2021-2023 Ford Escape Engine Recall (23V380)

Recall 23V380 at a glance

What is wrong with the 2021-2023 Ford Escape in recall 23V380?

5L HEV or PHEV engines.

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Escape, 2022-2023 Maverick, and 2021-2023 Corsair 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 2021-2023 Escape with recall 23V380?

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.

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 engine, have it checked before driving further.

Which vehicles are included in recall 23V380?

Recall 23V380 covers 125,322 vehicles: 2021-2023 Ford Escape; 2022-2023 Ford Maverick; 2021-2023 Lincoln Corsair.

NHTSA lists 125,322 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 engine 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 replace the engine long-block in 2023 Escape and Corsair vehicles. For the other vehicles, dealers will update the powertrain control module software. If a connecting rod bearing failure is detected, dealers will replace the engine long-block. All inspections and repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 14, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S27. This recall expands and replaces recall number 22V-484. Vehicles previously repaired under 22V-484 will need to have the new remedy completed.

When was recall 23V380 announced?

Ford Motor Company reported recall 23V380 to NHTSA on May 26, 2023.

This recall was filed 40 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 23V380?

Enter your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. If recall 23V380 is open on your Escape, it will be listed there.

The fastest check is NHTSA’s VIN lookup. Type in the 17 characters from your registration or insurance card. Because only some 2021-2023 Escape vehicles are included, the VIN check is the only reliable way to know. A brand-new recall may take several days to show up.

What should Escape owners do about recall 23V380?

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 23V380000 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. Keep a copy of every repair order. Check that each one lists your complaint, the mileage, and the dates in and out.
4. Write down when symptoms involving the engine happen: date, mileage, speed, weather and what you felt or heard. Photos and short videos help.
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 993 complaints with NHTSA about these vehicles since 2020, 146 of them about the engine.

NHTSA’s public complaint database lists 993 owner complaints filed since 2020 for the vehicles in this recall, and 146 of them involve the engine. 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, 47 about the engine
• 2022 Ford Escape: 232 complaints in total, 36 about the engine
• 2022 Ford Maverick: 150 complaints in total, 16 about the engine
• 2023 Ford Escape: 99 complaints in total, 30 about the engine
• 2023 Ford Maverick: 81 complaints in total, 7 about the engine
• 2022 Lincoln Corsair: 35 complaints in total, 4 about the engine
• 2021 Lincoln Corsair: 34 complaints in total, 5 about the engine
• 2023 Lincoln Corsair: 14 complaints in total, 1 about the engine

A few excerpts from owner complaints filed with NHTSA (unverified, lightly trimmed):

The contact’s father owns a 2022 Ford Maverick. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that the electrical components in the vehicle were on; however, the engine was off. There was no warning light illuminated.

2022 Ford Maverick owner, FL, NHTSA complaint 11642369, filed February 12, 2025

The contact owns a 2022 Ford Maverick. The contact stated while her husband was driving at approximately 35 MPH approaching a light with the Auto STOP/START feature engaged, the vehicle shut off. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact replaced the battery.

2022 Ford Maverick owner, NC, NHTSA complaint 11647811, filed March 12, 2025

2022 Ford Maverick had water build up under the front passenger seat floor. I'm at 3.5 years of ownership and the dealer is telling me it will cost $1100 to fix because of an improperly installed windshield and cowl issue which ruined the internal filter and air circulation motor.

2022 Ford Maverick owner, MI, NHTSA complaint 11654046, filed April 11, 2025

Can recall 23V380 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 23V380000 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))?

Engine defects can mean stalling, loss of power, oil consumption or overheating. When the same engine complaint brings the 2021-2023 Ford Escape back to the dealer more than once, that history matters under California's lemon law.

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: 22V484000.

California law presumes a reasonable number of attempts has been made if, within 18 months or 18,000 miles of delivery, the same problem was repaired two or more times for a defect likely to cause death or serious injury, four or more times for any covered defect, or the vehicle was out of service for repairs more than 30 days in total (Civ. Code 1793.22(b)). Some of these require written notice to the manufacturer. A claim can still succeed outside that window.

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 23V380