Which year to buy
Best bet2023Fewest serious problems: 0.5× usual
Newest we'd buy2025The latest year rated a good buy
Avoid2020Far more serious problems than usual
Be careful2010–2011, 2013, 2017–2018, 2021More problems; check the recalls were done
Too new to judge: 2026. Give a new year a year or two of owner reports.
Bar height: serious owner complaints to NHTSA for that year per car on the road, against this model's usual year.
2011CAREFULSerious complaints 1.2× usual, mostly steering and power train Extended coverage
1,256 serious complaints of 1,353, the most about steering (423) and power train (273); per car on the road, 1.2× this model's usual year. 3 recalls. NHTSA investigation PE13003: electronic throttle body malfunction.
What owners report
“The contact owns a 2011 ford escape. While driving and making a turn, the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. In addition, the fuel fill inlet warning light illuminated. The failure recurred intermittently.”
An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the steering, Jul 2016
“Was driving 2011 ford escape and car started to jerk and decelerated with gas pedal not doing anything. Pulled over to the side of the road. The powertrain wrench light had come on then the check engine light. Restarted the car a minute later and it drove a few hundred feet before same thing happened and wrench light came on.”
An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the power train, Dec 2013
Fixes and extended coverage
- Extended coverage Ford fusion, milan, escape, mariner 2009-2013: customer satisfaction program throttle body extended coverage. *lj (13N03, Mar 2015)
- Extended coverage Ford/lincoln: there is an extended warranty coverage for the loss of abs speed signal related communication that disable obdii system monitors for pcm reprogramming. (CSP-14N02, Aug 2014)
From the manufacturer's bulletins filed with NHTSA. A dealer can look up whether a car has had the work done or is still covered.
1,353 owner complaints · 3 recalls (check a car's VIN for open recalls) · EPA combined: 20–32 mpg · NHTSA: 3 of 5 stars · 2011 trims and features
Verdicts computed from NHTSA owner complaints, defect investigations and recalls. Cars on the road from New York State registrations. (How we judge.) Data checked 2026-10-06.
Trims and features
Engines: 2.5L 4-cyl; 2.5L 4-cyl hybrid; 3.0L 6-cyl, 240 hp · Drive: 4WD, AWD, FWD
2011 Escape trims
| HEV | Limited | XLS | XLT |
|---|
base price, seating and driver-assistance equipment from NHTSA's vehicle database (vPIC), as Ford reports it. Tech and comfort features (CarPlay, heated seats, sunroof) for Ford aren't in our data yet. "—": not verified in our sources. "Varies": standard on some versions of the trim.
Year by year
| Year | Engines | Drive | Fuel economy | Crash rating | Recalls | Owner complaints | Most-reported problem | CarPlay |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1.5L 3-cyl turbo 2.0L 4-cyl turbo 2.5L 4-cyl hybrid 2.5L 4-cyl plug-in hybrid | 4WD, AWD, FWD | 26–40 mpg | 5 of 5 | 3 | 4 | Electrical system (2) | — |
| 2025 | 1.5L 3-cyl turbo 2.0L 4-cyl turbo 2.5L 4-cyl hybrid 2.5L 4-cyl plug-in hybrid | 4WD, AWD, FWD | 26–40 mpg | 5 of 5 | 10 | 29 | Electrical system (9) | Yes |
| 2024 | 1.5L 3-cyl turbo 2.0L 4-cyl turbo 2.5L 4-cyl hybrid | 4WD, AWD, FWD | 26–39 mpg | 5 of 5 | 10 | 87 | Electrical system (35) | Yes |
