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: steering
302 reports, newest first. Show all
Steering, Sep 20, 2016
TURNED ON VEHICLE AND POWER STEERING FAULT MESSAGE CAME ON. HAD NO STEERING ASSISTANCE AND TURNING WHEEL EXTREMELY DIFFICULT. TURNED CAR ON/OFF AND IT WENT AWAY. IT DID IT AGAIN A FEW DAYS LATER BUT WHILE DRIVING RESIDENTIAL AT 25 MPH IN A NEIGHBORHOOD. STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD AND TURNED OFF/ON VEHICLE, FAULT WENT AWAY AND STEERING RETURNED. TOOK TO FORD FOR DIAGNOSTICS AND REPAIR. WAS TOLD NO FAULTS STORE IN THE POWER STEERING MODULE THEREFORE WARRANTY WILL NOT PAY FOR DIAGNOSTICS AND REPAIR. WAS TOLD IF IT HAPPENS AGAIN, DRIVE VEHICLE TO DEALER AND DO NOT TURN OFF. I TOLD THE DEALER THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN AND THEY SHOULD NEVER RECOMMEND TO DRIVE A VEHICLE WITH NO POWER STEERING ASSISTANCE. THE DEALER REFUSED TO DO ANY FURTHER DIAGNOSTICS AND COULD NOT RECOMMEND SAFE FUTURE STEPS. REFUSING TO PAY FOR WARRANTY ON A SYSTEM WITH NO FAULTS THAT DOES NOT STORE FAULT CODES IS UNREASONABLE. THE CAR IS UNSAFE FOR MY WIFE TO OPERATE YET THEY TOOK NO STEPS TO CORRECT CONCERN. THE MODULE PROGRAMMING WAS UPDATED BUT ADVISOR DESCRIBED THE UPDATE AND IT DOES NOT ADDRESS MY ISSUE.
Steering, Sep 19, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE POWER STEERING FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE EPS GEAR ASSEMBLY HAD AN INTERNAL FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE VIN WAS INVALID. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 51,000.
Steering, Sep 13, 2016
2013 FORD ESCAPE LOST POWER STEERING TWICE ON 9/12/16 WITH THE "STEERING ASSIST FAULT" MESSAGE IN THE MIDDLE OF DRIVING. 1ST TIME HAPPENED 2 MINUTES AFTER START WHILE TURNING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY. 2ND ONE HAPPENED 10 MINUTES AFTER START WHILE DRIVING. IF THIS HAPPENS DURING DRIVING IT IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS!! YOU LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. MY WIFE WOULD HAVE CRASHED FOR SURE. THEY SAY IT HAS A MANUAL REVERSION TO DRIVE WITHOUT POWER STEERING BUT IT IS NOT THE SAME. I HAVE DRIVEN CARS WITHOUT POWER STEERING AND THIS IS WAY HARDER. THE RACK AND PINION HAD PROBLEMS AND WAS REPLACED ON 8/5/15 AT 23972 MILES. IT HAS GONE OUT AGAIN ON 9/12/16 AT 38000 MILES. NOW FORD IS SAYING IT IS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY EVEN THOUGH IT WAS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY ONCE AND HAS NOT GONE OUT AGAIN IN 1 YEAR! THIS IS CLEARLY A FAULTY SYSTEM TO HAVE GONE OUT TWICE IN LESS THAN 3 YEARS AND 38000 MILES. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE FOR SURE AND I HAVE NO DOUBT WILL LEAD TO A RECALL OR LAWSUIT.
Steering, Sep 6, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT LOSS CONTROL OF THE POWER STEERING. THE CONTACT COULD NOT REGAIN CONTROL AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,565.
Steering, Aug 17, 2016
ON 8/16/2016, IN A DRIVEWAY ON A BUSY STREET, I STARTED THE VEHICLE AND SAW "STEERING ASSIST FAULT - SERVICE REQUIRED" ON DISPLAY. THE CAR HAD LOST POWER STEERING. TURNING OFF AND RESTARTING CAR DID NOT HELP.
Steering, Aug 17, 2016
POWER STEERING FAILS WITHOUT WARNING AND DISPLAYS THE FAULT MESSAGE "STEERING ASSIST FAULT: SERVICE REQUIRED". FAILURE MAKES STEERING VERY DIFFICULT AND CAN RESULT IN LOSS OF CONTROL. DEALERSHIP IDENTIFIED THE CAUSE AS A INTERNAL FAILURE OF THE PSCM (POWER STEERING CONTROL MODULE) AND REPLACED THE PSCM AND RACK AND PINION ASSEMBLY TO REPAIR. PLEASE NOTE THAT EARLIER MODEL YEAR FORD ESCAPES HAVE A SIMILAR PROBLEM AND HAVE BEEN RECALLED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V284000 AND FORD RECALL NUMBER 14S05. AS THIS ISSUE IS IDENTICAL TO THE PRIOR RECALL, I STRONGLY SUGGEST ADDING THE 2013 MODEL YEAR FORD ESCAPE VEHICLES TO THE RECALL. THE MOST COMMON TIME FOR THE POWER STEERING TO FAIL WAS RIGHT AFTER STARTUP AND MANEUVERING OUT OF A PARKING SPOT ON A CITY STREET OR GARAGE. AT THIS LOW SPEED MANUAL STEERING IS DIFFICULT AND AGGRESSIVE BRAKING IS REQUIRED TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT ONCE THE INABILITY TO SETTER IS APPARENT TO THE DRIVER. ONCE THE STEERING FAILS AND THE FAULT MESSAGE APPEARS, IT COULD BE OCCASIONALLY RESET BY SHUTTING DOWN THE ENGINE AND RESTARTING THE CAR. TURNING OFF A CAR ON A PUBLIC ROAD TO REGAIN STEERING CONTROL IS UNDESIRABLE AND UNSAFE. I SPOKE WITH BOTH FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE AND THE FORD DEALERSHIP AND BOTH CLAIMED THAT THERE ARE NO TSBS OR RECALLS DESCRIBING THE LOSS OF POWER STEERING FOR THE 2013 FORD ESCAPE. THE REPAIR INVOICE (ATTACHED) SHOWS THAT THE DEALERSHIP VERIFIED THE FAILURE OF THE POWER STEERING CONTROL MODULE (AS IN PRIOR RECALLS OF EARLIER MODEL YEARS) AND THE NEED TO REPLACE THE PSCM AND ENTIRE PSCM/RACK AND PINION ASSEMBLY. THE MILEAGE AT THE TIME OF REPAIR WAS 45281. THE FAULT OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY AT EARLIER MILEAGES AND BECAME MORE FREQUENT WITH INCREASING MILEAGE UP UNTIL THE TIME OF REPAIR TO TO SAFETY CONCERNS.
Steering, Jul 25, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE STEERING GEAR ASSEMBLY MALFUNCTIONED AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO MAKE LOUD NOISES WITHIN THE STEERING COLUMN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 94,000. UPDATED 10/07/16*LJ *CN
Steering, Mar 16, 2016
LOSS OF POWER STEERING OCCURS AND "STEERING ASSIST FAULT-SERVICE REQUIRED" WARNING APPEARS ON INSTRUMENT PANEL. STEERING THE VEHICLE WITHOUT POWER ASSIST IS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT.
Steering, Jan 11, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE STEERING ASSIST FAULT SERVICE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE POWER STEERING FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INFORMED AS TO WHAT CAUSED THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 69,100.
