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.
This is a known problem on the Ford Focus and the Ford Escape shares the same basic chassis and engines. When I fill the gas tank the car always sputters!! This is a pain in the ass and there is potential it could cause an accident!!
Update from Apr 2, 2019: car is still doing it today 04/01 2019
Sputtering occurs shortly after I fill up with gas while the engine is idling. Engine almost stalled this time. Very unnerving issue, should not be happening on a practically brand new and well maintained car.
This problem is occurring yet again. Right after filling up, the 2.0L Ecoboost engine sputters, shutters and shakes, while idling, as if it is going to stall. The problem occurred at least twice yesterday. After fueling, we opened up the hood. The engine appeared to be running fine, but it violently shook/shuttered again as if it was going to stall. The car is meticulously maintained at the Ford dealership where we purchased it. The dealer claimed that they fixed the problem, but obviously, it was not fixed. This problem is annoying and it has caused me to loose faith in the quality of Ford vehicles.
I have also reported this problem, each of the 3 times it has occurred, under the Fuel System category, as it could be the fuel system, the engine or both that's causing this problem.
I have had my car at the shop since Aug with this issue. No one can find resolution & its getting worse. Initially when I got gas only it was come on but not actually crank. Give it a min then it would be fine. Oil & battery light would come on then go off & drive normal. Now when I drive car shuts off starts coasting same 2 lights come on after I initially crank the car. It did this over the weekend by Monday it would not even make it to the shop I had to tow it. Replaced the fuel pump. Everything seemed OK until week later same thing. Now car cutting off & afraid I'm going to burn another fuel pump. I have replaced evap valve & solenoid fuel pump module & pump. Even had fuel lines blow out.Engine light codes every time as evap valve but that was 1st thing replaced. Did anyone find resolution?
Shortly after we fill up with gas, (different gas stations used) the car will shake/sputter for a few seconds like it is going to die. It is a bit unnerving.
Update from May 17, 2016: We reported this problem to dealer. The dealer said that an engine mount was very loose. (This was odd, because we are not aggressive drivers.)
We are not very confident that this new engine mount is really going to fix the problem, we will see... (update to come)...
Update from May 17, 2016: Important detail: The sputtering occurs when the car is idling at stoplights.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
This is a known problem on the Ford Focus and the Ford Escape shares the same basic chassis and engines. When I fill the gas tank the car always sputters!! This is a pain in the ass and there is potential it could cause an accident!!
Update from Apr 2, 2019: car is still doing it today 04/01 2019
Stalls when filling up with gas
come on NHTSA!!!!!!!!!
- David P., walnut creek, CA, US