Service bulletins for the 2020 Ford Escape
A bulletin is a manufacturer's communication to its dealers, as NHTSA indexes it. The summary is NHTSA's. The document is the manufacturer's: read it at NHTSA. A bulletin is not a recall, and listing a model year does not mean every vehicle of it is concerned.
291 on file from NHTSA, as of 2026-10-19.
By type
By component
By trouble code
| SSM 50171 | 2021-10-29. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL. Some 2019-2021 Edge/Nautilus/Ranger, 2020-2021 Escape/Corsair/Explorer, and 2021 Bronco Sport vehicles equipped with a 2.0L/2.3L EcoBoost may exhibit a lack of power with an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) P02AB, P0243, P0299, P1464, P25B3, P25B4, P2AB7, P2AB8 and/or P2AB9. This may be due to an inoperative wastegate actuator, missing wastegate actuator e-clip or non-visible damage to the actuator rod. A lower level service component has been released, K2GZ-9G488-B for Edge/Nautilus/Escape/Corsair/Bronco Sport vehicles and LB5Z-9G488-B for Explorer/Ranger vehicles, for service to replace the actuator, actuator rod and both e-clips. When replacing the wastegate actuator, it is important to replace all parts in the service kit. Turbocharger replacement is not necessary to correct the condition. |
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| SSM 50165 | 2021-10-29. Service bulletin. LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES; STRUCTURE. Some 2020-2021 Escape/Corsair vehicles may exhibit a door ajar warning indicator or higher than expected efforts to fully close doors. Verify the hood/liftgate are not open. Confirm all doors are fully closed and latches are fully engaged. Doors will not fully close when lightly letting go of the door or letting it swing closed from a short distance under its own weight. Push/pull effort must be applied to doors while closing to fully engage latch and turn off the ajar signal warning. If doors are still not fully latching closed, manually adjust door striker position to allow for proper alignment and engagement to the door latch. The door hang position may also need to be slightly adjusted to achieve the same effect. Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 501-03. |
| TSB 21-2294 | 2021-09-30. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM); POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION:INTERNAL:DOGS/SYNCHROS. Some 2019-2020 Edge/F-150/Fusion/Continental/MKZ/Nautilus, 2019-2021 Mustang/Ranger/Transit Connect, 2020-2021 EcoSport/Escape/Expedition/Explorer/F-Super Duty/Aviator/Corsair/Navigator and 2021 Bronco Sport vehicles with SYNC 3 may experience various SYNC performance related concerns To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to update the accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software. |
| SSM 50151 | 2021-09-28. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator Hybrids, 2021 Corsair Hybrid, 2021 F-150 PowerBoost, and 2021 Mustang Mach-E vehicles may exhibit a no-start with a Stop Safely Now warning message in the instrument panel cluster (IPC). The vehicle may have one or more of the following DTCs P0A23, P0A6F, P0A72, P0A75, P0A71, P0A74, P0A77, P0DFA, P06B1, P0A47, P1A0E set by the secondary on-board diagnostic module C (SOBDMC) or secondary on-board diagnostic module B (SOBDMB). This may be due to a drop in the 12-volt circuit. These DTCs will often occur at vehicle key-on and may be difficult to reproduce. Before replacement of the SOBDMC or SOBDMB, diagnose any low voltage DTCs (P0562, U3003) in other modules in the 12V system. If low voltage (less than 10V) is observed in these DTCs snapshot, diagnose the 12v system first. Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 418-00. |
| SSM 50150 | 2021-09-28. Service bulletin. STRUCTURE. Some 2020-2021 Escape vehicles may exhibit cracks or broken spot welds in the left front door at the check arm attachment point in the door assembly. Ford has been provided feedback from fleet customers of this condition on some vehicles with high usage profiles. The door assembly and door check arm replacement is the appropriate repair for this condition. Refer to the parts catalog and Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 501-03 as required to complete the repair. For claiming, use casual part 7823552 and the applicable labor operations of Section 12 and 13 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual. |
