941 complaints reported

2013 Ford Escape Engine

Owner-reported problems and safety issues filed with NHTSA. Review common failures, severity levels, and complaint trends over time.

Reports
941
Crashes
2
Fires
43
Injuries
3

Complaint Timeline

Chronological view of owner reports

Feb 2026

Engine Coolant Intrusion. During normal operation coolant leaks into the engine cylinders causing power loss and eventual overheating once the coolant system runs out of coolant. This prompts an emergency shutoff of the vehicle into "limp mode"

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Feb 2026
Jan 2026

My car is the 2013 Ford Escape SEL 1.6 L ecoboost and have had same issue as the recalled 2013 ford escape sel 1.6L economist with over heating,thermostat,and cracked head with coolant leaking into head,why is my car not on recall also.I know this from diagnosis that was ran.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Aug 2026
Dec 2025

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle in the winter, the coolant temperature warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an Independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the coolant sensor needed to be replaced. The coolant sensor was replaced; however, the warning light remained illuminated. The contact related the failure NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V209000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the model year was not included in the recall. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on two different occasions. The manufacturer was not notified of the current failure. The failure mileage was 85,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Dec 2025
Dec 2025

Coolant intrusion on 2.0L ecoboost engine due to cracked cylinder head. Ford is aware of this issue yet has refused to issue a recall or offer a replacement to those affected as they have done for the 1.6L engines. The engine now needs to be fully replaced out of my own pocket.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Oct 2025
Dec 2025

coolant leak-put more in and leaks took to Ford Dealer in LaFollette, Tennessee. Was told after review it was the waterpump needed and also if they do that do the timing belt and the drive belt all costs were $ 2,133.00 estimated. The car has approximately 150,000 miles on it. I do not feel with all the safety issues for the coolant and the cars catching fire possibly that we should have to pay for these repairs and it would of been in a recall and fixed by Ford Motor Company. The check engine light soon has come on and remained on. It smells like the car is burning and it will only hold coolant at the minimun level. They stated it is driveable but it will eventually fail, dont you think Ford would have fixed this issue with all the complaints that have come in for the same issue. I do not have the estimate in had at this time as it is at the dealer and they have just called me with what is wrong with vehicle. Their phone number is 423-562-2251 Tim Short Ford

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Aug 2025
Dec 2025

Coolant intrusion. Coolant leaking internally resulting in smoke from exhaust and fumes inside cabin when heater is on.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Jan 2025
Dec 2025

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine coolant temperature warning light illuminated. The contact stated that there was no coolant leak found. 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 approximately 105,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Jan 2024
Nov 2025 Fire

I own a Ford Escape SE with 1.6 L eco boost engine. The vehicle started having loss of power and started smoking under the hood. The car is now not drivable and it’s the same issue people have been having with this engine. The engine made a popping sound with no warning beforehand and stopped in the middle of the highway. No fluids leaking but engine has failed. Engine temp gauge didn’t move but car was overheated. The engine is bad and needs to be replaced Spoke to Endurance warranty and they said the engine has 2 service alerts for same issue and my research corroborates as there is a lawsuit pending over that engine. However Ford continently says there isn’t an issue regarding my VIN but the engine is the original OEM engine that has had issues in the past reported by numerous other owners of the same engine.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Nov 2025
Nov 2025

This vehicle is going through coolant constantly. I couod not find a leak. I did find a recall FORD had for a cup plug and the cylinder head that leaks. My vehicle is outside the date range it looks like but looking under cylinder 2 coil pack I found that the cup head is visually leaking. Trying to see if this can be fixed under that recall.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Nov 2025
Nov 2025

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while his mom was driving 35 MPH, there was white smoke coming from the engine and the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that his mom pulled over into a parking lot and after several minutes, the vehicle was restarted; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that his mom was able to drive the vehicle the residence. An independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a blown head gasket, a cracked cylinder head, and a crack in the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V583000 (ENGINE); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 97,773.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Sep 2023
Oct 2025

Despite never overheating, the engine completely failed due to a block crack caused by a coolant and oil leak of unknown origins. This has occurred in multiple other 2013 Ford Escapes owned by many different individuals. The car completely stopped on a highway, and would no accelerate due to loss of compression within cylinder 3.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Jan 2025
Oct 2025

