Home · 2013 Ford Escape Gas · Complaints

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

These are the actual owner complaints behind this car’s reliability verdict, filed with the federal government, unedited. They’re unverified reports, not confirmed defects: read them as leads for your pre-purchase inspection, not a diagnosis.

All (2,743)Crash / fire / injury (152)Engine (1,264)Transmission & drivetrain (400)Electrical system (340)Steering (302)Fuel system (284)Engine & cooling (174)Speed control (92)Body & structure (87)Brakes (72)Latches & locks (64)

340 of 2,743 complaints match · Electrical system · clear filters · page 3 of 14

Oct 20, 2021SteeringElectrical systemBrakes

ABS LIGHT AND TRACTION CONTROL LIGHTS SENSORS.

NHTSA ODI 11437478

Oct 14, 2021Electrical system

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the message electrical fault was displayed, and the vehicle stalled. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was not notified. The contact called the manufacturer, but no assistance was offered regarding the failure. The failure mileage was 121,000.

NHTSA ODI 11436745

Jun 29, 2021Electrical system

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed and diagnosed however, the vehicle was not repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V813000 (Electrical System) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and the contact was referred to the NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

NHTSA ODI 11422800

Jun 12, 2021Electrical systemEngineFuel system

I just bought this vehicle less than 3 months ago, and now it’s stuttering when I start it. It also stalls while driving.

NHTSA ODI 11420677

May 30, 2021Electrical system

Vehicle had transmission replaced at 80,000 miles due to the gears slipping and the car going forward in reverse and accelerating without pressing the gas. Vehicle now has 109,000 miles and has presented with other issues. The first incident occurred after fueling the vehicle. Owner got back into the car, all of the lights the turn on when a door is open illuminated and they proceeded to press the brake and attempt to turn on the car. The brake seized up and the car was not turning on. Owner had battery replaced three weeks ago at a shop and the computer was reset. Owner called roadside thinking it may need a jump. Roadside arrived and advised the vehicle was not in need of a jump as the battery components were testing fine and the lights illuminated and the key fob was working. Attempted to start vehicle numerous times, including with remote start and owner reports it felt as if the start stop button wasn't working. Eventually, the car turned on and ran for about 10 second when the engine cut out and the battery remained running (AC, radio, lights, etc.) owner and roadside tried to turn the vehicle off and the button was not working. Waited 10 minutes, opened driver door and then the stop button worked. Advised a tow, tow truck came an hour later and car started as normal. Owner took it to dealer to report the problem and they replaced the vapor valve. Next day owner drove about 35 miles to destination and when they came back out to the car the issue repeated. Car would not start but all lights would come on dash. Car was able to be remote started but then engine cut out. After an hour car started as normal but was towed back to dealer for fear of stalling while on the highway. Vehicle has been at the dealer for 3 days and they have had the issue repeat for themselves. The dealer has stated they have checked everything and have no idea what is going on and are unsure of how to figure out the problem and how to fix it.

NHTSA ODI 11419062

May 21, 2021Electrical systemEngine

The car will stall out and say it’s overheating when it isn’t. This is very dangerous because it can cause a major accident. I have taken it to Ford dealership and another mechanic and each time they say there is nothing wrong with it but it’s been doing this since 2017 when I bought it.

NHTSA ODI 11418099

May 19, 2021Electrical system

For the past 2 years car is having identical issues with Ford recall 14S17 in a 2013 Ford Escape. Getting error code P0106 and have had MAF sensor replaced twice. Ford customer service indicated that this Escape was not covered under 14S17 since it was manufactured in 2013 after the effected dates in the recall.

NHTSA ODI 11417750

May 8, 2021Transmission & drivetrainElectrical systemEngine

WHILE DRIVING, INDICATORS SAID LOW COOLANT. CHECKED THE LEVEL AND IT WAS FINE. ERROR KEEPS SHOWING UNTIL SUDDENLY MY VEHICLE STOPPED WHILE IN MOTION AND LOST ALL MOTOR POWER. DASH ILLUMINATED WITH 'ENGINE OVERHEATING' AND WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. PULLED OVER IMMEDIATELY, REMOVED THE KEY FROM IGNITION AND CHECKED UNDER THE HOOD. COOLANT LEVEL WAS FINE. TOOK TO AUTO BODY SHOP, THEY SAID CODES WERE SHOWING FOR LOW COOLANT/OVERHEATING BUT THEY DID A PRESSURE TEST AND FOUND COOLANT LEAKING INSIDE CYLINDER, WHICH COINCIDES WITH THE HUGE ENGINE RECALL AND CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT. FORD WILL NOT ASSIST ME WITH THIS ALTHOUGH THEY ACKNOWLEDGE IT IS A PROBLEM BUT 'MY VIN ISN'T ON THE LIST'. ENGINE REPEATING TO STALL WHILE DRIVING AND LOSE POWER GOING FROM 30MPH DOWN TO 5 SUDDENLY AND WITHOUT WARNING IN MIDDLE OF INTERSECTION. THIS IS MY ONLY VEHICLE, I'M DISABLED AND FORD CO WON'T HELP NOR WILL ANY DEALER.

