Ford Escape body and structure problems, 2016–2026
1,005 of the 9,226 complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Ford Escape 2016–2026 name the body and structure (NHTSA’s “Structure” heading — body panels, frame, roof rails, trim and glass as fitted). The loudest years: 2020 (781), 2021 (127), 2017 (62). Filed under the same heading across these years: 1 manufacturer bulletin, 1 recall campaign, 1 NHTSA investigation. Every figure is a linked federal record; none is a failure rate, none a repair cost, and none a verdict on one car.
Ford Escape body and structure problems by model year
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer communicationsOne row per model year on file, newest first. A year marked in depth has its own page: the complaints, the owners’ words and every document under this heading for that year.
| Model year | Complaints naming the body and structure | Share of the year’s | Typically at | On file under the heading | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | — | — | 2 TSBs | the year → |
| 2025 | 2 | 7% | — | 1 recall | the year → |
| 2024 | 0 | — | — | — | the year → |
| 2023 | 0 | — | — | 13 TSBs | the year → |
| 2022 | 33 | 9% | — | 12 TSBs · 1 recall · 1 investigation | the year → |
| 2021 in depth | 127 | 26% | 41k | 22 TSBs · 1 recall · 1 investigation | the record → |
| 2020 in depth | 781 | 41% | 45k | 25 TSBs · 1 recall · 1 investigation | the record → |
| 2019 | 0 | — | — | 6 TSBs | the year → |
| 2018 | 0 | — | — | 8 TSBs | the year → |
| 2017 in depth | 62 | 2% | 40k | 13 TSBs | the record → |
| 2016 | 0 | — | 30k | 10 TSBs | the year → |
Two things the counts carry that are not the car: how many of each year were sold, and how long each has been on the road — an older year out-counts a newer one before anything is wrong with it. The share column is the honest comparison across years: what part of that year’s complaints named the body and structure. Nothing here is a rate.
When the body and structure complaints were filed, and at what mileage
Source: NHTSA complaint databaseFiled per calendar year, every model year together: 2016: 1 · 2017: 8 · 2018: 7 · 2019: 4 · 2020: 13 · 2021: 20 · 2022: 45 · 2023: 484 · 2024: 305 · 2025: 69 · 2026: 49
Across the model years, half of the 280 owners who gave an odometer reading reported the body and structure problem between 25,000 and 60,000 miles. A median of reports, not the life of a part.
In owners’ own words
Source: NHTSA complaint databaseFiled with NHTSA by the people who own these cars, about the body and structure, from the model years with the most to say. Quoted as written, with anything identifying removed; unverified reports — what was said, not a finding that it was true.
The welds on the bracket inside the drivers door that attatch to the check arm broke, leaving me with 3 holes in my door and unable to close the door
For no apparent reason, Driver side door malfunctioned in early March 2023. Every time the door was opened it would make a horrible popping sound. No accidents or incidents at all with the car, was bought new in Feb. 2021.
Upon opening the driver side door there was a pop. Every time the door has been opened to appx 50% full width the same popping noise occurs. The weld is popped in the hinge but this is not visible without taking the door apart. The door will close properly and the window works at this time
Drivers door bracket broken and makes ratcheting noise. Currie Ford in Frankfort Ill contacted and I was advised it will need a new door. Issue raised up to cover claim. Vehicle only has 40000 miles on it. See SSM 50150
Just pulled out of the gas station. Heard a loud boom. Pulled into nearby parking lot. Discovered passenger rear tire had blown and knocked the rear bottom door panel off. The condition of the tire was horrific! If I had been on the highway traveling at a high rate of speed the results could have been fatal.
What is on file about the body and structure, across the years
Source: NHTSA recalls, investigations and manufacturer communicationsRecall campaign filed under this heading, any model year
- 25V829000 HighDec 1, 2025 · 108,762 vehicles
- 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.
NHTSA investigation
- PE23013 Failed Door Check Arm Attachment Pointopened Jul 7, 2023 · closed Jan 24, 2024
- On July 7, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE23-013 to investigate instances of check arm bracket failure in the front doors in model year (MY) 2020-2021 Ford Escape vehicles. At the time of opening, ODI received 118 Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) alleging this failure. To date, ODI has received 593 VOQs alleging this failure, with a variety of reported failure conditio…
1 manufacturer bulletin filed under this heading, any model year
- Sep 22, 2026
- This article supersedes TSB 25-2466 to add Bronco Sport, Escape, Maverick and Corsair, as well as removing Expedition and Navigator. One time use parts for Corsair and Bronco Sport were also added to the parts list. Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit a headliner rattle or sagging condition around the roof opening panel. This may be due to the adhesive separating f
Every one filed under the heading is listed. Quote the document number at a service desk — it is a diagnosis the maker has already written down.
Other systems with a record on the Ford Escape
Source: the same files- electrical problems
- engine problems
- fuel system problems
- transmission and drivetrain problems
- brake problems
- visibility and wiper problems
- backup camera and parking sensor problems
Every system, every model year: Ford Escape problems by year →
Common questions
Source: NHTSA complaint database, recalls and manufacturer communicationsWhich Ford Escape years have the most body and structure complaints?
2020, 781; 2021, 127; 2017, 62. Raw counts, and an older year has had longer to collect them; by share of each year's own complaints the loudest is the 2020 (41%).
Is there a recall for the body and structure on the Ford Escape?
Yes — one campaign is filed under this heading across these model years: 25V829000 (2025). A recall is matched by VIN, and applies to specific years; check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
When do body and structure problems show up on the Ford Escape?
Owners who gave an odometer reading reported it at a median of 42,000 miles across the model years; half of them between 25,000 and 60,000. That is when reports cluster, not the life of a part.
What does NHTSA's "Structure" heading cover?
Body panels, frame, roof rails, trim and glass as fitted. Owners choose the heading when they file, so it says which area of the vehicle the complaint is about, not which part failed.