Ford Escape 2013–2019 problems by year and mileage
3rd generation · Ford C1 / Global C
NHTSA data through 24 September 202612,124 complaints, 6,642 with mileageMethod
A DO NOT DRIVE recall covers part of this generation — check the VIN before driving it home.
Which year is yours? Tap it to see what breaks on it.
The 2013 Ford Escape
Close- Median failure report
- 75,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 2,749
- Recalls naming this year
- 18
Most reported on the 2013
- Engine1,265 reports · median 75,000 mi
- Transmission and driveline401 reports · median 82,000 mi
- Electrical system339 reports · median 61,000 mi
18 recall campaigns name the 2013: Equipment — electrical; Power train — shift linkage/cable/rod; Latches/locks/linkages — doors. Not every car in a campaign is affected — check the VIN at NHTSA. Recall repairs are free.
The 2014 Ford Escape
Close- Median failure report
- 75,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 2,084
- Recalls naming this year
- 16
At least 40% of the complaints about the 2014 were filed after 2020, and most complaints filed since then carry no odometer reading. The median here rests on the earlier reports and likely understates the mileage these failures happen at.
Most reported on the 2014
- Engine723 reports · median 74,000 mi
- Transmission and driveline481 reports · median 90,000 mi
- Problems owners could not categorise272 reports · median 69,000 mi
16 recall campaigns name the 2014: Equipment — electrical; Power train — shift linkage/cable/rod; Latches/locks/linkages — doors. Not every car in a campaign is affected — check the VIN at NHTSA. Recall repairs are free.
The 2015 Ford Escape
Close- Median failure report
- 76,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 1,100
- Recalls naming this year
- 9
At least 40% of the complaints about the 2015 were filed after 2020, and most complaints filed since then carry no odometer reading. The median here rests on the earlier reports and likely understates the mileage these failures happen at.
Most reported on the 2015
- Transmission and driveline286 reports · median 94,000 mi
- Engine238 reports · median 74,000 mi
- Reversing camera and sensors148 reports · median 94,000 mi
9 recall campaigns name the 2015: Equipment — electrical; Back over prevention — sensing system; Power train — shift linkage/cable/rod. Not every car in a campaign is affected — check the VIN at NHTSA. Recall repairs are free.
The 2016 Ford Escape
Close- Median failure report
- 78,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 1,123
- Recalls naming this year
- 4
At least 40% of the complaints about the 2016 were filed after 2020, and most complaints filed since then carry no odometer reading. The median here rests on the earlier reports and likely understates the mileage these failures happen at.
Most reported on the 2016
- Transmission and driveline320 reports · median 88,000 mi
- Reversing camera and sensors214 reports · median 85,000 mi
- Engine199 reports · median 64,000 mi
4 recall campaigns name the 2016: Equipment — electrical; Back over prevention — sensing system; Power train — shift linkage/cable/rod. Not every car in a campaign is affected — check the VIN at NHTSA. Recall repairs are free.
The 2017 Ford Escape
Close- Median failure report
- 70,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 2,684
- Recalls naming this year
- 4
At least 40% of the complaints about the 2017 were filed after 2020, and most complaints filed since then carry no odometer reading. The median here rests on the earlier reports and likely understates the mileage these failures happen at.
Most reported on the 2017
- Engine1,569 reports · median 70,000 mi
- Engine and its cooling system508 reports · median 82,000 mi
- Transmission and driveline390 reports · median 75,000 mi
4 recall campaigns name the 2017: Visibility — power window devices and controls; Equipment — electrical; Power train — shift linkage/cable/rod. Not every car in a campaign is affected — check the VIN at NHTSA. Recall repairs are free.
The 2018 Ford Escape
Close- Median failure report
- 81,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 1,797
- Recalls naming this year
- 4
At least 40% of the complaints about the 2018 were filed after 2020, and most complaints filed since then carry no odometer reading. The median here rests on the earlier reports and likely understates the mileage these failures happen at.
Most reported on the 2018
- Engine1,149 reports · median 79,000 mi
- Engine and its cooling system342 reports · median 89,000 mi
- Transmission and driveline271 reports · median 80,000 mi
4 recall campaigns name the 2018: Equipment — electrical; Power train — shift linkage/cable/rod; Service brakes, hydraulic — foundation components. Not every car in a campaign is affected — check the VIN at NHTSA. Recall repairs are free.
The 2019 Ford Escape
Close- Median failure report
- 64,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 587
- Recalls naming this year
- 3
At least 40% of the complaints about the 2019 were filed after 2020, and most complaints filed since then carry no odometer reading. The median here rests on the earlier reports and likely understates the mileage these failures happen at.
