2020 Ford Escape · Recalls

Is my 2020 Ford Escape affected by a recall?

NHTSA lists 25 safety recall campaigns covering this vehicle. A campaign covers a production range, so only your own VIN can answer it for your car.

Decode Your VIN Back To The Overview

Body style outline

The short answer

NHTSA lists 25 safety recall campaigns covering the 2020 Ford Escape, the most recent reported March 3, 2026. A campaign covers a range of vehicles rather than every one built, so the only way to know whether yours is included is to check your VIN against NHTSA's own lookup. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer, whatever the car is worth and however old it is.

Recall campaigns: 25
Most recent: March 3, 2026
Do not drive: None
Park outside: None

Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, as ingested August 17, 2026

All 25 campaigns, newest first

Every summary, consequence and remedy below is NHTSA's own wording, printed unedited. The campaign number is what a dealer needs if you call to ask whether yours is covered.

Visibility:windshield wiper/washer:motorNHTSA 26V117000 · reported March 3, 2026
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer, Escape, Lincoln Aviator, and Lincoln Corsair vehicles. The windshield wiper motor may fail and prevent the windshield wipers from operating properly.
The risk
Windshield wipers that fail to operate properly can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the front wiper motors as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed April 2, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in October 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S14. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 4, 2026.
Manufacturer
Ford Motor Company
Potentially affected
604,533 vehicles
Manufacturer number
26S14
Back over prevention:softwareNHTSA 26V123000 · reported March 3, 2026
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2020-2024 Lincoln Aviator, and Explorer vehicles. The image on the center display may flip or invert, resulting in an incorrectly displayed rearview image when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
The risk
An incorrectly displayed rearview image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy
Dealers will update the accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 23, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C11. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 5, 2026.
Manufacturer
Ford Motor Company
Potentially affected
889,950 vehicles
Owners notified
June 23, 2026
Manufacturer number
26C11
Power train:automatic transmission:control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)NHTSA 25V881000 · reported December 18, 2025
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Maverick Hybrid and 2020 Escape Hybrid vehicles. The Hybrid Powertrain Control Module (HPCM) software may cause the vehicle to shift into neutral unexpectedly, causing a loss of drive power.
The risk
A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
The remedy
Dealers will update the HPCM software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 12, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S33. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning January 15, 2026. This is an expansion of Recalls 24V330 (24S33) and 25V133 (25S16).
Manufacturer
Ford Motor Company
Potentially affected
87 vehicles
Owners notified
February 12, 2026
Manufacturer number
24S33
Structure:body:hatchback/liftgate:hinge and attachmentsNHTSA 25V829000 · reported December 1, 2025
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape and 2025 Escape vehicles. The liftgate hinge covers may not be properly secured and detach from the vehicle.
The risk
A detached liftgate hinge cover can create a distraction or a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy
Dealers will inspect and reinstall, or replace any missing liftgate hinge covers as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 3, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SD6. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on December 3, 2025.
Manufacturer
Ford Motor Company
Potentially affected
108,762 vehicles
Owners notified
June 3, 2026
Manufacturer number
25SD6
Electrical system:propulsion system:traction batteryNHTSA 25V789000 · reported November 14, 2025
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.
The risk
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.
The remedy
Dealers will update the battery energy control module (BECM) and hybrid powertrain control module (HPCM), free of charge. 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.
Manufacturer
Ford Motor Company
Potentially affected
20,558 vehicles
Manufacturer number
25SC4
Equipment:electrical:engine block heaterNHTSA 25V685000 · reported October 10, 2025
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Lincoln MKC, 2016-2023 Explorer, 2019-2020 Fusion, 2019-2024 Ranger, 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair, Escape, 2021-2024 Bronco, Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
The risk
An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
The remedy
Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded blanking plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed December 3, 2025. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated September 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA4. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 15, 2025.
Manufacturer
Ford Motor Company
Potentially affected
59,006 vehicles
Manufacturer number
25SA4
Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:disc:pads NHTSA 25V693000 · reported October 10, 2025
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Escape vehicles. The rear brake pads may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can reduce brake function in the event of a brake booster malfunction. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
The risk
Reduced brake function can require the driver to apply more brake pedal force, and the distance required to stop the vehicle may be extended, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy
Dealers will replace the front brake pads, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on November 5, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21C31. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 13, 2025. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 21V922.
Manufacturer
Ford Motor Company
Potentially affected
13,451 vehicles
Owners notified
November 5, 2025
Manufacturer number
21C31
Fuel system, gasoline:fuel injection systemNHTSA 25V467000 · reported July 11, 2025
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Bronco Sport and 2020-2022 Escape vehicles equipped with 1.5L engines. A fuel injector may crack and leak fuel inside the engine compartment.
The risk
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source, such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
The remedy
