AI DamageFord Escape: problems, complaints, bulletins
Summary for the Ford Escape across 11 model years: 8,584 owner complaints and 658 NHTSA service bulletins, plus repair videos. Pick a year for details.
Model years
What fails most often
- 1 Engine 41% of all complaints
- 2 Powertrain 17% of all complaints
- 3 Engine and cooling 12% of all complaints
- 4 Structure 10% of all complaints
- 5 Electrical system 7% of all complaints
- 6 Fuel/propulsion system 4% of all complaints
- 7 Backover prevention 4% of all complaints
- 8 Fuel system 3% of all complaints
- Engine: 3,503 complaints (41% of all), 19 of them with a crash reported by the owner; manufacturer bulletins for this component: 115.
- Powertrain: 1,460 complaints (17% of all), 25 of them with a crash reported by the owner; manufacturer bulletins for this component: 283.
- Engine and cooling: 1,031 complaints (12% of all), 1 of them with a crash reported by the owner; manufacturer bulletins for this component: 138.
- Structure: 839 complaints (10% of all), 10 of them with a crash reported by the owner; manufacturer bulletins for this component: 93.
- Electrical system: 624 complaints (7% of all), 12 of them with a crash reported by the owner; manufacturer bulletins for this component: 463.
Engines and transmissions
US-market versions per EPA. On the right: how many NHTSA complaints name this engine or transmission type.
- 1.5 L · petrol · turbo · 3 cyl 2020–2026named in 12 complaints
- 1.5 L · petrol · turbo · 4 cyl 2017–2019named in 253 complaints
- 1.6 L · petrol · turbo · 4 cyl 2013–2016named in 6 complaints
- 2 L · petrol · 4 cyl 2001–2004
- 2 L · petrol · turbo · 4 cyl 2013–2026named in 149 complaints
- 2.3 L · petrol · 4 cyl 2005–2008
- 2.5 L · petrol · 4 cyl 2009–2019named in 1 complaints
- 3 L · petrol · 6 cyl 2001–2012
- 2.3 L · hybrid · 4 cyl 2005–2008
- 2.5 L · hybrid · 4 cyl 2009–2026
- 2.5 L · plug-in hybrid · 4 cyl 2020–2026
- automatic, 4-speed 2001–2008
- automatic, 6-speed 2009–2019
- automatic, 8-speed 2020–2026
- CVT 2005–2026named in 1 complaints
- manual, 5-speed 2001–2012
Drive: FWD, AWD, 4WD
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 8,584 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 3,503 | 19 | 115 |
| Powertrain | 1,460 | 25 | 283 |
| Engine and cooling | 1,031 | 1 | 138 |
| Structure | 839 | 10 | 93 |
| Electrical system | 624 | 12 | 463 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 338 | 4 | 55 |
| Backover prevention | 322 | 9 | 37 |
| Fuel system | 282 | 0 | 26 |
| Service brakes | 238 | 21 | 53 |
| Steering | 193 | 11 | 23 |
| Wheels | 163 | 5 | 0 |
| Visibility | 154 | 2 | 41 |
| Vehicle speed control | 139 | 23 | 10 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 122 | 4 | 16 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
The contact stated that while reversing, the rearview camera became inoperable and displayed a blank screen, resulting in a collision with the stairwell of the contact's residence. The vehicle was taken to an independent body shop for body repairs.
Mid-turn, the vehicle suddenly lost all power, an "Engine Fault" warning message illuminated on the dashboard, and the engine completely stalled out. Because the vehicle died directly in the path of oncoming traffic, I was forced to steer the coasting vehicle out of harm's way to avoid an imminent side-impact…
There was no warning light illuminated. A Police report was not filed. The vehicle was not destroyed. No injuries were reported. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired.
There were no known brake warning lights or brake-related messages before the incident. The suspected system involved is the braking system; the exact cause is UNKNOWN. The collision resulted in the vehicle being declared a total loss by the insurance company.
The contact stated that while in reverse(R) on several occasions, the rear-view camera screen was black and blue. The contact stated that on one occasion while in reverse(R), the rear-view camera operated momentarily, but the screen then went black and blue, and the vehicle crashed into another vehicle driving by in…
We are concerned that the seatbelt and possibly airbag malfunctioned and contributed to my mother in laws death on 11/17/2025. The drivers seatbelt had not been latching properly and would come unlatched at random times prior to the accident.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
What to check before buying
- Engine. Cold start, unusual noises, oil leaks and engine codes.
- Powertrain. Shift quality under load, harsh shifts, transmission codes, CV joints.
- Engine and cooling. Radiator and fan after a frontal hit, coolant level and condition, overheating.
- Structure. Rails, pillars, panel gaps, signs of pulling or welding.
Manufacturer service bulletins
Bulletin titles as filed with NHTSA.
- Reason for update
- For 20222026 vehicles equipped with a 8F35 transmission, a revision to the Road Testing Vehicle procedure…
- 2023-2026 Escape and 2025-2026 Bronco Sport vehicles equipped with a 1.5L EcoBoost engine may require…
- Reason for update
- Reason for update
- This article supersedes TSB 25-2466 to add Bronco Sport, Escape, Maverick and Corsair, as well as removing…
- Quality improvements include
- Quality improvements include
- Some 2023-2025 Escape vehicles built on or before 16-Sep-2024 equipped with 1.5L EcoBoost engine may…
- For Various Ford and Lincoln vehicles, if diagnostics lead to the replacement of the front seat cushion…
- Some 2021-2026 Ford/Lincoln vehicles may exhibit various symptoms including but not limited to the auto…
- Reason for update
Repair videos
We do not copy videos: these are YouTube links credited to their authors. Amounts are as stated by the author and not verified by us.
- Should I go look at it? 2016 ford escape for $4200 #automobile #car #buyingcars
- 2016 Ford Escape 1.6L — Engine Mount Replacement 🔧
- Ford Escape Common Repairs & Costs (2013–2019) | What Could Go Wrong?
- How Long Will a Ford Escape Last? Mileage & Longevity (2013–2019)
- Ford Escape 2013-2019: плюси і мінуси, поширені проблеми!
- Top 5 Problems Ford Escape SUV 2013-2019 3rd Generation
Other models of this make
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-04.