Most reported on the 2019
- Engine309 reports · median 62,000 mi
- Transmission and driveline125 reports · median 64,000 mi
- Engine and its cooling system93 reports · median 81,000 mi
3 recall campaigns name the 2019: Equipment — electrical; Power train — shift linkage/cable/rod; Tires. Not every car in a campaign is affected — check the VIN at NHTSA. Recall repairs are free.
Each tile shows the median mileage at which that model year’s failures were reported. † marks a year whose median likely understates the mileage: much of its reporting came after 2020, when most complaints stopped recording an odometer reading. The 2018 reports latest and the 2019 earliest, but part of that gap is age: the 2018 has had 1 more year on the road to accumulate mileage.
The short answer
“Is the 2013–2019 Ford Escape reliable?”
- Median of reported failures
- 75,000 mi
- 90% of reports came by
- 128,000 mi
- Reports with mileage
- 6,642
- Recalls
- 33
At least 40% of this generation’s complaints were filed after 2020, and most complaints filed since then carry no odometer reading, so the median likely understates the mileage these failures happen at.
Most reported
- Engine45.0% of complaints · median 73,000 mi
- Transmission and driveline18.8% of complaints · median 86,000 mi
- Engine and its cooling system11.6% of complaints · median 89,000 mi
Documented problems
- Engine2013–2014
- Engine2017–2019
- Door Latches2013–2015
- Fuel System2013
Owners filed 12,124 complaints with NHTSA about the 2013–2019 Ford Escape; the engine leads with 45% of them, and half of the 6,642 that record an odometer reading came by 75,000 miles. A count like this can’t rate reliability on its own: NHTSA records what owners chose to report, not how many of each car were sold.
Failures are spread across the mileage range, with the middle half between 46,000 and 102,000 miles.
Before-you-buy checklist ↓At your mileage ↓Check this VIN — NHTSA ↗
How many miles does a 2013–2019 Ford Escape last?
Complaint records can’t measure how long a car lasts; they show when reported failures happened. On the 2013–2019 Ford Escape, half of the 6,642 complaints that record an odometer reading were filed by 75,000 miles and 90% by 128,000 miles.
291 reports came in past 150,000 miles and 33 past 200,000 — each one proof that an Escape reached that mileage, not that it failed there.
Figure 1 · Ford Escape 2013–2019 · 6,642 reports with mileage
Mileage at failure
Complaints per 5,000-mile bin, 0 to 200,000 miles, equal bins on a linear scale. Tallest bar = 337 complaints.
- Rest of the range
- Median
- 200,000+ — 33 complaints (0.5%), plotted separately
- 10%
- 15,000
- 25%
- 46,000
- Median
- 75,000
- 75%
- 101,800
- 90%
- 127,987
Show the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 0–5,000 | 304 | 4.6% |
| 5,000–10,000 | 171 | 2.6% |
| 10,000–15,000 | 171 | 2.6% |
| 15,000–20,000 | 131 | 2.0% |
| 20,000–25,000 | 137 | 2.1% |
| 25,000–30,000 | 159 | 2.4% |
| 30,000–35,000 | 155 | 2.3% |
| 35,000–40,000 | 186 | 2.8% |
| 40,000–45,000 | 188 | 2.8% |
| 45,000–50,000 | 204 | 3.1% |
| 50,000–55,000 | 250 | 3.8% |
| 55,000–60,000 | 271 | 4.1% |
| 60,000–65,000 | 333 | 5.0% |
| 65,000–70,000 | 305 | 4.6% |
| 70,000–75,000 | 332 | 5.0% |
| 75,000–80,000 | 298 | 4.5% |
| 80,000–85,000 | 337 | 5.1% |
| 85,000–90,000 | 329 | 5.0% |
| 90,000–95,000 | 314 | 4.7% |
| 95,000–100,000 | 240 | 3.6% |
| 100,000–105,000 | 299 | 4.5% |
| 105,000–110,000 | 228 | 3.4% |
| 110,000–115,000 | 191 | 2.9% |
| 115,000–120,000 | 173 | 2.6% |
| 120,000–125,000 | 192 | 2.9% |
| 125,000–130,000 | 118 | 1.8% |
| 130,000–135,000 | 127 | 1.9% |
| 135,000–140,000 | 70 | 1.1% |
| 140,000–145,000 | 88 | 1.3% |
| 145,000–150,000 | 50 | 0.8% |
| 150,000–155,000 | 92 | 1.4% |
| 155,000–160,000 | 37 | 0.6% |
| 160,000–165,000 | 43 | 0.6% |
| 165,000–170,000 | 19 | 0.3% |
| 170,000–175,000 | 16 | 0.2% |
| 175,000–180,000 | 17 | 0.3% |
| 180,000–185,000 | 14 | 0.2% |
| 185,000–190,000 | 10 | 0.2% |
| 190,000–195,000 | 6 | 0.1% |
| 195,000–200,000 | 4 | 0.1% |
| 200,000+ | 33 | 0.5% |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain. Complaint counts reflect what owners reported and are not a measure of failure rate per vehicle sold.
