Ford Escape · 2012–2025
Ford Escape Fluid Types and Capacities
The specification is not the same across every year we cover, the table below shows exactly where it changes.
Last verified
Has the Ford Escape fluids specification changed by year?
| Model years | Transmission | Coolant | Brake |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020–2025 | 8F35 8-speed automatic (gas models): Mercon ULV, total fill ~8.5 qt (dry fill 7.7 qt); no dipstick, level check via fill plug at temperature. A drain-and-fill takes ~3.5–4 qt. Hybrid/PHEV eCVT (HF45/HF55) uses Mercon ULV as well; sealed in normal service. | Motorcraft Yellow (WSS-M97B57-A2), pre-diluted. Hybrid/PHEV have a separate battery/electronics cooling loop, service separately, dealer recommended. | Motorcraft DOT 4 LV (Ford WSS-M6C65-A2); Ford recommends replacement every 3 years |
| 2013–2019 | 6F35 6-speed automatic, Mercon LV. Total fill ~9 qt; a pan drain-and-fill takes ~4–5 qt. Ford schedule: change at 150,000 mi (sooner if shuddering). | Motorcraft Orange (WSS-M97B44-D2), pre-diluted. Capacities: 2.5L ~11.3 qt; 2.0L EcoBoost ~8.5 qt; 1.5L EcoBoost ~12.5 qt. Do not top the 1.5/1.6 off and ignore a dropping level, investigate (coolant intrusion). | Motorcraft DOT 4 LV (Ford WSS-M6C65-A2) |
| 2012–2012 | 6F35 6-speed automatic: Mercon LV. Drain & fill takes roughly 4.5 qt (owner-reported); no dipstick on later units. Check level per service manual. Hybrid uses an eCVT transaxle (Mercon LV service fill). | Motorcraft Gold (yellow-colored, WSS-M97B51-A1). Hybrid also has a separate motor-electronics cooling loop. Do not mix systems. | DOT 3 brake fluid |
Each row links to the full specification for that generation, including trim-by-trim breakdowns and the part numbers. Where engines within a generation differ, that page separates them.
Full specifications by generation
The fluids on a Ford Escape is set by its generation, not its model year, so each generation has one page carrying the complete figures, part numbers and fitment notes for every year it covers.
2020–2025 Ford Escape
4th generation (CX482) · Compact crossover SUV (C2 platform; refreshed for 2023) · Fluids
2013–2019 Ford Escape
3rd generation (C520) · Compact crossover SUV (global Ford C platform) · Fluids
2012 Ford Escape
2nd generation (final year) · Compact SUV (boxy body style; FWD or 4WD) · Fluids
Ford Escape fluids: common questions
What transmission fluid does a Ford Escape take?
- 8F35 8-speed automatic (gas models): Mercon ULV, total fill ~8.5 qt (dry fill 7.7 qt); no dipstick, level check via fill plug at temperature. A drain-and-fill takes ~3.5–4 qt. Hybrid/PHEV eCVT (HF45/HF55) uses Mercon ULV as well; sealed in normal service.. Transmission fluid specifications are not interchangeable. Friction modifiers differ between them, and the wrong fluid causes shudder long before it causes failure.
What coolant does a Ford Escape use?
- Motorcraft Yellow (WSS-M97B57-A2), pre-diluted. Hybrid/PHEV have a separate battery/electronics cooling loop, service separately, dealer recommended..
What brake fluid does a Ford Escape take?
- Motorcraft DOT 4 LV (Ford WSS-M6C65-A2); Ford recommends replacement every 3 years.
Sources
- Ford owner's manual, 2020 Escape 1.5L capacities (5.3 qt, Mercon ULV, 8F35)
- AMSOIL lookup, 2020 Escape 2.0L (5W-30) and 2021 2.5L hybrid (0W-20, 5.7 qt)
- Ford, 25S76 cracked fuel injector recall FAQ (2020–2022 Escape)
- NHTSA, Part 573 report, recall 22V-859 (cracked fuel injector)
- NHTSA, consumer alert, 2020–2023 Escape hybrid engine-failure fire recall
- Center for Auto Safety, 2020 Escape recalls/complaints (21V-922, 8F35 shudder TSBs)
- AutoZone, Escape battery groups by year (96R → H6/48 for 2020+)
- Ford Escape forum, 2020 hybrid 12V battery location and Group 48 AGM upgrade
- fueleconomy.gov, 2021 Ford Escape / Hybrid / PHEV EPA ratings
- Mavis / tiresize, 2023 Escape OE tire sizes (225/65R17, 225/55R19)
- WiperBladesUSA, 2020/2021 Escape wiper sizes 24/20/11
Find your exact Escape
Jump to a model year for the engines it offered, what changed, and the problems documented against it: