2020 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID Structure Problems

104 complaints about Structure

104
Complaints
0
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Deaths

This Problem Across All Years

All Structure Complaints (104)

Feb 28, 2025

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was an abnormally strong odor of mold and mildew was inside the cabin of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who discovered that rainwater had leaked into the trunk and spare tire well, causing mold and mildew to develop inside the vehicle. The contact was informed that the carpet needed to be replaced. The exact cause of the water intrusion was unknown. The vehicle was not yet repaired. There was no illness or sickness reported. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 60,000. The VIN was not available.

Mileage: 60,000

Sep 25, 2024

The lift gate fills with water when it rains and I worry that it can interfere with the backup camera.

Sep 24, 2024

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated while exiting the vehicle, there was an abnormal crackling sound coming from the driver's side door. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Action Number: PE23013 (Structure). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 78,000.

Mileage: 78,000

Aug 15, 2024

The spot weld in the driver’s side door arm has failed. The door is not closing properly and makes a loud clunk when opening or closing. Car is available for inspection, Dealer can not assess for another week.

Jun 28, 2024

For a little over 24 hours the front driver side door began making a strange crunching like noise. The next day upon attempting to close the door, three welds that hold a long black hinge within the door broke. These are small, sheet metal welds and in no way appropriate for something as heavy and important as a car door.

Jun 24, 2024

The door hinge's weld came off. All of the sudden the door was making noises when opening and closing. When finally, it wouldn't close at all. I was looking on what was wrong and the door hinge wasn't welded on the door and it shows 3 dots where the welding broke off.

May 21, 2024

Hear a popping sound when opening the driver side door on my 2020 Escape Titanium Hybrid. Tack welds all broke free on the driver's side door hinge mechanism. Ford dealership informed me it was not under regular or extended warranty

May 19, 2024

Driver side door made a loud popping sound when opening or closing. Sound came from door hinge area. After only 7 opens, the popping sound turned into a crunching sound and the check arm spot welds broke free from the panel of the door.

May 17, 2024

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the driver's door failed to open all the way, and the contact observed a popping sound coming from the door hinges. Additionally, the contact stated that the driver's side window failed to roll down more than an inch. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the door needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 25,000.

Mileage: 25,000

May 13, 2024

A popping noise has been happening on opening the front doors. Yesterday the passenger door became difficult to close.

May 1, 2024

Front driver door spot welds failed. Ability to open drivers door and window affected. Took to repair shop that told me the welds opening and closing the door all failed. No message or warning, or symptoms prior to failure.

Apr 25, 2024

Driver side door has loud popping noise and am unable to close door. Door popped open when driving

Apr 19, 2024

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while opening and closing the front driver’s side door, there was a popping and cracking sound coming from the door panel. Additionally, sometimes the front driver's side door was difficult to open and close. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 35,000.

Mileage: 35,000

Apr 15, 2024

Door started making horrible sound and not opening/closing very good out of no where.

Mar 28, 2024

This safety incident occurred with both the driver and passenger front doors. There are two hinges matching the body paint, which are fine. A third black hinge spot welded to the door that holds the door open in partial-open positions had the issue. The spot welding has completely come undone on the driver door and is showing stress on the passenger door. A loud, cracking noise and difficulty opening the door indicated this issue. I had to disconnect this item from the body and shove it into the driver door in order to open and shut the door. While this prevents further damage, it severely hampers opening and shutting the door safely. Without the stop action in place, we have a risk of the door flying open and damaging the body of the car or anything else in the door's path.

Mar 20, 2024

Spot weld on driver side door failed, Hinge is now broken.

Mar 16, 2024

My 2020 Ford Escape Hybrid SE driver's side door has failed (ripped) spot welds at the door's arm. I simply opened my car door one day, and heard a loud pop. Ever since I simply opened my car door, my door now has constant cracking/popping sounds when I open or close my driver's side door. Due to issues with my door, my driver's side window now does not move up or down. This issue did not have any warning or symptoms prior to the ripped weld spots, it was a random instance which now permanently has affected my car. I have done some investigating on my own regarding this matter with other Ford Escape owners, and this is a very common issue with this make and model. Some owners that had similar issues with their vehicle stated that their driver's side door flew off when traveling at highway speeds. Due to the previously stated sentence, this is a huge safety concern as a door flying off my vehicle could affect other drivers and put them at risk of injury. I took my vehicle into an auto shop to be diagnosed, who recommended that I take my vehicle into a Ford dealership to deal with this problem directly. The Ford dealership had me call Ford's Customer Service line to discuss my options. Ford's customer service informed me that their is nothing that FMC can do to assist with this matter and that I do not qualify for any financial assistance to cover the cost of this repair. I have been in contact with my Ford dealership who told me that the whole door will need to be replaced, and that this repair will cost a minimum of $3,000. Due to not having any other way of getting to and from work, I have to drive my unsafe vehicle for transportation. There is currently a TSB on this specific issue, but Ford is refusing to consider this matter a "recall".