Steering, Electronic stability control (ESC), Service brakes, Nov 17, 2015
ON 10-10-2015, OUR 2013 FORD ESCAPE 4WD STARTED DISPLAYING AN ABS ERROR CODE, ALONG WITH A TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM ERROR AND A "HILL START ASSIST NOT AVAILABLE" ERROR MESSAGE, SIMULTANEOUSLY. THE ABS BRAKES WOULD ENGAGE AT LOW TRAVEL SPEED. WE TOOK IT TO THE DEALER, WHO DETERMINED THAT A REAR WHEEL SENSOR HAD FAILED. THEY KEPT THE CAR FOR TWO WEEKS AND RETURNED IT ON 10-21-2015. IT HAD 24,273 MILES ON IT. NOW, 3 WEEKS LATER, ON 10-16-2015, THE VERY SAME PROBLEM HAS RECURRED, WITH THE DASH LIGHTS DISPLAYING FOR THE ABS SYSTEM FAILURE, THE TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM FAILURE AND THE "HILL START ASSIST NOT AVAILABLE". THE ABS SYSTEM ENGAGES AT LOW SPEEDS CAUSING THE BRAKES TO GRAB, RENDERING THE CAR UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THIS CAR IS A 'LEMON' IN OUR OPINION, AS IT HAS HAD 5 MAJOR BREAKDOWNS, INCLUDING A MAJOR ENGINE PROBLEM AT 720 MILES, A FAILURE OF THE AIR BAG CONTROLLER, TWO PROBLEMS WITH THE ABS SYSTEM, AS DOCUMENTED HEREIN, AND TWO RECALLS RELATED TO THE ENGINE POTENTIALLY CATCHING ON FIRE DUE TO A FUEL LEAK (A RECALL, FOLLOWED BY A RECALL TO FIX THE RECALL). I SINCERELY BELIEVE THAT THIS VEHICLE IS DANGEROUS AND HAVE ASKED THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY TO BUY BACK THIS VEHICLE SEVERAL TIMES, BUT THEY HAVE REFUSED TO DO SO. I FEAR THAT MY WIFE AND I ARE NOT SAFE WHILE DRIVING THIS CAR DUE TO THE HIGH NUMBER OF DEFECTS ON THIS ONE PARTICULAR VEHICLE. I AM REPORTING THIS ABS/TRACTION CONTROL PROBLEM SINCE IT HAS NOW HAPPENED TWICE, AS I BELIEVE IT LIKELY IMPACTS OTHER FORD ESCAPES MADE AT THE SAME TIME, AND LIKELY INDICATES A BAD BATCH OF WHEEL SENSORS THAT ARE FAILING PREMATURELY IN THE FIELD. SINCE THE FAILURE OF THE WHEEL SENSOR DISABLES THE ABS AND TCS SYSTEMS, THIS IS A DANGEROUS DEFECT, AS IT CAN HAPPEN COMPLETELY AT RANDOM. MY WIFE WAS 100 MILES FROM HOME LAST TIME AND HAD TO DRIVE BACK WITH THE ABS & TCS NOT FUNCTIONING.) THIS CAR IS "UNSAFE AT ANY SPEED"! *TR
Steering, Nov 14, 2015
POWER STEERING QUIT INSTANTLY MAKING STEERING IMPOSSIBLE. RESTARTED ENGINE 15 MINUTES LATER AND WAS ABLE TO DRIVE. TOOK TO DEALER WHERE SAME ERROR CODE SHOWED AND POWER STEERING QUIT AGAIN. HAD REPAIRS DONE FOR $1600 AT 49,500 MILES. FORTUNATELY, VEHICLE SITTING STILL WHEN STEERING WENT OUT.
Steering, Aug 23, 2015
AFTER TRAVELING ON A 5 HOUR ROUND TRIP I STOPPED TO FUEL. AFTER FUELING I STARTED MY ENGINE AND BEGIN TO PULL AWAY. NO STEERING!! RECEIVED MESSAGE 'STEERING ASSIST FAULT'. I WAS JUST TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 75 MPH. IF I HAD BEEN TRAVELING AT THAT RATE WITH MY 3 GRANDCHILDREN RIDING....WELL, GOD ONLY KNOWS WHAT THE OUTCOME WOULD HAVE BEEN. IT WAS TOTALLY IN GOD'S HANDS THAT I STOPPED BEFORE IT SHUT DOWN WITHOUT WARNING.
