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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.

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
3 / 14
Injuries / Deaths:
6 / 0
Average Mileage:
50,644 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 electrical problems

electrical problem

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2013 Ford Escape Owner Comments (Page 3 of 16)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #277

May 262021

Escape

  • miles

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

Vehicle had transmission replaced at 80,000 miles due to the gears slipping and the car going forward in reverse and accelerating without pressing the gas. Vehicle now has 109,000 miles and has presented with other issues. The first incident occurred after fueling the vehicle. Owner got back into the car, all of the lights the turn on when a door is open illuminated and they proceeded to press the brake and attempt to turn on the car. The brake seized up and the car was not turning on. Owner had battery replaced three weeks ago at a shop and the computer was reset. Owner called roadside thinking it may need a jump. Roadside arrived and advised the vehicle was not in need of a jump as the battery components were testing fine and the lights illuminated and the key fob was working. Attempted to start vehicle numerous times, including with remote start and owner reports it felt as if the start stop button wasn't working. Eventually, the car turned on and ran for about 10 second when the engine cut out and the battery remained running (AC, radio, lights, etc.) owner and roadside tried to turn the vehicle off and the button was not working. Waited 10 minutes, opened driver door and then the stop button worked. Advised a tow, tow truck came an hour later and car started as normal. Owner took it to dealer to report the problem and they replaced the vapor valve. Next day owner drove about 35 miles to destination and when they came back out to the car the issue repeated. Car would not start but all lights would come on dash. Car was able to be remote started but then engine cut out. After an hour car started as normal but was towed back to dealer for fear of stalling while on the highway. Vehicle has been at the dealer for 3 days and they have had the issue repeat for themselves. The dealer has stated they have checked everything and have no idea what is going on and are unsure of how to figure out the problem and how to fix it.

- Ocala, FL, USA

problem #276

May 212021

Escape

  • miles
The car will stall out and say it-??s overheating when it isn-??t. This is very dangerous because it can cause a major accident. I have taken it to Ford dealership and another mechanic and each time they say there is nothing wrong with it but it-??s been doing this since 2017 when I bought it.

- El Segundo, CA, USA

problem #275

May 122021

Escape

  • miles
For the past 2 years car is having identical issues with Ford recall 14S17 in a 2013 Ford Escape. Getting error code P0106 and have had MAF sensor replaced twice. Ford customer service indicated that this Escape was not covered under 14S17 since it was manufactured in 2013 after the effected dates in the recall.

- Alpharetta, GA, USA

problem #274

May 082021

Escape

  • miles

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

While driving, indicators said low coolant. Checked the level and it was fine. Error keeps showing until suddenly my vehicle stopped while in motion and lost all motor power. Dash illuminated with 'engine overheating' and would not accelerate. Pulled over immediately, removed the key from ignition and checked under the hood. Coolant level was fine. Took to auto body shop, they said codes were showing for low coolant/overheating but they did a pressure test and found coolant leaking inside cylinder, which coincides with the huge engine recall and class action lawsuit. Ford will not assist me with this although they acknowledge it is a problem but 'my VIN isn't on the list'. engine repeating to stall while driving and lose power going from 30mph down to 5 suddenly and without warning in middle of intersection. This is my only vehicle, I'm disabled and Ford co won't help nor will any dealer.

- Seabrook, NH, USA

problem #273

Apr 222021

Escape

  • 87,516 miles
Before having a engine replacement due to circumstances I had issues with the turbocharger overboosting after the engine replacement I still have the turbocharger overboosting. On top of the anti-lock brake system brake pedal miss message lost communication with tcm and lost communication with the ECM

- Independence, KS, USA

problem #272

Apr 192021

Escape

  • 149,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving various speeds, the vehicle loss motive power and stalled with the check engine, battery and check oil warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to three independent mechanics and to capital Ford service center (2805 E millbrook rd, raleigh, nc 2760) however, the cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 15V813000 (electrical system). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 149,000.

- Clayton, NC, USA

problem #271

Apr 152021

Escape

  • 103,466 miles

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

My vehicle stalls and chugs. This happens while I'm driving and stationary.Ford did have a recall for a map sensor manifold issue back in October of 2014 for Ford Escapes with this description. The code is P0106. I am struggling to get help for any dealer because there is no longer an open recall for this issue. I could be driving and my car shuts off. This is a nightmare.