| 2023 | 1.5L 3-cyl turbo 2.0L 4-cyl turbo 2.5L 4-cyl hybrid 2.5L 4-cyl plug-in hybrid | 4WD, AWD, FWD | 26–40 mpg | 5 of 5 | 13 | 133 | Electrical system (61) | Yes |
| 2022 | 1.5L 3-cyl turbo, 181 hp 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 250 hp 2.5L 4-cyl hybrid, 165 hp 2.5L 4-cyl plug-in hybrid, 165 hp | 4WD, AWD, FWD | 26–41 mpg | 5 of 5 | 21 | 380 | Engine (102) | Yes |
| 2021 | 1.5L 3-cyl turbo 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 236 hp 2.5L 4-cyl hybrid 2.5L 4-cyl plug-in hybrid | 4WD, AWD, FWD | 26–41 mpg | 5 of 5 | 21 | 376 | Structure (95) | Yes |
| 2020 | 1.5L 3-cyl turbo 2.0L 4-cyl turbo 2.5L 4-cyl hybrid 2.5L 4-cyl plug-in hybrid | 4WD, AWD, FWD | 26–41 mpg | 5 of 5 | 24 | 1820 | Structure (710) | Yes |
| 2019 | 1.5L 4-cyl turbo, 170 hp 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 240 hp 2.5L 4-cyl, 171 hp | AWD, FWD | 23–26 mpg | 5 of 5 | 3 | 588 | Engine (309) | Yes |
| 2018 | 1.5L 4-cyl turbo, 170 hp 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 240 hp 2.5L 4-cyl, 171 hp | AWD, FWD | 23–26 mpg | 5 of 5 | 4 | 1801 | Engine (1154) | Yes |
| 2017 | 1.5L 4-cyl turbo, 170 hp 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 240 hp 2.5L 4-cyl, 168 hp | AWD, FWD | 23–26 mpg | 5 of 5 | 4 | 2687 | Engine (1573) | Yes |
| 2016 | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 178 hp 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 240 hp 2.5L 4-cyl, 168 hp | AWD, FWD | 23–26 mpg | 4 of 5 | 4 | 1133 | Power train (320) | No |
| 2015 | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 178 hp 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 240 hp 2.5L 4-cyl, 168 hp | AWD, FWD | 23–26 mpg | 4 of 5 | 9 | 1105 | Power train (285) | No |
| 2014 | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 178 hp 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 240 hp 2.5L 4-cyl, 168 hp | AWD, FWD | 24–26 mpg | 4 of 5 | 16 | 2087 | Engine (726) | No |
| 2013 | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 178 hp 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 240 hp 2.5L 4-cyl, 168 hp | AWD, FWD | 24–26 mpg | 4 of 5 | 18 | 2754 | Engine (1268) | No |
| 2012 | 2.5L 4-cyl 2.5L 4-cyl hybrid 3.0L 6-cyl, 240 hp manual available | AWD, FWD | 20–32 mpg | 3 of 5 | 2 | 617 | Steering (141) | No |
| 2011 | 2.5L 4-cyl 2.5L 4-cyl hybrid 3.0L 6-cyl, 240 hp manual available | 4WD, AWD, FWD | 20–32 mpg | 3 of 5 | 3 | 1353 | Steering (423) | No |
| 2010 | 2.5L 4-cyl 2.5L 4-cyl hybrid 3.0L 6-cyl, 240 hp manual available | 4WD, FWD | 20–32 mpg | Not rated | 5 | 2129 | Vehicle speed control (566) | No |
Owner complaints are unverified reports to NHTSA, counted as filed: older years have had longer to collect them and sales aren't adjusted for, so see Which year to buy for a fair comparison. Most-reported problem: the component named in the most complaints that year. Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Apple.
Which years have…
Wireless Apple CarPlayApple CarPlay (wired or wireless)Wireless phone chargingHead-up displayPower liftgateAdaptive cruise with stop and goLane centeringBlind-spot monitoring360-degree cameraHeated front seatsHeated steering wheelLeather seatsRemote startPanoramic roof
Apple lists CarPlay for: Escape 2017–2025 (Apple).