Mar 9, 2024

Door would not properly close window would not roll down. On investigation weld's on door hinge were broken

Feb 28, 2024

My car had been having no issues and working as expected. I left to depart for my destination and my driver's door made a terrible grinding noise and didn't open smoothly. There was resistance. I am able to drive the vehicle without issue, but I cannot open the driver's door all the way. My local Ford Dealership won't repair the door, citing that I need to wait for the recall from Ford. I'd like to have a fully functional door on the vehicle I purchased.

Feb 26, 2024

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact stated that while opening the front driver's side door, the door made an abnormal metallic sound. Additionally, the contact stated that the door failed to close as needed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the door check arm spot welds were fractured. The contact was provided an estimate for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 74,000.

Mileage: 74,000

Feb 26, 2024

The driver side front door welds have broken on the door closer. The window now operates sporadacially and the door does not always properly latch. The door has opened to the first catch at times. The dealer tells me that the cost will be $4200 to fix. The whole door needs to be replaced.

Feb 19, 2024

On the driver door, the door check welds have failed. Heard a grinding clunking sound and had my mechanic look at the car; he identified what had occurred. I have researched online and found instances where once this is broken the door might open without warning. Because of this I am very gentle in using the door, opening it just enough to get inside. I do not use the window. I had my dealer body shop look at the door and they advised this is a problem they have been seeing. Their repair estimate is about $750. That’s just to rivet the part in place. They advised that to replace the part is approximately $2500. The odd sound the door was making started gradually and became worse. I first noticed a couple of months ago. There were no warning lights or messages prior to failure.

Feb 12, 2024

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. That contact stated that upon entering the vehicle, the driver's side door opened abnormally wide, after which the driver's side door became jammed. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed failures with the high-low voltage converter and the door check arm attachment point. The voltage converter was repaired, but the door check arm attachment point was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Action Number: PE23013 (Structure). The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 21,500.

Mileage: 21,500

Feb 4, 2024

Driver door welds snapped and window controls no longer functions normally. Door does not open or close properly. Inspection available. safety is at risk because door does not close properly and could fly open when driving causing collision and injury to myself or others. Problem confirmed by dealer as a known problem with 2020 Escapes. Vehicle inspected by dealer. Told not repairable- new door needed. Failure occurred without warning in early January 2024.

Jan 29, 2024

Initially driver side door began sluggishly opening proceeding to a grinding open which and finally incomplete opening. Power window has also become inoperable. Dealer charged $400 to look at what is obviously a known problem and said needed a brand new door and quoted $3,000+ (10% of a new car!) Refused service and a mechanic explained the situation regarding the welding failure and said he "opted" to not attempt to re-install the door check, meaning the door now will fly wide open if not perfectly controlled (which will obviously result in damage to hinge system. We found our car with several hilarious flyers printed (attached below) showing the full awareness of the issue.Our escape is a fully loaded Titanium model and issue began developing at about 49,000 miles. Car has never been in a crash of any kind and has 50,000 miles the VAST majority being 300 mile round trips on the highway for work.

Jan 26, 2024

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the passenger’s side door check spot welds had failed, and the door would not properly open or close. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who determined that the door needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 28,000.

Mileage: 28,000

Jan 25, 2024

Ford Escape’s Door Hinges are Defective: Our 2020 Ford Escape driver door hinges had to be repaired by a non-Ford dealer body shop as the car was out of warranty. The Columbus, Georgia Ford dealer diagnosed the problem as being defective door hinges but they do not do body work. The door's rivets popped out and the hinges made grinding and popping sounds when opened or closed. There were no warning lamps or messages about the failure before it occurred. We would appreciate it if the NHTSA would issue a formal recall for this defect so we could be reimbursed for what we paid. Thank you very much.

Jan 24, 2024

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the front driver’s side door failed to open or close as needed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was discovered that the spot weld inside the door was defective, and the contact was provided an estimate for the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

Mileage: 100,000

Jan 23, 2024

The driver side door began making loud creaking sounds and would not close properly. The power window would not go down all the way. I was terrified that the door would come open when I was driving and it did once! The Ford dealer said it is a known issue with faulty welding, but there is no recall. I had to pay $1,250 for the repair and I was without my vehicle for a week!

