At least one recall carries a do-not-drive or park-outside warning. Confirm by VIN that the repair was completed before driving or buying this car. The fix is free at a dealer.
Before you buy
- Engine overheating and coolant leaks: about 21% of complaints. Ask whether the cooling system recall and any coolant valve or hose repairs were done, and check the coolant level and temperature gauge on a test drive.
- Engine stalling while driving: about 1 in 6 complaints.
- Power steering assist loss: about 1 in 14 complaints.
- Safety: Sudden loss of acceleration (can affect control: 14 of 16 reports), about 1 in 19 complaints.
- Run the free VIN recall check for the 18 recalls to confirm on this model, starting with the fuel system recall (12V336000).
Based on a random sample of 300 of the 2,748 complaints filed with NHTSA for this model, read and summarized with AI. 289 of them describe a failure the owner experienced; the rest (recall notices, parts delays, worries) are left out of these counts. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Known problems
What owners report most often, grouped into named problems. Summaries are written by AI from the complaints; open a problem to read the owners' own words.
Engine overheating and coolant leaks
Owners report coolant leaking or disappearing, low coolant and temperature warnings, and the engine overheating or losing power. Repairs mentioned include coolant bypass valves, hoses, the reservoir, the standpipe and the thermostat.
- How common
- 64 of the 300 complaints we read (21%), roughly 586 of all 2,748 on file
- Safety
- Can affect control: 25 of 64 reports; 1 report mentions a fire
- Related recalls
- Owners mention 12V551000, 12V431000, 13V583000. Check the VIN for it.
Before you buy: Ask whether the cooling system recall and any coolant valve or hose repairs were done, and check the coolant level and temperature gauge on a test drive.
- Repeated coolant leaks led to total engine failure and turbo damage; the vehicle is unrepairable. · filed May 2026
Read the owner's complaint
This Ford Escape has had numerous issues with coolant leaks leading to total engine failure on October 2025. The vehicle is unrepairable with the turbo being damaged and is no longer on the road
NHTSA complaint ODI #11735961
- Coolant temperature warning light came on at a winter start and stayed on after the coolant sensor was replaced. · filed Dec 2025
Read the owner's complaint
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle in the winter, the coolant temperature warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an Independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the coolant sensor needed to be replaced. The coolant sensor was replaced; however, the warning light remained illuminated. The contact related the failure NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V209000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the model year was not included in the recall. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on two different occasions. The manufacturer was not notified of the current failure. The failure mileage was 85,000.
NHTSA complaint ODI #11707533
- Coolant leaks onto the ground and is consumed excessively; heater hose replacement did not fix it and protection mode appeared. · filed Nov 2024
Read the owner's complaint
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked and refilling the coolant reservoir, the coolant leaked onto the ground underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic; however, the failure was not duplicated. The heater hose was replaced; however, the failure reoccurred. In addition, the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of coolant. The coolant reservoir was refilled and leaked out unto the ground. The contact stated that the message “Vehicle in Protection Mode” was displayed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 113,000.
NHTSA complaint ODI #11627767
Engine stalling while driving
Owners report the engine stalling without warning at intersections, on takeoff and at speed, sometimes needing several restarts. Some dealers replaced wiring harness splices or a fuel line sensor.
- How common
- 54 of the 300 complaints we read (18%), roughly 495 of all 2,748 on file
- Safety
- Can affect control: 51 of 54 reports; 1 report mentions a crash; 1 report mentions a fire; 2 reports mention an injury
- Related recalls
- Owners mention 14V495000, 13V583000. Check the VIN for it.
- Engine stalled unexpectedly while driving and at a stop, several times; shop could not reproduce the problem. · filed Mar 2023
Read the owner's complaint
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled inadvertently. The contact stated that the failure also occurred while at a complete stop. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure occured on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to a local PepBoys, where the failure could not be duplicated. An unknown dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 64,900.
