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2023 Ford

Escape FWD HEV

Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.5 L

Ford Escape: best and worst years
2023 Ford Escape FWD HEV

Photo may show a different model year; you're viewing the 2023.

PhotoMic from Reading - Berkshire, United KingdomCC BY 2.0Wikimedia Commons

Overview

Body
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WDEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel DriveEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Transmission
Automatic (variable gear ratios)EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Powertrain
HybridEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Fuel
RegularEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026

Engine & performance

Axle ratio
2.91
Cyl
4EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Aspiration
Naturally aspiratedEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Start-stop system
YesEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026

Efficiency

MPG Hwy
36 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
MPG City
42 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
MPG Comb
39 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Fuel $/yr
$1,600EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
CO₂
225 g/miEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Eco Score
7/10EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Smog score
8/10
Elec. Range
0 miEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
SmartWay certified
Yes

Dimensions & capacity

Length
181 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Width
74 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Height
66 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Wheelbase
107 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Curb Weight
3,519 lbNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026

Safety NHTSA, model year

Overall crash rating
★★★★★
Rollover rating
★★★★
Stability control (ESC)
Standard
Lane-departure warning
Standard
Recalls
11
Owner complaints
89
Reported injuries
1

Reported problems NHTSA owner complaints, model year

  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM26%
  • ENGINE20%
  • POWER TRAIN13%
  • FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE7%
  • UNKNOWN OR OTHER6%
  • FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM5%

Source: NHTSA owner complaints, 142 total.

Ford Escape: best and worst years

Known issues manufacturer service bulletins, model year

186 service bulletins filed with NHTSA for this model year

  • May 29, 2026ELECTRICAL SYSTEMACM-26.S Escape

    Quality improvements include: -Addresses a potential communication condition that may result in a loss of radio audio.

  • May 21, 2026FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEMSSM 54857

    2020-2026 Explorer/Escape/Corsair, 2021-2026 Bronco Sport/Bronco, 2022-2026 Maverick, 2024-2026 Mustang/Ranger/Nautilus vehicles equipped with a 2.0L or 2.3L EcoBoost engine may require removal of the turbocharger wastegate control actuator linkage for various reasons. The Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 303-04 Fuel Charging and Controls - Turbocharger - 2.0L/2.3L EcoBoost > Removal and Installation > Wastegate Control Actuator Linkage service procedure been added. In addition, the wastegate actu

  • May 18, 2026UNKNOWN OR OTHERTSB 26-2205

    This bulletin supersedes 25-2346. Reason for update: add Bronco Sport and Escape vehicles and add labor operations to repair the rear right/left carpet area. Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit a condition where the carpet is loose or torn near the front/rear scuff plate trim panel. This may be due to the carpet tearing at or near the retainer hole.

  • May 15, 2026POWER TRAINSSM 54825

    Some 2023-2026 Escape vehicles equipped with an 8F35 transmission may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) P0767, P0766 and/or P2703 stored in the powertrain control module (PCM) and harsh/no reverse engagement. This may be due to the selectable one-way clutch (SOWC). To correct the condition, remove the transmission. Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM) > Section 307-01. Disassemble the transmission only far enough to access the SOWC. Refer to WS

  • May 6, 2026UNKNOWN OR OTHERSSM 54808

    The instrument panel cluster (IPC) in 2023-2026 Escape and 2025-2026 Maverick hybrid vehicles has a power gauge section on the left side of the display. This power gauge section has a white or gray engine icon that is specifically used to indicate when the vehicle is operating in a specific hybrid mode. The white or gray engine icons are a normal function of the vehicles hybrid display and do not indicate that there is a malfunction and no service actions are necessary to address it. The Owners

  • May 4, 2026POWER TRAINSSM 54797

    Some 2020-2026 Corsair/Escape, 2021-2026 Bronco Sport, and 2022-2026 Maverick vehicles equipped with an 8F35 transmission may exhibit a shudder condition, most noticeable at speeds below 60 mph (100 km/h), with no relevant diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) stored in the powertrain control module (PCM). Sometimes, this may be perceived/felt as an engine misfire. This may be due to the torque converter. If Pinpoint Test K: Torque Converter Clutch Operation in Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 307-01 > D

  • Apr 26, 2026POWER TRAINTSB 26-2194

    This bulletin supersedes 25-2627. Reason for update: To add a Step to reprogram the all-wheel drive (AWD) module for Bronco Sport vehicles. Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit all of the following conditions:  Shudder chatter condition, most noticeable at low speeds turning  No relevant diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) present This may be due to internal rear drive unit (RDU) fluid contamination.

  • Apr 13, 2026ENGINESSM 54738

    Some 2023-2025 Escape 1.5L/F-Super Duty/Transit vehicles may exhibit a lack of cooling from the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, which may be accompanied by abnormal rattling, grinding and/or squealing noises from the engine compartment. This may be due to damage to the air conditioning (A/C) compressor internal components and/or clutch assembly. Confirm ambient air temperature is above approximately 0°C (32.0°F). On the HVAC controls, set the temperature to full cold (n

  • and 178 more

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).

Warranty manufacturer terms, by make

Basic
3 yr / 36k mi
Powertrain
5 yr / 60k mi
Roadside assistance
5 yr / 60k mi
EV battery
8 yr / 100k mi

Information is gathered on a best-effort basis from public sources, may be incomplete or out of date, and is not purchasing or financial advice. Verify with the manufacturer or dealer before buying.