The Recall Desk
HighNHTSA·21V011000·Announced 2022-03-01

Ford Escape rear drive axle lubricant defect may cause loss of control

Ford is recalling approximately 147 2020 Ford Escape vehicles and related models due to inadequate lubricant in the rear drive unit, which may cause the rear axle to seize and result in loss of vehicle control and crash risk.

What this means for you

Real risk of harm even if no illness or injury has been reported yet. Stop using the product and follow the agency's guidance.

Our severity reasoning: This is a structural vehicle defect affecting the driveline with potential to cause loss of vehicle control and increase crash risk. However, no injuries, deaths, or actual crashes are reported in the source, placing it in the High category per the rubric.

Plain-English summary

Ford Motor Company is recalling certain 2020 Ford Escape vehicles, along with 2020-2021 Edge models, 2020 Lincoln Nautilus, 2021 Lincoln Corsair, and 2021 Ford Bronco Sport vehicles. Approximately 147 units are affected.

These vehicles contain an inadequate amount of lubricant in the rear drive unit. If the lubricant level becomes too low, the rear drive axle may seize.

If the rear drive axle seizes, drivers may experience a loss of drive power and/or a loss of vehicle control, which increases the risk of a vehicle crash.

Ford dealers will check the rear drive unit lubricant level and either refill it to the proper level or replace the entire axle assembly, at no cost to owners. Owners can contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 or call the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236. The recall began in March 2021.

The recalled product

Product
2020 FORD ESCAPE
Brand
FORD
Manufacturer
Ford Motor Company
Category
Vehicle — Driveline / Rear Drive Unit
Hazard
  • axle-seizure
  • loss-of-control
  • crash-risk
Affected units
147

Is your product affected?

Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.

Model numbers (5)

  • ESCAPE
  • EDGE
  • NAUTILUS
  • CORSAIR
  • BRONCO SPORT

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

Related recalls

Same brand · FORD

Same category