Print this page

CarComplaints.com Notes: The 2013 Ford Escape has been in the news quite a bit and for all the wrong reasons. Within a few months of its release the SUV was recalled three times, twice because of engine fires.

In July 2012, due to a fuel line that could split and leak, Ford told owners to park their cars because even driving to the dealership for repairs was deemed too dangerous. Instead, in a somewhat unprecedented move, Ford sent tow trucks to pick up the affected vehicles and handed out rental cars while the owners waited for repairs.

A few months later the Escape was recalled again because antifreeze could leak out onto the engine due to a freeze plug becoming dislodged. As the coolant hit the hot engine there was, once again, a threat for fire.

The 2013 is the first model year of the Escape's 3rd generation and proves once again that you want to avoid the first model year when at all possible.

3.5

definitely annoying
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
37,869 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2013 Ford Escape body / paint problems

body / paint problem

Find something helpful? Spread the word.
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2013 Ford Escape:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

2013 Ford Escape Owner Comments

problem #3

Aug 162021

Escape

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The door latches were recalled on the 2013 ford escape but now the hatch isn't staying shut. Why was only the doors recalled & not the hatch as well?

- Hesston, KS, USA

problem #2

Oct 102017

Escape

  • 63,606 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. While the vehicle was operated on the highway, the steering column seized. In addition, the liftgate opened independently. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road and driven to the contact's residence. The steering assist fault warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to autonation Ford miami (16800 nw 57th ave, hialeah, fl) where it was diagnosed that the electric power steering and rack and pinion were defective and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was contacted and provided case number: Cas 13322662. No further assistance was offered. The manufacturer referred the contact to NHTSA due to them stating that the federal Agency was responsible for adding recalls. The failure mileage was approximatley 63,606.

- Coral Springs, FL, USA

problem #1

Sep 252014

Escape

  • 50,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the front and rear doors appeared to be pushed out from the vehicle. In addition, the rear door hatch fractured and detached and the battery died. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the vehicle needed a new battery, the hatch handle needed to be soldered back on, and weather stripping needed to be added to the doors. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign numbers: 14V495000 (electrical system), 14V597000 (air bags, seat belts), and 16V643000 (latches/locks/linkages). The manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

- Bethel Island, CA, USA

Not what you are looking for?