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:
8 / 61
Injuries / Deaths:
14 / 0
Average Mileage:
55,047 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.
I have had many issues with my 2013 Ford Escape and it seems everything that keeps happening is a recall but for some reason never applies to my vehicle. My Ford stalled for the first time a few months ago. I was at an event that I made it to with no issues. It sat in the parking lot for about 45 minutes. When I tried to leave, it wouldn't turn on. I sat in the vehicle for about 10 minutes until it finally started and was able to drive away. Ever since this, it has been stalling every once in a while. Sometimes it will start and I can drive a few yards away before it stalls and I am forced to turn the key off and try again. It would do this a few times then I would be able to drive again. Another issue I've had is sometimes while I am driving, everything will shut off but the vehicle will keep driving. Everything meaning: Air conditioning, all lights, radio, touch screen.. anything that is on while I'm driving will shut off for around five minutes or so. I keep going without touching any of these things, then they will all turn back on, on their own. This happens very rarely. I have taken my Ford in to get these issues looked at. They told me these were recalls, printed the recall paperwork out, and told me to go to a dealership to get it fixed. When I took it in, I was told these issues were indeed recalls for 2013 Ford Escapes but "did not apply to my vehicle" and was sent away. Now, my Ford randomly started leaking gas last week after only just turning it on while sitting in my home driveway (didn't drive anywhere). I looked up "gas leaks in 2013 Ford Escape" and its a recall for 1.6-liter engine, which is what I have but when I put the VIN in the recall website it says "0 unrepaired recalls". why do I keep having the same exact problems that are described in recall details for 2013 Ford Escape but keep getting told its not for my 2013 Ford Escape?
Constant coolant leak caused vehicle to overheat and engine blew. I was driving down the interstate, no warning lights were on, then suddenly car lost all power. When I pulled over the engine was smoking. I had only driven about 4 miles. Car would not restart afterwards.
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated that his daughter was driving at 55 mph and the serpentine belt fractured. The belt ripped apart the heat shield and ignited the soundproof foam. The check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer (J.C. lewis Ford hinesville 309 w oglethorpe highway hinesville, ga 31313 912-876-3673) and they informed the daughter that it was the serpentine belt and the belt tensioner that needed to be replaced. The contact told the dealer to hold off initially on repairs until she consulted with her father. The dealer called her back and performed the repairs anyway and quoted a repair cost of $300. The contact picked up the vehicle and drove it the next day and the heat shield was damaged and started to smoke and possibly catch fire. The dealer was contacted back afterwards and they haven't called back. The manufacturer had not been contacted yet. The failure mileage was 101,780.
Vehicle hesitates after being started, when I attempt to drive vehicle stalls and is unable to move. Vehicle stalled while in motion on highway twice, was able to get to break down lane before any accident could occur. This also happened when driving on secondary roads. I have also had the this issue happen in my driveway, I started vehicle and put into drive and it puttered then stalled this has happened at least 30 different times in the past 2 months. I also have been experiencing the loss of coolant but not finding a leak. This has been happening for 6 months, I am having to add coolant every other week. Warning lights for low coolant do not display nor does the check engine light.
My engine light came on and the guage said high temp get to safe plaace to stop. The car would not go back or forward. The shop put in transmission but it happened again and they put in a guage. Now it is happening again. Each time I have had to have the car towed and repaired. I think this is a matter that needs be be iinvestigated. While I was driving on the highway the indicator came on and within a few minutes the vehicle reduced in speed and started to hesitate. Once I got to a place to stop it would not move. I have spent over $3500 so far and it is happening again. I am going to have to have it towed in again and they it might be the motor. I only have a little over 41000 mile on this vehicle and I can't afford any more cost like this. Please let me know if there are other compliants and what you are doing about this issue.
- Crosby, TX, USA
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Antifreeze disappearing. Had reservoir tank, hoses, clamps, coolant parts leading to air conditioning, no vissable leaks of coolant. Engine light comes on and goes off at random and has for past 4 + years with no resolution. Recently had Ford dealership run a 5 hour pressure test was told, 1) engine losing pressure, 2) #3 cylinder defective, 3) either needs head gasket or possible cracked block, unsure without disassembling engine at cost to myself of at minimum $600. Said some erosion was seen, unsure cause of it. Was recently told in 2014 the water pump was replaced prior to my purchase of car in 03/2014, at Ford dealership where I purchased vehicle. I had no knowledge of this water pump repair until 07/2020. Had I known, I would not have purchased being car "1" year old needing such a vital repair. During one of the pressure tests in 03/2020, a minor oil leak was repaired, valve cover gasket replaced. Contacted Ford manufacturer asked for assistance in repair of defect, case # 27007133, was told no funding available to assist me with issue. Had auto shield insurance, denied coverage due to requiring engine to be disassembled to determine what the exact problem is" where is it coming from? how did it occur? all at my expense. I have taken excellent care of my vehicle, maintained as required to continue reliability. I believe this vehicle's issue has existed, maybe an underlying issue, since it was manufactured in 02/2013 due to requiring a water pump during 1st year of being manufactured. As I mentioned, the engine light has came on and went off throughout the years. Ive had auto parts use a scanner to determine what the engine light was revealing, however nothing was determined previously. I have service records if needed. Is there any help available for me towards resolving this issue" no vissable coolant leaks, happens when vehicle engine is on. No over heating.
