2013 Ford Escape
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 2,754 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the highest complaint count among 26 Escape model years with reports.
Of the 2013 reports, 50 involved a crash and 90 involved a fire. 55 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Equipment, electrical, engine block heaterJan 15, 2026
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Focus, 2013-2019 Escape, and 2015-2016 MKC vehicles equipped with a 2.0L engine. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
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.
Campaign 26V011000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, automatic transmission, gear position indication (prndl)Jun 10, 2022
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.
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.
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.
Campaign 22V413000 on NHTSA.gov
Latches/locks/linkages, doors, latchJun 8, 2020
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 repaired under recalls 15V-246, 16V-643 or 17V-210, however the repair may not have been completed properly. A component within the door latches may break making the doors difficult to latch and/or leading the driver or a passenger to believe a door is securely closed when, in fact, it is not.
A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
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.
Campaign 20V331000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, automatic transmission, lever and linkage, floor shiftJul 16, 2018
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 cause the bushing to detach from the transmission. The condition could allow the driver to move the shift lever to Park and remove the ignition key, while the transmission may not be in Park, with no warning message or audible chime.
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.
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.
Campaign 18V471000 on NHTSA.gov
Latches/locks/linkages, doors, latchSep 6, 2016
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 doors from latching and/or leading the driver or a passenger to believe a door is securely closed when, in fact, it is not.
A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
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.
Campaign 16V643000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, wiringDec 2, 2015
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 harness splices to the Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) sensor may provide incorrect signals to the powertrain control module (PCM).
The incorrect signals could cause the vehicle to hesitate or the engine to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 15V813000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bagsSep 26, 2014
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, 2011, to November 1, 2013; and Lincoln MKZ vehicles manufactured April 25, 2012, to September 30, 2013. The coating on portions of the Restraint Control Module (RCM) may crack, and when exposed to humidity, circuits on the printed circuit board may short.
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.
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.
Campaign 14V597000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, wiringAug 11, 2014
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 with 2.0 liter engines. Insufficient compression in the engine wiring harness splices to the Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) sensor may provide incorrect signals to the powertrain control module (PCM).
The incorrect signals could cause the vehicle to hesitate or the engine to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 14V495000 on NHTSA.gov
Structure, body, doorMay 7, 2014
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 doors that may be difficult to close or may possibly open while driving.
A door that opens unexpectedly may result in an unrestrained occupant falling from the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury.
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.
Campaign 14V239000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, sensor/control module-inactiveMay 7, 2014
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 side-curtain rollover air bag.
If the side-curtain rollover air bag is delayed in deploying in certain rollover circumstances, the risk of injury to the passengers is increased.
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.
Campaign 14V237000 on NHTSA.gov
Seats, front assembly, reclinerApr 2, 2014
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 Ford C-Max vehicles manufactured from July 23, 2012, through May 28, 2013. The driver and passenger seatback assemblies may have been produced with sub-standard weld joints used to attach the seat back recliner mechanism to the seat frame. The affected seat backs may have insufficient strength to meet the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 207, "Seating Systems."
The back of the subject seats may become loose or lean while driving and potentially increase the risk of injury in certain crashes.
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.
Campaign 14V164000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, delivery, hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsNov 25, 2013
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 line may have been installed incorrectly when repaired under the prior recall. The misinstalled fuel line could chafe and eventually leak fuel.
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
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.
Campaign 13V584000 on NHTSA.gov
EngineNov 25, 2013
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 cause cracks that could allow oil to leak.
Leaking engine oil may come into contact with a hot engine surface potentially resulting in an engine compartment fire.
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.
Campaign 13V583000 on NHTSA.gov
Latches/locks/linkagesMar 7, 2013
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 built incorrectly. As a result, the child lock may not engage when the operator uses normal force to activate the child lock.
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.
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.
Campaign 13V085000 on NHTSA.gov
Engine and engine coolingDec 3, 2012
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 manufactured from February 3, 2012, through November 29, 2012, equipped with 1.6L engines. Coolant system leaks may cause the engines to overheat and leak flammable engine fluids.
If flammable engine fluids come in contact with the vehicles hot exhaust system, a vehicle fire could occur.
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.
Campaign 12V551000 on NHTSA.gov
Engine and engine coolingSep 4, 2012
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.
