NHTSA vehicle safety data

2013 Ford Escape Recalls, Ratings & Complaints

The 2013 Ford Escape has 18 NHTSA recall campaigns and 2,752 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Ford dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2013 Ford Escape, plus NCAP crash-test ratings. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

Pre-purchase inspection checklist → Reliability & 5-year cost forecast →

2013 Ford Escape owner complaints

Owners have filed 2,752 complaints with NHTSA about the 2013 Ford Escape, describing incidents dated February 10, 2012 to October 18, 2026.

Most-cited components

Engine 1,425 complaints
Power Train 401 complaints
Electrical System 339 complaints
Steering 303 complaints
Unknown or Other 301 complaints
Fuel/Propulsion System 287 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).

Newest complaints

ODI #11772762 · Filed October 21, 2026
The steering wheel assist failed when I turned the car on to leave work. I had to get it towed to a car repair shop and they told me the entire steering rack had to be replaced because the assist is built into the rack.
ODI #11772598 · Filed October 21, 2026
Difficulty switching from park to drive or reverse. then from reverse to drive
ODI #11772245 · Filed October 19, 2026
1.Engine 2.Fire 3.none 4.Police 5.No light or symptoms

Read all 2,752 complaints

Owner-reported

2013 Ford Escape mileage at failure

1,938 of the 2,752 complaints on file for the 2013 Ford Escape give the vehicle's mileage when the problem happened.

Mileage at failure by component, from owners' complaints to NHTSA
Component	Median	Middle half	Based on
Engine	Median 85,000 miles	Middle half 55,000–110,000 miles	Based on 1,055 complaints
Power Train	Median 90,000 miles	Middle half 60,000–125,000 miles	Based on 308 complaints
Electrical System	Median 65,000 miles	Middle half 40,000–100,000 miles	Based on 260 complaints
Steering	Median 90,000 miles	Middle half 60,000–110,000 miles	Based on 188 complaints
Fuel/Propulsion System	Median 80,000 miles	Middle half 60,000–115,000 miles	Based on 204 complaints

A component's median is its 50th percentile, and its middle half runs from its 25th to its 75th percentile.

Owners give the mileage themselves, often as a round number, and NHTSA doesn't check it. A complaint that names several components counts under each one, and mileages that can't be right, such as 999,999, or 50 miles on a five-year-old car, are left out.

These figures describe the complaints owners filed. They don't predict when a particular vehicle will have a problem, and vehicles that never had one aren't counted.

Most complaints NHTSA received since May 17, 2021 give no mileage. So that they aren't undercounted, each one received since then that gives a mileage also stands in for those that gave none, which can put a component's median above most of the mileages it is based on.

Mileage from NHTSA's complaints file of October 31, 2026. How these figures are worked out

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA's investigations file lists the 2013 Ford Escape in 3 investigations. A listed model year means only that an investigation names it; it says nothing about any particular vehicle. An open investigation is not a finding that a safety defect exists, and NHTSA can close one without a recall.

Preliminary Evaluation PE18-007: Loss of Motive Power
Closed December 27, 2024
Recall Query RQ19-005: Door Latch Failures
Closed February 7, 2022
- Recall 20V-177
- Recall 20V-331
Preliminary Evaluation PE16-001: Door Latch Failure
Closed October 29, 2016
- Recall 16V-643

Open and recently closed NHTSA defect investigations

Engine Block Heater May Short Circuit and Cause Fire

NHTSA #26V011000 · Equipment — Electrical — Engine Block Heater · NHTSA notice

Reported January 15, 2026 · Ford Motor Company

Potentially affected: 116,672 vehicles

Completion not yet reported (dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Ford campaign 26S01 · Vehicles built starting October 7, 2011 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.

Manufacturer 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.

