What 2,743 owners told NHTSA about the 2013 Ford Escape Gas

coolant leak-put more in and leaks took to Ford Dealer in LaFollette, Tennessee. Was told after review it was the waterpump needed and also if they do that do the timing belt and the drive belt all costs were $ 2,133.00 estimated. The car has approximately 150,000 miles on it. I do not feel with all the safety issues for the coolant and the cars catching fire possibly that we should have to pay for these repairs and it would of been in a recall and fixed by Ford Motor Company. The check engine light soon has come on and remained on. It smells like the car is burning and it will only hold coolant at the minimun level. They stated it is driveable but it will eventually fail, dont you think Ford would have fixed this issue with all the complaints that have come in for the same issue. I do not have the estimate in had at this time as it is at the dealer and they have just called me with what is wrong with vehicle. Their phone number is 423-562-2251 Tim Short Ford

NHTSA ODI 11680069

Check engine light came on, Coolant intrusion into the engine block. Ford knew of the issue but had stringent and not widespread enough recalls for this issue.

NHTSA ODI 11678310

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while his mom was driving 35 MPH, there was white smoke coming from the engine and the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that his mom pulled over into a parking lot and after several minutes, the vehicle was restarted; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that his mom was able to drive the vehicle the residence. An independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a blown head gasket, a cracked cylinder head, and a crack in the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V583000 (ENGINE); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 97,773.

NHTSA ODI 11672804

While driving the engine seems to "go out" which is a risk to the driver, passengers, and other motorists near by because it is not expected and can happen anywhere (two lane road, major highway, while turning, etc.). You are able to press the gas and hear the engine but the car does not move - it acts as if it were in neutral. There are no safety or warning lights on the dashboard before or during this issue meaning that there is no way for the driver to prepare. There have been times where I was able to pull off the road and restart the car to temporarily remedy the issue but safe and accessible pull offs are not always available (bride, two lane road,etc). I travel with small children and there is a fear that if this continues to happen it can result in fatal consequences. In addition to the safety issue mentioned above there is a perpetual leak coming from the engine. This has progressively gotten worse and after speaking with a representative at Ford they named off a few "possible" causes but were unable to make a definitive decision. I was also informed that the issues that I am experiencing were not unique to just my vehicle but many Ford Escape 2013's in the area that had come to the dealership for guidance and help. While I have stated that the issue occurred in 2013 - it is still happening and continues to get worse.

NHTSA ODI 11672244

On June 24, 2025 at approx 4:45 pm, my wife and I were driving home. The car was running fine, no lights, gauges were normal, no info on screen, when all of a sudden the engine shut down, info on screen stated steering assisi unavailable, and smoke started coming from vents. We were aproaching a sharp curve in the road, so I had to manhandle the steering to keep from crashing. Then used the emergency brake to stop after insuring we cleared the curve. By that time, we were unable to see anything for all the smoke inside the car. Nothing would work so we could not roll the electric windows down. When stopped, we opened the doors and jumped out. Then I heard the engine compartment crackling due to a fire. Luckily, we escaped with no injuries except for smoke inhalation. I have been driving for over 58 years and doing mechanical repairs for over 60 years. I have never experienced anything like this. We bought this car new and I have maintained it in 'like new' condition since. Now it is completely destroyed. I also know Ford has had recalls on this vehicle and we have taken care of all these except the one on the shifter linkage bushing. I am very concerned something went very wrong with this car and others may, too. Plus, I am a dedicated Ford owner and may be concerned on replacing with something else after this terrifying incident.

NHTSA ODI 11671672

Coolant constantly leaking. Need to fill every couple of days. Replace thermostat. Didn’t work.

NHTSA ODI 11669623

Keeps constantly and randomly alerting that the engine is overheating, there is recalls for same make and models with same issues but my vin does not have the coolant issue listed for recall yet it has same issue? Plus have not received any info on lock recall to get fixed

NHTSA ODI 11669264

Recall 14517 check. Engine is stalling and failing in idle, but is able to start. I’m

NHTSA ODI 11666725

Purchased a car from used dealership less than 24 hours later check engine light came on white smoke was coming out of the exhaust pipes displayed that coolant level was low . Had it diagnosed it is backfiring as well and it’s running hot there were 18 recalls that had same issues however it’s saying I have 0.

