2013 Ford Escape: common problems and reliability

The 2013 Ford Escape has 2743 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 18 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are engine and power train. Owners most often flag *2013-2019 generation:.

Safety record for the 2013 model year

2,743
Owner complaints
18
Recalls
50
Crash reports
88
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2013 Ford Escape vehicles (US, public record).

Where owners report problems

engine
1264
power train
400
electrical system
340
steering
302
fuel/propulsion system
247

Recalls affecting the 2013 Escape

power train:automatic transmission:lever and linkage:floor shift

Campaign 18V471000

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2014 Ford Escape, and 2013-2016 Ford Fusion vehicles, equipped with six-speed automatic transmissions. The bushing that attaches the transmission shifter cable to the t…

structure:body:door

Campaign 14V239000

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Escape vehicles manufactured October 5, 2011, through April 10, 2014. Due to an assembly misalignment between the exterior door handle and the door oute…

electrical system:wiring

Campaign 15V813000

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013 Escape vehicles manufactured January 11, 2012, to April 1, 2013, and 2013-2014 Focus ST vehicles manufactured May 03, 2012, to October 14, 2013. Insufficient…

latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch

Campaign 16V643000

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2012-2015 Ford Focus, 2013-2015 Ford Escape and Ford C-MAX, 2015 Lincoln MKC and Ford Mustang, and 2014-2016 Ford Transit Connect vehicles. A component within the…

What owners say across generations

Sentiment is sharply divided by generation and powertrain, with no single consensus. Long-term owners of the first-generation (circa 2001-2007) and second-generation (circa 2008-2012) models with V6 engines report them as durable "tanks" capable of high mileag

  • *2013-2019 Generation:
  • Catastrophic 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. Frequency: very frequent.
  • Numerous recalls – Including for bush bearings that inhibit gear changes and other safety items, with parts often on backorder. Frequency: very frequent.
  • High-pressure fuel system failures – Camshaft wear leading to fuel pump failure, requiring engine removal on some models. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Transmission problems – Including failures, notably with the 6F35 transmission unless fluid is changed very regularly. Frequency: recurrent.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Escape.

Typical used price

Used Escape listings typically run $21,780–$28,463 across 2015 to 2026 model years.

Other Escape model years

2023 Escape2020 Escape2019 Escape2017 Escape2008 Escape2005 Escape2003 Escape2000 Escape
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