Unintentional Rollaway Due to Detached Shift Cable

NHTSA #22V413000 · Power Train — Automatic Transmission — Gear Position Indication (PRNDL) · NHTSA notice

Reported June 10, 2022 · Ford Motor Company

Potentially affected: 2,925,968 vehicles

Repair completion: 73.12% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Ford campaign 22S43 · Owners notified October 27, 2022

Defect description

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.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Doors May Open While Driving

NHTSA #20V331000 · Latches/Locks/Linkages — Doors — Latch · NHTSA notice

Reported June 8, 2020 · Ford Motor Company

Potentially affected: 2,147,323 vehicles

Repair completion: 58.39% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Ford campaign 20S30 · Owners notified July 27, 2020 · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

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.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Unintentional Rollaway Due to Detached Shift Cable

NHTSA #18V471000 · Power Train — Automatic Transmission — Lever and Linkage — Floor Shift · NHTSA notice

Reported July 16, 2018 · Ford Motor Company

Potentially affected: 504,182 vehicles

Repair completion: 67.34% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Ford campaign 18S20 · Owners notified September 20, 2018 · Vehicles built May 15, 2013 – September 15, 2013 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Doors may Unexpectedly Open

NHTSA #16V643000 · Latches/Locks/Linkages — Doors — Latch · NHTSA notice

Reported September 6, 2016 · Ford Motor Company

Potentially affected: 2,046,297 vehicles

Repair completion: 61.83% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Ford campaign 16S30 · Owners notified January 27, 2017 · Vehicles built October 5, 2011 – January 31, 2015 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

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.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Engine Wiring Splices may cause Stall

NHTSA #15V813000 · Electrical System — Wiring · NHTSA notice

Reported December 2, 2015 · Ford Motor Company

Potentially affected: 9,017 vehicles

Repair completion: 83.54% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Ford campaign 14S17-S1 · Owners notified January 7, 2016 · Vehicles built January 11, 2012 – April 1, 2013 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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).

Safety consequence

The incorrect signals could cause the vehicle to hesitate or the engine to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Air Bags may not Deploy as Intended

NHTSA #14V597000 · Air Bags · NHTSA notice

Reported September 26, 2014 · Ford Motor Company

Potentially affected: 746,842 vehicles

Repair completion: 54.27% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Ford campaign 14S21 · Owners notified May 26, 2015 · Vehicles built October 5, 2011 – November 1, 2013 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Engine Wiring Splices may cause Stall

NHTSA #14V495000 · Electrical System — Wiring · NHTSA notice

Reported August 11, 2014 · Ford Motor Company

Potentially affected: 133,227 vehicles

Repair completion: 84.71% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Ford campaign 14S17 · Owners notified October 6, 2014 · Vehicles built October 2, 2011 – April 1, 2013 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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).

Safety consequence

The incorrect signals could cause the vehicle to hesitate or the engine to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Doors may Open while Driving

NHTSA #14V239000 · Structure — Body — Door · NHTSA notice

Reported May 7, 2014 · Ford Motor Company

Potentially affected: 581,986 vehicles

Repair completion: 89.66% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Ford campaign 14S03 · Owners notified May 30, 2014 · Vehicles built October 5, 2011 – April 10, 2014 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

A door that opens unexpectedly may result in an unrestrained occupant falling from the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Side-Curtain Rollover Air Bag Deployment Delay

NHTSA #14V237000 · Air Bags — Frontal — Sensor/Control Module-Inactive · NHTSA notice

Reported May 7, 2014 · Ford Motor Company

Potentially affected: 594,785 vehicles

Repair completion: 89.9% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Ford campaign 14S04 · Owners notified May 30, 2014 · Vehicles built October 5, 2011 – February 24, 2014 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Welds on Seat Assemblies may Fail/FMVSS 207

NHTSA #14V164000 · Seats — Front Assembly — Recliner · NHTSA notice

Reported April 2, 2014 · Ford Motor Company

Potentially affected: 43,135 vehicles

Repair completion: 77.19% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Ford campaign 14C03 · Owners notified May 30, 2014 · Vehicles built June 5, 2012 – August 12, 2013 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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."

