Ford Escape VIN Number Check

A free NHTSA vPIC decode tells you which Ford Escape you are looking at. Then check its model year against 100 NHTSA recall campaigns and what owners have reported.

VIN prefix1FM

Free decode plus the NHTSA recalls for its model year. 17 characters, no I, O or Q.

Ford Escape

About the Ford Escape

Ford has sold the Escape in the US since the 2001 model year, and there have been four generations. Gen 1 first (2001–2007), then Gen 2 (2008–2012). The Gen 3 arrived for 2013–2019, and the Gen 4 took over for 2020–2026. Across those years NHTSA lists 100 vehicle recall campaigns and 29,321 owner complaints. Complaints pile up on the Gen 3. Its 2013 and 2017 model years alone account for 5,445 of them, with owners bringing up engine and cooling most often and the powertrain after that. EPA rates the Gen 1 at 17–30 mpg combined, while the Gen 4, whose lineup includes hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions, gets 26–41 mpg, counting the plug-in hybrid on gas alone. A free VIN decode gives you NHTSA vPIC’s record for the car (model year, engine, plant) and the NHTSA recalls for its model year. It won’t show theft, flood or lemon-law history.

US model years2001–2026

GenerationsGen 1 · Gen 2 · Gen 3 · Gen 4

NHTSA recall campaigns100

Owner complaints29,321 at NHTSA

Ford Escape photographed at a US vehicle auction — Auction lot photo, for illustration

Generations

Ford Escape generations

Four generations since the 2001 model year. The Gen 3 (2013–2019) has the most owner complaints, the Gen 4 (2020–2026) the most recall campaigns (46).

4 / 4

Gen 4

2020–20264th generation

Photo: Alexander Migl, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

200120052010201520202025

2020–2026· Generation 4 of 4

Gen 4 · 4th generation

PlatformFord C2

EPA combined mpg26–41

NHTSA recalls46

Engines (EPA)

1.5 L 3-cyl (turbo) · 2020–2026
2.0 L 4-cyl (turbo) · 2020–2026
2.5 L 4-cyl (hybrid) · 2020–2026
2.5 L 4-cyl (plug-in hybrid) · 2020–2023, 2025–2026

Drive & transmission (EPA)

AWD/4WD, FWD
automatic (2020–2026), CVT (2020–2026)

Known issues to check

Structure and body (950)Engine and cooling (441)Electrical system (426)17 high-risk recall campaigns

Mentions in 3,016 NHTSA complaints.

Sample VIN pattern · Gen 41FMCU9G6?LU······NHTSA vPIC decodes it as a 2020 Ford Escape SE, built in Louisville, Kentucky

Check an Escape VIN

Sources: Wikipedia · EPA · NHTSA · vPIC

NHTSA campaign data

Which Escape model years each recall covers

NHTSA data

NHTSA has 100 campaigns on file for Escape model years 2001–2026, and the 2020 shows up in more of them than any other year (25), ahead of the 2021 (21). Move the line to your model year to see which apply.

Pick a row

What to ask

Source: NHTSA recall database, vehicle campaigns only; row text is NHTSA’s summary. A listed year does not mean every car is covered, so check the VIN.

Canada rows: Transport Canada recalls database. Transport Canada recalls that match an NHTSA campaign are folded into that row by VinNumber.net; rows with the Canadian flag have no NHTSA match. Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada · Transport Canada.

Owner reports · NHTSA complaints

What Ford Escape owners report

Owner summaries + NHTSA data

Complaints peak with the 2013 (2,755 of 29,321). Tap any bar or generation.

29,321NHTSA complaints, 2001–2026

825mention a crash

533mention a fire

709injuries reported

Owner complaints by model yearGen 4: 3,016 complaints · most for the 2020 (1,891)

Top complaint areas · Gen 4

Mentions in 3,016 complaints, 2020–2026.