NHTSA complaint ODI #11514067
- Engine stalled without warning while climbing a hill on a busy highway; owner says the dealer required paying for repairs. · filed Jan 2022
Read the owner's complaint
My son was driving up a hill on January 26, 2022 and the car stalled. I called the Ford dealer and they said I had to take it in and pay for the repairs. This is a 2013 Ford Escape and I was reading on the internet that these cars have these problems. My son said there was no warning lights before this happened, it just stalled on a busy, dangerous highway. Thank God he was not hurt. I don't know what else to do. This problem should get taken care of with so many people having the same issue.
NHTSA complaint ODI #11449213
- Engine stalls at stops after warming up and keeps stalling intermittently in stop-and-go driving. · filed Oct 2021
Read the owner's complaint
After warmup, engine stalls at stop. It restarts, but intermittently stalls again at stop/go or when slowing down.
NHTSA complaint ODI #11438334
Power steering assist loss
Owners report the electric power steering assist cutting out suddenly, making the wheel very hard to turn, sometimes with a steering assist fault warning. Repairs mentioned include module reprogramming and steering rack replacement.
- How common
- 22 of the 300 complaints we read (7%), roughly 202 of all 2,748 on file
- Safety
- Can affect control: 21 of 22 reports
- Steering assist fault message appears while driving and steering becomes very hard, making it difficult to pull over. · filed Feb 2024
Read the owner's complaint
I own a 2013 ford Escape sel. While driving on the road a message appears and states steering assist fault. When this happens the steering becomes very hard to steer. I feel like I can’t even pull over because it is very hard to steer. I feel is very unsafe. Another msg that appears is hill start assist not available and then with that massage 911 assist fault. All of these messages to me seem very unsafe and need to be looked at. I looked online and there are thousands of people complaining about these problems.
NHTSA complaint ODI #11572637
- Power steering assist cut out intermittently for two weeks, then failed completely, making steering and parking very difficult. · filed Aug 2023
Read the owner's complaint
“Steering Assist Fault - Service Required” Two weeks of intermittent loss of power steering, regained by turning the car on and off again, to complete power steering loss. Very difficult to steer and park the vehicle. Many online forum with ‘13 Escape owners experiencing similar issue with no resolution.
NHTSA complaint ODI #11537855
- Power steering assist suddenly failed while driving, making the wheel nearly impossible to turn; Steering Assist Fault message appeared. · filed Jun 2023
Read the owner's complaint
Yesterday, while driving my Ford Escape, all of a sudden, my steering wheel became near impossible to steer - very difficult to be able to control enough to contain the vehicle and pull to a stop. It was so scary. I was just arriving home, but if this had happened on the Interstate or the State Highway I had just traveled, I am not certain I could have safely gotten my Escape off of the Highway without an accident. * Without prior warning, the steering wheel was so very hard to turn. * Trying to see what was happening, I looked at the Message which had popped up, ( There was not a message noted prior to the near inability to physically force the steering wheel to turn.) * The message said: Steering Assist Fault - Service Required (That is the 1st time that message had been
NHTSA complaint ODI #11525747
Sudden loss of acceleration
Owners report the car suddenly failing to accelerate or losing power at speed, often with warning lights or a reduced power message. Sensor replacements did not always fix it.
- How common
- 16 of the 300 complaints we read (5%), roughly 147 of all 2,748 on file
- Safety
- Can affect control: 14 of 16 reports
- Related recalls
- Owners mention 15V813000. Check the VIN for it.
- Check engine light came on and the vehicle slowly lost speed while driving; mechanic could not diagnose it. · filed Apr 2024
Read the owner's complaint
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle then began to slowly decelerate. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic, but the vehicle was unable to be diagnosed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.
