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
2,754 reports, newest first.
Visibility/wiper, Feb 22, 2022
Both of my windshield wipers completely stopped working. The cost would be over a grand to fix it. Seems like a common issue with this car. Beyond dangerous! My car has 74,000 miles on it.
Electrical system, Feb 21, 2022
Car will not start when temperature outside is near or below freezing. Message "no key detected" displays on the console. Lights flash with clicking noises while the car tries to start. This happened in 2020. It seemed to be resolved. In the past couple months it has happened multiple times. Each time the dealership returned car "fixed" to no avail. This has left me stranded multiple times.
Other or unspecified, Feb 20, 2022
The ABS/Traction Control light comes on and a message flashes on the screen saying that 4 wheel drive is disabled and that hill assist is disabled. The vehicle will not accelerate when the gas pedal is pressed causing the driver to be put in harm's way if trying to enter traffic or go through an intersection. When hooked up to a scanner, it says that there is a bad ABS/Wheel Speed Sensor. We have replaced the "faulty" sensors several times and have also replaced all other parts that were recommended to fix the issue. We took the vehicle to a Ford dealer and they initially said that there was a recall to perform a flash of the computer to fix the issue. When they hooked up their machine to the vehicle, we were told that they were incorrect and that there was no recall for this issue and there was no update for the computer. This is an intermittent issue and we are unable to replicate the issue on demand. This has been an issue for over a year and it seems Ford does not have the answers to fix the issue.
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 16, 2022, fire
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at approximately 55 mph, there was smoke coming from underneath the hood and from behind the vehicle without warning. The contact stated that the failure progressively got worst and the smoke was gray. The contact said a third-party driver had stopped and advised that he saw flames. The contact opened the hood and saw the smoke. The fire department was not called and the contact did not have to put out any flames. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the engine head was cracked on the back side of the motor. The independent mechanic advised that there was a recall associated with the failure NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V583000 (Engine). The contact did not take the vehicle to a local dealer, however, the dealer was contacted and advised that there were no open recalls. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 158,000.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Other or unspecified, Feb 15, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated that he noticed that fuel had been leaking from underneath his vehicle. The contact then called the dealer who informed him that his vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V584000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 132,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 14, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle overheated, lost motive power, and stall with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local mechanic where it was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The contact was referred to NHTSA for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
Power train, Feb 2, 2022
The bushing that attaches the transmission shifter cable to the transmission were degraded o and cause the bushing to detach from the transmission. The condition did not allow me 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.
Engine, Feb 2, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated while her husband was driving 25 MPH, the engine overheating warning light was illuminated before the vehicle stalled. The driver was able to restart the vehicle. The driver added engine coolant but continue to experience failure. The vehicle was not drivable. The driver towed the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that the head gasket needed to be replaced. The mechanic also noticed that the engine was cracked. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The contact attempted to call the manufacturer but was unable to speak to a representative. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000. There was a faulty fuel injector which caused it to not pass emissions. After taking care of that problem, the coolant would run dry very quickly, in a matter of minutes. At this point, the engine light came on and the car just stopped dead in the middle of the street. Consumer sold the vehicle due to hazard.
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the "Low Coolant", "Pull Over Car Overheating" warning messages were displayed, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and diagnosed with a coolant level sensor kit failure. The vehicle was not repaired and remained with the independent mechanic. The dealer and manufacturer were made aware of the failure but informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was approximately 54,000. Consumer stated while driving in a school zone approximately 20mph, current temperature was 14 degrees. This has been a recurring problem.
