Ford Escape Reliability: How Long Will it Last?

S.D. Grady
Mar 8, 2022

Earlier versions of the Ford Escape garnered a devoted fan base as a versatile and long-lasting compact SUV offering 200,000 miles or more of longevity. But that changed with a redesign in 2013 that introduced a poorly crafted engine that dropped its projected lifespan down to 130,000 miles or less.

2017-Ford-Escape-1.5-EcoBoost-Titanium-105

Key Points

  • The Ford Escape earned a long-lasting reputation in the early 2000s with owners driving their rides 200,000 miles or more.
  • Problems with coolant and oil leaks in EcoBoost engines appearing in 2013 dropped its projected longevity down to 130,000 miles or fewer.
  • However, the overall durable design earned the compact SUV a consistent spot in reliability rankings from owners and experts when the bad engine is not in play.
  • Regular visits to the service center for 7,500-mile oil changes and other maintenance support the longevity of the Ford Escape.
  • Shopping for a used Ford Escape designed to last? Look for one built before 2013 or a later model that does not feature the 1.5L, 2.0L, or 1.6L EcoBoost engine.

2013 Ford Escape

Earlier Years of the Ford Escape Can Last Up to 300,000 Miles in its Lifetime, but a Redesign in 2013 Led to a Dramatic Reduction in Reliability

Earlier versions of the Ford Escape built before 2012 are known to run for 200,000 to 300,000 miles with routine maintenance. If it is driven for an average of 15,000 miles per year, that nets a projected lifespan of 13 to 20 years.

Owners share their tales of the long-lived SUV at Vehicle History. One Escape owner reported that his 2002 managed to run up to 727,000 miles before finally heading to the salvage yard.

However, the introduction of the EcoBoost engine and a completely new powertrain in 2013 dramatically damaged the durability of the compact SUV. Vehicles that are part of the 2013 to 2019 generation may only run up to 130,000 miles. In some cases, owners are seeing their engine replaced as early as 27,000 miles.

2013 Ford Escape

Owners of the Ford Escape EcoBoost Engine Report Early Failures Due to Coolant Leaks, Bad Wiring, and Throttle Body Issues

While the 2013 Ford Escape stands as the poster child as the worst year for the SUV, the pervasive engine problems are associated with all vehicles that have a 1.5L, 2.0L, and 1.6L EcoBoost engine between the 2013 and 2019 model years.

Over 1,000 engine complaints flooded into the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that first year, and continue to grow with time. Engine coolant manages to seep into the combustion chamber. The original monitor did not signal low coolant until the engine started to overheat.

Fires, cracked blocks, and burnt pistons required full engine replacements. Technical service bulletins issued in 2017 and later also refer to oil leaks around the intermediate shaft seal. Another recommended the use of dyes to locate the source of mystery leaks. Ultimately, there are multiple ways that these engines are failing at an alarming rate.

The original warranty for the powertrain covered five years or 60,000 miles. Any engine failures that owners experience beyond that mark come out of their own pockets.

Unfortunately, an overheated engine is not everything that you need to worry about. A bad wiring harness can prevent the check engine light from illuminating. Owners keep driving until the engine stalls or seizes. The throttle body gathers dirt and debris, resulting in unpredictable acceleration and loss of power.

2013 Ford Escape

Look Beyond the Engine and the Ford Escape Consistently Scores in the Top Five as a Reliable Compact SUV

However, if you do manage to find a Ford Escape that does not have a faulty engine, iffy throttle body, or bad wiring for the onboard computer, the frame and transmission should last about 12 to 15 years.

The third-generation compact SUV still gets Great reliability ratings from owners at J.D. Power. It ranks in the Top five for compact cars at U.S. News and World Report from 2015 to 2019.

Experts love the way it drives and enjoy its upscale interior. If you are not making regular expensive trips to the shop, you will probably love your car until it is ready to retire.

2013 Ford Escape - Photo by Ford

Oil Changes Every 7,500 Miles and Routine Coolant Level Checks Help the Ford Escape to Last Beyond the 100,000-mile Mark

Fortunately, if you managed to score a Ford Escape without the problematic engine, it should last for many years. The key ingredient to any long-lived vehicle is strict adherence to its recommended maintenance schedule.

Ford suggests having the oil and filter changed every 7,500 miles. For rides that run wide open on the highway the majority of the time, they can run up to 10,000 miles between services. You will want to keep a sharp eye on the engine coolant level. Check it monthly or more often if you need to top up the coolant between oil changes.