Structure and body950

Engine and cooling441

Electrical system426

Powertrain (transmission, driveline)409

Fuel system394

Forward collision avoidance175

Crashes 53Fires 25Injuries 61

2020–2026 (Gen 4)

NHTSA data summary

The 2020 stands out. On its own it has 1,891 of the ’s 3,016 complaints (63%), and owners across the generation name structure and body most often (950 mentions), then engine and cooling (441).

What Escape owners report across recent generations

Owner summary

2020–2026 (4th generation)

Structure is the largest NHTSA complaint category for the 2020, with many owners describing door trouble, including broken hinges and doors or windows that stop working properly, and CarComplaints ranks a door that will not shut because the hinge broke at a tack weld first for 2020, followed by loss of power steering. Recalls on the 1.5-liter engine cover fuel injectors that may crack and leak fuel and an oil separator housing that may crack, and hybrid models have a recall for engine failures that can release oil and fuel vapor near ignition sources. [1] [2]

2013–2019 (3rd generation)

Coolant trouble defines this generation. The 2013 with the 1.6-liter EcoBoost drew reports of overheating, coolant loss, stalling and engine fires, and CarComplaints notes it was recalled three times within months of launch, twice for fire risk. Recalls covered a fuel line that could split, a cylinder head plug that could dislodge and cylinder head overheating that could crack the head and leak oil. On the 2017, most NHTSA complaints mention coolant, with owners describing coolant leaking into the cylinders, misfires, white smoke and engine replacement. [3] [4] [5]

2008–2012 (2nd generation)

Power steering failure leads the complaints on the 2008. Steering accounts for about half of the NHTSA reports for that year, and a recall covers 2008–2011 Escapes whose steering torque sensor may fail to detect driver input and shut off the electric assist. CarComplaints ranks power steering failure first for 2008, followed by transmission failure and a failed transmission cooler, which it says has a technical service bulletin. Hybrid owners also file about a hundred complaints about brakes and ABS. [6] [7]

What to check before buying

Run the VIN through the NHTSA recall lookup, including the steering torque sensor recall on 2008–2011 models, the 1.6-liter engine recalls on 2013 models and the fuel injector recalls on 2020 and later 1.5-liter models.
Ask for records of coolant leaks, head gasket or engine replacement and transmission work.
On the drive, watch the temperature gauge, check for white exhaust smoke and test the steering and every door.

Sources (7) and method

Sources:

Counts: NHTSA complaints file, records to October 1, 2026, one count per complaint; areas are NHTSA component groups.

Owner summary updated September 25, 2026.

Owner opinions · Reddit

What Ford Escape owners say on Reddit

Summarized from public threads

SummaryPros & consThreads

Escape owners on Reddit keep pointing shoppers to one version above all: the 2.5 hybrid, which they describe as the smoothest and most dependable powertrain in the lineup, with several owners reporting excellent fuel economy and few problems. The three-cylinder 1.5 turbo in the current generation splits opinion. Some owners report trouble-free miles and good highway mileage, while others find it weak until the turbo spools and dislike its low-speed stumbles from cylinder deactivation. Older Escapes carry a reputation for coolant intrusion and transmission trouble, and recalls on recent model years come up often.

Pros

Hybrid models praised as smooth, efficient and reliable
Many 2020 and newer owners report few issues beyond recalls
Comfortable size and good highway fuel economy, even on the 1.5

Cons

1.5 turbo feels underpowered from a stop and can stumble at low speed
Older generations known for coolant intrusion and transmission failures
Frequent recalls and some reports of a weak 12-volt battery on hybrids

Thinking of buying a pre-owned 2022 Escape SEL Hybrid. Talk me out of it. r/fordescape · 2025-01-30
Reliability on the 1.5L engines from the 4th generation r/fordescape · 2025-03-17
2024 Ford escape ST-Line 1.5L Reliability question r/fordescape · 2025-12-15
Thinking of Buying a 2025 Escape Active 1.5 - How’s the Reliability? r/fordescape · 2025-11-16
Would the Ford Escape be a good choice? r/askcarguys · 2025-12-28

Opinions of individual owners, summarized in our own words. Not verified data; check recalls and complaints above.

