With a little foresight, you can avoid most common Ford Escape used issues! While these compact crossovers SUV’s known problems vary quite a bit from model year to model year, there isn’t much we haven’t seen. Our used buying guide helps you keep an eye peeled for the usual suspects.
Key Takeaways
- Even the used Escape’s most common issues — from coolant leaks to engine troubles — vary from model year to model year.
- Recalls resolved many of the Escape’s known issues. Make sure your used Escape has any necessary recall-related repairs!
- At Brighton Ford, we take special care to only sell the highest quality pre-owned vehicles on our lot, including used Ford Escapes.
Notable Ford Escape Issues
The Ford Escape has changed a lot over the years, so it’s important to keep in mind that its known issues aren’t all-encompassing. That’s why we’ve not only described the Escape’s frequent problems, but also the model years involved.
Coolant Leaks into the EcoBoost Engine
Third-generation Escapes equipped with a four-cylinder EcoBoost engine were known to have some problematic coolant leaks. Some of the worst issues allowed coolant to actually leak into the engine cylinders, which could lead to catastrophic engine failure or fire. If you notice your 2013-2019 is losing coolant, don’t wait to get the issue checked out! We recommend peeking into your used Escape’s coolant reservoir on a regular basis, that way you’ll be quick to notice even a slow leak.
Defective ETB Puts Engine into “Limp Home" Mode
Your used Escape is supposed to go into “limp home” mode — a kind of safe mode for your engine — when a major problem is detected. But for some 2013 Ford Escapes, a faulty electronic throttle body (ETB) was putting the engine in “limp home” mode for no apparent reason. Although Ford never issued a recall for this problem, it did launch a customer satisfaction program that includes a one-time ETB repair (within 10 years or 150,000 miles from the Escape’s warranty start date).
Electronic Power-Assisted Steering System Failure
In some third-generation Escapes, the electronic power-assisted steering system could suddenly lose power, leaving drivers without power steering. And without power steering, the Escape can be difficult to handle at low speeds. Although Ford addressed the problem with a recall for 2008-2011 Escapes, the same issue has also been reported in some 2012 Escapes.
Check Your Escape’s Recalls
Recalls have fixed many of the Escape’s known issues! Because the costs of these repairs are covered by Ford, getting them is as simple as bringing your crossover to your local Ford dealership. Before you commit to buying any used Ford Escape, punch the model’s VIN into the NHTSA’s recall checker. It’ll tell you whether one of these compact SUVs has outstanding recall repairs! We’ve listed a few recent Escape recalls here to help underscore the importance of taking timely action.
High-Voltage Battery May Short-Circuit
Some 2020-2024 Escapes were recalled because their batteries may short-circuit. At its worst, a short-circuiting battery could result in loss of motive power, leaving your Escape without a way to move forward in traffic (and putting you at greater risk of a crash).
Potential Oil Leak & Engine Fire Hazard
Some 2013 Escape models equipped with the 1.6-liter engine were recalled due to a potential fire hazard. Due to localized overheating, cylinder heads could crack and leak oil, putting a flammable substance too close to an ignition source for comfort.
Finding a Reliable Used Ford Escape
When you’re shopping for a used Ford Escape that can handle everything the Rockies can throw at it, we’re here to help. At Brighton Ford, we make sure every model we sell on our used lot is primed to deliver a reliable performance for years to come! We want our Colorado customers to leave happy, in an Escape that’s as comfy as it is sporty. See something in our inventory you like? Call or text us to schedule a test-drive!