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, Power train, Oct 13, 2020
CAR IS IN PARK, BUT DISPLAYS SHOWS THE CAR AS BEING IN NEUTRAL. UNABLE TO REVERSE OR DRIVE WITHOUT MANUALLY UNLOCKING GEAR SHIFT. POWER STEERING NOT WORKING CORRECTLY. WHICH FORD HAD A RECALL ON POWER STEERING AND EXCLUDED MY VEHICLE. VIN#[XXX] NOW FORD IS EXCLUDING MY CAR FROM THE RECALL FOR 18S20. I FEEL THAT IS UNFAIR FOR FORD TO EXCLUDE MY VEHICLE BASED ON AN EARLY MANUFACTURING DATE AND THE CAR WAS BUILT IN THE SAME FACILITY FOR THE INDICATED RECALL 18S20. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Steering, Aug 26, 2020
2013 FORD ESCAPE 1.6 AWD. THE CAR PRESENTED A "WHIRING" TYPE OF SOUND FOR A FEW DAYS WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL LEFT OR RIGHT AND THE STEERING FAULT MESSAGE APPEARED ON THE DASH. I PARKED THE CAR AND LEFT IT ALONE FOR A FEW DAYS UNTIL I NEEDED TO MOVE IT. UPON ATTEMPTING TO MOVE THE VEHICLE THE STEERING GEAR WAS COMPLETELY LOCKED UP. I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS JUST NOTIFIED THE STEERING GEAR WAS COMPLETELY LOCKED AND REPLACING IT WOULD BE JUST UNDER $2300. THIS IS MY 18 YEAR OLD DAUGHTERS VEHICLE AND I COULD NOT IMAGINE WHAT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED IF SHE WAS DRIVING WHEN THIS OCCURRED. LUCKILY IT FAILED COMPLETELY WHILE IT WAS IN MY DRIVEWAY BUT AS A DAILY DRIVER VEHICLE FOR MY DAUGHTER THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A DEADLY PROBLEM.
Steering, Service brakes, Aug 16, 2020
WHILE DRIVING CAR, ABS/TRACTION CONTROL WARNING LIGHTS AND ERROR MESSAGE APPEARED, CITY DRIVING, BUT NOT AFFECTING DRIVABILITY. AFTER 20 MILES CAR WAS PARKED, AND WHEN RESTARTED DAYS LATER SAME WARNINGS APPEAR BUT WITH ADDITIONAL LOSS OF POWER STEERING, MAKING CAR UNDRIVABLE. WILL BE TOWING IT TO LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP.
Steering, Aug 8, 2020
POWER STEERING ASIST FAULT: (1) THE POWER STEERING STOPS WORKING WHILE DRIVING AT DIFFERENT SPEEDS. (2) NO POWER STEERING WHEN I FIRST START MY CAR. IF I TURN IT OFF AND RESTART IT SOMETIMES WORKS AGAIN. I HAVE READ THAT THIS IS COSTING THE CONSUMER $2000.00 TO REPAIR THROUGH AN AUTHORIZED FORD SERVICE REPAIR SHOP. I BELIEVE THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN TO MYSELF, PASSENGERS AND OTHER DRIVERS I AM ON THE ROAD WITH. PLEASE HELP AND THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR ATTENTION TO YHIS MATTER. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Steering, Aug 6, 2020
WHILE I WAS LEAVING WORK, IN MY PARKING LOT, I GOT AN ALERT TONE AND ON THE DISPLAY IT SAID "STEERING ASSIST FAULT", I HAD NEVER GOT THAT BEFORE, MY CAR HAS ABOUT 64K MILES, I PROCEEDED TO DRIVE BACKWARDS AND TURNING MY WHEEL AND THE STEERING WAS VERY HEAVY AND WOULD BARELY MOVE, I DROVE THE CAR FORWARD BACK INTO THE PARKING SPOT, TURNED OFF THE ENGINE WAITED A MINUTE AND THE PROBLEM. I WENT ONLINE AND I FOUND OTHER PEOPLE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM, BUT THEIR PROBLEM HAPPENED ON THE ROAD IN TRAFFIC, I HAVEN'T BEEN TO THE DEALER YET, BUT I'M SURE I WILL. A RECALL NEEDS TO CREATED ASAP BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT.
