Problems owners report
Complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2013 Ford Escape, by the system named in each complaint. One complaint can name several.
- Engine1,266
- Power train401
- Electrical system339
- Steering303
- Unknown or other301
- Fuel/propulsion system247
- Engine and engine cooling175
- Vehicle speed control92
- Structure87
- Latches/locks/linkages65
NHTSA ODI complaints (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026 · 54 injuries and 0 deaths reported
Compared with other years
NHTSA ODI complaints by model year
Fatal crashes in the US
From 2020 to 2023, 114 2013 Escape vehicles were involved in crashes on US public roads in which someone died; 58 people died inside them, and 13 of the vehicles rolled over. This is a count, not a crash rate: it grows with the number of cars on the road.
NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), crash years 2020–2023 (public domain)
New York safety inspections
At its first New York inspection the 2013 Ford Escape failed the safety check 2.72% of the time — 14% more often than the average 2013 passenger car (2.38%). Median odometer at inspection: 112,137 miles.
NY DMV Vehicle Inspections (vezn-fmmk), initial inspections since Aug 2021 · how we count
In the Netherlands
23 first registered in 2013 are on Dutch roads; 100% arrived later as imports. Median list price when new: €49,344.
Most common APK defects
- Band beschadigd15
- Bandenspanning niet op juiste waarde9
- Band onvoldoende profiel9
- Overmatige vloeistoflekkage overige vloeistoffen7
- Ruitenwisserinstallatie geeft onvoldoende zicht7
- Stadslicht werkt niet (goed)5
- Band(en) aanwezig met een profieldiepte van 1,6 t/m 2,5 mm4
- Mechanische delen van het remsysteem vertonen slijtage4
Colours
RDW Open Data: registered vehicles and APK defects (CC0) · defect descriptions in the RDW's Dutch wording
In New Zealand
6 2013 cars are on the New Zealand register; 67% arrived as used imports, 0% were sold new in New Zealand.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, Motor Vehicle Register (March 2026) · CC BY 4.0
Crash-test ratings
NHTSA 5-star results for 2 variants; 0 of 2 rated variants score five stars overall. Rollover risk is the estimated chance of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Variant | Overall | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 Ford Escape SUV 4x2 | ★★★★☆ | 19.1 % |
| 2013 Ford Escape SUV 4x4 | ★★★★☆ | 18.5 % |
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
- Forward collision warning
- No
- Lane departure warning
- No
- Best overall rating
- 4 / 5
NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), api.nhtsa.gov · US federal work, public domain
Fuel consumption
Official Canadian test results for 5 variants: combined 9.0–9.8 L/100 km (about 24–26 mpg US), CO₂ 207–225 g/km.
| Variant | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| Escape · Sport utility vehicle: Small · Regular gasoline | 10.4 | 7.2 | 9.0 |
| Escape AWD · Sport utility vehicle: Small · Regular gasoline | 10.5 | 7.9 | 9.3 |
| Escape · Sport utility vehicle: Small · Regular gasoline | 10.9 | 7.5 | 9.4 |
| Escape · Sport utility vehicle: Small · Regular gasoline | 10.9 | 8.0 | 9.6 |
| Escape AWD · Sport utility vehicle: Small · Regular gasoline | 11.2 | 8.2 | 9.8 |
Litres per 100 km. Natural Resources Canada, Fuel consumption ratings (open.canada.ca) · Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls in Canada
