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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:
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.

2013 Ford Escape engine problems

engine problem

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2013 Ford Escape Owner Comments (Page 41 of 61)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #417

Jun 232018

Escape

  • 59,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. While driving approximately 65 mph, the vehicle stalled and immediately restarted. The failure recurred and the vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road and restarted. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The failure recurred and the vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who was unable to duplicate the failure. The contact stated that the failure recurred and the check engine indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic where error code: P068A (computer communication error) was located. The contact was referred to the dealer. The vehicle was taken to family Ford of enfield (860-745-1111, 65 hazard ave, enfield, ct 06062), but the failure was unable to be duplicated. The contact was informed that there was nothing wrong with the vehicle, but was advised to call the dealer if the check engine indicator illuminated again. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that there was no recall. The failure mileage was approximately 59,000.

- Somersville, CT, USA

problem #416

Jun 192018

Escape

  • 35,000 miles
While driving on the highway, screeching noises emitted from car and then instrument cluster showed the message "engine power reduced to lower temps" and after a few minutes "engine over temp, stop safely." Turns our the water pump failed, requiring replacement of pump and belt at 35K miles,

- Fairview, NJ, USA

problem #415

Apr 012018

Escape 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 86,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the antifreeze in the vehicle was depleting rapidly. The contact stated that the vehicle was leaking antifreeze. The contact stated that the vehicle exhibited the same symptoms as listed in NHTSA campaign number: 12V551000 (engine and engine cooling). The contact called town and country Ford at 205-491-0000, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000. Updated 10/17/18

- Bessemer, AL, USA

problem #414

Jun 062018

Escape

  • 119,480 miles

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

Whilst driving on streets and highways, at least 1 month, me and my wife began noticing 2013 Ford Escape 1.6 hesitate! and stall, several times on and off streets and highways.PCM, module is sending incorrect signals, codes read, com needs reprogramming, also coolant system leaks!, may be causing over heating, and fire in engine compartment, water pump went out, Wednesday June 6th 2018, car is now at Ford dealership, for, investigation into recall work. That may have not been performed. Prior to sale to dealership where we purchased it. We would like any updated information about recall repairs performed by fleet?, company that sold it to super auto sales., including calibration and over heat software to prevent over heating etc., along with 13 other original recalls that should have already been performed, and some record who recall repairs were performed by etc. Also the driver and passenger seatback recliner mechanism has insufficient strength, becomes loose and leaning while I'm driving on streets and highways, this been since purchased under a year ago pre-owned 100,486 miles on odometer. Also constant smell of strong gas coming from engine compartment, low gas mileage, significant loose of engine coolant, etc.as mentioned prior in my compliant, full line and fuel pump may need service, because of strong gas fumes in and around vehicle. Thanks for your time. This happened over a period of a month till it broke down and we had it towed, we just found out about recall, and wad not told it was needed or had been performed by super auto sales in modesto ca. Dealership we purchased pre owned vehicle is super auto sales 4312 disk rd. Modesto ca. 95356 (ph: 209-689-5455),

- Sacramento, CA, USA

problem #413

Jun 062018

Escape

  • 78,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. While driving at an unknown speed, the engine stalled. The vehicle was coasted to a fuel station where it caught fire. The fire originated from the engine compartment. The fire department extinguished the fire. It was unknown if a police or a fire report was filed. There were no injuries. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired per NHTSA campaign number: 13V584000 (engine) prior to the fire. The manufacturer was notified and provided case number: Cas-15003539. The dealer was not contacted for diagnostic testing or repairs. The failure mileage was 78,000.

- Dozier, AL, USA

problem #412

Jun 062018

Escape

  • 33,900 miles
Engine wiring harness and sensor problems in 2013 Ford Escape with 2.0 liter engine that was not included in previous safety recall. While on a vacation trip in February, 2018, the engine fault warning light came on in our 2013 Ford Escape titanium with the 2.0 liter engine after restarting the car and entering the highway. It was followed by the check engine light. As we drove to the nearest Ford dealership, the car was increasingly hesitating and seemed to be misfiring, a dangerous situation since highway driving was required. The service technician at the dealership did an analysis and determined that the problem was in the map sensor. He replaced that sensor under warranty and the problem was apparently fixed until June 4, 2018, when identical problems appeared after a stop on a local trip.the car was parked at a safe location and on June 6 driven to a local dealership for service and repair. Analysis by the technician showed that there are problems in the engine wiring harness that are disrupting signals from the map sensor and the cam sensor, and that replacement of the complete engine wiring harness is required to fix the problem. Although this car was built during the same period as the cars covered by NHTSA campaign number 14V495000 and it has the same engine specifications and the same apparent problems, it was not included in that recall. It is clear to me it should have been. Further, it seems there are potential significant safety concerns regarding all 2013 and 2014 Ford Escapes with the 2.0 liter engine that were not included in the original recall.

- Denver, CO, USA

problem #411

May 252018

Escape

  • 92,520 miles

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

Consistent issues with the engine coolant system resulting in antifreeze going into the valves. We are now having to have the entire engine replaced.

- Midlothian, VA, USA

problem #410

May 132018

Escape

  • 89,000 miles
Engine stalled on major freeway. Mechanic and Ford diagnosed it with the turbocharger failing. Ie; literally came apart. The catalytic converters are now also damaged due to the turbocharger failing and gif knows what else. There were no codes, the engine system, stated that there were no errors.

