Ford Escape 3rd generation (2013–2019)
Generation-specific owner insights from 18+ substantive owner discussions, with US complaint and recall records.
Should I buy a 2013–2019 Escape?
12,189
US owner complaints (NHTSA), 2013–2019
58
recall campaigns
engine
most-complained area
What owners say about this generation
Our take, from owner reports
Owner sentiment is mixed but leans positive for owners who have had trouble-free experiences, with several reporting high mileage and strong satisfaction.
13 problems reported (2 very frequent, 4 recurrent, 7 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- Very frequentCoolant intrusion into engine cylinders on 1.5L and 1.6L engines, causing engine destruction
- Very frequentMyFord Touch infotainment system bugs, glitches, and poor navigation
- RecurrentTransmission failures, particularly on 2013 models, including bushing issues addressed by recall
+ 10 more issuesShow fewer
- RecurrentSYNC system Bluetooth connectivity problems and audio dropouts
- RecurrentBattery dying prematurely, often around 50,000-60,000 miles
- RecurrentOEM lug nuts swelling and becoming difficult to remove
- IsolatedDoor handle sticking open in cold weather (recall issued)
- IsolatedTurbo or turbo wastegate solenoid failure around 100,000 miles
- IsolatedVehicle locking itself while running with key inside
- IsolatedCoolant leaks requiring transmission removal to access
- IsolatedRemote start failure related to Battery Monitoring System connection
- IsolatedCarPlay connectivity issues requiring SYNC updates or "Hey Siri" disabling
- IsolatedKey fob not responding, requiring reprogramming
The version owners recommend
The 2017 model with the 2.0L EcoBoost engine emerges as the most consistently praised configuration. Multiple owners report 176,000 and 190,000+ miles with only routine maintenance. The 2.0L is repeatedly described as the best turbo engine choice, with one owner calling it "an awesome engine." The 2.5L naturally aspirated engine in the base S trim also receives strong reliability reports at high mileage.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V.
Is a 2013–2019 Escape right for you?
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Overall sentiment
Owner sentiment is mixed but leans positive for owners who have had trouble-free experiences, with several reporting high mileage and strong satisfaction. The 2.0L EcoBoost engine is widely praised as powerful and reliable, while the 1.5L and 1.6L engines draw significant concern over coolant intrusion issues. Early model years (2013-2014) are viewed with more caution due to recalls and transmission problems, while later years like 2017 receive more favorable long-term reliability reports. The infotainment system, particularly MyFord Touch in 2013-2014 models, is a common source of frustration across the generation.
Positioning vs competitors
Owners who cross-shopped against Toyota and Honda products noted that comparable used Japanese SUVs were priced significantly higher (roughly $8,000-$9,000 for similar year and mileage). Some owners expressed that American vehicles are great when new but cost more to own used, while others pushed back, noting their high-mileage Escapes have been solid with proper maintenance. A few owners suggested Japanese alternatives for maximum reliability, but no direct head-to-head driving comparisons were provided in the discussions.
Recommended configurations
Owners consistently recommend the 2.0L EcoBoost over the 1.5L and 1.6L engines. The 2.5L non-turbo in the base S trim is also viewed favorably for simplicity and reliability. Owners explicitly advise avoiding the 1.5L and 1.6L engines due to coolant intrusion problems. The 2017 model year receives the most positive long-term owner feedback within this generation.
General recommendations
Owners suggest this generation is best suited for buyers who prioritize driving dynamics and value over resale predictability. Buyers should avoid 2013 model year examples due to first-year issues and the volume of recalls. The 1.5L and 1.6L engines should be avoided entirely. Prospective buyers should check coolant levels regularly, verify recall completion status, and budget for a transmission fluid drain and fill around 30,000-80,000 miles. The OEM lug nuts are known to swell and should be replaced with one-piece aftermarket units. A pre-purchase inspection by an independent mechanic is strongly advised, particularly for higher-mileage examples.
Remarks
Owners report that Ford recall communication and parts availability have historically been poor, with parts on national backorder and letters sent before parts are available. The 2013 model year had numerous recalls including coolant systems, door latches, airbags, seat belts, and transmission bushings. One owner reported that Ford discontinued support for the touchscreen systems after six years. A Ford dealer employee commented that Escapes of this generation are "not very reliable and are always in for service," though this contradicts many long-term owner reports. Analysis based on approximately 18 substantive owner discussions about this generation.
Complaints and recalls by model year
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 594 | 3 | engine |
| 2018 | 1,806 | 4 | engine |
| 2017 | 2,691 | 4 | engine |
| 2016 | 1,146 | 4 | power train |
| 2015 | 1,110 | 9 | power train |
| 2014 | 2,088 | 16 | engine |
| 2013 | 2,754 | 18 | engine |
Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices for this generation
2019 · tirescampaign 21V155000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 F-150, 2018-2020 F-250, F-350, and 2019 Escape vehicles equipped with Continental tires. On the affected vehicles, it is possible that one or more tires were cured for too long during tire production.
2019 · power train:automatic transmission:gear position indication (prndl)campaign 22V413000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2019 Escape, 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2016 Fusion, 2013-2021 Transit Connect, and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles. The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.
2019 · equipment:electrical:engine block heatercampaign 26V011000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Focus, 2013-2019 Escape, and 2015-2016 MKC vehicles equipped with a 2.0L engine. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
2018 · air bags:side/windowcampaign 17V803000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 Ford Escape vehicles. The side curtain air bags on these vehicles have a component that may detach during deployment of the inflatable curtain air bag.
2018 · service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:hoses, lines/piping, and fittingscampaign 18V104000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 Ford Escape and Lincoln MKC vehicles. These vehicles may be equipped with incorrect front brake hoses that may chafe against other components, possibly resulting in a brake fluid leak.
2018 · power train:automatic transmission:gear position indication (prndl)campaign 22V413000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2019 Escape, 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2016 Fusion, 2013-2021 Transit Connect, and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles. The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.
2018 · equipment:electrical:engine block heatercampaign 26V011000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Focus, 2013-2019 Escape, and 2015-2016 MKC vehicles equipped with a 2.0L engine. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
2017 · visibility:power window devices and controlscampaign 16V617000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2017 Ford Escape Titanium and SE vehicles manufactured October 5, 2015, to May 12, 2016. The settings for the closing-force of the power-operated windows may allow the windows to close on an object such as a body part and injure it before the windows auto-reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 118, "Power-Operated Window Systems."
2017 · power train:automatic transmission:gear position indication (prndl)campaign 22V413000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2019 Escape, 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2016 Fusion, 2013-2021 Transit Connect, and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles. The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.
2017 · equipment:electrical:engine block heatercampaign 26V011000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Focus, 2013-2019 Escape, and 2015-2016 MKC vehicles equipped with a 2.0L engine. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
2017 · visibility:power window devices and controlscampaign 26V374000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017 Escape vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 16V617. The power-operated windows may exert excessive force when encountering an object, before they automatically reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 118, "Power-Operated Window Systems."
2016 · air bags:knee bolstercampaign 17V398000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016 Ford Escape vehicles. The driver's knee airbag modules installed in these vehicles were produced without the inflator gas generant material, and, as a result, the air bags may not inflate properly in the event of a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
25 more recalls not shown. Check nhtsa.gov with your VIN for the full history.
Owner insights summarize real ownership discussions for this generation only. Complaint and recall data is public NHTSA (US) information. Always verify recalls against your VIN at nhtsa.gov.