NHTSA ODI 11415685

Apr 22, 2021Electrical systemBrakesEngine

BEFORE HAVING A ENGINE REPLACEMENT DUE TO CIRCUMSTANCES I HAD ISSUES WITH THE TURBOCHARGER OVERBOOSTING AFTER THE ENGINE REPLACEMENT I STILL HAVE THE TURBOCHARGER OVERBOOSTING. ON TOP OF THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM BRAKE PEDAL MISS MESSAGE LOST COMMUNICATION WITH TCM AND LOST COMMUNICATION WITH THE ECM

NHTSA ODI 11413422

Apr 20, 2021Electrical system

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE LOSS MOTIVE POWER AND STALLED WITH THE CHECK ENGINE, BATTERY AND CHECK OIL WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THREE INDEPENDENT MECHANICS AND TO CAPITAL FORD SERVICE CENTER (2805 E MILLBROOK RD, RALEIGH, NC 2760) HOWEVER, THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT YET DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V813000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 149,000.

NHTSA ODI 11412990

Apr 16, 2021Electrical system

MY VEHICLE STALLS AND CHUGS. THIS HAPPENS WHILE I'M DRIVING AND STATIONARY.FORD DID HAVE A RECALL FOR A MAP SENSOR MANIFOLD ISSUE BACK IN OCTOBER OF 2014 FOR FORD ESCAPES WITH THIS DESCRIPTION . THE CODE IS P0106 . I AM STRUGGLING TO GET HELP FOR ANY DEALER BECAUSE THERE IS NO LONGER AN OPEN RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE. I COULD BE DRIVING AND MY CAR SHUTS OFF. THIS IS A NIGHTMARE.

NHTSA ODI 11408337

Apr 8, 2021Transmission & drivetrainElectrical systemEngine

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE AND STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. AFTER THE VEHICLE STALLED, THE CONTACT PUSHED THE VEHICLE ONTO THE EMERGENCY LANE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO PERKINS CHEVROLET BUICK GMC (22 EAST FRIST ST LA-JUNTA CO 81050, (719) 384-4401 WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH A DEPLETED BATTERY AND A FAULTY STARTER. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 190,000.

NHTSA ODI 11407127

Mar 27, 2021Electrical systemEngineFuel system

VEHICLE IS TALLING INTERMITTEN WHILE STOPPED OR IDLING. PROBLEM IS BECOMING MORE AND MORE COMMEN.VEHICLE STARTS BACK BUT WILL CONTINUE TO STALL WHEN STOPPING OR IDLING. THE ISSUES ARE THE SAME AS PREVIOUS RECALLED VEHICLES WITH WIRING HARNESS ISSUES. PLEASE FIGURE SOMETHING OUT SO THIS DOESN'T BECOME MORE OF A SAFETY ISSUES. NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS COME ON AND NO MECHANIC CAN FIND AN ISSUE. THIS PROBLEM NEEDS TO BE FIXED ASAP FORD!

NHTSA ODI 11405143

Mar 24, 2021Electrical systemEngine

CAR IS STALLING NONE STOP

NHTSA ODI 11404719

Mar 20, 2021Electrical systemSpeed controlEngine

I HAVE A 2013 FORD ESCAPE SE, 1.6 L AND RECENTLY IT WILL ACT LIKE IT IS NOT IN GEAR WHEN DRIVING, THE ENGINE WILL NOT REVE UP, NOTHING HAPPENS WHEN PRESSING GAS PEDAL. ON OCCASION SHE SAID THE BATTERY LIGHT AND OIL LIGHT WOULD COME ON WHEN IT DOES THIS. SHE TURNS OFF IGNITION, RESTART AND IS FINE TILL NEXT TIME. BECOMING MORE FREQUENT. HAPPENS AT ALL SPEEDS.

NHTSA ODI 11404045

Mar 14, 2021Transmission & drivetrainElectrical systemEngine

I HAVE ONLY HAD THIS VEHICLE 2 DAYS AND IT STALLS ON ME. SLOWING DOWN COMING TO RED LIGHT CAR STALLS. HAPPENED 3 TIMES IN 2 DAYS. NO LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD OR ANYTHING. I AM DEATHLY AFRAID TO DRIVE IT NOW TOTALLY UNSAFE!

NHTSA ODI 11402842

Mar 9, 2021Electrical systemEngineFuel system

THERE IS A SLOW ANTIFREEZE LEAK. EVERY TWO DAYS, ANTIFREEZE HAS TO BE ADDED BUT THE LEAK IS NOT VISIBLE. ALSO, UPON STARTING THE CAR, SHIFTING INTO DRIVE AND ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE; THE CAR WILL GET BOGGED DOWN RIGHT BEFORE 20 MILES PER HOUR AND THEN STOP UNEXPECTEDLY. IT DOES NOT COMPLETELY USE POWER BUT IT DOES STALL. THERE HAS BEEN NO EXPLANATION FOUND FOR THIS AND IT IS A DAILY OCCURRENCE.

