Independent · Not affiliated with NHTSA or any automaker MethodologyData sourcesData refreshed Oct 6, 2026

2013 Ford Escape: Problems, Recalls and MPG

What this means

NHTSA lists 18 recall campaigns for the 2013 Ford Escape: four for the engine (filed 2012–2026), three for latches (filed 2013–2020), two for the powertrain (filed 2018 and 2022) and nine more for other parts. Owners have filed 2,750 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the engine and the power train. For comparison, owners filed 602 for the 2012 and 2,088 for the 2014 Escape. In NHTSA crash tests it earned 4 stars overall, with a 19.1% rollover risk.

Summary reviewed by Recalls & Safety Desk · Oct 6, 2026 How we write summaries Data: NHTSA, DOT, EPA · Refreshed Oct 6, 2026
Recalls 18campaigns 4 engine · 3 latch · 2 power train Source: NHTSA Complaints 2,750filed Owner reports, 2009–2018 shown Source: NHTSA ODI Crash tests 4★overall ★★★★☆ Frontal 4★ · Side 5★ · Rollover 4★ Source: NHTSA NCAP Fuel economy 26mpg combined $2,512/yr at this week's prices Source: EPA · EIA Specs 1.6 L 4-cyl· 6-speed automatic 5 engine and transmission configurations Source: NHTSA vPIC
Compare

Recalls (18)

NHTSA lists 18 recall campaigns for the 2013 Ford Escape. Check whether yours was repaired with NHTSA's free VIN lookup ↗

Only NHTSA and your automaker know whether your specific car was repaired. PlainVIN shows every recall campaign listed for a model year, with the official text and how many cars have been fixed so far.

Check on NHTSA ↗
Listed for 2013 Ford Escape. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 26V011000 Filed Jan 15, 2026

Engine Block Heater May Short Circuit and Cause Fire

Equipment · electrical · engine block heater
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
Repair progress not yet reported116,672 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 26V011000
Listed for 2013 Ford Escape. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 22V413000 Filed Jun 10, 2022

Unintentional Rollaway Due to Detached Shift Cable

Power train · automatic transmission · gear position indication (prndl)
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
70.3% repairedof 2,925,968 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 22V413000
Listed for 2013 Ford Escape. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 20V331000 Filed Jun 8, 2020

Doors May Open While Driving

Latches/locks/linkages · doors · latch
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
58.4% repairedof 2,147,323 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 20V331000
Listed for 2013 Ford Escape. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 18V471000 Filed Jul 16, 2018

Unintentional Rollaway Due to Detached Shift Cable

Power train · automatic transmission · lever and linkage · floor shift
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
67.3% repairedof 504,182 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 18V471000
Listed for 2013 Ford Escape. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 16V643000 Filed Sep 6, 2016

Doors may Unexpectedly Open

Latches/locks/linkages · doors · latch
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
61.8% repairedof 2,046,297 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 16V643000
Listed for 2013 Ford Escape. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 15V813000 Filed Dec 2, 2015

Engine Wiring Splices may cause Stall

Electrical system · wiring
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
83.5% repairedof 9,017 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 15V813000
Listed for 2013 Ford Escape. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 14V597000 Filed Sep 26, 2014

Air Bags may not Deploy as Intended

Air bags
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
54.3% repairedof 746,842 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 14V597000
Listed for 2013 Ford Escape. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 14V495000 Filed Aug 11, 2014

Engine Wiring Splices may cause Stall

Electrical system · wiring
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
84.7% repairedof 133,227 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 14V495000
Listed for 2013 Ford Escape. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 14V237000 Filed May 7, 2014

Side-Curtain Rollover Air Bag Deployment Delay

Air bags · frontal · sensor/control module-inactive
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
89.9% repairedof 594,785 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 14V237000
Listed for 2013 Ford Escape. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 14V239000 Filed May 7, 2014

Doors may Open while Driving

Structure · body · door
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
89.7% repairedof 581,986 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 14V239000
Listed for 2013 Ford Escape. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 14V164000 Filed Apr 2, 2014

Welds on Seat Assemblies may Fail/FMVSS 207

Seats · front assembly · recliner
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
77.2% repairedof 43,135 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 14V164000
Listed for 2013 Ford Escape. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 13V583000 Filed Nov 25, 2013

Engine Overheating may result in Fire

Engine
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
92.1% repairedof 139,917 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 13V583000
Listed for 2013 Ford Escape. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 13V584000 Filed Nov 25, 2013

Engine Compartment Fuel Line May Leak

Fuel system, gasoline · delivery · hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
68.9% repairedof 9,469 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 13V584000
Listed for 2013 Ford Escape. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 13V085000 Filed Mar 7, 2013

Driver Side Child Lock may not Function

Latches/locks/linkages
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
Repair progress not yet reported5,675 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 13V085000
Listed for 2013 Ford Escape. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 12V551000 Filed Dec 3, 2012

Overheat may cause Fluid Leaks Resulting in Fire

Engine and engine cooling
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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 vehicle’s 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 vehicle’s 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.
Repair progress not yet reported80,057 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 12V551000
Listed for 2013 Ford Escape. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 12V431000 Filed Sep 4, 2012

Cup (Freeze) Plug Dislodging

Engine and engine cooling
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
Repair progress not yet reported6,146 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 12V431000
Listed for 2013 Ford Escape. Not checked against your VIN.
NHTSA: Do not drive. NHTSA says owners should not drive these vehicles until the recall repair is done. What a Do Not Drive recall means
Recall 12V336000 Filed Jul 18, 2012

ENGINE COMPARTMENT FUEL LINE

Fuel system, gasoline · delivery · hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
Repair progress not yet reported9,320 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 12V336000
Listed for 2013 Ford Escape. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 12V319000 Filed Jul 6, 2012

PEDAL PACKAGE CLEARANCE VARIATION

Service brakes, hydraulic · pedals and linkages
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
Repair progress not yet reported8,266 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 12V319000

PlainVIN shows public government records for education. It isn't a vehicle inspection or legal advice. Check your own VIN with NHTSA or your dealer.