Steering, Jul 31, 2020
TURNED MY CAR ON, PUT IT IN DRIVE AND WENT TO TURN MY WHEEL AND HAD NO STEERING. I CHECKED UNDER MY VEHICLE AND THERE WAS NOTHING. I HAVE NEVER HAD THIS PROBLEM BEFORE. MY HUSBAND RAN A SYSTEMS CHECK AND THE RESULTS SAID - STEERING ASSIST FAILURE- SERVICE REQUIRED. MY HUSBAND TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF AND BACK ON AND THE STEERING WORKED. RAN ANOTHER SYSTEMS CHECK AND NOTHING SHOWED UP. ANOTHER COMPLAINT ABOUT THE SAME EXACT PROBLEM HAS BEEN FILED THE COMPLAINT NUMBER: 11292425. UPON RESEARCH THERE HAS BEEN NUMEROUS AMOUNTS OF COMPLAINTS MADE TO FORD AND FORD'S DEALERSHIPS. THEY ARE AWARE OF THIS ISSUE BUT STILL REFUSES TO ADDRESS OR FIX THIS ISSUE.
Steering, Jul 25, 2020
MY WAS LEAVING THE HOUSE FOR WORK ON FRIDAY JULY 24, 2020. WHEN DRIVING DOWN THE BLOCK AT ABOUT 25MPH, SHE WAS MAKING A LEFT TURN AND HER STEERING BECAME VERY HARD AND THE STEERING ASSIST FAULT LIGHT CAME ON AND SHE COULDN'T STEER IT ANYMORE. SHE CALLED ME AND I WENT TO ASSIST HER BUT I COULDN'T STEER IT NEITHER, TOTALLY TOO DIFFICULT. I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO LOCAL AUTO SERVICE CENTER AND THEY AN ESTIMATE TO REPAIR AFTER CONTACTING A FORD DEALERSHIP IN A NEARBY CITY AND THEY STATED THAT THE ENTIRE STEERING SYSTEM HAS TO BE REPLACED AT A TOTAL PRICE OF $2100.00, I HAVE CHECKED AROUND AND NOTICE THAT IS A MAJOR PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE AND A LOT OF OWNERS HAS HAD THIS PROBLEM AND THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS, I AM GLAD THAT MY WIFE HAD NOT ALREADY GOTTEN ON TTHE INTERSTATE. I REALLY NEED SOMEONE TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE.
Steering, Jul 15, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE POWER STEERING ASSIST WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE LOSS POWER STEERING FUNCTIONALITY. THE FAILURE ALSO OCCURRED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED. THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED AND STARTED AND REGAINED NORMAL OPERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN UNKNOW FORD DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST THAT LOCATED THE FAILURE CODE AT THE STEERING GEAR BOX. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 145,303.
Steering, Jun 1, 2020
I HAVE A 2013 ESCAPE, THE STEERING ASSIST DEFAULT MESSAGE CAME ON BUT WENT BACK OFF WHEN I STARTED MY CAR THE OTHER MORNING. LUCKILY I CAN STILL STEER MY CAR BUT HAVEN'T BEEN DRIVING IT, SCARED TO. I HAD APPOINTMENT AT THE FORD DEALERSHIP TODAY, IT'S STILL THERE. THEY CALLED AND DIDN'T FIND A CODE. IF THEY DON'T FIND ANYTHING SCARED I HAVE TO DRIVE IT TILL SOMETHING HAPPENS. HOPEFULLY NOTHING LIKE AN ACCIDENT, SINCE THIS IS SOMETHING THAT HAS BEEN HAPPENING WITH ESCAPES SINCE 2008 MODELS BUT ONLY RECALLED 2008-2011 AND EXPLORERS 2008-2013. *TR
Steering, May 17, 2020
THE VEHICLE MAKES LOUD CLUNKING NOISES WHEN DRIVING OVER BUMPS OR TURNING IT IS COMING FROM THE FRONT END AND IT ALSO SEEMS TO SWERVE FROM SIDE TO SIDE LIKE THE STEERING IS LOOSE
Steering, May 12, 2020
WHILE DRIVING CAR THE STEERING BECAME HARD TO MANAGE AND THEN IT SHOWED FOLLOWING CODE ON DASH SCREEN: STEERING ASSIST FAULT SERVICE REQUIRED. *TR
Steering, May 4, 2020
THERE WAS AN ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT THAT MADE THE VEHICLE VERY DIFFICULT STEER. THANKFULLY THE CAR WAS IN MY DRIVEWAY AND WAS TOWED TO THE NEAREST DEALERSHIP. I HAVE AN OLDER ESCAPE THAT HAD THE SAME PROBLEM AND IT WAS RECALLED. THIS MODEL YEAR WAS NOT INCLUDED ON THE RECALL AND THE REPAIR ESTIMATE IS $2200.
