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.

Complaints by model year
  1. 2,754

Of the 2013 reports, 50 involved a crash and 90 involved a fire. 55 people were injured.

Primary concernEngine1,268 reports · 46% of complaints
Owner complaints2,754Filed with NHTSA
Recall relationship18 safety recallsNHTSA campaign records

What owners report most often

  1. Engine1,268
  2. Power train402
  3. Electrical system340
  4. Steering302
  5. Other or unspecified300
  6. Fuel/propulsion system248
  7. Engine and engine cooling175
  8. Vehicle speed control92

Recalls and investigations

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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

  9. 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

  10. 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

  11. 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

  12. 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

  13. 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

  14. 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

  15. 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 vehicle’s 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 vehicle’s 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

  16. 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

  17. 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

  18. 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

2,754 reports, newest first.

  1. Power train, Jan 3, 2013

    STOPPED AT A BUSY INTERSECTION HIGHWAY AT TRAFFIC LIGHT,TRAFFIC LIGHT TURNED GREEN FOR ME TO PROCEED MY CAR WOULD NOT MOVE AS IF THE VEHICLE WAS IN NEUTRAL, SHIFT SELECTOR WAS IN DRIVE POSITION DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL RAISED ENGINE RPM WITH NO VEHICLE MOVEMENT. I PUT THE VEHICLE IN THE PARK POSITION THAN BACK INTO DRIVE STILL NO FORWARD MOVEMENT. I PUT THE VEHICLE BACK IN PARK TURNED IGNITION OFF,RESTARTED CAR MOVED SELECTOR BACK INTO DRIVE AND DROVE OFF ?? WENT TO MY FORD DEALER EXPLAINED THE PROBLEM ,THEY RAN CHECKS SCANNED CODES CAME UP NO CODE FAULTS. I WAS TOLD TO CONTINUE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO SEE IF THE PROBLEM COMES BACK. 786 MILES ON ODOMETER NO RE OCCURRENCE. VERY CONCERNING TO ME WHEN WILL THIS HAPPEN AGAIN! GOING THRU THE ABOVE PROCEDURE LUCKY I WASN'T HIT FROM BEHIND BY A CAR OR TRUCK. *TR

  2. Engine, Jan 2, 2013

    UPON TAKING MY CAR IN FOR THE RECALL, I WAS NOTIFIED ON 12/19/2012 THAT THE OIL GASKET WAS LEAKING. TO DATE ( 1/2/13) SARAT FORD IN AGAWAM MA STILL DOES NOT HAVE THE PARTS OR ANY IDEA WHEN MY CAR WILL BE FIXED. IT HAS 3100 MILES ON IT AND I PURCHASED IT IN LATE SEPTEMBER 2012. *TR

  3. Engine, Dec 21, 2012

    FIRST DEALER ISSUES NOW SITTING IN LOT SINCE RECALL AND BEING TOLD THE DEALER DOES NOT HAVE THE FIX FOR 1.6 YET-12-4 WAS TOLD BY REP AT FORD THAT I WOULD GET A BUY BACK. THEN TOLD NO ON 12-14. CAN'T REACH EITHER PERSON AT FORD. DEALER SAID ON 12-20 THAT THEY DO NOT HAVE FIX YET-PEOPLE SHOULD BE MADE HOLD AND BE ABLE TO GET FULL VALUE FOR TRADE IN FOR 2.0. FORD IS LOSING ANY CONFIDENCE I HAD IN THEM BECAUSE OF THE HANDLING OF THIS SITUATION. *TR

  4. Other or unspecified, Dec 20, 2012

    RECALL NOTHING IS BEING DONE. *TR

  5. Engine, Dec 17, 2012

    DURING THE LATEST RECALL FOR THE FORD ESCAPE 2013 WITH 1.6L ECOBOOST ENGINE, THE DEALER FOUND OTHER ISSUES OUTSIDE THE SOFTWARE UPDATE TO PREVENT OVERHEATING OF THE ENGINE. THE DEALER ALSO STATED THERE IS A FUEL BRIDGE ISSUE OR SOME KIND OF LEAK, IF FORD KNOWS ABOUT THESE ISSUES WHY WE DON'T HEAR ABOUT THEM ON THE RECALL, THEY ARE EAGER TO FIX THE ISSUE, SO IT LEADS ME TO BELIEVE THEY ARE HIDING OTHER ISSUES WITH THE ENGINE FIRES. DOES NHTSA KNOWS ABOUT THESE OTHER ISSUES? I AM PUSHING FOR FORD TO FIX MY CAR OR BUY IT BACK. IT LEADS ME TO BELIEVE THIS IS NOT A SIMPLE SOFTWARE FIX LIKE THEY ARE TALKING ABOUT IN THE MEDIA. I HOPE NHTSA IS PUSHING FORD TO COME CLEAN AND TELL THE FULL STORY, BEFORE SOMEBODY GETS HURT. ARE THEY JUST TRYING TO BUY TIME, NOT SURE WHY IS TAKING SO LONG FOR MY CAR TO GET FIX WHEN THEY ARE SAYING IS JUST HALF DAY FIX. THEN TODAY THEY SAID IS SOME LIKE AND THEY EVEN MENTION THE FUEL BRIDGE, WHAT IS THE TRUE STORY? *TR

