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.
While commuting in heavy traffic this morning, with times of heavy idling, an exhaust type smell starting coming into the cabin causing me to become nauseous and dizzy until windows were opened. This has happened on numerous occasions, particularly when the weather goes from cold to mild (not requiring A/C), but some heat. This vehicle was taken to a Ford dealership last March for the same issue, but the problem was not diagnosed. I purchased a battery operated CO2 detector to test and it alarmed while driving under these conditions. The vehicle was taken to the same Ford dealer this morning and left running. The service technician did detect some type of odor coming through the vents.
Driving down road on cold snowy day. Coolant arrow went from C to H in less than 5 seconds and engine shut down into safety mode meaning it would not travel over 5 mph. Limped to side of road. Felt engine - cold to the touch. Plenty of coolant in engine and reservoir. Car sat for five minutes. Started car again. Coolant arrow again went from C to H in less than 5 minutes. Car in safety mode again. Towed car to dealer. They could see the code number and "something" happened to the engine. They reset the code and car went out of safety mode. Dealership cannot provide an answer, only it "must be an electrical problem". searching the web, it appears this model and year Ford has been having the same problem (as described) for several years. Vehicle was in motion when everything went bad. Luckily we were not on the highway and was able to pull to the side of the road. I was given little notice of the safety mode. I wish had I had the code number the dealership said they reset. Thank you
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. While driving various speeds, the engine stalled and the check engine indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the crimped splices failed and needed to be repaired. The vehicle was repaired per NHTSA campaign number: 14V495000 (electrical system). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000. The VIN was not available.
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. While driving 60 mph, the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the engine coolant bypass valve failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 78,000. Updated 04/05/17
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at 35 mph, the vehicle independently reduced speed advertently as the engine or transmission warning light illuminated. The contact was unsure of which warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the sensor in the cooling system failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 30,000. The VIN was unavailable.
- Espinsola, NJ, USA
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My car started acting up when the check engine light came on. It has run at lower speeds, sputtering and seems to have loss of power while driving in local conditions no more than 15 miles or so. I called Ford where I purchased the vehicle, and they offered to tow it. At first they made it seem like everything is covered, and now its 2 weeks later after them telling me its some sort of sensor that needs to be replaced and the cost is 1100 dollars, the car is 3 years old with 30000 miles on it, they will not fix the car until payment is made. It seems that its an issue they should have to fix on there dime not mine.
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. While driving 75 mph, the vehicle violently jerked and the check engine warning indicator illuminated. While at a complete stop, the vehicle stalled, but was able to restart on the first attempt. The dealer diagnosed that the fourth cylinder was faulty and the engine needed to be taken apart for a complete diagnostic. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was invalid. The failure mileage was approximately 71,000.
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. A week after the vehicle was repaired per an unknown manufacturer recall, the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the cooling bypass valve needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred six months later. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed as having the same failure. The vehicle was repaired again, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 1,000. The VIN was not provided.
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. While driving approximately 10 mph, the accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to accelerate. The engine stalled without warning. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was not repaired and the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was unknown. The approximate failure mileage was 58,000.
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. While driving various speeds, the vehicle stalled, the steering wheel locked, and the vehicle was unable to shift into neutral. The engine warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the vehicle had a gasket issue. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was towed to the dealer again where it was diagnosed that it needed coolant. The failure recurred and the vehicle was towed to the dealer again. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
I have had several problems with this vehicle aside from the official recalls issued on my specific car. Started losing coolant. Would stall after starting and sluggish during acceleration. Took to dealership were I was told I needed a new fuel pressure sensor and battery. (no mention of coolant leak until I pushed further) new parts cost me nearly $600 and I was then told that I needed a new cylinder head (that was causing coolant leak). Price for new cylinder head upwards of $3000 (out of warranty by 4000 miles). I took the car from the dealership without cylinder head repair. Still stalling after started and sluggish during acceleration even tho fuel pressure sensor was supposed to be the problem. A few weeks later the car started to smell like gas while I was driving. Discovered a cracked fuel line spraying into engine compartment. Called Ford because this issue is part of a recall. They informed me that it was not for my vehicle but if they decided to include it later I would be reimbursed for the repair. Lastly, I was driving the car when I heard an odd metal on metal type of noise. I stopped at a light and the car shut off. No warning lights on the dash to tell me what might be the problem. Pushed the car into a parking and discovered that it had a blown head gasket and oil in the water and a different part of gas line had cracked spraying fuel into the engine compartment again. This car never once overheated so there is no reason it should have a blown head gasket. So now the car is not quite 4 years old and not drivable.
