Other Ford Escape years
FAQ
What is the most common problem with the 2022 Ford Escape?
The most-reported issue in NHTSA complaint data is Fuel System (60 complaints in our indexed sample).
Is the 2022 Ford Escape a good used car to buy?
Our data verdict is CAUTION with a reliability score of 65/100, computed from 228 NHTSA complaints and 12 recall campaigns. See the verdict card for the top reasons.
How much does it cost to fix the 2022 Ford Escape's most common problem?
60 of the NHTSA complaints filed against the 2022 Ford Escape sit in the Fuel System group — more than any other component on this model year. The representative job there is fuel pump or injector replacement: about 3.5 hours of labour plus parts, roughly $680–$1,620 at a US independent shop and re-priced to your country at the top of the page. It is an estimate of what this class of failure costs, not a quote for this car.
What does a 2022 Ford Escape cost to run per year?
About $4,513 a year in fuel or energy plus the maintenance band — roughly $22,565 over five years, before purchase price, insurance and depreciation. Figures come from available EPA fuel-economy data and industry maintenance averages, and are re-priced to your country.
Does the 2022 Ford Escape have recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 12 recall campaign(s) for the 2022 Ford Escape, 6 of them touching fire, crash or stall risk, the most recent recorded 07/07/2022. Check this car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls before you buy.
Compare with
Other compact suvs of about the same age.
What will a 2022 Ford Escape really cost YOU per year?
Fuel, maintenance band and depreciation — computed from public data in 10 seconds.
Open the true-cost calculatorData sources
Complaints & recalls: NHTSA ·
Fuel economy: EPA fueleconomy.gov ·
Scoring: our published methodology.
Maintenance bands are industry-average estimates (AAA Your Driving Costs, CarMD index) — labeled estimates, not measurements.
Last updated: 2026-10-04.
Strong evidence — 228 complaints, 12 recalls on record
- 228 NHTSA complaints on record (57.0/yr of exposure) — better than a typical year of this model (92.9/yr)
- 12 recall campaigns, 6 touching safety-critical systems