According to Au7o's analysis of 2,383+ owner reports, the 2013 Ford Escape has 19 documented known issues, with 11 rated critical. The most serious are Side Door Latch Failure - Door May Open While Driving ($0-$0 repair), Throttle Body Motor Commutator Contamination Triggers Limp Home Mode ($350-$700 repair), Front Seatback Recliner Weld Failure — Seat Back Collapses or Leans (Recall 14V164) ($0-$0 repair), Electric Power Steering Rack Failure ($100-$1,700 repair), Shift Cable Bushing Degrades and Detaches — Vehicle Can Roll Away in "Park" (Recall 18V471 / Ford 18S20, and 22V413) ($0-$0 repair), Restraints Control Module Coating Cracks — Airbags and Seat Belt Pretensioners May Not Deploy (Recall 14V597 / Ford 14S21) ($0-$0 repair), 1.6L EcoBoost Engine Compartment Fuel Line Splits — Fuel Leak and Fire (Recall 12V336, Reinspection 13V584) ($0-$0 repair), 1.6L EcoBoost Cylinder Head Cracks from Localized Overheating — Oil Leak and Engine Compartment Fire (Recall 13V583).
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2019 Escape, 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2016 Fusion, 2013-2021 Transit Connect, and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles. The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.
Campaign #22V41300010/06/2022
TIRES
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 F-150, 2018-2020 F-250, F-350, and 2019 Escape vehicles equipped with Continental tires. On the affected vehicles, it is possible that one or more tires were cured for too long during tire production.
Campaign #21V15500010/03/2021
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATER
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Focus, 2013-2019 Escape, and 2015-2016 MKC vehicles equipped with a 2.0L engine. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
Campaign #26V01100015/01/2026
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According to Au7o's analysis of 2,383+ owner reports, the 2013 Ford Escape has 19 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Side Door Latch Failure - Door May Open While Driving, Throttle Body Motor Commutator Contamination Triggers Limp Home Mode, Front Seatback Recliner Weld Failure — Seat Back Collapses or Leans (Recall 14V164). Of these, 11 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Ford Escape reliable?
The 2013 Ford Escape has 19 known issues documented across 2,383+ owner reports. 11 issues are rated critical: Side Door Latch Failure - Door May Open While Driving and Throttle Body Motor Commutator Contamination Triggers Limp Home Mode and Front Seatback Recliner Weld Failure — Seat Back Collapses or Leans (Recall 14V164) and Electric Power Steering Rack Failure and Shift Cable Bushing Degrades and Detaches — Vehicle Can Roll Away in "Park" (Recall 18V471 / Ford 18S20, and 22V413) and Restraints Control Module Coating Cracks — Airbags and Seat Belt Pretensioners May Not Deploy (Recall 14V597 / Ford 14S21) and 1.6L EcoBoost Engine Compartment Fuel Line Splits — Fuel Leak and Fire (Recall 12V336, Reinspection 13V584) and 1.6L EcoBoost Cylinder Head Cracks from Localized Overheating — Oil Leak and Engine Compartment Fire (Recall 13V583) and Engine Wiring Harness Splice to the MAP Sensor Loses Compression — Hesitation and Stalling (Recalls 14V495 / 15V813, Ford 14S17) and AWD Power Transfer Unit (PTU) Overheating, Fluid Leak, and Failure and P0741 — Torque Converter Clutch Failure in the 6F35 Automatic. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Ford Escape problems?
Repair costs for known Ford Escape issues range from $0 to $3,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Side Door Latch Failure - Door May Open While Driving, typically costs $0-$0 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 2013-2015 Ford Escape Side Door Latch Failure - Door May Open While Driving?
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.
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On the 2013-2015 Ford Escape, the 2013-2015 Ford Escape is subject to a major safety recall affecting side door latches. The pawl spring tab inside the door latch can fracture due to stress in high-temperature/humidity climates, causing the door to not close properly or to open unexpectedly while driving. Ford expanded this recall multiple times, ultimately covering approximately 2.38 million vehicles including Escape, Focus, C-MAX, Mustang, and Lincoln MKC. The latch itself typically fails silently - the door may appear closed but is not fully latched, creating an ejection risk for occupants.
Door that bounces back when trying to close (will not latch)
Door ajar warning light or chime while driving with door apparently closed
Door opens unexpectedly while driving
Wind noise from door area that should be closed
Door handle feels different or loose when opening
How to Fix
Ford Safety Recall 14S17 / 16V643 - dealers replace all affected side door latches at no charge. Check NHTSA safercar.gov or fordowner.com with VIN to confirm recall status. Free repair must be completed regardless of mileage or ownership history.
