Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with wired keyless entry keypad systems and accessory wireless keyless entry keypad systems may or may not come with a wallet card containing the master code. Unlike the integrated wired keypad, the accessory wireless keypad master code cannot be retrieved from the vehicle using a diagnostic scan tool or from the label printed on the body control module (BCM). The Factory Keyless Entry Code application within the diagnostic scan tool will not provide an applicable master code for the accessory wireless keypad. If the wallet card for an accessory keypad is not available, the "Wireless RF Keypad Diagnosis Guide" can be referenced and provides direction on how
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2013 Ford Escape electrical problems
severe Owners of the 2013 Ford Escape have filed 282 NHTSA complaints about the electrical, typically surfacing around 63,000 miles at roughly $850 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
282
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
| Model year | electrical complaints |
|---|---|
| 2009 Escape | 59 |
| 2010 Escape | 131 |
| 2011 Escape | 63 |
| 2012 Escape | 29 |
| 2013 Escape (this page) | 282 |
| 2014 Escape | 173 |
| 2015 Escape | 109 |
| 2016 Escape | 76 |
| 2017 Escape | 123 |
2crashes
14fires
4injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 282 electrical complaints filed for the 2013 Ford Escape, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Of the 20 model years of Ford Escape we track for electrical problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 282.
Owners have filed 282 electrical complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Some 2013-2023 Ford or Lincoln vehicles with modems activated through FordPass or LincolnWay may experience 12 volt battery drain symptoms when the customer uses non-Ford/Lincoln phone applications as an alternate channel to access vehicle commands such as door lock/unlock, remote start, vehicle location, etc. The battery drain may be caused by excessive calls for data through the vehicle network keeping it in an activated state. Recommend that the customer uninstall the app to ensure this is not contributing to battery symptoms experienced. Advise the customer that unaffiliated third-party app developers do not work directly with Ford to adhere to security, vehicle communication, and privac
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗For Ford and Lincoln vehicles that require positive or negative battery terminal replacement, it is not necessary to replace the complete battery cable harness (14300 and 14301) for this concern. Positive battery cable clamp BT4Z-14450-AA and negative battery cable clamp BT4Z-14450-BA are available for this type of repair. Do not cut or shorten the battery cable, instead carefully remove the affected battery cable clamp and clean the cable end as necessary to preserve wire length. Some rework may be necessary for some vehicle environments. Bend the new positive battery cable clamp as needed and crimp it to the existing battery cable. Make sure to use heat shrink tubing over the battery cable
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2013-2019 vehicles equipped with a EVDC air conditioning (A/C) compressor may exhibit poor A/C performance/improper climate function and/or a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P06A0 in the powertrain control module (PCM). To support the proper diagnosis of this compressor, the EVDC control valve tester has been developed and is available from Rotunda (339-EVDC100). A tester has been provided to each U.S. dealership free of charge with shipments completed 19-Apr-2019 (reference EFC07013 on FMCDealer.com). This tester will help reduce the potential for misdiagnosis and unnecessary compressor replacement. Make sure that this tester is used for warranty repairs and document the test results in
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗If a trailer hitch receiver is installed on a 2013-2018 Escape or 2015-2019 MKC vehicle equipped with a hands-free liftgate, the hands-free liftgate function will become inoperative. Hands-free liftgate function can be restored by replacing the existing hands-free liftgate actuation upper sensor (14F680), lower sensor (14F680), stone deflector (17779), hands-free liftgate actuation module (14B291), plastic fasteners (N807951S) and screws (W506964) that are required for the factory installed trailer hitch receiver with hands-free liftgate option. Replacement of these parts to restore hands-free liftgate function is not warrantable. Regardless of trailer hitch configuration, the hands-free lif
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2013 Escape generates a staggering volume of electrical and engine control complaints. Most common: the engine stalls or loses power without warning—at stop lights, during highway driving, or while accelerating into traffic. Speeds range from standstill to 65 mph. Vehicle typically restarts after 15 seconds to several minutes, but some owners lose all dash lights during the event. Second major pattern is overheating; coolant drops despite no ground leaks, triggering limp mode or shutdown. Multiple owners report the engine bursts into flame. Wiring harness splices fray and disrupt signals to sensors, a problem dealers find only after extended diagnosis. Owners also report the intelligent key system locks them out of a parked car with keys inside, windows stuck closed in heat. Dashboard instruments go blank or show dashes instead of readings. MyFordTouch infotainment cuts audio and navigation without warning, freezes with a fake "shutting down" screen. Start/no-start issues linger for hours even after battery replacement and testing shows battery is fine. Transmissions slip or need replacement at 80,000 miles. Door windows and locks quit midway through ownership. Ford has issued recalls for electrical systems (14V495000, 15V813000), engine cooling (12V336000, 13V584000), and wiring splices (14S17-S1), but owners report their VINs are excluded despite identical symptoms and same model year. Dealerships frequently cannot replicate intermittent failures, blame owner maintenance, or charge hundreds for diagnostics. Some owners were told recalls don't apply, others waited weeks for parts on backorder, and a few paid out-of-pocket for repairs Ford originally promised under recall.
