Head-to-head reliability
FORD Escape vs FORD Fusion
How the FORD Escape and FORD Fusion compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
FORD Escape vs FORD Fusion: The Escape has 699 complaints per year, half the Fusion's 1,346, but its engine failures can release toxic coolant. The Fusion has 7 deaths and steering control arm breakage. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the FORD Escape or FORD Fusion more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
FORD Escape
The Ford Escape, with 6,990 complaints over 10 years (699 per year), is a compact SUV that owners report struggling with engine and powertrain issues. The most common failures involve turbocharger breakdowns that can pump toxic coolant into the cabin, engine misfires, and powertrain problems affecting brakes and acceleration. Structural issues like door limiting bars detaching also appear, making it a vehicle that may require frequent repairs.
FORD Fusion
The Ford Fusion, with 13,457 complaints over 10 years (1,346 per year), is a midsize sedan where steering problems dominate, including control arm breakage and horn failures. Engine and powertrain issues include transmission flex plate failures and engine knocking, while electrical system problems have led to fires in the hybrid model. The higher complaint rate suggests more frequent and varied reliability concerns.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | FORD Escape | FORD Fusion |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 6,990 Better | 13,457 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 102 | 91 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 126 Better | 465 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 699.0 Better | 1345.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 158 Better | 305 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 7 |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
FORD Escape
- 01ENGINE3,062
- 02POWER TRAIN1,040
- 03ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING949
- 04STRUCTURE807
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER684
Owners report sudden turbocharger failures that saturate the HVAC system with toxic ethylene glycol coolant, and engine misfires with check engine lights. These issues can lead to loss of power and potential health hazards from fumes.
Failures include turbocharger wastegate problems that affect vacuum, brakes, and acceleration, making the vehicle harder to stop and slower to respond.
The driver's side door limiting bar can detach when opening the door, a nuisance that may also indicate broader build quality concerns.
“On January [Insert Date], 2026, my 2024 Ford Escape suffered a sudden turbocharger failure that saturated the vehicle’s internal HVAC system with toxic ethylene glycol coolant. The vehicle’s ventilation system subsequently pumped these toxic chemical vapors d…”
“The contact owns a 2024 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the engine misfired, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an Auto Parts Store, where a handheld diagnostic machine provided informati…”
FORD Fusion
- 01STEERING4,127
- 02ENGINE2,508
- 03POWER TRAIN2,006
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,273
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,129
The front left lower control arm can snap off while turning, causing loss of steering control. Horn failures and blind spot warning issues also plague the system.
Loud knocking/clacking noises, vibration, and fluid leaks occur after routine oil changes, suggesting potential engine damage. Transmission flex plate failures require repeated repairs.
In the PHEV model, sudden engine failure followed by smoke and fire from the high-voltage battery has been reported, posing a fire risk. Other electrical issues can leave the vehicle immobile.
“I’ve learned a while ago that the vehicle doesn’t have a working horn, I’ve replaced the fuse at least five times and it’s still not working. Yes the car was sold to me this way. Also I’ve been getting this warning to my ford app: “The Blind Spot Information…”
“The front left lower control arm (driver's side) snapped off (broke) while turning a corner. There was no reason for the breakage other than turning. It was repaired through insurance. The driver's safety as well as the safety of pedestrians were put at risk…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
FORD Escape — 102 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Escape two-wheel drive vehicles equipped with adaptive cruise control. The cruise control radar module was misaligned during production.
The risk: Misalignment of the radar module can result in the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) misclassifying an overhead object as an object in the vehicle's path, causing the vehicle to unexpectedly slow and/or stop. Other safety systems that depend o…
The fix: Dealers will adjust the angle of the radar module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 3, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S39.
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 Lincoln Corsair, 2023-2024 Escape, 2024 Mustang, and 2025 Explorer vehicles. The fuel injectors may have been assembled without O-ring support discs, which can result in a fuel leak.
The risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will install new fuel injector O-rings and O-ring support discs, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 7, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall i…
The defect: 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…
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 fix: 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.
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Escape vehicles. The passenger side instrument panel cover may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can cause the air bag not to deploy as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Sa…
The risk: During air bag deployment, the air bag cover may break and project fragments into the vehicle, or the air bag may deploy improperly, increasing the risk of occupant injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the passenger side instrument panel cover, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on February 18, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24C38.
FORD Fusion — 91 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Fusion PHEV vehicles. The battery energy control module (BECM) may become damaged due to excessive voltage and current flow.
The risk: A damaged BECM can result in a loss of drive power or fire, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Owners are advised not to charge their vehicles until the remedy is completed. Dealers will replace the battery and update the BECM software for free, or Ford will repurchase the vehicle. If your vehicle is currently operating normally, Fo…
The defect: 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, 2021-2…
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 ca…
The fix: 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.
The defect: 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…
The risk: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: 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 bl…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Fusion PHEV vehicles. The battery energy control module (BECM) may become damaged due to excessive voltage and current flow.
The risk: A damaged BECM can result in a loss of drive power or fire, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Owners are advised not to charge their vehicles until the remedy is completed. Dealers will replace the battery and update the BECM software for free, or Ford will repurchase the vehicle. If your vehicle is currently operating normally, Fo…
Buyer analysis
FORD Escape or FORD Fusion: which should you buy?
The Ford Escape has roughly half the complaint rate of the Fusion (699 vs 1,346 per year), suggesting fewer overall issues. However, Escape's engine and powertrain failures can be more severe, including toxic coolant leaks, while Fusion's steering and electrical problems are also serious. In practice, the Escape may be less troublesome but still requires careful inspection.
Key differences
- Escape has 699 complaints/year vs Fusion's 1,346/year, making Escape less likely to have issues overall.
- Escape's top problem is engine failures (turbo, misfires), while Fusion's is steering (control arm breakage).
- Fusion has 7 reported deaths vs Escape's 0, indicating more severe crash outcomes.
- Fusion's electrical system includes battery fire reports, a risk not seen in Escape's data.
- Check for turbocharger health: listen for whining noises and look for coolant leaks near the HVAC system.
- Test the door limiting bars on all doors to ensure they don't detach when opened.
- Inspect the front lower control arms for cracks or rust, especially on the driver's side.
- For PHEV models, check for any battery-related recalls or service history; avoid if fire risk is a concern.
Before you buy
- Obtain a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic familiar with Ford models.
- Check NHTSA recall status for both vehicles using the VIN.
- Test drive at highway speeds to detect engine misfires or transmission slipping.
- For Fusion, test the horn and blind spot monitoring system.
- For Escape, inspect the door hinges and limiting bars for proper operation.
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | FORD Escape | FORD Fusion |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 1449 | 173 |
| 2019 | 545 | 362 |
| 2018 | 1685 | 422 |
| 2017 | 2595 | 1089 |
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific FORD Escape or FORD Fusion in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- FORD Escape vs FORD Fusion
- FORD Escape total complaints
- 6,990
- FORD Fusion total complaints
- 13,457
- FORD Escape total recalls
- 102
- FORD Fusion total recalls
- 91
- FORD Escape avg complaints/year
- 699.0
- FORD Fusion avg complaints/year
- 1345.7
- More reliable overall
- FORD Escape
- FORD Escape top complaint area
- ENGINE
- FORD Fusion top complaint area
- STEERING