2022 Ford Escape Hybrid

On 20 July 2026, my 2022 Ford Escape HEV caught fire in the engine compartment while parked. The vehicle is likely a total loss (insurance pending). On-site emergency personnel responded within minutes of the fire and the local fire department was on scene within 5 minutes of the 911 call. They cleared the incident (and d/c the 12V) within 32 minutes of arrival. Detroit Fire Department Incident: 202620101471. This vehicle was subject to Ford Safety Recall 23S27 and Customer Satisfaction Program 23N06, which address a manufacturing defect in the 2.5L HEV/PHEV engine. Under that recall, connecting rod bearing journals were not properly finished, causing premature bearing and engine failure that can release engine oil and fuel vapor into the under-hood area resulting in a fire. The recall remedy was completed on my vehicle, as were all customer satisfaction program campaigns. The dealer performed the PCM software update, which is intended to detect early signs of bearing failure through diagnostic trouble codes (P1061 and P032F) so the failure can be caught before an engine breach occurs. The engine long block was NOT replaced. Under Ford's own criteria, long block replacement was only authorized if the vehicle exhibited loud metal-to-metal clanking noises, a loss of torque, or the associated diagnostic codes. Dealership personnel assured me an engine light would illuminate and I would have time to safely move the vehicle to the side of the road. My vehicle did not have any warnings: no clanking, loss of torque, or leaks-no diagnostic warnings of any kind before the fire. The recall remedy did not prevent the exact failure it was designed to prevent--Ford's response was inadequate to protect owners. My NHTSA VIN lookup shows no open recalls. I completed every recall and CSP Ford issued. I have complete dealer service records for this vehicle, photos of the damage, hi-res surveillance video is saved at work, as well. The vehicle is intact and has not been salvaged.

The contact owns a 2022 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon visual inspection, there was excessive corrosion on the driver's side door panel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that there was water entering through the front body hinge pillar and down to the rocker panel. The contact was informed that the water should drain out, but instead was causing the excessive corrosion to all four doors. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 21,000.

The contact owns a 2022 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the front driver's side door check arm hinge failed, and the door would not properly open and close. The contact had to enter and exit the vehicle through the front passenger’s side of the vehicle. The local dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact of an upcoming campaign to repair the vehicle. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 70,000.

The contact owns a 2022 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the rear hatch independently opened without warning. The contact also stated that the hatch would independently close shut while loading items into the vehicle. The contact stated that he had been struck on the head several times due to the failure. The dealer was notified of the failure and an appointment was scheduled for an inspection. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.