NHTSA ODI 11400059

Mar 8, 2021Electrical systemEngine

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED BUT WAS RESTARTED. THE ENGINE FAILURE SERVICE NOW WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THE FAILURE WAS SIMILAR TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V8130000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 46,460.

NHTSA ODI 11399719

Feb 23, 2021Electrical systemEngineFuel system

IT SEEMS MY FORD IS EXPERIENCING SYMPTOMS SIMILAR TO SAFETY RECALL 14S17, BUT FORD HAS NOT TOLD ME MY CAR IS AFFECTED MY THIS RECALL. IT'S BEEN 2 WEEKS AND MY CAR IS STILL NOT FIXED MY THE LOCAL MECHANIC.

NHTSA ODI 11397476

Dec 30, 2020Electrical systemBrakes

EVERY WINTER WHILE DRIVING MY 2013 FORD ESCAPE INFO SCREEN DISPLAYS "HILL START ASSIST NOT AVAILABLE AND ABS ICON FLASHES. THE RADIO ALSO GOES OFF AND ON. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO TWO DIFFERENT DEALERSHIPS TO GET THIS CORRECTED AND I AM TOLD THEY COULD NOT SEE ANY CODES FOR THIS PROBLEM. IN OTHER WORDS I AM LYING. I AM SURE BY CHECKING WITH OTHERS, I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH THIS PROBLEM. I HOPE THAT THIS CAN BE RESOLVED BECAUSE I DON'T KNOW IF AND WHEN THIS WILL EFFECT ANYTHING ELSE.

NHTSA ODI 11385669

Dec 27, 2020Electrical systemEngine

WHILE DRIVING THIS VEHICLE DIED AFTER GIVING A HIGH TEMPERATURE WARNING & THE ENGINE CAME ON. ONCE COOLED IT WOULD NOT DRIVE FORWARD ON IN REVERSE. THIS VEHICLE IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE AND HAS HAD MULTIPLE PREVIOUS ISSUES.

NHTSA ODI 11385111

Dec 27, 2020Electrical system

APPARENTLY BATTERY BEING DRAINED AND CAR WON'T START IN THE MORNING. SEVERAL TIMES IN THE PAST YEAR. HAD DIAGNOSTICS DONE. BATTERY REPLACED N MAY 2020, ALTERNATOR REPLACED IN NOVEMBER 2020. AAA ROAD REPAIR SAID BATTERY, ALTERNATOR & STARTER ALL WORKING FINE. ONLY 55,000 MILES ON 2013 ESCAPE SEL 4WD W/2.0L 14 GTDI ECOBOOST ENGINE. SHOULD HAVE A PARASITIC DRAW TEST? WAKE UP' ISSUES? SPOKE TO ONLINE TECHNICIAN TODAY.12/27/2020

NHTSA ODI 11385118

Dec 21, 2020Electrical systemEngine

WARNING CAME ON STATING ENGINE WAS OVERHEATING AND TO PULL OVER SAFELY. AFTER SITTING FOR 3 DAYS, TRIED TO START THE CAR AGAIN, WITH THE SAME WARNING. THE VEHICLE SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN OVERHEATED AT THIS TIME. COULD NOT DRIVE VEHICLE WITH THIS WARNING. HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED HOME.

NHTSA ODI 11384363

Dec 10, 2020Body & structureSpeed controlElectrical system1 injury

2013 FORD ESCAPE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO INOPERABLE DOOR CODE ON DRIVERS DOOR AND INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE THE HANDLE ABOVE THE DOOR TO GET IN THE VEHICLE, IT SNAPPED. THE CONSUMER FELL TO THE GROUND AND BROKE HER FOOT. ALSO, THE INSTUMENT PANEL AND CRUISE CONTROL WERE INOPERABLE. *JS

NHTSA ODI 11382703

Dec 3, 2020Electrical systemEngine

ENGINE FAULT - SERVICE NOW LIGHT HAS COME ON AT LEAST ONCE/YEAR. WHEN THIS HAPPENS THE CAR HESITATES AND RIDES ROUGH. I CONTACT THE FORD DEALERSHIP IMMEDIATELY TO HAVE THEM FIX THE PROBLEM. THE FORD DEALERSHIP HAS WORKED ON THE CAR BUT THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. THE WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED. THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING PROBLEM. SHOULD I BE RESPONSIBLE FOR REPAIRS?

NHTSA ODI 11377739

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Working with the data? Download all 2,743 complaints as CSV · fetched from NHTSA July 18, 2026

How to use these: a complaint is one owner’s report, filed voluntarily and published unverified. Patterns matter more than any single story. If several owners describe the same failure at similar mileage, put that system at the top of your pre-purchase inspection list. Back to the full 2013 Ford Escape Gas verdict →