general problems of the 2013 Ford Escape

30 problems related to wheel 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 Wheel problem

Failure Date: 05/17/2025

While driving on a city street at low speeds and good road conditions the rear torsion(stabilizer) bar cracked and broke off its mount and flipped the rear wheel sideways. This was extremely providential in that had this occurred at high speeds the results would have been disastrous for all around and in the vehicle. The incident occurred fortunately right at a location where there was a service to fix it. I want this incident to register with you because it may save someone's life. Please take this seriously. This was my vehicle and now it is my daughter's vehicle.

2 Wheel problem

Failure Date: 11/27/2024

My Ford Escape began shaking recently and as a precaution I tried to tighten the lug nuts, unfortunately I was unable to do so as the nuts no longer fit in the lug wrench, while my car was still driveable this could be an extremely dangerous circumstance if I received a flat tire in a remote location, there are countless similar stories on this I found out after doing some searches (I noted a few below). I don't understand how this dangerous safety issue has not caused a mandatory recall from Ford, and would love to hear if that is expected. Thanks, [xxx] [xxx] [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

3 Wheel problem

Failure Date: 07/29/2024

A wheel bearing is unsafe to drive on. Yes my safety and those in the car with me has been at risk. The problem was confirmed by a Ford dealership and has been inspected by a suspension tech. There was no light in the dashboard or anything to notify me of this issue.

4 Wheel problem

Failure Date: 10/08/2023

I have experienced many issues with my vehicle that have been recalled in other vehicles of the same make/model/year but have been denied the assistance in fixing me car and preventing and further damage or risk of my safety due to my VIN not showing any recalls. I do believe that my safety has been disregarded and that my car needs inspection to further show that I should be assisted in getting the recalls identified and fixed to improve my safety and others on the road. The first issue I noticed that was recalled on other 2013 Ford Escapes was a recall on the control arm which was caused by the separation of the control arm from corrosion which increased the risk of crash. I had an incident where my car all of the sudden would not return from the right turning position after I heard a clunking noise which caused me to run into a curb. After further investigation it was found that my control arm failed and locked which wouldn't allow me to avoid hitting the curb. I suffered a concussion and had to pay for this to be fixed due to being denied from the recall. Secondly, Ford has issued many recalls on 2013 Ford Escape engines due to overheat and cylinder head malfunctions many of them my car has been diagnosed and proven to have. I have pulled codes from my check engine that are direct codes that was recalled about the overheating of the cylinder head causing cracks and leaks into the oil. This code I pulled from my car was p0117 and it was traced to the recall from Ford ( 13v583000). Other recalls have been issued by Ford for engine overheating, and my car has been over heating after directly putting coolant into my vehicle and it tends to run out in 1 to 2 days after refilling. My safety and others on the road are at risk from these issues that were not caused by me or other drivers but I am not getting any assistance or anyone willing to look at these recalls and assist in reimbursement or fixing my cars issues. My car needs to be reviewed for the recalls.

5 Wheel problem

Failure Date: 04/23/2023

Ford two-piece lug nuts distort during installation/removal as a result of regular vehicle servicing, tire replacement or rotation, brake maintenance, and other maintenance requiring removal of tires. “swollen” lug nuts with Ford vehicles is a well known safety issue. Many service outlets, including dealers refuse to service tires due to lug nut issues. Due to this issue, it is impossible to determine if appropriate torque requirements are met during installation. This may result in broken lugs, improperly torqued nuts, stranded drivers on major roadways causing traffic hazards, or complete failure resulting in vehicle crash. This is a safety critical issue that should be addressed by fomoco, and not be a cost burden passed on to the consumer. Please take necessary steps to enact a recall campaign for these improperly designed two-piece lug nuts.

6 Wheel problem

Failure Date: 02/01/2023

Took my 2013 Ford Escape sel to a Ford dealership to have a recall repaired. The dealership completed a service inspection of the car as standard practice. The service manager told me that all of the lug nuts have swelled and if I get a flat I won't be able to change the tire because the lug wrench won't fit the lug nuts. He also told me this is a common problem with Fords. I was not previously aware of this problem as I just bought the car last year. When I got home I tried my lug wrench on the nuts and verified the problem. I read a previous complaint on-line in another forum, where the problem is that the lug nuts are chrome plated, but not sealed causing moisture to get between the lug nut and plating and causing it to swell. I don't know this as a fact, but regardless of the cause, the lug nuts are clearly defective and I feel that Ford should replace them free of charge. This will cost me $250 in repairs. This would create a safety hazard if I get a flat and have to pull off to the side of the road and call for a tow truck to tow my car.