Every NHTSA-rated version: crash ratings, safety tech, recalls, complaints
| Year | Version | Stars | Forward collision warning | Lane departure warning | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | FORD ESCAPE GAS SUV N/A AWD | 5 | No | No | 2 | 3 |
| 2026 | FORD ESCAPE GAS SUV N/A FWD | 5 | No | No | 2 | 3 |
| 2026 | FORD ESCAPE HEV SUV HEV AWD | 5 | No | No | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 | FORD ESCAPE HEV SUV HEV FWD | 5 | No | No | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 | FORD ESCAPE PHEV SUV PHEV FWD | 5 | No | No | 1 | 1 |
| 2025 | Ford Escape Gas SUV AWD | 5 | Standard & Optional | Standard | 9 | 24 |
| 2025 | Ford Escape Gas SUV FWD | 5 | Standard & Optional | Standard | 9 | 24 |
| 2025 | Ford Escape HEV SUV AWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 0 | 1 |
| 2025 | Ford Escape HEV SUV FWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 0 | 1 |
| 2025 | Ford Escape PHEV SUV FWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 1 | 4 |
| 2024 | Ford Escape SUV AWD | 5 | Standard & Optional | Standard | 8 | 76 |
| 2024 | Ford Escape SUV FWD | 5 | Standard & Optional | Standard | 8 | 76 |
| 2024 | Ford Escape HEV SUV AWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 0 | 4 |
| 2024 | Ford Escape HEV SUV FWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 0 | 4 |
| 2024 | Ford Escape PHEV SUV FWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 2 | 7 |
| 2023 | Ford Escape SUV AWD | 5 | Standard & Optional | Standard | 11 | 99 |
| 2023 | Ford Escape SUV FWD | 5 | Standard & Optional | Standard | 11 | 99 |
| 2023 | Ford Escape HEV SUV AWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 0 | 23 |
| 2023 | Ford Escape HEV SUV FWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 0 | 23 |
| 2023 | Ford Escape PHEV SUV FWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 2 | 11 |
| 2022 | Ford Escape SUV AWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 19 | 234 |
| 2022 | Ford Escape SUV FWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 19 | 234 |
| 2022 | Ford Escape HEV SUV AWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 0 | 68 |
| 2022 | Ford Escape HEV SUV FWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 0 | 68 |
| 2022 | Ford Escape PHEV SUV FWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 2 | 78 |
| 2021 | Ford Escape SUV AWD | 5 | Optional | Standard | 19 | 348 |
| 2021 | Ford Escape SUV FWD | 5 | Optional | Standard | 19 | 348 |
| 2021 | Ford Escape HEV SUV AWD | 5 | Optional | Standard | 19 | 348 |
| 2021 | Ford Escape HEV SUV FWD | 5 | Optional | Standard | 19 | 348 |
| 2021 | Ford Escape PHEV SUV FWD | Not Rated | Optional | Standard | 1 | 22 |
| 2020 | Ford Escape SUV AWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 23 | 1531 |
| 2020 | Ford Escape SUV FWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 23 | 1531 |
| 2020 | Ford Escape HEV SUV AWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 1 | 288 |
| 2020 | Ford Escape HEV SUV FWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 1 | 288 |
| 2020 | Ford Escape PHEV SUV FWD | Not Rated | Standard | Standard | 1 | 1 |
| 2019 | Ford Escape SUV AWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 3 | 588 |
| 2019 | Ford Escape SUV FWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 3 | 588 |
| 2018 | Ford Escape SUV AWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 4 | 1801 |
| 2018 | Ford Escape SUV FWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 4 | 1801 |
| 2017 | Ford Escape SUV FWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 4 | 2687 |
| 2017 | Ford Escape SUV AWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 4 | 2687 |
| 2016 | Ford Escape SUV AWD | 4 | No | No | 4 | 1133 |
| 2016 | Ford Escape SUV FWD | 4 | No | No | 4 | 1133 |
| 2015 | Ford Escape SUV FWD | 4 | No | No | 9 | 1105 |
| 2015 | Ford Escape SUV AWD | 4 | No | No | 9 | 1105 |
| 2014 | Ford Escape SUV 4x2 | 4 | No | No | 16 | 2087 |
| 2014 | Ford Escape SUV 4x4 | 4 | No | No | 16 | 2087 |
| 2013 | Ford Escape SUV 4x4 | 4 | No | No | 18 | 2754 |
| 2013 | Ford Escape SUV 4x2 | 4 | No | No | 18 | 2754 |
| 2012 | Ford Escape SUV 4x4 | 3 | No | No | 2 | 602 |
| 2012 | Ford Escape SUV 4x2 | 3 | No | No | 2 | 602 |
| 2012 | Ford Escape Hev SUV 4x4 | 3 | No | No | 2 | 600 |
| 2012 | Ford Escape Hev SUV 4x2 | 3 | No | No | 2 | 600 |
| 2011 | Ford Escape SUV 4x4 | 3 | No | No | 3 | 1316 |
| 2011 | Ford Escape SUV 4x2 | 3 | No | No | 3 | 1316 |
| 2011 | Ford Escape Hev SUV 4x4 | 3 | No | No | 3 | 1334 |
| 2011 | Ford Escape Hev SUV 4x2 | 3 | No | No | 3 | 1334 |
| 2010 | Ford Escape 4-DR. w/SAB | Not Rated | No | No | 5 | 2129 |
| 2010 | Ford Escape Hybrid 4-DR. w/SAB | Not Rated | No | No | 5 | 2129 |
Source: NHTSA.