As leaking engine coolant evaporates on the hot engine, the glycol may ignite causing an engine compartment fire.
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.
Campaign 12V431000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, delivery, hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsDo not drive until repairedJul 18, 2012
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.
If this leak occurs in the presence of an ignition source, there is an increased risk of a fire and/or personal injury.
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.
Campaign 12V336000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, pedals and linkagesJul 6, 2012
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 THE PEDAL PACKAGE.
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.
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.
Campaign 12V319000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: fuel/propulsion system
248 reports, newest first. Show all
Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 4, 2016
CAR NEARLY STALLS WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOP OR FROM A SLOWER SPEED. RPMS REV UP AND WHEN IT FINALLY GOES, IT SURGES FORWARD. THIS IS GOING TO CAUSE ME TO BE REAR ENDED! I'VE HAD THE CAR INTO THE DEALER TWICE ALREADY FOR THIS PROBLEM, YET IT CONTINUES. THERE ARE TWO TIMES WHEN IT OCCURS. FIRST IS WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOP AND SECOND IS IF YOU'VE HAD TO SLOW DOWN (WHEN ANOTHER CAR IS TURNING OFF THE ROAD) AND THEN YOU TRY TO ACCELERATE AGAIN. USUALLY HAPPENS IN LOWER GEARS AROUND 15-30 MPH.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 1, 2016
FUEL TANK COMPRESSING, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO ROUGH IDLE, SURGE OR STALL WHILE DRIVING WITH NO WARNING. HAS STALLED ON THREE DIFFERENT OCCASIONS. UNSAFE TO DRIVE. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATES. FORD REQUIRES A $100 FEE TO CHECK VEHICLE AND STATED CUSTOMER WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR REPAIRS AND THEN SEE IF FORD WILL REIMBURSE.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 13, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE ENGINE TEMPERATURE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS MANEUVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER INFORMED THAT THE FUEL PRESSURE SENSOR AND THE ENGINE WIRE HARNESS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 41,424. ...UPDATED 04/19/16 *BF *CN
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 18, 2015
I PURCHASED MY '13 ESCAPE SE AT THE END OF SEPT 2014. IN DECEMBER '14 IT STARTED LEAKING COOLANT AND OIL ALL OVER THE DRIVEWAY WHILE IT WAS PARKED. THE WEATHER STRIP WAS FALLING OFF THE DOOR. THEN WHEN IT WAS RAINING, WATER POURED IN THROUGH THE READING LIGHT AS I WAS BACKING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY. I BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALER AND IT TOOK 3 WEEKS FOR REPAIRS AND RECALLS TO BE DONE. IT WENT BACK FOR OTHER RECALLS TWICE. IN NOVEMBER '15 I GOT AN ALERT WHILE DRIVING THAT COOLANT WAS LOW (3 WEEKS POST OIL CHANGE AND "THE WORKS") AND IT WAS DANGEROUSLY LOW. I REFILLED IT AND BROUGHT IT BACK TO THE DEALER - THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE ISSUE SO IT WENT UNREPAIRED. DECEMBER '15, I TURNED MY CAR ON AND RECEIVED AN ALERT "ENGINE FAULT SERVICE NOW" WHILE STILL IN PARK. I HAD TO MOVE IT A FEW BLOCKS AND DROVE IT AT A SLOW RATE, THE CAR JERKED BACK & FORTH WHILE I DROVE IT THE 2 BLOCKS BEFORE I PARKED IT AGAIN. ALSO BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THE ALERT CODE WAS FOR A FUEL LINE ISSUE, BUT WHEN THEY TESTED IT THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF ANY ISSUES.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 23, 2015
COOLANT ISSUES, OVERHEATING AND VEHICLE STOPPING COMPLETELY, THIS OCCURRED SEVERAL TIMES; HEAD GASKET REPLACED, TURBO REPLACED, SPARK PLUGS COMING OUT ON THEIR OWN, WHEEL BEARING AND SENSOR GONE, TOUCH SCREEN GONE
Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 13, 2015
MY MOM'S CAR IS A REMOTE FOB PUSH BUTTON START AN STOP AND SHE CANNOT HEAR THE CAR RUNNING TO CUT OFF SOMETIMES LEAVING IT RUNNING. WE ASKED THE FORD DEALER TO PROGRAM A 3 MINUTE IDLE SHUT DOWN BUT COULD NOT ACCOMODATE. NO INJURY HAS BEEN CAUSED.
