general problems of the 2013 Ford Escape - part 1

301 problems related to power train have been reported for the 2013 Ford Escape. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2013 Ford Escape based on all problems reported for the 2013 Escape.

1 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 07/25/2025

Steering wheel locked up hard to turn wheel consuming(burning) way more gas than normally would.

2 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 06/15/2025

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving 55 mph, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. In addition, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact pulled into a gas station and turned off the vehicle. The contact waited for several minutes, and the vehicle was restarted; however, the failure recurred after driving a short distance. The contact parked the vehicle at the gas station. The vehicle was not yet towed to the residence. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 22v413000 (power train). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 142,000.

3 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 06/10/2025

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond as intended. An independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced because metal fragments were found in the transmission fluid. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified on the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 72,000.

4 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 04/28/2025

I was driving, with my children in the car, we were at a redlight - first in line - and when the light changed, my car would not go - it was like it was stuck - I put the car in park, and then put the vehicle back into drive - and then it would go, but in a "joltlike" manner. I was able to get to the side of the road, where I put the car in park, turned the vehicle off, and then put it back in drive. Seemed okay, until the next morning. The next morning, I had to take my kids to school, after I dropped them off, the car was doing the same thing from the previous evening, although more "dramatic" I had to pull off to the side of the road and turn it off and on twice. . . I then got the message "transmission fault service now" I turned the car on and off again. It seemed okay again, I was on my way to work. It was driving normally, then randomly it started revving really loud, and jolting. I made it to the parking lot, where I then on my lunch break that day, called the dealership. I took my car to the dealership and a day later they called me saying that the transmission needed replaced for $8000. 00. I called Ford and they didn't tell me anything worthwhile, I asked for an email contact, and was told the number I was calling was how to contact Ford.

5 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 04/15/2025

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.

6 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 03/24/2025

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle and shifting to reverse(r), the vehicle failed to respond, and the gear shifter was stuck in reverse(r). The contact was able to move the gear shifter to park(p) after several attempts, and the contact turned off the vehicle with the ignition key. The dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 22v413000 (power train). The vehicle was towed to strictly transmissions, where it was diagnosed that the shifter cable to the transmission had detached. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline for the VIN to be added in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 197,000.

7 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 02/25/2025

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 20v331000 (latches/locks/linkages) and 22v413000 (power train) and would like to be removed from the recall distribution list. The local dealer and manufacturer were contacted.

8 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 02/14/2025

On February 4, 2019, my 2013 Ford Escape experienced a problem where it would only move in reverse when trying to leave a parking lot after work. I called for roadside assistance and was towed to a service center. The work at the service center revealed a leak of transmission fluid, which was caused by a broken cooler line from the transmission to the radiator. Prior to the repairs, I contacted Ford to see if this issue was covered under warranty, but I was told that I needed to cover the cost of the work. Faulty bushing was likely an issue, which Ford acknowledged and issued a recall for in 2022 to cover this problem (3 years later). However, the damage and repairs had already been done. Unfortunately, the repairs did not fully resolve the problem, and subsequent issues have further deteriorated my car's performance and decreased its value. This has impacted my decision-making when planning to replace the car, as further repairs are not financially feasible. The work performed on my car, as well as cost of repairs, is attached.

9 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 02/03/2025

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 22v413000 (power train). The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 78,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

10 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 12/23/2024

The transmission has completely gone out. On this car model, there isn't a dip stick for the owner to check transmission fluid levels. While pulling out of a parking space the car hesitated on going into first gear and then jerked really hard before continuing to move. While still in the parking lot of a retail store, the car continued to hesitate between gears and then a low coolant message appeared. After going to the next store, a large grocery chain, in the same parking lot I proceeded to purchase a funnel that would allow me to top off the coolant, which was barely low to begin with. When I tried backing out of the space to go home, the car hesitated on going into reverse, jerked really hard again and that's when I proceeded to pull the car back into the parking spot at the grocery store and ordered a lyft to take me and my groceries home. The message "transmission failure" did not come on until I was pulling the car back into the parking space before ordering a lyft. I had the car towed to my mechanics shop where he proceeded to tell me I would need a new transmission. However, 6 to 7 months prior to that, the car was at the authorized dealer where it was purchased originally from to have the safety recall repair done to the gear shifting cables and bushings, which were replaced. The service worker now informed me that they never checked the transmission fluid levels or any other fluid in the car to make sure that the car was in good condition and ready to drive. Seeing that there is no dip stick for an owner to check the transmission fluid level and the "gear shifting cable" and bushings directly effect the transmission and 6 months later the transmission goes out completely has caused me great concern and duress. I am caring for both my elderly parents and we are now without a car with doctors appointments coming up and their ongoing and increasing medical issues, this has really left us in a huge bind.