Same Ford Escape electrical reports on nearby years: 2011 · 2012 · 2014 · 2015 · 2016
Failure modes owners describe
Stalling and power loss while driving
Engine shuts down or loses power unexpectedly while vehicle is in motion, at speeds ranging from stop to highway speeds. Vehicle may stall at traffic lights, while turning, on highways, or during acceleration. Can occur multiple times in short periods or randomly over time. Engine typically restarts after 15 seconds to several minutes. Some incidents involve complete electrical shutdown before restart.
When: Random, varying from early in ownership to later years; frequencies range from occasional to multiple times per week or hour. Can occur at low mileage (6,500 mi) to higher mileage (80,000+ mi).
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls or shuts off without warning; Loss of power while accelerating; Engine hesitation or sluggish response; Unable to accelerate when needed (pressing gas pedal produces no response); Vehicle feels like it's in neutral despite being in gear; Dash goes black or lights flicker before restart; Check engine light may illuminate; Service engine light appears; Vehicle may lunge forward or backward unexpectedly after restart
Codes mentioned: P0031, P1934, P062C, P0106, P0234, P26B7, P0456, Harness/wiring splice issues detected on diagnostic
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers often unable to replicate issue during test drive. Some owners report wiring harness splicing problems found only after extended diagnostics. Fuel pressure sensor replacement attempted but unsuccessful. MAP sensor and CAM sensor signal issues identified. O2 sensor replacements ordered. Some repair costs mentioned: $450 for wiring/splicing repair, $3,000-$4,000 estimated for blind repairs.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford recalls 13S12 (low coolant sensor), 14S17-S1 (electrical harness splice), 15V813000 (electrical), 14V495000 (electrical), 13V584000 (engine/cooling), 12V336000 (engine/cooling), 14N02, 12M02. Many owners report their VINs excluded from recalls despite identical symptoms. Ford has been unresponsive or unable to diagnose intermittent stalling. Some owners told recalls do not apply to their specific VIN despite matching model year and engine type.
Instrumentation and electrical display failures
Dashboard instrument cluster, speedometer, information display, or various gauges malfunction or go completely blank. May occur suddenly while stationary or while driving. Multiple systems on dash may fail simultaneously (odometer, MPG display, time, distance traveled, warning lights). Cluster may display dashes instead of readings or show incorrect information.
When: Can occur suddenly and intermittently. Some instances reported early in ownership; others after several years.
Symptoms owners cite: Speedometer falls to zero; All odometer, MPG, time, and distance information replaced by dashes; Warning lights (ABS, traction control) illuminate without cause; Information display goes completely blank; Temperature gauge shows incorrect readings; Fuel gauge shows inconsistent levels; Dashboard illumination flickers or dims
Codes mentioned: PC0031
Repairs/costs cited: Some owners report issue resolved itself after 10-15 seconds. Dealerships unable to find codes corresponding to symptoms. Cluster replacement may be needed; costs around $1,100 for new computer system not covered under warranty.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford recall 15C03 mentioned for information cluster, but some owners report their 2013 model excluded. Dealerships claim no repair exists for intermittent display issues. Some owners cite recalls like 14V495000 (electrical) as potentially applicable but VINs excluded.
Intelligent key system malfunction—doors lock with keys inside
Passive entry/exit system locks doors unexpectedly when keys are left inside vehicle and occupant exits. System designed to prevent this malfunction but performs exact opposite function. Doors lock immediately upon closing, trapping keys and potentially occupants inside parked vehicle, especially in hot conditions.