7 Wheel problem

Failure Date: 10/17/2022

I have a 2013 Ford Escape purchased used in October 2017. I recently took it to a dealer to have the tires rotated. The mechanic told me that he could not perform the rotation because the lug nuts were swollen and would cost it would cost 200. 00 to replace the lug nuts. I am a senior citizen and on a fixed income. I did not have the money and told him to not do the rotation. I was also told that if I would have a flat tire while I was out on the road I would have to have to have it towed to have the flat tire changed. .

8 Wheel problem

Failure Date: 08/29/2022

After getting home from oil change, I looked at paperwork. It said swollen lug nuts !! no one ever came and discussed this with me while I was there. I called service dept. And was told to get them changed and not to drive until I did. I asked why no one ever came and told me while I was there and was told they couldn't change them just go to o'reillys and get new ones ???? I will not be going back to this sad excuse of a dealership. I purchased vehicle there, so have always used them, but no more.

9 Wheel problem

Failure Date: 05/07/2022

The contact owned a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 mph, she was moving from the right lane to the left lane, she heard a loud pop from the front end of the vehicle. The contact lost control of the vehicle and drove across the lanes and hit the highway dividing wall. The contact had no memory of any warning lights being illuminated or hitting the wall. The contact said that a witness reported that the driver's side front tire came off of the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated that she was told that the airbags had not deployed. The contact stated that she was unconscious and transported to a hospital. She stated she had no cuts, bruises or other injuries. The vehicle was towed to an impound lot. The police were on scene and the contact was not aware if an incident report was written. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was approximately 151,000.

10 Wheel problem

Failure Date: 03/30/2022

Wheels/tires-swelled lug nuts. My car is available for inspection. If I don't have safe tires it puts anyone on the road in danger as well as my self and anyone in my car! yes, confirmed by griffin Ford. Waukesha wisconsin no warnings.

11 Wheel problem

Failure Date: 12/22/2021

On 12-22-2021during routine vehicle servicing of my 2013 Ford Escape at mac haik Ford in georgetown, TX, invoice number 776999, I was told by the service advisor that the mechanic was having troubles getting the wheels off to rotate and balance. Sophie rosa, service advisor told me that the mechanic reported the lug nuts on the wheels were swollen and need replacement. She advised that if not replaced it would cause trouble if a flat tire occurred as the Ford issued lug nut wrench would not fit over the swollen lug nuts. I agreed to have the 20 lug nuts replaced at a cost of $5. 36 each plus labor. I did not get the defective nuts returned to me. Checking on-line I found that swollen lug nuts is caused by chrome being overlaid on metal lug nuts which cause rust to occur and thereby causes the swelling to occur. This defect is caused by the Ford company knowing full well that placing two different metals together can cause corrosive and rust problems.

12 Wheel problem

Failure Date: 11/03/2021

I was attempting to move the vehicle which had been parked on the street in front of my residence into the driveway so it would be out of the way of the scheduled street sweeping. I could typically just reverse right angle the vehicle into the driveway. However, upon reversing the vehicle moved but not according to the way I was steering it. After a few failed attempts, I stopped to assess why this was happening. I know the emergency brake had been released, there were no alerts visible on the dashboard. I got out of the vehicle, no flat tire, nothing appeared different from when I parked the vehicle 36 hours prior. No signs that it had been struck since then. No obstructions behind or under the vehicle. I got back in and tried again. I was able to get it up onto the sidewalk but in a very unintended position. Further attempts did get it partially into the driveway but I nearly hit the picket fence in the front yard in doing so. With it now half on the sidewalk and half in the driveway, I put the brake on satisfied it was now off the street and no longer subject to city parking violation penalty. I had to cancel my work meeting and called the auto club for a tow. During the tow service pick-up, it appeared that the front driver side wheel was not aligning with the steering mechanism but we could manually position the wheel so we could get enough movement and position the vehicle and move it by chain onto the tow truck platform. Prior to parking the vehicle in front of the house, I had driven it without any problems. There was no evidence that it had been damaged or impacted by another vehicle or vandal.

