One of the most complained-about SUVs of its time
The 2013 Escape drew more than 2,700 complaints, many about coolant leaks and engine overheating that in some cases led to fires. It has a long list of recalls. Unless every recall is done and the price is very low, look elsewhere.
Updated November 2026 · based on 2,757 owner complaints and 18 recalls
931 1.7x the Escape average
18 free to fix at a dealer
Every Escape year compared
Owner complaints per 100,000 cars sold. Lower is better. The newest years have had less time to collect complaints, so they are marked too new to judge.
Known problems on the 2013 Escape
Top problems and what they cost
Coolant leaks and overheating
The 1.6L EcoBoost can leak coolant and overheat, cracking the cylinder head. Several recalls address overheating and fire risk.
Fix: Recall work free; a cylinder head or engine $3,000 to $6,000.
Engine
Engine power reduced warning
The car drops into reduced power mode in traffic.
Fix: Diagnosis $100 to $200; throttle body $300 to $600.
Electrical
Transmission rumble and shift faults
Rough shifting and a recall (18V471) for the shifter cable bushing that can let the car roll away.
Fix: Shifter recall free; transmission repair $1,500 to $3,500.
Transmission
Recalls
If the vehicle is exited without the transmission being in Park and without the parking brake being applied, the vehicle may unexpectedly move, increasing th...
A door that opens unexpectedly may result in an unrestrained occupant falling from the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury.
The incorrect signals could cause the vehicle to hesitate or the engine to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
The short circuits could cause the frontal air bags, side curtain air bags and the seat belt pretensioners to not function as intended when needed, increasin...
If the side-curtain rollover air bag is delayed in deploying in certain rollover circumstances, the risk of injury to the passengers is increased.
Show all 18 recalls
The incorrect signals could cause the vehicle to hesitate or the engine to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The back of the subject seats may become loose or lean while driving and potentially increase the risk of injury in certain crashes.
If flammable engine fluids come in contact with the vehicles hot exhaust system, a vehicle fire could occur.
THE REDUCED CLEARANCE MAY RESULT IN THE DRIVER?S FOOT CONTACTING THE SIDE OF THE BRAKE PEDAL WHILE TRANSFERRING THE FOOT FROM THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL TO THE BR...
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
Leaking engine oil may come into contact with a hot engine surface potentially resulting in an engine compartment fire.
The operator may incorrectly believe the child lock is engaged.
If this leak occurs in the presence of an ignition source, there is an increased risk of a fire and/or personal injury.
As leaking engine coolant evaporates on the hot engine, the glycol may ignite causing an engine compartment fire.
A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, and cause the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction.
An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Complaints by part
Before you buy a 2013 Ford Escape
- Enter the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and confirm every recall shows as repaired. There are many.A recall is a safety fix the carmaker must do for free, even for later owners. Typing the 17-character VIN (on the dashboard and driver door) into nhtsa.gov/recalls shows any that were never done. Codes like 18V332 are recall numbers.The 2013 Escape has 18 recalls on record, listed below.
- Check the coolant reservoir level and look for coolant residue in the engine bay.Coolant keeps the engine from overheating. A dropping level, drips, white smoke or residue can mean leaks or a failing head gasket, which can ruin the engine.Owners filed 867 complaints about coolant leak and engine overheating on the 2013 Escape, one of the worst years for it.
- Watch the temperature gauge during a 20-minute drive.Coolant keeps the engine from overheating. A dropping level, drips, white smoke or residue can mean leaks or a failing head gasket, which can ruin the engine.Owners filed 867 complaints about coolant leak and engine overheating on the 2013 Escape, one of the worst years for it.
- Put it in Park on a slope and check it holds.This checks the shifter and parking lock. On some models a faulty switch shows "Shift to Park" or the car can roll if Park does not fully engage.402 of the 2,757 owner complaints about the 2013 Escape involve the shifter and transmission (15%).
Questions
Is the 2013 Ford Escape reliable?
One of the most complained-about SUVs of its time. The 2013 Escape drew more than 2,700 complaints, many about coolant leaks and engine overheating that in some cases led to fires. It has a long list of recalls. Unless every recall is done and the price is very low, look elsewhere.
How many recalls does the 2013 Ford Escape have?
18 recalls. Recall repairs are free at any Ford dealer, even for later owners. Enter the VIN on the free government recall lookup to see which are still open on a specific car.
What are the most common 2013 Ford Escape problems?
Coolant leaks and overheating; Engine power reduced warning; Transmission rumble and shift faults.
Crash rating shown for the 2013 Ford Escape SUV 4x4. Repair costs are typical U.S. ranges for parts and labor, not quotes. How we score.