Vehicle stalled on highway due to overheating which was a coolant leak. I see they are already investigating similar complaints. Driver's seat has tears in it. Engine was replaced at 107,000 miles. Vehicle jerks while trying to park on a hill. Touch screen goes in and out. Trunk latch only works when it wants to. Rear differential failed at 121,000 miles, but has been making noise since 107,000 miles. This vehicle is nothing but problems!
The coolant leaked into the engine causing a misfire in cylinder 3. the following warnings were displayed: Low coolant and engine fault: Service now. The vehicle was taken to jannell Ford in hanover, MA to be diagnosed. I was informed the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle currently has 120,000 miles. Currently weighing repair options and in the process of contacting Ford Motor Company.
Freeway driving and car stalled. Able to drive to close dealership with pedal to floor and getting about 8 mph. Replaced throttle body. Left dealership. Driving side streets 2 miles from dealership and same thing. 8 mph. Towed back to dealer. Said it might be wire harness $2000. They test drive though and no problem after moving wires around. So I took car and drove a few days but then after exiting highway about one mile it does it again. Towed back to dealer where I start it and get zero warnings. Drives ok. But leave it there. They think it's purge valve now. Glad I didn't replace wire harness. They say it isn't giving any codes not sure what to do. Scary to lose all acceleration on freeway!
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds and at start-up, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who was unable to determine the cause for the failure. The vehicle was taken to hennessy Ford atlanta (5675 peachtree industrial blvd, atlanta, ga 30341, (470) 602-2073) however, was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 40,000. The VIN was not available.
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated that coolant leaked into the engine causing a misfire in cylinder #3. the check engine warning light and low coolant level warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to marcotte Ford sales Inc (1025 main St, holyoke, MA 01040) to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and provided the contact with a case number. The failure was approximately 76,000.
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated that when coming to a stop, the vehicle stalled without warning. Additionally, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the purge valve was defective and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 120,000.
The engine will quit working while driving... seems to happen only after the engine is warm. I will be driving fine, stop at a store for 10-30 minutes. Restart the car and start driving, and then complete power loss. I have to drift to a stop along the side of the road, then it will restart after a few minutes and then will drive normal again. This happens every day. It is extremely dangerous because I am usually leaving some parking lot, and then in the middle of the intersection when the complete power loss happens. Not speed related. Will happen within 3 minutes after restarting the car (with warm engine). Again, this happens every day. The problem started about 3 years ago - in 2017... the Ford dealers say they can't troubleshoot unless it happens while on their diagnostics machine. But it only happens while driving, so the diagnostic machine can't help. There are no error codes showing up when they check on the diagnostic machine. Older Ford Escape models have had a recall for the same or similar issue. There needs to be a recall and fix for the 2013 year models as well.
My car has a cracked cylinder head and should fall under recall campaign # 12S41, however my car was manufactured 1 month after the dates listed. I should still fall under the recall if the same issue is happening for cars that were made 4 weeks earlier than mine.
So I have had this car for 17 months.... it has been in the repair shop 3X since owning...and just recently the transmission blew!!!! 60,000 miles, no warning. From the research I have done with this seems to be a fairly common issue with this year of Escapes and some customers even saying its blown 2 times!!! so why is there nothing being done!!!"?? do I need to hire legal assistance. This was a $5000 repair!!! $5000!!! on a vehicle with 60,000 miles!! why is nothing done??? this is not right and something needs checked into. I had no choice but to use every last penny in my savings to pay this because the car loan is only 1 year old... and what dealership would want a car with no transmission????"
The vehicle has had ongoing issues with significant hesitation when attempting to accelerate, coolant needing replenishment on a regular (every 3-4 months) basis, vehicle stalling and shutting down sporadically, vehicle overheating, doors randomly popping open and needing to be held shut by my children until I can safely pull over. Most recently and just this morning on 6/18/20, the vehicle stalled on the highway during rush hour while driving to work. The dashboard indicated that there are now transmission issues. I used my aaa membership to have the car towed to colonial Ford in Plymouth, MA after standing within feet of speeding traffic while waiting. The car potentially lethally just stopped. It is now being "diagnosed" by colonial Ford. Much previously, I brought the car to jannell Ford in hanover, MA to inquire about these issues when the mileage was still reasonably low. The service manager of that branch lied to me. He informed me there were never recalls pertaining to my vehicle ever. In the last 48 hours, I have discovered there were in fact recalls for the exact issues described above. Issues that were never properly repaired when the former owner of the vehicle brought it to their particular dealership to address. I brought the vehicle to sullivan tire yesterday on 6/17/20 when the A/C stopped blowing cold air. They informed me they could not recharge the A/C because they received an engine code of P2637 which I have documented from them. This code specifically relates to recall 13S12 (coolant bypass valves). It does not matter that I pointed this out to Ford customer service even though a total cut and dry issue relating specifically to the year, make, model of my vehicle. They will not cover the expenses of repairs. Ford has basically said in so many words "we know this is an unsafe death trap, but it's too late and you and your children out of luck!"
Coolant level is depleting without any visible leaks. Vehicle has a cold start and sometimes has difficulty shifting. High idle at start. Coolant light has come on and I've refilled it twice in 3 months. Contacted portsmouth Ford(portsmouth, nh) and they said there is no recall and tried to charge $150 to run diagnostics on my vehicle. I presented the NHTSA bulletin 12V431000 and the service writer just dismissed it. Made my appointment a week ago, confirmed it and gave a thorough explanation to be turn away. Waste of time and incredibly aggravating.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Clinton Township, MI, USA