Jan 22, 2024

Driver's side door hinge/weld problem. That Ford is aware of and not fixing free of charge! These vehicles are 2020-21! Mileage should not matter, because actually high mileage on a new car should show the door is NOT being used very often, rather there are long journeys in between each use. It is problem, they are aware of it, and they are leaving it up to the customer to repair the vehicles. Also, I was told by Ford Dealership it was safe to drive, and further investigating, some of the doors have come off while moving! It is so unfortunate that a large company would have the consumer pay for their faulty/poor work. Let's get this problem on the news.

Jan 22, 2024

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the front driver’s side door failed to open or close as needed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was discovered that the spot weld inside the door was defective, and the door needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 33,420.

Mileage: 33,420

Jan 15, 2024

drivers side front door. Welds are broken. Ford dealership says they are not equipped to repair

Jan 12, 2024

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon entering the vehicle, there was an abnormal popping sound coming from the driver's side door. The contact stated that the failure persisted and ultimately resulted in the driver's side door not latching closed properly. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the door check arm attachment point. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Action Number: PE23013 (Structure). The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 79,000.

Mileage: 79,000

Jan 11, 2024

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while entering the vehicle through the driver's side door, the door made an abnormal popping sound while being opened. The contact stated that the passenger’s side front door also made the abnormal popping sound while being opened. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed the door welds were fracturing. The dealer determined that the driver's and front passenger’s doors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.

Mileage: 30,000

Jan 9, 2024

Driver door: spot welds inside door shell for hinge attachment have broken inside door; door difficult to close and open; unable to properly open/close window

Jan 4, 2024

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while opening the front driver's side door, the door made an abnormal popping sound. The contact determined that the front driver's side door spot welds had fractured. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 58,000.

Mileage: 58,000

Jan 3, 2024

bracket tack welds failed in drivers side front door at attachment of the door check to the door frame. Resulting loose end causes multi-part safety hazard. First, it jams door, randomly presenting it from closing and latching properly, which defeats the auto-lock safety features designed to maintain body integrity in the event of an accident (hazard 1). It also binds now and then, preventing door from being opened for the driver of the car (hazard 2). Third, while flopping around inside the door, the part interferes with the opening of drivers side window (hazard 3). Hazard 2 and 3 in combination create a condition where safe egress from the vehicle in the event of an emergency is not assured for the driver. Dealer confirmed issue and issued quote to replace the door. Manufacturer thinks its not their problem unless its under warranty. Issue is well described in various locations on the web, so its not a one-off manufacturing issue, rather a systemic design/implementation problem.

Dec 27, 2023

There is a spot weld failure inside my driver side door resulting in the door hinge being broken inside the door. The door does not open all the way and it makes loud popping and screeching noises. I can only roll my window down about 3 inches. I am concerned for my safety as I have seen other complaints regarding this issue where the door stopped latching completely. Also, windows are an emergency exit. In the case of an accident, I need to be able to open the window to exit if it is the only viable option. I took my vehicle to the local dealer on 10/27/23 and was told that this issue is not covered by my manufacturer warranty or the Ford Premium extended warranty that I purchased through Ford. I have been told that I will need a new door at my expense. The dealer did offer to reach out to Ford on my behalf but still no response after 2 months of waiting. This is my 4th Ford Escape and I have never had so many issues with a vehicle in the past. Ford is very aware of the hundreds of complaints about this very issue, but still will do nothing to help. It is extremely frustrating.

Dec 21, 2023

The problem appears to be related to defective spot welds at the check arm attachment points on the doors, which can cause the door to fail to secure upon closing or unexpectedly unlatch after being secured.

Dec 19, 2023

Drivers side door spot welds for the door check bracket broke off the door having me to unable to close the door as I was out Christmas shopping at the Mall. I had to drive back home where I could park the car in a safe location and figure out what happened. Upon inspecting the drivers side door and watching videos of the same issue that other Ford Escape drivers have experienced I used a 6" wheel grinder to cut of the door check bracket in order to be able to close the door. It was dark at this time other wise I would have taken the door panel out and removed the complete bracket and door check. Ford is aware of this situation and has no recall on this. Not buying anymore Ford Products!

Dec 12, 2023

Door made popping sound and door is no longer latching. Hinge broke. Dealership states faulty spot weld.

Dec 11, 2023

Spot welds holding the door check arm in place have failed causing loud crunching noises when door is opened or closed

Dec 9, 2023

The front left driver door, welds, malfunctioned, and door will not close.

Dec 9, 2023

Driver side door, popping, clank, clunk sound when opening and closing. Visually, there are new signs of metal damage in proximity with the door brake that were not previously there. Three roundish spots on metal have the appearance of tearing off.

Dec 5, 2023

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the front driver's side door made an abnormal cracking sound while opening. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the front driver's side door and driver's side fender needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 14,000.

