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Ford Escape 2013–2019 (3rd gen)

Ford Escape
Photo: Mr.choppers · CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Price
$23,500–$34,000
MPG
26
  • Strength: Excellent safety
  • Strength: Strong cargo & utility
  • Strength: Strong value retention
  • Watch-out: Below-average reliability
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How it scores for you10 scores
Top-tier crash safety and roomy cargo make it appealing, but severe engine and cooling complaints undercut what's otherwise a competent, average compact SUV.
Reliability36

Recalled somewhat more often than cars of the same model years; 4 of its 15 recalls were serious. About 3% of its owner complaints describe a crash, fire or injury. Based on recalls and serious defect reports — it doesn't capture everyday repairs or problems fixed by warranty extensions. Adjusted -9 points for its wider reputation.

Safety100

5-star overall NHTSA crash rating (frontal 5, side 5, rollover 4).

Running costs52

About $2,600 a year in fuel (EPA estimate) — cheaper to run than about 52% of cars we track.

Cargo & utility80

34.3 cu ft of cargo space — more than about 80% of other SUVs we track.

Passenger space50

Seats five with 34.3 cu ft cargo (68.1 folded), segment-average. Rear room adequate but not class-leading.

Driving fun52

3rd-gen Escape offered sporty handling for the segment, but base 168hp is modest. Optional EcoBoost engines added punch; a mid-pack compact SUV overall.

Tech48

Available SYNC/MyFord Touch was ambitious but widely criticized for glitches. Features were competitive for its era, now dated.

Comfort52

Comfortable ride and supportive seats typical of the class; quiet enough for a compact SUV of this generation.

Value retention70

SUVs and hybrids usually hold their value better than average.

Capability44

Rated to tow 1,500 lb; all- or four-wheel drive available.

Safety & recalls24 recalls
Overall 5/5
Frontal 5/5
Side 5/5
Rollover 4/5

24 recalls · 6 common complaint areas across 2015–2019

  • Engine — 1,219 complaints (2017)
  • Recall — Tires (2019)
  • Engine — 918 complaints (2018)

2019

  • RecallTires21V155000

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 F-150, 2018-2020 F-250, F-350, and 2019 Escape vehicles equipped with Continental tires. On the affected vehicles, it is possible that one or more tires were cured for too long during tire production.

  • RecallPowertrain: automatic transmission: gear position indication (prndl); power train: shift linkage/cable/rod22V413000

    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.

  • RecallEquipment: electrical: engine block heater26V011000

    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.

  • Complaint clusterEngine231 complaintscomplaints:ENGINE

    Slow coolant leak that is a known issue with engine. This caused the water pump to go bad and engine to risk overheating. Has been looked at by 3 independent mechanics all confirmed this is a known issue causing major concerns. No warning! Just suddenly lost all coolant! No engine needs replaced!

  • Complaint clusterPowertrain117 complaintscomplaints:POWER TRAIN

    The vehicle had a transmission shutter and shakes the car. It also had a hard shift at 38mph. It happens daily, was not a one time Incentent

  • Complaint clusterEngine and engine cooling84 complaintscomplaints:ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

    The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact connected a portable diagnostic tester to the vehicle and retrieved DTC: P0301 displayed. In addition, the check engine warning light flashed on

  • Complaint clusterUnknown or other28 complaintscomplaints:UNKNOWN OR OTHER

    The transmission had to be replaced in 2024 and now the engine needs to be replaced in 2026. Ford customer service will not help with any of the repairs.

  • Complaint clusterElectrical28 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

    Dash board has been flashing images and turning black and white like something is malfunctioning the automatic stop start has been inconsistently working I have issues with the lights getting dimmer while I’m driving at night and sometimes I have to manually hold the brights forward for the lights t

2018

  • RecallAirbags: side/window17V803000

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 Ford Escape vehicles. The side curtain air bags on these vehicles have a component that may detach during deployment of the inflatable curtain air bag.

  • RecallService brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings18V104000

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 Ford Escape and Lincoln MKC vehicles. These vehicles may be equipped with incorrect front brake hoses that may chafe against other components, possibly resulting in a brake fluid leak.

  • RecallPowertrain: automatic transmission: gear position indication (prndl); power train: shift linkage/cable/rod22V413000

    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.

  • RecallEquipment: electrical: engine block heater26V011000

    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.