  6. Service brakes, Dec 14, 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. *TR

  7. Exterior lighting, Dec 13, 2012

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH DURING THE NIGHT, THE DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS AND THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS ILLUMINATED AUTOMATICALLY HOWEVER, THE TAIL LIGHTS WOULD NOT ILLUMINATE UNLESS ACTIVATED MANUALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS FUNCTIONING AS DESIGNED. THE MANUFACTURER ALSO ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE FUNCTIONED AS DESIGNED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 22.

  8. Engine, Dec 10, 2012

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE WAS NOTIFIED OF A RECALL FOR THE VEHICLE UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 12V551000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED WHO CONFIRMED THAT THERE WAS A CONCURRENT RECALL FOR THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE WAS NEVER ADVISED OF THE RECALL BY THE DEALER OR THE MANUFACTURER. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT PER THE RECALL, THERE WAS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE ENGINE WOULD OVERHEAT AND CAUSE A FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED UNDER THE RECALL. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 25.

  9. Electrical system, Dec 10, 2012

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AN UNKNOWN WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE REPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND THE CONTACT WAS AWAITING A RETURN CALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100. UPDATED 01/30/13*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS A NEVER NOTICE SENT AND RECEIVED. 1/31/2013*JS

  10. Latches/locks/linkages, Dec 3, 2012

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE WAS IN THE REAR SEAT WHEN SHE BECAME TRAPPED INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE DOORS WERE LOCKED HOWEVER, SHE WAS UNABLE TO UNLOCK THE DOORS. THE DRIVER HAD TO UNLOCK THE DOORS FROM THE EXTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE USING THE REMOTE KEY FOB IN ORDER FOR THE CONTACT TO EXIT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,000.

  11. 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

  12. Electrical system, Nov 26, 2012

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ACTIVE SYNC TECHNOLOGY MALFUNCTIONED WHICH CAUSES HER TO TAKE HER EYES OFF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE REPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 28 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 3,233.

  13. Power train, Seat belts, Nov 26, 2012, crash

    MY WIFE WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT. THE CAR WAS AT A STOP WHEN IT ACCELERATED SUDDENLY FOR A SHORT BURST. THE BRAKES DID NOT HOLD THE VEHICLE IN ONE SPOT AND SHE TAPPED THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF HER CAUSE TWO MINOR SCRATCHES ON THE OTHER VEHICLE'S BUMPER. OUR INSURANCE COMPANY HAS BEEN CONTACTED AND IS IN THE PROCESS OF GETTING THE OTHER VEHICLE REPAIRED. THE ESCAPE DID NOT SUSTAIN ANY NOTICEABLE DAMAGE. THE ESCAPE IS HEADING BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP TO BE LOOKED AT. THIS HAS ONLY OCCURRED ONCE THAT WE KNOW OF BUT I HAVE NOTICED ONCE THAT THE VEHICLE DID JUMP A BIT IN RPMS AND SPEED WHILE DRIVING IT AT A STEADY SPEED ON A FAIRLY FLAT ROAD. *TR

  14. Vehicle speed control, Nov 23, 2012, crash

    I WAS AT A RED LIGHT ON A FREEWAY EXIT. MY CRUISE CONTROL HAD BEEN SET TO 65 MPH, AND WHEN I ACCIDENTLY TAPPED THE RESUME LEVER, THE CAR ACCELERATED RAPIDLY. HITTING THE BRAKES DID NOT STOP THE CAR BEFORE IT HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. THE CRUISE CONTROL CANCEL/RESUME LEVER IS LOCATED ON THE LOWER LEFT PART OF THE STEERING WHEEL. IF YOUR STEERING WHEEL IS IN A LOW POSITION, AND YOU MOVE YOUR LEFT LEG, YOU CAN ACTIVATE CRUISE CONTROL WITH YOUR THIGH CAUSING IMMEDIATE ACCELERATION. THIS HAPPENED TO ME AGAIN WHILE DRIVING SLOWLY ON A CURVY ROAD LAST WEEK. THIS COULD BE DISASTROUS IF IT OCCURS AT A CROSS WALK. LUCKILY I ONLY HIT A CAR, NOT A PEDESTRIAN, AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. ELEVATING THE STEERING WHEEL REDUCES THE LIKELIHOOD OF ACTIVATING CRUISE CONTROL. *TR