Dealers will update the engine control software. In addition, dealers will replace the high-pressure fuel rail assembly and fuel injectors, free of charge. As an interim repair, dealers will update the engine control software, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed August 29, 2025. Second letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in July 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S76. This recall expands and replaces previous recall numbers 22V-859, 24V187, and 25V165. Vehicles previously remedied under 22V-859, 24V187, and 25V165 will need to have the new final remedy performed once it is available.
Manufacturer
Ford Motor Company
Potentially affected
694,271 vehicles
Manufacturer number
25S76
Back over prevention:softwareNHTSA 25V442000 · reported June 27, 2025
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, MKX, Edge, Continental, F-150, Nautilus, Fusion, 2019-2023 Ranger, Mustang, 2020-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape, F-250 SD, Corsair, 2020-2023 Aviator, Transit, 2020-2024 Explorer, 2021-2024 Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank image, or the image may remain on the display after the backing event has ended.
The risk
A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver. Both of these situations can increase the risk of a crash.
The remedy
Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S72.
Manufacturer
Ford Motor Company
Potentially affected
200,237 vehicles
Owners notified
September 4, 2025
Manufacturer number
25S72
EngineNHTSA 25V345000 · reported May 23, 2025
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Escape, 2021-2023 Corsair, and 2022-2023 Maverick vehicles equipped with 2.5L HEV or PHEV engines that were repaired incorrectly under recall 23V380. 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 resulting in an engine compartment fire.
The risk
An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
The remedy
Owners are advised to park and shut off the engine as quickly as possible if they hear unexpected engine noises, notice a reduction in vehicle power, or see smoke. Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 27, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S54.
Manufacturer
Ford Motor Company
Potentially affected
1,809 vehicles
Owners notified
June 27, 2025
Manufacturer number
25S54
Fuel system, gasoline:fuel injection systemNHTSA 25V165000 · reported March 14, 2025
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.
The risk
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
The remedy
Dealers will update the powertrain control module (PCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 22, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S21.
Manufacturer
Ford Motor Company
Potentially affected
33,576 vehicles
Owners notified
April 22, 2025
Manufacturer number
25S21
Electrical system:propulsion system:traction battery:management system/energy control module (bms/becm)NHTSA 24V954000 · reported December 20, 2024
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.
The risk
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.
The remedy
Owners are advised not to charge battery till the remedy has been completed. Dealers will perform a battery energy control module (BECM) software update, and replace the high voltage battery pack, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 30, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S79.
Manufacturer
Ford Motor Company
Potentially affected
20,484 vehicles
Owners notified
May 30, 2025
Manufacturer number
24S79
Equipment:other:labelsNHTSA 24V852000 · reported November 8, 2024
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. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirement Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
The risk
Without a label that shows the proper restraint usage guidelines, the occupants may have an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
The remedy
Ford will mail owners the warning labels, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 19, 2024. Owners may call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24C39.
Manufacturer
Ford Motor Company
Potentially affected
27,678 vehicles
Owners notified
December 19, 2024
Manufacturer number
24C39
Power train:automatic transmission:control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)NHTSA 24V330000 · reported May 10, 2024
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.
The risk
A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
The remedy
Dealers will update the HPCM software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 22, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S33.
Manufacturer
Ford Motor Company
Potentially affected
9,312 vehicles
Owners notified
May 22, 2024
Manufacturer number
24S33
EngineNHTSA 23V380000 · reported May 26, 2023
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Escape, 2022-2023 Maverick, and 2021-2023 Corsair 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 resulting in an engine compartment fire.
The risk
An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
The remedy
Owners are advised to park and shut off the engine as quickly as possible if they hear unexpected engine noises, notice a reduction in vehicle power, or see smoke. Dealers will replace the engine long-block in 2023 Escape and Corsair vehicles. For the other vehicles, dealers will update the powertrain control module software. If a connecting rod bearing failure is detected, dealers will replace the engine long-block. All inspections and repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 14, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S27. This recall expands and replaces recall number 22V-484. Vehicles previously repaired under 22V-484 will need to have the new remedy completed.
Manufacturer
Ford Motor Company
Potentially affected
125,322 vehicles
Owners notified
May 3, 2024
Manufacturer number
23S27
Fuel system, gasoline:fuel injection systemNHTSA 22V859000 · reported November 18, 2022
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.
The risk
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
The remedy
Dealers will update the engine control software to include fuel injector leak detection and install a drain tube, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed January 9, 2023. Remedy parts are expected to be available in 1st Quarter of 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed February 28, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S73. This recall includes all vehicles previously recalled under 22V-191. Vehicles previously remedied under 22V-191 will need to have the new remedy performed.
Manufacturer
Ford Motor Company
Potentially affected
521,746 vehicles
Owners notified
February 28, 2023
Manufacturer number
22S73
Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 22V484000 · reported July 7, 2022
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 resulting in an engine compartment fire.
The risk
An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
The remedy
Owners are advised to park and shut off the engine as quickly as possible if they hear unexpected engine noises, notice a reduction in vehicle power, or see smoke. Dealers will modify the under engine shield and active grille shutter, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 19, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S47.
Manufacturer
Ford Motor Company
Potentially affected
100,689 vehicles
Owners notified
August 19, 2022
Manufacturer number
22S47
Electrical system:propulsion system:traction batteryNHTSA 22V331000 · reported May 13, 2022
