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.
2013CAREFULSerious complaints 1.6× usual, mostly engine and power train Extended coverage
2,346 serious complaints of 2,754, the most about engine (1,268) and power train (402); per car on the road, 1.6× this model's usual year. 18 recalls. NHTSA investigation PE18007: loss of motive power. NHTSA investigation RQ19005: door latch failures.
What owners report
“The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 25-30 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact was able to drive to her residence where she parked the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the engine wiring harness needed to be replaced.”
An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the engine, Oct 2022
“The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the transmission became inoperable. The transmission malfunction warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle with transmission and engine failure.”
An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the power train, Jul 2022
Fixes and extended coverage
- 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.
2,754 owner complaints · 18 recalls (check a car's VIN for open recalls) · EPA combined: 24–26 mpg · NHTSA: 4 of 5 stars · 2013 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: 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 178 hp; 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 240 hp; 2.5L 4-cyl, 168 hp · Drive: AWD, FWD
2013 Escape trims
| S | SE | SEL | Titanium |
|---|
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.