Steering, Jul 7, 2015
DRIVING ON FREEWAY AT 70MPH AND LOST ALL POWER STEERING AND CODE POPPED UP ON SCREEN THAT SAID "POWER ASSIST FAILURE" THIS WILL GET SOMEON KILLED OR HURT IF A RECALL IS NOT ISSUED.
Steering, Electrical system, Engine, Jun 3, 2015
STARTING IN APRIL OF 2014 WHEN THE CAR WAS ONLY 9 MONTHS OLD THE WARNING LIGHT CAME ON "GET TO SAFETY" OVERHEATING ENGINE. IT WENT TO PLEASANTVILLE FORD WHERE THEY REPLACED THE ENGINE. 1 MONTH LATER ALL THE TRANSMISSION FLUID FELL OUT OF THE CARE. BACK TO PLEASANTVILLE FORD WHERE THEY REPLACED A PART. OVER THE NEXT 8 MONTHS THE WARNING OVER HEATING "GET TO SAFETY" WOULD HAPPEN ANOTHER 7 TIMES. FORD WOULD TOW THE CAR TO PLEASANTVILLE FORD THEY WOULD FIX (A SENSOR, FILL FLUID, AND GIVE ME THE RUN AROUND) THE FINAL TIME I FILLED A COMPLAINT WITH BBB. THEY GOT A FORD MECHANIC FROM DEER BORN, MI TO LOOK AT THE CAR. HE REPLACED THE RADIATOR AND RIGHT AXIAL. ONLY FOR TWO WEEKS LATER THE SAME "GET TO SAFETY" AND THE CAR DIES AGAIN.
Steering, May 20, 2015
I GOT INTO MY VEHICLE ON APRIL 30, 2015, STARTED THE VEHICLE AND A WARNING MESSAGE CAME ON THE CONTROL PANEL-I DON'T RECALL THE EXACT VERBIAGE BUT IT WAS SOMETHING LIKE "IMMEDIATE MAINTENANCE REQUIRED-POWER ASSIST STEERING FAULT FAILURE". I TRIED TO TURN MY STEERING WHEEL, BUT IT WOULD NOT MOVE. I SHUT OFF THE VEHICLE, WENT BACK INTO THE BUILDING I HAD JUST LEFT. WHEN I CAME BACK OUT ABOUT 5 MINUTES LATER AND STARTED THE CAR THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT AND I COULD STEER THE VEHICLE. I LOOKED ONLINE THAT NIGHT AND SAW THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF FORD CUSTOMERS WITH 2008-2013 VEHICLES THAT HAVE/ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME EXACT ISSUE. FORD STATED THEY ARE AWARE OF THE ISSUE BUT HAVE NOT YET ISSUED A RECALL. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP THE NEXT MORNING. I WAS TOLD THE STEERING BOX HAD FAILED. THE COST IS $1800. I CALLED FORD DIRECTLY AND LET THEM KNOW I FEEL I SHOULD HAVE NOT HAVE TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR, EVEN THOUGH MY VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY. I LET THEM KNOW I WOULD BE HAPPY TO PAY FOR ANY REPAIRS DUE TO NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR, BUT THIS ISSUE IS NOT NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR AND FORD IS AWARE OF A PROBLEM. FORD OFFERED TO PAY $600 OF THE $1800. THEY KEEP TELLING ME TO KEEP MY RECEIPT AND THEY WILL REIMBURSE ME THE REST, IF A RECALL IS ISSUED. I DRIVE 100 MILES PER DAY TO AND FROM WORK. IF MY STEERING HAD FROZEN 2 HOURS EARLIER ON THAT DAY, I QUITE POSSIBLY COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. HOW DO YOU CONTROL AN SUV GOING 70 MPH WITHOUT ANY STEERING? THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS DEFAULT THAT I FEEL FORD IS NOT TAKING SERIOUSLY AND CHARGING THEIR CUSTOMERS TO FIX.