- Grass Valley, CA, USA

problem #409

Jan 182017

Escape

  • 83,974 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the coolant system indicator illuminated. While driving 60 mph, the engine overheated and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken to advantage Ford Lincoln sales, Inc. (885 hagerty dr., fremont, oh 43420), but was not repaired. The dealer stated that there was a leak from the coolant system that caused the levels to become too low; therefore, the vehicle overheated. The contact was advised to keep the coolant level topped off in the interim. The manufacturer was notified and advised the contact to call NHTSA. The failure mileage was 83,974.

- Fremont, OH, USA

problem #408

May 132018

Escape

  • 89,000 miles
Recently it died while driving on a busy highway. I was extremely lucky that I could get off the road, and that there was not a major accident. My car turns over, but will not restart. After my mechanic had it for a day, he contacted me stating it has an electrical problem and that he was calling the Ford dealership, due to it being faulty and that they should fix it. I then was called back and he confirmed with auburn Ford, in auburn, can, that there was a recall that could fix the problem and that the dealer had to do the repairs, why I called Ford, I was told there was only 1-recall for the doors. After I told him the mechanic was told there were 2, he changed his story. He then said there were 2-recalls, but neither would fix my car. He then started I would need to pay $ to have them diagnose it.

- Grass Valley, CA, USA

problem #407

Nov 012016

Escape

  • miles

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

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced premature engine failure that caused the motor to fail twice. The dealer (plattsburgh Ford, 320 cornelia St, plattsburgh, NY 12901, (518) 561-5030) diagnosed that an unknown oem part within the motor needed to be replaced. In addition, the vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign number: 16V643000 (latches/locks/linkages), but the same dealer confirmed that parts were unavailable. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was not available. Parts distribution disconnect.

- Cadyville, NY, USA

problem #406

Mar 012014

Escape

  • 5,000 miles
Coolant leaks, was repaired in 2014 per recall. Coolant leak issue keeps happening.

- Oxnard, CA, USA

problem #405

Feb 012015

Escape

  • 20,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. While operating the vehicle, the "engine fault" message suddenly displayed and the vehicle began to hesitate, shutter, and vibrate before reducing speed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer (Mahwah Ford on franklin turn pike, Mahwah, NJ) where it was diagnosed that the failure was due to insufficient compression in the engine wiring harness. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified and stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 15V813000 (electrical system). The contact stated that the vehicle experienced the same failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 20,000.

- Hillsville, NJ, USA

problem #404

Nov 012017

Escape

  • 65,000 miles
Just because the VIN on this specific 2013 Escape doesn't match all the recalls doesn't mean it doesn't have the same issues. I've already had to have the water pump replaced and the transmission rebuilt. There's electrical issues, HVAC issues, door issues, delayed acceleration issues, the list goes on and on and on with this vehicle. I reached out to Ford and they offered no help. Your system only allows me to check three problems.

- Redwood City, CA, USA

problem #403

Apr 272018

Escape

  • 87,000 miles
Freeze plug is leaking coolant and engine is stalling while driving coolant started leaking around 11/10/17 and the stalling started occuring 4/27/18 and no recalls have been issued to my vehicle but are having symptoms of the recalls that our present for other Escapes

- Ashtabula, OH, USA

problem #402

Apr 232018

Escape

  • 80,600 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. While driving 25 mph, the vehicle stalled and the check engine indicator illuminated. The contact was able to pull the vehicle over to the side of the road and restart the engine. The dealer (autonation Ford amherst, 8000 leavitt rd, amherst, oh 44001) was contacted and advised the contact to bring the vehicle in to be diagnosed. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 80,600. The VIN was not available.

- Norwalk, OH, USA

problem #401

Apr 202018

Escape

  • 76,000 miles
Coolant loss/leak that grew over time to a large leak/fire risk now. Over the past year coolant level would fall and need to be added every few months. The water pump has now failed at 76K miles causing a large coolant leak covering the engine/underside of the vehicle in coolant. It has never overheated but there is a risk of fire from the coolant loss on the hot engine/exhaust parts. The vehicle has already been reprogrammed on a previous recall for the reduced power mode if temp rises/coolant loss when the turbocharger was replaced under warranty for a leak. Called local Ford dealer ship (grapevine Ford in tx) and was told no open recalls on the vehicle. They performed the warranty replacement of the turbocharger for leaks and performed PCM update for temp/reduced power limiter.

- Fort Worth, TX, USA

problem #400

Apr 032018

Escape

  • 99,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. While driving approximately 35 mph, the check engine and the low coolant warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle started to decelerate and was coasted over to the side of the road. The contact opened the hood and noticed that the coolant container was half empty. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic for diagnostic testing to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 99,000.

- Cuba, NM, USA

problem #399

Apr 062018

Escape

  • miles
Engine coolant pours out of system. Reservoir does not hold coolant longer than 2 days.

- Farmingville, NY, USA

problem #398

Feb 142018

Escape

  • 116,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. When the vehicle was started, the contact noticed a strong burning odor coming from the vents. The vehicle was driven to (J C lewis Ford in savannah, Georgia) where it was diagnosed that there was a cracked head between cylinders two and three. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 116,000.

- Savannah, GA, USA

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