NHTSA complaint ODI #11583162
- Power reduced message and several other warnings appear, including transmission fault, turbo underboost, and steering angle sensor messages. · filed Oct 2023
Read the owner's complaint
- Valve cover needs to be replaced - Spark plugs needs to be replaced - Power reduced message pops up probably from spark plugs - Says transmission fault probably from valve cover leaking transmission fluid - Left rear speed sensor - Turbo charger/super charger underboost - invalid data received from steering angle sensor module message popped up
NHTSA complaint ODI #11552384
- Engine revs rise but the car will not accelerate, forcing the owner to pull over, with no warning lights. · filed Nov 2022
Read the owner's complaint
UNKNOWN, There are not any warning lights on, my cars rpm jumps when I try to accelerate. As I push the gas it acts as if it does not want to drive and won’t. I’ve had to pull over with hazards and wait for someone to come assist.
NHTSA complaint ODI #11494922
Transmission slipping and harsh shifting
Owners report the transmission shifting hard or erratically, slipping into neutral, whining, or failing to engage gear, with some needing a rebuild or solenoid repair.
- How common
- 16 of the 300 complaints we read (5%), roughly 147 of all 2,748 on file
- Safety
- Can affect control: 9 of 16 reports; 1 report mentions a crash; 1 report mentions an injury
- Related recalls
- Owners mention 14V495000. Check the VIN for it.
- Transmission shifting problem continued after the shifter bushing recall repair; shop blamed a transmission solenoid not covered by the recall. · filed Apr 2025
Read the owner's complaint
I have had car a month bought used and saw the recall for the transmission shifter bushing which I had done today at the Ford place . But it didn't fix the shifting problem .so took had hooked up to a machine to tell me it's the transmission solenoid b that's inside the trans mission and not covered by the recall which is insane because it's the main reason these cars are having this problem so now I can't get it fixed have had car a month and will be parking it as junk because Ford can't fix under the recall. This needs to be changed this is the main culprit not the bushings.
NHTSA complaint ODI #11655660
- Transmission whines loudly and sometimes slips at low mileage; owner says it should be covered by a recall. · filed Jun 2023
Read the owner's complaint
This 2000 Ford escape only has 23,111 miles on it. The transmission is whining like crazy and sometimes slips. I feel it is a faulty transmission and should be replaced with such low mileage. I cannot afford to pay for this, so it Hass to be under a recall.
NHTSA complaint ODI #11527472
- Car would not engage reverse or drive and shut off on a two-way road; shifting into gear remains difficult. · filed Jul 2022
Read the owner's complaint
Puting car into reverse on 2way road to turn around car wouldn't go in reverse or forwards car shut off. Had to keep brake on kept shifting back and forth till car turned on had traffic stopped both ways. Seatbelt released not working at all. If car would of gone forwards upon started would of gone over cliff. This happened about 2nd week in July. Currently car has trouble upon driving shifting into gear. Please advise. Dangerous
NHTSA complaint ODI #11475669
Coolant leaking into engine cylinders
Owners report coolant leaking inside the engine through a cracked block, cracked cylinder head or failed head gasket, leading to misfires and engine failure. Dealers often recommended a replacement engine.
- How common
- 14 of the 300 complaints we read (5%), roughly 128 of all 2,748 on file
- Safety
- Can affect control: 5 of 14 reports
- Related recalls
- Owners mention 12V551000. Check the VIN for it.
- Engine overheated and went into limp mode; after a water pump replacement coolant entered cylinders and the engine seized. · filed Mar 2025
Read the owner's complaint
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, the engine temperature gauge went to HOT, the vehicle decelerated, and the engine went into LIMP Mode. The engine overheated warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the water pump failed and needed to be replaced. The water pump was replaced, and coolant was added. The coolant level was low immediately. The failure persisted and the engine seized. The vehicle was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed and the contact was informed that there was coolant intrusion into cylinders #2 and #3. The contact was informed that the long block assembly and manifold needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 146,000.