16 Transport Canada recalls for the 2013 Ford Escape.
| 2026004 9 Jan 2026 | Electrical Issue: On certain vehicles, the engine block heater could leak coolant. If this happens, the block heater could short circuit when it's plugged in. Note: Th… |
| 2022311 13 Jun 2022 | Powertrain Issue: On certain vehicles, the shift cable may detach from the transmission. This could cause the transmission not to shift gears when the shifter is moved. … |
| 2019420 21 Aug 2019 | Other Issue: This recall is for aftermarket replacement rear window glass produced by Vitro Automotriz. Certain rear window glass may not have been properly tempere… |
| 2018379 17 Jul 2018 | Powertrain On certain vehicles, the bushing that attaches the shift cable to the transmission may degrade over time and could detach. This could allow the transmission to … |
| 2016432 6 Sept 2016 | Structure On certain vehicles, the pawl spring tab in the side door latch could break. This condition typically will prevent the door from latching. In certain situation… |
| 2014427 30 Sept 2014 | Seats And Restraints On certain vehicles, sealant applied to the restraints control module could fail, allowing moisture to enter the module circuit board. This could cause corrosio… |
| 2014349 12 Aug 2014 | Electrical On certain vehicles, defective engine wiring harness splices could affect engine function, causing reduced engine power and/or hesitation, and also cause the en… |
| 2014163 7 May 2014 | Structure On certain vehicles, misalignment of the exterior door handle and door panel may cause the door handle to bind. If this occurs, the door may open while driving … |
| 2014164 7 May 2014 | Airbag On certain vehicles, due to a defect in the restraint control module programming, deployment of the side curtain airbags may be delayed in certain rollover circ… |
| 2014109 2 Apr 2014 | Seats And Restraints Certain vehicles may fail to comply with the requirements of Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 207 – Anchorage of Seats. The front driver and passenger seatb… |
| 2013424 27 Nov 2013 | Fuel System On certain vehicles equipped with 1.6L engines, localized overheating of the engine cylinder head could lead to cracks, causing oil leaks. Engine oil that comes… |
| 2013075 6 Mar 2013 | Structure On certain vehicles, the left rear door child lock may not engage when the operator uses normal turning force to activate the child lock, and the operator may i… |
| 2012399 30 Nov 2012 | Engine Certain vehicles equipped with 1.6L engines may experience a fire originating in the engine compartment, while the engine is running, caused by the engine overh… |
| 2012298 4 Sept 2012 | Engine On certain vehicles equipped with a 1.6L engine, the cylinder head cup plug (freeze plug) may become dislodged, resulting in a significant loss of coolant which… |
| 2012218 18 Jul 2012 | Fuel System On certain vehicles equipped with a 1.6L GTDI (turbocharged) engine, an incorrectly manufactured engine compartment fuel line may develop a leak. Fuel leakage,… |
| 2012197 4 Jul 2012 | Brakes On certain vehicles, the carpet padding in the driver’s foot area may have been installed incorrectly during vehicles assembly. This would cause the carpet and… |
Transport Canada Vehicle Recalls Database · Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Focus, 2013-2019 Escape, and 2015-2016 MKC vehicles equipped with a 2.0L engine. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2019 Escape, 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2016 Fusion, 2013-2021 Transit Connect, and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles. The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Fiesta, 2013-2014 Fusion, 2015 Mustang, 2013-2015 Escape and C-Max, 2012-2015 Focus, 2014-2016 Transit Connect, 2013-2014 Lincoln MKZ, and 2015 MKC vehicles. These vehicles were previously recalled and repaired under recalls 15V-246, 16V-643 or 17V-210, however the repair may not have been completed properly. A component within the door latches may break making the doors difficult to latch and/or leading the driver or a passenger to believe a door is securely closed when, in fact, it is not.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2014 Ford Escape, and 2013-2016 Ford Fusion vehicles, equipped with six-speed automatic transmissions. The bushing that attaches the transmission shifter cable to the transmission may degrade over time and cause the bushing to detach from the transmission. The condition could allow the driver to move the shift lever to Park and remove the ignition key, while the transmission may not be in Park, with no warning message or audible chime.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2012-2015 Ford Focus, 2013-2015 Ford Escape and Ford C-MAX, 2015 Lincoln MKC and Ford Mustang, and 2014-2016 Ford Transit Connect vehicles. A component within the door latches may break, preventing the doors from latching and/or leading the driver or a passenger to believe a door is securely closed when, in fact, it is not.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013 Escape vehicles manufactured January 11, 2012, to April 1, 2013, and 2013-2014 Focus ST vehicles manufactured May 03, 2012, to October 14, 2013. Insufficient compression in the engine wiring harness splices to the Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) sensor may provide incorrect signals to the powertrain control module (PCM).
