Some 2020-2022 Escape/Corsair, 2021-2022 Bronco Sport, 2022 Maverick vehicles built on or before 23-Mar-2022 may exhibit driver assistance warning messages displayed in the instrument panel cluster (IPC): Pre-collision Assist Not Available, Cruise Control Not Available, Collision Warning Malfunction and/or Adaptive Cruise Control Malfunction. Diagnostic trouble code (DTC) U0415:00 may also be stored in the power steering control module (PSCM), DTC C0051:67 stored in the anti-lock brake system (ABS) module and DTC U0418:86 stored in the image processing module A (IPMA). This may be due to the software in the PSCM. Using the latest version of Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS) scan tool,
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2020 Ford Escape cruise control problems
severe Owners of the 2020 Ford Escape have filed 10 NHTSA complaints about the cruise control at roughly $600 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See cruise control across all vehicles →
Complaints
10
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$600
| Model year | cruise control complaints |
|---|---|
| 2016 Escape | 15 |
| 2017 Escape | 19 |
| 2018 Escape | 12 |
| 2019 Escape | 3 |
| 2020 Escape (this page) | 10 |
| 2021 Escape | 3 |
| 2022 Escape | 5 |
| 2024 Escape | 4 |
1crash
1injury
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering cruise control on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Some 2020-2022 Escape/Corsair, 2021-2022 Bronco Sport, 2022 Maverick vehicles may exhibit any of the following driver assistance warning messages displayed in the instrument panel cluster (IPC): Pre-collision Assist Not Available, Cruise Control Not Available, Collision Warning Malfunction and/or Adaptive Cruise Control Malfunction. Diagnostic trouble code (DTC) U0415:00 may also be stored in the power steering control module (PSCM), DTC C0051:67 stored in the anti-lock brake system (ABS) module and DTC U0418:86 stored in the image processing module A (IPMA). This may be due to the software in the power steering control module (PSCM). To correct this condition, using the latest version of Fo
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2020-2021 Escape/Corsair vehicles equipped with all-wheel drive (AWD) may exhibit a noise/vibration/chatter/shudder/grind/bind from the rear of the vehicle during low speed turning events. To correct the condition, reprogram the AWD module using the latest software level of the appropriate Ford diagnostic scan tool. For claiming, use casual part RECAL and applicable labor times in Section 10 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2020 Ford Escape shows a pattern of electrical and powertrain faults affecting core safety and convenience systems. Most common is loss of cruise control and driver-assistance features tied to the front-camera assembly. Owners report the camera system abruptly disconnects (sometimes triggered by rough roads), cutting off adaptive cruise, pre-collision assist, backup sensors, and lane warnings without prior warning. The dropout causes sudden deceleration that creates rear-end collision risk. Several owners also report all-wheel-drive module failures disabling AWD, hill-parking assist, and cruise control simultaneously—some say Ford issued a partial recall that doesn't cover all 2020 models.
Engine problems are serious: coolant leaking into cylinders, rough idle with stalling, and hesitation during acceleration appear in multiple complaints. One owner faced a $9,000 repair bill for EcoBoost failure and claims Ford refused warranty coverage despite alleged recalls. A separate incident involved unintended acceleration during parking, injuring the driver.
Cruise control itself is unstable in some cars, randomly disengaging and re-engaging on highways even in clear conditions. Check engine lights appear frequently, sometimes tied to catalytic converter issues or sensor faults. Owners report dealers unable or unwilling to diagnose intermittent failures, and Ford has refused coverage on several repair attempts.
Same Ford Escape cruise control reports on nearby years: 2017 · 2018
Failure modes owners describe
Adaptive Cruise Control and Camera System Dropout
Front-camera assembly for adaptive cruise control loses connection, triggered by road debris or rough bumps. Loss of signal causes immediate deceleration and loss of both adaptive and conventional cruise control, pre-collision assist, and all forward-facing driver-assistance systems. Owners report a parasitic battery drain ("system off to save battery" messages despite new battery). No diagnostic trouble codes appear before failure; codes such as front camera fault appear only after dropout occurs.