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Escape and 2021 Lincoln Corsair vehicles equipped with 2.5L hybrid powertrains. Insufficient welds inside the high voltage battery may fail, resulting in a loss of drive power.
The risk
A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
The remedy
Dealers will replace the high voltage battery, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on July 12, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed August 8, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S33.
Manufacturer
Ford Motor Company
Potentially affected
27 vehicles
Owners notified
August 8, 2022
Manufacturer number
22S33
Engine and engine cooling:engine:oil/lubricationNHTSA 22V191000 · reported March 25, 2022
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape and 2021-2022 Bronco Sport vehicles equipped with 1.5L engines. The engine oil separator housing may crack and develop an oil leak.
The risk
An oil leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
The remedy
Dealers will inspect the oil separator for damage or oil leaks, and replace the oil separator and seals, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 18, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S21.
Manufacturer
Ford Motor Company
Potentially affected
345,451 vehicles
Owners notified
April 18, 2022
Manufacturer number
22S21
Power train:driveline:driveshaftNHTSA 21V011000 · reported January 15, 2021
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Edge, 2020 Lincoln Nautilus and Ford Escape and 2021 Lincoln Corsair and Ford Bronco Sport vehicles. An inadequate amount of lubricant in the rear drive unit may cause seizure of the rear drive axle.
The risk
If the rear drive unit seizes, there may be a loss of drive and/or a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will check the rear drive unit lubricant level. Axles found to have lubricant at the minimum level will be filled to the full level. Axles found to be below the minimum lubricant fill level will be replaced, free of charge. This recall began March 12, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S02.
Manufacturer
Ford Motor Company
Potentially affected
147 vehicles
Owners notified
March 12, 2021
Manufacturer number
21S02
Tires:pressure monitoring and regulating systemsNHTSA 20V635000 · reported October 15, 2020
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Escape vehicles equipped with a key-start ignition system. The Body Control Module (BCM) intermittently may not pick up the signal from the rear Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) sensors or the Remote Key Fob. In the event of a low tire pressure condition, the TPMS system may not provide an adequate warning.
The risk
Low tire pressure may lead to poor vehicle handling and a possible loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of crash.
The remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the BCM, free of charge. Owners are advised that two key fobs are required for the repair to be completed. The recall began December 1, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S59.
Manufacturer
Ford Motor Company
Potentially affected
689 vehicles
Owners notified
December 1, 2020
Manufacturer number
20S59
Back over prevention: sensing system: cameraNHTSA 20V575000 · reported September 23, 2020
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Ford F-150, F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, Explorer, Mustang, Transit, Expedition, Escape, Ranger and Edge, and Lincoln Nautilus and Corsair vehicles. Due to a poor electrical connection, the rearview camera may intermittently display a blank or distorted image. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
The risk
Reduced rearward visibility can increase the risk of a crash.
The remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rearview camera, free of charge. The recall began November 17, 2020. Remedy became available on February 1, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on February 1, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20C19.
Manufacturer
Ford Motor Company
Potentially affected
620,246 vehicles
Owners notified
February 1, 2021
Manufacturer number
20C19
Power train:automatic transmissionNHTSA 20V550000 · reported September 10, 2020
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Edge, Transit Connect and Lincoln MKX and 2020 Escape and Lincoln Corsair vehicles. The start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing or loose bolts.
The risk
Missing or loose bolts on the start stop accumulator endcap could result in a transmission fluid leak and may progress to a loss of transmission function. A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of fire.
The remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the start/stop accumulator, free of charge. The recall began September 23, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S49.
Manufacturer
Ford Motor Company
Potentially affected
97 vehicles
Owners notified
September 23, 2020
Manufacturer number
20S49
Air bags:side/windowNHTSA 20V415000 · reported July 17, 2020
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Escape and Transit vehicles. The affected vehicles may have an improperly crimped diffuser in the side curtain air bags which may result in the diffuser detaching from the inflator in the event of an air bag deployment.
The risk
In the event of a crash, if the diffuser detaches from the inflator during air bag deployment, the curtain air bag may not inflate properly, increasing the risk of injury.
The remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the side curtain air bag modules, free of charge. An interim letter notifying owners of the safety risk was mailed August 3, 2020. The recall began January 11, 2021. Owners may contact Ford's customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S35.
Manufacturer
Ford Motor Company
Potentially affected
68 vehicles
Owners notified
January 11, 2021
Manufacturer number
20S35
Seats:front assembly:reclinerNHTSA 19V633000 · reported August 28, 2019
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 and 2019-2020 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty pickup trucks, and 2018-2019 Ford Explorer, 2019-2020 Expedition, and 2020 Escape vehicles equipped with driver and/or passenger's manual front seat back recliner mechanisms. Also included are certain 2020 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with rear outboard seats and manual seat back recliner mechanisms. The recliner mechanisms may be missing the third pawl required for seat back strength, resulting in a loose seat back. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 202, "Head Restraints" and 207, "Seating Systems."
The risk
A seat back with an improperly assembled recliner mechanism may have reduced strength and may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The remedy
Ford will notify owners, and Ford and Lincoln dealers will inspect the seat structure and replace them, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 21, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19C07.
Manufacturer
Ford Motor Company
Potentially affected
639,137 vehicles
Owners notified
October 21, 2019
Manufacturer number
19C07

