Originally launched in the US as a 2001 model, the 2024 Ford Escape is a fourth-generation SUV, refreshed in 2023. The automaker promotes it as having “a range of features and technology to enhance your driving experience.” However, owners whose vehicles have problems with engine cylinders misfiring, metal shavings in the engine cylinder head, or worse still, catastrophic engine failure, aren’t impressed. Similarly, those who receive multiple fault warnings or experience alarming burning or sulfur smells, find the promised driving experience anything but reassuring.
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Most Common Problems
The most frequent complaints reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) about the 2024 Ford Escape involve the engine. Multiple reports also mention problems with the forward collision avoidance and fuel/propulsion systems.
Other components identified include the airbags, electrical system, lane departure, seat belts, and vehicle speed control. Some additional complaints—labeled as “unknown or other”—mention unrelated issues like broken voice assistance, nonfunctional maps, and major vibrations. One Illinois owner reported that the dealer blamed the shaking on not letting the car warm up, despite starting the vehicle 20 minutes in advance.
Recalls That Affect the 2024 Escape
As of early 2025, five recalls affect the 2024 Escape. These involve the electrical system, forward collision avoidance, gasoline fuel system, equipment, and airbags:
June 2024 – Adaptive Cruise Control Misalignment: 209 vehicles may have misaligned radar modules, increasing crash risk.
August 2024 – Fuel System Leak: 24 vehicles may lack O-ring support discs in fuel injectors, increasing fire risk.
November 2024 – Missing Airbag Label: 27,678 vehicles may not display correct airbag usage instructions, raising injury risk in a crash.
November 2024 – Faulty Instrument Panel Cover: Affects 15 vehicles. The cover may fracture or interfere with proper airbag deployment.
Battery Cell Defect Recall: Involves 20,484 Escape and Lincoln Corsair models. High-voltage battery cells may short circuit, causing power loss and fire risk.
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2024 Ford Escape Complaint Summary
Complaint Category
Number of Complaints
Electrical System
9
9
Unknown Or Other
8
8
Engine
7
7
Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control
Several complaints mention both systems. The most common issues involve engine cylinder misfires and strong odors, though a few cite total engine failure.
Engine Failures
An Oregon owner reported “catastrophic engine failure” within six months. Loud grinding, power loss, and complete shutdown left them stranded in the mountains. A new engine was the only fix.
A Maryland owner received an “engine over-temperature” warning multiple times. Metal shavings were found in the cylinder head. The dealership diagnosed overheating under Ford SSM 52219, but parts were unavailable. The owner worried that the fix might not be permanent.
Cylinder Misfires
An Iowa owner said the Check Engine light appeared at 5,000 miles. A misfire was detected, but the dealer only stated Ford was “aware of the issue.”
A Nebraska owner also got a Check Engine warning. Diagnostic codes included:
P0300 – Multiple cylinder misfire
P0316 – Startup misfire. The dealer had no solution and referred the owner to the NHTSA Hotline.
Burning & Noxious Smells
An Illinois driver noted Check Engine and Forward Collision lights came on at 300 miles. A burning smell filled the cabin despite no visible hazards.
Another owner reported the vehicle repeatedly stalled. Dash messages included a coffee cup icon, and the cabin smelled awful. The problem persisted until the car was repossessed:
“Hopefully, that kept me alive instead of burning up to death.”
A separate complaint involved a sulfur-like smell. Because there were no error codes, the dealer wouldn’t attempt repairs.
Cruise Control Problems
A few complaints relate to cruise control and forward collision avoidance:
One report said cruise control reset to 60 mph whenever route signs were passed.
A Maryland owner received repeated fault warnings while using adaptive cruise control. Features like blind spot detection and cruise control shut down. The dealer reset the Image Processing Module A (IMPA), but the warnings returned six miles later. The final suggestion: wait for a software update.
Electrical System & Seat Heater Burns
A Tennessee driver reported that his wife sustained third-degree burns from the front seat heater during a 500-mile trip. A case was opened with Ford.
What Should You Do If Your 2024 Ford Escape Is a Lemon?
If your 2024 Ford Escape has recurring issues affecting its safety, reliability, or value, it may qualify as a lemon. Lemberg Law can review your situation for free.
We’ve helped thousands of drivers hold automakers accountable under lemon law. If your vehicle qualifies, Ford—not you—must cover all legal fees.
Call our Helpline or fill out our contact form today.
About the Author:
Sergei Lemberg is an attorney focusing on consumer law, class actions related to automotive issues, and personal injury litigation. With nearly two decades of experience, his areas of practice include Lemon Law (vehicle defects), Debt Collection Harassment, TCPA (illegal robocalls and texts), Fair Credit Reporting Act, Overtime claims, Personal Injury cases, and Class Actions. He has consistently been recognized as the nation's "most active consumer attorney." In 2020, Mr. Lemberg represented Noah Duguid before the United States Supreme Court in the landmark case Duguid v. Facebook. He is also the author of "Defanging Debt Collectors," a guide that empowers consumers to fight back against debt collectors and prevail, as well as "Lemon Law 101: The Laws That Lemon Dealers Don't Want You to Know."