  15. Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Nov 13, 2012

    THERE IS AN ACCELERATION LAG ON PARTIAL THROTTLE. THIS MAINLY OCCURS WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE OR WHEN ACCELERATING AFTER A TURN. WHEN NO ACCELERATION IS FELT, THE THROTTLE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED FURTHER AND, AFTER A DELAY, THE VEHICLE TAKES OFF LIKE A ROCKET. WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE USING THE MANUAL SHIFT MODE, IT OPERATES WITHOUT AN ACCELERATION DELAY. THE VEHICLE WAS BROUGHT TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR THIS PROBLEM. THEY LOOKED AT THE VEHICLE AND STATED IT DRIVES LIKE ALL OF THE OTHER 1.6 LITER ESCAPE VEHICLES ON THEIR LOT. THE DELAY IN ACCELERATION HAS THE POTENTIAL TO CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. A SIDE ISSUE IS WITH SYNC. THE CLOCK LOSES TIME, IT'S VERY SLOW TO RESPOND, IT ISN'T ALWAYS ABLE TO SYNC PHONES, UNDERSTAND VOICE COMMANDS, AND IT'S LOCKED UP...REQUIRING A MASTER RESET. THERE'S ALSO TOO MUCH ROAD NOISE TRANSMITTED TO THOSE ON THE OTHER END...CONSEQUENTLY, IT'S DIFFICULT FOR THEM TO HEAR THE CONVERSATION. *TR

  16. Electrical system, Nov 6, 2012

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MYTOUCH SYSTEM FAILED AND WOULD NOT ALLOW HER TO MAKE A CALL. IN ADDITION, THE MYTOUCH SYSTEM WOULD NOT PROPERLY RESPOND TO COMMANDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR TESTING ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WHERE THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THE MYTOUCH CHIP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT SOMEONE WOULD CALL THE CONTACT AT A LATER DATE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 22,083.

  17. Visibility/wiper, Oct 17, 2012

    LAST WEEK I NOTICED WHEN I WAS IN PARK THAT I SPRAYED MY WIDOWS AND THE WIPERS DID NOT TURN ON. I HAD TO LIFT THE WIPERS AND SLAP THEM AGAINST THE WINDOW AND THEN GO BACK INTO THE CAR AND THEY WORKED FINE. THOUGHT IT WAS JUST A FLUKE. TODAY DRIVING TO WORK I HAD ANOTHER ISSUE. WHEN I INITIALLY STARTED THE CAR THE WIPERS WORKED FINE TO CLEAN OFF THE RAIN DROPS AND I SHUT THEM OFF. WHEN I WAS ON FREEWAY I USED THE SPRITZER AND THE WIPERS DID NOT START. I MOVED THE SWITCH TO ALL SETTING AND STILL NOTHING HAPPENED. I SPRITZED THE WATER 2 MORE TIMES AND STILL NOTHING OTHER THAN I WAS BLINDED BY THE WATER ON THE WINDSHIELD. I HAD TO PULL ON THE SHOULDER AND GET OUT OF THE CAR AND LIFT THE WIPERS OFF THE WINDOW. WHEN I GOT BACK IN THE CAR THEY STARTED UP FINE AND AGAIN WORKED AS THEY SHOULD. THIS WAS VERY DANGEROUS THIS MORNING. I CALLED SERVICE AND THEY TOLD ME THEY WOULD LOOK AT THEM. *TR

  18. 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

  19. Wheels, Oct 16, 2012

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD ESCAPE. THE TIRES ON THE VEHICLE WERE CONTINENTAL CON TIP SMALL RO CONTACT, SIZE 235/15/R17. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT SLOW SPEEDS THE VEHICLE WOULD HYDRO PLANE IN RAINY WEATHER CONDITIONS. THE FAILURE OCCURRED TWICE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED HIM TO CONTACT THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND A COMPLAINT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 5,500.

  20. Structure, Sep 28, 2012

    I HAVE THE 2.0 SE WITH ROOF RAILS AND PANORAMIC SUNROOF. THERE IS A WATER LEAK ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE HEADLINER RIGHT NEAR THE A-PILLAR. I PULLED BACK THE HEADLINER AND WATER IS DRIPPING FROM AN AREA ADJACENT TO A NYLON FASTENER. THE CAR IS PARKED ON AN INCLINE AND THE FRONT OF THE CAR IS HIGHER THAN THE REAR, SO THE SUNROOF CANNOT BE THE SOURCE OF THE LEAK. *TR