What this can and cannot tell you: these are complaints owners chose to file, not a failure rate. Popular models accumulate more of them simply by being common. How this is built.
Common Escape problems, and when they happen
Figure 2 · Ford Escape 2013–2019
When each system fails
Bar spans the middle half of reports; the notch inside each bar is the median. Miles at failure on a proportional scale — equal distances are equal ratios, not equal miles.
- Electrical system1,027 reports56,00023,000–88,000Electrical system: 1,027 reports, median 56,000 miles, middle half 23,000 to 88,000 miles.
- Steering704 reports63,00037,000–95,000Steering: 704 reports, median 63,000 miles, middle half 37,000 to 95,000 miles.
- Problems owners could not categorise1,164 reports65,00039,000–93,000Problems owners could not categorise: 1,164 reports, median 65,000 miles, middle half 39,000 to 93,000 miles.
- Fuel and propulsion system607 reports70,00043,000–90,000Fuel and propulsion system: 607 reports, median 70,000 miles, middle half 43,000 to 90,000 miles.
- Engine5,452 reports73,00044,000–99,000Engine: 5,452 reports, median 73,000 miles, middle half 44,000 to 99,000 miles.
- Transmission and driveline2,274 reports86,00060,000–112,000Transmission and driveline: 2,274 reports, median 86,000 miles, middle half 60,000 to 112,000 miles.
- Engine and its cooling system1,405 reports89,00068,000–112,000Engine and its cooling system: 1,405 reports, median 89,000 miles, middle half 68,000 to 112,000 miles.
- Your odometer — appears after you enter it in “Where your car sits”
Ordered by median mileage, earliest first. The first 12,000 miles are shaded: that is the boundary this site uses between a manufacturing defect and ordinary wear, not a property of the world.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain.
All systems in a table
| System | Complaints | Share | Median | 25–75% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 5,452 | 45.0% | 73,000 | 44,000–99,000 |
| Transmission and driveline | 2,274 | 18.8% | 86,000 | 60,000–112,000 |
| Engine and its cooling system | 1,405 | 11.6% | 89,000 | 68,000–112,000 |
| Problems owners could not categorise | 1,164 | 9.6% | 65,000 | 39,000–93,000 |
| Electrical system | 1,027 | 8.5% | 56,000 | 23,000–88,000 |
| Steering | 704 | 5.8% | 63,000 | 37,000–95,000 |
| Fuel and propulsion system | 607 | 5.0% | 70,000 | 43,000–90,000 |
| Reversing camera and sensors | 433 | 3.6% | 88,000 | 64,000–118,000 |
| Body structure | 322 | 2.7% | 40,000 | 16,000–63,000 |
| Wheels | 244 | 2.0% | 50,000 | 30,000–69,000 |
System by system, in words
Complaints about this generation are not spread evenly across the vehicle, and the systems that generate the most of them do not all fail at the same point in a car's life. The median failure across all systems here is 75,000 miles; the figures below show which parts of the car run ahead of that and which run behind.
The engine accounts for 45.0% of complaints (5,452 reports, 2,328 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 73,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 44,000 and 99,000 miles.
A single system taking 45.0% of all complaints is a concentration worth noting. It means that for this generation, most of what owners reported came back to one area of the car rather than being distributed across many small faults.
The transmission and driveline accounts for 18.8% of complaints (2,274 reports, 1,318 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 86,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 60,000 and 112,000 miles.
The engine and its cooling system accounts for 11.6% of complaints (1,405 reports, 1,266 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 89,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 68,000 and 112,000 miles.
Problems owners could not categorise accounts for 9.6% of complaints (1,164 reports, 416 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 65,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 39,000 and 93,000 miles.
The electrical system accounts for 8.5% of complaints (1,027 reports, 626 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 56,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 23,000 and 88,000 miles.
The steering accounts for 5.8% of complaints (704 reports, 442 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 63,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 37,000 and 95,000 miles.