  • Complaint clusterEngine918 complaintscomplaints:ENGINE

    IN 2022 THE ENGINE WAS REPLACED (DUE TO A FORD DEFEC CALLED COOLANT INTRUTION) THE MILAGE WAS 49000. THE MILAGE IS NOW 78825 AND THAT ENGINE IS FAILING DUE TO COOLANT INTRUCTION. AS A SINGLE GRANDPARENT I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO FORK OUT $11000 DOLLARS FOR A NEW ENGINE IF ITS STILL A FORD DEFECT

  • Complaint clusterEngine and engine cooling323 complaintscomplaints:ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

    The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start immediately but started after several attempts. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic, where diagnostic tests were performed, but no failure was found. While driving 10–15 minutes later at approximat

  • Complaint clusterPowertrain258 complaintscomplaints:POWER TRAIN

    Transmission spudder when accelerates only at 75K miles

  • Complaint clusterUnknown or other77 complaintscomplaints:UNKNOWN OR OTHER

    My sunroof spontaneously exploded while driving. It made a very loud noise, at first I thought a tire blew, but the tire light didn't come on. I could hear like a whistling coming from the top of the car and thought it must be the sunroof. It only cracked at that point, but lots of cracks. We were a

  • Complaint clusterElectrical41 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

    My car shifts into gears when in drive and I am breaking, it has locked in park, or drive, my car without emergency break has rolled down my driveway while off and in park. My local dealership claims they don’t have parts for it and I’m stuck paying on a car I don’t feel safe in. They sold it to me

2017

  • RecallElectrical: software; visibility: power window devices and controls16V617000

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2017 Ford Escape Titanium and SE vehicles manufactured October 5, 2015, to May 12, 2016. The settings for the closing-force of the power-operated windows may allow the windows to close on an object such as a body part and injure it before th

  • RecallPowertrain: automatic transmission: gear position indication (prndl); power train: shift linkage/cable/rod22V413000

    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.

  • RecallEquipment: electrical: engine block heater26V011000

    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.

  • RecallVisibility: power window devices and controls26V374000

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017 Escape vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 16V617. The power-operated windows may exert excessive force when encountering an object, before they automatically reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the require

  • Complaint clusterEngine1219 complaintscomplaints:ENGINE

    Head gasket and coolant intrusion issue, requiring complete replacement of engine costing over 7,000.00

  • Complaint clusterEngine and engine cooling475 complaintscomplaints:ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

    The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that during the initial start-up, the vehicle would sputter. The Check Engine Light illuminated. While driving at approximately 45 - 50 MPH, the vehicle displayed the message, "High Heat,' meaning that the engine was overheating. The contact h

  • Complaint clusterPowertrain375 complaintscomplaints:POWER TRAIN

    Vehicle just hit 70k miles, started abruptly shaking between 30 and 50 mph. Torque converter is needing replaced. PCV hose has cracked and needs replaced. COOLANT DISAPPEARING DUE TO INTRUSION LEAK. Extremely costly repairs for a vehicle that isn't even close to 100k miles. Engine overheating on hig

  • Complaint clusterElectrical124 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

    The customer may notice coolant spots on the driveway or garage floor, a loss of cabin heat, powertrain unit overheating, or a warning indicator for a low coolant level. Additionally, the condition can cause heat damage to the block heater electrical wiring and connector and the customer may notice

  • Complaint clusterUnknown or other116 complaintscomplaints:UNKNOWN OR OTHER

    I have had to repair the transmission twice. Recently the coolant intrusion has forced me to not have a car with engine failure. Mechanic confirmed gasket was blown.The car did not give a low coolant warning, but only an overheating warning, which I immediately called AAA. This car has been well tak

2016

  • RecallAirbags: knee bolster17V398000

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016 Ford Escape vehicles. The driver's knee airbag modules installed in these vehicles were produced without the inflator gas generant material, and, as a result, the air bags may not inflate properly in the event of a crash. As such, these vehicles

  • RecallPowertrain: automatic transmission: gear position indication (prndl); power train: shift linkage/cable/rod22V413000

    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.

  • RecallBack over prevention: sensing system: camera25V695000

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Flex, 2015 Explorer, Lincoln MKT, Lincoln MKZ, 2015-2016 C-Max, Escape, Taurus, 2016 Fusion, 2018-2019 Taurus, 2019 Lincoln MKT, Fiesta, and 2020 Mustang vehicles. The rearview camera may display a distorted, intermittent, or blank image wh

  • RecallEquipment: electrical: engine block heater26V011000

    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.