High Confidence2,383 owner reportsLast reported by owners May 2025Reviewed Feb 2026
On the 2013-2014 Ford Escape, driver and passenger seatback assemblies on 2013-2014 Escapes built June 5, 2012 through August 12, 2013 were produced with sub-standard weld joints attaching the seat back recliner mechanism to the seat frame. The weld can fail, and the seat back becomes loose or leans rearward while driving. More seriously, the affected seat backs do not have enough strength to meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 207 ("Seating Systems"), so in a rear impact the seat back can collapse and the occupant is not properly restrained. NHTSA campaign 14V164000 was posted April 8, 2014 and the remedy began May 30, 2014. Not every 2013-2014 Escape is affected — coverage is by build date and seat supplier, and forum owners of 2014 S models found their VINs excluded.
Common Symptoms
Front seat back rocks, leans, or feels loose
Seat back moves rearward under acceleration
Clunk or play from the recliner when leaning back
Seat back suddenly reclines on its own
How to Fix
Free recall remedy under NHTSA 14V164000 — the dealer replaces the affected seatback at no charge. Check the VIN specifically, because the campaign is build-date limited and many same-year Escapes are outside it. If a seat back rocks, leans, or has developed play in the recliner outside the recall population, do not drive with an occupant in that seat until the recliner mechanism is inspected; a loose recliner is not a comfort complaint, it is a restraint-system failure in a rear impact.
On the 2013-2014 Ford Escape, the conformal coating on portions of the Restraints Control Module printed circuit board can crack. When the cracked board is exposed to humidity, circuits on the PCB short out, and the frontal airbags, side curtain airbags and seat belt pretensioners may fail to function as intended in a crash. Ford recalled roughly 850,000 vehicles in North America under NHTSA 14V597000 / Ford 14S21, covering 2013-2014 Escapes built October 5, 2011 through November 1, 2013 along with C-MAX, Fusion and MKZ. The recall was announced September 26, 2014 but the parts fix did not begin until May 26, 2015, leaving owners exposed for months. Escape owners typically see it as an airbag warning light that comes and goes with weather and humidity. A separate, earlier action (Ford 14S04) reprogrammed the RCM software on some 2013-2014 Escapes for delayed side-curtain rollover airbag deployment — a different defect in the same module.
Common Symptoms
Airbag / restraints warning light illuminated on the cluster
Warning light comes and goes with humidity or weather changes
Airbags and pretensioners may not deploy in a crash
Stored restraint system fault codes on scan
Intermittent chime with the airbag light
How to Fix
Free recall remedy under NHTSA 14V597000 / Ford 14S21 — the dealer replaces the Restraints Control Module at no cost. Do not simply have the airbag light cleared: the light going out does not mean the cracked coating is gone, and the module can short again in the next humid spell. Also check the VIN for Ford 14S04, the separate RCM software reprogram for delayed side-curtain deployment, which is a different remedy on the same part. On a used purchase, an airbag light that is on, or a light that has been recently reset, is a reason to verify the module was actually replaced.
On the 2009-2013 Ford Escape, this is one of the best-documented electronic throttle faults in the industry, because NHTSA investigated it and Ford paid for it. Preliminary Evaluation PE13-003, opened February 2013, covered model year 2009-2013 Escape, Mariner, Fusion and Milan vehicles with the 2.5L and 3.0L engines. Ford's analysis, quoted in the closing resume, is that the electronic throttle body's internal motor contacts develop a high-resistance material buildup on the commutator, producing intermittent electrical connectivity to the throttle actuator motor. The motor then fails to drive the plate where the PCM asked it to go. The PCM sets P2111 (Throttle Body Stuck Open) or P2112 (Throttle Body Stuck Closed) as the root cause - about half of the 59,807 warranty ETB replacement claims Ford identified carried one of those two codes - and then commands Failure Mode Effects Management, Ford's name for limp home. The forced-idle branch of FMEM is what logs P2104: engine speed is pinned near 900 RPM, the pedal is ignored, and steering, brakes, lights and climate control keep working so the driver can pull over. Drivers describe it as suddenly losing all power at speed or refusing to accelerate from a stop, usually with the wrench light on, and the fault is often intermittent for weeks before it sticks. Note that on the Escape this is a motor-contact defect, not simply a dirty throttle bore, so cleaning is not the answer here.