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Ford C-Max vehicles manufactured January 19, 2012, to November 21, 2013; Ford Fusion vehicles manufactured February 3, 2012, to August 24, 2013; Ford Escape vehicles manufactured October 5, 2011, to November 1, 2013; and Lincoln MKZ vehicles manufactured April 25, 2012, to September 30, 2013. The coating on portions of the Restraint Control Module (RCM) may crack, and when exposed to humidity, circuits on the printed circuit board may short.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Escape vehicles manufactured October 5, 2011, to April 1, 2013, and equipped with 2.0 liter engines and Focus ST vehicles manufactured February 14, 2012, to October 14, 2013, and equipped with 2.0 liter engines. Insufficient compression in the engine wiring harness splices to the Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) sensor may provide incorrect signals to the powertrain control module (PCM).
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 C-MAX, and Escape vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the restraint control module (RCM) may have errors in the programming software which may result in a delayed deployment of the side-curtain rollover air bag.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Escape vehicles manufactured October 5, 2011, through April 10, 2014. Due to an assembly misalignment between the exterior door handle and the door outer panel, the affected vehicles have doors that may be difficult to close or may possibly open while driving.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles manufactured August 15, 2012, through September 10, 2013, 2013-2014 Ford Escape vehicles manufactured June 5, 2012, through August 12, 2013, and 2013-2014 Ford C-Max vehicles manufactured from July 23, 2012, through May 28, 2013. The driver and passenger seatback assemblies may have been produced with sub-standard weld joints used to attach the seat back recliner mechanism to the seat frame. The affected seat backs may have insufficient strength to meet the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 207, "Seating Systems."
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 1.6L engine subject to prior safety recall NHTSA 12V-336. In some cases, the engine compartment fuel line may have been installed incorrectly when repaired under the prior recall. The misinstalled fuel line could chafe and eventually leak fuel.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013 Escape vehicles manufactured October 5, 2011, through June 2, 2013 and equipped with 1.6L engines. The affected vehicles may experience localized overheating of the engine cylinder head which may cause cracks that could allow oil to leak.
Ford is recalling certain model year 2013 Focus and C-Max vehicles built from November 16, 2012, through November 21, 2012; and model year 2013 Escape vehicles manufactured from November 14, 2012, through November 21, 2012. The left rear door child lock was built incorrectly. As a result, the child lock may not engage when the operator uses normal force to activate the child lock.
This is an update to a recently announced recall. Ford is recalling certain model year 2013 Escape vehicles manufactured from October 5, 2011, through November 26, 2012, equipped with 1.6L engines, as well as certain model year 2013 Fusion vehicles manufactured from February 3, 2012, through November 29, 2012, equipped with 1.6L engines. Coolant system leaks may cause the engines to overheat and leak flammable engine fluids.
Ford is recalling certain model year 2013 Escape vehicles manufactured from October 5, 2011, through August 31, 2012, equipped with 1.6L engines. The cylinder head cup plug (freeze plug) may become dislodged resulting in significant loss of engine coolant.
Ford is recalling certain model year 2013 Escape vehicles manufactured from October 5, 2011, through July 11, 2012, and equipped with a 1.6L engine. These vehicles have an engine compartment fuel line which may split, resulting in a leak.
FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2013 ESCAPE VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM MARCH 8, 2012 THROUGH JUNE 7, 2012. DUE TO MIS-POSITIONED CARPET PADDING THE CENTER CONSOLE TRIM PANEL MAY BE PUSHED OUTBOARD OF THE INTENDED POSITION, REDUCING CLEARANCE RELATIVE TO THE PEDAL PACKAGE.
