2021-2023 Ford Escape Fuel Injection System Recall (22V859)

Recall 22V859 at a glance

What is wrong with the 2021-2023 Ford Escape in recall 22V859?

5L engines.

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Escape and 2021-2023 Bronco Sport vehicles equipped with 1.5L engines. A fuel injector may crack and leak fuel inside the engine compartment.

Is it safe to drive a 2021-2023 Escape with recall 22V859?

NHTSA has not told owners to stop driving, but the risk is real: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.

NHTSA describes the risk this way: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.

There is no do-not-drive order on this campaign. If your Escape shows warning lights or behaves differently in a way that involves the fuel injection system, have it checked before driving further.

Which vehicles are included in recall 22V859?

Recall 22V859 covers 521,746 vehicles: 2021-2023 Ford Bronco Sport; 2021-2023 Ford Escape.

NHTSA lists 521,746 vehicles in this campaign. Not every vehicle of these models and years is included, so check your VIN.

What is the fix for the Escape fuel injection system recall?

Yes. Dealers will update the engine control software to include fuel injector leak detection and install a drain tube, free of charge.

Dealers will update the engine control software to include fuel injector leak detection and install a drain tube, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed January 9, 2023. Remedy parts are expected to be available in 1st Quarter of 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed February 28, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S73. This recall includes all vehicles previously recalled under 22V-191. Vehicles previously remedied under 22V-191 will need to have the new remedy performed.

When was recall 22V859 announced?

Ford Motor Company reported recall 22V859 to NHTSA on November 18, 2022. NHTSA lists the owner letter date as February 28, 2023.

This recall was filed 47 months ago. 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 22V859?

Enter your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. If recall 22V859 is open on your Escape, it will be listed there.

Look up your VIN on nhtsa.gov/recalls. If 22V859000 is open on your Escape, it will be listed there, along with Ford recall number 22S73. 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 22V859?

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 22V859000 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 fuel injection system 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 problem comes back after the repair, return to the dealer and contact a lemon law attorney.

What are Escape owners reporting to NHTSA?

Owners have filed 1,891 complaints with NHTSA about these vehicles since 2020, 433 of them about the fuel system.

NHTSA’s public complaint database lists 1,891 owner complaints filed since 2020 for the vehicles in this recall, and 433 of them involve the fuel system. 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 Bronco Sport: 696 complaints in total, 120 about the fuel system
• 2022 Ford Bronco Sport: 358 complaints in total, 89 about the fuel system
• 2021 Ford Escape: 348 complaints in total, 73 about the fuel system
• 2022 Ford Escape: 232 complaints in total, 85 about the fuel system
• 2023 Ford Bronco Sport: 158 complaints in total, 59 about the fuel system
• 2023 Ford Escape: 99 complaints in total, 7 about the fuel system

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 attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start immediately. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was able to start after the third attempt.

2022 Ford Escape owner, WI, NHTSA complaint 11639875, filed January 31, 2025

The contact owns a 2022 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V859000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) and TSB 24N08. The contact stated that while his wife was driving 65 MPH, the vehicle jerked, and a fuel odor was coming from the vehicle when the vehicle was turned off.

2022 Ford Escape owner, CA, NHTSA complaint 11672086, filed July 8, 2025

The contact owns a 2022 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V467000(Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. An unknown local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair.

2022 Ford Escape owner, MD, NHTSA complaint 11677188, filed July 30, 2025

Can recall 22V859 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.

A recall by itself does not make a car a lemon. Under California's Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, what matters is whether a defect covered by the warranty substantially impairs the vehicle's use, value or safety, and whether the manufacturer or its dealers fixed it within a reasonable number of attempts (Civ. Code 1793.2(d)).

Fuel system defects can cause stalling, fuel leaks or a fire risk. Repeat stalling after a recall repair is a strong sign the fix did not work.

This campaign follows an earlier recall for the same issue. A second recall can mean the first remedy failed, and repeated repair attempts on the same defect are the core of most lemon law claims.

Earlier campaigns on these vehicles involving the same component: 22V191000.

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 22V859