Known problems with the 2013–2019 Escape
Engine 2013–2014
1.6L EcoBoost: if coolant level drops, the cylinder head overheats, cracks and leaks oil onto hot exhaust components, causing underhood fires. Ford ran successive campaigns (12S45, 13S12, 17S09) culminating in fitting a coolant level sensor with warning logic.
Engine 2017–2019
1.5L EcoBoost coolant intrusion: coolant migrates from the block into the combustion chamber through the block-to-head interface, causing misfires, white smoke, coolant loss and eventual head cracking or engine failure.
Door Latches 2013–2015
Door latch pawl spring tab can break, so a door may appear shut but can open while driving. Multi-model Ford recall.
Fuel System 2013
Launch-year 1.6L cars had fuel line splitting and multiple other first-year recalls; the 2013 model year is an outlier in recall count even within this generation.
Before you buy a 2013–2019 Escape: the 3-minute check
Generated from 6,642 mileage-tagged complaints, 33 recall campaigns, 4 documented problem areas. Print this page — the checklist survives print.
- A DO NOT DRIVE recall covers part of this generation. Run the VIN before you drive it home — the fix is free at an authorized dealer.
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 33 campaigns cover this generation; an open recall is a free repair you can make the seller's problem.
- Check engine on 2013–2014 cars. 1.6L EcoBoost: if coolant level drops, the cylinder head overheats, cracks and leaks oil onto hot exhaust components, causing underhood fires. Ford ran successive campaigns (12S45, 13S12, 17S09) culminating in fitting a…
- Check engine on 2017–2019 cars. 1.5L EcoBoost coolant intrusion: coolant migrates from the block into the combustion chamber through the block-to-head interface, causing misfires, white smoke, coolant loss and eventual head cracking or engine failure.
- Check door latches on 2013–2015 cars. Door latch pawl spring tab can break, so a door may appear shut but can open while driving. Multi-model Ford recall.
- Complaint reports are not spread evenly across model years here — see the by-model-year table below before you settle on a year.
- End with a pre-purchase inspection of this car. Aggregate data describes the population; the example in front of you has its own history.
For a buyer, failures on this generation are spread rather than concentrated: the middle half falls between 46,000 and 102,000 miles, with a median of 75,000. There is no single mileage threshold to watch, which means condition and maintenance records are more informative than the odometer.
On inspection, the engine and the transmission and driveline are where this generation's reports concentrate, so those are the areas worth a specific look. The engine in particular shows a median failure mileage of 73,000, which gives a concrete number to compare against the odometer of any car you are considering.
None of this is a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on the individual car. Aggregate patterns describe a population; the example in front of you has its own history.
Escape problems by mileage: where your car sits
Type your odometer reading, or read the common mileages in the table. Your marker lands on the timing chart above and on the curve below.
| System | Middle half of reports, mi | At 60k mi35% below | At 90k mi64% below | At 120k mi86% below | At 150k mi96% below | At 200k mi100% below |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 44,000–99,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Transmission and driveline | 60,000–112,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Engine and its cooling system | 68,000–112,000 | later | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Problems owners could not categorise | 39,000–93,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Electrical system | 23,000–88,000 | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Steering | 37,000–95,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Fuel and propulsion system | 43,000–90,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
Figure 3 · Ford Escape 2013–2019 · 6,642 reports with mileage
Share of reports below each mileage
Share of mileage-tagged reports filed at or below each odometer reading. Steps rise only at bin edges, by exact counted shares.
- 60,000 mi — 35% of reports below
- 90,000 mi — 64% of reports below
- 120,000 mi — 86% of reports below
- 150,000 mi — 96% of reports below
- 200,000 mi — 100% of reports below
- Median — the staircase crosses the 50% line here
- Your odometer — appears after you enter it above
The staircase tops out at 100%: the remaining 0.5% of reports (33) came above 200,000 miles.
Nothing is smoothed or interpolated. Linear axis, same as Figure 1.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain.
2013–2019 Ford Escape recalls (33)
NHTSA records 33 recall campaigns covering vehicles in this generation. A recall means the manufacturer or the regulator concluded there was a safety defect or a standard was not met, and that a free remedy is owed to owners — including second and later owners.
1 of these carry a severe advisory — NHTSA's do not drive or park outside warnings, which the agency applies only when it considers the risk immediate. If you own one of these vehicles, that is the first thing to check by VIN.
The campaigns cluster around the electrical system (5), the fuel system (4), the transmission and driveline (3). Several campaigns against one area can mean a remedy that did not hold, or separate defects in parts filed under the same heading; the summaries below name each defect.