Steering, Mar 7, 2015
STEERING WHEEL WAS HARD TO STEER FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS. I THOUGHT IT WAS JUST FROM THE COLD WEATHER. I COULD HEAR A GRINDING SOUND WHEN I BACKED THE CAR OUT OF MY GARAGE. TOOK MY CAR TO THE DEALER AND THEY HAVE TO REPLACE 3 DIFFERENT PARTS IN THE STEERING. IT IS GOING TO COST ME $2000.00 I DON'T THINK A CAR THAT IS ONLY 3 YEARS OLD SHOULD HAVE THIS PROBLEM AND I AM NOT VERY HAPPY. *TR
Steering, Dec 16, 2014
AFTER RUNNING 15 MILES, VEHICLE WAS SHUT OFF 10 MINS, ON RESTART A CHIME SOUNDED AND THE INFORMATION CENTER INDICATED SERVICE STEERING ASSIST, ATTEMPTED TO TURN WHEEL AND HAD NO POWER STEERING. TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED CAR, INFORMATION CENTER WAS CLEAR, POWER STEERING WORKED FINE. LOSS OF POWER STEERING IS OF COURSE AN UNSAFE VEHICLE CONDITION. CONTACTED FORD DEALER THAT SOLD ME THE CAR USED, TO SEE IF THERE WAS A SOFTWARE UPDATE OF OTHER RELATED ISSUE, HE CHECKED AND SAID THERE WAS NONE AT THIS TIME FOR POWER STEERING. IT WOULD SEEM I HAVE NO RECOURSE, AND WOULD ONLY SPEND MONEY AT THE DEALER FOR NO TROUBLE FOUND. I PLAN TO CHECK FOR STORED CODES, AND CONTACT FORD CONSUMER COMPLAINTS. *TR
Steering, Nov 13, 2014
STEERING CONTROL ROD IS EXPOSED UNDER DASH AND CONTAINS SHARP EDGES. DRIVER SIDE DOOR HAS A SHARP PIECE OF METAL WHICH CAN CUT. *TR
Steering, Oct 7, 2014
THERE WAS A SUDDEN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND A VERY LARGE INCREASE IN STEERING EFFORT AS IF THE CAR HAD BEEN TURNED OFF AND THERE WAS NO POWER STEERING BOOST. IT BECAME EXCEEDINGLY DIFFICULT TO TURN THE WHEEL AND CONTROL THE VEHICLE. I MANAGED TO SLOW DOWN AND MAKE MY WAY TO THE SHOULDER WHERE I TURNED OFF THE CAR AND RESTARTED IT, WHICH CLEARED THE PROBLEM. THIS HAS NOW HAPPENED THREE DIFFERENT TIMES IN A SIMILAR MANNER. FORD SERVICE HAS INDICATED THAT CAN FIND NOTHING WRONG... THIS IS EXTREMELY SERIOUS AND UNDER SOME CIRCUMSTANCES, THE LOSS OF CONTROL COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. *TR
Steering, Service brakes, Engine, Sep 5, 2014
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE TURNS OFF/ENGINE DIES AT ANY SPEED WITHOUT WARNING. IT HAS HAPPEN 6 TIMES. *TR
Steering, Fuel system, Gasoline, Structure, Latches/locks/linkages, Service brakes, Jul 18, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 25 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED AND THE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER, WHO REPLACED THE TIRE WIRING FOR THE MAP RETURN SIGNAL AND THE TCBP RETURN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT FIVE MONTHS AFTER THE REPAIRS THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL PUMP CONTROL MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 14,383. UPDATED 09/30/14*LJ UPDATED 02/27/2015 *JS
Steering, Engine, Jul 7, 2014