  • Complaint clusterPowertrain316 complaintscomplaints:POWER TRAIN

    On July 7, 2026, at approximately 113,080 miles, my 2016 Ford Escape displayed a “Transmission Fault – Service Now” warning. The exact failed component is currently UNKNOWN, but the issue appears to involve the transmission/powertrain and possibly an electrical fault. While driving, I experienced ab

  • Complaint clusterBack over prevention173 complaintscomplaints:BACK OVER PREVENTION

    Unknown I received a safety recall letter in October 2025 concerning my back up camera. I have reached out to Ford multiple times and I’m always told there isn’t a part or solution to correct or replace the camera. I have small children and grandchildren and always fear of them or something behind m

  • Complaint clusterUnknown or other122 complaintscomplaints:UNKNOWN OR OTHER

    I am submitting a formal vehicle-safety complaint regarding my 2016 Ford Escape. My vehicle is included in NHTSA Safety Recall 25V695 / Ford Campaign 25SA9 concerning a rearview camera that may display a blank, distorted, or intermittent image while the vehicle is in reverse. My vehicle is experienc

  • Complaint clusterEngine120 complaintscomplaints:ENGINE

    Bought car in 2023, one year later engine failure due to overheating from head gasket issue widespread with this vehicle. Replaced engine, and two years later facing identical issue with another engine failure. Unidentifiable coolant leak led to low oil pressure and car shaking on the highway. Will

  • Complaint clusterElectrical81 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

    The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while in reverse(R) on several occasions, the rear-view camera went black and fa

2015

  • RecallElectrical: instrument cluster/panel15V406000

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Ford Escape vehicles manufactured May 19, 2014, to February 6, 2015, and Transit Connect vehicles manufactured May 11, 2014, to July 2, 2015. Due to a software incompatibility issue, the instrument panel cluster be inoperative incl

  • RecallElectrical: ignition15V436000

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2015 Ford Escape vehicles manufactured April 1, 2014, to June 12, 2015, Ford Focus vehicles manufactured June 17, 2014, to June 12, 2015, and Ford C-Max vehicles manufactured April 22, 2014, to June 12, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the en

  • RecallLatches/locks/linkages: doors: LATCH16V643000

    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

  • RecallSeat belts; seats17V472000

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014 Ford F-150 and E-350, 2014-2015 Ford Escape, and 2015 Lincoln MKC vehicles. Improperly manufactured bolts may have been used to install certain seats, seatbacks, seatbelt buckles, or seatbelt anchors on these vehicles.

  • RecallLatches/locks/linkages: doors: LATCH20V331000

    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

  • RecallPowertrain: automatic transmission: gear position indication (prndl); power train: shift linkage/cable/rod22V254000

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015 Escape vehicles equipped with 2.0L engines. The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.

  • RecallPowertrain: automatic transmission: gear position indication (prndl); power train: shift linkage/cable/rod22V413000

    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.

  • RecallBack over prevention: sensing system: camera25V695000

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Flex, 2015 Explorer, Lincoln MKT, Lincoln MKZ, 2015-2016 C-Max, Escape, Taurus, 2016 Fusion, 2018-2019 Taurus, 2019 Lincoln MKT, Fiesta, and 2020 Mustang vehicles. The rearview camera may display a distorted, intermittent, or blank image wh

  • RecallEquipment: electrical: engine block heater26V011000

    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.

  • Complaint clusterPowertrain273 complaintscomplaints:POWER TRAIN

    The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed with the transmission shifting from second to third gear, the vehicle was jerking, and the vehicle became inoperable. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, and the contact was informed that

  • Complaint clusterEngine147 complaintscomplaints:ENGINE

    Engine cylinder head. Coolant is leaking into the engine cylinder(s) (coolant intrusion). Vehicle is available for inspection upon request. I was driving to DCA and while on [XXX] on the highway my engine totally overheated requiring I drift into an isolated parking area near east potomac park. I c

  • Complaint clusterBack over prevention123 complaintscomplaints:BACK OVER PREVENTION

    The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that on several occasions while in reverse(R), the back-over prevention screen was black. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired; however, the cont

  • Complaint clusterElectrical115 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

    The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start as intended. The contact stated that the battery was drained. The dealer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however,

  • Complaint clusterUnknown or other112 complaintscomplaints:UNKNOWN OR OTHER

    Backup camera malfunction recall. Parts still not available after almost a year. Repair is taking too long. I need my backup camera.

Cost to own$19,700 / 5 yr

MSRP, new

$23,500–$34,000

Estimated used price, by model year

2019$16,800–$19,700
2018$14,400–$16,900
2017$12,300–$14,400
2016$10,400–$12,200
2015$8,700–$10,200

$2,600/yr

EPA estimate, combined fuel cost per year.

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Specs
MSRPNew $23,500–$34,000
Efficiency26 MPG
Seats5
DrivetrainAWD
PowertrainGas

City MPG

23

Highway MPG

31

Combined MPG

26

Horsepower

168 hp

Doors

4

Length

178.7 in

Width

72.4 in

Height

66.1 in

Wheelbase

105.9 in

Curb weight

3,677 lb

Cargo volume

34.3 cu ft

Cargo (seats folded)

68.1 cu ft

Towing capacity

1,500 lbs

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