MYRModel Year Report

2013 Ford Escape

■ Significantly worse — known issue year
2013 Ford Escape
BUILT 2026-10-10

This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints
2,748
Recalls
18

Campaigns on file for 2013

Investigations
3

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Engine

46% of complaints

Complaints per year

2000: 5 complaints 2000 2001: 996 complaints 2002: 1,027 complaints 2003: 558 complaints 2004: 499 complaints 2004 2005: 1,394 complaints 2006: 464 complaints 2007: 254 complaints 2008: 1,974 complaints 2008 2009: 1,692 complaints 2010: 2,070 complaints 2011: 1,316 complaints 2012: 602 complaints 2013: 2,748 complaints 2013 2,748 2014: 2,086 complaints 2015: 1,083 complaints 2016: 1,116 complaints 2017: 2,688 complaints 2018: 1,806 complaints 2019: 590 complaints 2020: 1,600 complaints 2020 2021: 346 complaints 2022: 233 complaints 2023: 99 complaints 2024: 76 complaints 2024 2025: 25 complaints 2026: 3 complaints
2000: 5 complaints 2000 2001: 996 complaints 2002: 1,027 complaints 2002 2003: 558 complaints 2004: 499 complaints 2004 2005: 1,394 complaints 2006: 464 complaints 2006 2007: 254 complaints 2008: 1,974 complaints 2008 2009: 1,692 complaints 2010: 2,070 complaints 2010 2011: 1,316 complaints 2012: 602 complaints 2013: 2,748 complaints 2013 2,748 2014: 2,086 complaints 2015: 1,083 complaints 2016: 1,116 complaints 2016 2017: 2,688 complaints 2018: 1,806 complaints 2018 2019: 590 complaints 2020: 1,600 complaints 2020 2021: 346 complaints 2022: 233 complaints 2022 2023: 99 complaints 2024: 76 complaints 2024 2025: 25 complaints 2026: 3 complaints 2026
2000: 5 complaints 2000 2001: 996 complaints 2002: 1,027 complaints 2002 2003: 558 complaints 2004: 499 complaints 2004 2005: 1,394 complaints 2006: 464 complaints 2006 2007: 254 complaints 2008: 1,974 complaints 2008 2009: 1,692 complaints 2010: 2,070 complaints 2010 2011: 1,316 complaints 2012: 602 complaints 2012 2013: 2,748 complaints 2013 2,748 2014: 2,086 complaints 2014 2015: 1,083 complaints 2016: 1,116 complaints 2016 2017: 2,688 complaints 2018: 1,806 complaints 2018 2019: 590 complaints 2020: 1,600 complaints 2020 2021: 346 complaints 2022: 233 complaints 2022 2023: 99 complaints 2024: 76 complaints 2024 2025: 25 complaints 2026: 3 complaints 2026

2013: 2,748 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
20005
2001996
20021,027
2003558
2004499
20051,394
2006464
2007254
20081,974
20091,692
20102,070
20111,316
2012602
20132,748
20142,086
20151,083
20161,116
20172,688
20181,806
2019590
20201,600
2021346
2022233
202399
202476
202525
20263

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Engine

46% · 1,265 reports
CRASHFIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Car caught fire in engine, near transmission

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-30

On 03-17-24 My daughter was driving a few miles away from home, when the dashboard system states "High engine temperature, pull over safely." Within 30 seconds of pulling off the road, the flames came out near the windshield from under the hood.

NHTSA ODI report, 2024-03-17

Fire started in engine from oil leak in cylinder head on Saturday, 9/9/23 at approximately 1:15 pm. Car had been running for around 2 hours with no signs or indication of malfunction. Driver pulled car over after entering Mt.

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-09-13

Also filed under Fuel/propulsion system

Power train

15% · 402 reports

Most commonly citing floor shift and automatic transmission.

CRASHFIREINJURY

Electrical system

12% · 340 reports

Most commonly citing wiring and 12v/24v/48v battery.

CRASHFIREINJURY

Steering

11% · 304 reports

Most commonly citing rack and pinion and power steering fluid.

CRASHINJURY

Fuel/propulsion system

9% · 247 reports
CRASHFIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

My car caught on fire November 12TH 2017.