| SSM 50130 | 2021-09-28. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR; LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES. Some 2020-2021 Escape/Corsair vehicles may exhibit a door ajar warning indicator or higher than expected efforts to fully close doors. Confirm all doors are fully closed and latches are fully engaged in primary catch position (not partially closed in secondary catch position). Be aware that doors will not fully close when lightly letting go of door or letting it swing closed from a short distance under its own weight. Customer/dealer need to understand that push/pull effort must be applied to doors while closing to fully engage latch and turn off ajar signal warning. If doors are still not fully latching closed (to turn off ajar signal), manually adjust door striker position to allow for proper alignment and engagement to door latch. Dealer may also need to slightly adjust door hang position to achieve same effect. Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 501-03. |
| SSM 50116 | 2021-09-28. Service bulletin. STEERING; EQUIPMENT; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2020-2021 Escape vehicles may exhibit a loss of voltage reference (VREF) or runs rough, blow fuse 44 and may or may not set DTC's P06A7,P0840,P0842,P0845,P0847,P2122,P2127,P0522,P008A,P06A6,P2196,P0192, P0212,P0340,P0344,P0365,P0532,P06E9,P0369,C175E,C175B,C2302,P0369. The 14290 harness directly above the steering shaft u-joint near the upper brake pedal mount may come in contact with the steering shaft. Rotation of the steering wheel will trigger the short circuit. Inspect the harness for damage at that location and repair as necessary. If damage was found, move the harness away from the steering shaft U-joint area and secure the harness. Refer to Wiring Diagram Cell 005. |
| SSM 50105 | 2021-09-28. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY; EQUIPMENT; VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY. Some 2020-2021 Corsair/Escape vehicles may exhibit issues with the roof opening panel shield feature of the roof opening panel where a replacement shield pilot clip is needed. The shield pilot clips are now available separately for service, Part Number LJ6Z-5452118-A. Reference Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 501-17. Replacement of the roof opening panel sun shade is not necessary when only replacing the shield pilot clips. |
| SSM 50067 | 2021-09-04. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) P0011, P0012, P0014, P0015, P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0021, P0022, P0024 and/or P0025. This may be due to small debris causing the VCT solenoid to stick. Before attempting any component diagnosis or replacement of the VCT solenoid, refer to Powertrain Control and Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) pinpoint test HK12 to cycle the affected VCT solenoid 10 times to attempt to clear the debris. For claiming, use causal part 6M280 and applicable labor operations in Section 10 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual. |
| SSM 50064 | 2021-09-04. Service bulletin. SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC:SOFTWARE/PROGRAMMING. Some 2013-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit noise when the brakes are applied. When diagnosing and repairing brake noise conditions, use the Workshop Manual (WSM) and the appropriate pinpoint test in section 206-00. The brake rotors should only be machined if directed by the WSM because one or more of the following conditions are present on the braking surface: scoring, excessive corrosion/rust or pitting, bluing/discoloration and/or heat spots. For additional information, refer to WSM section 206-00. |
| SSM 50049 | 2021-09-04. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION:INTERNAL:DOGS/SYNCHROS. Some 2017-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicle customers may receive a message in their FordPass or Lincoln Way App stating Feature Unavailable. Since this is a fleet vehicle, it cannot access the SYNC Connect or FordPass Connect feature or Lincoln Connect or Embedded Modem Do not replace the TCU or perform any repair to resolve this condition. Refer the owner of the vehicle to Ford Pass Guides or Lincoln Way Concierge Teams to assist in removing the fleet telematics subscription. |
| SSM 50045 | 2021-09-04. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2018-2021 Ford/Lincoln vehicles equipped with a wireless charging pad may exhibit an inoperative charging pad, slow charging, a notification that the phone has been mispositioned on the charging pad and/or the phone charging icon in the center screen is not showing. This may be due to the customer's phone if they are using an iPhone 12. Vehicles equipped with a wireless charging pad are designed to charge best with phones that follow the Qi standard. The iPhone 12 hardware currently does not follow the Qi standard for wireless charging. This may make it difficult for Ford and Lincoln vehicles to wirelessly charge this specific phone. The phone can still be charged using the USB cable if the vehicle experiences the above symptoms. If the customer is using an iPhone 12, verify the wireless charging pad works with a Qi certified phone prior to any part replacements. |