IT STARTED AS A RECALL. THERE WAS DANGER OF FIRE IN THE MOTOR. TOOK IN ON APRIL 21, 2014 AND TOLD IT WOULD BE BACK IN 2 DAYS. DOWN HILL FROM THERE. BAD WATER PUMP. WAITING FOR PARTS. THE MOTOR HAS BEEN TAKEN APART AND PUT BACK. DEALER TEST DROVE AND "CHECK ENGINE LIGHT" CAME ON. THIS HAS HAPPENED TWICE. FORD HAS SAID THEY WOULD SEND A "NEW" MOTOR. THIS IS JULY 7TH AND I STILL DON'T HAVE MY CAR BACK. DEALER SAID THEY DON'T KNOW WHEN I WOULD GET IT. ALSO -- THE ESCAPE HAS A STEERING PROBLEM. IT HANGS WHEN YOU ARE TURNING OR CHANGING LANES DRIVING 70 MPH AND THEY CAN'T IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM. THEY SAY THAT FORD HASN'T HAD ANY COMPLAINTS. UPDATED 02/05/2015 *JS
Steering, Jun 24, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE POWER STEERING FAILED AND THE POWER STEERING WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME VERY HARD TO MANEUVER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN DEALER WHO REPAIRED THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS UNAWARE OF THE EXACT REPAIRS MADE TO THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 36,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Steering, Electrical system, Jun 2, 2014
I HAVE HAD 2 INCIDENTS WHERE MY POWER STEERING HAS GONE OUT. THE FIRST WAS AT ABOUT 25 MPH AND THE OTHER ABOUT 15-20 MPH. BOTH TIMES I GOT A MESSAGE ACROSS MY INFORMATION SCREEN THAT SAID "STEERING ASSIST FAULT". IT WAS REALLY HARD TO STEER THE VEHICLE I WAS ABLE TO STOP AND TURN OFF THE VEHICLE SINCE I WASN'T ON A BUSY STREET EITHER TIME. WHEN I RESTARTED THE VEHICLE THE MESSAGE WENT AWAY AND POWER STEERING WAS RESTORED AS IF THE COMPUTER JUST NEEDED TO RESTART. *TR
Steering, May 22, 2014
WHILE TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH ON MAY 21, 2014 I SUDDENLY HEARD A CHIME AND A MESSAGE APPEARED ON THE DRIVER INFORMATION CENTER ALERTING OF A "STEERING ASSIST FAULT". OUR FORD IS EQUIPPED WITH THE AUTOMATIC PARKING STEERING ASSIST SYSTEM. I THEN FELT THE STEERING LOCK UP AND DRAMATICALLY REDUCE THE ABILITY FOR ME TO STEER THE VEHICLE FROM ONE LANE TO THE OTHER ON THE STRAIGHT AWAY THAT I WAS PRESENTLY ON. THE SENSATION WAS THAT OF TRYING TO DRIVE A VEHICLE THAT COMPLETELY LOST POWER STEERING AND FEEDBACK. AFTER APPROXIMATELY A QUARTER MILE OF EVALUATING THE VEHICLE, I PULLED OVER AND RESTARTED THE CAR, THUS REGAINING NORMAL CONTROL WITHOUT FURTHER INCIDENT, AND PROCEEDED TO DELIVER THE VEHICLE FOR EVALUATION. THE CAR IS CURRENTLY AT LINDSAY FORD IN SILVER SPRING, MD NOW AND WILL BE EVALUATED 5/22/14. THIS IS AT LEAST THE THIRD TIME I HAVE SEEN THIS FAULT MESSAGE, HOWEVER IT WOULD APPEAR WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE BUT NEVER ELIMINATE STEERING ABILITY. I BELIEVE THIS VEHICLE TO BE A LEMON IN THE EYES OF THE LAW, I HAVE PREVIOUSLY REQUESTED A BUY BACK FROM FORD BASED ON DISMAL FUEL PERFORMANCE AND OTHER UNRELATED MATTERS. FORD HAS NEGLECTED TO FULLY RESOLVE THOSE MATTERS, AND WITH THIS INCIDENT ON HAND, I AM REQUESTING ANY ASSISTANCE TO ENSURE THAT I OWN A SAFE VEHICLE, BECAUSE MY PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE WITH FORD HAS BEEN UNACCEPTABLE. *TR