What feels like a stall at speed, though the engine is still running
Intermittent episodes that clear after shutting the car off and restarting
How to Fix
Check coverage history before you spend a dollar. Ford issued Customer Satisfaction Program 13N03, which extended throttle body coverage on affected 2009-2013 Escape, Mariner, Fusion and Milan vehicles to 10 years or 150,000 miles from the warranty start date, with reimbursement for owners who had already paid. That program has now lapsed for every affected model year, so most owners will pay out of pocket - but it is still worth a call to a Ford dealer with the VIN referencing 13N03 before assuming so. The technical content of the program still governs the correct repair. Ford and its suppliers revised the PCM calibration to run a throttle body motor cleaning cycle at key-on, which wipes the commutator and restores connectivity, and revised the internal motor components' design, surface finish and material composition on the replacement part. So the repair sequence is: reprogram the PCM to the latest calibration first, since that alone resolves many intermittent cases, then replace the ETB with the updated-design assembly if the fault persists or the plate is confirmed stuck. Before condemning the throttle body, confirm the partner code - P2111 or P2112 with P2104 points at the ETB, while P2135 or P2138 points at the accelerator pedal position sensor - and inspect the ETB connector for corrosion and backed-out pins. After replacement, run the throttle body and idle relearn or the PCM will treat the new unit's closed stop as out of range and immediately re-set the forced-idle code. A Motorcraft ETB plus labor typically runs $350-$700 at an independent shop.
On the 2013 Ford Escape 1.6L EcoBoost I4, separate from the coolant-into-the-cylinder failure, the 1.6L EcoBoost cylinder head itself can crack from localized overheating in the head casting. The crack lets engine oil escape onto hot engine and exhaust components, which can start an engine compartment fire. Ford recalled 139,917 model year 2013 Escapes with the 1.6L EcoBoost, built October 5, 2011 through June 2, 2013, under NHTSA 13V583000 (announced November 2013) and issued unusually strong language telling owners to have the work done promptly. This was the fifth and sixth recall action on the 1.6L Escape in eighteen months. It is engine-code specific: the 2.0L EcoBoost and 2.5L Duratec Escapes of the same years are not covered.
Coolant level dropping with no visible external leak
Engine temperature spiking or overheating warning
Oil on the exhaust manifold or turbocharger
Engine compartment fire in severe cases
How to Fix
Free recall remedy under NHTSA 13V583000 — the dealer installs a revised coolant level sensor and reprograms the powertrain control module so the engine detects low coolant and derates before the head reaches the temperature that cracks it, and inspects for existing damage. A head that has already cracked requires cylinder head replacement, which is not covered by the recall itself and typically runs into four figures. On a used 2013 1.6L Escape, verify both this recall and the coolant-intrusion actions are closed out before purchase, and treat any coolant loss with no visible external leak as a stop-driving condition.
On the 2013-2021 Ford Escape, p0011 sets when the Bank 1 intake camshaft is more advanced than the PCM commands. On the Escape the dominant cause is a sticking intake VCT (variable cam timing) solenoid, almost always from low or dirty engine oil letting debris jam the solenoid spool — Ford has multiple TSBs acknowledging this. It is most common on the 1.5L/1.6L EcoBoost and 2.5L engines. If the solenoid and oil are good, the fault escalates to the cam phaser itself or base timing (stretched chain/worn guides).
Check engine oil level and condition first; overdue or low oil is a frequent trigger. Run Ford's pinpoint test that cycles the solenoid to dislodge debris, then change oil and filter. If the code persists, replace the Bank 1 intake VCT solenoid. If it still returns, inspect the cam phaser and timing chain for wear.
On the 2013-2014 Ford Escape, the plastic bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission on the shift lever end degrades and can detach from the transmission. When it does, the transmission can be in a gear state different from what the shift lever and PRNDL display indicate. The dangerous case is the driver moving the lever to Park, seeing P on the cluster, and removing the key — while the transmission is not actually in Park and the vehicle rolls away, with no warning message and no audible chime. Ford recalled roughly 550,000 vehicles under NHTSA 18V471000 / Ford 18S20 covering 2013-2014 Escapes and 2013-2016 Fusions, and in June 2022 issued a further shift-cable-bushing action affecting 2013 Escapes under NHTSA 22V413000 as part of a 2.9 million vehicle campaign. Escape owners on fordescape.org discussed the campaign extending across 2013-2019 cars. This is a shift-linkage defect, not a transmission internal failure, and is unrelated to the 6F35 torque converter and 8F35 bearing issues.
