2013–2019 3rd generation (C520)
2013–2019 Ford Escape Common Problems and Years to Avoid
6 documented problems with the 2013–2019 Ford Escape, with symptoms, affected years, and typical repair costs. 3 of them are serious. 5 carry a recall or TSB number.
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2013–2019 Ford Escape recalls and service bulletins
| Recall / TSB | Issue | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Ford CSP 19B37 (+ supplements) and CSP 21N12; related recalls 13V-478 / 17V-209 | EcoBoost coolant intrusion into cylinders (1.5L; also reported on 1.6L/2.0L) | major |
| NHTSA 12V-551 (Ford 12S39) | 1.6L EcoBoost fuel line fire recall (2013) | major |
| NHTSA 13V-478; NHTSA 17V-209 (Ford 17S09) | 1.6L EcoBoost overheating / cylinder-head cracking fire recalls | major |
| NHTSA 16V-643 (Ford 16S30) | Door latch pawl failure, doors won't latch or open while driving (recall) | moderate |
| Multiple Ford shift-quality TSBs (no recall) | 6F35 transmission shudder and rough shifting | moderate |
Recall work is free at a franchised dealer regardless of the vehicle's age, mileage, or how many owners it has had. Check your VIN against the NHTSA database to see what is still outstanding on your specific vehicle, a recall listed here may already have been performed.
EcoBoost coolant intrusion into cylinders (1.5L; also reported on 1.6L/2.0L)
majorThe 1.5L/1.6L EcoBoost block design lets coolant seep into a cylinder, causing white exhaust smoke on cold start, misfires (often cylinder 2), unexplained coolant loss, and ultimately hydrolock, head-gasket failure, or a cracked block, some cases end in engine fires. Ford extended coverage for 2017–2019 1.5L Escapes under Customer Satisfaction Programs 19B37 and 21N12 (short-block replacement), but 21N12 expired in November 2022 and class actions cover the wider 1.5/1.6/2.0 family. If your coolant level drops with no visible leak, stop driving and get a combustion-gas test.
1.6L EcoBoost fuel line fire recall (2013)
majorEarly-build 2013 Escapes with the 1.6L had an engine-compartment fuel line that could split and leak fuel onto a hot engine, causing underhood fires. Ford recalled the cars in 2012 (campaign 12S39) and replaced the fuel line; a follow-up addressed lines damaged during the first repair. Check the VIN. Repairs were free.
1.6L EcoBoost overheating / cylinder-head cracking fire recalls
majorLocalized cylinder-head overheating on the 1.6L could crack the head and leak oil, causing engine fires, Ford recalled 2013 Escapes in late 2013 (13V-478) to add engine shielding, coolant-level sensing, and software that warns and cuts power when coolant drops. In 2017 the fix was extended to 2014 Escapes as recall 17V-209 (Ford 17S09), installing a coolant level sensor. Both remedies are free; make sure they were done on any used 1.6L car.
Door latch pawl failure, doors won't latch or open while driving (recall)
moderateA pawl spring tab in the side-door latches can fracture, leaving a door that won't close or that pops open while driving. Part of Ford's massive door-latch recall; dealers replace all four latches free. A door that needs slamming or bounces back open is the tell.
6F35 transmission shudder and rough shifting
moderateThe carried-over 6F35 6-speed continues to draw complaints for torque-converter shudder around 25–45 mph, clunky low-speed shifts, and occasional valve-body or converter failures at higher mileage. A Mercon LV fluid exchange and TCM reflash resolve many shudder cases; hardware failures are expensive. Ford issued multiple shift-quality TSBs across these years.
MyFord Touch / SYNC freezes and black screens
minor2013–2015 cars with MyFord Touch are notorious for frozen or rebooting touchscreens, lost Bluetooth, and unresponsive climate controls on the screen. Software updates improved it, and the 2016+ SYNC 3 system largely fixed it. Persistent failures need an APIM module or aftermarket head unit.
Problems listed here are compiled from NHTSA complaints, recalls, technical service bulletins, and widely documented owner reports for the 2013–2019 Ford Escape. Not every vehicle will experience these issues.
Which Ford Escape model years does this cover?
These problems and recalls specifications apply to every Ford Escape built from 2013 through 2019 — the 3rd generation (C520), compact crossover suv (global ford c platform). Nothing in this specification changes between those model years. Pick your year for the engines it offered, what changed that year, and the problems recorded against it.