| SSM 50039 | 2021-09-04. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2016-2021 Ford or Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 or SYNC 4 may exhibit a blank screen or other various SYNC symptoms only when the vehicle is in transport mode. This is considered normal due to the power saving features enabled while in transport mode. It is beneficial for battery life to keep the vehicle in transport mode until the vehicle is prepped for sale. To prevent a SYNC system lockup during transport mode deactivation, follow the Workshop Manual (WSM) procedure exactly allowing time for the SYNC system to complete its tasks such as fully booting up or powering down and shutting off before moving to the next step of the procedure. If the vehicle exhibits a blank screen or SYNC symptoms after transport mode deactivation, refer to WSM, Section 415-00 for normal diagnosis. The SYNC version can be confirmed via OASIS. |
| SSM 50015 | 2021-09-04. Service bulletin. VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM; VISIBILITY; EQUIPMENT. Some 2020-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles are equipped with an anti-fogging feature known as enhanced windshield anti fogging strategy (EWAFS). This feature automatically adjusts airflow in the cabin to prevent the windshield from fogging up and may be perceived by customers as irregular climate control functionality. To reduce fogging, the EWAFS functions include: the air condition (A/C) button may turn on and off automatically, recirculated air may turn off automatically in all air modes except MAX A/C, recirculated air may also turn on and off automatically in various airflow modes in order to improve heating or cooling efficiency, and in auto climate control, high humidity conditions may automatically engage A/C compressor, increase blower motor speed and/or direct more air to windshield. Continue to monitor the Workshop Manual (WSM) for EWAFS updates. |
| TSB 21-2271 | 2021-09-02. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2020 and 2021 Escape Hybrid vehicles built on or before 19-Jul-2021 may exhibit a rattle/buzz originating in the right rear quarter area. This may be due to the pedestrian alert control module (PACM) internal connector vibrating against the metal housing when subjected to audio frequencies between 50 and 60 Hz. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to insulate the connector. |
| TSB 21-2268 | 2021-09-02. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. Some 2019-2021 Edge/Nautilus/Transit Connect, 2020-2021 Escape/Corsair and 2021 Bronco Sport vehicles equipped with a 8F35 transmission may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P0766 stored in the powertrain control module (PCM) and/or intermittent no reverse engagement concerns. This may be due to contamination in the main control valve body separator plate orifice. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure steps to clean the contamination from the main control plate. |
| TSB 21-2263 | 2021-09-02. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2019-2020 Edge/F-150/Fusion/Continental/MKZ/Nautilus, 2019-2021 Mustang/Ranger/Transit Connect, 2020-2021 EcoSport/Escape/Expedition/Explorer/F-Super Duty/Aviator/Corsair/Navigator and 2021 Bronco Sport vehicles with SYNC 3 may experience various SYNC performance related concerns. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure. |
| TSB 21-2252 | 2021-09-02. Service bulletin. STEERING; ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL:AUTOMATIC (ASC). Some 2020-2021 Escapes/Corsair vehicles may exhibit an illuminated stability-traction control indicator lamp with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) C1B00:62 in the power steering control module (PSCM) and DTC C0051:67 in the anti-lock brake system (ABS) module. This may be due to a misalignment between the steering column shaft and the steering wheel. To resolve the condition, follow the Service Procedure to properly align the steering column shaft and steering wheel. |
