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CarComplaints.com Notes: The 2007 Ford Escape looks pretty good compared to other Ford Escape model years, but still has a trend of transmission problems, so it's not a model year we can recommend.

Also the base model Escape did not come with side airbags so it received a "Poor" rating from the IIHS for side impact protection. Other similar 2007 models like the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V & Hyundai Santa Fe scored far better.

9.7

really awful
Typical Repair Cost:
$3,730
Average Mileage:
82,950 miles
Total Complaints:
21 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. new engine (15 reports)
  2. replace engine (4 reports)
  3. not sure (2 reports)
2007 Ford Escape engine problems

engine problem

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2007 Ford Escape Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #21

Mar 212017

Escape XLT 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 115,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I had to replace the transmission last year and after sinking all of that money into the car, the engine has now failed. Mechanic told me something broke loose in the engine, I will not give him a nickel to dig into the engine to find out what it was. I am just finished pouring money into this thing.

- Joe M., Audubon, NJ, US

problem #20

Feb 012016

Escape XLS 3.2L V4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 107,745 miles

Basically like the other complaints. Had only one previous owner, 72k miles when I got it, I had it for 3 years and put about 36k more miles on, and then one day it just would not start. I had it towed, they said the timing chain had gone out, they replaced that and it still had no compression on any cylinder so they start digging into the engine -- well, the valves were ruined, the pistons were ruined, the whole nine yards. Thinking I might possibly get away with not replacing the whole damn engine, I gave it new valves and pistons; then it turned out that it also had ruined the upper catalytic -- yes, this vehicle has two, and the upper one is crazy expensive (like $800 just for the part).

I spent over $4000 including tows; it ended up costing more than if I'd just had them put a used engine in to begin with. Then it ran, but I was topping off the oil every week (never had needed to add oil between changes, ever, before). Last week the check engine light came on and it started losing power while driving; I managed to get it to work and back home, and now there it sits; I'm not going to try moving it again until I figure out what to do with it. I'm assuming at this point that it's probably a total loss. I just wish I'd pushed it off a cliff last February and spent all that money on replacing it with something that isn't Ford.

- Steve A., Kansas City, MO, US

problem #19

Aug 172015

Escape XLT 3 V4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 120,707 miles

I drove my car on Saturday and parked it on the driveway. Monday I got in the car to go to work and wouldn't start. Called AAA and had it towed to the mechanic thinking it was the starter. About mid morning I got a call from the mechanic and was told that it needed a new engine. The car drove well, even though it was due for a routine oil change it was not that long since I took it for one (maybe 4 months previous to this happening) No light went off, no warning what so ever telling me that there was a problem with the engine or car at all. It ran smooth until it's sudden death!

- elenaqh, Roseville, MN, US

problem #18

Apr 042015

Escape XLT 3.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 96,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I drove about 40 miles and my Escape jumped a little bit. It was really windy that day so I thought it was the wind. I checked for any warning lights, there were not any. Everything was normal. A few miles later the engine started ticking so I pulled off to the side and the oil light came on as I was pulling over. I had just gotten the oil changed about three weeks earlier with the works package from Ford. I had the car towed home because I could not afford to take it to get it diagnosed.

When I was home my husband and I tried to start the car but the battery was dead. While we were waiting for the battery to charge we checked all of the fluids and they were all good including the oil. So we charged the battery and started the car and pieces of the inside of the motor started coming out mainly a piston and part of a rod, along with a couple quarts of oil.

My extended warranty was up last year. Now I have to buy a new motor for it the rest of the car is in excellent condition. Do you now of any type of recalls on this item it seams like a lot of people are having the same issues. I have had cars and trucks that are Fords go for 300,000 or more miles without a problem and this ones motor seized at 96,000 that does not seem possible.

- jneumann, Montello, NV, US

problem #17

Sep 292014

Escape 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 130,000 miles

I parked my car on a Sunday afternoon, and had no problems that day. The next morning, went to start it and a noise like something was stuck happened, car wouldn't start, but almost did. Tried a couple more times, no luck. The local mechanic came by to take a look at it, I had it towed to his shop. First we thought maybe starter, then timing chain, ....

After further look, it was a broken tensioner, replaced that, but apparently there was further damage in motor that cant be repaired. This was confirmed by ford dealership. The car needs a new motor!!!!

Really frustrated, I purchased the car new and took good care of it. I've had cars with WAY more miles, I'm in shock!!!

- Maryellen M., Hull, MA, US

problem #16

Dec 042013

Escape XLT 2.3L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 79,000 miles

I bought my Escape in March 13 and it only had 65k on it. The dealership was really pushy and didn't give us much time to look over it. However in my situation I bought the Escape and figured it is a Ford and they are pretty good. I had been born and raised on them since I was little kid. However I had a knocking noise coming from my engine after about 3k miles. By than I was living in another state and called the dealership and told them what was going on. I drove back to the state and had the dealership 'fix' the problem, however it didn't. It made it worst.