11 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 11/21/2024

Within a years time, I’ve found a transmission fluid leak, had the shift bushing cable break and be replaced with warranty, and now my car stalled on my way to work with an alert for the transmission. It’s had a coolant leak somewhere nearly the entire time I’ve owned the car, 3 years. And oil is burning, you can smell it, but I’m not loosing oil.

12 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 10/26/2024

This is the second time that I have had issues with a coolant leak leeching onto my engine. The coolant leaks out and causes toxic fumes in the cabin that have repeatedly caused me and my passengers severe damage to our mucus membranes resulting in coughing and difficulty breathing. I have literally had to drive with my windows down in the cold autumn air because I cannot breathe in my vehicle. There has been no warning or check engine light that has come on at all in either of these experiences. It has been my mere experience of health issues that has resulted in me needing to bring the vehicle in. As of right now there has been no recalls but evidently this has been a recurring issue and problem per my local mechanic as well as the forums that I find online. This is a huge issue that needs to be addressed to Ford customers.

13 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 10/08/2024

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon shifting the vehicle into drive, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The contact became aware that the vehicle responded as needed while shifted into reverse. The contact also stated that a message was displayed, alerting the contact of an air bag deployment. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 14v597000 (air bags, seat belts) and 22v413000 (power train); but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 141,000.

14 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 09/23/2024

The vehicle had been almost overheating and warning lights to shut off engine would kick on. I took it to my mechanic and was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced or rebuilt. I was informed that Ford company is fully aware that that the transmission in the Ford Escape is an ongoing problem. Why has the NHTSA not required a recall? this is not fair to consumers, and the work/parts/labor of this type of replacement are extremely expensive. Shutdowns on the highways or local roads can cause accidents and loss of life.

15 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 08/29/2024

The contact owns a 2013 Ford edge. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with transmission failure; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the nhsta hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

16 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 07/09/2024

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle briefly hesitated, after which the rpm quickly elevated, but the vehicle was unable to accelerate above 30 mph. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 186,000.

17 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 06/18/2024

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was idling, it inadvertently stalled and failed to restart, requiring the contact to have the vehicle towed home. Upon attempting to jump-start the vehicle, it received electrical power but failed to start, after which a message displayed reading "transmission not in park. " the transmission warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 22v413000 (power train), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.

18 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 06/14/2024

Map sensor, oxygen sensor issues. Engine fault service light keeps coming back on once the problem get repaired.

19 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 06/10/2024

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while stationary at a stop sign, there was an abnormal rumbling coming from the front of the vehicle. The contact stated that the front of the vehicle was shuddering. The contact stated that while driving from a complete stop and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated while responding. The contact stated that the failure persisted while stationary or while reversing. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed a failure with the transmission valve. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000. The VIN was not available.

20 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 05/17/2024

Had transmission problems 2 yrs ago that had been fixed and parts replaced. Now again 2 years later the vehicle experiencing transmission problems again. Hard shifting, reading the wrong gear on the dash board, and being stuck in drive or neutral when it is actually in park. No warning lights prior. Vehicle had been inspected by a licensed mechanic. This is problematic when the issue occured while driving leaving me and 3 small children stranded.

21 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 05/12/2024

I did a $1,500 down payment for a 2013 Ford Escape at hurley's salvage and auto sales in amory ms. I test drove the vehicle and informed the sales agent that there were problems with the windows going up or down, the interior lights didn't work, the sideview mirror control didn't work, and that a high pitched squeaking noise was coming from under the hood. I was told to bring the vehicle back for repairs on the windows, interior lights, and sideview mirrors after I got a free check of the fuses. Because they were too busy to do so. I was told that the squeaking came from the vehicle not being in use for awhile. 2 weeks later I took the vehicle back and told them the results (showed the results of a test ran on the fuses and everything was good with the fuses). I was told it would be fixed when they got time that I would be called. I also told them that the squeaking had gotten worse, I was told that would be looked into when they called me. (5-3-24, the date I told them that the squeaking had gotten worse) on 5-6-24 the vehicle ran hot, I noticed the indicator past the halfway mark. I went to autozone checked the antifreeze and the reserve tank was empty. I purchased some antifreeze and it took about half the container to fill it back up. I told them about the antifreeze incident, was asked did I put antifreeze in it. Nothing else was said. On Sunday [xxx] me and a passenger was headed home. When the vehicle temperature hand shot up to max hot and the vehicle lost mostly all power. I was able to park about 75 to a hundred yards in a safe place. I was told a few days later by hurley's that the vehicle had a oil leak, that the drive belt came off, they replaced it with a new one, and now the vehicle won't crank. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

