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ProblemsByVin File / 2013-FORD-ESCAPE NHTSA data synced 6 days ago
Ford

2013 Ford Escape problems

The 2013 Ford Escape has 2,743 NHTSA owner complaints on file — not a small number. 5 active recall campaigns.

The 2013 Ford Escape has 2,743 NHTSA owner complaints and 5 recalls on file (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). The most-reported system is engine at 1,034 complaints, typically surfacing around 81,881 miles (~$3,100 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.

Ford Escape owner complaints by model year
Model yearOwner complaintsRecalls
2010 Escape 2,126 1
2011 Escape 1,312 1
2012 Escape 598 2
2013 Escape (this page) 2,743 5
2014 Escape 2,067 3
2015 Escape 1,028 3
2016 Escape 1,031 1
2013 Ford Escape
Photo: Mr.choppers / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 · representative photo of the Ford Escape
0 5 10
Reliability score
5.2 / 10

Below average for the segment. Multiple systems have recurring complaints.

0
Critical
5
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2013 Escape?
Avoid — the powertrain

The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the powertrain was repaired or replaced.

Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.

Buying a used 2013 Ford Escape? Check these first

Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or make the seller fix it before you sign.

What to inspect on this specific car

⚠ The one to take seriously: powertrain is flagged severe on this model , showing up around 85,691 mi. Inspect it closely on a test drive.

Recalls to confirm are done

Run the VIN from the listing — 5 active recalls on this model. Recall repairs are always free.

Verdict for buyers: 5.2/10 model. The priciest documented failure is engine (~$3,100) — get the seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.

We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.

See the full pre-purchase inspection checklist →
✦ Ask the data · AI

Ask anything about your 2013 Ford Escape

A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.

Dash light, leak, worn part — snap it and we'll read it against this car's record.

Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.

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<iframe src="https://problemsbyvin.com/embed/reliability/2013-ford-escape/" width="100%" height="340" style="border:1px solid #e2e8f0;border-radius:8px;max-width:640px" title="2013 Ford Escape reliability snapshot" loading="lazy"></iframe> <p style="font:12px/1.5 system-ui,sans-serif;color:#64748b;max-width:640px;margin:6px 0 0">Source: <a href="https://problemsbyvin.com/2013-ford-escape/" style="color:#b8540a;font-weight:600">2013 Ford Escape reliability snapshot — ProblemsByVin</a></p>

Stories from the shop

Twenty model years of Ford Escape and Edge ranked by NHTSA owner complaint count. The data covers two engine eras (Duratec V6 / Mazda I4 platform through 2012, EcoBoost-dominant from 2013 onward) and reveals which years took the worst beating from owners.

#YearModelComplaintsRecallsSlug
12013Escape2,7375New 1.6L EcoBoost coolant intrusion fires, transmission
22017Escape2,54111.6L EcoBoost remains, 6F35 transmission, multiple TSBs
32013Edge2,4191MyFord Touch infotainment failures, electrical
42008Escape2,4132Cruise control deactivation switch (Texas Instruments fire recall)
52010Escape2,12213.0L Duratec V6, transmission TSBs
62014Escape2,04831.6L EcoBoost block cracking, 2.0L EcoBoost timing belt
72011Edge1,7973MyFord Touch launch year, electrical complaints dominant
82009Escape1,6880Cruise switch fire concern, transmission
92018Escape1,63121.5L EcoBoost coolant intrusion, head replacement campaign
102005Escape1,58423.0L Duratec, first-gen Mazda-derived chassis
112020Escape1,41844th-gen launch year, brake system, fuel pump campaigns
122011Escape1,3111Last year of first-gen platform, electrical, 6F35 TSBs
132017Edge1,25222.0L EcoBoost coolant intrusion, transmission
142012Edge1,1261Sync infotainment, 3.5L V6 TSBs
152008Edge1,1152First-gen Edge, transmission, suspension

The pattern

The 2013 Ford Escape you are researching now sits at the top of this list with 2,737 owner complaints filed, more than any other Ford compact SUV in our database. The dominant failure modes are the 1.6L EcoBoost engine and the 6F35 automatic transmission.