Mileage: 14,000

Dec 4, 2023

The driver door is making popping noises when opening and closing. I read this could be the door weld issue.

Dec 1, 2023

My driver side door's arm weld has broken causing my window to no longer function, the driver side door does not unlock electronically, my heads up display no longer works, and the door no longer has any resistance when opening. I understand there is a current investigation going on for these arm welds breaking and am reporting another instance of that. With my vehicle being at 70k miles the door is no longer covered under warranty.

Nov 10, 2023

2020 Ford escape with 37k miles The drivers door started making horrible noises. And became difficult to close properly. All of the spot welds that hold the limiting arm bracket in place have broken and now the arm hangs loose. Window will only roll down part way. This all started 4 weeks ago! I know there is already an NTHSA investigation into this issue. I want to help push it forward to force ford to issue a recall and develop a solution to this defect that is clearly caused by poor manufacturing processes.

Nov 9, 2023

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that after entering the vehicle, the front driver's side door made an abnormal popping sound while closing. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the front driver's side door check arm and welds had fractured while the contact was closing the door. The dealer towed the vehicle to the collision center, where it was determined that the front driver's side fender and the front driver's side door needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 56,000.

Mileage: 56,000

Nov 2, 2023

My vehicle is exhibiting the issues described in SSM 50150. The driver's side door spot welds have failed on my 2020 Ford Escape hybrid. The issue began as a creaking sound as I opened and closed my driver's side front door. The door was also stiff and difficult to operate. 2 days later the door became even more difficult to open and close. A day after that the door welds failed. After the weld failure the door moved freely except the door catch would jam due to it floating. To allow proper door operation of the door the catch had to be unbolted at the body. After the failure I noticed the door panel around the area of the welds is pushed outward and no longer flush with the door along the edges. Also, since the issue began, the window strains whenever I try to raise and lower it and the window cannot be lowered all the way. My assumption is that the catch is tied to the window track. The window track and door catch appear to be associated with the broken welds. I brought the matter to the Ford dealership's attention, citing SSM 50150. They advised me that the vehicle was out of warranty, that the repair was not part of any mandatory recall and that the estimated repair cost was $2,083.14. They noted the possibility of Ford contributing a couple hundred dollars to defray the repair costs.

Oct 25, 2023

1.) Faulty welding of front left door hinge causes loud popping noise when door is in motion. Door would not close. Forced the door to close, which caused the door bracket to break off inside the door. Now the window will not roll down. 2.) Faulty welding of front right door hinge causes loud popping noise when door in motion. Hinge hasn't broken yet.

Oct 24, 2023

2020 Ford Escape Hybrid drivers door retainer support spot welds broken out. Ford will not support repairs. Unable to close door until retainer arm is disconnected. Unable to use window.

Oct 18, 2023

My driver side door is breaking at the welded spots. It started making a popping noise and you can see where the weld spots are failing. I have taken it to the dealership for diagnosis and it is doing the same thing that is under investigation currently. My car it out of warranty due to mileage so it is not a covered repair. At this time I have not had it pop open yet because I am limiting opening that door by crawling in the other side but in the couple weeks since it has started the noise has gotten worse from the times I’ve had to open it.

Oct 16, 2023

Driver’s Door Check Bracket is being stressed. It sounds like it is breaking. Situation has one on very quickly this past week.

Oct 6, 2023

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact stated that after he opened the front driver’s side door, he heard a clicking sound upon closing the door. The contact then stated that he noticed that the front driver’s side door hinge had detached from the door and the door welds had fractured. Additionally, the contact stated that he had to hold the front driver’s side door while driving to his residence. The contact then stated that he had to dismantle the front driver’s side door to be able to safely drive the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the door needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle mileage was over the warrant and provided a case number. The failure mileage was approximately 41,000. The VIN was unavailable.

Mileage: 41,000

Oct 3, 2023

The driver door spot welds for the support arm broke. The door would not close. The dealer said it is not covered by Ford. I called Ford customer satisfaction. Case CAS45401361. Have an appointment for October 9th. Can you help?