- Spring Hill, FL, USA

problem #270

Apr 082021

Escape

  • 190,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 35 mph, the vehicle failed to accelerate and stalled without warning. After the vehicle stalled, the contact pushed the vehicle onto the emergency lane. The vehicle was towed to perkins Chevrolet Buick GMC (22 East frist St la-junta co 81050, (719) 384-4401 where it was diagnosed with a depleted battery and a faulty starter. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 190,000.

- La-Junta, CO, USA

problem #269

Jan 012020

Escape

  • 70,000 miles
Vehicle is talling intermitten while stopped or idling. Problem is becoming more and more commen.vehicle starts back but will continue to stall when stopping or idling. The issues are the same as previous recalled vehicles with wiring harness issues. Please figure something out so this doesn't become more of a safety issues. No check engine lights come on and no mechanic can find an issue. This problem needs to be fixed asap Ford!

- Morrilton, AR, USA

problem #268

Jan 012021

Escape

  • miles
Car is stalling none stop

- Texarkana, TX, USA

problem #267

Mar 202021

Escape

  • 61,000 miles

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

I have a 2013 Ford Escape SE, 1.6 L and recently it will act like it is not in gear when driving, the engine will not reve up, nothing happens when pressing gas pedal. On occasion she said the battery light and oil light would come on when it does this. She turns off ignition, restart and is fine till next time. Becoming more frequent. Happens at all speeds.

- Franklin, WI, USA

problem #266

Mar 132021

Escape

  • 43,300 miles
I have only had this vehicle 2 days and it stalls on me. Slowing down coming to red light car stalls. Happened 3 times in 2 days. No lights on the dashboard or anything. I am deathly afraid to drive it now totally unsafe!

- Pittsburgh, PA, USA

problem #265

Mar 092021

Escape

  • 145,000 miles
There is a slow antifreeze leak. Every two days, antifreeze has to be added but the leak is not visible. Also, upon starting the car, shifting into drive and attempting to accelerate; the car will get bogged down right before 20 miles per hour and then stop unexpectedly. It does not completely use power but it does stall. There has been no explanation found for this and it is a daily occurrence.

- Marion, IN, USA

problem #264

Mar 032021

Escape

  • 46,460 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 20 mph, the vehicle stalled but was restarted. The engine failure service now warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The contact stated the failure was similar to NHTSA campaign number: 15V8130000 (electrical system). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 46,460.

- Scottsdale, AZ, USA

problem #263

Feb 082021

Escape

  • 78,000 miles
It seems my Ford is experiencing symptoms similar to safety recall 14S17, but Ford has not told me my car is affected my this recall. It's been 2 weeks and my car is still not fixed my the local mechanic.

- Minneapolis, MN, USA

problem #262

Dec 232020

Escape

  • 80,000 miles
Every winter while driving my 2013 Ford Escape info screen displays "hill start assist not available and ABS icon flashes. The radio also goes off and on. I have taken it to two different dealerships to get this corrected and I am told they could not see any codes for this problem. In other words I am lying. I am sure by checking with others, I am not the only one with this problem. I hope that this can be resolved because I don't know if and when this will effect anything else.

- Indianapolis, IN, USA

problem #261

Dec 262020

Escape

  • 55,281 miles
Apparently battery being drained and car won't start in the morning. Several times in the past year. Had diagnostics done. Battery replaced N May 2020, alternator replaced in November 2020. Aaa road repair said battery, alternator & starter all working fine. Only 55,000 miles on 2013 Escape sel 4WD w/2.0L 14 gtdi ecoboost engine. Should have a parasitic draw test" wake up' issues" spoke to online technician today.12/27/2020

- Canton, MA, USA

problem #260

Nov 142020

Escape

  • 25 miles
While driving this vehicle died after giving a high temperature warning & the engine came on. Once cooled it would not drive forward on in reverse. This vehicle is not safe to drive and has had multiple previous issues.

- Monroeville, PA, USA

problem #259

Dec 182020

Escape

  • 180,000 miles
Warning came on stating engine was overheating and to pull over safely. After sitting for 3 days, tried to start the car again, with the same warning. The vehicle should not have been overheated at this time. Could not drive vehicle with this warning. Had to have it towed home.

- Rotan, TX, USA

problem #258

Nov 212020

Escape

  • 53,300 miles
Engine fault - service now light has come on at least once/year. When this happens the car hesitates and rides rough. I contact the Ford dealership immediately to have them fix the problem. The Ford dealership has worked on the car but the problem still exists. The warranty has expired. This has been an ongoing problem. Should I be responsible for repairs?

- Southampton, MA, USA

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