Best and worst Ford Escape years — which to avoid

Buying a Ford Escape is a solid decision for a used crossover, but things can get complicated if you choose a bad model year. Sadly enough, there were quite a few of these, so the main buying advice is to draw the line between the best Ford Escape years to buy and the worst Ford Escape years to avoid.

We can help as our team of automotive experts dug deep into the NHTSA complaints and recalls to deliver proven reliability scores for each model year. We also dedicated our research to finding first-hand ownership information and experiences that other drivers had with the model, so let’s get into it.

Why you can trust REREV’s advice on which car model years to avoid: Our car experts look at official data, ask real drivers what they think, and talk to experienced mechanics to make sure our list is useful. This reliable info can make buying a car easier for you. Want to know how we do it? Find out more about our research methodology.

How we rated the best and worst Ford Escape years

The first step to take when buying a Ford Escape is to see which model years should be avoided. Our approach was simple – we first examined recall details and information available on major automotive safety organizations like NHTSA and IIHS.

We further compared that information with available driver ratings and reviews, as well as complaints about the common issues of the Escape on forum threads. Of course, we did a lot of factual checking to make sure we’ll deliver verified information, so here’s a list of the best and worst model years by these criteria:

Most common Ford Escape problems

Among all those models, there have been quite a few problematic ones that are best avoided. It’s mostly due to repetitive issues including engine and transmission faults, so let’s take a closer look to show you exactly what we mean by common problems.

B1. rake issues

Several drivers have reported issues with brakes squeaking, though these reports were centered more on the 2016 and the 2017 models. The brakes squeal so badly that Ford replaced parts or the entire braking system on some Escape models.

Nonetheless, this issue wasn’t peculiar to a specific year; it spread over a few other years, and you should keep it in mind.

2. Transmission failure

We’ve already mentioned it, but this is a common issue with the Ford Escape models. In extreme cases, the vehicle suddenly stops working while driving without any warning and fixing costs up to $4,000, so it is vital to bear this in mind.

Drivers have reported failing transmissions without many signs of low transmission fluid or similar issues that might have led to the issues, so the only way of solving these is through the recalls that Ford scheduled for different model years.

3. Engine misfires

There were a few issues related to faulty engines in the 2012 and 2013 models. Not only are the engines defective, but in extreme cases could light up while driving. Among so many engine-related faults, it became difficult for drivers to troubleshoot engine issues properly to find an accordant solution.

Just to name a few, drivers had to deal with frequent misfires, rough idling at excessively high RPM while stationary, and coolant liquid flowing into the engine cylinders. Along with those, there were cases of water pump failure which led to overheating and that caused severe damage to the engine with the only solution often being a complete rebuild.

Worst Ford Escape years to avoid

Not all of the Ford Escape models were crafted with the same reliability rating, and some years had way more issues than others. So, when buying a used Escape, your biggest inquiry will probably be – what are the worst Ford Escape years?

The worst Ford Escape years are 2008, 2010, and 2014, but here’s a complete breakdown of all the problematic model years:

• 2001
• 2002
• 2005
• 2006
• 2008
• 2009
• 2010
• 2011
• 2012
• 2013
• 2014
• 2015
• 2016
• 2020

We’ll take a closer look at some of the most problematic models years by generation, and try to explain the nature of the mentioned issues a bit further.

Second-generation Escape (2008-2012 model years)

Though the problems associated with the 2014 model were significant, 2008 was the Ford Escape model year with the most complaints. The significant complaints were with the steering and transmission, which could lead to dangerous issues. Other problems with the 2008 model year included body paint, interior accessories, engine problems, and a faulty AC system.

Although the 2009 Ford Escape didn’t suffer from the 2008’s transmission failure issues, it added a lot of problems to the long list of challenges faced by Ford Escape drivers. From its poor handling owing to worn suspension to its disturbingly loud engines, the 2009 Ford Escape is another one you should avoid.

Third-generation Escape (2013-2016 model years)

The 2013 Ford Escape is a problematic SUV with more than 3,000 NHTSA complaints. Unfortunately, many of the 2013 Ford Escape problems are engine-related. These complaints include engine failure, check engine light illuminating, stalling, and even engine fire.

Various reports showed that their Escape’s engine stalled without warning. The standard solution to the issues was to replace either the electronic throttle, coolant bypass valve, fuel sensor, or main wiring harness.

Additionally, the 2013 Ford Escape also had multiple complaints about its transmission -a terrible mechanical issue. Among this model’s numerous problems, transmission failure is the most prevalent.

The worst Ford escape model out there has to be the 2014 Ford Escape. Though other Escape years had more complaints, the 2014 model earns the reputation for being the worst Ford Escape ever.

The main issue was transmission-related, which can be expensive, with some automotive repair shops charging up to $5,000. Transmission issues spanned from minor problems after a little over 100,000 miles to issues with your vehicle stopping abruptly while driving.

After experiencing a year off, the 2014 Ford Escape’s transmission issues reappeared in the 2016 model. The SUVs in the 2016 model year experienced occasional power steering and engine failures. Additionally, drivers complained of extremely noisy brakes, even when the vehicle was fresh off the parking lot.

Fourth-generation Escape (2020 model year)

Ford issued a recall for several 2020 Escape models owing to fuel system issues, leading to engine stalling in the model. Some drivers reported electrical system problems in the hybrid model, affecting drive power. Drivers of the hybrid and gas-only have also reported weak brakes in the models.

What are the best Ford Escape years to buy?

Throughout the production of the Ford Escape, there were some pretty bad model years. Still, not everything is so dark as we’ll also guide you through the best options on the market:

• 2004
• 2018
• 2019
• 2021
• 2022
• 2023

Among these, latter model years like the 2019 and 2020 Ford Escape were the best, so let’s take a closer look at these:

2019 Ford Escape

Ford spiced up the 2019 model year with the Sync 3 infotainment system, push-button start, one-touch power windows, and keyless entry, making it standard across all 2019 Escape trims. These features enhanced the model year’s safety, reliability, and convenience. The only downside to this model would be its lower fuel efficiency.

2020 Ford Escape

The completely revamped 2020 Ford Escape is an affordable, reliable, and fun-to-drive model. Its cylinder-deactivation features provide superior fuel economy in highway driving. Additionally, its turbocharged engine ensures it stays caught up in performance. There weren’t many engine-related issues with this one, finally making it one model year that’s completely free of such problems.

The best thing is that Ford included all its award-winning driver-assistance features standard across all trims of the 2020 model year. The only disadvantage to this model is that it’s expensive compared to the preceding model years.

Is the Ford Escape worth buying?

Although some Ford Escape models have reliability issues with problems including transmission failure, power steering failure, extremely noisy brakes, engine failure, etc, many others have proven less problematic, with a lower chance of frustrating the driver.

Overall, the Ford Escape is a pretty solid car with great qualities.

We’ve done the legwork and dug deep into the details to help you dodge the duds. Our insights on Honda CR-V years to avoid, Toyota RAV4 years to avoid, and Nissan Rogue years to avoid are just what you need to avoid the pitfalls. With our guidance, you’re on the right track to finding a vehicle that won’t just meet your needs but will be a joy to drive for many miles. Let’s make your car buying journey smooth and straightforward.