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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.

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
39,980 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2013 Ford Escape suspension problems

suspension problem

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2013 Ford Escape Owner Comments

problem #19

Sep 082022

Escape

  • miles

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

The electric power assist stopped working and almost caused my wife to hit another car. You cannot steer this car if the power assist isn't working, lots of complaints about this issue but nobody is checking into it, if this isn't a safety problem than there isn't any reason for you to be in business for you are not recognizing a serious problem, I know a little door latch is important but no where close to this problem. can you imagine going down the road at 60 miles per hour and your steering goes out. also the cross over on the rear suspension must be made of low grade tin for it has completely rotted away, this crossover holds the rear suspension. I know nothing will happen with this but at least I got to vent, Thanks

- Chillicothe, OH, USA

problem #18

Aug 042022

Escape

  • miles
Due to leaking coolant and overheating. I had to get engine and transmission work done that totaled over $10,000 worth mechanical work. I also had to get suspension work which is also include it the total of being over $10,000.

- Fresno , CA, USA

problem #17

Apr 132022

Escape

  • miles
My radio went out about 3 years ago had to be replaced and now I can not listen to my radio without the car actually being on. My second issue is with my rear axle drive train, I currently have 127k miles on my vehicle took it in to a Ford dealership for diagnostic and repair I was informed that the rear axle needed replacing, they replaced it, however the problem persisted I was then told by the Ford mechanic that the axle assembly needed to be replaced. I spent 1k for the first repair now they want $2683 for the axle assembly, have there been other complaints regarding this parton 2013 Escape??

- Savannah, GA, USA

problem #16

Jan 122021

Escape

  • miles

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

Over heating, leaking antifreeze.

- Chicago, IL, USA

problem #15

Mar 182019

Escape

  • 73,000 miles
Vehicle repeatedly makes noises when making low speed turns, driving over bumps, or pressing on the brakes. The sound comes from the front suspension.

- Ocala, FL, USA

problem #14

Jan 082018

Escape

  • 153,300 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. While idling at a drive thru window at a restaurant, the vehicle jerked forward and almost crashed into the preceding vehicle. The contact attempted to drive off, but the vehicle stalled and the check engine indicator illuminated. The vehicle was towed to North hills automotive (1428 augusta St, greenville, SC 29605, (864) 233-9002) where it was diagnosed that new bushings needed to be installed along with a new transmission. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and did not assist. The failure mileage was 153,300.

- Pidmont, SC, USA

problem #13

Nov 012018

Escape

  • 90,000 miles

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

When driving this vehicle, it ser me like it is not running right, and think it is going to die on us in traffic. The front seat belt does not go back in the area where it belongs and sits on the front seat. The passenger driver side door does not close right when you open it. It will stay open until you push the handle down and then it will close and lock. We are afraid to travel long distance with the vehicle because of the way the car acts and run. We just want it fix or replace vehicle.

- Leonard, MI, USA

problem #12

Jul 152018

Escape

  • 115,000 miles
When I first purchased the Escape the trunk handle fell off into my hand, it was replaced. The passenger door opener handle apparently is wrappend in silver plastic, that cut a passenger, I have spent years asking them to replace it, they finally did last month, of course now out of warranty so I had to pay for it. I have had a recurring issue with my rear passenger door interior panel separating from the metal exterior panel, rendering the door useless. My 7 year old daughter cannot get into or out of the vehicle on her side. The clips have been replaced 3 times at the dealership and they are suggesting replacing the interior because it is "warped" how does a garaged vehicle's interior become "warped" to an extent where the clips cannot hold the part in place and repeatedly snap? the clips are plastic and similar to the interior of this model plastic is wearable, and Ford should be replacing this item, not me. I had a 2001 Explorer for 14 years that I never had issues with, primarily because it wasn't constructed with plastic.this is a serious saftey issue and my child should not be trapped in a vehicle. I have also had a recurring issue with the front suspension, the shocks were replaced and the matter has gotten worse. This issue took place after the tire was replaced becuase of a nail puncture. I am responding to the dealership today 10/16/2018 to see what they are going to do about this problem, that I did not create and have atempted to have repaired since July 2018. When the car is in motion the passenger side simply seems as if it going to fall off, a loud clanking sound and the stability is then off after the vehicle goes over anything, man hole overs small fissures in the ground or large bumps. This can't be safe and it needs to be fixed.

- Columbia, MD, USA

problem #11

Dec 182017

Escape

  • 88,086 miles
My steering froze up on my vehicle it will not turn right or left. And my shots or my struts have worn out too soon I think also on this vehicle but I need this suspension checked out in the steering checked out on this vehicle.