NHTSA complaint ODI #11646709
- Coolant leaking into the engine damaged it and a mechanic says it needs replacing; owner says Ford refuses to issue a recall. · filed Nov 2024
Read the owner's complaint
Coolant is leaking into the engine and mechanic told me my whole engine needs to be replaced due to the damage. Ford has been ignoring this and refuses to issue a full recall.
NHTSA complaint ODI #11627225
- Coolant leaking into the engine caused excessive coolant use and engine failure; mechanics say the engine needs replacing. · filed Jun 2024
Read the owner's complaint
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing excessive coolant consumption. The coolant temperature warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to several independent mechanics, where it was diagnosed that there was coolant intrusion in the engine. The mechanics determined that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was notified of the failure and an appointment was scheduled for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 63,000.
NHTSA complaint ODI #11597426
Shifter cable bushing failure
Owners report the shifter cable bushing detaching from the transmission, leaving the shifter useless, the car stuck in gear or rolling after being put in park.
- How common
- 10 of the 300 complaints we read (3%), roughly 92 of all 2,748 on file
- Safety
- Can affect control: 5 of 10 reports
- Related recalls
- Owners mention 18V471000, 22V413000. Check the VIN for it.
- Shifter would not go into the intended gear due to a failed shifter cable bushing; recall parts are not yet available. · filed Sep 2022
Read the owner's complaint
The contact's daughter owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact's daughter received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the gear shifter was unable to shift into the intended gear. The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic at the daughter's residence. The mechanic informed the daughter that the transmission shifter cable bushing needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint ODI #11482362
- Shifter cable bushing failed, so the car rolled when placed in park and would not shift; recall parts are unavailable. · filed Jun 2022
Read the owner's complaint
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon shifting the vehicle in park(P), the vehicle began to roll forward. The contact immediately engaged the parking brake. The contact then attempted to shift into drive(D) however, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact's daughter called an independent mechanic who was able to assist over the phone. The contact unscrewed the shifter panel and pulled the lever while the daughter adjusted the cable bushing from underneath the hood. The contact and her daughter performed the fix each time to shift the vehicle into gear. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train). The vehicle was then taken to an unknown dealer where they informed her that part for the recall would not be available until July or August of 2022. The contact then took the vehicle to a local dealer where it remained in their possession. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 99,600. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint ODI #11471759
- Transmission would not shift into park, requiring the emergency brake; car is waiting on an unavailable part. · filed Jun 2022
Read the owner's complaint
Car wouldn’t go into park, very unsafe had to put emergency brake on. Yes I reached out to my ford dealer ship. No there was no warnings. This is a very inconvenience when this is my family car and I can’t drive it now because I have to wait to get it fixed because nobody has the simple part! This is beyond ridiculous! Thanks!
NHTSA complaint ODI #11470754
Engine compartment fires
Owners report the engine or vehicle catching fire while driving or parked, and smoke with a burning oil smell from under the hood.
- How common
- 9 of the 300 complaints we read (3%), roughly 82 of all 2,748 on file
- Safety
- Fire or smoke: 9 of 9 reports; 8 reports mention a fire; 2 reports mention an injury
- Related recalls
- Owners mention 12V431000, 13V583000. Check the VIN for it.
- Engine caught fire. · filed Nov 2025
Read the owner's complaint
The car caught on fire from the engine
NHTSA complaint ODI #11697081
- Smoke and burning oil smell came from under the hood; manufacturer said the VIN is not under the related recall. · filed Jul 2022
Read the owner's complaint
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated he noticed a burning oil odor and smoke was coming from underneath the hood. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact stated that he noticed that the vehicle was experiencing the failure listed in NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V583000 (Engine). The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the VIN was not under recall. The contact was referred to the NHTSA for assistance. The failure mileage was 104,075.