Safety consequence

The back of the subject seats may become loose or lean while driving and potentially increase the risk of injury in certain crashes.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Engine Compartment Fuel Line May Leak

NHTSA #13V584000 · Fuel System, Gasoline — Delivery — Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings · NHTSA notice

Reported November 25, 2013 · Ford Motor Company

Potentially affected: 9,469 vehicles

Repair completion: 68.86% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Ford campaign 13S12 · Owners notified April 9, 2014 · Vehicles built October 5, 2011 – July 11, 2012 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

This recall is in addition to NHTSA recall 12V-336.All covered vehicles, regardless of being remedied under the earlier recall, require an inspection and a remedy for this campaign.Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Engine Overheating may result in Fire

NHTSA #13V583000 · Engine · NHTSA notice

Reported November 25, 2013 · Ford Motor Company

Potentially affected: 139,917 vehicles

Repair completion: 92.08% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Ford campaign 13S12 · Owners notified April 9, 2014 · Vehicles built October 5, 2011 – June 2, 2013 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

Leaking engine oil may come into contact with a hot engine surface potentially resulting in an engine compartment fire.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

For some of the vehicles included in this campaign, this recall is in addition to NHTSA recall 12V-551.All covered vehicles, regardless of being inspected and repaired under the earlier recall, require an inspection and a remedy for this campaign.Owners may contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Driver Side Child Lock may not Function

NHTSA #13V085000 · Latches/Locks/Linkages · NHTSA notice

Reported March 7, 2013 · Ford Motor Company

Potentially affected: 5,675 vehicles

Ford campaign 13S02 · Owners notified March 27, 2013 · Vehicles built November 14, 2012 – November 21, 2012 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Ford's recall campaign number is 13S02.Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Overheat may cause Fluid Leaks Resulting in Fire

NHTSA #12V551000 · Engine and Engine Cooling · NHTSA notice

Reported December 3, 2012 · Ford Motor Company

Potentially affected: 80,057 vehicles

Ford campaign 12S41 · Owners notified December 7, 2012 · Vehicles built October 5, 2011 – November 26, 2012 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

If flammable engine fluids come in contact with the vehicles hot exhaust system, a vehicle fire could occur.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Ford's recall campaign number is 12S41.Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Cup (Freeze) Plug Dislodging

NHTSA #12V431000 · Engine and Engine Cooling · NHTSA notice

Reported September 4, 2012 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Potentially affected: 6,146 vehicles

Ford campaign 12S39 · Owners notified September 11, 2012 · Vehicles built October 5, 2011 – August 31, 2012 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

As leaking engine coolant evaporates on the hot engine, the glycol may ignite causing an engine compartment fire.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Ford's recall campaign number is 12S39.Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

ENGINE COMPARTMENT FUEL LINE

NHTSA #12V336000 · Fuel System, Gasoline — Delivery — Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings · NHTSA notice

Reported July 18, 2012 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Potentially affected: 9,320 vehicles

Ford campaign 12S35 · Owners notified August 10, 2012

DO NOT DRIVE — this recall carries a "do not drive" advisory. Contact a Ford dealer immediately.

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

If this leak occurs in the presence of an ignition source, there is an increased risk of a fire and/or personal injury.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

This is Ford recall number 12S35.Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

PEDAL PACKAGE CLEARANCE VARIATION

NHTSA #12V319000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic — Pedals and Linkages · NHTSA notice

Reported July 6, 2012 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Potentially affected: 8,266 vehicles

Ford campaign 12S34 · Owners notified July 20, 2012 · Vehicles built March 8, 2012 – June 7, 2012 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

THE REDUCED CLEARANCE MAY RESULT IN THE DRIVERS 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.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

FORD'S RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER IS 12S34.CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

2013 Ford Escape SUV 4x2

out of 5

Overall Safety Rating

Frontal Crash

Driver: 4, Passenger: 4

Side Crash

Driver: 5, Passenger: 5

Side Pole

Rollover

19% rollover risk

Safety Technology

Electronic Stability Control

4 investigations

2013 Ford Escape SUV 4x4

out of 5

Overall Safety Rating

Frontal Crash

Driver: 4, Passenger: 4

Side Crash

Driver: 5, Passenger: 5

Side Pole

Rollover

19% rollover risk

Safety Technology

Electronic Stability Control

4 investigations

2,752 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2013 Ford Escape.