When: 40,000 miles; 29,726 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of cruise control and pre-collision assist while driving; Sudden deceleration without driver input; Front camera fault message appears after failure; Parasitic battery drain and 'system off to save battery' messages; Loss of backup sensors, forward sensors, lane-wandering warnings, and blind-spot warnings; No warning lights before the failure event
Codes mentioned: Front camera fault code, Pre-collision assist system fault
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership repair involves faulty coaxial cable connections and IPMA module replacement
Cruise Control Intermittent Engagement and Dropout
Cruise control randomly cancels and re-engages while actively engaged, even in clear road conditions with no traffic or obstacles present. Occurs multiple times within short driving intervals (4 times in 5 minutes reported). Affects highway operation and vehicle stability.
Symptoms owners cite: Cruise control randomly cancels while engaged; Cruise control randomly re-engages without driver input; Multiple disengagements in short time intervals; Occurs in clear driving conditions with no traffic
All-Wheel-Drive Module Fault (LX6Z 7P238 AANP)
AWD module failure causes loss of all-wheel-drive functionality and triggers multiple warning messages. Associated driver-assistance systems become non-functional, including auto parking brake. Owners report loss of cruise control, hill parking assist, and all AWD-related warnings and assistance features. Some owners report this as a known issue affecting multiple 2020 Escape owners; Ford has issued a minimum recall/service warning but not all 2020 models are included.
When: 29,726 miles
Symptoms owners cite: All-wheel-drive turned off via error message; Hill parking assist disabled; Cruise control no longer functioning; All warnings and assistance related to AWD incapacitated; Auto parking brake non-functional; Multiple error messages displayed
Codes mentioned: AWD Module LX6Z 7P238 AANP fault
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford issued a minimum recall/service warning but not all 2020 Escape models covered
Unintended Acceleration on Takeoff
Vehicle lunges forward at excessive speed when accelerator is depressed from a complete stop at traffic lights or stop signs, despite brake pedal engagement. Occurs without illuminated warning lights. Behavior intermittent at first, becoming more frequent. One incident resulted in collision with building at low speed. Dealership unable to replicate failure during diagnostic.
When: 45,000 miles; 25,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Excessive acceleration from complete stop when depressing accelerator; Vehicle lunges forward despite brake pedal engagement; Near-stall condition followed by lunge; No warning lights illuminated prior to event; Intermittent at first, becoming more frequent; Collision with stationary object (Dollar General wall) reported
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership unable to replicate or diagnose failure
Engine Overheating and EcoBoost Failure
EcoBoost engine develops coolant leak into cylinders 2 and 3, causing check engine light, engine power loss, white smoke, and smell of burning fluid. Owners report loss of highway drivability and safety concerns from impaired acceleration. One owner reports this issue aligns with known 2020 Ford Escape engine recalls, though Ford refuses warranty coverage. Repair cost quoted at $9,000. Diagnostic shows code fire on specific date; owner denies clearing code.
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light on; Whirring sound from engine; Loss of power on highway; Smoking from engine; Burning smell; Nearly stalled at traffic light
Codes mentioned: Check engine code (engine failure/EcoBoost failure related)
Repairs/costs cited: Coolant leak into cylinders 2 and 3; repair estimate approximately $9,000
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford Motor Company refused to cover repair despite allegation of known recall on certain 2020 Escape models
Rough Idle, Stalling, and Acceleration Hesitation
Vehicle hesitates when accelerating from a stop, with RPM fluctuations and near-stall conditions, especially on hills. Engine difficult to start and prone to stalling immediately after starting. Owner reports filling gas tank requires engine to remain running or start becomes very hard. Check engine light is illuminated. Multiple 2020 Escape owners report identical symptoms online.
Symptoms owners cite: Hesitation during acceleration from stop; RPM jumping up and down; Nearly stalls on steep hills; Difficult cold start or hot start; Stalling after engine start; Check engine light on; Tire sensor light on
Codes mentioned: Check engine code
Synthesized from 10 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had cruise control trouble with your 2020 Ford Escape?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the cruise control problem on the 2020 Ford Escape?
It's a meaningful issue. 10 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $600.
At what mileage does the cruise control typically fail?
Based on the 10 complaints filed, cruise control issues most often appear around 35,000 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $600 for cruise control repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to cruise control?
No active recalls currently cover cruise control issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2020/Ford/Escape.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.