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.
Just had my Ford Escape at a Ford dealership for a recall. They did an inspection on the vehicle just to make sure there were no problems with anything else. When I picked up the car, the service manager told me that all of the lug nuts are swollen, and that it's been a common problem with Fords. He told me that if I get a flat, I won't be able change the tire because the lug wrench won't fit the nuts. When I got home, I got out the lug wrench and sure enough he was right. They want to charge me $250 to replace the lug nuts. I'll see if I can get it done cheaper at a private auto mechanic shop. Thanks Ford. You could at least reimburse people the cost of replacing defective parts on your cars.
Problem discovered by Fleet Farm in Hudson when tires were supposed to be rotated. They couldn't get 3 of the lug nuts off! He had heard of the issue...suggested replacing all immediately, better than getting stuck out on the road somewhere with a flat that couldn't be fixed because the tire couldn't be removed. Crazy! FORD, GET A GRIP!
I had a flat tire. Took to shop where it took two days to get lug nuts off and they broke. I had to replace all the lug nuts because of appearance But realized all the lug nuts where unbearable to get off. They had to be heated up to remove. I didn’t realize this was a Ford problem until I saw this email update. If you have not replaced them, do it ASAP. It’s a complete pain in the ass but it has to be done.
December 14,2017, I took the Escape in for tire rotation and balance, had a coupon. Next thing I hear, ma'am , " you've got bad lug nuts we're going to have to replace six, they broke when doing the tires, swollen". So much for the coupon! 80.00 dollars later! Today, again general maintenance, tire change and rotation, again told I will need new lug nuts they're swollen! 130.00!
I don't have that! Maybe you do though since it is a problem you created!!!!!
Had a flat tire. It had a slit in the tire, no nail, and it wouldn’t hold air. Had roadside assistance came to change my tires. He couldn’t get my tire off because of the swollen lug nuts. He said Ford is aware of the problem but doesn't want to do anything about it, which means I’m going to have to pay for new ones out of my own pocket. Oh, Ford put new tires on my vehicle when I got it 5 or 6 months ago. They must have been cheap ass tires for it to split within that time.
As I was typing this I got a call back from a manager from Ford. Even though there is a lawsuit against them for the lug nuts, he hadn’t heard anything about it. He’s been at Ford for only 2 months. I have an appointment in a couple of days. He said he would get me taken care of. We’ll see. If not, you know I’ll let you know.
- Jackie G.,
Overland Park, US
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FORD has been aware of this problem since at least 2012.
The lug nuts are chrome plated but not sealed. Hence moisture enters between the nut and the plating, causing it to swell. Replacement cost for 4 wheels is over $200.00 and FORD has not provided a better quality nut that is properly sealed.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
Just had my Ford Escape at a Ford dealership for a recall. They did an inspection on the vehicle just to make sure there were no problems with anything else. When I picked up the car, the service manager told me that all of the lug nuts are swollen, and that it's been a common problem with Fords. He told me that if I get a flat, I won't be able change the tire because the lug wrench won't fit the nuts. When I got home, I got out the lug wrench and sure enough he was right. They want to charge me $250 to replace the lug nuts. I'll see if I can get it done cheaper at a private auto mechanic shop. Thanks Ford. You could at least reimburse people the cost of replacing defective parts on your cars.
- Henry D., Perkasie, US