2025 Ford Escape Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Model data compiled from public NHTSA records; may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date. General information, not professional advice — see Terms.
One honest thing before you start
We're car-data nerds, not mechanics. This checklist is general information — not professional advice — built from real recall records and thousands of owner complaints to make you a sharper shopper. Think of it as triage, not a diagnosis.
Before any money moves, get an independent inspection from a qualified mechanic (typically $100–$250). Our data comes from public sources and may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date — no checklist catches everything.
So here's the deal: use this to decide whether a car is worth that inspection. You're evaluating and buying the car entirely at your own risk — we're not liable for anything this checklist misses, anything it gets wrong, or any loss resulting from your purchase decision. Fair?
Known issues for the 2025 Escape
0
NHTSA has no recalls or complaints on file for this model-year.
Open recalls
9
Electrical System Red flag
During air bag deployment, the air bag cover may break and project fragments into the vehicle, or the air bag may deploy improperly, increasing the risk of occupant injury.
Electrical System Red flag
An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.
Back Over Prevention Red flag
An inverted rearview camera image will not accurately display what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Electrical System Red flag
An overheated engine block heater can increase the risk of a fire.
Engine Red flag
An oil leak can result in loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Electronic Stability Control (esc) Red flag
Loss of vehicle stability control or brake power assist can increase the risk of a crash.
Structure Check
A detached liftgate hinge cover can create a distraction or a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Seat Belts Red flag
An improperly secured seat belt retractor may not restrain an occupant as intended, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Engine and Engine Cooling Red flag
An unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
The 27-point checklist
27
0 / 27 checked · 0 red flags ·
Before you go
We may earn a commission — it keeps the checklist free.
Check the VIN history on EpicVIN
Check it on CarFax (we don't earn from this)
Get an OBD2 scanner DEMO
Paperwork & history
Exterior & wheels
Interior & electronics
Under the hood
Test drive (15+ min, city + highway)
This tells you whether the car deserves a pro inspection (typically $100–$250) — it's not the inspection.
2025 Escape–specific issues
Your verdict
Keep inspecting — you're under halfway. The red-flag items matter most.
No red flags? Nice. A pro's eyes on it before your money moves is still the play.
Two red flags just saved you the inspection fee. Plenty more cars out there.
We may earn a commission — it keeps the checklist free.
Frequently asked questions
How many recalls does the 2025 Ford Escape have?
NHTSA lists 9 recalls for the 2025 Escape. The most serious involve Electrical System (24V850000) and Electrical System (25V049000). Ask the seller for proof each recall was completed.
What are the most common complaints about the 2025 Escape?
NHTSA shows no owner complaints on file for the 2025 Escape.
What should I check before buying a used 2025 Escape?
Run through the full inspection checklist below and get an independent pre-purchase inspection before any money moves.