Common Symptoms
Vehicle rolls away after being shifted to Park
Cluster shows P but the transmission is not in Park
Shift lever feels loose, sloppy, or disconnected
Vehicle will not start because the transmission range is not recognized
Selected gear does not match the gear the vehicle is actually in
No park-warning chime when the door is opened with the key removed
How to Fix
Free recall remedy under NHTSA 18V471000 / Ford 18S20 (and the later NHTSA 22V413000 action) — the dealer replaces the shifter cable bushing at no cost. Until the repair is done, always set the parking brake before leaving the vehicle, and verify the vehicle does not creep after shifting to Park. Outside the recall population the bushing is a low-cost part but the failure mode is identical, so a shifter that feels vague, sloppy, or lets the lever move without engaging a gear should have the cable-end bushing inspected immediately rather than being diagnosed as a transmission problem.
On the 2013-2020 Ford Escape, p0741 means the PCM commanded torque-converter-clutch lockup but the clutch isn't engaging (stuck off) or is slipping. The 2013-2020 Escape with the 6F35 6-speed automatic has a well-documented pattern of internal torque converter failure — worn lockup clutch lining, failed internal seals, and a pump stator support bushing leak that starves the converter of apply pressure. Ford addressed this in TSBs (19-2100 for 2013-2015 1.6L, and SSM 49345 for 2020 8F35 builds), and the problem is prominent enough to feature in class-action complaints. Burnt, metallic-flecked fluid points to internal converter/pump damage rather than a simple solenoid.
Check transmission fluid level and condition first. If fluid is burnt or has metallic glitter, the torque converter (and often the pump stator support bushing) needs replacement — frequently the converter is replaced and the pump inspected per Ford's TSBs. If fluid is clean, test the TCC solenoid and wiring and service the fluid. Neglecting it causes overheating and can escalate to a full rebuild.
On the 2013-2022 Ford Escape, the 2013-2022 Escape uses an electric power steering (EPS) rack that can fail, causing heavy steering, intermittent loss of power assist, or a steering warning light. The EPS motor or torque sensor within the rack assembly can malfunction due to heat and electrical issues. When the system faults, the steering becomes extremely heavy and difficult to turn, especially at low speeds. This is a safety concern particularly during parking maneuvers.
A software update may resolve intermittent EPS faults — have the dealer check for TSBs first. If the rack itself has failed, replacement is necessary. OEM rack costs $800-1,200; aftermarket remanufactured racks are $400-700. Labor is $300-500. Total repair: $700-1,700. Some owners have had success with cleaning the EPS motor connector and applying dielectric grease for intermittent failures.
On the 2013 Ford Escape 1.6L EcoBoost I4, the very first crisis on the third-generation Escape: the engine compartment fuel line on 1.6L EcoBoost cars can split and leak fuel into the engine bay, where it can ignite. Ford recalled roughly 11,500 2013 Escapes in mid-2012 under NHTSA 12V336000 and took the extraordinary step of telling owners to stop driving the vehicles entirely until the line was replaced. The story then got worse: in November 2013 Ford had to go back to 9,469 of the already-repaired cars under NHTSA 13V584000 because the replacement fuel line had been installed incorrectly during the first repair and could chafe against adjacent components and eventually leak. This is a fuel-system defect on the 1.6L only and is distinct from both the cylinder head crack fire and the coolant intrusion failure on the same engine.
Visible fuel wetness or dripping on the engine compartment fuel line
Fuel odor inside the cabin at idle
Fuel line chafed or rubbing against adjacent components
Engine compartment fire in the worst cases
How to Fix
Free recall remedy — under NHTSA 12V336000 the dealer replaces the engine compartment fuel line; under the follow-up NHTSA 13V584000 the dealer inspects the replacement line's routing and reroutes or replaces it if it was installed incorrectly. Both must be closed out; a car showing only the 2012 recall as complete may still be exposed to the misrouting. Any fuel smell in the engine bay on one of these cars should be treated as a stop-driving condition and the vehicle towed, not driven, to service.
On the 2013 Ford Escape, the engine wiring harness splices that feed the Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) sensor were crimped with insufficient compression on 2013 Escapes built January 11, 2012 through April 1, 2013. The loose splice sends an incorrect MAP signal to the powertrain control module, and the PCM responds with hesitation, a rough or unstable idle, or an outright stall — often with no stored code that points at the harness, because the sensor itself tests good. Ford recalled the vehicles under 14S17 (NHTSA 14V495000), then had to re-recall them as 14S17-S1 (NHTSA 15V813000) when the first remedy did not hold, extending coverage to 2013-2014 Focus ST as well. This is an electrical-connection defect and is completely separate from the 1.6L coolant intrusion and cylinder-head cracking issues that dominate this generation, though it affects many of the same cars.