When: Intermittent; occurred on three or more separate occasions reported by same owners. No clear trigger identified. Temperatures above 97°F noted in at least one case.
Symptoms owners cite: Doors lock immediately after occupant exits and closes door, trapping keys inside; Passive unlock function fails to detect keys in vehicle; Vehicle locks automatically despite being parked and stationary; Key fob unlock button unresponsive (multiple button presses required before doors unlock); Child accidentally locked inside hot vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: Window broken and locksmith called to regain access on separate occasions. Ford dealerships unable to replicate intermittent problem during service visits.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented. Ford unable to diagnose or repair intermittent malfunction.
Engine overheating and coolant system failures
Engine overheats without obvious cause; coolant levels drop despite no visible leaks. Vehicle may enter limp mode or shut down due to overheating. High engine temperature warning light illuminates. In some cases, coolant hose ruptures or fails. Recall parts installed to fix overheating issue fail again within 3–4 years.
When: Can occur early in ownership or after several years. Recall repair (recall 13S12) performed in 2014; recurrence at 100,000 miles in 2018 (3.5 years later).
Symptoms owners cite: Engine overheating warning on dash: 'High engine temperature—stop vehicle safely'; Vehicle enters limp mode or loses power in response to overheating alert; Coolant reservoir empty despite recent refills; Coolant leaks without visible ground stains (internal leak suspected); Strong burning smell from engine compartment; Vehicle slowing down on its own when overheating alert triggered; Water pump failure; Coolant hose ruptures or explodes
Repairs/costs cited: Recall 13S12 low coolant sensor kit replacement ($759 plus labor) originally performed. Failed part replaced again; cost approximately $330 for coolant bypass valve. Owner reported over $3,000 spent on transmission and computer module replacement in prior year. Dealers unable to provide permanent fix.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 13S12 (low coolant sensor); recall 14S21 (restraints); engine coolant bypass valve addressed. Ford refused to replace faulty recall part, claiming customer responsibility. Owners report hanging up and being ignored when pursuing warranty coverage.
Electrical system wiring harness and splice defects
Engine wiring harness has defective splices or tangled wires that disrupt proper signal transmission to engine sensors and control modules. Wires may become tangled during assembly. Affects MAP sensor, CAM sensor, and other critical engine electronics. Multiple mechanics and dealerships unable to diagnose until harness inspection performed.
When: Can manifest early or develop over time. Some cases appear after software updates or recall service work.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine fault warning light illuminates; Service engine light appears; Engine sputters, hesitates, or misfires while driving; Lack of power or acceleration response; Engine stalls unexpectedly; Multiple error codes present but no clear single cause; Turbo/boost codes appearing sporadically
Codes mentioned: Harness issue with wire splicing detected on computer, Turbo boost codes (P0234, P26B7 mentioned), MAP sensor codes, CAM sensor codes
Repairs/costs cited: Complete engine wiring harness replacement required to fully resolve. Cost approximately $450 for wiring and splicing repair at some shops. Extended diagnostics (3–6 hours or more) often needed to identify root cause. Some owners report permanent fix after harness replacement; others report recurring issues.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford recalls 14V495000 and 15V813000 (electrical system) cover some wiring harness issues, but many owner VINs excluded despite identical symptoms and same model year/engine type. Ford unable to diagnose intermittent issues in short test drives. Some owners told recalls do not apply to their vehicle.
MyFordTouch infotainment system shutdowns
Touchscreen infotainment system sporadically shuts down without warning, cutting audio, Bluetooth connectivity, and navigation. System displays 'shutting down to save battery' message with progress bar that freezes and never completes. Audio may produce loud pop before cutting out. System restarts on its own with no predictable pattern.
When: Intermittent; occurs at unpredictable intervals—may happen daily or not for weeks. No correlation with driving conditions (day/night, highway/city, temperature, speed).
Symptoms owners cite: Touchscreen goes black; Audio cuts out with loud pop through speakers; Bluetooth phone connection resets; 'Shutting down to save battery' message with frozen progress bar; Radio will not turn off even after engine shut off and doors opened; Radio power button unresponsive; Radio comes on by itself when phone connects/disconnects via Bluetooth; Navigation system slow to respond or unable to locate vehicle; Navigation unable to accept manual address entry or recall saved destinations; Cruise control fails to engage/disengage, or becomes stuck in engaged state
Repairs/costs cited: Battery replacement recommended by dealer but does not fix issue. Alternator tested; no error codes found. Disconnecting battery terminals for 10+ minutes is only known workaround but provides no permanent fix. Dealer unable to repair; acknowledged by dealer that no repair exists.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None effective. Dealer acknowledged repair does not exist for this issue.