What changed during the 2013–2019 Ford Escape
- 2013All-new global generation; 1.6L and 2.0L EcoBoost replace the V6 and hybrid. Multiple launch-year recalls. Check VIN for completed campaigns.
- 2016SYNC 3 replaces MyFord Touch (big usability improvement)
- 2017Facelift: new front end and console, electronic parking brake added; 1.5L EcoBoost replaces the 1.6L, twin-scroll 2.0L (245 hp) replaces the original 2.0L, SYNC Connect added. Oil/filter/wiper/tire specs carry over.
- 2019Final year; mechanically identical to 2017–2018
2013–2019 Ford Escape problems and recalls: common questions
What are the most common problems with the 2013–2019 Ford Escape?
- The recurring ones are: ecoboost coolant intrusion into cylinders (1.5l; also reported on 1.6l/2.0l); 1.6l ecoboost fuel line fire recall (2013); 1.6l ecoboost overheating / cylinder-head cracking fire recalls; door latch pawl failure, doors won't latch or open while driving (recall); 6f35 transmission shudder and rough shifting. Each is detailed above with symptoms, affected years, and typical cost.
Which 2013–2019 Ford Escape years should you avoid?
- The years to be most careful with are those affected by ecoboost coolant intrusion into cylinders (1.5l; also reported on 1.6l/2.0l) (2017–2019 (1.5L, covered by CSP); 2013–2016 (1.6L); 2.0L reported) and 1.6l ecoboost fuel line fire recall (2013) (2013 (1.6L, built Oct 2011–Aug 2012)) and 1.6l ecoboost overheating / cylinder-head cracking fire recalls (2013–2014 (1.6L)). A documented problem is not automatically a reason to walk away. Service records showing the repair was done change the picture entirely.
Are there recalls on the 2013–2019 Ford Escape?
- 5 of the issues listed carry a recall or technical service bulletin: Ford CSP 19B37 (+ supplements) and CSP 21N12; related recalls 13V-478 / 17V-209 (ecoboost coolant intrusion into cylinders (1.5l; also reported on 1.6l/2.0l)), NHTSA 12V-551 (Ford 12S39) (1.6l ecoboost fuel line fire recall (2013)), NHTSA 13V-478; NHTSA 17V-209 (Ford 17S09) (1.6l ecoboost overheating / cylinder-head cracking fire recalls), NHTSA 16V-643 (Ford 16S30) (door latch pawl failure, doors won't latch or open while driving (recall)), Multiple Ford shift-quality TSBs (no recall) (6f35 transmission shudder and rough shifting). Recall work is free at a franchised dealer regardless of age or mileage. Check your VIN on the NHTSA site to see what is outstanding.
How much do 2013–2019 Ford Escape repairs typically cost?
- Typical figures for the issues above: ecoboost coolant intrusion into cylinders (1.5l; also reported on 1.6l/2.0l), Free under CSP 19B37/21N12 while active; $4,000–$8,000 for a short block/engine out of pocket; 1.6l ecoboost fuel line fire recall (2013), Free under recall; 1.6l ecoboost overheating / cylinder-head cracking fire recalls, Free under recall; door latch pawl failure, doors won't latch or open while driving (recall), Free under recall; ~$150–$300/door outside it.
Sources
- Ford owner's manual, Escape capacities (2.0L EcoBoost: 5.7 qt)
- Ford owner's manual, Escape capacities (2.5L: 5.7 qt / 5.4 L)
- AMSOIL / Ford Escape forum, 1.6L (4.3 qt) and 1.5L (4.3 qt) capacities
- AutoZone, 2013 Escape battery Group 96R, 500+ CCA
- NHTSA, recall 17V-209 (1.6L coolant level sensor, Ford 17S09)
- Green Car Reports, 1.6L EcoBoost Escape recall roundup (12V-551, 13V-478)
- NHTSA / Lieff Cabraser, EcoBoost coolant intrusion + CSP 19B37/21N12
- fueleconomy.gov, 2016 Ford Escape EPA ratings
- 2017 Ford Escape spark plug chart (SP-539/SP-537/SP-530)
- AutoZone, 2014 Escape wipers 28/28/11