Whether a recall was fixed on a particular car is known only to the manufacturer: check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA recalls · summaries in NHTSA's own words
Service bulletins
What Ford told its dealers about the 2013 Ford Escape: known faults, fixes and updates.
| Bulletin | Summary |
|---|---|
| 11010968 | Some 2013-2016 Escape vehicles may exhibit an ABS warning indicator with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) U2300 after the ABS module is replaced. |
| 11008948 | While performing a transmission repair on some 2012-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, a transmission seal kit may be on backorder due to supply chain interruptions. While performing a transmission repair on some 2012-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, a transmission seal kit may be on backorder due to supply chain interruptions. |
| 10254138 | All accessory stick-on keyless entry keypads come with a wallet card containing the master code. If the accessory keypad was factory installed, this card will be placed in the glove box and should be handed to the vehicles owner during initial delivery. Unlike the integrated (wired) factory keypad, the accessory keypad master code cannot be retrieved from the vehicle using a diagnostic scan tool. If the wallet card for an accessory keypad is lost, follow these steps to recover the code. Dealer Key Code access is granted through the Dealer Program Enrollment System (DPES); dealership managemen |
| 10235153 | For 2000-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, swapping a module from a vehicle for diagnosis purposes is likely to cause errors and is not recommended. It is also not recommended to order a replacement module using a vehicle identification number (VIN) from a different vehicle. Most modules on these affected vehicles are VIN/vehicle specific and hardware variations between modules do exist. Swapping a module from a vehicle or ordering a module using a different vehicle/VIN can cause ineffective repairs and additional vehicle down time. Make sure all appropriate Workshop Manual (WSM) procedures are |
| 10228876 | Some Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit noise when the brakes are applied. When diagnosing and repairing brake noise conditions, use the Workshop Manual (WSM) and the appropriate pinpoint test in section 206-00. The brake rotors should only be machined if directed by the WSM because one or more of the following conditions are present on the braking surface: scoring, excessive corrosion/rust or pitting, bluing/discoloration and/or heat spots. For additional information, refer to WSM section 206-00. |
| 10226752 | Some 2013-2016 Escape/Fusion/MKZ vehicles may display an error message when updating the All Wheel Drive-ATC Barcode using the IDS service function after installing a new rear drive unit assembly (RDU) or active torque coupling (ATC) clutch assembly. To prevent this error from occurring, enter the universal ATC 4 digit barcode 7772. Once programmed, perform several figure 8 turns at parking lot speeds to verify there is no binding from the all wheel drive (AWD) system. If the vehicle binds in a turn, perform Pinpoint Test A. Refer to the Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 308-07A > Diagnosis and T |
| 10222788 | Some Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit noise when the brakes are applied. When diagnosing and repairing brake noise conditions, use the Workshop Manual (WSM) and the appropriate pinpoint test in section 206-00. The brake rotors should only be machined if directed by the WSM because one or more of the following conditions are present on the braking surface: scoring, excessive corrosion/rust or pitting, bluing/discoloration and/or heat spots. For additional information, refer to WSM section 206-00. |
| 10212957 | 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 ap |
| 10209209 | This article supersedes TSB 21-2236 to update the models and year affected. Some 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2020 Fusion/MKZ, 2013-2022 Escape, 2015-2018 Focus, 2015-2019 MKC, 2015-2022 Edge/F150/Mustang, 2016-2018 MKX, 2016-2019 Explorer, 2017-2022 F-Super Duty, 2018-2022 EcoSport/Expedition, 2019-2022 Ranger/Nautilus, 2021-2022 Bronco/Bronco Sport/Mustang Mach-E, 2022 Maverick vehicles may experience seat pan looseness, lateral movement, or a clunk/thump noise on turns. This may be due to the seat pan track. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure steps to install a reinforcement. |
