Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2013 Ford Escape
The 2013 Ford Escape faces significant challenges as a used vehicle, with a high number of recalls and complaints. Most concerns involve the engine, transmission, and electrical systems, suggesting potential costly repairs. Limited evidence on less common issues requires basic awareness but doesn't signal severe risk.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2013 Ford Escape has 18 NHTSA recall campaigns and 2,752 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
NCAP overall rating: 4.0 out of 5 stars, averaged across 2 NHTSA-tested trims.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #26V011000 Engine Block Heater May Short Circuit and Cause Fire NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #22V413000 Unintentional Rollaway Due to Detached Shift Cable NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #20V331000 Doors May Open While Driving NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #18V471000 Unintentional Rollaway Due to Detached Shift Cable NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #16V643000 Doors may Unexpectedly Open NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #15V813000 Engine Wiring Splices may cause Stall NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #14V597000 Air Bags may not Deploy as Intended NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #14V495000 Engine Wiring Splices may cause Stall NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #14V239000 Doors may Open while Driving NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #14V237000 Side-Curtain Rollover Air Bag Deployment Delay NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #14V164000 Welds on Seat Assemblies may Fail/FMVSS 207 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #13V584000 Engine Compartment Fuel Line May Leak NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #13V583000 Engine Overheating may result in Fire NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #13V085000 Driver Side Child Lock may not Function NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #12V551000 Overheat may cause Fluid Leaks Resulting in Fire NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #12V431000 Cup (Freeze) Plug Dislodging NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #12V336000 ENGINE COMPARTMENT FUEL LINE NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #12V319000 PEDAL PACKAGE CLEARANCE VARIATION NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Engine 1,265 complaints
- Power Train 401 complaints
- Electrical System 339 complaints
- Steering 303 complaints
- Unknown or Other 301 complaints
- Fuel/Propulsion System 247 complaints
Of the 2,752 complaints on file, 49 report a crash and 91 a fire; across all 2,752 complaints, owners report 54 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Cylinder head overheating
How to check: Inspect for signs of overheating or oil leaks.
Shifter cable detachment
How to check: Check for proper gear engagement and smooth shifts.
Engine block heater short
How to check: If equipped, inspect block heater and check for leaks.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for unusual engine noises or knocking.
Red flag: Loud knocking sounds.
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Check for excessive vibration or rough idle.
Red flag: Rough idling or vibrations.
- 03
City driving
What to check: Monitor gear shifts for smoothness and accuracy.
Red flag: Harsh or delayed shifts.
- 04
Highway entry
What to check: Ensure engine accelerates smoothly without hesitation.
Red flag: Hesitation or power loss.
- 05
Cornering
What to check: Note any unusual steering feedback or noise.
Red flag: Steering noises or looseness.
- 06
Parking
What to check: Verify ease of shifting into Park and locking.
Red flag: Gear doesn't lock securely.
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the engine ever overheated?
- Were all recall repairs completed?
- Have there been transmission issues?
- Is the block heater functioning?
- Any history of electrical problems?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Recall repair documentation
- Service records
- Title and registration
- Vehicle history report
- Emission test results
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2013 Ford Escape at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2013 Ford Escape? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.