Common Symptoms
Engine hesitates or bucks under light throttle
Engine stalls at idle or when coming to a stop
Rough or hunting idle
Check engine light with fuel-trim or MAP-related codes, or no code at all
Symptom is intermittent and worse when the engine is warm
How to Fix
Free recall remedy under NHTSA 15V813000 / Ford 14S17-S1 — the dealer cuts out the original crimped splices and installs new splices in the engine wiring harness at no charge. If the car had the first version of the repair (14S17 / 14V495000) it still needs the 14S17-S1 re-repair, so check the VIN even on a car with a recall already logged. If the stall persists after the splice repair, have the MAP sensor and the harness pigtail load-tested with the engine warm rather than replacing the PCM.
On the 2013-2019 Ford Escape, on 3rd-generation AWD Escapes (primarily 2.0L EcoBoost AWD), the Power Transfer Unit (the right-angle gearbox that sends torque to the rear axle) holds only about one quart of fluid that Ford labels 'lifetime,' yet it runs continuously and runs hot. The fluid degrades and the unit overheats, with the input and intermediate-shaft seals leaking onto the right side of the transmission. Left unserviced, the PTU can whine, grind, and ultimately seize ('grenade'), sometimes damaging the transaxle. Ford TSB 18-2255 documents the right-side fluid leak.
Common Symptoms
Whining or grinding noise from the front/right underside that rises with speed
Dark black fluid leak on the right side near the transaxle
Burnt or natural-gas-like odor from under the vehicle
Vibration or shudder under acceleration
Metallic rattle before failure
How to Fix
Service the PTU fluid every roughly 30,000 miles (despite the 'lifetime' / 150k spec) using the correct synthetic gear oil to prevent overheating. Address input/intermediate-shaft seal leaks early (TSB 18-2255). A failed PTU must be replaced; reseal or replacement runs roughly $300-$1,500 in parts plus labor, far less than a transaxle if caught early.
On the 2013-2022 Ford Escape, escapes equipped with the panoramic sunroof experience water leaks into the headliner and cabin, particularly during heavy rain or car washes. The issue stems from clogged sunroof drain tubes that run through the A and C pillars. When blocked with debris, water backs up and overflows into the headliner, dripping onto seats, electronics, and the floor. Prolonged leaking can damage the overhead console, SYNC module, and cause mold in the headliner foam.
SYNC or overhead console electrical issues after rain
How to Fix
Clear the four sunroof drain tubes using compressed air or a flexible wire — two in front (exit near front wheel wells) and two in rear (exit near rear bumper). Flush with water to confirm flow. For recurring clogs, install inline drain tube filters ($10-20). If the headliner is water-stained or moldy, it will need removal and cleaning or replacement ($300-800). Check drain tubes every spring as preventive maintenance.
On the 2013-2014 Ford Escape, on 2013-2014 Escapes built at Louisville Assembly from Job #1 2013 through April 11, 2014, the exterior door handle may have been misaligned to the door outer panel during assembly. The misalignment causes internal interference and a binding condition — the handle does not return fully to its home position after being pulled, which can hold the latch in the released state. The result is a door that is hard to close, that appears closed but is not latched, or that opens while driving. Ford recalled the vehicles under NHTSA 14V239000 (Ford 14S03) and Transport Canada 2014163. There is a related but separate cold-weather pattern owners report on fordescape.org and go-parts writeups: water entering the door freezes the handle release cable, producing the same stuck-handle condition on cars outside the recall build window. A third, distinct issue on the same handle is Ford TSB 13-12-13, where a salt/water/dirt film on the internal components makes the Intelligent Access smart-unlock touch sensor intermittently inoperative.
Common Symptoms
Door handle does not return flush after being pulled
Door is difficult to close or will not latch
Door pops open or opens while driving
Ajar warning light stays on with the door apparently shut
Handle sticks or binds in cold or wet weather
Intelligent Access keyless unlock touch pad intermittently inoperative
How to Fix
Free recall remedy under NHTSA 14V239000 / Ford 14S03 — the dealer inspects all four exterior door handles and repositions them as necessary at no charge. For the cold-weather freeze pattern outside the recall, the fix is to reseal the door's water shield and clear the drain path so water stops reaching the handle mechanism, and to replace the handle assembly if the cable has already been stretched. For the smart-unlock-not-responding complaint, follow Ford TSB 13-12-13 and clean the internal handle contacts rather than replacing the door module. Never drive with a handle that will not return flush — the latch may not be holding.