| 10205040 | Hard start/no start/loss of engine RPM after refueling - built on or before 11/09/2013 |
| 10205031 | Touchscreen navigation system - arabic language - blank screen |
| 10205017 | 106L GTDI - service fengine soon light - DTC P26B7 - Built on or before 02/13/2013 |
| 10205010 | 2.0L Ecoboost - Fuel odor |
| 10205008 | 6F35 Transmission - Fluid leak at left side halfshaft seal - built on or before 10/14/2013 |
| 10204998 | Wind or whistle noise from exterior mirror(s) at highway speed - buklt on or before 01/22/2016 |
| 10204996 | 2.0L GTDO - Illuminated MIL with DTC p2096 - Built on 09/01/2012 and through 08/01/2013 |
| 10204987 | 49 CFR Part 579.5 Monthly Communications - March 2016 Air bag warning light illuminated with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) B141B and/or B141C |
| 10204986 | 49 CFR Part 579.5 Monthly Communications - January 2016 |
| 10204982 | 1.6L GTDI - Lack of power with MIL Illuminated - DTCS P0234, P0245, P0246 And/Or P0299. Some 2013-2016 Escape 2014-2016 Fiesta ST, and 2013-2014 Fusion vehicles equipped with a 1.6L Gasoline Turbocharged Direct Injection (GTDI) engine may exhibit a lack of power concern with malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) illuminated and diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0234, P0245, P0246 and/or P0299 stored in powertrain control module (PCM) MEMORY. |
| 10201034 | Some 2013-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit noise when the brakes are applied. When diagnosing and repairing brake noise conditions, use the Workshop Manual (WSM) and the appropriate pinpoint test in section 206-00. The brake rotors should only be machined if directed by the WSM because one or more of the following conditions are present on the braking surface: scoring, excessive corrosion/rust or pitting, bluing/discoloration and/or heat spots. For additional information, refer to WSM section 206-00. |
| 10199536 | Some 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2020 Fusion/MKZ, 2013-2021 Escape, 2015-2018 Focus, 2015-2019 MKC, 2015-2021 Edge/F150/Mustang, 2016-2018 MKX, 2016-2019 Explorer, 2017-2021 F-Super Duty, 2018-2021 EcoSport/Expedition, 2019-2021 Ranger/Nautilus, 2021 Bronco Sport/Mustang Mach-E vehicles may experience seat pan looseness, lateral movement, or a clunk/thump noise on turns. This may be due to the seat pan track. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure steps to install a reinforcement. |
| 10183777 | Some 2012-2013 Focus vehicles built on or before 10/22/2012 and 2013 Escape vehicles built on or before 12/3/2012 may exhibit a crunching or creaking type noise from the front suspension on low speed turns and over bumps. |
| 10183776 | Some 2013 Escape, 2013-2014 Fusion and MKZ vehicles built on or before 11/9/2013 may exhibit a hard start, no start and/or a loss of engine RPM after refueling. Some vehicles may also exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P1450 and/or P0456 stored in powertrain control module (PCM) memory. |
| 10183767 | Some 2012-2016 vehicles equipped with a touchscreen navigation system and the language set to Arabic may exhibit a blank screen. This may be the result of the ribbon cables not being fully seated inside the front display interface module (FDIM) or an improper software configuration of the FDIM. |
| 10180428 | Some 2009-2020 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with turbochargers may exhibit an oil leak from the turbocharger oil supply or return tubes, O-rings or 6.7L pedestal gasket. Although oil may collect on the turbocharger, it is very rare for a turbocharger to leak oil. To isolate the source of the leak, refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 303-00 General Information > Diagnosis and Testing > Engine > Engine Oil Leaks - Fluorescent Oil Additive Method procedure. When an oil leak is present at a turbocharger oil supply or drain tube, remove the affected oil tube and inspect for damage, and re |
NHTSA manufacturer communications (public domain)
NHTSA investigations
Door Latch Failures
Loss of Motive Power
Door Latch Failure
NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation