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. Service brakes, Jun 26, 2025, crash

    While coming to a stop sign the vehicle was going about 3MPH when the master break cylinder failed causing the breaks to fail and the car to hit another vehicle.

  2. Engine, Jun 25, 2025

    Keeps constantly and randomly alerting that the engine is overheating, there is recalls for same make and models with same issues but my vin does not have the coolant issue listed for recall yet it has same issue? Plus have not received any info on lock recall to get fixed

  3. Suspension, Jun 23, 2025

    The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at 55 MPH, the rear driver’s side control arm detached from the vehicle. The contact lost control of the vehicle momentarily. However, the contact was able to control the vehicle and pulled over to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the subframe had corroded and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was opened. The manufacturer advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 83,000.

  4. Electrical system, Lane departure, Forward collision avoidance, Jun 21, 2025

    My favorite

  5. Air bags, Seat belts, Jun 20, 2025

    Ford recall 14s21 was performed on this vehicle in 2015. I currently have a DTC b10a2. The code indicates that the restraint control module has failed. I contacted the local ford dealer, Cavalier Ford, and was told that the item was out of warranty. The issue is safety. The representative that I spoke with did not understand that the item that was the focus of the original recall has failed. Based on the original recall, the air bags and belt pretensioner could fail in the event of an accident. The replacement of the original item does not provide long term protection since it has failed again.

  6. Suspension, Wheels, Jun 16, 2025

    While driving on a city street at low speeds and good road conditions the rear torsion(stabilizer) bar cracked and broke off its mount and flipped the rear wheel sideways. This was extremely providential in that had this occurred at high speeds the results would have been disastrous for all around and in the vehicle. The incident occurred fortunately right at a location where there was a service to fix it. I want this incident to register with you because it may save someone's life. Please take this seriously. THIS WAS MY VEHICLE AND NOW IT IS MY DAUGHTER'S VEHICLE.

  7. Power train, Jun 16, 2025

    The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. In addition, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact pulled into a gas station and turned off the vehicle. The contact waited for several minutes, and the vehicle was restarted; however, the failure recurred after driving a short distance. The contact parked the vehicle at the gas station. The vehicle was not yet towed to the residence. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 142,000.

  8. Electrical system, Engine, Jun 13, 2025

    Recall 14517 check. Engine is stalling and failing in idle, but is able to start. I’m

  9. Engine and engine cooling, Jun 9, 2025

    The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the messages "Engine Coolant Low" and "High Temperature Pull Over Safely" were displayed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact added water to the coolant reservoir. The contact stated that water leaked from the reservoir after the vehicle was restarted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

  10. Engine, Jun 8, 2025

    Purchased a car from used dealership less than 24 hours later check engine light came on white smoke was coming out of the exhaust pipes displayed that coolant level was low . Had it diagnosed it is backfiring as well and it’s running hot there were 18 recalls that had same issues however it’s saying I have 0.

  11. Other or unspecified, Engine, Visibility/wiper, Jun 4, 2025

    Scared to drive took to get inspected felt like Transmission keep slipping and I was told there is a recall on transmission Also windshield wipers won’t go off have to remove fuse was told there is a recall

  12. Other or unspecified, May 11, 2025

    The transmission in my vehicle failed and had to be completely rebuilt before the car even reached 90,000 miles. Additionally, the vehicle has been leaking coolant. I have read that there are known recalls for coolant leaks on vehicles of the same year, make, and model as mine, which may be related to the issue I’m experiencing. Component or system that failed: The transmission failed and required a full rebuild. The coolant system is also leaking. Both systems are available for inspection if needed. •Safety risk: The transmission failure caused sudden performance issues, which could have led to an accident if it had happened while driving at highway speeds. The coolant leak puts the engine at risk of overheating, which could also lead to a breakdown or safety hazard while on the road. •Reproduction or confirmation: The transmission issue was confirmed by a certified transmission repair shop that performed the rebuild. The coolant leak is ongoing and observable. •Inspection by third parties: The transmission was inspected and rebuilt by an independent service center. The coolant leak has not yet been officially diagnosed by a dealership, but I plan to have it inspected soon. •Warning lamps or messages: There were no warning lamps for the transmission before failure, but symptoms such as slipping and rough shifting occurred prior to the rebuild. For the coolant leak, low coolant level warnings and engine temperature alerts have appeared intermittently, which first began a few months ago.

  13. Power train, Apr 30, 2025

    I was driving, with my children in the car, we were at a redlight - first in line - and when the light changed, my car would not go - it was like it was stuck - I put the car in park, and then put the vehicle back into drive - and then it would go, but in a "joltlike" manner. I was able to get to the side of the road, where I put the car in park, turned the vehicle off, and then put it back in drive. seemed okay, until the next morning. the next Morning, I had to take my kids to school, after I dropped them off, the car was doing the same thing from the previous evening, although more "dramatic" I had to pull off to the side of the road and turn it off and on twice... I then got the message "transmission fault service now" I turned the car on and off again. it seemed okay again, I was on my way to work. it was driving normally, then randomly it started revving really loud, and jolting. I made it to the parking lot, where I then on my lunch break that day, called the dealership. I took my car to the dealership and a day later they called me saying that the transmission needed replaced for $8000.00. I called Ford and they didn't tell me anything worthwhile, I asked for an email contact, and was told the number I was calling was how to contact Ford.

  14. Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 28, 2025

    I just purchased this 2013 Escape with roughly 133,000 miles on it. The Car Fax showed the open recalls (latches and bushing) but that was it. Had the recalls done. Car immediately had issues with actuator and heater core. I tried to return the car and local dealer refused. Had heater core replaced for second time, after engine overheated due to coolant leak. Fuel sensor also had to be replaced due to fuel leak. Days after these repairs were done, car began leaking coolant again while driving, overheated and shut down.

  15. Engine and engine cooling, Apr 21, 2025

    The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the "Engine Power Reduce - Lower Engine Temperature" message was displayed. The contact was continuously adding coolant to the coolant reservoir, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but no coolant leaks were found. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

  16. Power train, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Apr 20, 2025

    I have had car a month bought used and saw the recall for the transmission shifter bushing which I had done today at the Ford place . But it didn't fix the shifting problem .so took had hooked up to a machine to tell me it's the transmission solenoid b that's inside the trans mission and not covered by the recall which is insane because it's the main reason these cars are having this problem so now I can't get it fixed have had car a month and will be parking it as junk because Ford can't fix under the recall. This needs to be changed this is the main culprit not the bushings.

  17. Engine and engine cooling, Apr 16, 2025

    The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled. The contact was unable to pull over to a safe place. The contact shifted to neutral(N), turned off, and restarted the vehicle, and the contact was able to continue driving. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving. Additionally, the contact stated that there was a misfire coming from the engine on cold starts intermittently. The contact, who was an industrial technician, used a code reader to scan the vehicle and retrieved DTC: P1299 and P0304. Additionally, the contact inspected the vehicle and determined that there was coolant intrusion in cylinder #4. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the failure had occurred due to an engine short block factory defect. The dealer recommended that the short block be replaced; however, the dealer had not diagnosed the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.

  18. Structure, Apr 13, 2025

    The trunk of the vehicle was open. Without warning/reason, a support bar that helps hold up the open liftgate popped off and the liftgate swung closed rapidly with its full weight, not supported by anything. The support bar that had popped off obstructed the path of the falling liftgate, causing damage to the trunk panel. The speed at which the liftgate fell at full force could have caused severe injury or death. This has not been confirmed by a dealership or anyone else- this just happened today and I have not had it looked at by anyone yet.

  19. Engine, Apr 12, 2025

    Coolant intrusion. Coolant leaking internally resulting in smoke from exhaust and fumes inside cabin when heater is on.

  20. Engine and engine cooling, Apr 8, 2025

    The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and turned off, the contact discovered fluid leaking on the ground. Additionally, the engine overheated while driving, resulting in a burning odor. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The "Coolant Low" message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the turbo was leaking coolant and engine oil, and the head gasket was leaking engine oil. The mechanic performed an unknown repair, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic, who determined that the turbo was again leaking coolant and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V431000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.

  21. Engine, Apr 7, 2025

    The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine overheated with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the cylinder head had failed, which caused the engine to fail. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

  22. Power train, Mar 28, 2025

    The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle and shifting to reverse(R), the vehicle failed to respond, and the gear shifter was stuck in reverse(R). The contact was able to move the gear shifter to park(P) after several attempts, and the contact turned off the vehicle with the ignition key. The dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train). The vehicle was towed to Strictly Transmissions, where it was diagnosed that the shifter cable to the transmission had detached. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for the VIN to be added in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 197,000.

  23. Engine and engine cooling, Tires, Mar 27, 2025

    The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated that there was oil leaking from the turbocharger. The contact stated that the hose had detached, and the coolant had leaked out. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine overheated. The TPMS warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V551000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed the contact about a recall and referred the contact to the local dealer. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a claim, and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000.

  24. Engine, Mar 24, 2025

    Internal coolant leak into cylinder

  25. Engine and engine cooling, Mar 19, 2025

    The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the coolant warning light illuminated. The contact stated that after adding coolant to the coolant reservoir, the failure recurred. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.