CarComplaints.com Notes: The 2013 Ford Escape has been in the news quite a bit and for all the wrong reasons. Within a few months of its release the SUV was recalled three times, twice because of engine fires.
In July 2012, due to a fuel line that could split and leak, Ford told owners to park their cars because even driving to the dealership for repairs was deemed too dangerous. Instead, in a somewhat unprecedented move, Ford sent tow trucks to pick up the affected vehicles and handed out rental cars while the owners waited for repairs.
A few months later the Escape was recalled again because antifreeze could leak out onto the engine due to a freeze plug becoming dislodged. As the coolant hit the hot engine there was, once again, a threat for fire.
The 2013 is the first model year of the Escape's 3rd generation and proves once again that you want to avoid the first model year when at all possible.
This car had a major recall on the cooling system #13S12D; it was fixed on April 2014 when the parts were finally available at the dealer. On November 2015 the water pump had a leak, it was repaired. The dealer mechanic tells me the radiator shutters need to be replaced. When I go back to the list of items worked/replaced per the recall the shutters are said to have been modified. I brought this up to the service dpt manager, gives me the song and dance that Ford had to authorize the repair since my car was no longer under warranty. Days later I get the phone call of the Ford South-East manager stating the charge would not be authorized. I sent a letter to Ford HQ with receipt confirmation, I did not even get an acknowledgement of my letter/issue.
My argument for them to be responsible to fix it, it was part of a major recall, 1 year later a part of that recall goes bad, why are they not responsible?
Now the car goes thru anti freeze too often. I never expected to buy a new car that would require so much maintenance. I will never buy a Ford again.
Is there an agency to turn to that could help?
I contacted the BBB, since my car was out of warranty they could not help.
Thank you
Update from May 14, 2017: Quoted cost for repair
$2,886.13
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
This car had a major recall on the cooling system #13S12D; it was fixed on April 2014 when the parts were finally available at the dealer. On November 2015 the water pump had a leak, it was repaired. The dealer mechanic tells me the radiator shutters need to be replaced. When I go back to the list of items worked/replaced per the recall the shutters are said to have been modified. I brought this up to the service dpt manager, gives me the song and dance that Ford had to authorize the repair since my car was no longer under warranty. Days later I get the phone call of the Ford South-East manager stating the charge would not be authorized. I sent a letter to Ford HQ with receipt confirmation, I did not even get an acknowledgement of my letter/issue.
My argument for them to be responsible to fix it, it was part of a major recall, 1 year later a part of that recall goes bad, why are they not responsible?
Now the car goes thru anti freeze too often. I never expected to buy a new car that would require so much maintenance. I will never buy a Ford again.
Is there an agency to turn to that could help? I contacted the BBB, since my car was out of warranty they could not help.
Thank you
Update from May 14, 2017: Quoted cost for repair $2,886.13
- L P., Ft. Lauderdale, Fl, US