Steering, Apr 27, 2020
STEERING FAULT LIGHT CAME AND WAS UNABLE TO STEER CAR WHILE ON FREEWAY NEARLY CAUSING A COLLISION. SPOKE TO MECHANIC AND SAID MY CAR HAS ELECTRIC POWER STEERING AND HAS BEEN KNOWN TO FAIL WHEN OVERHEATS. HAS HAPPENED TWICE IN LAST TWO WEEKS
Steering, Mar 30, 2020
VEHICLE DISPLAYED "STEERING ASSIST FAULT" MESSAGE WHEN STARTED BEFORE DRIVING TO WORK IN THE MORNING. DEALER QUOTED REPAIR EXCEEDED $1200.00. TEN MINUTES OF INTERNET SEARCHING REVEALED THAT THIS WAS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THE PREVIOUS GENERATION OF ESCAPES (2008-2011) AS WELL AS THE SAME GENERATION OF EXPLORERS (2011-2013). BOTH OF THOSE VEHICLES WERE RECALLED BUT NOT THIS ONE. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN DEADLY IF IT HAD OCCURRED WHILE I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC AT 70+ MPH JUST A FEW MINUTES LATER.
Steering, Feb 21, 2020
2013 FORD ESCAPE STEERING STOPS WORKING, BOTH SITTING STILL ON START-UP AND SOMETIMES WHEN MOVING IN TRAFFIC. THE DISPLAY PRESENTS "POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILURE" THE VEHICLE IS STEERABLE FOR ME, 70 Y/O MAN WITH GOOD UPPER BODY STRENGTH, BUT IMPOSSIBLE FOR MY DAUGHTER, THE OWNER OF THE CAR. FORD TELLS ME IT IS A FAULTY ELECTRIC POWER STEERING ASSIST AND FOR ABOUT $2000 THEY WILL REPLACE THE STEERING RACK! IT SEEMS THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL EVENT GIVEN THE DANGER INVOLVED WITH HIGH SPEED DRIVING. THE VEHICLE HAS 87000 MILES ON IT.
Steering, Feb 16, 2020
ON WEDNESDAY 2/12/2020, WHILE DRIVING HOME, I DETECTED SUBTLE SIGNS OF STEERING CONTROL IRREGULARITIES AND ATTRIBUTED IT TO ICY ROAD CONDITIONS. THE FOLLOWING MORNING, 2/13/2020, ON MY DRIVE INTO WORK, THE STEERING CONDITION BEGAN TO APPEAR AGAIN AND INTENSIFIED. I WAS FORTUNATE TO HAVE MADE IT TO MY PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT AND PROMPTLY SCHEDULED A SERVICE APPOINTMENT THE FOLLOWING DAY, FRIDAY 2/14/2020. WHEN I LEFT WORK THAT DAY, I DISCOVERED A COMPLETE LOSS OF STEERING ASSIST TO THE DEGREE THAT IT WOULD BE IMPOSSIBLE TO SAFELY CONTROL THE CAR. THE EFFORT TO STEER TO ANY NORMAL SAFE DEGREE WAS COMPROMISED AND REQUIRED THAT I ABANDON ANY ATTEMPT TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. IF THE SEVERE INTENSITY MANIFESTED ITSELF WHILE DRIVING, THE MOST PROBABLE OUTCOME WOULD HAVE BEEN A COLLISON. I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP SATURDAY, 2/15/2020, REQUESTED THEY DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM, AND EXPRESSED MY ANGER AT A DESIGN FLAW THAT IS LIKELY TO RESULT IN SOMEONE'S DEATH. THEY CALLED ME BACK LATER THAT DAY AND GAVE ME AN ESTIMATE OF NEAR $2,500 TO REPLACE THE COMPLETE STEERING RACK. I DISCOVERED THROUGH INTERNET SEARCHES, ACTIVE RECALLS OF PRIOR ESCAPE BODY TYPES FOR A SIMILAR FAILURE BUT NONE ON MY YEAR. I ALSO DISCOVERED NUMEROUS CASES IN MY INTERNET SEARCH OF THE SAME FAILURE ON MY YEAR ESCAPE. MY WORK COMMUTE WAS PRIMARY CITY DRIVING.