The 1.6L EcoBoost (engine code GTDI 1.6L, internal Ford code Sigma) was a small-displacement turbocharged four-cylinder that Ford pushed across the 2013-2016 Escape lineup. The block design routed engine coolant through a cylinder head passage that was prone to cracking. Cracked passages dumped coolant into the cylinders, and at the worst end of the failure mode, the engines caught fire. Ford issued multiple recall campaigns covering the 1.6L from 2013 forward and replaced thousands of engines under warranty.

The 6F35 transmission was Ford’s six-speed automatic shared with the Fusion. Hard shifts, delayed engagement, and torque converter shudder are documented in hundreds of complaints. Ford issued reflash TSBs but never produced a redesigned valve body for the 6F35.

Two takeaways for someone shopping a used Ford compact SUV. First, check the engine block for the coolant-intrusion service campaign completion on any 1.6L EcoBoost from 2013 to 2016. The dealer service record will show the campaign code. Second, the 2014-2016 Escape with the 2.0L EcoBoost has its own timing belt issue (the wet belt in oil design) that fails between 80,000 and 120,000 miles. Belt-in-oil engines are not user-serviceable and require dealer intervention.

If you are shopping any year on this list, get the recall completion records before money changes hands. Ford will fix open recalls at no cost regardless of vehicle ownership history.

Methodology

Recall and complaint counts pulled from the NHTSA recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle APIs. Filter: Ford Escape, Edge, and Bronco Sport, all model years tracked. Sort: owner complaint count descending. Bronco Sport years 2021-2024 produced lower complaint volumes and are not in this top 15 because the model has been in production fewer years.

VIN-specific recall status at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

— Mark Driver

Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints

engine
1034 reports · fails ~81,881 mi · avg $3,100
moderate
powertrain
381 reports · fails ~85,691 mi · avg $2,500
severe
steering
302 reports · fails ~82,494 mi · avg $700
moderate
electrical
282 reports · fails ~64,875 mi · avg $850
severe
body
72 reports · fails ~40,549 mi · avg $1,500
severe
cruise control
52 reports · fails ~59,940 mi · avg $600
severe
airbags
49 reports · fails ~54,613 mi · avg $1,100
severe
brakes
37 reports · fails ~72,136 mi · avg $450
severe

Your road ahead on this 2013 Ford Escape

When owners report each system failing, in actual miles — so you can see what's likely behind you, what's due around now, and what to budget for next. Enter your mileage to mark where you are.

  1. ~31,410 miairbags~$1,100
  2. ~37,884 mibody~$1,500
  3. ~54,000 misuspension~$900
  4. ~58,000 micruise control~$600
  5. ~58,000 mivisibility~$350
  6. ~63,000 mielectrical~$850
  7. ~64,000 mibrakes~$450
  8. ~65,000 miwheels~$400
  9. ~70,000 mifuel system~$1,200
  10. ~72,000 milighting~$250

"Typical" = median owner-reported failure mileage from the NHTSA complaint record for this exact year and model. Not a maintenance schedule — a heads-up on where this model's failures cluster.

Buyer's checklist
Going to look at one? Use the pre-purchase inspection list.
Generated from this 2013 Escape's actual NHTSA complaint history — every item points at a documented failure pattern on this exact vehicle, not generic walkaround filler.
See the checklist ->
Honest Calculator
Should you buy an extended warranty on this 2013 Escape?
We pulled the math: risk-weighted exposure, typical contract cost, and our verdict on whether coverage pencils out for this specific vehicle.
See the calculator ->

