Ford Recalls 100k Escape SUVs

Ford is calling back more than 100,000 Escape sport utility vehicles over a new safety hazard for anyone in the cars or on the road with them

A liftgate hinge cover could detach from the vehicle while driving, Ford recently told federal auto safety regulators. That is a safety issue, the carmaker said.

“A hinge cover that detaches while driving can create a distraction and/or road hazard for other road users, increasing the risk of a crash,” Ford said in a notice filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The recall covers certain Escape SUVs from model years 2020 to 2022 and 2025. 

“Customers may notice the liftgate hinge cover is not fully seated (not flush with roof),” Ford said. “Customers may hear wind noise and rattling noise as they drive.”

Ford became aware of the problem all the way back in July 2021, but did not believe it posed enough of a threat to require a recall, the company said. It changed its mind after receiving additional warranty claims related to the liftgate defect.

The company said it is aware of more than 1,800 such warranty claims. There have been no reports of accidents or injuries, however.

Ford plans to notify owners of recalled cars by the end of January. Owners can check the NHTSA website in the meantime to see if their cars are included in the recall.

“Owners will be notified by mail and instructed to take their vehicle to a Ford or Lincoln dealer to have the liftgate hinge covers removed, inspected, and reinstalled/secured to the vehicle,” Ford told NHTSA. “Missing/damaged components will be replaced. There will be no charge for this service.”

California Lemon Law Rights for Ford Drivers

This is more of the same sad story for Ford and anyone who drives its vehicles. The automaker has held the unfortunate crown of “most recalled brand” for several years running. This year it set a new mark: By July, Ford had already broken the record for most recalls issued in a single year.

And the recalls keep coming. Ford recently called back 300,000 cars in a trio of moves announced on the same day. It cited a range of problems with the cars, including faulty transmissions, falling door trim and moonroof wind deflectors that could detach.

There is some good news in California: Ford owners do not need to wait for defective cars to be recalled in order to get them fixed.

The California lemon law requires automakers to perform a full range of repairs on cars while they are under warranty. It also forces the companies to buy back (or replace, in some cases) vehicles that they are unable to or simply decline to fix. 

Talk with an Orange County Lemon Law Attorney

If you have been stuck with a defective or malfunctioning vehicle, an Orange County lemon law attorney at Bickel Sannipoli APC can help you fight back.  

Call us at (888) 800-1983 or contact us online to speak with an Orange County lemon law attorney.