NHTSA ODI 11665606

Scared to drive took to get inspected felt like Transmission keep slipping and I was told there is a recall on transmission Also windshield wipers won’t go off have to remove fuse was told there is a recall

NHTSA ODI 11664975

I just purchased this 2013 Escape with roughly 133,000 miles on it. The Car Fax showed the open recalls (latches and bushing) but that was it. Had the recalls done. Car immediately had issues with actuator and heater core. I tried to return the car and local dealer refused. Had heater core replaced for second time, after engine overheated due to coolant leak. Fuel sensor also had to be replaced due to fuel leak. Days after these repairs were done, car began leaking coolant again while driving, overheated and shut down.

NHTSA ODI 11657269

Coolant intrusion. Coolant leaking internally resulting in smoke from exhaust and fumes inside cabin when heater is on.

NHTSA ODI 11654283

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine overheated with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the cylinder head had failed, which caused the engine to fail. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

NHTSA ODI 11653280

Internal coolant leak into cylinder

NHTSA ODI 11650348

There are terrible coolant leaks with this car. I have gotten this issue repaired twice already and it is now it is leaking again. I have to replace the coolant in the reservoir 3x a week. It would be full in the morning and in the afternoon the reservoir would be completely empty. I had to pull over on the highway multiple times because of coolant leaking. And Ford wants you to pay $2,000 just for them to fix it. If I could get rid of the car I would.

NHTSA ODI 11648463

The contact's mother-in-law owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while his mother-in-law was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle began to shake excessively, prompting the contact to discontinue driving the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that a cylinder was overheating. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V584000 (Fuel System, Gasoline), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI 11647873

Got my escape on christmas eve 2024. Problem started there before we got down the road from dealership. Call dealership explained car was overheatings told to bring back day after christmas. Took back car supposedly repair with new sensors and the issue was resolved. February noticed was loosing water out and overheating AGAIN. Replaced water reservoir and hoses and now car is still saying "ENGINE COOLANT LOW SERVICE RREQUIRED" and it is completely full of coolant. Took to shop had a code pulled on it and it showed thermostat housing and assembly. I called Ford they said not their problem, file complaint. I have had nothing but overheating problems with this 2013 Ford escape.When it overheats it shuts down no matter where you are at very dangerous.

NHTSA ODI 11647361

There is oil leaking. Other 2013 Ford Escapes have the exact same issue and there is a recall for those vehicles but not mine. This seems to be a problem for all 2013 Escapes. These are costly repairs that have been caused by a defect in manufacturing. My vehicle only has 115,000 miles, I should not have this problem. Please help. There is already recall for this year and this problem.

NHTSA ODI 11647339

Engine block failed allowing coolant into the cylinder heads. Vehicle stopped going to interstate into "limp mode" and daughter was stuck. Check engine light came on and said there was a misfire in cylinder 3.

NHTSA ODI 11643190

Coolant is leaking into the engine due to poor design and the engine needs to be replaced.

NHTSA ODI 11639767

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was consuming an abnormal amount of coolant. Additionally, the contact stated there was an abnormal burning odor coming from underneath the hood. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed previously for an engine coolant leak. The vehicle was left parked at a gas station where it was diagnosed by an independent mechanic. The contact was informed that the coolant reservoir was low. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to an unidentified recall; however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 79,000.

NHTSA ODI 11637303

For months my vehicle has been leaking coolant. Non-stop. My car is constantly overheating and having an issue with the coolant reservoir being empty. I unfortunately cannot afford to fix the issue. I took it to 2 different mechanics in my city, they both said "We see this happening all the time with these specific vehicles. There should be a recall, get it fixed at a Ford Dealership." I came here to see if my vehicle had the recall and unfortunately it does not which is very upsetting.

NHTSA ODI 11634233

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact became aware of an abnormal burning odor. The contact stated that the following day, the contact noticed a large puddle of oil on the ground underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a cracked cylinder head and turbo charger failure. The contact was informed that the failure was due to a severe oil leak. The contact was informed that the turbo and the turbo lines needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V583000 (Engine); however, the contact was informed that the repair was not covered under the recall. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 158,000.

NHTSA ODI 11633736

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated while having the vehicle serviced, the mechanic stated that there was a coolant leak into the cylinder head. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The independent mechanic referred the contact to the local dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V583000 (ENGINE). The failure mileage was 133,462.

NHTSA ODI 11633220

Unexplained coolant leaks. Have taken to multiple shops and nobody can figure out where the leak is coming from.

NHTSA ODI 11633012