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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:
3 / 10
Injuries / Deaths:
7 / 0
Average Mileage:
51,663 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 miscellaneous problems

miscellaneous problem

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2013 Ford Escape Owner Comments (Page 1 of 14)

problem #275

Jan 112025

Escape

  • miles

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

My battery keep going dead. I had to keep buying battery twice a year.

- Clanton , AL, USA

problem #274

Sep 052024

Escape

  • miles
[XXX] [XXX] [XXX] is the email. Phone: [XXX] ] Date: [12/05/2024] To: 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE Washington, DC 20590, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Subject: Petition Regarding Purchased Vehicle's Absence of Required Safety Equipment Greetings, NHTSA I'm writing to alert you to a Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) infraction I encountered while buying a secondhand car. There may also be infractions under Florida's Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act (Section 501.976). At Isaac's Auto Repair, 1115 57th Ave W, Bradenton, FL 34207, I bought a Silver 2013 Ford Escape (VIN: [XXX] ) for 8,900 before taxes, and fees on [XXX]. I discovered that one of the rear passenger seats and the front passenger seat's headrests were missing a few months after I made the purchase. As you know, federal law forbids removing such devices from a vehicle for purposes other than temporary removal; nonetheless, the car was delivered to me without these required safety features installed. In addition to being against the FMVSS, this puts the passengers in the car in serious danger of injury. The dealer's acts can be considered unfair or deceptive tactics under Florida Statute Section 501.976, which covers the following: Omitting to disclose the absence of safety equipment and making false claims about the vehicle's overall condition. Selling the car without fully disclosing the terms and conditions of the warranty. I'm asking the NHTSA to look into this to ensure that federal safety regulations are followed and to take appropriate action against the dealer for reselling a car without the necessary safety equipment. A copy of the purchase paperwork and pictures of the missing headrests are attached to this petition. I appreciate you taking the time to consider this. I eagerly await your swift reply. Regards, [XXX] Phone: [XXX]. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Bradenton, FL, USA

problem #273

Dec 052024

Escape

  • miles
For the second time the lug nuts have failed due to being two parts. Told swollen due to weather. Also replacement parts are the same.

- Hartford, WI, USA

problem #272

Jan 182024

Escape

  • miles

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

My 2013 Ford Escape has had a very large coolant leak more than 10 months ago and the mechanics have not been able to repair it, they have changed hoses and the problem continues.

- Louisville, KY, USA

problem #271

Nov 012020

Escape

  • miles
Defective REARVIEW CAMERA. Came upside down and go blank or distorted. Safety Hazard

- Union, MO, USA

problem #270

Nov 032024

Escape

  • miles
My car had the shifter bushing done 4 times total 3 of which were done back to back a month from each other so that-??s 4 total this should not be happening so close together and back to back like this also there is a problem with electric and my car went on fire inside where u plug the phone charger in and I also have a problem with it overheating and there are about 17 different recalls for my particular make and model vehicle I feel this car is a severe safety issue and I need to speak with someone I was sold a lemon it-??s not right that they will not replace the vehicle now it-??s something I would like to see if u could assist me in looking into if there are any options they may have done the recalls but like the shifter bushing they probably have to all be redone as there is a significant issue with the safety of myself and possibly others on the road in the event something happens like me driving and it going on fire that-??s definitely not safe plz contact me regarding this matter @ 2016007439

- Tomsriver, NJ, USA

problem #269

Aug 082023

Escape

  • miles

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

Barrings in transmission been failure since I've bought the truck they had a recall on the transmission now I don't see the recall at ford windshield motor just stop working I've only had the car a year

- Memphis , TN, USA

problem #268

Oct 012024

Escape

  • miles
Bypass/heater hose connector cracked at T

- Harrisonburg , VA, USA

problem #267

Oct 092024

Escape

  • miles
N/a

- Troy, IL, USA

problem #266

Sep 262024

Escape

  • miles
While driving down the road the passenger seat floorboard began to fill with brown liquid (Coolant) the temperature of the vehicle increased and a distinct burning smell was coming from the engine compartment. Within 30 minutes (when I arrived home) the coolant tank was empty, and with the hood raised the burning smell was much stronger. The interior on the passenger side of my vehicle is ruined