Sep 28, 2023

The drivers side front door developed a loud clunking sound upon opening and closing. My car sees somewhat higher mileage than typical and my mileage is at 79K miles currently. Upon inspecting the issue, I determined that the door closing indent mechanism that stops the door from swinging open all the way was jumping around and making the loud thunking noise. Upon further looking I noticed all the spot welds were ripped out of the door body. Those welds hold a bracket on the inside of the door that holds the closing mechanism. I did a bit of online research and determined there was a service bulletin from Ford on this issue. I call the service rep I was working with on another issue and left a message about the door and the service bulletin number and asked for a call back. No Call back received. Meanwhile I have to drive my vehicle so I have been driving it. Opening the door causes loud thumping noises and ocassionally the window will no longer operate. I was going to live with it as didnt really think it was a safety issue. But the other day I stopped quickly on a downhill letft leaning slope and asTher I went to get out the weight of the door pulled me out of the car and I feel next to the car. The car started to roll forward and then slammed into park before the car ran over me. e is a failsafe on my car (hybrid with rotary shift know on console) that disengages the car from drive to park when you open the door. It did work but the 1ish second delay nearly allowed the car to run over me. Fortnunaely I was not injured except for a few bruises from the fall. Ford should make repairs to this car for driver safety issues. From what I read, the repair involves replacing the entire door and can cost thousands of dollars after bumper to bumper warranty is done. It is an obvious manufacturing issue and seems to be developing on many cars as their mileage, and therefore the number of cycles of door opening and closing taking place. Doors flying open should not happen.

Sep 26, 2023

Front left door (driver side door) load popping noise and window wont go down.

Sep 20, 2023

Driver side door check broke off the door. Spot welds failed. Door is very difficult to close Ford has put out SSM50150 message but no recall has been authorized that I am aware of. Online research shows this has happened to many others who have this same model year. Most stated the entire door needs to be replaced at a cost of $2500-$2600. I heard a slight popping sound when opening this door at first and now the door check has broken away from the door. Picture of the failed spot welds attached.

Sep 15, 2023

Driver's side door check bracket welds cracked and separated. Now there are abnormal, loud popping sounds every time I open or close the door. The care only has 37,000 miles on it and I am very conscientious about maintaining my vehicles.

Sep 7, 2023

The arm attachments have become loose as a result of broken spot welds on the driver side door. This is the subject of SSM50150.

Sep 6, 2023

broken spot welds in the left front door at the check arm attachment point in the door assembly. Car is unsafe to drive. Could result I in a door inadvertently opening while driving.

Sep 2, 2023

Every time the driver side door opens it makes a terrible creaking noise and the window no longer fully goes down in the drivers side. Took the door panel off and its definitely a weld error

Aug 25, 2023

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated while opening the front driver's side door, the door weld fractured. The contact stated that she closed the door with force to keep it closed. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer, who informed the contact that the warranty had expired. Additionally, the contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the warning light indicating that the passenger's side door was opened, illuminated and she noticed that the door was not closed securely. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was opened; however, the manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 45,000.

Mileage: 45,000

Aug 17, 2023

4 months after my manufactures warranty ran out, I heard a loud popping sound as I opened and then closed my driver’s door. I looked online and found that this particular model and year are known to have the door check weld break away from the door panel. This can cause the drivers door to swing open without any resistance and is dangerous when parking on an incline or if the door isn’t secured properly while driving. I took the car to the dealership where they informed me that this is a known problem because it is so common but not enough that Ford has issued a recall. Their fix is to replace the entire door assembly instead of rewelding a new one in place to the cost of $2127.58.

Aug 14, 2023

Weld failed in front door making loud popping noise when door opens and closes , affects window operation , eventually affecting door closing

Aug 10, 2023

audible loud click/twang noise from drivers door upon full opening.It happens every time door is opened and has become worse since trip to Virginia where when opening door on a hill the door really started popping loudly at full open.The Ford Dealer says its due to a broken/failed door check weld inside door.Dealer also stated Ford is aware of this defect and released an internal directive called a Special Service Message which directs Dealer to replace drivers door due to a failed weld at the door check assembly base part number 7823552.The Dealer also advised me they have seen multiple instances of unintended door opening/closing failures due to this Safety concern which is very alarming.Unfortunately our vehicle is just out of base warranty by time quoting approx 2899.$ to fix it.I called FOMOCO customer assistance 800 392 3673 created contact CAS44167123-Z9G8H0 requesting WARRANTABLE repair based on known safety defect.FOMOCO denied financial assistance.I am notifying NHTSA of this known defect and the obvious related safety hazard of unintended door opening or failure to fully close .My local dealer advised me they have had to replace doors on approximately 15 vehicle so far and the larger dealer in Brandon advised me they have seen that many failures as well.i certainly hope we r not next.

Aug 9, 2023

Opened door as usual made loud pop noise and now does not shut properly and flings open. Window will not go down and when I accidentally tried to put it down it made the dash flash and go blank for awhile. Ford said it is a known issue but my car went out of warranty in May and directed me to Ford. Ford said that they may help pay for some of the repairs. But will have to see and investigate. I figured it was just a piece that needed to be fixed they say a whole new door? But tonight the door just came open while going down the road.

