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:
1 / 12
Injuries / Deaths:
3 / 0
Average Mileage:
58,753 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 driving down the highway at 65 mph, an alert appeared stating "low coolant". in the past the car had stated the same alert before alarming that the car was overheating and needed to be pulled over. At that point the car would then going into limp mode. Due to this history, we knew we had to attempt to get to the side of the highway as soon as possible. Within one minute, the car did alarm "overheating" and went into limp mode. We were only able to get to the left hand shoulder of an on-ramp (middle of the highway). At this point we got out of the car and found that the coolant level was normal. After waiting 20 minutes we drove in reverse up the on-ramp to get off the highway, because we were confident we could not safely get to the next exit (several miles away). We then had the car towed to a local Ford dealer (phil long Ford of denver). This is the dealership where we had previously brought our vehicle to repair this same issue. At that time, the dealership replaced a broken temperature sensor, stating that this was what was causing the overheating issues. Our vehicle also had maintenance completed on it as part of the 13S12 recall (risk of overheating) in 2015. The issue clearly has not been resolved after multiple "fixes" have been performed.
As many other Ford Escape 2013 owners, my car stopped working properly putting my life and those of my wife and kids at risk. It started when the engin began to cut off when idle. At the begining, there were no check engine light. Car will restart but a 150 M later the engine will start fighting to stay on and most of the time the engine lose the battle. So I restart again until ( after 2, or 3 times) the engine stays constantly on. My big concern was with the hazardous and risky situations I found myself in, specially while getting inro a busy road or a high way and having the engine to shut down andlet I didn't have time when the engine let me out of power. Some drivers are in hurry and might not have the time to stop their vehicle before hitting me. That's why I always parked my car on the sidewalks while in distress. When I took the car to one of Ford dealers, they couldn't find the issue. I took it to a private mechanic and he made me change a lot of pieces but still not fixed yet. I am going back to the dealer and hopefully they'll fix the issue. It cost me $ 2500 until now and still looking for the issue.
I was driving down I49, shreveport, la. At approximately 65 mph, high tempature warning came on followed by engine failure warning, as I was making my way to the roadside engine shut down. Steam started coming from under the hood, when the vehical came to a stop, I popped the hood, as I got out of the car I noticed a small amount of blue smoke, followed by black smoke, I did not open hood, 30 seconds latter flames were shooting from under the hood, I called 911 as the flames engulfed the front of the car
For months now I've been feeling tired and drowsy while driving in the car-at times fighting to keep my eyes open. I recently saw the news about carbon monoxide leak in Ford Explorer and think my car may also have the same issue. After I saw the story I drove with my window open and did not feel the drowsiness that I have felt the lsat few months. I would recommend the investigation extend beyond just the Ford Explorer but through all of Ford's other models like the Ford Escape. This is a very serious and life threatening issue.
Vehicle was going up hill at approximately 50 mph (temperature gauge normal) when, without warning, an alert stated the coolant level was low. Immediately after, a second warning came on saying that the engine was overheating and to pull off the road safely (no longer able to accelerate). The coolant level was low, but had been filled less than 3 months prior. There are no visible leaks or cracks in the coolant reservoir, tubes, etc. After waiting for 30 minutes, we proceeded to coast down the hill in neutral (after filling the coolant tank with water). We then bought coolant at a local store and proceeded to go back up the hill. The car gave us the same warnings (coolant low and engine overheating). We were unable to pull off to the side of the road. Thankfully a police officer was right behind us, so we did not get hit. He offered to use the battering Ram on the front his car to push us to safety. However, the car was able to go the extra 5 feet when restarted, prior to it overheating and locking up again. After an additional 30 minutes we again went down the hill in neutral. At this point we decided to give the car a break and ate dinner at a local restaurant (approximately one hour). We then proceeded to drive home. About an hour into the trip (while going 65 mph on the highway the car again gave us the 2 alerts (low coolant and car overheating). We barley were able to get to the side of the highway safely. Coolant level normal. This is a serious issue and need to be addressed. I will be contacting Ford tomorrow to determine if our 2013 Ford Escape was included in the initial recall (and already had the work completed), as there are no open recalls on the vehicle at this time. I am hesitant to bring the car to a dealer as it appears many people have gotten the runaround and no clear solution has been identified. Ford needs to take responsibility for this issue.