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated the vehicle was losing coolant. The low coolant indicator light was illuminated. The contact added coolant to the vehicle and the warning indicator light went away. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who referred the contact to the local dealer. The contact called the local dealer and was referred to the manufacturer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified however, no further assistance was provided. The contact stated the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V431000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
Power train, Jan 30, 2022
I recently had a potentially deadly encounter while driving on an interstate. While traveling at 55 mph, my (automatic transmission) vehicle suddenly shifted into first gear on its own. I can’t begin to explain how much stopping force that created on the vehicle and my body, so much so that it caused the vehicle to momentarily skid. Had it not been for my seat belt and an alert tractor trailer driver, the result could have been deadly. This is the second time this has happed with my vehicle. After the first time that this happened the vehicle went to an ASE Certified mechanic shop for evaluation. After an extended period of time, the mechanic could find nothing wrong with the vehicle. As is common knowledge, if an “error code” isn’t produced, a mechanic can only hope to replicate the same event to help assist in diagnosing the problem. After this last incident, I noticed a display (not an error code) which read: ENGINE MALFUNCTION SERVICE NOW. Armed with this information the mechanic called Ford for more information. To my dismay, Ford would not elaborate, give insight, share, or even acknowledge such a problem exist with their vehicles. I conducted my own research with this issue, only to find out that Ford are the masters at vehicles randomly shifting to first gear for no apparent reason. All of the recalls for Ford vehicles about this problem and my vehicle is not listed. I find it very difficult to believe that I am the only person to have experienced this same issue in the same vehicle. Peoples lives are at stake.
Steering, Jan 28, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact’s husband stated while driving approximately 25 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact’s husband was able to pull over and restart the vehicle and functionality was returned. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with needing the steering unit replaced; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jan 28, 2022
My son was driving up a hill on January 26, 2022 and the car stalled. I called the Ford dealer and they said I had to take it in and pay for the repairs. This is a 2013 Ford Escape and I was reading on the internet that these cars have these problems. My son said there was no warning lights before this happened, it just stalled on a busy, dangerous highway. Thank God he was not hurt. I don't know what else to do. This problem should get taken care of with so many people having the same issue.
Steering, Jan 27, 2022
Steering Assist Failure
Other or unspecified, Back over prevention, Jan 24, 2022
Backup camera doesn’t work.
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 24, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated that after returning from an independent mechanic and driving at 55 MPH, the vehicle shut-off with the "coolant level low" warning message illuminated on the instrument panel. With the assistance of a State Trooper, the contact was able to pull the vehicle off to the side of the highway and add water to the coolant reservoir. The contact then took the vehicle back to the mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed with a defective coolant level sensor. The dealer was then notified of the failure and informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was provided a case number. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 113,500.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jan 19, 2022
The sensor for cooling system goes off for low coolant even though there is a full amount of coolant in the vehicle. Causes a bunch of codes to activate and throws vehicle into "limp" mode while saying the vehicle needs to be turned off immediately. Only some vehicles received recall notice per automotive service center, but others do not even though there is plenty of complaints online about the same issue. Having a vehicle go into "limp" mode while driving in traffic and/or on highway is extremely dangerous.
Engine, Jan 18, 2022
I bought my car at the end of winter in 2018, and every winter, when it gets 20 degrees or below, every few weeks, my engine overheating light will come on after 10 minutes of driving it. When I look at my coolant, it is right at the minimum line every time. I have since learned to keep a bottle of coolant in my car as well as a funnel to fill it just a little. Afterward, it would drive okay. Every shop I have taken it to states there are no leaks, and it was working just fine. I've also been told that it's a common issue with the 2013 Ford Escape, and I will have to continue to fill it. This has been an issue as I have been stuck on the freeway with my 3 and 7 year old numerous times trying to get under my hood with the car shut off in negative degree weather. I DO NOT feel safe getting out of the car to fill the coolant with my children in the backseat on a freeway with cars flying past me. Winter of 2022, the issue became worse. I was turning and saw smoke pouring out of my hood, and my check engine light came on. Luckily, I was right by my destination, where it quit working altogether and coolant emptied altogether. My husband, a former mechanic, is replacing the overflow coolant reservoir hose, which broke. The head gasket appears to be okay; however, he believes there may be tiny cracks in the head gasket which would explain why all of the shops I've been to state there is no leak. My vehicle is available for inspection upon request. My kids safety, my safety, and those on the road are at risk every time my vehicle stalls, especially with no heat. At times, my hood is frozen shut, and I cannot open it right away, so my kids and I freeze until I can get the hold open while I hope no one hits my car while the roads are icy. No one has been able to reproduce the issue at a shop. My check engine light comes on periodically every winter but will disappear the same day. It also came on moments before the hose burst.
Engine, Jan 15, 2022
TRANSMISSION HAS SUDDENLY STARTED SLIPPING
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 13, 2022
Coolant bypass valve has failed for a third time now in my 2013 escape since I bought it in 2016. First time in 2017. Was told this was not covered under my warranty by ford and no recalls (for my specific vehicle). The bypass valve, from recall reviews i've read online, could stuck closed not allowing antifreeze to pass into the engine. This could cause engine to overheat and catch fire. Other recalls have noted possible engine fire from coolant leak. The check engine light has come on in all three instances. The diagnostic code is the same this time as the last two-P26b7. No recall for my specific vehicle because it wasn't built in the factory that the recall vehicles, with same problem, was built in. Although, it's the same problem, with the same cooling design.
Power train, Jan 11, 2022
My 2013 Ford Escape was not included in the safety recall 18S20. I had the exact failure that is described in recall. Shift cable bushing that attaches to shift lever on transmission came off and vehicle was stuck in reverse. The bushing was soft crumbing apart and would not stay on the transmission lever. Vehicle missed recall date by 8 days. This vehicle should of been part of the recall 18S20 and for all safety reasons that it was issued for. Ford refused to repair the part under the recall, so very close to recall start date and a $1.53 part.
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 7, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle lost all power and the contact stated that the engine overheating warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled over and refilled the coolant reservoir and was able to restart the vehicle after waiting approximately 2 hours. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V583000 (Engine) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Jan 5, 2022
Case Number: CAS-34813627-B3B3D7 On January 2nd, 2022, without warning my ABS and traction control lights went on, my speedometer fell to zero, and all of the digits usually shown (MPG, miles to empty, amount of time driven, and miles driven) were replaced by dashes. After about 10 - 15 seconds, the information came back, the speedometer worked, and the dash warning lights went off. This has occurred multiple times a day since Jan 2 while I drive my car. The Ford website described a recall that fit the description of the issues I have been having and, according to my VIN, I was eligible to get the system serviced. I took my car in to Wade Ford in Atlanta, GA on January 5, 2022. A diagnostic test reported code PC0031, but only codes P1934 and P062C are considered eligible. I called Ford and opened a case (see Line 1). After waiting a few hours to hear back from Ford, I had to check in at work and perform a COVID test to remain eligible to work the rest of this week per their COVID protocol. On my way there, my throttle became unresponsive as I was getting on the highway. The acceleration came back a few seconds later, narrowly avoiding the car behind me running into my bumper. After testing, I returned to the dealership to find no progress had been made due to Ford being unresponsive. The agent has not responded or updated me, but she stated on an earlier call she was working on consulting her supervisor on my case. Further attempts to call Ford have been unsuccessful. Because this issue is not recognized under any Ford warranty, I have no lease or lease reimbursement options. The cost of having Ford fix the bug they downloaded into my car is into the hundreds of dollars. Even if Ford does decide to fix the issue, I have no assurance this issue won't happen again at the next software update. My vehicle is not safe to be driven at this point. Suddenly having no reliable vehicle is affecting my work and medical appointment schedules, costing me time and money.
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 3, 2022
When heater is turned on in my vehicle (2013 Ford Escape) during winter, the radiator light and check engine lights come on. Oil is visible on the engine. I refill the radiator and radiator light goes off. There is oil spewed under the vehicle's hood and on the motor. It is my understanding that there was a recall for the powerplant, which overheats and leaks oil and other fluids onto the engine which could possibly result in fire. I would prefer to avoid this
Wheels, Dec 31, 2021
On 12-22-2021during routine vehicle servicing of my 2013 Ford Escape at Mac Haik Ford in Georgetown, TX, Invoice Number 776999, I was told by the Service Advisor that the mechanic was having troubles getting the wheels off to rotate and balance. Sophie Rosa, Service Advisor told me that the mechanic reported the lug nuts on the wheels were swollen and need replacement. She advised that if not replaced it would cause trouble if a flat tire occurred as the Ford issued lug nut wrench would not fit over the swollen lug nuts. I agreed to have the 20 lug nuts replaced at a cost of $5.36 each plus labor. I did not get the defective nuts returned to me. Checking on-line I found that swollen lug nuts is caused by chrome being overlaid on metal lug nuts which cause rust to occur and thereby causes the swelling to occur. This defect is caused by the Ford Company knowing full well that placing two different metals together can cause corrosive and rust problems.