After fighting the dealership over and over I gave up and just started looking into what it could be. When it finally went we heard something shred a little and lost all power. After having a trusted mechanic look at it they told me it was the timing chain that went and it took out the whole engine. Yet that wasn't the case at all! Instead the 2nd piston broke. It explained the oil leak that never showed and why we lost all power when driving it home to figure out what is wrong. Now I'm stuck with a vehicle I cannot drive and only had for under a year! No reason why the piston went with under 80k on it! This makes me rethink about Ford and if I wanna own another or not.

- Heidi L., Sussec, WI, US

problem #15

Nov 152013

Escape ES 3.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 57,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Engine on my 2007 Ford Escape threw a rod bearing. Only 57,000 miles on this vehicle and was always regularly serviced. Of course it was 8 months out of warranty so Ford will not stand behind it. Over $4,000 dollars to replace with a used engine. Rear differential is also bad on this vehicle and needs to be replaced at a cost of over $1200. I read that this was one of Ford's best and most reliable cars and am finding out that I should have bought a Toyota.

- lesterb, Grafton, WI, US

problem #14

Oct 062013

Escape

  • Automatic transmission
  • 88,000 miles

I was driving from MD to VA this past weekend when my car shut off, I coasted into a gas station nearby. my first instinct was to check the oil or maybe I ran out of gas, so I filled it up and I was maybe a quart low on oil but nothing major but it sill would not turn over, so after calling all of my mechanic buddies we had to tow it to a local trusted shop, I was told I have a broken crank shaft, how the hell does that happen. the guy said he has never seen it before and that I will need a new engine, I have had this car for maybe 5 months and now this will cost as much as I paid for it in the beginning. I'm in the process of getting a second opinion.

- sk8rmikey, Virginia Beach, VA, US

problem #13

Aug 152013

Escape ES

  • Automatic transmission
  • 112,000 miles

It's more of the same thing I've read on this website already. No sign of a problem and the oil had been changed just a few months ago. The oil light never came on and still isn't on even though there is no oil in the car. When we hooked it up to a diagnostic machine it said that a sensor wasn't working. How can this not be a manufacture defect?

- Adam L., Bend, OR, US

problem #12

Mar 022009

Escape 2.3L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 32,000 miles

I purchased my 2007 Ford escape new. 2009 my vehicle reeked of gasoline coming into the cab of the truck from the vents. Went to start it and it wouldn't turn over. Got it towed to Ford they said there was gasoline that somehow got all inside of the engine. They covered This under warranty. Today November 3 with 90,000 miles I'm driving down the road and it sounds like the license plate is flapping in the front of my truck I pull over and still hear the noise come to find out it's my engine! I can't believe that my engine has gone again. I'm going to be calling Monday morning but I'm really expecting Ford to tell me that I SOL. I'm so mad right now I would NEVER suggest anyone to buy ford anything again in my life!

- Tina A., Eau Claire, WI, US

problem #11

Aug 022012

Escape LXT 2.3L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 63,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The dealer told me that the engine completely seized up and nothing can be done except to replace the engine at a cost of $7000.....What a load of CRAP.....only has 63000 miles on it. Way to many complaints online about this same thing.....Ford should have to investigate and fix the Problem....

- brip24, Indianapolis, IN, US

problem #10

Mar 022012

Escape XLS 4.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 57,035 miles

Last oil change was at the dealership less than 5,000 miles ago - 3/2/12 started hearing knocking noise as I accelerated so I pulled over and called my fiance to check it out, he said NO oil although NO warning lights of any kind ever came on & STILL are not on. Called dealership for appt on 3/5 & said 1 week, dropped off on 3/12. Should be covered under powertrain warranty - dealership said they wont fix because I dont have EVERY maintenance record although the warranty book says they CANNOT deny claims for not having receipts, called Ford and they were of no help said warranty expired on 9th and it didnt matter if I had an appt. or not. Still don't even no what the problem is - likely rod bearing or oil lifter or engine??? I will NEVER buy ford again - nothing but headaches with the vehicle, warranty, dealerships, and customer service - ALL USELESS!!!!!

- lee ann, Gordon, PA, US

problem #9

Dec 282011

Escape XLS 2.3L

  • Manual transmission
  • 38,000 miles

Complete engine loss, waiting to hear back from mechanics. What a piece of crap. 38,000 miles! Ford is trying to get out of the 5 year 60,000 mi drive train warranty, I am going to have to fight to get this fixed. This is my first Ford and I will never buy a Ford again. I now own a $15,000 paper weight.