- Parker, CO, USA
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Was taking our 3 year old granddaughter to get ice cream while driving smell gas had over a quarter tank of gas drove about 2miles gas needle planned to empty stop vehicle at the next gas station which was about 5 miles away lifted the hood engine was smoking gas pouring on engine grabbed granddaughter out of vehicle call local dealer had them tow in the vehicle was about 7:30 next morning Ford dealer called and said were in a dangerous situation that the gas ling from the tank to the motor exploded...now we are very upset and really scared to drive the vehicle which they fixed with a new gas line...haven't picked the vehicle up yet
First incident: August 3rd 2016 while driving 50mph car displayed a engine overheating warning message and slowed down as I pulled off the road. After a few minutes I was able to drive again and the message did not reappear, the check engine light was on. I took the car to kearney person Ford 7303 clairemont mesa blvd san diego, ca 92111 they told me they couldn't find anything wrong and turned the check engine light off. Second incident: Driving to work earlier this year 2017 I got the same message that my engine coolant was low, and to slow down because of critical overheating, even though I had just had the car serviced for a regular maintenance check, once again at kearny person Ford. I was driving normally on a road at around 30-40mph but accelerating when the message popped up. I refiled the coolant as the check engine light did not turn on. Third incident: This was the most dangerous time. Critical engine overheating message and low coolant message popped up without warning while driving up hill in traffic going about 20mph on the I-5S at the in California grapevine. The engine nearly shut off and limped on just a couple cylinders as I tried to get to the shoulder. Smoke was coming out from under the hood and the engine was hot. It all happened immediately and without warning, the temp gauge was normal and then bam! overheated with warning messages crippling the car. Driving slowly but the weather was hot it was nearly 110 degrees outside. Seems super dangerous. Because of the lack of warning when these incidents happen. The way that the coolant just disappears, and the smoke and chance of fire.
While accelerating vehicle on a highway on ramp, studdered, acted like issues going from 1st gear to 2nd gear. Unknown if power train isue or fuel/engine issue. Was looked at by shop same day problem would not reoccur..
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. While driving 50 mph, the vehicle started overheating and the check engine and low coolant warning indicators illuminated. The contact was able to pull off the roadway and turn off the ignition. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the water pump failed. The water pump was replaced and the coolant was refilled. The next day, while driving 60 mph, the vehicle stalled and thick, black smoke was seen coming from the engine and rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was towed back to the independent mechanic who diagnosed that the turbo failed and needed replacement. The vehicle was repaired. Two days later, while driving at unknown speeds, a strong fuel odor was detected in the cabin of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic. The diagnosis was unknown, but the mechanic stated that fuel leaks were a common issue with Ford vehicles. The manufacturer was notified and confirmed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign numbers: 12V551000 (engine and engine cooling) and 12V336000 (fuel system, gasoline). The approximate failure mileage was 39,000.
I was sold the car with a defective fuel pump and never warned that it needed to be recalled, therefore, I have been driving it for over a year with the possibility of it starting on fire. Also, recently the power train went on my car almost exactly one month after the warranty was up. After researching this issue it has come to my attention that many other Ford Escape owners have experienced this exact issue. I was even told by one mechanic that this is a known issue with Ford Escapes amongst mechanics. When the car is in motion it "clunks" and does not shift properly. I am concerned for the safety of others who may be driving these cars without the knowledge that there is something wrong with it.
Gas leaking. Ford said that the VIN number on my car is not under recall. The same make, model, engine and year manufactured is being recalled for this reason.