NHTSA complaint ODI #11472525
- Car caught fire underneath while driving on the highway and was a total loss; a passenger was treated for smoke inhalation. · filed Nov 2019
Read the owner's complaint
WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY ( US 82 IN TEXAS), THERE WERE FLAMES SEEN COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. A SEPARATE VEHICLE PULLED UP BESIDE OUR 2013 FORD ESCAPE, AND YELLED THAT THE CAR WAS ON FIRE. MY SON QUICKLY PULLED OVER, AND HE AND HIS MOTHER QUICKLY GOT OUT OF THE VEHICLE AND BACKED AWAY FROM IT. A FIRE TRUCK CAME AND PUT OUT THE FIRE, BUT THE CAR IS A TOTAL LOSS. MY WIFE WAS ALSO TREATED FOR SMOKE INHALATION ON SITE, AND LATER HAD TO GO TO THE HOSPITAL BECAUSE SHE WAS STILL HAVING PROBLEMS BREATHING. I HAVE CHECKED THE VIN ON OUR VEHICLE, BUT THERE WAS NO RECALL ON OUR VIN. AFTER RESEARCH, I SEE THAT THERE HAS BEEN OTHER FIRE ISSUES WITH OTHER VINS. I BELIEVE OUR SITUATION NEEDS TO BE LOOKED AT, BECAUSE THE RECALL MAY NEED TO BE EXPANDED. WE ARE CURRENTLY UPSIDE DOWN ON OUR CAR NOTE, AND WILL LOOSE ABOUT $4,000 OUT OF POCKET. I BELIEVE OUR ISSUE COULD BE RELATED TO ISSUES OTHERS HAVE HAD WITHIN THE RECALLED VIN'S. THIS HAPPENED ON FRIDAY NOVEMBER 15TH NEAR SHERMAN, TEXAS.
NHTSA complaint ODI #11281622
Door latch failures
Owners report doors that will not latch shut, open while driving, or stay stuck closed.
- How common
- 8 of the 300 complaints we read (3%), roughly 73 of all 2,748 on file
- Safety
- Airbag, seat belt or door safety: 4 of 8 reports
- Related recalls
- Owners mention 16V643000. Check the VIN for it.
- Right passenger door came unlatched while driving, and the driver had to hold it shut. · filed Jul 2025
Read the owner's complaint
Right passenger door came unlatched while driving. Had to manually keep the door shut while driving.
NHTSA complaint ODI #11676641
- Doors stay shut and will not open even when unlocked with child locks off; owner worries about latch safety. · filed Feb 2019
Read the owner's complaint
DOORS WILL SHUT AND REMAIN SHUT EVEN WHEN DOORS ARE UNLOCKED AND CHILD LOCKS ARE DISENGAGED. A DOOR THAT IS NOT SECURELY LATCHED OR LATCHED INDEFINITELY COULD OPEN WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION INCREASING THE RISK OF AN INJURY TO A VEHICLE OCCUPANT. VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY WHEN EXPERIENCING THIS ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint ODI #11182404
- Three doors would not latch shortly after purchase so owner tied them shut; owner also reports bumper separation and hard starting. · filed Nov 2018
Read the owner's complaint
1. MY FRONT BUMPER CAME APART 2 WEEKS AFTER PURCHASE AT A PLACE WHERE THE METAL WAS WELDED AND THEN CAME HALFWAY OF ALL PIECES FELL OFF ATTACHED TO FRONT BUMPER AND NO COLLISION TOOK PLACE HOWEVER WHEN I BACKED UP OUT OF THE PARKING SPACE IT CAUGHT ON THE CURB AND PULLED APART EVEN MORE. 2. SINCE PURCHASE AFTER FILL UP THE ENGINE CRANKS HOWEVER WILL NOT TURN OVER WITHOUT APPLYING A LITTLE GAS. 3. NOW YESTERDAY I HAVE TOO TURN ON IGNITION TWICE TO START EVERYTIME I NEED TO TURN ON THE CAR. 4. I ALSO HAD 5 RECALLS THE DEALERSHIP DID NOT MAKE ME AWARE OF FIXED ( THEY ONLY SAID REAR SEATBELTS HAD TO BE REPLACED) WELL SHORTLY AFTER I PURCHASED 3 DOORS WOULDN'T LATCH I HAD TO ROPE MY DOORS SHUT UNTIL I COULD GET INTO SEWEL FORD. MY FAMILY HAS BEEN IN SO MUCH DANGER IN THIS VEHICLE. I AM A 40 YEAR OLD DISABLED WOMAN WITH 3 CHILDREN, MY STEP -DAD IS BLIND, MY BROTHER IS TERMINALLY ILL AND NEEDLESS TO SAY I NEED A RELIABLE VEHICLE IN ONE PIECE. I HAVE FILED A COMPLAINT WITH THE ATTORNEY GENERAL AND THE DMV RESPONDED THAT AN INVESTIGATION HAS BEEN SET OUT TO DETERMINE HOW MUCH OF THIS IS MANUFACTURE DEFECT AND WHAT PART THE DEALERSHIP PLAYED BY NON- DISCLOSURE OF REMAINING RECALLS MAKING ME BELIEVE THEY WERE CONCERNED FOR OUR SAFETY BY FIXING THE REAR SEAT BELTS.
