Ford Escape: Rear Occupant Alert System

What is the Rear Occupant Alert System

The rear occupant alert system monitors vehicle conditions and notifies you to check for rear seat occupants when you switch the ignition off.

How Does the Rear Occupant Alert System Work

The system monitors when rear doors have been opened and closed to indicate the potential presence of an occupant in the rear seat.

A message displays in the information and entertainment display screen and an audible warning sounds when you switch the ignition off after any of the following conditions have been met:

• A rear door is opened or closed while the ignition is on.
• You switch the ignition on within 15 minutes of a rear door opening and closing.
• You switch the ignition on within 15 minutes of the alert having displayed or sounded.

Rear Occupant Alert System Precautions

WARNING: On hot days, the temperature inside the vehicle can rise very quickly. Exposure of people or animals to these high temperatures for even a short time can cause death or serious heat related injuries, including brain damage. Small children are particularly at risk.

WARNING: Do not leave children or pets unattended in your vehicle. Failure to follow this instruction could result in personal injury or death.

Rear Occupant Alert System Limitations

The system does not detect the presence of objects or passengers in the rear seat. It monitors when rear doors are opened and closed.

Note: It is possible to receive an alert when there is no rear seat occupant, but alert conditions are met.

Note: It is possible to receive no alert when there is an occupant in the rear seat, if alert conditions are not met. For example, if a rear seat occupant does not enter the vehicle through a rear door.

Note: The audible warning does not sound when the front door is opened before you switch the ignition off.

Switching Rear Occupant Alert System On and Off

1. Press Settings on the touchscreen.
2. Press Vehicle.
3. Switch Rear Occupant Alert on or off.

Note: The default setting is on.

Note: Performing a master reset causes the system to switch on again.

Semiannual Reminder (If Equipped)

When you switch the system off, a message appears every six months as a reminder that the system is off. You can switch the system back on or leave it off.

Rear Occupant Alert System Indicators

Displays when you switch your vehicle off after the alert conditions are met.

The message displays for a short period of time. Press Close to acknowledge and remove the message.

Rear Occupant Alert System Audible Warnings

Sounds when you switch your vehicle off after the alert conditions are met.

The warning sounds for a short period of time.