Recall status is specific to the individual vehicle, not the model. Checking a VIN against NHTSA's lookup is free and takes under a minute, and it is the only way to know whether a particular car has had the work done.
Jun 2026 · 2017 · VisibilityA closing window that does not reverse direction as expected can pinch a driver or passenger before…
The defect. 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…
What can happen. A closing window that does not reverse direction as expected can pinch a driver or passenger before retracting, increasing the risk of injury.
The free fix. Dealers will update the power window operating system software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 22, 2026. Owners may contact customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's…
Jan 2026 · 2013–2019 · EquipmentAn electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
The defect. 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…
What can happen. An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
The free fix. Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine…
Oct 2025 · 2015–2016 · Back Over PreventionA rearview camera that fails to properly display an image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle…
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Flex, 2015 Explorer, Lincoln MKT, Lincoln MKZ, 2015-2016 C-Max, Escape, Taurus, 2016 Fusion, 2018-2019 Taurus, 2019 Lincoln MKT, Fiesta, and 2020 Mustang vehicles. The rearview camera may display a…
What can happen. A rearview camera that fails to properly display an image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model…
Jun 2022 · 2013–2019 · Power TrainA damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, and cause the…
The defect. 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.
What can happen. A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, and cause the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction. Additionally, the vehicle may roll after the…
The free fix. Dealers will replace the under hood shift bushing and add a protective cap over the shift cable bushing, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were…
Apr 2022 · 2015 · Power TrainA damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, and cause the…
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015 Escape vehicles equipped with 2.0L engines. The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.
What can happen. A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, and cause the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction. Additionally, the vehicle may roll after the…
The free fix. Dealers will replace the under hood shifter bushing and add a protective cap over the shift cable bushing, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 27, 2022. Owners may contact Ford…
Mar 2021 · 2019 · TiresOver cured tires may develop a break in the sidewall, resulting in sudden air loss or belt edge separation…
The defect. 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.
What can happen. Over cured tires may develop a break in the sidewall, resulting in sudden air loss or belt edge separation which could lead to tread/belt loss. Either condition can cause a loss of vehicle control…
The free fix. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the tires, and replace them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on March 27, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at…
Jun 2020 · 2013–2015 · Latches/Locks/LinkagesA door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury…
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Fiesta, 2013-2014 Fusion, 2015 Mustang, 2013-2015 Escape and C-Max, 2012-2015 Focus, 2014-2016 Transit Connect, 2013-2014 Lincoln MKZ, and 2015 MKC vehicles. These vehicles were previously recalled and…
What can happen. A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
The free fix. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the latch date codes to confirm if the repair was done correctly, and replace the side door latches if necessary, free of charge. Owners will also…
Jul 2018 · 2013–2014 · Power TrainIf the vehicle is exited without the transmission being in Park and without the parking brake being applied…
The defect. 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 transmission may degrade over time and…
What can happen. If the vehicle is exited without the transmission being in Park and without the parking brake being applied, the vehicle may unexpectedly move, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the shifter cable bushing, free of charge. The recall began September 20, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's…
Feb 2018 · 2018 · Service Brakes, HydraulicA brake fluid leak may lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The defect. 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.
What can happen. A brake fluid leak may lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake hoses, replacing any that are incorrect, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin March 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer…
Dec 2017 · 2018 · Air BagsIf the component detaches during deployment, it may enter the passenger compartment and be a projectile…
The defect. 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.
What can happen. If the component detaches during deployment, it may enter the passenger compartment and be a projectile within the vehicle cabin, increasing the risk of injury.
The free fix. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver and passenger side curtain air bags, as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 2018. Owners may contact Ford…
Jul 2017 · 2014–2015 · SeatsThe improperly manufactured bolts may fracture.
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014 Ford F-150 and E-350, 2014-2015 Ford Escape, and 2015 Lincoln MKC vehicles. Improperly manufactured bolts may have been used to install certain seats, seatbacks, seatbelt buckles, or seatbelt anchors on…
What can happen. The improperly manufactured bolts may fracture. If a seat, seatback, or seatbelt anchor attaching bolt fractures, the affected component may not be properly secured, increasing the risk of injury in…
The free fix. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected bolts, free of charge. Interim notices informing owners of the safety risk were mailed September 8, 2017. Owners will receive a second…
Jun 2017 · 2016 · Air BagsIn the event of a crash, if the driver's knee air bag does not inflate as intended, the driver has an…
The defect. 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…
What can happen. In the event of a crash, if the driver's knee air bag does not inflate as intended, the driver has an increased risk of injury.