NHTSA complaint ODI #11154902
Fuel line leaks
Owners report gasoline smells and fuel leaking from the fuel line or feed hose, in one case leading to a fire.
- How common
- 8 of the 300 complaints we read (3%), roughly 73 of all 2,748 on file
- Safety
- Injury risk: 4 of 8 reports; 1 report mentions a fire
- Fuel line leak caused a strong gasoline odor and fluid under the parked vehicle; dealer said fuel lines need replacing. · filed Apr 2024
Read the owner's complaint
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed an abnormally strong gasoline odor coming from outside the vehicle. The contact went to check underneath the vehicle and noticed an oil leak coming from the vehicle. The contact also stated that the oil leak had a very strong odor. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed as a failure with the fuel line. The contact was informed that the fuel lines needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. Additionally, the contact was advised to contact the NHSTA Hotline for further assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.
NHTSA complaint ODI #11582361
- Engine compartment fuel line on the 1.6L engine is leaking fuel; owner says Ford told them the fuel line recall does not cover the car. · filed Jul 2023
Read the owner's complaint
This is the 1.6l engine it has a main fuel line problem in the engine area that is leaking fuel. I see recall but FORD says my car not affected in recall. See below 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. Manufactured between: 1/1/1900-1/1/1900 Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY Recalled on: 7/19/2012 Vehicle: 2013 FORD ESCAPE
NHTSA complaint ODI #11533432
- Fuel line caught fire while driving; owner notes an earlier recall for the same issue is no longer active. · filed Dec 2022
Read the owner's complaint
The fuel line caught fire while driving under normal load. There is no active recall on this model any longer, but had one years ago for same issue. This vehicle has 89k miles, serviced regularly, and fire
NHTSA complaint ODI #11498820
Less common problems (complaints in the sample)
- Unintended acceleration and rpm surges (8)
- Engine and turbo oil leaks (6)
- ABS and traction control warnings (3)
- Gas and brake pedals too close (3)
- Wheel bearing failure (3)
- Airbag warning light (2)
- Brake vacuum pump failure (2)
- Cylinder misfire (2)
- Engine failure (2)
- Exterior door handles sticking (2)
- Fuel and fume odor in cabin (2)
- Rear door interior panel problems (2)
- Swollen lug nuts (2)
- Water pump failure (2)
- Battery drain (1)
- Brake pedal sinking (1)
- Catalytic converter failure (1)
- Catalytic converter heat shield detaching (1)
- Cross traffic alert false alarms (1)
- Driver seat belt not locking (1)
- Electrical wiring faults (1)
- Engine will not shut off (1)
- Front seatback collapse (1)
- Front shock absorber fracture (1)
- Front tire blowout (1)
- Fuel filler neck spitback (1)
- Gear selector indicator stuck (1)
- Hard start after refueling (1)
- Instrument cluster going dark (1)
- Memory seat losing settings (1)
- Moonroof glass shattering (1)
- No start (1)
- Power mirrors moving unexpectedly (1)
- Rear subframe rust (1)
- Rearview camera and screen failure (1)
- Rolling back on inclines (1)
- Seat belt reminder failure (1)
- Sharp edges under dash (1)
- Shifter slipping into neutral (1)
- Window falling into door (1)
- Windshield wiper failure (1)
Recalls
Safety issues the manufacturer must repair for free. A recall means confirm the fix was done, not walk away.