Aug 2, 2023

After owning this car for 38 months we were out running errands and the driver's door began making a cracking noise when opened or closed. We visually inspected the door and found that it was related to the bracket that keeps the door from opening too far,. The bracket did not appear to be broken on the outside of the door but upon further further review, we noticed that 3 spot welds that secured the bracket inside the door had failed. I have attached a picture of the failed welds taken by the body shop (circled in yellow). The assessment of the body shop was that the door needed to replaced due to a "design flaw" that was known by the manufacturer. When I spoke to the body shop manager he said that he had replaced several doors for the exact same reason in his shop. This car was never in an accident so this issue is just from normal opening and closing. We noticed that the other 3 doors did not have the same method for attaching the bracket to the inside of the door. The loaner car the dealer gave us was also a Escape model (2023) and the flaw had been corrected. Had the car ever been in an accident on the driver's side and those welds did not hold there could have been serious injuries or a fatality. I am requesting that a recall be issued for that model of Escape for 2020 to replace the driver's door.

Aug 2, 2023

In 2021, the driver's side door began to be difficult to open and close. It make a loud cracking or popping sound each time it was opened and closed. Eventually, I was unable to open or close the door at all, and had to enter and exit the vehicle through the passenger door. Ford repaired the door under warranty. In 2023, the passenger's side door began to make the same noise and exhibit resistance to opening and closing. As the car is no longer under warranty, I will have to pay for the repair, but the issue is clearly a defective hinge or weld.

Jul 26, 2023

The left front door is making popping noises. Body shop has stated that the spot welds on the door have failed and the entire door will need to be replaced. Yes, it is available for inspection. Safety issue is that the door could open while driving threatening life of those in car and on highway if door were to pop open. The problem has been confirmed by independent service center. Plan on bringing car to dealership for inspection. No warnings prior to failure, just started without warning.

Jul 24, 2023

Driver side door kept clicking when opening or closing. At one point while opening, hinge where it is riveted in broke off and door will not close properly.

Jul 24, 2023

Dealer advised it is a bracket inside the door that has broken, possibly due to broken welds holding said bracket. The Dealer advised that this is an unfixable issue, and the entire door needs replaced. If it is not fixed, the dealer said it will cause other issues with the door, possibly leaving it inoperable. Dealer also confirmed this is a very common issue with this model and that it is not covered. The Dealer said I will need to repair at my own expense, with an estimated cost of $2,000 or more.

Jul 23, 2023

1 Engine Fire Safety Recall Dealer not able to fix the problem. 2 Driver's side door hinge broken window will not go down. Dealer told me this is not a manufacture problem.

Jul 20, 2023

Drivers door check stop is creaking and snapping and exibiting all the behavior being investgated by your department as reported in the Reuters article https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/us-investigates-346000-ford-escape-suvs-over-door-issues-2023-07-11/

Jul 12, 2023

The contact's company owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the hinge detached from the front driver’s side door. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the front driver’s side door to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the front driver’s side door to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the parts not being available. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. The contact stated the door was set to repaired again on 07/31/2023.

Jul 11, 2023

The driver door made a loud noise when I opened it. I took it to my Ford dealer and they told me the door hinges had broken. Now my window will not go down and the Ford dealer suggested I take the car to a weld shop to fix.

Jul 10, 2023

My front left drivers side door wouldnt close, I noticed the spot welds holding the door strap component in place had broke free and was now being pushed into the door shell. I took my car to the dealership and they said it is not covered. I have since looked on line, on how to repair this defect and see this is a known issue to the make and model year of my vehicle.

Jun 28, 2023

THE MANUFACTURER WELDS ON THE DOOR CHECK ARM FAILED. THIS PREVENTED THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR FROM CLOSING. INSPECTED BY DEALERSHIP AND THEY ACKNOWLEDGED THAT FORD WAS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THEY HAVE HAD MANY SIMILAR FAILURES ON BOTH THE ESCAPE AND EDGE VEHICLES. FORD HAS SAID THEY WILL NOT MAKE "OUT OF WARRANTY" REPAIRS. THE REPAIRS ARE AT OWNERS OWN EXPENSE AND FORD WILL NOT ISSUE A RECALL FOR WHAT IS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT. FORD'S SOLUTION, REPLACE ENTIRE DOOR AND ASSEMBLY. MY OPINION, FACTORY WELDS SHOULD NOT FAIL.

Jun 22, 2023

opened driver side door making a popping noise coming from stop arm. found that spot welds broken off and stop arm will not allow me to open door not allowing me access to get into driver side door. found ssm 50150 on the internet. this is a safety issue and needs to be a recall.

Jun 21, 2023

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while opening and closing the driver's side door, there was an abnormal crunching sound coming from the door. The contact stated that he observed that the welds on the door and the check arm were fractured. The contact stated that the driver's side window no longer raised or lowered as designed. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the driver's side door needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.