The free fix. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace driver's knee air bag, free of charge. The recall began on August 8, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number…
Mar 2017 · 2014 · Engine and Engine CoolingIf the cylinder head cracks and leaks oil, the oil may contact a hot engine or exhaust component, increasing…
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014 Escape, 2014-2015 Fiesta ST, 2013-2014 Fusion and 2013-2015 Transit Connect vehicles equipped with 1.6L GTDI engines. If the vehicle is started and driven with an insufficient level of coolant within the…
What can happen. If the cylinder head cracks and leaks oil, the oil may contact a hot engine or exhaust component, increasing the risk of a fire.
The free fix. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will install a coolant level sensor and the supporting hardware and software, free of charge. Interim notices informing owners of the safety risk were mailed…
Sep 2016 · 2013–2015 · Latches/Locks/LinkagesA door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury…
The defect. 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 door latches may break, preventing the…
What can happen. A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
The free fix. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the door latches with an improved part, free of charge. The recall began on January 27, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at…
Aug 2016 · 2017 · Electrical SystemIf a window closes on a body part, it can increase the risk of injury.
The defect. 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…
What can happen. If a window closes on a body part, it can increase the risk of injury.
The free fix. Ford has notified owners, and dealers will update the power window operating system software, free of charge. The recall began on September 6, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at…
Dec 2015 · 2013 · Electrical SystemThe incorrect signals could cause the vehicle to hesitate or the engine to stall, increasing the risk of a…
The defect. 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 compression in the engine wiring…
What can happen. The incorrect signals could cause the vehicle to hesitate or the engine to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the current crimped splices with new splices, free of charge. The recall began on January 7, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service…
Jul 2015 · 2015 · Electrical SystemIf the engine does not turn off as expected, someone could move the transmission shifter out of park and the…
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2015 Ford Escape vehicles manufactured April 1, 2014, to June 12, 2015, Ford Focus vehicles manufactured June 17, 2014, to June 12, 2015, and Ford C-Max vehicles manufactured April 22, 2014, to June…
What can happen. If the engine does not turn off as expected, someone could move the transmission shifter out of park and the vehicle may move unintentionally, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update the body control module software, free of charge. The recall began on July 27, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.…
Jun 2015 · 2014–2015 · Electrical SystemIf the instrument cluster is inoperative, the driver of may not be warned of safety related issues such as…
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Ford Escape vehicles manufactured May 19, 2014, to February 6, 2015, and Transit Connect vehicles manufactured May 11, 2014, to July 2, 2015. Due to a software incompatibility issue, the…
What can happen. If the instrument cluster is inoperative, the driver of may not be warned of safety related issues such as low tire pressures or disabled air bags, increasing the risk of personal injury or a crash.
The free fix. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update the instrument panel software, free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's…
Jan 2015 · 2014 · Fuel System, GasolineIf the fuel pump fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) notified the agency on January 8, 2015, that they are recalling certain model year 2014 Ford Escape vehicles manufactured April 15, 2014, to May 8, 2014, and 2015 Lincoln MKC vehicles manufactured April 21, 2014, to May 15, 2014. On…
What can happen. If the fuel pump fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began on February 27, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for…
Sep 2014 · 2013–2014 · Seat BeltsThe short circuits could cause the frontal air bags, side curtain air bags and the seat belt pretensioners to…
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Ford C-Max vehicles manufactured January 19, 2012, to November 21, 2013; Ford Fusion vehicles manufactured February 3, 2012, to August 24, 2013; Ford Escape vehicles manufactured October 5…
What can happen. The short circuits could cause the frontal air bags, side curtain air bags and the seat belt pretensioners to not function as intended when needed, increasing the risk of occupant injury in the event…
The free fix. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the RCM, free of charge. Parts are not currently available. The recall began on May 26,2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at…
Sep 2014 · 2014 · Fuel System, GasolineA reduction in fuel pressure may result in a vehicle stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2014 Ford Focus vehicles manufactured May 1, 2014, to May 24, 2014, 2014 Ford Escape vehicles manufactured on June 6, 2014, and 2015 Lincoln MKC vehicles manufactured June 4, 2014, to July 7, 2014. In…
What can happen. A reduction in fuel pressure may result in a vehicle stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the FDM, free of charge. The recall began in September 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this…
Aug 2014 · 2013–2014 · Electrical SystemThe incorrect signals could cause the vehicle to hesitate or the engine to stall, increasing the risk of a…
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Escape vehicles manufactured October 5, 2011, to April 1, 2013, and equipped with 2.0 liter engines and Focus ST vehicles manufactured February 14, 2012, to October 14, 2013, and equipped…
What can happen. The incorrect signals could cause the vehicle to hesitate or the engine to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the current crimped splices with new splices, free of charge. The recall began in October 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at…
Jul 2014 · 2014 · VisibilityIf the glass panel is improperly bonded, the glass may separate from the vehicle, increasing the risk of a…
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2014 Ford Escape vehicles manufactured October 15, 2013, through October 22, 2013. The panorama roof glass may not be properly bonded to the attaching bracket.
