2013 ford Escape engine problems

moderate 1,033 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100

Complaints

1,033

Recalls

Crashes

Avg fix

$3,100

Related recalls

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 12V431000 04/09/2012

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.

What owners are reporting 9 most recent

engine · filed 12/31/2020

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 MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT LINKED THE FAILURE TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V55…

engine · filed 12/31/2019

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 PROBLEM.

engine · filed 12/30/2024

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated while having the vehicle serviced, the mechanic stated that there was a coolant leak into the cylinder head. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The independent mechanic referred the contact to the local dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufact…

engine · filed 12/30/2022

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the engine temperature gauge suddenly indicated the engine had overheated and an audible alarm was activated. Additionally, the check engine warning light illuminated and the vehicle independently decelerated. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the coolant control sensor was faulty …

engine · filed 12/30/2022

Around 6,000 2013 Ford Escapes were recalled for a coolant leaking / hose issue that could cause a fire in the engine. My car, according to your site, was not one of them. However, I have experience the coolant issue and tried to repair it on multiple occasions, but yesterday the issue caused my car to leak coolant all over the engine and shut down completely. I am confident this is the same issue…

engine · filed 12/30/2020

ON MY 2013 FORD ESCAPE WHENEVER I POUR COOLANT IN IT AUTOMATICALLY LEAKS. IT HAS BEEN SMOKING, OVERHEATING AND DANGEROUS. I NEED THE CAR FIXED. I SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT WITH AUTONATION FORD MARGATE AT 5401 W COPANS RD, MARGATE, FL 33063 AND WHEN I GOT THERE THEY TOLD ME IT WOULD BE A CHARGE TO DIAGNOSE. FORD SHOULD BE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND READY TO FIX IT FOR THE CUSTOMER. THERE HAS ALREADY BEE…

engine · filed 12/29/2025

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle in the winter, the coolant temperature warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an Independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the coolant sensor needed to be replaced. The coolant sensor was replaced; however, the warning light remained illuminated. The contact related the failure …

engine · filed 12/29/2024

Unexplained coolant leaks. Have taken to multiple shops and nobody can figure out where the leak is coming from.

engine · filed 12/29/2022

I took my car to Ford they said it was leaking oil into the turbo and I will need a total engine replacement no oil low indicator light came on my car started knocking and I shut it off right away at the dealership they said oil was leaking into the turbo and when they drain the oil there was metal in my oil plan total engine replacement will cost me $10,000

Common questions

How serious is the engine problem on the 2013 ford Escape?

It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 1033 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.

At what mileage does the engine typically fail?

Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.

What does it cost to fix?

Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine 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 engine?

Yes — 2 active recall(s) cover engine issues on this vehicle. Recall fixes are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status. Use the VIN decoder at the top of the page to check if your specific vehicle is affected.