Steering, Feb 11, 2020
STEERING ASSIST FAULT- NO STEERING CONTROL , WILL NOT TURN LEFT OR RIGHT VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY AFTER PARKING, START CAR NO STEERING -STEERING ASSIST FAULT
Steering, Feb 11, 2020
WHILE DRIVING ON A COUNTY ROAD, MY WIFE EXPERIENCED A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING. THE INSTRUMENT PANEL BEHIND THE STEERING WHEEL DISPLAYED A POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILURE NOTIFICATION. WHEN SHE RESTARTED THE VEHICLE, THE NOTIFICATION WENT AWAY AND THE POWER STEERING RETURNED. WE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO GREG DARNELL FORD IN MIDWEST CITY, OK FOR DIAGNOSTICS AND WERE TOLD A GEAR ASSEMBLY IN THE STEERING COLUMN HAD GONE BAD (PART NO. HV6Z-3504-CD). THE REPAIR COST IS $2129 AFTER A 10% MILITARY DISCOUNT. THE PROBLEM IS VERY SIMILAR TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN 14V284000 FOR THE 2008-2011 ESCAPE, BUT THE RECALL HAS NOT BEEN EXTENDED TO COVER MORE RECENT MODEL YEARS. FORTUNATELY, MY WIFE WAS ABLE TO BRAKE AND SAFELY EXIT THE ROAD, SHAKEN BUT WITHOUT INCIDENT. HOWEVER, HAD SHE BEEN TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEED, THE SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING COULD EASILY HAVE RESULTED IN LOSS OF CONTROL AND A POTENTIALLY DEADLY ACCIDENT. SEVERAL OTHERS HAVE REPORTED THE SAME ISSUE WITH 2013 ESCAPES ON CARCOMPLAINTS.COM. WHEN I CONTACTED FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE, THEY DISMISSED MY CONCERN AND TOLD ME THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO.
Steering, Feb 7, 2020
UPON DRIVING THE VEHICLE WITHOUT NOTICE THE STEERING ASSIST FAULT LIGHT CAME ON AND THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT AND ALMOST HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE.
Steering, Feb 6, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE POWER STEERING BECAME INOPERABLE. THE LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSIST WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO FAIRVIEW FORD SALES INC LOCATED AT 292 N G ST, SAN BERNARDINO, CA 92410, WHERE THE STEERING COLUMN WAS REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT SUBJECTED TO A RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 84,000.
Steering, Jan 31, 2020
STEERING ASSIST FAULT SERVICE REQUIRED LIGHT AND STEERING WHEEL LOCKS UP. THIS HAS ALWAYS HAPPENED WHEN I FIRST START MY CAR AND GO TO BACK UP. THIS HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES TO ME AND I HAVE READ THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR. OTHER YEARS HAVE HAD A RECALL , THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND NEEDS TO BE LOOKED INTO.
Steering, Jan 30, 2020
2013 FORD ESCAPE WITH LESS THAN 90000 MILES ,WENT TO CRANK CAR AND STEERING ASSIST FAULT CAME UP ON DASH CUT CAR OFF AND RECRANKED AND WAS FINE NEXT DAY WAS DRIVING IT ON A RURAL ROAD AND LOST POWER STEERING SAME FAULT CAME UP NOW NO POWER STEERING AT ALL IF WIFE HAD BEEN DRIVING SHE WOULD HAVE PROBABLY WRECKED BECAUSE OF HARD STEERING ,LOOKED ONLINE AND SEE IT HAS BEEN A PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL AND NO RECALL HAS BEEN ISSUED
Steering, Engine, Jan 20, 2020
