Ford Recalls 108,000 Escapes Due to Faulty Liftgate Hinge Covers

An agency report indicates that a detached liftgate hinge cover can create a distraction or a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

The company logo on the grille of a 2026 F-series pickup at a Ford dealership in Littleton, Colo., on Nov. 2, 2025. David Zalubowski/AP Photo

Ford Motor Company is recalling certain Escape models for potentially defective liftgate hinge covers, affecting more than 108,000 vehicles.

According to a Dec. 1 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recall notice, the affected vehicles include certain 2025 Escape models as well as some from 2020 through 2022.

According to NHTSA, the liftgate hinge covers may not be properly secured and could detach from the vehicle. A liftgate hinge cover is a protective plastic that fits over the exposed hinges on a vehicle’s rear tailgate. In addition to adding style, the covers protect the hinge from dirt and damage.

“A detached liftgate hinge cover can create a distraction or a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash,” the NHTSA report indicates. “Customers may also hear wind noise and rattling noises while driving.”

Some of the Escape models affected are also equipped with a panoramic sunroof liftgate hinge cover.

The defect involves 108,762 vehicles.

Ford dealers will inspect and reinstall or replace any missing liftgate hinge covers free of charge. A letter notifying owners will be mailed in mid-January 2026.

Owners of these Escape vehicles may also contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332, using the recall number 25SD6.

Vehicle identification numbers (VINs) involved in this recall are also searchable on NHTSA.gov.

On the same day, NHTSA also reported door trim issues in certain 2016-2019 Lincoln MKT vehicles. In these cases, the B-Pillar door trim for the driver and front passenger may detach while driving.

“Door trim that detaches while driving can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash,” the report states.

Ford estimates about 11,852 vehicles may be affected. Dealers will repair the B-pillar trim free of charge.

Owners can contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 with the recall number 25SD5.

Just one day later, Hyundai Motor America announced a possible problem with sudden, unintended braking systems in some 2023 to 2026 Genesis G90 vehicles. According to NHTSA, the vehicle’s Highway Drive Assist (HDA) corner radar could falsely detect another vehicle, causing sudden braking while driving. This, in turn, could increase the risk of an accident.

The potential number of affected units is 483. Owners of these vehicles are being advised not to use the HDA feature until remedies have been made. Dealers will replace the front bumper beam free of charge. Owners can expect notification letters by the end of January. The Genesis customer service number is 844-340-9741, and the recall number is 030G.

Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall are also searchable on NHTSA.gov.