On the 2013-2019 Ford Escape, the 2013-2019 Escape power liftgate latch assembly frequently fails, causing the rear hatch to either not open, not close properly, or pop open while driving. The latch mechanism corrodes internally and the micro-switch fails, particularly in humid or salt belt environments. Ford issued a recall (17S32) for 2013-2015 models for latch failures that allowed the hatch to open while driving. Later model years experience the same failure pattern outside of recall coverage.
Clicking noise from latch area but hatch does not release
How to Fix
Replace the liftgate latch assembly. The OEM part costs $80-150 and aftermarket replacements are $40-80. Labor is $100-200 at a shop. DIY replacement takes about 30-45 minutes with basic tools — remove the interior trim panel, disconnect the electrical connector, and swap the latch. Apply dielectric grease to the electrical connector to prevent future corrosion.
On the 2013-2022 Ford Escape, p0420 sets when the downstream (post-cat) oxygen sensor mirrors the upstream sensor too closely, telling the PCM the Bank 1 catalytic converter is no longer storing/releasing oxygen efficiently. On the Escape this most often means a genuinely worn-out or contaminated main catalytic converter rather than a sensor fault, though a lazy/aged downstream O2 sensor is the second most common trigger. Ford acknowledged premature converter failure on the 2020-2022 1.5L EcoBoost in TSB 23-2259. Underlying oil consumption or a lean/rich condition can also poison the substrate and bring the code back after a cat swap if not addressed.
Verify with fuel-trim and O2 waveform data before spending money. If the downstream O2 sensor switches like the upstream sensor, replace the Bank 1 catalytic converter (OEM or CARB-compliant direct-fit). If the downstream sensor is sluggish/biased, replace it first. On 2020-2022 1.5L cars, follow TSB 23-2259 which directs converter replacement. Repair any exhaust leak or oil-consumption issue first so the new cat is not re-contaminated.
On the 2008-2022 Ford Escape, p0442 flags a small evaporative-emissions leak on the Escape. The number-one cause is a loose, cracked, or worn-O-ring gas cap on cap-equipped model years; on capless cars a degraded filler-neck seal does the same thing. The second most common source is a failing canister purge valve that won't seal, followed by the vent valve near the charcoal canister and cracked/split EVAP hoses. Because the leak is small, the code is often intermittent and can appear after refueling.
Start with the cheap checks: inspect/replace the gas cap (or the capless filler seal) and make sure it clicks fully. If the code returns, smoke-test the EVAP system to pinpoint the leak. Typical fixes are replacing the canister purge valve or the vent valve, or repairing a cracked EVAP hose. Clear the code and drive an EVAP monitor cycle to confirm the repair.
On the 2013-2022 Ford Escape, p0455 is a large (gross) EVAP leak. On late-model Escapes the leading cause is the capless fuel filler inlet — debris or a worn internal flap prevents the neck from sealing, and a 'Check Fuel Fill Inlet' dash message is a dead giveaway the leak is at the filler rather than under the hood. A stuck-open or failed canister purge valve is the other common source. Ford issued TSB 21-2020 for some 2020 Escapes built before March 20, 2020, where a PCM software update corrects a P0455 combined with an inaccurate fuel gauge; SSM 46525/49313 also address EVAP concerns. Older V6 cars can leak at the vent hose or canister.
Inspect the capless filler neck for debris and a properly seating flap first (free check). If clear, smoke-test the system: replace the canister purge valve only after confirming it fails to hold vacuum (OEM GV6Z-9D289-E/F2GZ-9D289-A). For affected early-2020 builds, apply the TSB 21-2020 PCM software update. Repair any cracked EVAP hose or failed vent valve found.
On the 2013-2016 Ford Escape 1.6L EcoBoost I4, on 1.6L EcoBoost Escapes, the air conditioning inlet line breaks where it connects to the compressor. The failure is mechanical rather than a slow seal leak: pressure and contact from the adjacent transmission oil cooler lines loads the A/C line at the compressor fitting until it cracks, and the system dumps its entire refrigerant charge at once. Ford covered this in TSB 19-2287 for 2013-2016 Escapes with the 1.6L engine. The give-away is that the compressor and clutch test good and the system takes and holds a recharge for only a short time, or not at all — owners on fordescape.org report shops recharging the system repeatedly and chasing the compressor before finding the cracked inlet line at the fitting. A second, unrelated cold-air complaint on the same generation is a failed blower motor resistor or a fault in the A/C/heater control module, which produces no cooling with a healthy refrigerant charge — worth ruling out before opening the refrigerant circuit.