What can happen. If the glass panel is improperly bonded, the glass may separate from the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
The free fix. Ford has notified owners. Dealers will inspect each vehicle and replace the front roof glass if its production date and sequence number falls within the affected range, free of charge. The recall is…
May 2014 · 2013–2014 · StructureA door that opens unexpectedly may result in an unrestrained occupant falling from the vehicle, increasing…
The defect. 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 outer panel, the affected vehicles have…
What can happen. A door that opens unexpectedly may result in an unrestrained occupant falling from the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury.
The free fix. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and correct the mounting of the door handles, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on May 30, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer…
May 2014 · 2013–2014 · Air BagsIf the side-curtain rollover air bag is delayed in deploying in certain rollover circumstances, the risk of…
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 C-MAX, and Escape vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the restraint control module (RCM) may have errors in the programming software which may result in a delayed deployment of the…
What can happen. If the side-curtain rollover air bag is delayed in deploying in certain rollover circumstances, the risk of injury to the passengers is increased.
The free fix. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the RCM, free of charge. The recall began on May 30, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this…
Apr 2014 · 2013–2014 · SeatsThe back of the subject seats may become loose or lean while driving and potentially increase the risk of…
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles manufactured August 15, 2012, through September 10, 2013, 2013-2014 Ford Escape vehicles manufactured June 5, 2012, through August 12, 2013, and 2013-2014…
What can happen. The back of the subject seats may become loose or lean while driving and potentially increase the risk of injury in certain crashes.
The free fix. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seatback, free of charge. The recall began on May 30, 2014. Owners may contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14C03.
Nov 2013 · 2013 · Fuel System, GasolineA fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013 Escape vehicles manufactured from October 5, 2011, through July 11, 2012, and equipped with a 1.6L engine subject to prior safety recall NHTSA 12V-336. In some cases, the engine compartment fuel…
What can happen. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
The free fix. Ford will notify owners and dealers will inspect the engine compartment fuel line, and if necessary, replace it, free of charge. An interim notice will be mailed to owners during January 2014. The…
Nov 2013 · 2013 · EngineLeaking engine oil may come into contact with a hot engine surface potentially resulting in an engine…
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013 Escape vehicles manufactured October 5, 2011, through June 2, 2013 and equipped with 1.6L engines. The affected vehicles may experience localized overheating of the engine cylinder head which may…
What can happen. Leaking engine oil may come into contact with a hot engine surface potentially resulting in an engine compartment fire.
The free fix. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will modify the engine shielding, cooling and control systems, free of charge. An interim notice will be mailed to owners during January 2014. The recall began on…
Mar 2013 · 2013 · Latches/Locks/LinkagesThe operator may incorrectly believe the child lock is engaged.
The defect. Ford is recalling certain model year 2013 Focus and C-Max vehicles built from November 16, 2012, through November 21, 2012; and model year 2013 Escape vehicles manufactured from November 14, 2012, through November 21, 2012. The left rear door child lock was…
What can happen. The operator may incorrectly believe the child lock is engaged. However, the door may be opened from the inside, increasing the risk of injury to an unrestrained child.
The free fix. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the affected rear door latches, and replace them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on March 27, 2013. Owners may contact Ford Motor…
Dec 2012 · 2013 · Engine and Engine CoolingIf flammable engine fluids come in contact with the vehicle’s hot exhaust system, a vehicle fire could occur.
The defect. This is an update to a recently announced recall. Ford is recalling certain model year 2013 Escape vehicles manufactured from October 5, 2011, through November 26, 2012, equipped with 1.6L engines, as well as certain model year 2013 Fusion vehicles…
What can happen. If flammable engine fluids come in contact with the vehicle’s hot exhaust system, a vehicle fire could occur.
