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ProblemsByVin File / 2013-FORD-ESCAPE
2013 · ford

ford Escape problems

5 safety recalls. 2,737 owner complaints. We mapped every trouble spot before you sign the papers.

0 5 10
Reliability score
5.2 / 10

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

0
Critical
5
Severe
0
Moderate

Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints

engine
1033 reports · avg $3,100
moderate
powertrain
380 reports · avg $2,500
severe
steering
302 reports · avg $700
moderate
electrical
282 reports · avg $850
severe
body
72 reports · avg $1,500
severe
cruise control
51 reports · avg $600
severe
airbags
49 reports · avg $1,100
severe
brakes
36 reports · avg $450
severe

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
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
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 · NHTSA ODI #11385766.0
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 · NHTSA ODI #11292367.0

Estimate your repair exposure

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

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At 80,000 miles
Likely repair cost in next 24 months
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Active recalls showing 3 of 5

severe NHTSA 13V584000 25/11/2013

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 25/11/2013

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 12V336000 18/07/2012

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

If this leak occurs in the presence of an ignition source, there is an increased risk of a fire and/or personal injury.

Fix: Ford will notify and instruct owners to stop driving their vehicles and contact a Ford or Lincoln dealer to arrange pick-up of their vehicle. Customers will be provided with a rental vehicle if needed. The dealer will replace the engine compartment fuel line, free charge. The recall began on August 10, 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 2,737 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.

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

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is engine, with 1,033 complaints filed. 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. 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 2,737 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 aren't always better value.

Related vehicles

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 11 hours ago. 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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