Which Ford Escape years should you avoid?

The Ford Escape years to avoid are 2020, 2014, 2013, 2010, 2008 and 2005: they have the lowest Year Scores on owner complaints per year on the road, crash and fire reports, and recalls, against the model's other years. The best year is 2023. Graded from 23 model years of NHTSA data.

What are the most common Ford Escape problems?

Across all years, the most-reported areas are engine (8,753 complaints), power train (6,106 complaints), steering (5,948 complaints).

Ford Escape years to avoid and best years

Avoid: 2020, 2014, 2013, 2010, 2008, 2005 (lowest Year Scores on complaints per year on the road, crash reports and recalls)

Best: 2023

23 model years of NHTSA owner complaints and recalls · How we grade

Across 27 model years, the Ford Escape has 38,794 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 233 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are engine and power train. 2008 drew the most complaints (4,834), 2000 the fewest of the years on the road 3+ years (5).

Model years tracked

38,794

Owner complaints

233

Recalls

1,110

Median per year

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for Ford Escape vehicles (US, public record). Typical used asking price $9,995–$20,378.

Which Escape years have the most problems?

Complaint volume by model year. Raw NHTSA totals, not adjusted for sales volume or time on the road, so older and higher-selling years accumulate more. Every year links to its full breakdown.

Year	Complaints	Recalls	Most reported
2026	4	2	electrical system
2025	30	10	electrical system
2024	87	10	electrical system
2023	134	13	electrical system
2022	381	21	engine
2021	728	21	structure
2020	1,822	24	structure
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
2012	1,203	2	fuel/propulsion system
2011	2,651	3	steering
2010	4,258	5	vehicle speed control
2009	1,846	3	steering
2008	4,834	5	steering
2007	786	4	service brakes
2006	1,440	5	service brakes
2005	3,168	5	suspension
2004	499	8	suspension
2003	598	9	structure
2002	1,079	10	engine and engine cooling
2001	1,052	15	engine and engine cooling
2000	5	0	steering

Highest: 2008 (4,834 complaints). Lowest: 2000 (5).

Where owners report problems

engine8,753

power train6,106

steering5,948

electrical system3,511

vehicle speed control3,499

What owners say

Sentiment is sharply divided by generation and powertrain, with no single consensus.

Very frequentCatastrophic engine failure (coolant intrusion into cylinders)
Affects 1.5L, 1.6L, and some 2.0L EcoBoost engines. Described as a design defect leading to eventual engine replacement.
Very frequentNumerous recalls
Including for bush bearings that inhibit gear changes and other safety items, with parts often on backorder.
Very frequentSevere frame and body rust
Particularly around rear shock mounts and wheel wells, often leading to structural failure.
RecurrentHigh-pressure fuel system failures
Camshaft wear leading to fuel pump failure, requiring engine removal on some models.
RecurrentTransmission problems
Including failures, notably with the 6F35 transmission unless fluid is changed very regularly.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Escape. Individual model years are broken down above.

Generations

4th generation (2019-2026)3rd generation (2013-2019)2nd generation (2008-2012)1st generation (2000-2007)

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