Other wear-and-tear items that you should expect to replace over time include brakes, belts, and spark plugs. Suspension elements that may require repair as you climb over 75,000 include ball joints and shock absorbers. A Ford Escape will need an average of around $8,700 in repairs and maintenance over 10 years according to Car Edge.

2012 Ford Escape - Photo by Ford

Best Bet for a Long-lasting Ford Escape is a 2012 or Earlier Model, or One with a Different Replacement Engine

While the durable frame and transmission on the Ford Escape make it a good candidate for a long-lasting SUV, you will want to avoid that EcoBoost engine. If you are looking at one with a replacement engine, ask if it is a refurbished one or a different engine altogether.

There is no indication that the design problems have been addressed, so a Ford replacement engine may end up with the same coolant leaks. If you luck out and score a pre-2013 or 2020 and later ride, expect to enjoy your SUV for up to 200,000 miles or more.

Photos: Ford

Frequently Asked Questions

By Stephanie Stephan | Mar 8, 2022

How Reliable is the 2021 Ford Escape?

The 2021 Ford Escape is considered the least dependable compact SUV on the market by Consumer Reports, with a one out of five predicted reliability rating. Eight NHTSA complaints involving brake failure and warped rotors resulted in a recall for faulty brake linings.

How Reliable is the 2014 Ford Escape?

The 2014 Ford Escape has an average reliability rating of three out of five, and is subject to 1,283 complaints and 14 NHTSA recalls for leaking engine cylinder heads, faulty fuel pump plating, and a cracked fuel delivery module that causes stalling.

