About this problem
Engine fires usually start when fuel or oil leaks onto a hot exhaust part, or when an electrical part overheats. On some engines, a cracked cylinder head, a failing fuel line or an engine failure that throws oil can all lead to fire. Warning signs include a burning smell, smoke from under the hood and fluid leaks. Several of these cars have fire-related recalls.
Across all owner complaints filed about the Ford Escape since 2012, 727 (4.6%) describe engine fires, the second most reported problem we track on the Escape. The reports cluster on the 2013, 2017 and 2018 model years, and the 2017 drew the most, with 208. It tends to show up in the middle years of ownership: half of the owners who gave a mileage were between 52,000 and 102,000 miles. 109 reports describe a crash or fire linked to it. 7 recalls are related to it, and recall repairs are free at any dealer.
What owners report
Escape owners report engine fires and smoke from under the hood, and Ford issued several recalls for fire risks on these years. On 2013 models the 1.6-liter turbo engine could overheat, and later years had recalls involving oil leaks and cracked cylinder heads. The 2013, 2017 and 2018 model years drew the most reports.
How it gets fixed
Check the VIN for open fire-related recalls; recall repairs are free. If you smell burning oil or coolant, have the car inspected before driving it further.
Typical cost: Recall repairs are free. Repairs after a fire are often more than the car is worth.
Complaints by model year
In owners' words
"My 2013 Ford Escape, 1.6 liter engine, had 3 recalls, (two were engine fire related). All 3 recall repairs were done by the local Ford dealer, salem, va. We picked vehicle up after third recall work had been done on 9/17/12."
2013 Ford Escape, 1,725 miles
"After several months of engine backfires, rough starts and idling and check engine lights they are finally replacing my engine due to issues with coolant getting into the engine."
2018 Ford Escape, 29,850 miles
"Recurring issue with the same ignition coil/spark plug complex where the engine will misfire on a cold start. I have replaced the ignition coil 3 times and each time it fails within 3 weeks."
2017 Ford Escape, 65,000 miles
Excerpts from public owner complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, lightly trimmed.
Related recalls
This is an update to a recently announced recall.
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.
Ford is recalling certain model year 2013 Escape vehicles manufactured from October 5, 2011, through August 31, 2012, equipped with 1.6L engines.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape, 2021-2022 Lincoln Corsair, and 2022 Maverick vehicles equipped with 2.5L HEV or PHEV engines.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Escape, 2022-2023 Maverick, and 2021-2023 Corsair vehicles equipped with 2.5L HEV or PHEV engines.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Escape, 2021-2023 Corsair, and 2022-2023 Maverick vehicles equipped with 2.5L HEV or PHEV engines that were repaired incorrectly under recall 23V380.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Escape Hybrid vehicles.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. Check a specific car by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Service bulletins
Ford has sent dealers 18 bulletins that mention this problem on the Escape. A bulletin tells technicians how to fix a known fault. It is not a recall, so the repair is usually free only while the car is under warranty or covered by an extension.
2024 Escape and Bronco Sport vehicles equipped with 1.5L engines should add local fuel once the vehicle arrives at the dealership to reduce the risk of various engine performance concerns such as: rough operation, idle quality,...
2024 Escape/Bronco Sport vehicles equipped with 1.5L engines should not be taken out of transport mode before customer delivery to reduce the risk of various driving performance concerns such as: rough operation, idle quality, ...
Some 2023-2024 Escape/Corsair vehicles equipped with a 1.5L or 2.0L EcoBoost engine, 2024 Mustang vehicles equipped with a 2.3L EcoBoost engine, and 2024 Nautilus vehicles may exhibit an engine misfire condition with diagnostic...
Some 2023-2025 Escape/Corsair vehicles equipped with a 1.5L or 2.0L EcoBoost engine, 2024 Mustang vehicles equipped with a 2.3L EcoBoost engine, 2024-2025 Nautilus, and 2025 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 2.3L EcoBoost engin...
Some 2023-2025 Escape vehicles equipped with a 1.5L/2.0L EcoBoost engine, 2023-2025 Corsair vehicles equipped with a 2.0L EcoBoost engine, 2024-2025 Nautilus vehicles equipped with a 2.0L EcoBoost engine, 2024-2025 Mustang vehi...
Quality improvements include: -Addresses a potential Malfunction Indicator Lamp caused by two Diagnostic Trouble Codes triggered by a random engine misfire in the first thousand revolutions of vehicle start
Government investigations
Recall query RQ24008 · 2022 · opened Apr 2024, closed Oct 2025
Before you buy a Escape
- Check by VIN for open recalls before buying.
- Look under the hood for oil or coolant residue around the turbo and exhaust.
- Avoid cars with burning smells or smoke after a drive.
Questions
Which Ford Escape years have engine fires?
Complaints are highest for the 2013, 2017, 2018 model years. The 2017 drew the most, with 208 reports.
At what mileage does it usually start?
Among owners who gave a mileage, the middle figure was about 80,000 miles, and half reported it between 52,000 and 102,000 miles.
How much does it cost to fix?
Recall repairs are free. Repairs after a fire are often more than the car is worth.