The 2013 Escape marks Ford's first year of the third-generation platform with three EcoBoost engine options, and it's frankly a rough debut year — particularly the 1.6L EcoBoost which suffers catastrophic engine failures, and the 6F35 transmission which has chronic overheating and internal failure issues.
Symptoms: white smoke from exhaust, loss of coolant with no external leaks, rough idle and misfires, sudden engine seizure or knocking, milky oil on dipstick
Fix: Cylinder head cracks allow coolant into combustion chambers, hydro-locking cylinders and destroying pistons, rings, bearings. Most require complete short block or long block replacement — 18-24 labor hours for engine R&R plus machining if attempting head-only repair (rarely successful long-term).
Estimated cost: $5,500-9,000
6F35 Transmission Overheating and Internal Failure
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 60,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: harsh or delayed shifts, especially 2-3 and 4-5, shuddering during acceleration, transmission slipping or going into limp mode, burnt transmission fluid smell, metal shavings in pan during service
Fix: Undersized oil cooler leads to overheating; clutch packs and valve body wear prematurely. Cooler upgrade helps prevent but most need internal rebuild or reman unit — 12-16 hours labor. External cooler upgrade adds 2-3 hours but is mandatory to prevent repeat failure.
Estimated cost: $3,200-5,500
PTU (Power Transfer Unit) Fluid Leak and Failure
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 50,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: fluid leak from front axle area on AWD models, grinding or whining noise during turns, binding feeling in tight turns, AWD malfunction warning light
Fix: PTU seal leaks are common and if ignored, unit runs dry and destroys internal gears. Ford issued no service interval for PTU fluid which accelerates failure. Seal replacement is 3-4 hours; full PTU replacement is 5-7 hours. Preventive fluid changes every 30k mi help but many units already damaged.
Symptoms: door will not latch closed, door appears closed but opens while driving, door ajar warning with door closed, door will not open from inside or outside
Fix: Pawl spring tab in door latch mechanism fractures. Despite two recalls, many latches still fail post-repair. Each door latch is 1.5-2 hours labor. Check recall completion status before purchase — incomplete recalls mean free dealer fix.
Estimated cost: $250-400 per door (if not covered by recall)
Coolant Intrusion into Cylinder Head (All EcoBoost Engines)
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 70,000-130,000 mi
Symptoms: gradual coolant loss without visible leaks, white exhaust smoke on cold start, coolant smell from exhaust, overheating with full coolant, misfires on specific cylinders
Fix: Even 2.0L and 1.5L EcoBoost engines (though less than 1.6L) can develop head cracks or failed head gaskets allowing coolant intrusion. Cylinder head removal, resurfacing, and new gaskets — 10-14 hours. Pressure test cooling system frequently if buying used.
Estimated cost: $2,200-3,800
Fuel System Hose and Fitting Leaks (Recall 14S12)
Occasional · high severity
Symptoms: strong fuel smell, visible fuel dripping under vehicle, rough running or stalling, check engine light with fuel pressure codes
Fix: Fuel delivery pipes/hoses can crack or fittings fail causing fire risk. Recall addresses specific VINs but non-recalled vehicles can have same issue. Fuel system repairs typically 2-4 hours depending on location.
Estimated cost: $300-700 (covered if recall applies)
EVAP Purge Valve and Canister Failures
Occasional · low severity
Typical onset: 60,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: check engine light with P0455, P0456, P0457 EVAP leak codes, rough idle when refueling, fuel smell near rear of vehicle, difficulty filling gas tank (pump keeps clicking off)
Fix: Purge valve sticks or canister saturates. Purge valve is 0.8-1.2 hours; canister replacement is 1.5-2.5 hours. Diagnose with smoke test before throwing parts.
Symptoms: clunking over bumps, steering wander or looseness, uneven or rapid tire wear on inside edge, vibration through steering wheel
Fix: Lower control arm rear bushings tear or separate. Most shops replace entire control arm rather than press bushings — 2.5-3.5 hours for both sides including alignment.
Estimated cost: $550-850 (both sides with alignment)
Owner tips
Change PTU fluid every 30,000 mi on AWD models even though Ford says lifetime — it's not
If buying a 1.6L EcoBoost, avoid it entirely or budget for engine replacement; 2.0L is more reliable but still check for coolant intrusion signs
Install aftermarket transmission cooler immediately on any 6F35-equipped model and change fluid every 40,000 mi
Verify all door latch recalls completed and test every door latch thoroughly during pre-purchase inspection
Avoid first model year: 2014+ received running changes that improved (but didn't eliminate) many issues
Hard pass on 2013 models, especially 1.6L EcoBoost — catastrophic engine and transmission failures are too common and too expensive; if you must, budget $3,000-5,000 for inevitable major repairs within first year of ownership.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
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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.
Consequence: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
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. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed March 6, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S01. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on January 16, 2026.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL) · 22V413000
2022-06-10
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.
Consequence: 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. Additionally, the vehicle may roll after the driver selects the 'Park' position. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash or injury.
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. Remedy parts are expected to be available in 4th Quarter 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed October 27, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S43.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH · 20V331000
2020-06-08 · RQ19005
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 or 17V-210, however the repair may not have been completed properly. A component within the door latches may break making the doors difficult to latch and/or leading the driver or a passenger to believe a door is securely closed when, in fact, it is not.
