2021-2022 Ford Escape Active Shutters and Grill Recall (22V484)

Recall 22V484 at a glance

What is wrong with the 2021-2022 Ford Escape in recall 22V484?

5L HEV or PHEV engines.

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape, 2021-2022 Lincoln Corsair, and 2022 Maverick vehicles equipped with 2.5L HEV or PHEV engines. In the event of an engine failure, engine oil and fuel vapor may be released into the engine compartment and accumulate near ignition sources such as hot engine or exhaust components, possibly resulting in an engine compartment fire.

Is it safe to drive a 2021-2022 Escape with recall 22V484?

NHTSA has not told owners to stop driving, but the risk is real: An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.

NHTSA describes the risk this way: An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.

NHTSA has not issued a do-not-drive or park-outside warning for this recall. Still, get the repair done as soon as it is available, and stop driving if you notice symptoms related to the active shutters and grill.

Which vehicles are included in recall 22V484?

Recall 22V484 covers 100,689 vehicles: 2021-2022 Ford Escape; 2022 Ford Maverick; 2021-2022 Lincoln Corsair.

NHTSA lists 100,689 vehicles in this campaign, built January 19, 2019 to June 13, 2022. Not every vehicle of these models and years is included, so check your VIN.

What is the fix for the Escape active shutters and grill recall?

Yes. Owners are advised to park and shut off the engine as quickly as possible if they hear unexpected engine noises, notice a reduction in vehicle power, or see smoke.

Owners are advised to park and shut off the engine as quickly as possible if they hear unexpected engine noises, notice a reduction in vehicle power, or see smoke. Dealers will modify the under engine shield and active grille shutter, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 19, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S47.

When was recall 22V484 announced?

Ford Motor Company reported recall 22V484 to NHTSA on July 7, 2022. NHTSA lists the owner letter date as August 19, 2022.

This recall was filed 51 months ago, and vehicles were built over a span of 1241 days. If your Escape was built in that window, the VIN check below is the way to confirm it is included.

How do I check if my Escape is part of recall 22V484?

Enter your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. If recall 22V484 is open on your Escape, it will be listed there.

Look up your VIN on nhtsa.gov/recalls. If 22V484000 is open on your Escape, it will be listed there, along with Ford recall number 22S47. You can also ask any Ford dealer to run the VIN. The VIN is printed on your registration and visible through the lower driver-side windshield.

What should Escape owners do about recall 22V484?

Check your VIN, schedule the free recall repair, and keep a repair order for every dealer visit.

1. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm recall 22V484000 applies to your Escape.
2. Call a Ford dealer and schedule the recall repair. Ask how long the repair takes and whether parts are in stock.
3. Get a repair order for every visit, even if the dealer only inspects the vehicle. Read it before you leave and make sure your complaint is written the way you described it.
4. Keep a simple log of any active shutters and grill symptoms with dates and mileage. Video of a warning light or the problem happening is strong evidence.
5. Count the days the vehicle is at the dealer. Days out of service add up toward California's 30-day presumption.
6. If the recall repair does not fix it, or the vehicle keeps going back for the same issue, talk to a lemon law attorney.

What are Escape owners reporting to NHTSA?

Owners have filed 799 complaints with NHTSA about these vehicles since 2020, 24 of them about the body, doors and seats.

NHTSA’s public complaint database lists 799 owner complaints filed since 2020 for the vehicles in this recall, and 24 of them involve the body, doors and seats. Complaints are reports from owners and have not been verified by NHTSA, but a high count for the same component is a sign the problem is widespread.

• 2021 Ford Escape: 348 complaints in total, 12 about the body, doors and seats
• 2022 Ford Escape: 232 complaints in total, 6 about the body, doors and seats
• 2022 Ford Maverick: 150 complaints in total, 1 about the body, doors and seats
• 2022 Lincoln Corsair: 35 complaints in total, 3 about the body, doors and seats
• 2021 Lincoln Corsair: 34 complaints in total, 2 about the body, doors and seats

Here is what some owners told NHTSA, in their own words (excerpts, unverified):

The contact owns a 2022 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, there was an abnormal movement near the rear of the vehicle. The contact became aware that the rear window was detaching. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the drip rail molding was replaced. The failure persisted.

2022 Ford Escape owner, OH, NHTSA complaint 11563026, filed January 2, 2024

The contact owns a 2022 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, she observed a missing piece of the roof rack on the passenger’s side. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the black applique mounting needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired.

2022 Ford Escape owner, FL, NHTSA complaint 11577993, filed March 18, 2024

1. these are manufacturing problems right after I got the car within 1-3 months the seat belt is exceedingly difficult for a child /toddler the seat belts go into the seat and other problems 2.

2022 Ford Escape owner, VA, NHTSA complaint 11567081, filed January 22, 2024

Can recall 22V484 make my Escape a lemon in California?

Not by itself. A recall repair that fails, or repeat dealer visits for the same defect, can support a California lemon law claim.

Recall 22V484000 does not automatically make your Escape a lemon. California's Song-Beverly Act asks two questions: does a warranty defect substantially impair the vehicle's use, value or safety, and did the manufacturer fail to fix it in a reasonable number of tries (Civ. Code 1793.2(d))?

Body and latch defects on the 2021-2022 Ford Escape may seem minor until a door opens while driving or a seat will not lock. Problems that return after repair belong in your records.

The recall repair is available at dealers. If it works, great. If the same symptom comes back, the recall visit is one repair attempt and the next visit is another.

For the first 18 months or 18,000 miles, California presumes the manufacturer had enough chances if the Escape went in two or more times for a defect likely to cause death or serious injury, four or more times for the same defect, or spent more than 30 days in the shop (Civ. Code 1793.22(b)). Direct notice to the manufacturer is required for some of these. The presumption is a shortcut, not the only path to a claim.

An owner who prevails in a lemon law case can recover reasonable attorney fees and costs from the manufacturer (Civ. Code 1794(d)). You pay nothing, win or lose. We are paid only if you win, and the manufacturer pays our fees, including in settlements. If a case is lost, our firm covers the costs.

Frequently asked questions about recall 22V484