- Cincinnati, OH, USA

problem #265

Oct 082023

Escape

  • miles

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

I have experienced many issues with my vehicle that have been recalled in other vehicles of the same make/model/year but have been denied the assistance in fixing me car and preventing and further damage or risk of my safety due to my VIN not showing any recalls. I do believe that my safety has been disregarded and that my car needs inspection to further show that I should be assisted in getting the recalls identified and fixed to improve my safety and others on the road. The first issue I noticed that was recalled on other 2013 Ford escapes was a recall on the control arm which was caused by the separation of the control arm from corrosion which increased the risk of crash. I had an incident where my car all of the sudden would not return from the right turning position after I heard a clunking noise which caused me to run into a curb. After further investigation it was found that my control arm failed and locked which wouldn't allow me to avoid hitting the curb. I suffered a concussion and had to pay for this to be fixed due to being denied from the recall. Secondly, Ford has issued many recalls on 2013 Ford escape engines due to overheat and cylinder head malfunctions many of them my car has been diagnosed and proven to have. I have pulled codes from my check engine that are direct codes that was recalled about the overheating of the cylinder head causing cracks and leaks into the oil. This code I pulled from my car was P0117 and it was traced to the recall from ford ( 13V583000). Other recalls have been issued by Ford for engine overheating, and my car has been over heating after directly putting coolant into my vehicle and it tends to run out in 1 to 2 days after refilling. My safety and others on the road are at risk from these issues that were not caused by me or other drivers but I am not getting any assistance or anyone willing to look at these recalls and assist in reimbursement or fixing my cars issues. My car needs to be reviewed for the recalls.

- Independence, MO, USA

problem #264

Aug 202024

Escape

  • miles
My coolant keeps leaking and car is constantly overheating. I replaced the coolant tank and replaced hoses however it-??s still doing the same, overheating and fuming !

- Schenectady , NY, USA

problem #263

Jul 012024

Escape

  • miles
My 2013 Ford Escape SEL FWD has been having warning light to "check engine" for a while. Mechanic read a misfire and changed thing. As it continued, Mechanic said computer needed to be "flashed" since it was not an engine problem they found. It went into check engine between 48-55 mph. Later the engine just quit with hot engine warning and antifreeze was empty. Refilled, drove home. The car continually runs our of fluid without obvious signs of leakage. This antifreeze problem continues, occasionally we see smoke from the engine but cannot find a source when we pull over to look. Smells like antifreeze. The car can drive 50-60 miles on a full antifreeze reservoir before getting too hot. I see multiple concerns over this issue but no recall.

- Derby, KS, USA

problem #262

Jul 142024

Escape

  • miles
It wouldn't steer it ran hot it stalls everytime I was on hwy system fail to warning system not display not updated

- Jonesville, LA, USA

problem #261

Jun 142024

Escape

  • miles
Constant coolant leak and not sure where the coolant is going. Have replaced the reservior, valve cover gasket, cylinder head and valves, coolant level bottle sensor, coolant thermostat, and engine coolant temperature sensor. Check engine light is still on and Coolant is still leaking and engine overheating. Can't find where the leakage is and there is no visible evidence on the floor of the garage. Losing coolant obvious because the level is low ever 2-3 days of highway driving. Car will shut down because of the overheating. Mechanic doesn't know what else to do. Car was purchased on June 4, 2024. Have not received the title or license plates. Tried to return it to the company who sold it to me; however, owner of the company refused to refund my money.

- Houston, TX, USA

problem #260

Jul 142024

Escape

  • miles
The rear door latch does not latch and keep the door closed. There are other recalls for this issue on 2013 Ford Escapes but according to my specific VIN there is no recall. Those other recalls are NHTSA Campaign ID 20V331000 and 16V643000.

- Lake Park, IA, USA

problem #259

Mar 162024

Escape

  • miles
Escape shut itself down in middle of busy interstate with no warning almost causing a accident. Something needs done before someone gets killed.

- Summersville, WV, USA

problem #258

Apr 052024

Escape

  • miles
Unknown. Vehicle was coming to a stop and it "surged" forward. Brakes applied could not stop it. Caused accident, it hit the car in front which hit the next car in line. There were injuries. If this vehicle had surged in front of a pedestrian, there could have been a fatality. Vehicle was inspected by insurance company to determine cost to repair, not looking for cause. Vehicle wad totaled.

- Superior, WI, USA

problem #257

Jan 012024

Escape

  • miles
Power steering out and I am unable to afford the repairs. There is a recall for my make and model my van is not included in. I have already paid for a new transmission when the transmission recall was out and the Gilley Hyde Ford local dealership was dishonest with me and replaced almost $2000 of extra things and gave it back to me broken.

- Cave City, KY, USA

problem #256

Mar 162024

Escape

  • miles
Was driving on the interstate with cruise set and without warning it downshifted and vehicle quit in middle of the road almost caused a accident. Vehicle won't start up. While pushing car to safety popped up engine over heat but Guage did not show it being hot.

- Summersville, WV, USA

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