Fuel system recall
If this leak occurs in the presence of an ignition source, there is an increased risk of a fire and/or personal injury.
- Remedy
- 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 needed. The dealer will replace the engine compartment fuel line, free charge. The recall began on August 10, 2012. Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332.
- Status
- Do not drive until repaired. A dealer fixes this free of charge.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Safety recall
An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- 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 block heater element with a threaded plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed March 6, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S01. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on January 16, 2026.
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Transmission recall
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 driver selects the 'Park' position. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash or injury.
- Remedy
- 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 mailed July 1, 2022. Remedy parts are expected to be available in 4th Quarter 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed October 27, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S43.
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Safety recall
A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
- Remedy
- 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 have the option to inspect their own vehicle's door latches and enter the date codes into a website to determine if the latches are correct. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 27, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S30.
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Transmission recall
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.
- Remedy
- 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 number for this recall is 18S20. Note: Owners are directed to use the parking brake until the recall remedy repairs can be made.
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Safety recall
A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
- Remedy
- 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 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S30.
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Electrical system recall
The incorrect signals could cause the vehicle to hesitate or the engine to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- 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 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 14S17-S1.
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Airbags recall
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 of a crash.
- Remedy
- 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 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 14S21.
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Electrical system recall
The incorrect signals could cause the vehicle to hesitate or the engine to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- 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 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14S17.
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Structure recall
A door that opens unexpectedly may result in an unrestrained occupant falling from the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- 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 service at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14S03.
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Airbags recall
If the side-curtain rollover air bag is delayed in deploying in certain rollover circumstances, the risk of injury to the passengers is increased.
- Remedy
- 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 recall is 14S04.
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Safety recall
The back of the subject seats may become loose or lean while driving and potentially increase the risk of injury in certain crashes.
- Remedy
- 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.
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Fuel system recall
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
- Remedy
- 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 recall began on April 9, 2014. Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's recall number is 13S12.
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Safety recall
Leaking engine oil may come into contact with a hot engine surface potentially resulting in an engine compartment fire.
- Remedy
- 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 April 9, 2014. Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's recall number is 13S12.
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Safety recall
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.
- Remedy
- 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 Company Customer Relationship Center at 1-866-436-7332.
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Engine recall
If flammable engine fluids come in contact with the vehicles hot exhaust system, a vehicle fire could occur.
- Remedy
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine for coolant system leaks and reprogram the vehicles powertrain control module and instrument cluster with an updated calibration and overheat strategy software. There will be no charge to owners for this service. Owners were recently notified to contact dealers to arrange for alternative transportation as Ford developed a remedy. Owners will be shortly receiving notifications to contact Ford dealers to schedule the free remedy repair. Owners may contact Ford Motor Company Customer Relationship Center at 1-866-436-7332.
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Engine recall
As leaking engine coolant evaporates on the hot engine, the glycol may ignite causing an engine compartment fire.
- Remedy
- 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 1-866-436-7332.
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Brakes recall
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 AND THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- Remedy
- 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 FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
How does it compare with other years? The 2013 has 2,748 complaints on file, more than the 2012 (598) and more than the 2014 (2,083). That is the most of the 16 model years of the Ford Escape we cover. Older model years have had longer to collect complaints.