I AM CONSTANTLY ADDING COOLANT TO MY ESCAPE. IT HAS BROKEN DOWN / SHUT OFF ON ME TWICE AS A RESULT OF OVERHEATING CAUSED BY LACK OF COOLANT. FORD CLAIMED THE COOLANT LOSS WAS CAUSED BY A SENSOR. SOMETHING ALONG THE LINES OF A FAULTY SENSOR TRICKING THE ENGINE INTO THINKING IT WAS OVERHEATING AND THE COOLANT WAS BEING DISPERSED TO COOL THE ENGINE. I EXPLAINED TO THE DEALERSHIP THAT I PURCHASED THE CAR IN 2017 WITH 52,000 MILES AND THAT BY SEPTEMBER OF 2017 I WAS ADDING COOLANT. THIS CONTINUE UNTIL OCTOBER 2019 WHEN I FINALLY GOT FED UP AFTER THE VEHICLE POWERED OFF ON ME GOING DOWN HILL AS A RESULT OF 'OVERHEATING' NEEDING MORE COOLANT. I TRIED SHARING THIS INFORMATION WITH MY DEALERSHIP TO NO AVAIL AND MENTIONED PREVIOUS RECALLS ON 2013 1.6L ESCAPE ENGINES THAT MY VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN BUT MANY OF THE RECALLS INVOLVED COOLANT LEAKS! I ALLOWED FORD TO CONVINCE ME THE $4,000 SENSOR WOULD SOLVE ALL MY PROBLEMS. UNFORTUNATELY ON DECEMBER 3, 2019 LESS THAN TWO MONTHS AFTER THE SENSOR WAS REPAIRED I GOT A MAINTENANCE NOTIFICATION TO ADD COOLANT AND ANOTHER ON JANUARY 20, 2020. IN ADDITION, I WANT TO COMMENT ON THE POWER STEERING DEFAULTING. THIS HAPPENED TO ME AS WELL IN MAY 2019 ON I 85. MY POWER STEERING COMPLETELY WENT OUT AND NEVER RETURNED. PREVIOUSLY IN APRIL A BRIEF POWER STEERING DEFAULT NOTIFICATION APPEARED AND AFTER RESTARTING MY CAR, THE NOTIFICATION WENT AWAY AND POWER STEERING WAS FINE. IN MY OPINION, POWER STEERING SHOULD NOT BE GOING OUT ON A VEHICLE AFTER BARELY 6 YEARS. MIGHT I ADD WHEN I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IN 2017 IT ONLY HAD 52,000 MILES ON IT. THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT A LITTLE OVER 2 YEARS AFTER I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE.
Steering, Electrical system, Jan 16, 2020
WHEN STARTED, VEHICLE DISPLAYS 'POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILURE-REQUIRES SERVICE' WARNING AND POWER STEERING IS LOST. THIS HAS HAPPENED THREE TIMES OVER THE COURSE OF TWO DAYS. IT DOES NOT HAPPEN EVERY TIME THE CAR IS STARTED, IT JUST RANDOMLY HAPPENS. I DROVE HOME LAST NIGHT FROM WORK WITH NO POWER STEERING, AND ALONG WITH THIS ISSUE MY USB PORTS WOULD NOT CHARGE MY PHONE. MY PHONE RECOGNIZED THAT IT WAS PLUGGED IN, BUT NOT ENOUGH POWER WAS BEING SUPPLIED TO ACTUALLY CHARGE IT. I'M NIT SURE IF THAT IS LINKED WITH THE POWER STEERING MODULE, BUT I'VE NEVER HAD THAT ISSUE BEFORE ALL OF THIS MESS.
Steering, Jan 11, 2020
MY WIFE WAS LEAVING FOR WORK AND HER 2013 FORD ESCAPE HAD A STEERING ASSIST FAILURE LIGHT COME ON ON THE DASH BOARD. THE STEERING WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO DRIVE. SHE PARKED IT AND USED MY VEHICLE TO GET TO WORK. I LOOKED THIS UP AND THERE ARE NO RECALLS ON THIS EXCEPT FOR 2008 -2011 FORD ESCAPES. BUT THE PROBLEM IS CONTINUING THROUGH TO 2017 FROM WHAT I READ ONLINE MILEAGE RANGES FROM 700 AND UP . FORD HAS NO FIX FOR THIS, THEY TELL YOU THEY NEED TO FLASH THE COMPUTER AND THAT FIXES THE ISSUE. BUT IT DOES NOT I HAVE READ MANY REPORTS THAT THIS WONT FIX ISSUE AND THAT MOST PEOPLE HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE RACK/PINION GEAR ASSEMBLY AND THE COMPUTER PORTION OF IT ONLY TO HAVE THE PROBLEM COME BACK AGAIN SHORTLY AFTER HAVING NEW PARTS INSTALLED. I AM OLD ENOUGH TO REMEMBER DRIVING VEHICLES WITH OUT POWER STEERING NOT TO BIG A DEAL FOR ME, BUT SOME PEOPLE SAY THERE STEERING LOCKS UP COMPLETELY AND CANT TURN WHEEL. THIS CAN BE VERY DANGEROUS ON THE ROAD AND SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED, I DO NOT WANT TO LOSE MY WIFE IN AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE FORD IS NOT FIXING THE ISSUE. THEY NEED A FIX FOR THIS THAT WILL NOT RETURN IN THE FUTURE. I HAVE TRIED TO DUPLICATE WHAT HAPPENED THIS MORNING AND HAVE BEEN UNSUCCESSFUL, IF I CANT THEN FORD CANT AND THERE FOR NO FIX FOR THE PROBLEM. THIS NEEDS TO BE RESOLVED BEFORE SOME ONE LOOSES A LOVED ONE.