What are the most common Ford Escape problems?
According to Au7o's analysis of 830+ owner reports, the 2016 Ford Escape has 10 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: 2.0L EcoBoost Coolant Intrusion - Open-Deck Block Design Failure, Electric Power Steering Rack Failure, AWD Power Transfer Unit (PTU) Overheating, Fluid Leak, and Failure. Of these, 4 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Ford Escape reliable?
The 2016 Ford Escape has 10 known issues documented across 830+ owner reports. 4 issues are rated critical: 2.0L EcoBoost Coolant Intrusion - Open-Deck Block Design Failure and Electric Power Steering Rack Failure 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 $9,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, 2.0L EcoBoost Coolant Intrusion - Open-Deck Block Design Failure, typically costs $0-$9,500 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 2015-2019 Ford Escape 2.0L EcoBoost Coolant Intrusion - Open-Deck Block Design Failure?
The 2.0L EcoBoost in 2015-2019 Ford Escape suffers from the same fundamental open-deck block design defect as the 1.5L variant. Coolant leaks internally through the cylinder head/block interface into the combustion chambers. Ford issued TSB 19-2208 in 2019 (later updated to TSB 2… Repairs typically run $0-$9,500. 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 2013-2019 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 2013-2019 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.