NHTSA ODI report, 2017-12-13

Safety timeline

18 recalls · 3 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    2012-07-20Service brakes, hydraulic, structure12V319000 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…

    Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will remove the carpet padding and left-side console trim panel replaced with a new panel, free of charge. The recall began on July 20, 2012. Owners may contact…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. R
    2012-08-10Fuel system, gasoline12V336000 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…

    Remedy: 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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. R
    2012-09-11Engine and engine cooling12V431000 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…

    Remedy: 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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  4. R
    2012-12-07Engine and engine cooling12V551000 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…

    Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine for coolant system leaks and reprogram the vehicle’s powertrain control module and instrument cluster with an updated calibration and…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  5. ▮
    2013Complaint volume 2,748 complaints filed for this model year.
  6. R
    2013-03-27Latches/locks/linkages13V085000 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…

    Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the affected rear door latches, and replace them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on March 27, 2013. Owners may contact Ford Motor…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  7. R
    2014-04-09Fuel system, gasoline13V584000 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…

    Remedy: 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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  8. R
    2014-04-09Engine13V583000 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…

    Remedy: 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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  9. R
    2014-05-30Air bags14V237000 Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 C-MAX, and Escape vehicles.

    Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the RCM, free of charge. The recall began on May 30, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14S04.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  10. R
    2014-05-30Structure14V239000 Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Escape vehicles manufactured October 5, 2011, through April 10, 2014.

    Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and correct the mounting of the door handles, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on May 30, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-800-392-3673.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  11. R
    2014-05-30Seats14V164000 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...

    Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seatback, free of charge. The recall began on May 30, 2014. Owners may contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14C03.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  12. R
    2014-10-06Electrical system14V495000 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...

    Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the current crimped splices with new splices, free of charge. The recall began in October 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14S17.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  13. R
    2015-05-26Air bags, seat belts14V597000 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...

    Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the RCM, free of charge. Parts are not currently available. The recall began on May 26,2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 14S21.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  14. R
    2016-01-07Electrical system15V813000 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.

    Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the current crimped splices with new splices, free of charge. The recall began on January 7, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service 1-866-436-7332.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  15. I
    2016-01-16Preliminary evaluationClosed 2016-10-29 Door Latch Failure
  16. R
    2017-01-27Latches/locks/linkages16V643000 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.

    Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the door latches with an improved part, free of charge. The recall began on January 27, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S30.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  17. I
    2018-07-16Preliminary evaluationClosed 2024-12-27 Loss of Motive Power
  18. R
    2018-09-20Power train18V471000 Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2014 Ford Escape, and 2013-2016 Ford Fusion vehicles, equipped with six-speed automatic transmissions.

    Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the shifter cable bushing, free of charge. The recall began September 20, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S20.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  19. I
    2019-12-19Recall queryClosed 2022-02-07 Door Latch Failures
  20. R
    2020-07-27Latches/locks/linkages20V331000 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.

    Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the latch date codes to confirm if the repair was done correctly, and replace the side door latches if necessary, free of charge.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  21. R
    2022-10-27Power train22V413000 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.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the under hood shift bushing and add a protective cap over the shift cable bushing, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 1, 2022.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  22. R
    Date not on fileEquipment26V011000 Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Focus, 2013-2019 Escape, and 2015-2016 MKC vehicles equipped with a 2.0L engine.

    Remedy: Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2013 Ford Escape — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Engine: 1,265 reports on file for this year.
  • Power train: 402 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 340 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 26V011000 · Equipment
  • Recall 12V319000 · Service brakes, hydraulic, structure
  • Recall 12V336000 · Fuel system, gasoline
  • Recall 12V431000 · Engine and engine cooling
  • Recall 12V551000 · Engine and engine cooling
  • Recall 13V085000 · Latches/locks/linkages
  • Recall 13V584000 · Fuel system, gasoline
  • Recall 13V583000 · Engine
  • Recall 14V237000 · Air bags
  • Recall 14V239000 · Structure
  • Recall 14V164000 · Seats
  • Recall 14V495000 · Electrical system
  • Recall 14V597000 · Air bags, seat belts
  • Recall 15V813000 · Electrical system
  • Recall 16V643000 · Latches/locks/linkages
  • Recall 18V471000 · Power train
  • Recall 20V331000 · Latches/locks/linkages
  • Recall 22V413000 · Power train
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2013 Ford Escape reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2013 Ford Escape is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Ford Escape?
The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 46% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2013 Ford Escape have?
18 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.