Mileage: 40,000

Jun 21, 2023

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while opening and closing the driver's side door, there was an abnormal crunching sound coming from the door. The contact stated that he observed that the welds on the door and the check arm were fractured. The contact stated that the driver's side window no longer raised or lowered as designed. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the driver's side door needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.

Mileage: 40,000

Jun 7, 2023

A panel under the moon roof that is used to deflect water in case water leaks through the moon roof suddenly fell down on the back seat of the car while we were driving with the moon roof open. Upon inspection we discovered that this panel is glued to some foam pads and apparently the adhesive had lost it's grip. We were able to put the panel back in place. But the next time we opened the moon roof it came down again this time bouncing off the back seat and hitting my wife (the passenger) in the head. Fortunately, she was not injured. Had it hit me (the driver) it could have caused an accident with unknown consequences. Ford's response when we addressed it with Dealer was to replace the panel and install it using the same method of adhesive and foam pads. I believe this is an engineering failure because it was not secured with screws or nuts & bolts. Pictures of the part number and part are attached.

May 31, 2023

Broken weld points inside the front driver-side door. There was no accident or impact to the door. The door was used properly and never overextended or caught by the wind to my knowledge. I am the primary driver. My spouse occasionally drives the car and he doesn’t recall any such incidents either. I opened it to get in one day and started hearing a popping sound. Immediately after the popping sound, I was not able to close the door. Ultimately, I was able to close the door but there are creaking and grinding noises every time I use the door.

May 28, 2023

2020 Ford Escape drivers door had the check arm fail due to the inner reinforcement bracket breaking off of the outer door shell. The failure caused the check arm to lodge into the window track and the door would not close and the vehicle couldn’t be driven or secured. The door made a popping sound just 1 time before the failure. Ford states an issue with the check arm welds failing in SSM 51553 but doesn’t have a remedy other than replacing the door. I worry a new door will fail in the same way unless it’s been redesigned.

May 25, 2023

The welds securing the check arm on driver's side door detached without prior warning during normal use, making the door nearly impossible to close fully, and keeping the window from going down more than about an inch. The dealer says they have seen multiple instances of this on the 2020 Escape, and there are many reports of the same thing on the internet. The body shop that repaired it has also seen it many times, always with the 2020 model. Ford appears to have strengthened it in subsequent model, but hasn't issued a recall and won't cover the cost the repair. Obviously, having a door (or even a window) that doesn't operate well, especially on the driver's side, is a safety issue. This detached check arm also allowed the door to swing out uncontrollably if caught by the wind or on a downhill slope, which could damage other cars in a parking lot.

May 24, 2023

On the driver's side door are spot welds that are breaking away and preventing the window from coming down. As documented in SSM-50150.

May 24, 2023

My driver’s side door top hinge the spot welds let go, I already had the door replaced by Ford under warranty back in 2021 my car is not under warranty anymore I have about 156,000 miles on it. I got a estimate at a body shop it will cost me about $1820 to replace the door.

May 22, 2023

Door started squeaking. Dealership checked and found that, "Door skin spot weld is broken under door weather strip near door check." Door has never been damaged by owner.

May 22, 2023

Welds holding driver's side door broke inside the door, door makes a crunching noise, is hard to close and window can't be rolled down. Door was not caught by wind or any other strain, no abnormal use. The car has 26,000 miles and the welds just gave out.

Apr 17, 2023

NHTSA ID Number: 10201603 Manufacturer Communication Number: SSM 50150 Summary Some 2020-2021 Escape vehicles may exhibit cracks or broken spot welds in the left front door at the check arm attachment point in the door assembly. Ford has been provided feedback from fleet customers of this condition on some vehicles with high usage profiles. The door assembly and door check arm replacement is the appropriate repair for this condition. Refer to the parts catalog and Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 501-03 as required to complete the repair. For claiming, use casual part 7823552 and the applicable labor operations of Section 12 and 13 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual.

Apr 5, 2023

While attempting to fuel the vehicle, thinking the hood latch was the fuel door release, the hood latch was pulled (twice). After completing fueling we re-entered the roadway and at about 45 mph, the hood flew up and backwards over the windscreen. We were able to stop the vehicle and close the hood without further incident although there is damage to body panels and the windscreen. Although an operator error was made by confusing the hood latch with the fuel door release, it seems like a poor and dangerous design to be able to completely unlatch the hood (no manual safety under the hood as is customary) allowing it to fly up while underway. Upon further investigation, we determined that the newest generation of these vehicles simply require two pulls of the hood latch to completely release it. The more typical method of one pull of the latch followed by manual release of the safety by reaching under the hood has been abandoned in this design.