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. While driving 55 mph, the contact smelled an abnormal burning odor and saw grey smoke coming from the vehicle. The contact was alerted by another motorist that the vehicle was burning. After pulling over to the side of the road, the other vehicle's driver assisted in inspecting the vehicle and noticed flames under the hood. The fire department was notified and extinguished the fire. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to sprouse auto, but was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they would receive a call back after 15 days. The manufacturer recommended that the contact's insurance company inspect the vehicle. The contact did not receive a notice, but was informed on 6/13/16 that they were involved in NHTSA campaign number: 13V584000 (fuel system, gasoline). The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. While driving various speeds, the vehicle stalled and the instrument panel indicators illuminated. The vehicle was unable to restart and was towed to a dealer. On different occasions, the contact smelled an abnormal fuel odor coming from the ventilation. The dealer was unable to duplicate the failure, but noticed that coolant was missing. The contact continued to refill the coolant in the vehicle, but it continued to deplete. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened case number: Cas12347863. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.
My 2013 Escape is having all of the issues that are talked about in the recall of 2014 Escapes regarding low engine coolant causing engine fires. The water pump has already needed to be replaced and now the "low engine coolant" warning comes on repeatedly. Why are 2013 Escapes not included in the recall announced in March?
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. While driving unknown speeds, a fuel odor entered the vehicle and the engine seized without warning. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the fuel line was ruptured and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 105,000.
After short drives and usually a 15 minute to 30 minute rest, the car starts up but after short drives the car begins to stall out like fuel is cut off and dies after driving a very short distance. Putting the car in neutral and giving it gas does not stabilize the car and it dies. Does do this all the time but it has happened 7 or 8 times over a 2 month period.. the mechanic finds nothing wrong and no service info from Ford
I took my vehicle in to take the emission test after it did not pass the first one. I spent over six hundred dollars O have the codes addressed and fixed supposedly. My vehicle failed the test again with one of the same codes as before and one new one relating to the fuel system. Codes ( ) ( ). I am very disappointed, frustrated and very, very concerned. Especially having continual issues with the fuel system, it is getting very expensive for me. I am a single, disabled, elderly female who cannot afford to keep taking my vehicle to the shop to be serviced every month when it is a 2013 and shouldn't have so many serious problems. I get my oil changed as scheduled as well as brakes checked and tires replaced as needed. I really am in need of a reliable vehicle because I am disabled and I was so sure that the Ford Escape was the one since I had driven an Expedition for 10 years with very little problems. My solution at this point would be to trade it in for something else, but I cannot afford to do that at this time. If I fail the emission test again I will not be able to drive nor do I have the expenses to continue getting it worked on. With my condition, this is going to cause me major problems. Unfortunately I do regret choosing a Ford. Nowhere to turn
Coolant light came on and after coolant was added the check engine light came on and what not go out. Also every time I added fuel my vehicle would not start. Each time I would add fuel it took several tries to start the engine. Every other day I would not be able to start the engine for hours. I took the car in to a Ford dealership for inspection I had several codes come up. A failed coolant bypass valve was replaced as well as a fuel pressure sensor. Codes (P 0087) (P 018 C) (P 26 B 7) (P 1450) the restraints module control replacement and did a coolant system flush. After extensive work and over almost $2,000 spent my vehicle engine light keeps coming on and I continue to have trouble starting my vehicle after adding fuel every single time. The fuel issue really worries me because whenever I get out of my vehicle I smell gas and don't think that is normal. I really hope I can get this resolved soon because I cannot go without driving but I am loosing sleep as well as being very nervous when I have to refuel. Please help me resolve this issue as soon as possible because I am starting to regret choosing a Ford!!!!!!
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. While driving approximately 55 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact coasted the vehicle to the side of the road, waited a few minutes, and was able to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. In addition, the front passenger door failed to remain locked. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign numbers: 14V237000 (air bags), 14V239000 (structure), 14V597000 (air bags, seat belts), and 16V643000 (latches/locks/linkages). The parts needed for the repairs were not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 138,000. Parts distribution disconnect and VIN tool confirms parts not available.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Parker, CO, USA