2013 Ford Escape Driver assistance Problems

Car has been having problems immediately with the turbocharger which then seemed fine once taken in. Only to turn around and have the transmission go out. Once again, it was taken in and was reported that there is no transmission dipstick. It is going into limp mode due to slippage detected from the B clutch pack. There is a low chance that flushing out the fluid could buy the transmission some more time, but a large amount of clutch material has been worn off the internal transmission clutch packs and is saturating the fluid. Therefore needing an entire replacement of the transmission.

NHTSA ID

11748007

Incident

Jun 24, 2026

UNKNOWN

NHTSA ID

11727763

Incident

Mar 28, 2026

My 2013 Ford Escape, bought in September 2022 with a new engine, has been problematic. It initially worked well but lost transmission power less than a year later. I managed to drive it home, but it hasn't worked since. Two repair shops confirmed a needed new transmission, costing $6,000, and found metal shavings in the fluid. There were no warning signs before the failure. Before the transmission issue, the car needed repairs for a significant oil leak. I haven't driven it for two years due to high repair costs, yet I pay $500 monthly, causing financial strain. The dealership advised against a warranty, saying the new engine's warranty would cover issues for three years. I declined the warranty, but when the transmission failed, the dealership refused coverage, reflecting poorly on their practices. Similar complaints from other owners suggest a systemic issue, possibly warranting a recall. The lack of warning signs indicates a design or manufacturing flaw. This situation has caused financial hardship and inconvenience, turning the promise of a reliable vehicle into a nightmare. I pay $500 monthly for a non-functional car, money that could be used elsewhere. The dealership's refusal to honor the warranty feels like a betrayal, prioritizing profits over customer satisfaction. The pattern of transmission failures across vehicles suggests a need for a recall to address safety concerns and help affected owners. In conclusion, my experience with my 2013 Ford Escape has been frustrating and disappointing. From the oil leak to the transmission failure, the vehicle has been troublesome. The lack of warning signs, high repair costs, and the dealership's refusal to honor the warranty have worsened the issue. I urge Ford to take responsibility and initiate a recall for customer safety and satisfaction.

NHTSA ID

11684132

Incident

Jul 1, 2023

While driving the engine seems to "go out" which is a risk to the driver, passengers, and other motorists near by because it is not expected and can happen anywhere (two lane road, major highway, while turning, etc.). You are able to press the gas and hear the engine but the car does not move - it acts as if it were in neutral. There are no safety or warning lights on the dashboard before or during this issue meaning that there is no way for the driver to prepare. There have been times where I was able to pull off the road and restart the car to temporarily remedy the issue but safe and accessible pull offs are not always available (bride, two lane road,etc). I travel with small children and there is a fear that if this continues to happen it can result in fatal consequences. In addition to the safety issue mentioned above there is a perpetual leak coming from the engine. This has progressively gotten worse and after speaking with a representative at Ford they named off a few "possible" causes but were unable to make a definitive decision. I was also informed that the issues that I am experiencing were not unique to just my vehicle but many Ford Escape 2013's in the area that had come to the dealership for guidance and help. While I have stated that the issue occurred in 2013 - it is still happening and continues to get worse.

NHTSA ID

11672244

Incident

Nov 1, 2023

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while reversing, the back over prevention camera displayed a blank image. The contact stated that there was an unknown message displayed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID

11670896

Incident

Jun 30, 2025

My favorite

NHTSA ID

11668274

Incident

Jun 1, 2025

I have had car a month bought used and saw the recall for the transmission shifter bushing which I had done today at the Ford place . But it didn't fix the shifting problem .so took had hooked up to a machine to tell me it's the transmission solenoid b that's inside the trans mission and not covered by the recall which is insane because it's the main reason these cars are having this problem so now I can't get it fixed have had car a month and will be parking it as junk because Ford can't fix under the recall. This needs to be changed this is the main culprit not the bushings.

NHTSA ID

11655660

Incident

Apr 15, 2025

Defective REARVIEW CAMERA. Came upside down and go blank or distorted. Safety Hazard

NHTSA ID

11624576

Incident

Nov 1, 2020

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated that immediately after driving into a parking space and stopping, the vehicle suddenly experienced unintended acceleration and drove forward over a median curb before crashing into another parked vehicle. During the incident, no injuries were reported and no police report was filed. The vehicle was driven to the home and later towed to the collision center for body repairs to be performed. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 33,437.

NHTSA ID

11619391

Incident

Oct 3, 2024

Mileage

33,437 mi

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle sputtered. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion and engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 189,000.