Apr 3, 2023

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.

Mar 6, 2023

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. This morning when the door was opened it sounded like something snapped, now the door will just swing wide open so I have to hold the door and barely open to squeeze in and out or it won't shut correctly. Called Ford Dealership and was advised to take to a body shop for repair, which would involve replacing the left front door check arm and door because the spot welds break on the driver door check arm attachment point, at a price point of over $2K. They stated that is is a common occurrence on the 2020 Escapes, because of a manufacturer defect. This is mentioned in the NHTSA ID #10201603. If a door will not properly shut or window properly open it won't pass a safety inspection for any state.

Dec 20, 2022

Driver door brake bracket spot welds failed preventing driver door from closing. Fortunately for me the event happened when I arrived home buy renders the vehicle unusable because the driver door is hanging nearly wide-open. I see via the internet thay others with this same vehicle are having the same issue and the repair requires the door to be replaced but there are no doors available. There are only 3 tiny spot welds securing this bracket to the door. The car has 49 thousand miles on the odometer and to my knowledge has never been wrecked. I purchased it in 2020 with 4 thousand miles on the odometer from Greene Ford in Gainesville Georgia.

Jun 13, 2022

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated while getting into the vehicle she heard a loud noise when opening and closing the driver's side door. The contact stated that the driver's side door failed to open as needed and the driver's side window failed to roll down as needed. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the door needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 48,010.

Mileage: 48,010

Jan 8, 2022

I experienced hearing a sloshing noise in my trunk, so when I open the trunk and inspected the battery compartment, it was completely flooded with water. The negative terminal is submerged in water and the positive wires are submerged in water. I tried to scoop out the water and got most all of it out, the next day it was full again!

Nov 14, 2021

The weld inside the driver door broke.

May 11, 2021

LIFT GATE RANDOMLY CLOSED HIT ME IN THE HEAD WHEN I AS IN THE BACK OF THE CAR.THELIFT GATE RANDOMLY OPENED WHEN I WALKED BEHIND THE CAR.

Mileage: 55

Feb 1, 2021

TAILGATE LOWERS WITHOUT DRIVER ACTION. WHILE UNLOADING REAR AREA TAILGATE LOWERED ON HEAD

Mileage: 400

Jan 14, 2021

PANORAMIC VISTA ROOF PANEL IMPROPERLY ALIGNED FROM FACTORY WHICH ALLOWED RAIN WATER TO FLOW TO INTERIOR AND DAMAGE HEADLINER / WET ELECTRONICS OF VEHICLE DUE TO FRONT EDGE OF THE SLIDING GLASS PANEL NOT FULLY CONTACTING THE MARGIN SEAL.

Mileage: 790

Oct 26, 2020

I WAS DRIVING FOR LYFT IN FLAGSTAFF ARIZONA A PASSENGER OPEN UP THE RIGHT REAR DOOR A GUST OF WIND PUSHING THE DOOR FURTHER OPEN THEN IT SHOULD HAVE CAUSING THE DOOR TO BEND

Mileage: 20,700

Jun 25, 2020

VEHICLE HAS <500 MILES ON IT. HEADLINER DROPPING BELOW DOOR TRIM ON BOTH FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE. *TR

Mileage: 500

Jun 25, 2020

VEHICLE PURCHASED 5/12/20. ON 5/22/20, AT ODO 84 MILES, ON STARTUP, VEHICLE DISPLAYED POWERTRAIN FAULT - ILLUMINATES WHEN A POWERTRAIN OR AWD FAULT HAS BEEN DETECTED. CONTACT YOUR AUTHORIZED DEALER AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. VEHICLE FLAT BED TOWED TO SUNSTATE FORD WEST COLONIAL DR ORLANDO FL (PURCHASE DEALERSHIP). SERVICE TEAM HAD VEHICLE 5 DAYS. CLEARED CODES U0131, U0100, U0140, U0155, U0198, U0253, U0257, P0919, U0212, U023A, U0103, U0111, U0121, U013F, U0159, U0232, U0233, U0293, U0401, U0415, U0420, U0424, U0531, U0101, U0418, U0429, U0146. 4 MILE TEST DRIVE. 20 MILE DRIVE RETURNED VEHICLE WITH NO CAUSE OR CORRECTION. ONLY EXPLAINED POWERTRAIN FAILURE COULD NOT BE REPLICATED. SINCE RETURN, REAR AUTOMATIC LIFTGATE INTERMITTENT FAILURE, BACK UP CAMERA FAILURE, HEADLINER DROP AT FRONT PASSENGER AND DRIVER DOOR SEAL. *TR

Mileage: 84