Suspension, Power train, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 14, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO VIBRATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE SHAFT AND JOINT ASSEMBLY, BUSHING, SEALS, RIGHT FRONT AXLE, AND SHAFT JOINT FORWARD NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. FIVE MONTHS LATER WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED STRONG FUEL FUMES EMITTING IN AND AROUND THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL LINES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WAS AWARE OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V584000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 54,000.
Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 31, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 72 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, WHERE IT DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL LINE SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN PERFORMED ADDITIONAL UNKNOWN REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 26,615.
Fuel/propulsion system, May 29, 2015
SINCE I HAVE OWNED THE ESCAPE TO PRESENT I HAVE NEVER GOTTEN ANYWHERE NEAR THE GAS MILEAGE THAT WAS LISTED ON THE WINDOW TAG. I DO NOT EVEN GET ON THE ROAD WHAT IT SAID I SHOULD GET IN TOWN. IT STINKS.... I HAVE TALKED TO THE DEALERSHIP PERSONS ABOUT IT EVERY TIME I AM IN FOR AN OIL CHANGE OR RECALLS. THEY JUST TELL ME THAT IT ISN'T BROKEN IN. HOW MANY MILES DO I HAVE TO HAVE TO BE BROKEN IN??? I AM AN OLDER LADY SO I DO NOT DRAG, DIG OFF, OR ANY FOOLISH DRIVING....THE GAS MILEAGE JUST STINKS. IS THERE ANYTHING THAT CAN BE DONE ABOUT IT. MAYBE FORD NEEDS TO HAVE TO FOLLOW KIA'S EXAMPLE AND HAVE TO GIVE GAS CARDS TO MAKE UP FOR THE POOR GAS MILEAGE. I HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT THIS SEVERAL TIMES ON LINE, BUT NOTHING HAPPENS. UNLESS THIS CHANGES, I WILL NOT BE INTERESTED IN BUYING A FORD AGAIN. I WILL GO BACK TO FOREIGN MAKE....ALWAYS GOT GOOD GAS MILEAGE THERE. WANTED TO BUY LOCAL AND BUY AMERICAN MADE, BUT BIG MISTAKE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Fuel/propulsion system, May 6, 2015
WENT IN FOR AN OIL CHANGE AND MY HUSBAND WAS ADVISED THAT THE HEAT SHIELD OVER THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER APPEARED TO BE DISINTEGRATING. THE TECHNICIAN SUGGESTED IT WOULD BE A FIRE HAZARD AND NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED ASAP. WE WENT TO IMMEDIATELY TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP AND THEY ATTEMPTED TO ASSERT WE HAD HIT SOMETHING. BASED ON POSITION OF SHIELD I'M NOT ENTIRELY SURE THAT'S POSSIBLE. WE HAD NOT HIT ANYTHING WITH THE CAR SO THE ASSERTION WAS JUST OFFENSIVE, THAT PLUS THE FACT THAT THERE IS ZERO OTHER DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE. SO, WE HIT SOMETHING THAT WAS ABLE TO DAMAGE THE HEAT SHIELD IN THE UNDER BODY OF THE VEHICLE WITHOUT CAUSING ANY OTHER DAMAGE? RIGHT! THEN THEY SAID COULD BE 'WEATHER' CONDITIONS AS WE LIVE ON A GRAVEL