- captmacdon, Dayton, OH, US

problem #8

Jul 132011

Escape V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 68,000 miles

Know wonder why people buy imports. My Ford Escape 07 68,000 m just had some major repairs 30 day ago brakes, adjust back latch, oil pan gasket front main gasket rear main gasket, oil change, trans flush, $1500. Not cheep nowadays.30 days later while diving home from sons house. Stopped at light then continued started to hear a knocking then got really bad. Pulled off road and looked under hood sounded like a metal bucket with nuts and bolts bouncing around. Checked oil very little on end of dipstick added 2qts started again same problem. Had towed to dealer they called and said my engine was blown and not covered under any warrenty. They want $6000 to replace. As we speak we are still fighting with Fords. Like the old saying goes

Ford FOUND ON ROAD DEAD

- dgrybas, Wyandotte, MI, US

problem #7

Sep 082011

Escape 2.3L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 86,000 miles

I bought this car used at Burt Paquins Ford in St Albans VT in December of 2010. The car has been regularly maintained by myself and at 86000 miles the engine developed a loud rod knock and now the dealer says I need a new engine and the warranty company won't pay to fix or replace it because my oil changes weren't documented by a service station. Apparently you're not allowed to do your own oil changes unless you want to void your warranty! When I checked the oil there was none in it even though this vehicle has no oil leaks and doesn't burn any. After the break down I added 3+ quarts and when the dealer checked the oil at their garage there was none in it! Now I'm having to pay for expensive engine diagnostics to determine if I'm at fault for the possibility that the warranty company may put in a USED engine which will probably have the same issue after a few thousand miles. I see other Escape owners with this same issue, good to see that I'm not alone at least, something needs to be done about this.

Update from Sep 22, 2011: Update - as suspected, the warranty company is not covering the cost of repairs because I had the audacity to do my own oil changes. The dealer has made me this offer, if I cough up $2000 they will put in a new engine which Ih have just learned is on back order for at least three weeks. Hmm.. the 2.3L Duratec must be really reliable if they can't keep them in stock! So, not having $2000 on hand for an auto repair that should have been covered, I've had to take out another loan thereby jacking up my payments for another year. Their mechanics found no sludge and said the oil looked good too, it should have been covered! I tried to buy American, I really did, but I'm all done.

- Donnie L., Montpelier, VT, US

problem #6

Sep 082011

Escape

  • Automatic transmission
  • 144,000 miles

I bought this car brand new in 2007 paid cash for it at the local dealer. My family bought 4 other brand new cars and paid cash all in the same week. At around 70k miles and 2 years later in 2009 my engine started making noise so I took it in and the said I had no oil and needed a new engine. Cost me over 5 grand to fix! Then last week I had to replace the battery and my oil change guy checked all my fluids for me and said I was out of oil again! I just had my oil changed 3 weeks prior. 1 week after my battery change and oil addition it starts knocking and I'm told I need a new engine again and my oil was GONE again!!!! But they cant find any oil leaks anywhere! A friend told me he thinks there is a silent recall on some escape engines. Does anyone know about this???

- Tory B., Monroe, MI, US

problem #5

Mar 192011

Escape V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 63,000 miles

I was driving to the store two days ago, parked the car, came out and it wouldn't start. Had it towed this morning to Currie Motors and they tell me it looks like I need a new engine. Really?! I said, at 63,000 miles? I brought the car in about 8 weeks ago for the ABS light coming on and it was fixed with my extended warranty. They wanted to change filters, and other maintenance on the car, but I said it just needs an oil change, they didn't do that. Now, they said my engine failed because of one missed oil change. But then they told me I have 2.5 3 qts of oil in the car. I'm at a loss!

- Laura K., Frankfort, IL, US

problem #4

Jul 012009

Escape 6cy

  • Automatic transmission
  • 60,000 miles

Driving 70-80mph, NO warning light. Escape started chocking, like it has low grade gasoline in its system. Pulled Escape to right side of the road. Engine got on fire as soon as the Escape was pulled to the side of the road.

- Stella K., Mesa, AZ, US

problem #3

Oct 082010

Escape XLT 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 83,000 miles

This is the last Ford I will ever own. An engine should not need to be replaced at 83,000 miles and in this economy can't afford to be forking out $3500 to get it fixed. They want us to all buy American and I have tired, but how can you afford to when they don't even last long enough to pay them off.

- Jeff L., Lewisville, TX, US

problem #2

Sep 042010

Escape V4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 75,258 miles

At 75,258 miles, the V4 engine of my 2007 Ford Escape started to knock & rattle and it finally died on me - with NO warning lights! The Ford asst. service manager said that the engine died due to no oil and I said that I had no lights on my console to warm me, he acted perplexed. The estimate to replace engine w/labor is $6700! What can one do?

- Norm G., Springfield, VA, US

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