Owner complaints · by model year

Escape complaint breakdown by model year

NHTSA data

Hybrid and plug-in Escape versions count alongside gas ones. Tap a year to see its top systems.

29,321complaints, 2001–2026

825mention a crash

533mention a fire

709injuries reported

16complaints report a death

Most complaints: 2013 (2,755), 2017 (2,690), 2008 (2,417)

2013 · 2,755 complaints

Crashes 50 · fires 90 · injuries 55

Engine1,269

Power train402

Electrical system340

Steering302

Unknown or other300

Systems as NHTSA names them; a complaint can list several. Source: NHTSA complaints data, records to October 1, 2026.

EPA fuel economy & emissions

Escape CO₂, smog rating and yearly fuel cost

EPA data

EPA lists 152 Escape versions for model years 2001–2026 (gas, hybrid and plug-in hybrid). The lowest tailpipe CO₂ is 52 g/mi, for the 2023 plug-in hybrid. Pick a model year and powertrain to see each version.

Gen 12001–2007

17–30 mpg · CO₂ 296–523 g/mi

Gen 22008–2012

19–32 mpg · CO₂ 278–468 g/mi

Gen 32013–2019

23–26 mpg · CO₂ 338–387 g/mi

Gen 42020–2026

26–41 mpg · plug-in hybrid counted on gas alone · 101–105 MPGe plug-in hybrid · CO₂ 52–347 g/mi

Model year2025

30combined MPG

298CO₂ grams per mile (tailpipe)

$2,250EPA yearly fuel cost

6/10Smog rating

1 = worst · 10 = cleanest

6/10Greenhouse gas rating

California LEV-III SULEV30 · Federal Tier 3 Bin 30Emission standard

Cleanest gas version of 2025: FWD · Auto 8-spd, 3 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo — 30 MPG · 298 g/mi

Best (lowest) CO₂ by model year

GasHybridPlug-in hybrid

Annual fuel cost is EPA’s estimate at its current fuel-price assumptions (15,000 miles a year, 55% city driving), so older years are priced at today’s fuel prices. Smog rating and emission standard can differ by sales area (federal vs. California); both are shown. Greenhouse-gas ratings start with the 2013 model year. Plug-in hybrids: mpg is on gas alone; MPGe combines gas and electricity. Source: fueleconomy.gov.

Compare rivals

Escape vs Toyota RAV4 vs Honda CR-V

NHTSA + EPA data

Take 2008–2012. NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for the Escape, against 21 for the Toyota RAV4 and 18 for the Honda CR-V. Pick a range to compare.

Ford EscapeGen 4

Model years 2020–2026

NHTSA recall campaigns: 46
NHTSA owner complaints: 3,016
EPA combined mpg: 26–41
Engines (EPA): 3-cyl 1.5 L · 4-cyl 2.0, 2.5 L
Also listed: turbo, hybrid, plug-in hybrid
Drive (EPA): AWD/4WD, FWD
NHTSA crash rating: 5★ overall (2024)

Most-reported complaint areas (NHTSA)

Structure and body 950
Engine and cooling 441
Electrical system 426

Toyota RAV4

Model years 2020–2026

NHTSA recall campaigns: 19
NHTSA owner complaints: 1,899
EPA combined mpg: 27–43
Engines (EPA): 4-cyl 2.5 L
Also listed: hybrid, plug-in hybrid
Drive (EPA): AWD/4WD, FWD
NHTSA crash rating: 5★ overall (2024)

Most-reported complaint areas (NHTSA)