NHTSA ID

11605367

Incident

Jul 2, 2024

Mileage

189,000 mi

- Valve cover needs to be replaced - Spark plugs needs to be replaced - Power reduced message pops up probably from spark plugs - Says transmission fault probably from valve cover leaking transmission fluid - Left rear speed sensor - Turbo charger/super charger underboost - invalid data received from steering angle sensor module message popped up

NHTSA ID

11552384

Incident

Oct 28, 2023

Well I went to start my car after getting gas and it would not start after a few mins it started , but it was trying to lunge forward even though it was in park , after I finally got it going went home and the whole time I smelled gas in my car ? Then I pulled in my driveway and the check engine light was on , had my brother in law do a digital scan on my car and it had PO456 evaporated emissions leak, I don't understand why , I'm scared to drive it now because I don't want to have the cab fill up with gas smell in my car and it's bad for me and my kids

NHTSA ID

11516376

Incident

Apr 8, 2023

Steering Assist Fault sensor comes on which creates total loss of control of the wheel when driving placing anyone utilizing the road in danger as steering is not possible. Has occurred over 25 times. This was part of a recall and has been removed from being a recall now. Warning sensors go off randomly in the car all of the time and are inaccurate creating distractive driving for youth and has created dangerous situations. DMV citation during driving test regarding the sensor malfunctions. Back-Up Camara Broken, and Trunk will not open or close in weather below 40 preventing use in late fall winter early spring.

NHTSA ID

11514684

Incident

Feb 22, 2023

When coming to a stop the vehicle suddenly and unexpectedly accelerated making it very difficult to stop. I had to put the vehicle in neutral and turn off the engine. When I restarted the vehicle, the problem no longer existed and has not happened since but this problem could easily cause an accident, resulting in one or more injuries. Have not had the vehicle inspected and likely won't, unless it happens again.

NHTSA ID

11506201

Incident

Feb 4, 2023

Backup camera is fuzzy/blurry and screen blacks out occasionally when backing up. I've had "Camera Unavailable, Contact Ford Dealership" pop up on screen. At the same time the safety beeping goes out. I rely on this as it's hard to see with blindspots pulling out of parking spaces. I've almost been hit and almost hit others. First happened in January 2022. I've taken it in to Ford Services and they told me to wait until it stops working altogether before fixing. This is a safety issue. The fuzzy/blurred screen has been this way since I purchased vehicle in 2016

NHTSA ID

11486954

Incident

Jan 6, 2022

I picked my car up tonight from Haley’s in FarmVille va they fixed my door latches due to recall on latches. I told Them prior to dropping it off that the ABS light and traction control light and engine coolant light keeps coming on. When I pulled out the parking lot I almost got rear ended because the car didn’t want to go it was moving so slow I had to slowly make myself across the road into kfc parking lot without getting hit. Haley refuses to fix these problems bc the light automatically goes off on its own and they say it’s got to physically be on for them to fix it through recall but it keeps coming on whenever I have the car In my possession and it’s very dangerous

NHTSA ID

11483599

Incident

Sep 8, 2022

We have had to replace vacuum pump 4xs ,had multiple engine repairs done, turbo replaced ,jumped time 3xs, replace ABS sensor 2xs, wheel bearings 2xs, CV axels 2xs, since day 1 has been blowing lights in turn signals and brake lights, wiring issue, have replaced control arms,tie rods,tie rod ends, and so much more, have had transmissions since day one, needs evap system repaired again, transmission replaced a second time, having power reductions, and this vechiile has costed us over 12,000, Have been informed of 2 recalls Time frame 12/2015 to current date.

NHTSA ID

11479208

Incident

Aug 14, 2022

While merging onto the highway, I got into the right lane. While in motion my car stalled and went from 70 mph to 40 mph almost instantly. There have been many other times of engine stalling that has made me fear to drive this vehicle with my child. I noticed that " engine stalling" and the engine in general have been a common issue specific year make and model while researching this vehicles history. There have also been many major repairs and more needed repairs that will cost more than the vehicles worth. The turbo was recently repaired , water bypass valve , valve cover, spark plugs. With more repairs to be made due to fluids still leaking , and a certified mechanic noting that the catalytic converter will need to be replaced. The repairs done and the repairs needed will greatly cost more than the vehicles worth. I'm asking that you guys take into consideration that im still paying on this vehicle and a single mom who cannot keep putting repairs into a vehicle that i desperaetly need for transportation.

NHTSA ID

11473957

Incident

Jul 6, 2022

Lo normal

NHTSA ID

11472730

Incident

Apr 10, 2022

Car falsely indicates overheating and goes into “limp mode” not allowing me to accelerate even while driving. Has occurred on freeway, while parked, in intersections, and has posed a threat to my safety over a hundred times. Been yelled at by other drivers and almost hit countless times because I’ve been unable to accelerate whilst trying to pull over safely. “Hill start assist not available” appears and then “engine fault service now” accompanied by the speedometer going to 0mph (even while driving) as well as the RPM’s going to 0. Lastly, “high engine temperature” appears and car starts shaking and lurching and the engine gets extremely loud until I’m able to turn it off. Sometimes turns back on right away, sometimes I’m stuck in car on side of road/freeway for minutes-hours. Been to 2 Ford dealerships as well as many mechanics and have been told it’s fixed several times and it has not been. After replacing transmission, spark plugs, corroded wires, coolant, and more, Ford dealership said they have no idea what is wrong with car. Exploring online I found many other reports of 2013 escapes having the same issues as well as other Ford vehicles. This has affected my safety too many times and I’m unable to find a solution anywhere. Check engine light is always on unless cleared. Has been occurring on and off (more frequently as time passes) since I got car 2.5 years ago and have been unable to receive any help or solutions. Occurs at any speed, even while in park. I have videos as well of the car not turning on and actively showing these alerts whilst I’m driving. Sometimes the car will even be “on” but the entire dash is black as if the car was off.