- Detroit, MI, USA

problem #10

Jul 032017

Escape

  • 28,000 miles
Shock mount broke and shaft on shock punched thru wheel well.

- Chesterfield, VA, USA

problem #9

Nov 062015

Escape

  • 90,000 miles

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

Vehicle powers down, leaks coolant, has rough ride, vibrates and has completely shut down atleast twice requiring a tow. Engine has hot smell to it, as if it is coming from hot coolant. Ford says "can't find a leak." They replaced a part on it, however I can not recall what it was because they were only guessing themselves as far as low coolant. However it did not fix it anyway. I have called Ford many times, but they show no recalls to any of the problems I have mentioned. I am a single mom & nurse, I need a reliable vehicle. It is so depressing to make payments on vehicle. By the way I have no warranty. The issues occur at any time on any roads.

- Jacksboro, TN, USA

problem #8

Sep 062016

Escape

  • 19,300 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. While attempting to avoid crashing into another vehicle at approximately 30 mph, the contact crashed into a curb and several street signs. A police report was filed. No injuries were sustained. The vehicle was driven to the contact's residence and then to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the front end suspension failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 19,300.

- Wichita, KS, USA

problem #7

May 012015

Escape

  • 15,000 miles
2013 sel and have front end noise. When turning to the left and sometimes to the right, the front end will make a loud popping noise. It feels like the front wheel is falling off. Been to Ford over 6 times and problem is back four month later.

- Orange, CT, USA

problem #6

Oct 262014

Escape 4-cyl

  • 7,500 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. While driving 15 mph, the front passenger side tire suddenly fractured from the vehicle. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The contact discovered that the suspension shocks were fractured. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 7,500. The VIN was not available. MA 10/8 3/28/18

- Coamo , PR, USA

problem #5

Feb 282015

Escape

  • 54,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. While driving at 40 mph, the vehicle began to vibrate. The vehicle was taken to a dealer who diagnosed that the shaft and joint assembly, bushing, seals, right front axle, and shaft joint forward needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. Five months later while driving at 65 mph, the contact noticed strong fuel fumes emitting in and around the vehicle. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, who diagnosed that the fuel lines needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact was aware of NHTSA campaign number: 13V584000 (fuel system, gasoline) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 54,000.

- Louisville, KY, USA

problem #4

Sep 202014

Escape 4WD 4-cyl

  • 23,400 miles
I had a tire repair for a nail in Aug at the dealership. Sept 20th ran over a rock~ 8-10 in on the dirt road and sustained a flat tire. I had the car toed. Spare applied, bought 2 new front tires and was told that the left rear shock was totally torn off near the top, this work was done at belle tire who advised me to take to the dealership as it appeared to have frozen up to have caused that much damage and should be under my warranty. Also, I had not been in any accidents. Ford told me that the technician did not feel that it was defective. Reading that there have been problems with rear suspension mounts I question whether the mount problem could have contributed to the shock braking.

- Saline, MI, USA

problem #3

Feb 132013

Escape 4-cyl

  • 148 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated that a banging noise was heard from the rear when driving over bumps and the front end would exhibit an abnormal creeping noise. The vehicle was taken to the dealer numerous times for the failure. The dealer tightened the rear end links however, the failure was not corrected. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and they advised the contact that there was nothing they could do to correct the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure.the vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 148 and the current mileage was 5,000. Updated 07/10/13 the consumer stated as of 6/25/2013 the frontend noise had worsened. The consumer drove two other vehicles that had no front end noise. Updated 07/19/2013

- Brighton , MI, USA

problem #2

May 222013

Escape 4-cyl

  • 2,850 miles
Vehicle has been to the dealer three times for a clicking/clunking sound coming from the front end. Tsb 13-3-2 and tsb 13-5-11 have been performed but the problem still exists. Vehicle has been at the dealer three other occasions for tsb's. engineer supposedly coming to dealer 5/28/13 to check vehicle.

- Strongsville, OH, USA

problem #1

Feb 182013

Escape 4-cyl

  • 30 miles
I was driving for first time after buying vehicle on the highway at around 55 mph and the rear of vehicle began to bounce pu and down about ten bounces. It happened after going over an uneven surface, but not a bump. It was very odd. I had some discomfort in my neck as a result and a general unease of wondering what was wrong with the suspension as well as a fear of losing control of the vehicle on the highway. This hasn't happened again although the excess in bounciness and the very uncomfortable ride of the vehicle has continued and gives me neck pain every time I drive it and I've only owned it for one week. In my view, either my particular vehicle suspension is faulty or there is a general issue with design of suspension.

- Mount Airy, MD, USA

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