| SSM 49990 | 2021-08-02. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2020 Escape/Corsair vehicles built on 09-Jun-2020 and through 16-Nov-2020 may exhibit a key off battery drain which results in a no crank/no start condition. The vehicle may also exhibit a yellow electric parking brake (EPB) warning lamp, Park Brake Fault and/or red EPB warning light Illumination to the instrument panel cluster (IPC). This may be due to the ABS module communicating with the IPC resulting in illumination draining the battery. To correct this condition, update the antilock brake module using the latest software of the appropriate Ford diagnostic scan tool. For claiming, use causal part 2C219 and applicable labor operations in Section 10 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual. |
| TSB 21-2240 | 2021-08-02. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. Some 2020 Escape vehicles equipped with front-wheel drive (FWD), a 1.5L EcoBoost engine and an 8F24 transmission may exhibit no reverse engagement with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0766 and P2703 stored in the powertrain control module (PCM). This may be due to small particles in the electronic selectable one-way clutch (SOWC), causing the internal lever of the electronic SOWC not to deploy correctly. To correct this condition, follow the Service Procedure to replace the electronic SOWC and the fluid filter. |
| TSB 21-2236 | 2021-08-02. Service bulletin. SEATS. Some 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2020 Fusion/MKZ, 2013-2021 Escape, 2015-2018 Focus, 2015-2019 MKC, 2015-2021 Edge/F150/Mustang, 2016-2018 MKX, 2016-2019 Explorer, 2017-2021 F-Super Duty, 2018-2021 EcoSport/Expedition, 2019-2021 Ranger/Nautilus, 2021 Bronco Sport/Mustang Mach-E vehicles may experience seat pan looseness, lateral movement, or a clunk/thump noise on turns. This may be due to the seat pan track. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure steps to install a reinforcement. |
| SSM 49949 | 2021-08-02. Service bulletin. LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES. Some 2020 Escape vehicles may require servicing of the interior door handle lock cable mounting bracket on the interior door handle. The interior door handle cable mounting bracket, part number right hand LJ6Z-78431B14-A and left hand LJ6Z-78431B15-A are now available to service separately from the cables and latch mechanisms. It is no longer necessary to replace the complete latch assembly for a damaged interior door handle lock indicator mounting bracket. |
| SSM 49930 | 2021-08-02. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; POWER TRAIN. Some 2020-2021 Escape and 2021 Bronco Sport vehicles equipped with the 1.5L engine may exhibit a lugging vibration and/or boom noise while driving in gears 5-8 at approximately 1500 engine revolutions per minute (RPM). This may be felt more when the engine is under a light to moderate load. A vibration and/or boom noise could be generated from the firing frequency of the 3 cylinders or when cylinder deactivation occurs and the engine is running on 2 cylinders. Compare to a like vehicle before attempting to diagnose as this condition may be characteristic. Setting the vehicle's drive mode to SPORT may eliminate the condition by changing the shift points of the transmission. Refer to the Owner's Manual for information on drive mode control and how to select them. |
| SSM 49924 | 2021-08-02. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP. Some 2019 MKC, 2019-2021 Edge/Nautilus/Escape/Ranger/Explorer, 2020-2021 Corsair, and 2021 Bronco Sport vehicles equipped with 2.0L and 2.3L EcoBoost engines may exhibit a light to moderate ticking type noise at idle (600-700 RPM). The noise is usually more prominent in the area of the high-pressure fuel pump, located on the top of the engine just behind the number 4 ignition coil. This noise is not detrimental to engine function and has no short or long-term effects on engine durability. This an operating characteristic of these engines and no repairs should be attempted. |
| SSM 49914 | 2021-07-02. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2015-2021 Edge, 2016-2018 MKX, 2019-2021 Nautilus, 2018-2021 Expedition/Navigator, and 2020-2021 Escape/Corsair/Explorer/Aviator vehicles may exhibit an inoperative power liftgate. This may be due to the rear gate trunk module (RGTM) software. To correct the condition, reprogram the RGTM using the latest software level of the appropriate Ford diagnostic scan tool. For claiming, use causal part 14B291 and applicable labor operations in Section 10 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual. |
The summaries are NHTSA's. Each bulletin's page links NHTSA's copy of the manufacturer's document.