Engine fire
Vehicle catches fire while being driven or shortly after startup, despite recall repairs having been performed. White steam followed by brown oily smoke and then flames emerge from engine compartment. Vehicle destroyed by fire.
When: Reported 4 days after recall repair completion; one case 6+ years after purchase during normal highway driving.
Symptoms owners cite: Pop sound in engine area; Accelerator unresponsive; High engine temperature warning light illuminates; All warning lights and gauges go dead; White steam visible from engine compartment; Brown oily smoke emerges from under hood; Flames visible at windshield and sides of engine compartment; Complete vehicle fire
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle total loss. Fire occurred on I-64 near Charlottesville, VA. Insurance retained fire inspector; no formal report provided to owner.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 12S41, 13S12, and others related to engine fire risk were performed before fire occurred. Ford provided no explanation for fire after recall completion.
Transmission problems and shift issues
Transmission slips, gears fail, or vehicle accelerates unexpectedly without pressing gas pedal. In one case, vehicle replaced at 80,000 miles. Multiple transmission replacements required within short timeframes. Vehicle may lurch or seize during shifts.
When: Reported as early as 80,000 miles. Multiple replacements within 3 years of ownership.
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission gears slipping; Vehicle moving forward when in reverse (or vice versa); Acceleration without driver pressing gas; Vehicle lurches or seizes during gear shifts; Transmission unable to engage properly
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission replaced at 80,000 miles at approximately $2,700. Multiple replacements in single ownership. One owner reported three transmission replacements in less than 3 years.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Transmission issues mentioned as recalls but owners report recalls do not apply to their VINs or are not adequately addressing the problem.
Throttle and acceleration control failures
Throttle becomes unresponsive or fails to engage, leaving driver with no ability to accelerate. Occurs suddenly without warning while driving, particularly when merging onto highway or in traffic situations. Vehicle may accelerate wildly after throttle failure resolves.
When: Reported during normal driving, highway merging, and after recall service visits.
Symptoms owners cite: Throttle unresponsive when pressing gas pedal; No acceleration response despite pedal depression; Sudden wild acceleration after throttle failure resolves; Vehicle hazardous to control during these episodes
Repairs/costs cited: Issue resolved after few seconds to minutes; no permanent repair attempted in cases cited.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Not documented. Issue occurred after diagnostic test and Ford consultation.
Fuel system leaks and fuel odor
Vehicle leaks gasoline internally (suspected coolant entering fuel system) or fuel odor continuously present in and around vehicle. Fuel line hose fractured onto intake manifold, causing fumes to enter cabin. Fuel system pressure issues may contribute.
When: Can occur early after purchase or develop over time. One case reported randomly after just turning on car in driveway without driving.
Symptoms owners cite: Strong gasoline fumes in cabin and around vehicle; Fuel leak from unknown source; Coolant suspected in fuel system (mentioned in diagnostics); Fuel line hose fractured near intake manifold; Fuel pressure sensor issues
Codes mentioned: P0234, P26B7, P0456
Repairs/costs cited: Fractured fuel line hose located near intake manifold by independent mechanic. Fuel pressure sensor replacement attempted. Full fuel line may need service.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 14N02 and 12M02 mentioned. Some owners report fuel line/jumper recalls (13Y03) performed but issue persists.
Start/no-start and remote start failures
Vehicle will not start when cold or after sitting parked for short periods (15 minutes to hours). Starts after 5 minutes to 3 hours of waiting. Remote start feature fails or shuts off within 30 seconds due to battery terminal corrosion. Engine cranks but fails to turn over. Starter and battery test normal despite symptoms.