NHTSA ID

11470747

Incident

Aug 26, 2019

While driving my vehicle is slowing down losing power it doesn't want to stay started while at a light Will hesitate to stay started and will just cut off. And hesitate to restart this is not the first time that this has happened ethier.

NHTSA ID

11465616

Incident

May 21, 2022

Backup camera doesn’t work.

NHTSA ID

11448709

Incident

May 1, 2021

Case Number: CAS-34813627-B3B3D7 On January 2nd, 2022, without warning my ABS and traction control lights went on, my speedometer fell to zero, and all of the digits usually shown (MPG, miles to empty, amount of time driven, and miles driven) were replaced by dashes. After about 10 - 15 seconds, the information came back, the speedometer worked, and the dash warning lights went off. This has occurred multiple times a day since Jan 2 while I drive my car. The Ford website described a recall that fit the description of the issues I have been having and, according to my VIN, I was eligible to get the system serviced. I took my car in to Wade Ford in Atlanta, GA on January 5, 2022. A diagnostic test reported code PC0031, but only codes P1934 and P062C are considered eligible. I called Ford and opened a case (see Line 1). After waiting a few hours to hear back from Ford, I had to check in at work and perform a COVID test to remain eligible to work the rest of this week per their COVID protocol. On my way there, my throttle became unresponsive as I was getting on the highway. The acceleration came back a few seconds later, narrowly avoiding the car behind me running into my bumper. After testing, I returned to the dealership to find no progress had been made due to Ford being unresponsive. The agent has not responded or updated me, but she stated on an earlier call she was working on consulting her supervisor on my case. Further attempts to call Ford have been unsuccessful. Because this issue is not recognized under any Ford warranty, I have no lease or lease reimbursement options. The cost of having Ford fix the bug they downloaded into my car is into the hundreds of dollars. Even if Ford does decide to fix the issue, I have no assurance this issue won't happen again at the next software update. My vehicle is not safe to be driven at this point. Suddenly having no reliable vehicle is affecting my work and medical appointment schedules, costing me time and money.

NHTSA ID

11446350

Incident

Jan 2, 2022

[XXX] October 3, 2021 at 10:09 PM I also have a 2013 Ford Escape SEL 1.6 ECO BOOST. I purchased the car is March 2018. I was permanently disabled from military service so they made me purchase a very expensive warranty and because I couldn’t work my credit had suffered while waiting on my VA and SS. That cost me 18% interest, but we had no vehicle as we had to give it back while recovering from 8 surgeries . Never missed a payment but I think I know why the bank made me pay $1800 for the warranty in cash. Less than a month both drive shafts had to be replaced. $400 out of pocket. Then Ford said I had a leak and replaced a gasket, which triggered a Ford mandated replacement of the flanged fuel line not covered by warranty. $800 out of pocket. Back up camera is a joke. They have no answer. NOW MOST DANGEROUS ISSUSE. When ever we would slow down our car lost power and stalled. The car had to be turned off and restarted. Extremely dangerous for anyone, but with my three Grandchildren we had to get to the bottom of it. Another Ford dealership said it was a bad battery. Charged me $140.00 and didn’t change the battery. We bought a $200 battery but this has not stop the problem. Seems when you let off gas is mainly when. Making Red lights and stops dangerous, your at a stop light or sign you must be aware that the car could stall 50/50. We can’t put our Grandchildren in the car. It’s not safe We paid $400 to replace the fuel something or other, that controls the amount of fuel going into the combustion chamber as I was told, BUT nope hasn’t worked. NOW when the car does take off the RPM shots up before the gears shift. We took it to get the code read and it’s telling us to replace the TURBO. If they said something should be fixed we fixed it. I ask them about recalls on 2013 Ford Escapes and was told straight to my face there were non though I had gotten letters regarding the doors. Also by the way I know that a coolant system is a closed system and we are losing. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORM

NHTSA ID

11435325

Incident

Mar 1, 2019

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the backup camera intermittently failed to operate as needed. The contact had initially taken the vehicle to a dealer where the mechanic was unable to diagnose the failure. Recently, the contact stated that the backup camera failed to operate as needed and was completely blank. The contact then took the vehicle to Southgate Lincoln, LLC (16800 Fort St, Southgate, MI 48195) where he had the vehicle repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and was informed that since the vehicle was not under recall, they could not offer any assistance. The vehicle had been repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000

NHTSA ID

11428363

Incident

Jul 3, 2017

Mileage

40,000 mi