Oily residue or dye at the compressor inlet fitting
Compressor cycles rapidly or will not engage due to low-pressure lockout
How to Fix
Follow Ford TSB 19-2287: replace the A/C inlet line and correct the routing/clearance to the adjacent oil cooler lines so the new line is not loaded the same way, then evacuate and recharge to the exact factory refrigerant weight. Simply recharging the system is wasted money — the line is cracked and the charge leaves again. Dye-and-UV or an electronic sniffer at the compressor fitting confirms it quickly. If the compressor ran without charge for any length of time, inspect it and the orifice/expansion device for debris before installing the new line. This is a TSB, not a recall, so it is customer-pay outside warranty.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 Ford Escape vehicles. The side curtain air bags on these vehicles have a component that may detach during deployment of the inflatable curtain air bag.
Campaign #17V80300018/12/2017
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer, Escape, Lincoln Aviator, and Lincoln Corsair vehicles. The windshield wiper motor may fail and prevent the windshield wipers from operating properly.
The 2013-2015 Ford Escape is subject to a major safety recall affecting side door latches. The pawl spring tab inside the door latch can fracture due to stress in high-temperature/humidity climates, causing the door to not close properly or to open unexpectedly while driving. For… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.
What is the 2009-2013 Ford Escape Throttle Body Motor Commutator Contamination Triggers Limp Home Mode?
This is one of the best-documented electronic throttle faults in the industry, because NHTSA investigated it and Ford paid for it. Preliminary Evaluation PE13-003, opened February 2013, covered model year 2009-2013 Escape, Mariner, Fusion and Milan vehicles with the 2.5L and 3.0L… Repairs typically run $350-$700. Severity: high.
What is the 2013-2014 Ford Escape Front Seatback Recliner Weld Failure — Seat Back Collapses or Leans (Recall 14V164)?
Driver and passenger seatback assemblies on 2013-2014 Escapes built June 5, 2012 through August 12, 2013 were produced with sub-standard weld joints attaching the seat back recliner mechanism to the seat frame. The weld can fail, and the seat back becomes loose or leans rearward… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.
What is the 2013-2022 Ford Escape Electric Power Steering Rack Failure?
The 2013-2022 Escape uses an electric power steering (EPS) rack that can fail, causing heavy steering, intermittent loss of power assist, or a steering warning light. The EPS motor or torque sensor within the rack assembly can malfunction due to heat and electrical issues. When t… Repairs typically run $100-$1,700. Severity: high.
What is the 2013-2014 Ford Escape Shift Cable Bushing Degrades and Detaches — Vehicle Can Roll Away in "Park" (Recall 18V471 / Ford 18S20, and 22V413)?
The plastic bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission on the shift lever end degrades and can detach from the transmission. When it does, the transmission can be in a gear state different from what the shift lever and PRNDL display indicate. The dangerous case i… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.
What is the 2013-2014 Ford Escape Restraints Control Module Coating Cracks — Airbags and Seat Belt Pretensioners May Not Deploy (Recall 14V597 / Ford 14S21)?
The conformal coating on portions of the Restraints Control Module printed circuit board can crack. When the cracked board is exposed to humidity, circuits on the PCB short out, and the frontal airbags, side curtain airbags and seat belt pretensioners may fail to function as inte… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.
What is the 2013 Ford Escape 1.6L EcoBoost Engine Compartment Fuel Line Splits — Fuel Leak and Fire (Recall 12V336, Reinspection 13V584)?
The very first crisis on the third-generation Escape: the engine compartment fuel line on 1.6L EcoBoost cars can split and leak fuel into the engine bay, where it can ignite. Ford recalled roughly 11,500 2013 Escapes in mid-2012 under NHTSA 12V336000 and took the extraordinary st… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.
What is the 2013 Ford Escape 1.6L EcoBoost Cylinder Head Cracks from Localized Overheating — Oil Leak and Engine Compartment Fire (Recall 13V583)?
Separate from the coolant-into-the-cylinder failure, the 1.6L EcoBoost cylinder head itself can crack from localized overheating in the head casting. The crack lets engine oil escape onto hot engine and exhaust components, which can start an engine compartment fire. Ford recalled… Repairs typically run $0-$3,500. Severity: high.
What is the 2013 Ford Escape Engine Wiring Harness Splice to the MAP Sensor Loses Compression — Hesitation and Stalling (Recalls 14V495 / 15V813, Ford 14S17)?