How to check whether yours is one of them.

Take the VIN off the driver's-side windshield or the door jamb sticker and put it into NHTSA's own recall lookup. It answers for that exact car, which no list on a page can. Recall work is free at a franchised dealer of that make, and it stays free however old the car is.

1. Find the 17-character VIN, lower corner of the windshield on the driver's side, or on the door jamb sticker.
2. Check it at nhtsa.gov/recalls, the agency's own lookup. Our decoder will tell you what the number means, but NHTSA is the one that knows whether your car is in a campaign.
3. If it is, call a franchised Ford dealer and give them the campaign number. The repair is free.

NHTSA Recall Lookup Decode Your VIN 917-544-9966

About these records

NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, safety recall campaigns. Summary, consequence and remedy are NHTSA's own wording, unedited. A recall is a manufacturer or agency decision that a vehicle does not meet a safety standard or contains a defect posing an unreasonable risk. It is not a complaint, and it is not an opinion about the car as a whole.

Source and reuse

Registration counts: New York State DMV registration file, five New York City counties, August 17, 2026 snapshot. A registration is a record in a state database, not a car on the road, and the borough is where the registrant receives mail rather than where the car is driven. How we counted.

Fuel economy: EPA and DOE ratings published at FuelEconomy.gov, unaveraged, so each configuration is its own row. Recalls and complaints: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, the agency's own wording, as ingested August 17, 2026. Complaints are reports members of the public filed, not confirmed defects. The NYC registration study is the analysis these counts sit on top of.

234 vehicles in this directory, covering 520,848 registered cars. Data as of August 17, 2026.

What It Is Like To Own Other Escape Years All Fords The Whole Directory