ROAD. THIS APPEARS TO BE A CONSISTENT THEME FROM OTHER POSTINGS, ALTHOUGH IN THEIR CASE THEY WERE TOLD SNOW! MAYBE FORD DOESN'T MAKE VEHICLES TO BE USED IN OTHER THAN PRISTINE DRIVING CONDITIONS. WONDER WHERE I'D HAVE TO TRAVEL TO FIND THOSE? APPARENTLY, FORD ELECTED TO INSTALL A PART ABOVE THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER THAT DOESN'T APPEAR AS WELL CONSTRUCTED AS THE PANS I USE TO MAKE BAR-B-QUE ON MY GRILL; AND WHICH INCIDENTALLY DON'T APPEAR TO HOLD UP TO EITHER SNOW OR GRAVEL ROADS IF YOU BELIEVE THE EXCUSES OF THEIR SERVICE ADVISERS. OUR DEALERSHIP CHARGED $167 FOR THE HEAT SHIELD AND ANOTHER $109 TO INSTALL IT FOR A TOTAL BILL OF $290.09 AFTER TAXES. THE PART ITSELF APPEARS DESIGNED FOR FAILURE AND THEN ON TOP OF THAT WE WERE PRICE GOUGED WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE ADVISER ACTUALLY GAVE ME THE PART TO SHOW ME AFTERWARDS. IT IS LITERALLY SHOCKING TO ME THAT SOMETHING THIS CHEAPLY MADE COULD BE INSTALLED IN THE UNDER BODY OF ANY VEHICLE. BAR-B-QUE PANS THAT I CAN BUY FOR 4 FOR $10 WOULD HAVE PROVIDED BETTER LONGEVITY. SHAME ON FORD AND THE DEALERSHIP THAT PRICE GOUGED TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF FORD'S DESIGN FAILURE. *TR
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 11, 2015
AT START-UP, THERE WAS AN ERROR MESSAGE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL ABOUT AN ENGINE FAULT INSTRUCTING ME TO SEEK SERVICE IMMEDIATELY. AS IT WAS AFTER 6 PM, AND THE DEALER SERVICE SHOP WAS CLOSED, I DRIVE HOME. THE ENGINE WAS "SPUTTERING" AS IF IT WAS GOING TO STALL. THE CAR HAD MINIMAL POWER AND DIDN'T ACHIEVE A SPEED OVER ABOUT 25 MPH. I RAN A VEHICLE HEALTH REPORT, WHICH INDICATED A PROBLEM IN THE ENGINE, TRANSMISSION, OR POWERTRAIN; IT INSTRUCTED ME TO HAVE THE CAR SERVICED. THE NEXT MORNING, THERE WERE NO PROBLEMS. AT THE DEALER THE FOLLOWING DAY, NO PROBLEM CODES CAME UP, AND THE DEALER WOULDN'T REPLACE THE ETB SINCE THERE ISN'T A RECALL. I BELIEVE, HOWEVER, THAT THE PROBLEM IS THE ETB AND THAT I'M BEING PLACED IN AN UNNECESSARILY DANGEROUS SITUATION WHEN THE ETB CAN FAIL UNEXPECTEDLY. PLEASE ISSUE A RECALL! *TR
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 15, 2015
VEHICLE LOSES POWER AND STALLS EITHER IDLING AFTER START OR WITHIN A TENTH OF A MILE. THIS OCCURS EVEN IF THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN DRIVEN EXTENSIVELY THEN PARKED AND RESTARTED OR FROM A COLD START. THIS CONDITION IS HAZARDOUS AS POWER HAS BEEN LOST ENTERING TRAFFIC. THE CAR MUST BE STOPPED AND PLACED IN PARK AND RESTARTED. THIS OCCURS ABOUT EVERY OTHER DAY. FORD DEALERSHIP REPLACED SPLICES IN WIRING HARNESS PER FORD TSB15-0005. PROBLEM RECURRED. RETURNED TO FORD. THROTTLE BODY REPLACED. PROBLEM RECURRED; RETURNING TO FORD AGAIN. *TR
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 2, 2015