22 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 04/30/2024

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the vehicle made an abnormally loud sound. The contact stated that the failure occurred while driving. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and it was diagnosed that the flywheel and the transmission needed to be replaced. The contact was referred to custom trans, inc. , where the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.

23 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 03/25/2024

This car has had non-stop coolant problems for years. Constantly looses coolant and low coolant light comes on and have to refill. I replaced coolant bypass valve 7/8/21,and again on 3/22/23. Its ok awhile then starts loosing coolant again. Few days ago low coolant light came on after refilling it just a week ago. This time the engine light came on code p1299,with a message to pull over because my car was overheating and it didn't have any power.

24 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 03/01/2024

Losing coolant, engine light came on now vehicle lost exceleration.

25 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 02/15/2024

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the engine revved very high, but the vehicle would not properly accelerate. The vehicle also experienced a loss of traction and surging at highway speeds. The messages "transmission fault" and "hill start assist unavailable" were displayed. The vehicle was towed to the local service center to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the transmission was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 145,000.

26 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 01/01/2024

Power steering out and I am unable to afford the repairs. There is a recall for my make and model my van is not included in. I have already paid for a new transmission when the transmission recall was out and the gilley hyde Ford local dealership was dishonest with me and replaced almost $2000 of extra things and gave it back to me broken.

27 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 11/15/2023

The transmission will sometimes fail to engage immediately after putting the vehicle in drive or reverse. If the driver steps on the gas pedal, the transmission jerks violently to engage. Also while driving, the transmission will have a slight slipping before allowing acceleration. No obd codes appear and no dashboard warning messages appear. In addition to the transmission problem, I obtained a p0234 and p0299 obd code. This code is for the turbocharger overboost solenoid, which I had replaced, but the code has returned.

28 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 10/23/2023

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while pulling out the parking lot at 10 mph, the vehicle did not shift out of first gear. The rpm increased but the vehicle stayed in first gear. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.

29 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 09/25/2023

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the transmission experienced hard shifting and hesitation while accelerating. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who discovered metal shavings in the transmission fluid, and a burning odor coming from the transmission. The contact was informed that the transmission was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 60,000.

30 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 08/05/2023

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she stopped at a local store, and when she reentered the vehicle, the gear shifter was inoperable and would not shift. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. 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 138,000.

31 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 08/01/2023

The contact owns 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated that after driving the vehicle for an extended period, the vehicle would hesitate without warning upon depression of the accelerator pedal. The contact initially took the vehicle to a dealer where they informed the contact that the turbo booster needed to be replaced. Despite the turbo booster replacement, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer for a second time; however, they were unable to determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was given a case number. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

32 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 07/26/2023

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle and shifting into drive (d), the gear shifter moved to sport (s) unintendedly. The contact stated that at second attempt to shift into drive (d), the gear shifter moved to park (p) unintendedly, and the gear shift indicator displayed that the transmission was in neutral (n). The contact engaged the electronic parking brake to park the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that she then watched a video online, where she was informed to lift the gear shifter cover panel and to move a switch, so the gear shifter could respond as needed. The contact followed the instructions with assistance, and was able to drive to the residence, where she shifted into neutral (n) and engaged the electronic parking brake to park the vehicle. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 22v413000 (power train) however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 62,297.

33 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 07/11/2023

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was a coolant intrusion in the engine, and the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to tow the vehicle to another dealer for second opinion. The vehicle was towed to a second dealer, asheboro Ford, inc. (1602 e dixie dr, asheboro, nc 27203), who provided the same diagnostic. Additionally, the second dealer diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 12v551000 (engine and engine cooling). The manufacturer informed the contact that they could not assist because the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 76,236.

34 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 07/01/2023

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.

35 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 06/01/2023

This 2000 Ford Escape only has 23,111 miles on it. The transmission is whining like crazy and sometimes slips. I feel it is a faulty transmission and should be replaced with such low mileage. I cannot afford to pay for this, so it hass to be under a recall.



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