The free fix. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine for coolant system leaks and reprogram the vehicle’s powertrain control module and instrument cluster with an updated calibration and…
Sep 2012 · 2013 · Engine and Engine CoolingAs leaking engine coolant evaporates on the hot engine, the glycol may ignite causing an engine compartment…
The defect. Ford is recalling certain model year 2013 Escape vehicles manufactured from October 5, 2011, through August 31, 2012, equipped with 1.6L engines. The cylinder head cup plug (freeze plug) may become dislodged resulting in significant loss of engine coolant.
What can happen. As leaking engine coolant evaporates on the hot engine, the glycol may ignite causing an engine compartment fire.
The free fix. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will seal the existing plug and add a secondary plug cover, free of charge. The safety recall began on September 11, 2012. Owners may contact Ford at…
Jul 2012 · 2013 · Fuel System, Gasoline do not driveIf this leak occurs in the presence of an ignition source, there is an increased risk of a fire and/or…
The defect. Ford is recalling certain model year 2013 Escape vehicles manufactured from October 5, 2011, through July 11, 2012, and equipped with a 1.6L engine. These vehicles have an engine compartment fuel line which may split, resulting in a leak.
What can happen. If this leak occurs in the presence of an ignition source, there is an increased risk of a fire and/or personal injury.
The free fix. Ford will notify and instruct owners to stop driving their vehicles and contact a Ford or Lincoln dealer to arrange pick-up of their vehicle. Customers will be provided with a rental vehicle if…
Jul 2012 · 2013 · StructureThe reduced clearance may result in the driver’s foot contacting the side of the brake pedal while…
The defect. Ford is recalling certain model year 2013 Escape vehicles manufactured from march 8, 2012 through june 7, 2012. Due to mis-positioned carpet padding the center console trim panel may be pushed outboard of the intended position, reducing clearance relative to…
What can happen. The reduced clearance may result in the driver’s foot contacting the side of the brake pedal while transferring the foot from the accelerator pedal to the brake pedal, increasing stopping distances…
The free fix. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will remove the carpet padding and left-side console trim panel replaced with a new panel, free of charge. The recall began on july 20, 2012. Owners may contact…
Crashes, fires and injuries owners reported
What owners reported alongside the failure itself, out of 12,124 complaints against this generation:
- Crashes
- 249 (2.1%)
- Fires
- 245
- Injury reports
- 202
- Fatality reports
- 3
These flags are self-reported by complainants and unverified by NHTSA; one report can carry several flags, so the counts overlap and do not sum to a total. They are not adjusted for how many of these vehicles are on the road. No chart is drawn here on purpose: overlapping counts spanning very different magnitudes cannot be honestly encoded as lengths.
Escape problems by model year
The 2013 drew the most complaints of this generation, 2,749, most of them about the engine, and the 2019 the fewest, 587. A typical year drew about 1,797.
| Year | Complaints | With mileage | Median miles | Most reported | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 2,749 | 1,966 | 75,000 | Engine (1,265) | 18 |
| 2014 | 2,084 | 1,377 | 75,000† | Engine (723) | 16 |
| 2015 | 1,100 | 632 | 76,000† | Transmission and driveline (286) | 9 |
| 2016 | 1,123 | 615 | 78,000† | Transmission and driveline (320) | 4 |
| 2017 | 2,684 | 1,156 | 70,000† | Engine (1,569) | 4 |
| 2018 | 1,797 | 668 | 81,000† | Engine (1,149) | 4 |
| 2019 | 587 | 228 | 64,000† | Engine (309) | 3 |
What Escape owners reported
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, a high alert warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over to the right side of the road, turned off the vehicle, and waited for fifteen minutes before restarting the vehicle. However, the failure persisted. An independent mechanic…
2017 · 70,000 miles · Engine and its cooling system
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while reversing, the rear-view camera was intermittently inoperable, and a message was displayed to…
2015 · 80,000 miles · Reversing camera and sensors
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated that at cold starts, the vehicle vibrated significantly with heavy white smoke coming from the exhaust. The check engine light was intermittently illuminated, accompanied by a noticeable coolant odor. A diagnostic test by the dealer confirmed that there was…
2019 · 44,000 miles · Engine
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while reversing, the rear-view camera displayed a distorted image. In addition, the message “Rear-view Camera Unavailable” was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a rear-view camera display failure. The…
2015 · 65,000 miles · Reversing camera and sensors
Built from 6,642 NHTSA complaints with mileage · snapshot 2026-09-26 · open data · how it is built
Other Escape generations
- Escape 2001–2007 4,349 reports with mileage, most about body structure
- Escape 2008–2012 7,014 reports with mileage, most about the steering
- Escape 2020–2025 686 reports with mileage, most about body structure