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2013 Escape · powertrain
The transmission has completely gone out. On this car model, there isn't a dip stick for the owner to check transmission fluid levels. While pulling out of a parking space the car hesitated on going into first gear and then jerked really hard before continuing to move. While…
12/31/2024 · NHTSA ODI #11633373.0 · see powertrain pattern →
2013 Escape · wheels
On 12-22-2021during routine vehicle servicing of my 2013 Ford Escape at Mac Haik Ford in Georgetown, TX, Invoice Number 776999, I was told by the Service Advisor that the mechanic was having troubles getting the wheels off to rotate and balance. Sophie Rosa, Service Advisor…
12/31/2021 · NHTSA ODI #11445743.0 · see wheels pattern →
2013 Escape · engine
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Ford escape. The contact stated that engine coolant leaked from the vehicle with the engine coolant warning message on the instrument panel. The contact stated that he frequently refilled the coolant due to the failure. Neither the dealer nor the…
12/31/2020 · at 122,000 mi · NHTSA ODI #11385766.0 · see engine pattern →
2013 Escape · engine
I own a 2013 Ford escape. I can be driving along and all of a sudden it stalls with no warning. We have taken it to the shop and after lots of money out of pocket , I still do not have a resolution. They can't find anything wrong. Ford needs to recall these vehicles and fix the…
12/31/2019 · at 80,000 mi · NHTSA ODI #11292367.0 · see engine pattern →
View all 2,743 owner complaints →
Had a problem with your 2013 Ford Escape? File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.

Estimate your repair exposure

Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.

0 mi 200k mi
At 80,000 miles
Likely repair cost in next 24 months
$0

Active recalls showing 3 of 5

severe NHTSA 13V584000 November 25, 2013

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013 Escape vehicles manufactured from October 5, 2011, through July 11, 2012, and equipped with a 1

A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.

Fix: Ford will notify owners and dealers will inspect the engine compartment fuel line, and if necessary, replace it, free of charge. An interim notice will be mailed to owners during January 2014. The recall began on April 9, 2014. Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's recall number is 13S12.
severe NHTSA 13V583000 November 25, 2013

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013 Escape vehicles manufactured October 5, 2011, through June 2, 2013 and equipped with 1

Leaking engine oil may come into contact with a hot engine surface potentially resulting in an engine compartment fire.

Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will modify the engine shielding, cooling and control systems, free of charge. An interim notice will be mailed to owners during January 2014. The recall began on April 9, 2014. Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's recall number is 13S12.
severe NHTSA 12V431000 September 4, 2012

Ford is recalling certain model year 2013 Escape vehicles manufactured from October 5, 2011, through August 31, 2012, equipped with 1

As leaking engine coolant evaporates on the hot engine, the glycol may ignite causing an engine compartment fire.

Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will seal the existing plug and add a secondary plug cover, free of charge. The safety recall began on September 11, 2012. Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332.
View all 5 recalls →

Common questions

Is the 2013 Ford Escape reliable?

It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 5.2 out of 10 based on 2,743 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2013 Ford Escape has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.

Should you avoid the 2013 Ford Escape?

On the NHTSA data, the 2013 Ford Escape is one to avoid unless a specific vehicle proves otherwise. The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the powertrain was repaired or replaced. The record behind that call: 45 fire-related complaints and 2 crash-related complaints on the engine; Powertrain: 381 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 51,000–120,000 mi; Electrical system: 282 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 37,498–88,000 mi; Reliability score 5.2/10 — around the segment average. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.

What should I check before buying a used 2013 Ford Escape?

Inspect the engine first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 1,034 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 81,881 miles. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.

Is the 2013 Ford Escape a good used car to buy?

It scores 5.2 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 2,743 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is engine. Typical failure occurs around 81,881 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.

What's the most common problem on the 2013 Ford Escape?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is engine, with 1,034 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 81,881 miles. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The engine is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 81,881 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my Ford Escape has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2013 Ford Escape?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 2,743 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $3,100, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.

Related

Featured in our research
The Most-Complained-About New Car of Every Model Year →The Most-Complained-About Car Transmissions of the Last 20 Years →Coolant in the Cylinders →When Things Break, in Actual Miles →The Ford Transmission Nobody Recalled →7% of Vehicles, 39% of Complaints →
Other model years
2026 Escape2025 Escape2017 Escape2016 Escape2015 Escape2014 Escape All Escape years →
Compare against
vs. 2013 chevrolet Equinox vs. 2013 nissan Rogue vs. 2013 honda CR-V vs. 2013 kia Sportage
Problem categories across the fleet
engine across all vehicles powertrain across all vehicles steering across all vehicles electrical across all vehicles body across all vehicles cruise control across all vehicles airbags across all vehicles brakes across all vehicles
Component family deep-dives
Ford 1.6L EcoBoost problems Ford 6F35 problems
Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 6 days ago. Verify the raw federal record at nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2013/Ford/Escape. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with Ford. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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