Owner Reviews

accountCircle Ray Wells on July 27, 2023
Electrical nightmare
2017 Titanium. Bought used 3 years ago. It literally has been more trouble than the sum of all my cars for 60 years. NO problems with the EcoBoost 2.0L Turbo. Had to find wiring short in engine compartment.--design flaw. Before that had to stop every 30 min and restart it or it would misfire terribly and set a cam sensor code. Every electrical component has failed repeatedly--battery discharge regularly overnight, cluster failure & had to be replaced; door unlock works sometimes, sometimes not; start/stop feature does not work and much more. Ford design engineering just makes me shake my head. Computer is inside front left fender at very front. Hello fender bender. I'd had a glimpse at the idiocy in a Grand Marquis light control module design and plastic intake manifold, and both of those recalled and the recall also failed. Loved driving it, Super power. Comfy seats, Just a headache though overall.
accountCircle Cindy D on July 13, 2023
2018 Escape is Junk!
Rating would be 0 if it allowed me to post no stars! My 2018 Escape 1.5L engine experienced a coolant leak into cylinder 2 at 86,000 miles. I was informed by the Ford dealership that repair would have been covered in full by Ford Motor Company if the vehicle had just 2,000 miles less on it. That's my reward for being a responsible driver and owner who took care of their car and had it routinely serviced! The dealership wants $7,000 - $9,000 to replace the short block engine. The EcoBoost disaster is not one of my making and I should not be coerced by Ford into paying for it. I urge all owners of these bad 1.5L and 2.0L EcoBoost engines to file complaints with the Better Business Bureau and the National Highway Safety Administration and sign onto one of the class action suits. Ford sold faulty engines that can seize up and catch fire. They should not be getting away with this!
accountCircle Elijah on July 15, 2023
About to be in the 300,000 miles club
2008 Ford escape V6 FWD. Has been far more reliable than it has to be. With 278,000K on it, I still drive it like I want. Have had to replace the input shaft bearing on the driver's side. Sway bar links are WORE OUT. Eats Rotors about a pair a year. The front bumper wants to come loose. Zip ties are the fix. The interior is plastic and when you tap on the dash it sounds like a trash can. Decent sound system. Power steering went out for a day. Fine every since. The silver XLT was originally a rental. So, the fact that occasionally a part or two needs replacement I'm ok with it. Sorry for others who were disappointed and let down with there Escape. I would buy another one in a heartbeat if it was as reliable as this one.
accountCircle Ted on October 8, 2023
2010 Ford Escape
I have a 2010 Ford Escape XLT 3.0 Flexfuel. 281,000 miles on it, still running strong. I just replaced the ORIGINAL starter 2 days ago. Still gets great gas mileage. Although the interior is worn from years of use, It's by far, the best vehicle in terms of reliability I've ever owned. I change the oil myself ever 7,500 miles. I just change the transmission oil yesterday for the 2nd time. The tranny oil wasn't even all that d***y. The only major repair was the A/C condenser which went out around 250,000 miles. (can't complain). I changed the headlight covers which were grossly oxidized myself about a week ago. Wonderful truck. It will remain a beater until the engine finally gives out.
accountCircle David H on April 13, 2023
A Reliable, Long-Lasting Commuter
My 2013 Escape SEL 2.0 liter has been reliable for the past 9 years we've owned it. 178,000 miles on it. Planning to put well over 200,000 and I think with basic routine maintenance I will achieve that goal. Only minor issues with it - a mouse chewed on a wire and screwed some stuff up causing $500 in repairs. But that wasn't the car's fault. And some rusting, but I live in the Midwest (salted winter roads). No issues with the engine. I've been very satisfied and know it will last me a long time if I take care of it. I'm sorry to hear about the engine troubles that others have experienced, but the Escape has been very good to me.
accountCircle John Wood on July 6, 2023
Don’t buy Ford. Any Ford. Complete lemon. Just junk.
I bought a 2011 Ford Escape. The transmission failed right after warranty expired. Replaced it and second on failed 2 years later. The third has the same problem jerky shifting failure to shift etc etc. Faulty torque converter. Ford has had 15 years to improve their faulty transmissions but have failed to do that. Consistent problem across many of their models. I read this started around 2009. Save yourself money and aggravation. If a manufacturer like Ford cannot make a transmission or an engine that lasts - don’t buy any of their vehicles. You are throwing your hard earned money down the drain
accountCircle steve on November 1, 2023
2015 titanium
I bought this POS new and the first 2.0L Ecoboost lasted a little more than 79000 miles. Oh and by the way, the turbo was shot at that point as well! Of course I was beyond the warranty and was stuck with the choice of paying $8800 to replace the engine and turbo, or scrapping the car ( for probably $2000?) that was worth $13,000 with a running engine. I would never buy another EcoCrap engine from Ford. Probably never buy another car from Ford. Seems a shame after having such a terrific 2002 Mustang that lasted me 179,000 miles and the new owner is still driving it.
accountCircle Ivy Ainsworth on March 3, 2022
Problem With My Ford Escape Since Day One
8 weeks ago and have had problems from day one. On the night I drove it home I noticed a whistling sound coming from the back right rear area of the vehicle. The sound starts around 30 miles per hour and continues to 50 miles per hour. Dealer has no idea how to fix it. The camera goes black screen sometimes when you put it in reverse. When this happens the camera will not work until the next day after sitting overnight. Dealer says he can't fix it unless he does it when he has the vehicle in for service.
accountCircle Keith Grewe on September 4, 2021
A Long List Of Problems
Leased it on Jan 29. Have had it back in for repairs 4 times. 1. Thermostat went out and the body piece above the hatch fell off. 2. Heard a loud pop on the way to work and couldn't go over 45 mph. They had to replace the whole rear-drive unit. 3. Drivers' seats would not heat or adjust positions. 4. Inside fuel was not working and had to be replaced. I love the mileage but the very loud road noise inside. Just turn up the radio and watch for dash warning lights to come on.
accountCircle Randy Wallace on January 8, 2022
Engine Issues Within 800 Miles