Every EPA-rated version: engines and combined mpg
| Year | EPA model | Engines | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Escape AWD | Auto 8-spd, 3 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo Auto 8-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo |
26–28 |
| 2026 | Escape AWD HEV | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | 39 |
| 2026 | Escape FWD | Auto 8-spd, 3 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo | 30 |
| 2026 | Escape FWD PHEV | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | 40 |
| 2025 | Escape AWD | Auto 8-spd, 3 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo Auto 8-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo |
26–28 |
| 2025 | Escape AWD HEV | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | 39 |
| 2025 | Escape FWD | Auto 8-spd, 3 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo | 30 |
| 2025 | Escape FWD HEV | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | 39 |
| 2025 | Escape FWD PHEV | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | 40 |
| 2024 | Escape AWD | Auto 8-spd, 3 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo Auto 8-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo |
26–28 |
| 2024 | Escape AWD HEV | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | 39 |
| 2024 | Escape FWD | Auto 8-spd, 3 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo | 30 |
| 2024 | Escape FWD HEV | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | 39 |
| 2023 | Escape AWD | Auto 8-spd, 3 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo Auto 8-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo |
26–28 |
| 2023 | Escape AWD HEV | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | 39 |
| 2023 | Escape FWD | Auto 8-spd, 3 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo | 30 |
| 2023 | Escape FWD HEV | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | 39 |
| 2023 | Escape FWD PHEV | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | 40 |
| 2022 | Escape AWD | Auto 8-spd, 3 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo Auto 8-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo |
26–28 |
| 2022 | Escape AWD HEV | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | 40 |
| 2022 | Escape FWD | Auto 8-spd, 3 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo | 30 |
| 2022 | Escape FWD HEV | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | 41 |
| 2022 | Escape FWD PHEV | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | 40 |
| 2021 | Escape AWD | Auto 8-spd, 3 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo Auto 8-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo |
26–28 |
| 2021 | Escape AWD HEV | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | 40 |
| 2021 | Escape FWD | Auto 8-spd, 3 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo | 30 |
| 2021 | Escape FWD HEV | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | 41 |
| 2021 | Escape FWD PHEV | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | 40 |
| 2020 | Escape AWD | Auto 8-spd, 3 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo |
26–28 |
| 2020 | Escape AWD HEV | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | 40 |
| 2020 | Escape FWD | Auto 8-spd, 3 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo | 30 |
| 2020 | Escape FWD HEV | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | 41 |
| 2020 | Escape FWD PHEV | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | 41 |
| 2019 | Escape AWD | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo |
23–24 |
| 2019 | Escape FWD | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L |
24–26 |
| 2019 | Escape FWD FFV | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | 24 |
| 2018 | Escape AWD | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo |
23–24 |
| 2018 | Escape FWD | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L |
24–26 |
| 2018 | Escape FWD FFV | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | 24 |
| 2017 | Escape AWD | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo |
23–24 |
| 2017 | Escape FWD | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L |
24–26 |
| 2017 | Escape FWD FFV | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | 24 |
| 2016 | Escape AWD | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo |
23–25 |
| 2016 | Escape FWD | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo |
24–26 |
| 2015 | Escape AWD | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo |
23–25 |
| 2015 | Escape FWD | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo |
24–26 |
| 2014 | Escape AWD | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo |
24–25 |
| 2014 | Escape FWD | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo |
24–26 |
| 2013 | Escape AWD | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo |
24–25 |
| 2013 | Escape FWD | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo |
24–26 |
| 2012 | Escape AWD | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L | 23 |
| 2012 | Escape AWD FFV | Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L | 20 |
| 2012 | Escape FWD | Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L |
23–25 |
| 2012 | Escape FWD FFV | Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L | 21 |
| 2012 | Escape Hybrid AWD | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | 29 |
| 2012 | Escape Hybrid FWD | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | 32 |
| 2011 | Escape 4WD | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L | 22 |
| 2011 | Escape 4WD FFV | Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L | 20 |
| 2011 | Escape FWD | Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L |
23–25 |
| 2011 | Escape FWD FFV | Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L | 21 |
| 2011 | Escape Hybrid 4WD | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | 29 |
| 2011 | Escape Hybrid FWD | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | 32 |
| 2010 | Escape 4WD | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L | 22 |
| 2010 | Escape 4WD FFV | Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L | 20 |
| 2010 | Escape FWD | Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L |
23–24 |
| 2010 | Escape FWD FFV | Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L | 21 |
| 2010 | Escape Hybrid 4WD | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | 29 |
| 2010 | Escape Hybrid FWD | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | 32 |
Source: fueleconomy.gov.