The engine wiring harness splices that feed the Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) sensor were crimped with insufficient compression on 2013 Escapes built January 11, 2012 through April 1, 2013. The loose splice sends an incorrect MAP signal to the powertrain control module, and th… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.
What is the 2013-2019 Ford Escape AWD Power Transfer Unit (PTU) Overheating, Fluid Leak, and Failure?
On 3rd-generation AWD Escapes (primarily 2.0L EcoBoost AWD), the Power Transfer Unit (the right-angle gearbox that sends torque to the rear axle) holds only about one quart of fluid that Ford labels 'lifetime,' yet it runs continuously and runs hot. The fluid degrades and the uni… Repairs typically run $300-$1,800. Severity: high.
What is the 2013-2020 Ford Escape P0741 — Torque Converter Clutch Failure in the 6F35 Automatic?
P0741 means the PCM commanded torque-converter-clutch lockup but the clutch isn't engaging (stuck off) or is slipping. The 2013-2020 Escape with the 6F35 6-speed automatic has a well-documented pattern of internal torque converter failure — worn lockup clutch lining, failed inter… Repairs typically run $600-$2,500. Severity: high.
What is the 2013-2022 Ford Escape Panoramic Sunroof Water Leak Into Cabin?
Escapes equipped with the panoramic sunroof experience water leaks into the headliner and cabin, particularly during heavy rain or car washes. The issue stems from clogged sunroof drain tubes that run through the A and C pillars. When blocked with debris, water backs up and overf… Repairs typically run $0-$800. Severity: medium.
What is the 2013-2014 Ford Escape Exterior Door Handle Misalignment and Binding — Handle Stays Out, Door May Open While Driving (Recall 14V239 / Ford 14S03)?
On 2013-2014 Escapes built at Louisville Assembly from Job #1 2013 through April 11, 2014, the exterior door handle may have been misaligned to the door outer panel during assembly. The misalignment causes internal interference and a binding condition — the handle does not return… Repairs typically run $0-$300. Severity: medium.
What is the 2013-2016 Ford Escape A/C Inlet Line Cracks at the Compressor Connection — Sudden Total Refrigerant Loss (1.6L EcoBoost)?
On 1.6L EcoBoost Escapes, the air conditioning inlet line breaks where it connects to the compressor. The failure is mechanical rather than a slow seal leak: pressure and contact from the adjacent transmission oil cooler lines loads the A/C line at the compressor fitting until it… Repairs typically run $300-$900. Severity: medium.
What is the 2013-2019 Ford Escape Liftgate Latch Failure — Will Not Open or Close?
The 2013-2019 Escape power liftgate latch assembly frequently fails, causing the rear hatch to either not open, not close properly, or pop open while driving. The latch mechanism corrodes internally and the micro-switch fails, particularly in humid or salt belt environments. Ford… Repairs typically run $40-$350. Severity: medium.
What is the 2013-2021 Ford Escape P0011 — Intake Cam Timing Over-Advanced from Sticking VCT Solenoid?
P0011 sets when the Bank 1 intake camshaft is more advanced than the PCM commands. On the Escape the dominant cause is a sticking intake VCT (variable cam timing) solenoid, almost always from low or dirty engine oil letting debris jam the solenoid spool — Ford has multiple TSBs a… Repairs typically run $100-$450. Severity: medium.
What is the 2013-2022 Ford Escape P0420 — Failed Catalytic Converter (Bank 1) on EcoBoost Escapes?
P0420 sets when the downstream (post-cat) oxygen sensor mirrors the upstream sensor too closely, telling the PCM the Bank 1 catalytic converter is no longer storing/releasing oxygen efficiently. On the Escape this most often means a genuinely worn-out or contaminated main catalyt… Repairs typically run $250-$2,200. Severity: medium.
What is the 2008-2022 Ford Escape P0442 — Small EVAP Leak from Gas Cap or Canister Purge Valve?
P0442 flags a small evaporative-emissions leak on the Escape. The number-one cause is a loose, cracked, or worn-O-ring gas cap on cap-equipped model years; on capless cars a degraded filler-neck seal does the same thing. The second most common source is a failing canister purge v… Repairs typically run $20-$200. Severity: low.
What is the 2013-2022 Ford Escape P0455 — Gross EVAP Leak from Capless Filler Neck or Purge Valve?
P0455 is a large (gross) EVAP leak. On late-model Escapes the leading cause is the capless fuel filler inlet — debris or a worn internal flap prevents the neck from sealing, and a 'Check Fuel Fill Inlet' dash message is a dead giveaway the leak is at the filler rather than under… Repairs typically run $80-$350. Severity: low.