Loved the car for the first 800 miles. Then, the service engine warning came on. Now in its second day in the shop for the replacement of the catalytic converter (on a new car? Unheard of!). No confidence in the diagnosis (I checked the code myself, and that's what it reads, although it can be caused by other things) and no confidence the dealer is prepared for such an extensive repair on a brand new model.
accountCircle Danielle on July 30, 2021
Issues Since I Bought My Ford Escape
The first brand new car I have ever purchased and what a major disappointment..the placement of the seat heat element is beyond uncomfortable, EGR had to be replaced, the back liftgate will not detect or sense the motion to open, and my air conditioning leaks all over my foot and my floor when I drive it longer than 30 minutes. I have had in the shop 5 times and still dealing with these issues.
accountCircle Meg on December 4, 2021
Random Issues In The Ford Escape
I have been to the dealer more times than I can count. My windows and sunroof won’t close consistently. I've had two windows crack for no reason and all has been reset several times. The car jerks at low speeds and the dealer keeps stating “they don't see anything wrong”. Add to that a liftgate that opens and closes when it wants, even if car is locked and I am nowhere in sight.
accountCircle Spalding on September 13, 2021
After Purchasing Engine/Transmission Issues In The Ford Escape
It had 70 miles on it and has had problems since the day after I pulled off the lot. The whole car vibrates when shifting gears and it shifts hard and it continues to vibrate the whole time I’m driving. Also when my foot comes off-gas sometimes it speeds up. My screen doesn’t work right, sometime the volume will be all the way up no sound has to cut the car off to get it to work.
accountCircle Dallas on January 5, 2022
Nothing But A Long List Of Prolems Starting At 800 Miles
Took 3 service visits to check the engine light, Replaced the Catalytic converter at 800 miles, and had no problem since. Replaced the rear camera but went out again. Ford is working on a fix. Spot on the dash started coming visible, about 8” circle, replaced dash. Trim on back hatch come off. The panel under the dash on the front passenger side dropped off.
accountCircle William Harding on February 12, 2023
Reliable and fun to drive.
We bought our 2020 Ford Escape Titanium October 2019. We are seniors and the reason for shopping for this SUV. We are very happy with this car as it has been very trouble free and fun to drive. We bought a new Ford Fusion in 2016 that we loved but we needed a vehicle that was easy to get in and out of. Thus we decided to buy this Escape.
accountCircle Linda Scarelli on December 14, 2021
Major Electrical Issues In The Ford Escape
I had so many issues with my 2020 Escape that I got rid of it when it only had 4,000 miles. Electrical and engine problems. Horn would honk when I would open the lift gate and would not stop until I went to open driver's door. Electrical problems were intermittent. Windows would sometimes open again after the window was closed.
accountCircle Katlyn S on July 26, 2021
Safe And Reliable In My Ford Escape
Officially have had the car for a few weeks, and I love it so far! I have no issues so far. It seems to be a reliable, safe ride that handles wells both in the city and highway. There are a ton of safety features, but my favorite is adaptive cruise control that automatically adjusts my speed to the traffic in front of me.
accountCircle ADL on December 7, 2021
Engine And Other Problems In My Ford Escape
I've been having problems with my Ford Escape. I've brought the car back to the dealership 3 times now and some problems persist. The backup camera would go in and out. Then the interior lining trim has come out of the driver door track. The car makes a grinding noise when it progresses through the gears.
accountCircle Shawn D on February 6, 2022
Ford Escape Is Amazingly Reliable
The engine is strong but not overpowering. The car has been reliable so far, and I do not anticipate any problems. Overall this ford escape has been very comfortable and easy to drive and take care of. I would purchase this vehicle again and would recommend it to others.
accountCircle Patrick D on December 2, 2021
Reliable And Has Nice Safety Features
The car drives smoothly. Electronics are fairly reliable. Various weather settings seem helpful, although wipers could use an additional intermediate speed. Other than that I feel safe in my car,
accountCircle Dan on November 19, 2021
Vibration Issues While Driving The Ford Escape
As speed increases so do the Vibration and Humming. We have had this to two different dealers. All the Techs and Service Reps agree that the vibration and humming are a problem.
accountCircle Connie W on August 23, 2021
My Ford Escape Has Recalls, But Is Dependable, Safe, And Reliable.
I have had 2 recalls with this escape so that is different. Overall I continue to be pleased with my vehicle. It is been dependable and reliable. The rearview camera is great!
accountCircle Nikki G on August 27, 2021
The Safety Features In The Ford Escape Make It Reliable
The different drive modes make driving very easy in any condition. The features are easy to use and understand. Tons of different safety features to keep my family safe.
accountCircle Melissa R on October 15, 2021
Ford Escape: No Problems And Reliable
It is fun, sporty, and reliable. I have only had the car for a few months and drive several times a week. I have not come across any problems so far.
accountCircle Grace K on October 2, 2021
Happily There Are No Problems With My Ford Escape
Fords in general are all very reliable. So far with my car, I have had no problems. The problems that come along with them are very little.
accountCircle Nathan A on January 22, 2022
Reliable And No Issues So Far With The Ford Escape
Reliable and comfy to drive from day-to-day. The vehicle handles well and I have had no issues yet with already 19000 miles.
accountCircle Dan on June 24, 2022
Old ones are reliable.
My 01’ Ford Escape is now 21 years old, in the rust belt, and still going strong at 191,000 miles. I work on it myself
accountCircle Kali G on November 3, 2021
Long Distance Driving In The Ford Escape Is Nothing But Reliable
Very reliable and comfortable! I have gone on many long-distance trips and have not had a single issue out of this car.
accountCircle Trevor L on November 19, 2021
I Feel Safe In My Ford Escape
Really no problems with the car. The escape is very reliable and has many safety features.
accountCircle bigdogwv on February 13, 2023
Still going strong
I have 195000 miles on my 2014 Escape. Never had a problem other than routing maintenance.
avatar S.D. Grady
Sonya is a vastly experienced journalist who loves to share her passion for everything automotive. You can usually find her at the track covering NASCAR, taking a test drive, or drooling over the latest models at the local auto show.
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