Steering

ODI #11772762

Incident: October 8, 2026 · Filed: October 21, 2026

The steering wheel assist failed when I turned the car on to leave work. I had to get it towed to a car repair shop and they told me the entire steering rack had to be replaced because the assist is built into the rack.

Unknown or Other

ODI #11772598

Incident: October 18, 2026 · Filed: October 21, 2026

Difficulty switching from park to drive or reverse. then from reverse to drive

Engine

ODI #11772245

Fire

Incident: October 18, 2026 · Filed: October 19, 2026

1.Engine 2.Fire 3.none 4.Police 5.No light or symptoms

Fuel/Propulsion System

ODI #11767334

Incident: September 25, 2026 · Filed: September 28, 2026

Performance issues after Eco boost icon stopped appearing on Dash, followed by a Check Engine Light that was intermittent for a few days. Vehicle would fail after ignition and would lose pressure and RPMs directly after fueling vehicle. Fuel Line clear would fix issue, Had repair shop check battery and alternator with no issue found. Days following would smell slight gasoline odor from exhaust while on, smell moved to Engine bay and became overpowering. Had a Technician check and confirmed both the Fuel Line had ruptured and was actively dripping into Engine Bay, as well as the EVAP Purge Line had become completely broken off of the manifold. No active Recalls for this Vehicle but reading recent Complaints about this exact issue for this exact model and make. Vehicle @ 70,100 miles only two owners previous. Risk of Fire Hazard and Death.

Fuel System, Gasoline

ODI #11764119

Fire

Incident: September 12, 2026 · Filed: September 14, 2026

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the contact became aware that there was fire coming from under the hood. The contact turned off the vehicle, opened the hood, and extinguished the fire using coolant stored in the vehicle. The contact stated that the fire had started at the fuel line connector. The contact stated that there was a strong fuel odor inside the vehicle when the vehicle was previously started. The manufacturer, Ford Motor Company, was notified of the failure by phone and referred the contact to NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 152,000.

Unknown or Other; Engine

ODI #11763508

Incident: September 9, 2026 · Filed: September 10, 2026

I recently purchased this vehicle for 2400.00 from a private seller. Within 3 weeks of very minor driving the car got 1 block from home and showed very hot and dumped all the coolant. And that was the 1st time it had been driven that day and it was 69 degrees outside. We let it sit for about a week and refilled the coolant. It drove great for about 2 weeks and then out of the blue it stalls while I'm driving it down the road. Had it towed home and my mechanic came and did a tune up. We had very fouled plugs and replaced all the coil wires. Put in a emissions treatment as well as checking everything. It started after killing my battery several times and seemed to be fine. Drove it around the block and it stalled after being fine only to find coolant in the spark plug areas and somehow my vin isn't listed in the recall. My mechanic said I should write you guys to let you know that I should be included as he believes that is exactly what happened to me. Please help. Thank you

Power Train

ODI #11763495

Incident: September 9, 2026 · Filed: September 10, 2026

Transmission failure needing full replacement

Structure

ODI #11762054

Incident: September 4, 2026 · Filed: September 4, 2026

Driver door would won’t latch I tried wd40 and put the latch back in place noting working I thought I should notify that it is a safety risk

Engine and Engine Cooling

ODI #11760097

Incident: August 13, 2026 · Filed: August 27, 2026

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine overheating warning light illuminated. The contact noticed an unusual odor inside the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced a failure associated with an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not included in a recall associated with the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure; however, no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 152,000.

Power Train; Engine

ODI #11756424

Incident: August 11, 2026 · Filed: August 12, 2026

The contact's son owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while her son was driving 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled with an unknown message displayed on the instrument panel. The contact's son pulled off to the shoulder of the road and restarted the vehicle. The vehicle was restarted and went into LIMP Mode and drove slowly back to the residence. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 93,000.

Other Ford Escape model years

Check your 2013 Ford Escape VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Ford Escape at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

Check a Ford VIN