CAR HAS BEEN GIVING US AN ERROR MESSAGE "ENGINE FAULT SERVICE NOW" SINCE WE BOUGHT THE VEHICLE. FORD HAS BEEN UNABLE TO REPAIR FOR THE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CAR HAS NO STARTED TO SHUT OFF IN TRAFFIC. THE INCIDENT ON 12/27 I WAS SLOWING DOWN IN HEAVY TRAFFIC AND THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF. CARS WHERE ABLE TO AVOID US AND WE WERE ABLE GET THE CAR RESTARTED BUT IT IS BECOMING A HAZARD TO NOT ONLY US BUT EVERYONE ON THE ROAD. TWO WEEKS PRIOR THE CAR SHUT OFF WHILE WE WERE AT A RED LIGHT. FORD HAS BEEN UNABLE TO FIX AND UNWILLING TO WORK WITH US ON THIS ISSUE. I HAVE SEEN COMMENTS ON LINE THAT OTHER PEOPLE HAVE FACED SIMILAR PROBLEMS WITH THE 2013 ESCAPE. WE JUST WANT THE SAFE WORKING CAR THAT WE THOUGHT WE PAID FOR. WE HAVE TRIED EVERYTHING AND BEEN VERY PATIENT BUT NOW IT IS A SAFETY HAZARD. *TR
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 9, 2014
THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN TURNED IN TO BROWN DAUB FORD IN NAZARETH, PA WHERE IT WAS REPORTED TO HAVE DIED TWICE ON THE ROAD. THEY THEN REPORTED IT DIED ON THEM TWICE ALSO. THEY REPLACED THE ENGINE FUEL PUMP AS THIS IS THE ECOBOOST THERE ARE TWO PUMPS (ONE AT FUELTANK ONE AT ENGINE) AND RETURNED THE CAR. IT DROVE FOR 30 MINUTES AND DIED AGAIN IN AN INTERSECTION WHERE IT ALMOST CAUSED A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. THE DEALERSHIP WROTE UP THE COMPLAINT AS CAR WANTS TO STALL WHICH IS NOT WHAT WAS SAID. THEY WERE TOLD IT DIED AND WAS DANGEROUS, THEY RETURNED IT WITH THE SAME MILEAGE AS THEY TOOK IT IN SO IT WAS NOT TEST DRIVEN. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS PROBLEM AND WILL CAUSE A DEATH. THE NONE TURBO ENGINE HAS A RECALL FOR WIREHARNESS SPLICES NOT DONE PROPERLY AND THAT IS WHAT THIS SOUNDS LIKE. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS. *TR
Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 5, 2014
THE VEHICLE WILL JUST DIE WHEN DRIVING, IT IS OFF. VERY DANGEROUS. THERE IS A RECALL FOR THE SMALLER ENGINE WITH THE SAME SYMPTOMS. THE DEALER HAS SPOKEN TO FORD AND THEY DO NOT KNOW WHAT IT IS. IT DIED ON THEM TWICE. THEY NOW BELIEVE IT COULD BE A DROPOFF IN PRESSURE IN THE FUEL SYSTEM WHICH MAKES NO SENSE. THE CAT JUST STOPS RUNNING. *TR
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 10, 2014
WHILE SLOWING DOWN FOR A STOP LIGHT ON A BUSY STATE HIGHWAY, AND WITHOUT WARNING VEHICLE STALLED. LOSS OF ELECTRIC TEMPORARILY. NO COLLISION BC VEHICLE BEHIND ME WAS ABLE TO SWERVE. *TR
Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 30, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A STRONG GASOLINE ODOR FROM INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 8,000.
Power train, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 16, 2013
THE TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM ON THE VEHICLE IS A HAZARD. WITH NO MORE THAN 3-4 INCHES OF SNOW THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE TO GET ME AND OCCUPANTS OUT OF ONCOMING TRAFFIC. A CLOSE CALL WHEN MY ONLY OPTION WAS TO BACK UP AND THE PEOPLE BEHIND ME TO OFFER ME ROOM. THE VEHICLE SITS WITH THE ACCELERATOR FLOOR OR MODULATED BUT WILL NOT MOVE. AFTER READING THE OWNERS MANUAL IT TELLS ME " IN SOME INSTANCES OF DEEP SNOW" (NOT!) TURN OFF THE TRACTION CONTROL VIA THESE 4-5 STEPS. HOW THE HELL ARE YOU GOING TO DO THAT WHEN YOUR GOING TO GET HIT. IN MY ESTIMATION THIS IS A HAZARD! THEIR TRACTION CONTROL IS A DANGER IT DOES NOT WORK PERIOD. MY WIFE AND I WERE SCARED NEEDLESS TO SAY. TRY IT, YOU'LL SEE WHAT I MEAN. *TR
Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 28, 2013
FILLING VEHICLE UP WITH GAS PUMP ON AUTOMATIC. AFTER GAS PUMP CLICKED OFF, REMOVED NOZZLE FROM VEHICLE AND GAS SHOT OUT OF GAS TANK FILLER NECK ALL OVER ME. HAPPENED TWICE AT 2 DIFFERENT GAS STATIONS. *TR
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 23, 2013
HAD REGULAR OIL CHANGE ON 4/15/13 AND ABOUT A WEEK AFTER. WHILE COMING TO A STOPPED THE VEHICLE JUST STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. HAD TO COME TO COME TO COMPLETE STOP TO PUT CAR IN PARK AND RESTART. RAN VEHICLE HEALTH REPORT--NL. WENT TO DEALER WHO DID OIL CHANGE AND SAID THEY NEVER HEARD OF THIS CAR DOING IT . IF HAPPENED AGAIN CALL ROADSIDE. 05/29/13 AT 545PM CAR STALLED AGAIN NO WARNING. CALLED CROWN FORD SET UP APPT FOR MON. 06/10. 6/7/13 558AM CAR AGAIN STALLED AT ABOUT 35 MPH NO WARNING HAD TO PUT IN NEUTRAL APPLY BRAKE TO RESTART SINCE I WAS ON ROAD WITH NO SHOULDER AND MID CURVE. KEEP APPT FOR MON. AT ABOUT 423PM THAT DAY STARTED CAR AND ENGINE FAULT NOTED ON START TRIED TO DRIVE OUT OF PARKING GARAGE. CAR WAS MISSING AND BARELY MOVING. TRANSMISSION MADE LOUD CLUNK NOISE. COASTED CAR DOWN PARKING GARAGE SO TOW TRUCK WOULD BE ABLE TO ACCESS IT. TOWED TO CROWN FORD. OFFERED VEHICLE HEALTH REPORT I RAN STATING IT WAS POWERTRAIN ISSUE. THEY DECLINED NEEDED IT. CHECKED AND REPLACE MAP SENSOR. PICKED UP ON 6/11/13 AND 06/12/13 STALLED AGAIN EARLY IN THE MORNING ABOUT 600AM AND THEN I WAS ADVISED TO BRING BACK TO DEALER. STALLED AGAIN ON WAY TO DEALER APPROXIMATELY 1130 AM. ADVISED SERVICE DEALER THEY RAN DIAGNOSTIC FOR THE NEXT WEEK WHICH ALL CAME BACK NORMAL. SERVICE MANAGER DROVE ON 06/17 AND STATED PROBLEM REPRODUCED AND WOULD REPLACE THROTTLE BODY.THIS WAS DONE AND I PICKED UP ON 06/21. 06/23 AT APPROXIMATELY 204 PM CAR STALLED AGAIN...RESTARTED AFTER PUTTING IN NEUTRAL UNABLE TO COME TO A STOP VEHICLES BEHIND US...RESTARTED WHEN RESTARTED ENGINE MISSING AGAIN WHEN PUSHED GAS THE TRANSMISSION SEEMED TO MAKE A CLUNK NOISE AND STALLED AGAIN.THE VEHICLE WITHOUT NOTICE STALLS AND IS A GREAT SAFETY ISSUE AND AFTER LAST STALL THE RPM SEEMS TO REV UP SOME.THIS IS A MAJOR DEFECT AND LIFE THREATENING DEFECT. VEHICLE RANDOMLY STALLS & NOW REVS RPMS. *TR
Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 20, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS NO WAY TO SECURE THE FUEL SYSTEM FROM VANDALISM BECAUSE THERE WAS NOT A LOCKING MECHANISM ON THE FUEL CAP. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED HOWEVER, THEY OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THAT THERE WAS NO REMEDY AVAILABLE FOR THE PROBLEM. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,787.