Which Escape years had the most recalls?Best & worst years →Every recall for the Ford EscapeAll model years →Where is the VIN on my car?VIN location guide →

Owner complaints (2,750)

2,750 complaints filed with NHTSA (owner reports, not verified findings). The engine is mentioned most often.

49involved a crash
90involved a fire
54injuries reported
0deaths reported

As reported by owners in their complaints. These are reports, not NHTSA findings.

Most-reported components

Complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2013 Ford Escape, by component (top 10). One complaint can list several components, so these add up to more than 2,750.Source: NHTSA ODI owner complaints · Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 · Report a data error

How 2013 compares with other Escape years

Best and worst Escape years →
1,693 2,070 1,316 602 2,750 2,088 1,106 1,139 2,692 1,807
2009201020112012201320142015201620172018
This year (2013)Other yearsStill collecting reports

Counts are owner reports, not failure rates. Higher sales years tend to draw more reports. Owners are still filing reports for recent model years, so these counts will grow. Source: NHTSA ODI, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Crash tests: 4 stars overall

Overall★★★★☆
Frontal crashDriver 4★ · Passenger 4★★★★★☆
Side crashDriver 5★ · Passenger 5★★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
RolloverRollover risk 19.1%★★★★☆
Front seat of a modern car with the seat belt buckled across the passenger seat
Compare fairly. Compare stars only between vehicles of similar size and weight. Ratings apply to the tested configuration.

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), 2013 Ford Escape suv 4x2, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Fuel economy: up to 26 mpg combined

26
mpg combined
23
city
32
highway
EPA annual fuel cost
$2,600
CO₂ tailpipe
342 g/mi
EPA class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle

What it costs you to run

$2,512per year
$209per month
577gallons a year

Miles ÷ 26 mpg × $4.354 (EIA US average regular, week of Oct 5, 2026, all taxes included). Source: EPA · EIA.

EPA label estimates from lab tests; your mileage will vary.

Specs by configuration

2013 Ford Escape configurations with EPA data
Engine · transmissionDriveCity / Hwy / CombEPA $/yrCO₂ g/mi
1.6 L 4-cyl · 6-speed automaticFront-Wheel Drive23 / 32 / 26$2,600342
2.5 L 4-cyl · 6-speed automaticFront-Wheel Drive22 / 30 / 25$2,700357
1.6 L 4-cyl · 6-speed automaticAll-Wheel Drive22 / 29 / 25$2,700356
2 L 4-cyl · 6-speed automaticFront-Wheel Drive22 / 29 / 24$2,800364
2 L 4-cyl · 6-speed automaticAll-Wheel Drive21 / 28 / 24$2,800378

Source: EPA fuel economy data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026. Configurations are listed when EPA and NHTSA records match.

Used blue SUV on a sunny dealer lot with its hood open and a clipboard on the fender

Looking at a 2013 Escape for sale?

Print a one-page buyer's checklist: each recall campaign with a box to tick when the seller shows proof of repair, the top complaint areas to inspect, crash stars, MPG, and a link back to this page.

All Escape years

Where to next

Which Escape years drew the fewest complaints?Best & worst years →2014 Ford Escape report2,088 complaints · 16 campaigns →2012 Ford Escape report602 complaints · 1 campaigns →Have a VIN? Decode itVIN decoder →

2013 Ford Escape FAQ

How many recalls does the 2013 Ford Escape have?

NHTSA lists 18 recall campaigns: 26V011000 (engine), 22V413000 (power train), 20V331000 (latch), 18V471000 (power train), 16V643000 (latch), 15V813000 (electrical), 14V597000 (air bag), 14V495000 (electrical), 14V237000 (air bag), 14V239000 (structure), 14V164000 (seat), 13V583000 (engine), 13V584000 (fuel system), 13V085000 (latch), 12V551000 (engine), 12V431000 (engine), 12V336000 (fuel system), 12V319000 (brake). Use NHTSA's VIN lookup to see whether a specific car was repaired.

What are the most common 2013 Ford Escape problems?

Owners filed 2,750 complaints with NHTSA. Engine (1,265), Power train (401), Electrical system (339) are mentioned most. These are owner reports, not verified findings.

What mpg does the 2013 Ford Escape get?

EPA rates the 1.6 L 4-cyl · 6-speed automatic version at 23 city, 32 highway and 26 combined mpg. Other configurations are listed in the fuel economy section.

What safety rating did the 2013 Ford Escape get?

NHTSA rated the 2013 Ford Escape suv 4x2 4 stars overall, with 4 stars frontal, 5 stars side and 4 stars rollover (19.1% rollover risk).

How does the 2013 Escape compare with other years?

Among the 2009–2018 Ford Escape model years at least five years old, the 2012 drew the fewest complaints (602) and the 2013 the most (2,750). The 2013 drew 2,750. Counts are owner reports, not failure rates.

How this page was madeSources, processing, limits, review and changes

Processing

  • Complaints are counted per component. One complaint can list several, so component totals add up to more than the total.
  • Fuel cost = miles per year ÷ EPA combined mpg × EIA weekly price for your region.

Limitations

  • Complaint counts are owner reports, not verified findings or failure rates. There is no sales denominator.
  • Recall campaigns are listed for the model year. Only NHTSA and the automaker know whether a specific car was repaired.
  • Recent model years are still collecting reports.

Review

Summary reviewed on Oct 6, 2026.

Changelog

  • 2026-10-06 Data refreshed from the official files.
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