  21. Visibility/wiper, Sep 25, 2012

    THE RAIN SENSOR DOES NOT OPERATE PROPERLY WHEN THE WIPERS ARE USED IN THE 'INTERMITTENT' SETTING. THE OPERATION OF THE WIPERS WHEN USING THE INTERMITTENT FEATURE ARE VERY UNPREDICTABLE, REGARDLESS OF THE DELAY SETTING USED. THE WIPERS WILL OFTEN NOT ACTIVATE ALLOWING RAIN TO ACCUMULATE ON THE WINDSHIELD TO THE POINT OF IMPAIRING VISIBILITY DRASTICALLY. AT OTHER TIMES THE WIPERS WILL ACTIVATE WHEN RAIN WATER IS NOT COLLECTING ON THE WINDSHIELD, SUCH AS WHEN STOPPED UNDER A HIGHWAY OVERPASS. *TR

  22. Electrical system, Sep 25, 2012

    CROSS TRAFFIC WARNING SYSTEM IS OVERLY SENSITIVE AND PROVIDES FALSE WARNINGS. THIS CREATES A DISTRACTION FROM DRIVING. WHEN THE TRANSMISSION IS IN REVERSE THE CROSS TRAFFIC WARNING SYSTEM WILL ALARM WHEN VEHICLES ARE APPROXIMATELY 50 FEET AWAY OR WHEN TRAFFIC IS PASSING ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE OF THE ROAD (I.E. WHEN PARALLEL PARKING). THE SYSTEM HAS ALSO ALARMED WHEN NO VEHICULAR OR PEDESTRIAN TRAFFIC IS PRESENT. IT IS UNPREDICTABLE. THE ALARM IS EXTREMELY DISTRACTING TO THE DRIVING TASK AT HAND. ADDITIONALLY, WHEN IN REVERSE, THE DRIVER SHOULD BE LOOKING BEHIND THE VEHICLE, NOT AT THE DASHBOARD WHERE AN ALARM MESSAGE IS DISPLAYED. SILENCING THE ALARM REQUIRES THE DRIVER TO FIND A SMALL "OK" BUTTON OR SCROLL THROUGH SEVERAL MENUS THAT IS LOCATED NEXT TO THE SPEEDOMETER. THE ALARM HAS ALSO ACTIVATED AS THE TRANSMISSION GEAR SHIFT PASSES 'REVERSE' WHILE BEING PUT IN 'DRIVE'. THE DEALER HAS ACKNOWLEDGED THIS CAN BE DISTRACTING AND THAT A REPAIR FOR THIS DOES NOT EXIST. *TR

  23. Electrical system, Sep 25, 2012

    NUMEROUS FAULTS WITH RADIO AND NAVIGATION SYSTEM PART OF MYFORDTOUCH SYSTEM. THE RADIO WILL COME ON BY ITSELF AND WILL NOT SHUT OFF. THIS USUALLY OCCURS WHEN A CELL PHONE IS IN USE AND CONNECTS OR DISCONNECTS VIA BLUETOOTH WHEN THE CAR IS STARTED OR TURNED OFF. WHEN THIS FAULT OCCURS THE RADIO WILL NOT ALLOW DIFFERENT STATIONS TO BE SELECTED. THE RADIO WILL NOT TURN OFF EVEN AFTER THE ENGINE IS TURNED OFF AND THE DOORS ARE OPENED. THE POWER BUTTON FOR THE RADIO WILL NOT FUNCTION TO SHUT OFF THE RADIO AT THESE TIMES. THE RADIO WILL REMAIN ON FOR APPROXIMATELY 20 MINUTES AFTER THE VEHICLE IS SHUT OFF AND THE ALARM IS TURNED ON. THE DEALER HAS ACKNOWLEDGED THIS PROBLEM EXISTS WITH SIMILAR VEHICLES AND HAS STATED THAT A REPAIR DOES NOT EXIST. THE NAVIGATION SYSTEM IS SLOW TO RESPOND AND AT TIMES CANNOT PROPERLY LOCATE THE VEHICLE. THE NAVIGATION SYSTEM ALSO HAS FAULTED BY NOT ALLOWING MANUAL ENTRY OF ADDRESSES OR SELECTION OF SAVED DESTINATIONS. THE DEALER HAS ACKNOWLEDGED A REPAIR FOR THIS DOES NOT EXIST OTHER THAN TO DISCONNECT THE BATTERY TERMINALS FOR AT LEAST 10 MINUTES. *TR

  24. Fuel system, Gasoline, Aug 20, 2012

    CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO RECALL FOR FUEL LINE PROBLEMS WITH FORD VEHICLE *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED HE WAS NOT PROVIDED A LOANER VEHICLE FOR THE SIX DAYS THE DEALER HAD HIS VEHICLE. RECALL # 12V336000.

  25. Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Tires, Wheels, Aug 16, 2012

    WARNING LIGHT FAILED TO GO ON FOR A FLAT TIRE. LIGHT WENT ON WHEN TIRE WAS REMOVED. AFTER TEMPORARY TIRE WAS PUT ON 3 DIFFERENT LIGHTS KEPT FLASHING ON AND OFF WHEN DRIVEN. *TR