Power train, Service brakes, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 3, 2012
2013 FORD ESCAPE SITUATION IS THAT WHEN I TRANSFER MY FOOT FROM THE ACCELERATOR TO THE BRAKE PEDAL, BESIDES LIGHTLY BRAKING THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCES A SURGE IN ACCELERATION ... CAUSING UNEXPECTED ACCELERATION WHEN THE DRIVER WOULD EXPECT THE VEHICLE TO BE BRAKING. THERE ARE 1 OR 2 PROBLEMS: 1) THE BRAKE PEDAL IS TOO CLOSE TO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL [MORE SO FOR A MALE DRIVER WITH A WIDER FOOT THAN A FEMALE DRIVER]. 2) THE BRAKE PEDAL HAS TOO MUCH MOVEMENT WHILE THE DRIVER IS TRYING TO BRAKE, IN THAT PRESSURE ON THE BRAKE PEDAL PUSHES THE PEDAL TO AND PAST THE ACCELERATOR PETAL; IN THAT IF THE FOOT IS NOT EXACTLY ON THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE ACCELERATOR PUSHES DOWN AND CAUSES A POWER SURGE, WHEN THE DRIVER IS EXPECTING THE VEHICLE TO BE BRAKING. THE PROBLEM IS THE DESIGN AND FUNCTION OF THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE BRAKE PETAL HAS SUCH A LONG TRAVEL, THAT WHEN A PERSON'S FOOT IS NOT 100% ON THE BRAKE THAT THE FOOT ALSO PRESSES ON THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SURGE FORWARD UNEXPECTEDLY, INSTEAD OF STOPPING. THIS IS MOST LIKELY TO HAPPEN WITH A MAN'S FOOT, BEING WIDER THAN A FEMALE'S FOOT. I HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS ON VARIOUS OCCASIONS; ALL OF WHICH CAUSED AN EXTREMELY TRAUMATIC SITUATION(S): 1) TRAVELING ON THE FREEWAY, WHEN TRAFFIC BACKS UP OR ANOTHER VEHICLE CHANGES INTO MY DRIVING LANE - IN EITHER CONDITION, WHERE FORCED TO BRAKE 'UNEXPECTEDLY', THE VEHICLE SURGES FORWARD. 2) WHEN BRAKING AT AN INTERSECTION, TAKING THE FOOT FROM THE ACCELERATOR TO THE BRAKE, INITIALLY THE CAR SLOWS DOWN, BUT WHEN THE BRAKE IS PRESSED TO STOP THE CAR, THE CAR ACCELERATES UNEXPECTEDLY, I.E, A PEDESTRIAN IS CROSSING THE STREET IN AN INTERSECTION AND THE VEHICLE ACCELERATES UNEXPECTEDLY AND POSSIBLY INJURING THE PEDESTRIAN. THE FORD DEALER SAID THAT THEY CANNOT FIX A "DESIGN FLAW". *TR
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 16, 2012, fire
MY 2013 FORD ESCAPE, 1.6 LITER ENGINE, HAD 3 RECALLS, (TWO WERE ENGINE FIRE RELATED). ALL 3 RECALL REPAIRS WERE DONE BY THE LOCAL FORD DEALER, SALEM, VA. WE PICKED VEHICLE UP AFTER THIRD RECALL WORK HAD BEEN DONE ON 9/17/12. WE ASSUMED THE RECALL WORK WAS DONE CORRECTLY, AND THAT FORD'S "FIX" WORKED CORRECTLY. ON 9/21/12 WE WERE TRAVELING EAST AT 65 MPH IN THE RIGHT LANE ON I-64 NEAR CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA. IT WAS ABOUT 1 PM IN THE AFTERNOON. THERE WAS A "POP" SOUND IN THE ENGINE AREA. INSTANTLY, THE ACCELERATOR HAD NO RESPONSE, THE HIGH ENGINE TEMPERATURE WARNING LIGHT CAME ON, AND THEN ALL WARNING LIGHTS, GAUGES, & TACHOMETER ALL WENT DEAD. LUCKILY, WE WERE ADJACENT TO AN EXIT RAMP, AND WE COASTED TO A STOP ON RTE 20/53. IMMEDIATELY, WHITE STEAM CAME OUT OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. KNOWING THE THIRD RECALL DEALT WITH THE "RISK OF ENGINE FIRES", WE GOT OUT, AND MOVED WELL AWAY FROM THE VEHICLE. WITHIN MINUTES, BROWN, OILY SMOKE CAME OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THEN FLAMES CAME OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD, AT THE WINDSHIELD AND OUT THE SIDES OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THEN THE CAR BURST INTO FLAMES AND WAS DESTROYED. PICTURES WERE TAKEN OF THE VEHICLE ON FIRE, AND AFTER IT WAS OUT, WITH A CELL PHONE. AFTER THE FIRE WAS OUT, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE FORD DEALER IN CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA.. WE WERE TOLD THE INSURANCE COMPANY HAD RETAINED A FIRE INSPECTOR TO LOOK AT THE CAR, AND ASK ME QUESTIONS, WHICH HE DID. LATER THE INSPECTOR SAID THE INSURANCE COMPANY DID NOT REQUIRE A REPORT. WE FEEL WE ARE LUCKY TO BE ALIVE! *TR