When: Can develop early in ownership (6 months) or after several years. Recurring problem that persists even after battery replacement.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will not start when cold; Extended wait time (5 minutes to 3 hours) before engine turns over; Remote start shuts off after ~30 seconds; Engine cranks but does not turn over; Battery terminals show corrosion despite vehicle in garage; All lights illuminate on dash while unable to start; Brake seizes when attempting to start; Start button unresponsive or slow to respond
Repairs/costs cited: Battery replaced; computer reset performed. AAA roadside checked starter and battery—both tested normal. Vapor valve replaced by dealer with no resolution. Issue repeated after tow to dealer; repeated again after 35 miles driven from dealer.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Vapor valve recall or service performed; no other manufacturer response documented.
Cooling fan constantly running
Engine cooling fan runs continuously, drawing excessive power and creating noise, even when not needed. Indicates potential thermostat or coolant temperature sensor issue.
When: Chronic condition; noted as constant issue.
Symptoms owners cite: Cooling fan runs constantly; Excessive fan noise; Potential coolant temperature sensor malfunction
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report dealership claims this is 'normal' despite obvious excessive operation.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership claims fan operation is normal and refuses to address as a defect.
Door latch and control failures
Driver-side door window and lock controls stop functioning. May be related to electrical fuse shorting. Doors fail to latch properly after recall service or purchase; three doors would not latch, requiring them to be roped shut.
When: Can occur shortly after purchase or after service appointments. Controls may fail after working for months.
Symptoms owners cite: Window control button unresponsive; Door lock control unresponsive; Door fails to latch; Door latch mechanism insufficient strength; becomes loose while driving; Multiple doors unable to latch (rope required as temporary fix)
Repairs/costs cited: Fuse replacement mentioned as repair (dealer searching for cause of fuse short). Door latch mechanism weakness noted; recalls exist but owner not informed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 14S03 (exterior door handle) mentioned. Owner claims dealership failed to disclose remaining recalls.
Check engine light false positives and sensor code issues
Check engine light illuminates repeatedly without legitimate engine problems. Codes are intermittent, appearing and disappearing without repair. Multiple mechanics unable to find actual cause. Replacement of sensors (MAP, O2, PCV, EGR) does not resolve issue.
When: Can occur repeatedly over months or years. Codes appear sporadically and clear without intervention.
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminates without actual engine fault; Error codes read but disappear after restart; Multiple different codes reported: turbo, O2 sensor, MAP sensor, EGR; Engine light flashing (indicating more serious condition when solid light)
Codes mentioned: Turbo/boost codes, O2 sensor codes, MAP sensor codes, PCV valve-related codes, EGR valve-related codes
Repairs/costs cited: PCV valve replaced; issue persisted. EGR valve replaced; issue persisted. Sensor replacements (MAP, O2) did not fix underlying problem. Cost approximately $74–$200+ for individual sensor replacements.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford diagnostic directed replacement of MAP sensor; issue recurred. Ford recommended computer software upgrade. Ford engineers consulted but unable to diagnose root cause.
Battery and electrical system power loss
Battery drains unexpectedly or vehicle loses all electrical power while driving. Something repeatedly drains battery or causes electrical system failure.
When: Chronic; battery replaced twice within 2 years and continues to be drained.
Symptoms owners cite: Battery drains rapidly; Complete loss of electrical power while driving; Vehicle requires jump starts frequently
Repairs/costs cited: Battery replaced twice; issue persists. Cost for replacements not specified.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented.
Synthesized from 282 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
Every winter while driving my 2013 Ford escape info screen displays "hill start assist not available and ABS icon flashes. The radio also goes off and on. I have taken it to two different dealerships to get this corrected and I am told they could not see any codes for this problem. In other words I am lying. I am sure by checking with others, I am not the only one with this problem. I hope…
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Ford escape. The contact stated that the service engine warning light kept randomly flashing. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that there was a short with the wires and the engine wiring harness. The dealer replaced the parts. The vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign numbers: 15v813000 (electrical system) and 14v495000 (electrical system).…
The car's computer system would not communicate to the car's speakers. This contributed to the radio not working and more importantly, calls not coming through via bluetooth. Phones would connect to the car via bluetooth, but no sound would come through the speakers. This caused a small safety issue, because the driver would have to disconnect the call through the vehicle in order to hear the…
Had electrical trouble with your 2013 Ford Escape?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the electrical problem on the 2013 Ford Escape?
It's a meaningful issue. 282 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $850.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 217 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 37,498 and 88,000 miles, with the median around 63,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 37,498; a quarter make it past 88,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2013/Ford/Escape.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.