Electrical system 405
Engine and cooling 352
Air bags 244

Honda CR-V

Model years 2020–2026

NHTSA recall campaigns: 20
NHTSA owner complaints: 2,744
EPA combined mpg: 28–40
Engines (EPA): 4-cyl 1.5, 2.0 L · Electric
Also listed: turbo, hybrid
Drive (EPA): AWD/4WD, FWD
NHTSA crash rating: 5★ overall (2024)

Most-reported complaint areas (NHTSA)

Steering 926
Forward collision avoidance 538
Electrical system 274

NHTSA recalls (vehicle campaigns for all powertrain versions; equipment and tire campaigns left out), complaints (not sales-adjusted) and 5-Star overall ratings for the latest year rated for all three; EPA mpg, engines and drive. Rivals: same EPA class, picked by VinNumber.net.

Ford Escape VIN number location

Where to find the VIN on an Escape

Tap a spot. Every location should show the same 17 characters.

Blue Ford Escape (fourth generation) crossover, front three-quarter view, with the VIN locations marked

Photo: Hans Haase, CC BY-SA 3.0, cropped

Illustration: VinNumber.net

Photo: SsmIntrigue, CC BY-SA 4.0; edited and VIN pins added by VinNumber.net

Locate the VIN on the plate at the lower driver's side windshield corner. A label with the VIN is on the B-pillar between the front and rear doors. The Gen 4 generation starts with the 2020 model year; the VIN’s 10th character (L for 2020) shows which side of that line a car falls on.

Windshield plateRead it through the glass at the base of the driver's side windshield.
Source: 49 CFR 565.13(f) (NHTSA): VIN inside the passenger compartment, readable through the glazing next to the left windshield pillar
Door jamb labelOpen the driver's door: the certification label on the B-pillar lists the VIN.
Source: 49 CFR 567.4 (NHTSA): certification label with VIN at the driver door hinge pillar, latch post or door edge

The title, registration and insurance card show the VIN as well. All locations should match.

FAQ

Common Ford Escape VIN questions

Which Ford Escape model years have the most owner complaints?

The 2013 leads with 2,755, ahead of the 2017 (2,690) and 2008 (2,417). Those first two alone make up 19% of the 29,321 Escape complaints filed with NHTSA, not adjusted for sales.

How many recalls has the Ford Escape had?

NHTSA’s recall records show 100 vehicle campaigns for model years 2001–2026, leaving out equipment and tire campaigns. By generation, Gen 4 leads with 46. Then come the Gen 3 (33), Gen 1 (18) and Gen 2 (5), and a campaign can span two generations.

Which Ford Escape recalls are high risk?

NHTSA’s record names a fire risk in 00V-277, 07V-156, 12V-005, 16V-777, 12V-336, 12V-431, 12V-551, 13V-583 and 20 more. Do-not-drive advisories came with 12V-336. Each should show as closed on a VIN check.

Which Escape generation am I looking at?

By US model year, the Gen 1 is 2001–2007 and the Gen 2 2008–2012. Gen 3 spans 2013–2019, Gen 4 2020–2026. Read the year off the VIN’s 10th character (L is 2020).

What fuel economy does the Ford Escape get?

It varies. EPA rates the 2020–2026 Gen 4 at 26–41 mpg combined, depending on engine and drive, with the plug-in hybrid counted on gas alone (101–105 MPGe on gas and electricity), up from 17–30 mpg for the 2001–2007 Gen 1 (fueleconomy.gov).

How does the Ford Escape compare with the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V on recalls?

For 2020–2026 models the Escape has 46 NHTSA recall campaigns. The Toyota RAV4 has 19, the Honda CR-V 20. Complaints run 3,016, 1,899 and 2,744 in that order, with no sales adjustment.

What crash rating does the Ford Escape have?

NHTSA’s 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2024 Escape 5 stars overall. Both rated versions, FWD and AWD, get that score.

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Ford Escape VIN Number Check

About the Ford Escape

Ford Escape generations