13 Wheel problem

Failure Date: 03/04/2021

Gear selector indicator is stuck in sports mode. This is the second time it has happened.

14 Wheel problem

Failure Date: 06/30/2020

Right front driver side wheel bearing fails twice -- locked up while driving on expressway. Was not drivable.

15 Wheel problem

Failure Date: 01/10/2020

Tl-the contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving he got a flat tire on the passenger side. The contact pulled over and attempted to change the tire but the factory assigned lugnut wrench would not fit over the lugnuts. The contact called a tow truck and was informed that it was a common issue with the lug nuts that were swelling up and not fitting the wrench assigned to the vehicle. The contact called the manufacturer and they are aware of the issue but will not do anything until they are required to issue a recall. The contact spoke to the dealer baxter Ford south 9203 s 145th st, omaha, ne 68138 (402) 896-6000 and they also acknowledged the issue and said there was no recall and there's not anything they can do at this point. The failure mileage was 70,952. Tf.

16 Wheel problem

Failure Date: 10/25/2019

I have a 2013 Ford Escape. I am buying new tires from the dealership. They informed me that the lug nuts were swollen and needed to be replaced. They also said that the replacement would be no guarantee that this would not happen again and that if I have to replace a tire, the tool that is in my vehicle may be too small. I called Ford and was told I am not the first and there is no update. According to the internet complaints, this has been going on since 2015 and Ford has done nothing to correct the problem. Ford suggested replacement with mcgard lug nuts that are supposedly high quality but may still present a problem. This may be the last Ford product I purchase. How can they get away with not correcting the problem. My safety may be at risk if I am on the road and even roadside assistance may not be able to change my tire?.

17 Wheel problem

Failure Date: 08/08/2019

Issue 1: transmission problems at 70,000 miles. Driving on the highway at 70mph and the transmission died causing me the loose power in the middle of the highway. Too the car to the dealer and they mentioned it's a known problem. Issue 2: lug nut stainless steal caps get hot and molds itself to the lug nut under it. There is not tool remove the caps and they have to be stripped off to get to the lug nuts to remove the tire. The caps cannot be stripped of completely and to get a net set of lug nuts cost $250.

18 Wheel problem

Failure Date: 07/24/2019

Tl-the contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in for routine maintenance at magic city Ford Lincoln located at 809 williamson rd ne, roanoke, va 24016, (540) 345-0911, and having the tires rotated, the contact was informed that the lug nuts had expanded due to the heat and was unable to be removed. The contact was also informed that the lug nuts needed to be replaced. The lug nuts were replaced. The manufacturer was contacted and informed of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 57,894. Ah.

19 Wheel problem

Failure Date: 01/06/2019

The lug nuts used on the wheels are susceptible to swelling, which makes it so the lug wrench supplied by Ford to replace the tire in case of a flat will not fit the lug nuts. A google search can quickly show that this is a common Ford problem, and can be dangerous to the customer as they can be stranded on the roadside for extended periods of time as the lug wrench is non-usable with the swollen lug nuts. The "swelling" was also described by costco tire center, as they had difficulty getting the tires off during a standard tire rotation.

20 Wheel problem

Failure Date: 05/15/2018

I had to replace all the lug nuts due to swelling, because the design of the original is defective. There was a recall on the pcm and map on Jan. 7 2016, I purchase this vehicle in April of 2018, the vehicle is still hesitating and wanting stall this happens when in park or coming to a stop. So the problem was not fixed. Also, the myford touch screen sometimes will not respond, won't connect a phone or the radio will not work, this happens when first getting in to start the vehicle. This all started shortly after I purchased the vehicle. I took it back to the dealer but they wouldn't fix it.

21 Wheel problem

Failure Date: 05/12/2018

Swollen lung but issues. Have already had to replace some, now we are having to replace more!.

22 Wheel problem

Failure Date: 04/27/2018

Tl the contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated while the vehicle was in for routine maintenance, the contact was informed by the mechanic that the lug nuts on the vehicle needed to be replaced. The contact was informed by the mechanic that the lug nuts were manufactured with a plastic cover which may deteriorate over time and cause moisture to enter the lug nut that may cause a swelling of the lug nut which would make it impossible to remove the lug nut in the event of the necessity of a tire change. Autonation Ford westlake (23775 center ridge rd, westlake, OH 44145, (440) 296-3019) was the dealer that serviced the vehicle. The lug nuts were replaced by an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was contacted and informed of the issue. The contact was provided case number: 321186. The approximate failure mileage was 62,453. Ah.

