WhichCarParts

4th generation (CX482) · 2020–2025 · Compact crossover SUV (C2 platform; refreshed for 2023)

2023 Ford Escape parts and specs

Everything you need to own and maintain this exact model year. Verified specifications, part numbers, and the problems that recur, in one place.

Last verified

Photo: LuvsMG481 / CC BY-SA 4.0. Illustrative, not necessarily your model year or trim.

Quick facts

Engine oil
5W-20, 5.3 qt (base engine)
Battery
Group 48 (H6)
Tire size
225/65R17 (base trim)
Wiper blades
24" / 20" / 11" rear
Max towing
3,500 lbs
Key fob battery
CR2450 (push-button-start fob, 2020–2025). Note the change from the CR2032 used through 2019

Specifications for the 2020–2025 Escape

Oil & filter

Viscosity, capacity, filter part numbers, change interval

Battery

BCI group size, cold cranking amps, AGM or flooded

Tires & wheels

Factory sizes by trim, pressures, bolt pattern, lug torque

Wiper blades

Driver, passenger and rear blade lengths

Air & cabin filters

Cabin and engine air filter part numbers, locations, intervals

Bulbs

Headlight, fog and marker bulb types

Brakes

Rotor diameters, pad references, service notes

Fluids

Transmission fluid, coolant, brake fluid and capacities

Service schedule

What's actually due at every mileage interval

Problems & reliability

Documented failures, recalls, and which years to avoid

Oil light reset

Step-by-step maintenance light reset, no tools

Key fob battery

Which coin cell the remote takes

Specs

Towing, weight, fuel tank, fuel economy

These specifications are shared across every Escape of the 4th generation (CX482) generation. See the 2020–2025 Ford Escape overview for the full picture, or the Ford Escape guide to compare every generation.

What changed for the 2023 Ford Escape

  • 2023Major refresh: new front/rear styling, trims renamed (Base, Active, ST-Line, Platinum), available 13.2-in SYNC 4 touchscreen, LED headlights standard; power restated to 180 hp (1.5L), 192 hp (hybrid), 210 hp (PHEV). Wipers, tires, oil specs carry over.

Known problems with the 2023 Ford Escape

3 of the 6 issues we track for the 2020–2025 generation are documented against the 2023 model year, and 3 carry a recall or service bulletin.

  • 2.5L hybrid/PHEV engine failure can eject oil, fire risk (recall)

    majorNHTSA 23V-380 (Ford 23S27); supplement 25V-345

    On 2.5L HEV and PHEV models, an engine block or connecting-rod failure can breach the block and spray oil/fuel vapor onto hot components, causing engine-compartment fires. Recall 23V-380 (Ford 23S27) covers 2020–2023 Escape hybrids (with Corsair and Maverick hybrids); the remedy modifies the under-hood shielding and software to detect failure and reduce fire risk. A follow-up (25V-345) re-repaired vehicles fixed incorrectly. A seized hybrid engine still means an engine replacement, usually under powertrain warranty.

    Typical cost: Free under recall; engine replacement covered by 8-yr/100k hybrid-component or 5-yr/60k powertrain warranty when applicable

  • PHEV high-voltage battery internal short (recalls)

    majorNHTSA 24V-954; NHTSA 25V-789

    Escape PHEV packs (same family as the European Kuga PHEV that delayed the US launch) can develop cell anomalies that short internally, causing loss of power or fire risk. Ford recalled 2020–2024 Escape PHEVs under 24V-954 and again under 25V-789 (Nov 2025), remedies include battery diagnostic software and pack module replacement where faults are detected. PHEV owners should keep charging habits normal and get recall software promptly.

    Typical cost: Free under recall

  • 8F35 8-speed transmission shudder

    moderateFord TSB series on 8F35 shudder (superseded repeatedly, e.g. NHTSA item 11032566); no recall

    Many 2020+ Escapes (and Bronco Sport/Maverick/Corsair) with the 8F35 exhibit a shudder or vibration under light throttle below ~60 mph with no fault codes. Ford has issued a long series of TSBs, the usual remedy is a fluid exchange with revised Mercon ULV and a TCM recalibration; stubborn cases get a torque converter. Documented in NHTSA manufacturer communications through 2026.

    Typical cost: Free under powertrain warranty; $300–$500 fluid/reflash or $1,500–$2,500 converter out of warranty

3 more issues reported in other 2020–2025 years
  • 1.5L cracked fuel injector, underhood fire risk (recall, twice remedied) — 2020–2022 (1.5L)
  • Engine oil leaks from oil separator / ball plugs, fire risk (recalls) — 2020–2022 (1.5L primarily)
  • Rear brake pads manufactured incorrectly (recall) and fast rear-pad wear — 2020

Full detail, costs and sources on the Ford Escape problems and years to avoid guide.

Which engines were offered in the 2023 Escape?

EngineTrimsOilOil capacity
1.5L EcoBoost 3-cylinder (Dragon)S, SE, SEL (2020–2022); Base, Active, ST-Line (2023+); 181 hp (180 hp from 2023)5W-205.3 qt
2.0L EcoBoost turboSEL (optional), Titanium (2020–2022); ST-Line Select/Elite, Platinum (2023+); AWD standard5W-305.5 qt
2.5L Hybrid (Atkinson-cycle + eCVT, FHEV)SE Sport Hybrid, Titanium Hybrid (2020–2022); Active/ST-Line/Platinum hybrid (2023+); 200 hp combined (192 hp from 2023)0W-205.7 qt
2.5L Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV, FWD only)SE/SEL/Titanium PHEV (2021–2022); PHEV trim (2023+); 210 hp combined (221 hp quoted 2021–22); ~37 mi EV range0W-205.7 qt

About the Ford Escape

The Ford Escape is Ford's compact SUV, and the 2012–2025 span covers three very different vehicles. 0L V6 with a 6-speed automatic, plus the last Escape Hybrid until 2020. Cheap to run, but watch for 6F35 transmission trouble, electric power steering failures, and rust.

0L from the 2017 facelift). 0L EcoBoosts are all subject to the well-known coolant-intrusion failure that Ford addressed with customer satisfaction programs 19B37 and 21N12. 5L Atkinson-cycle hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains.

5L, hybrid engine-failure fire risk, PHEV battery recalls). Across the years the maintenance basics are simple: 5W-20/5W-30 oil with a Motorcraft FL-910S filter on almost every engine, a Group 96R battery through 2019 and a Group 48 (H6) with stop-start afterward, and a CR2032 key-fob battery until the 2020 redesign switched to CR2450.

For how the specifications changed across every generation, see the full Ford Escape guide.

Other Ford Escape years

2025202420222021202020192018201720162015201420132012
Data confidence for this generationVerified

Sources