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. While driving 55 mph, the vehicle stalled and the battery warning sensor illuminated. In addition, the contact heard an abnormal sound coming from the fuel tank. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but the failure could not be duplicated. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000. Updated 01/12/2017 consumer stated while driving they hear a loud noise or humming from the right side of the car around the gas tank traveling at speeds between 45 to 60 mph and when they come to a stop the car stalls and the oil and battery light comes on. Updated 7/10/18
While driving down the road about 50mph, the car lost all power and it actually felt as if the someone had depressed the brakes. Since I had not hit the brakes the car behind me did not see any brake lights and almost rammed me. The engine light came on briefly at some point but I can't remember exactly when. My car then stalled. I was able to drift to the side out of the way. I tried starting and it would not start. After about 15 minutes it did start up and drove perfectly fine. This has happened to me 3 times over the past couple of months. I searched recalls and found recall 14S17 and notified Ford. They said it doesn't cover my VIN. Why doesn't it" this is the problem I am having and it looks like many other people are experiencing the same issue. This has the potential to cause an accident, hurt someone or even cause death! my car was manufactured in Nov 2012 and the recall states that it covers Jan 2012 to April 2013 but not my vehicle. Why??"
Coolant bypass valve clogged causing my vehicle to overheat and stall in the middle of the highway after turning off of a very busy intersection. Managed to limp the vehicle to Ford and part was replaced after two days of the dealer having it. Part is under recall, but not applicable for my VIN apparently told to me by Ford corporate. Cost of repair out of pocket was $400.
** accident*** Ford dealer diagnosis found codes P2036 and P26B7 as map sensor and pefr wire and engine coolant bypass valve. The Ford dealer stated that this vehicle VIN#[xxx] is not under recall and wants over $1100 to repair. The NHTSA campaign number 15V813000 covers this vehicle's diagnosis made by Ford and should be recalled also under Ford's recall number 14S17-S1. I've called Ford Motor Corp. A second time 11/16/16 and was given case #11069892 and then transferred over to the dealer who again stated this vehicle is not covered under the recall. In the condition that this vehicle is at present I am seeking repairs under NHTSA campaign # 15V813000. Information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. While driving, the vehicle suddenly shut off and a warning message indicating that the engine overheated displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the water heater was faulty and fluid was leaking. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 60,150.
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while reducing speed to less than 10 mph, the engine suddenly stall. The vehicle would also stall while idling. The cause of the failure was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 90,000.
The engine light is on in vehicle. Coolant bypass valve is stated as not working. Are we able to find out if the vehicle was taken in due to recall for engine coolant leaks.
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. While driving various speeds, the vehicle would shift hard and a warning indicator illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was towed to the dealer; however, the details of the diagnosis could not be provided. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the windshield wiper fractured while the vehicle was being repaired. After the windshield wiper was repaired, the windshield was fractured by the dealer. The contact stated that the vehicle continued to shift hard after the repair. While attempting to accelerate from a stop, the vehicle would stall. The vehicle was shut off and turned back on, and the vehicle returned to normal. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, but the cause of the failure could not be determined. Also, while pulling into a parking spot, the contact heard an abnormal noise and the vehicle stalled after moving three feet. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN and failure mileage were unknown.
I had gotten into my vehicle and after turning it on I managed to make it to my neighbors house. My vehicle for the second time started to over heat and the engine light came on and the vehicle was stating that I need to refill the coolant. I just parked it and the next day we had filled the coolant again taken it to get the error codes checked and were informed we need to get a new thermostat. When taking it to the mechanics they had tried everything from checking codes to driving my vehicle and they were unable to get the issue taken care of due to not being able to re-create the codes. They had informed me that this is a known issue with Ford, however when contacting Ford they have no idea what I am talking about. I checked online and see there is a recall for this, but my VIN even though having the qualifying manufacturing date is not eligible. I have had my vehicle for 1 1/2 years and have had it shut down on me, not have any power, start to put and stall, refilling coolant every so often, over heat, and I can never get a straight answer from the dealership. I have called for information in regards to recalls and these issues and am transferred to a person who is not there so I can leave a voice mail. I have never had a call returned. I just want to know what I have to do to understand what is going on with my vehicle. Why is my VIN not eligible as well?
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Markham, VA, USA