Consequence: A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
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. Owners will also have the option to inspect their own vehicle's door latches and enter the date codes into a website to determine if the latches are correct. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 27, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S30.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:FLOOR SHIFT · 18V471000
2018-07-16
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2014 Ford Escape, and 2013-2016 Ford Fusion vehicles, equipped with six-speed automatic transmissions. The bushing that attaches the transmission shifter cable to the transmission may degrade over time and cause the bushing to detach from the transmission. The condition could allow the driver to move the shift lever to Park and remove the ignition key, while the transmission may not be in Park, with no warning message or audible chime.
Consequence: If the vehicle is exited without the transmission being in Park and without the parking brake being applied, the vehicle may unexpectedly move, increasing the risk of a crash.
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. Note: Owners are directed to use the parking brake until the recall remedy repairs can be made.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH · 16V643000
2016-09-06 · PE16001
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 driver or a passenger to believe a door is securely closed when, in fact, it is not.
Consequence: A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING · 15V813000
2015-12-02
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. Insufficient compression in the engine wiring harness splices to the Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) sensor may provide incorrect signals to the powertrain control module (PCM).
Consequence: The incorrect signals could cause the vehicle to hesitate or the engine to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
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. Ford's number for this recall is 14S17-S1.
AIR BAGS · 14V597000
2014-09-26
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 October 5, 2011, to November 1, 2013; and Lincoln MKZ vehicles manufactured April 25, 2012, to September 30, 2013. The coating on portions of the Restraint Control Module (RCM) may crack, and when exposed to humidity, circuits on the printed circuit board may short.
Consequence: 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, increasing the risk of occupant injury in the event of a crash.
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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING · 14V495000
2014-08-11
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 equipped with 2.0 liter engines. Insufficient compression in the engine wiring harness splices to the Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) sensor may provide incorrect signals to the powertrain control module (PCM).
Consequence: The incorrect signals could cause the vehicle to hesitate or the engine to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE · 14V237000
2014-05-07
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 C-MAX, and Escape vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the restraint control module (RCM) may have errors in the programming software which may result in a delayed deployment of the side-curtain rollover air bag.
Consequence: If the side-curtain rollover air bag is delayed in deploying in certain rollover circumstances, the risk of injury to the passengers is increased.
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.
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR · 14V239000
2014-05-07
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Escape vehicles manufactured October 5, 2011, through April 10, 2014. Due to an assembly misalignment between the exterior door handle and the door outer panel, the affected vehicles have doors that may be difficult to close or may possibly open while driving.
Consequence: A door that opens unexpectedly may result in an unrestrained occupant falling from the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury.
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. Ford's number for this recall is 14S03.
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER · 14V164000
2014-04-02
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 2013-2014 Ford C-Max vehicles manufactured from July 23, 2012, through May 28, 2013. The driver and passenger seatback assemblies may have been produced with sub-standard weld joints used to attach the seat back recliner mechanism to the seat frame. The affected seat backs may have insufficient strength to meet the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 207, "Seating Systems."
Consequence: The back of the subject seats may become loose or lean while driving and potentially increase the risk of injury in certain crashes.
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.
ENGINE · 13V583000
2013-11-25
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 experience localized overheating of the engine cylinder head which may cause cracks that could allow oil to leak.
Consequence: Leaking engine oil may come into contact with a hot engine surface potentially resulting in an engine compartment fire.
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 on April 9, 2014. Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's recall number is 13S12.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS · 13V584000
2013-11-25
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 recall NHTSA 12V-336. In some cases, the engine compartment fuel line may have been installed incorrectly when repaired under the prior recall. The misinstalled fuel line could chafe and eventually leak fuel.
Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
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 recall began on April 9, 2014. Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's recall number is 13S12.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES · 13V085000
2013-03-07
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, through November 21, 2012. The left rear door child lock was built incorrectly. As a result, the child lock may not engage when the operator uses normal force to activate the child lock.
Consequence: The operator may incorrectly believe the child lock is engaged. However, the door may be opened from the inside, increasing the risk of injury to an unrestrained child.
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 Company Customer Relationship Center at 1-866-436-7332.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING · 12V551000
2012-12-03
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, as well as certain model year 2013 Fusion vehicles manufactured from February 3, 2012, through November 29, 2012, equipped with 1.6L engines. Coolant system leaks may cause the engines to overheat and leak flammable engine fluids.
Consequence: If flammable engine fluids come in contact with the vehicles hot exhaust system, a vehicle fire could occur.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine for coolant system leaks and reprogram the vehicles powertrain control module and instrument cluster with an updated calibration and overheat strategy software. There will be no charge to owners for this service. Owners were recently notified to contact dealers to arrange for alternative transportation as Ford developed a remedy. Owners will be shortly receiving notifications to contact Ford dealers to schedule the free remedy repair. Owners may contact Ford Motor Company Customer Relationship Center at 1-866-436-7332.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING · 12V431000
2012-09-04
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 dislodged resulting in significant loss of engine coolant.
Consequence: As leaking engine coolant evaporates on the hot engine, the glycol may ignite causing an engine compartment fire.
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 1-866-436-7332.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS · 12V336000
2012-07-18
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 line which may split, resulting in a leak.
Consequence: If this leak occurs in the presence of an ignition source, there is an increased risk of a fire and/or personal injury.
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 needed. The dealer will replace the engine compartment fuel line, free charge. The recall began on August 10, 2012. Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES · 12V319000
2012-07-06
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 OUTBOARD OF THE INTENDED POSITION, REDUCING CLEARANCE RELATIVE TO THE PEDAL PACKAGE.
Consequence: 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 BRAKE PEDAL, INCREASING STOPPING DISTANCES AND THE RISK OF A CRASH.
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 FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.
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