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the warning light indicating that the Engine was Overheating was illuminated. The contact inspected the vehicle and became aware that the engine had overheated. The contact filled the coolant reservoir with coolant. The contact stated that the warning light became illuminated again the following morning while driving approximately 5 MPH. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic, who tested the vehicle and confirmed that the vehicle failed the block test, indicating there was a coolant leak into the engine. The contact stated that the coolant pump was replaced, and the mechanic performed an oil change. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not included in a recall. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 90,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Jun 2025
Oct 2025

Got my escape on christmas eve 2024. Problem started there before we got down the road from dealership. Call dealership explained car was overheatings told to bring back day after christmas. Took back car supposedly repair with new sensors and the issue was resolved. February noticed was loosing water out and overheating AGAIN. Replaced water reservoir and hoses and now car is still saying "ENGINE COOLANT LOW SERVICE RREQUIRED" and it is completely full of coolant. Took to shop had a code pulled on it and it showed thermostat housing and assembly. I called Ford they said not their problem, file complaint. I have had nothing but overheating problems with this 2013 Ford escape.When it overheats it shuts down no matter where you are at very dangerous.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: May 2025
Oct 2025

There is oil leaking. Other 2013 Ford Escapes have the exact same issue and there is a recall for those vehicles but not mine. This seems to be a problem for all 2013 Escapes. These are costly repairs that have been caused by a defect in manufacturing. My vehicle only has 115,000 miles, I should not have this problem. Please help. There is already recall for this year and this problem.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Jan 2025
Oct 2025

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the temperature gauge suddenly indicated that the engine was hot(H), before the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The vehicle eventually shut off in the middle of the highway, and the contact was forced to manually push the vehicle off to the shoulder of the highway. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to the residence where it remained. The dealer was notified of the failure and provided an estimate for the vehicle to be diagnosed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Jan 2024
Sep 2025

My engine leaks coolant and there is a recall for my car make and from the same year but my car is not included in the recall and it is a known issue with ford. They should expand the recall to more cars if they know it is an issue and a safety concern.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Jul 2022
Sep 2025

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the messages "Engine Coolant Low" and "High Temperature Pull Over Safely" were displayed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact added water to the coolant reservoir. The contact stated that water leaked from the reservoir after the vehicle was restarted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Jul 2025
Aug 2025

Purchased a car from used dealership less than 24 hours later check engine light came on white smoke was coming out of the exhaust pipes displayed that coolant level was low . Had it diagnosed it is backfiring as well and it’s running hot there were 18 recalls that had same issues however it’s saying I have 0.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Jun 2025
Aug 2025

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and turned off, the contact discovered fluid leaking on the ground. Additionally, the engine overheated while driving, resulting in a burning odor. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The "Coolant Low" message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the turbo was leaking coolant and engine oil, and the head gasket was leaking engine oil. The mechanic performed an unknown repair, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic, who determined that the turbo was again leaking coolant and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V431000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Mar 2024
Jul 2025

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the engine was overheating with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local Firestone Service Center who diagnosed that the coolant reservoir hose was faulty and needed to be replaced. The reservoir hose was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 120,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Feb 2024
Jul 2025

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine overheated with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the cylinder head had failed, which caused the engine to fail. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Jul 2025
Jun 2025

Coolant constantly leaking. Need to fill every couple of days. Replace thermostat. Didn’t work.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: May 2025
Jun 2025

Keeps constantly and randomly alerting that the engine is overheating, there is recalls for same make and models with same issues but my vin does not have the coolant issue listed for recall yet it has same issue? Plus have not received any info on lock recall to get fixed

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Jan 2024
Jun 2025

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, the engine temperature gauge went to HOT, the vehicle decelerated, and the engine went into LIMP Mode. The engine overheated warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the water pump failed and needed to be replaced. The water pump was replaced, and coolant was added. The coolant level was low immediately. The failure persisted and the engine seized. The vehicle was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed and the contact was informed that there was coolant intrusion into cylinders #2 and #3. The contact was informed that the long block assembly and manifold needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 146,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Jun 2022
May 2025

For months my vehicle has been leaking coolant. Non-stop. My car is constantly overheating and having an issue with the coolant reservoir being empty. I unfortunately cannot afford to fix the issue. I took it to 2 different mechanics in my city, they both said "We see this happening all the time with these specific vehicles. There should be a recall, get it fixed at a Ford Dealership." I came here to see if my vehicle had the recall and unfortunately it does not which is very upsetting.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Jan 2024

Trend Over Time

Complaints by year

Quick Summary

The 2013 Ford Escape has 941 Engine complaints on file. 2 crashes have been reported. Review the timeline above for detailed owner experiences.