23 Wheel problem

Failure Date: 02/06/2018

My car was recently inspected and it required all new lug nuts go get the tires off to check the brakes. I have never heard of lug nuts rusting and having to be replaced. I have found out that several Fords have had to have them replaced. I had a flat tire last fall. When aaa came, they could not get the lug nuts off the wheel. They had to pound it off so I could get a tire on it. This does not sound fair to have to pay $133. 00 for 20 new lug nuts - it sounds like a defect.

24 Wheel problem

Failure Date: 02/02/2018

We had a flat tire however when going to change it the lug wrench that was supplied with the car would not fit on the lig nuts. Called the dealership and they told us it was a 19mm which we purchased and theat didn't work. We then purchased a 3/4� socket which wouldn't work either and had to be driven on with a hammer to turn the lugs and it deformed the ligs to a poibt they will have to be replaced. My 20 year old daughter was put in a position where she couldn't make a simple tire chamge with her boyfriends help. I spend money and several hours (3 plus roadside assistance who could not get the lug nuts loose. My daughter was put in danger by poorly designed equipment and I have spent $50. 00 and several hours on a problem that should ahve taken 20 minutes had the equipment and lug nuts had been properly designed. I know that this problem exists on several Ford vehicles and should be adressed by the manufacturer with lug nuts made of an appropriate alloy, and a lug wrench that will actually remove the nits in an emergency. If something had happened to my daughter because she was exposed for longer than shpuld be rewuired Ford would have had a lawsuit in about ten minutes. . .

25 Wheel problem

Failure Date: 11/14/2016

Can not change tire! lug wrench provided will not work or would any other socket or tool I have? Ford told me this is my problem( they call lug "swelling"). Service manual does not have to replace lugs as part of routeine maintance??.

26 Wheel problem

Failure Date: 01/15/2015

My Ford Escape 2013 sel came with locknuts that have metal cups and these expended cousing issues when trying to take them off. No one was able to find a sucket that would fit the now bigger locknuts. I had to take the car to the mechanics to get all the original bad locknuts off and replaced them with all new ones. These type of locknuts should be labeled as defective and be recalled. I had to spend about $300 to take them off and have them all replaced. Ford will not pay for any of this unless there is a recall.

27 Wheel problem

Failure Date: 11/18/2013

My 16 year old daughter was driving at approximately 25 mph on residential street having just complete a left turn when her front left front tire blew out causing her to lose control of he car and hit the curb. The collision with the curb resulted in damage to the front left rim. The treads on tires appeared to be in good shape the car had only 28,856 miles on it and the vehicle was only a year old. We placed all the tires after reading similar stories about continental tires on the internet. I have been driving for 32 years and have very experienced anything close to this on relatively new car/ tires.

28 Wheel problem

Failure Date: 02/27/2013

Very disappointed by the design. Wheel well are extremely difficult to remove ice and slush they are too small and can't remove debris. Wipers in the front is not the greatest. Loses contact on windshield have a heard time seeing where I am going. Terrible wipers when purchased new wipers required. Engine having really odd noise and sluggish. I supposed they replaced the injectors. Had some torque but sounds like timing chain loose or lifters issue. Seats are not comfortable in the rear. Not enough cushion. Windows barely went up and down. Lots of give. . . Too much replaced front window motors.

29 Wheel problem

Failure Date: 10/14/2012

Tl- the contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The tires on the vehicle were continental con tip small ro contact, size 235/15/r17. The contact stated while driving at slow speeds the vehicle would hydro plane in rainy weather conditions. The failure occurred twice since the vehicle was purchased. The dealer was contacted and advised him to contact the manufacturer. The manufacturer was notified and a complaint was filed. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was approximately 5,500. Rvk.

30 Wheel problem

Failure Date: 08/15/2012

Warning light failed to go on for a flat tire. Light went on when tire was removed. After temporary tire was put on 3 different lights kept flashing on and off when driven.


Other Wheel related problems of the 2013 Ford Escape


Escape Service Bulletins
Escape Safety Recalls
Escape Defect Investigations