The Ford Escape is a crossover SUV that has been in production since 2004, and it’s also one of the most popular vehicles, with over 140,000 units sold in the US in 2021. But it’s not all good news for the Ford Escape. There are some serious problems potential owners need to know about before purchasing this vehicle.
Some common Ford Escape problems include brake and ignition issues, as well as transmission failures. The 2013-2008-2005 models are particularly prone to transmission problems, but any model of the Ford Escape should be carefully considered before purchase.
If you’re considering purchasing a Ford Escape, it’s important to do your research first. This article will discuss some of the most common problems Ford Escape owners experience with their units. It will also explain what the company has done to deal with these issues.
1. Braking Issue on the 2021–2022 Escape Vehicles
The Ford announced a braking issue with the 2021-2022 Escape. The problem is that the cars may not brake correctly, which can be a serious safety hazard.
Ford has already issued a recall for this problem, citing that the rear brake pads may have been poorly manufactured. So the driver has to apply more force on the brake pedal to achieve the desired result. This means these vehicles do not meet the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.
All recalls are free, and Ford will replace the brake pads and linings on the affected vehicles. If you have one of these vehicles, be sure to check for excessive wear in the rear brake linings and take it in for free repair as soon as possible.
Read: Car Full Service Cost // Whats included?
2. Electrical System Failure for the 2021 Escape With a 2.5L Hybrid Drivetrain
The Ford Motor Company has also announced a recall for the 2021 Escape with a 2.5L Hybrid Drivetrain. This recall is due to a problem with the electrical system that can fail, causing a sudden drop in drive power.
Many 2021 Escape owners have already reported this issue on various online forums. And it’s not just the electrical system that can fail – the entire vehicle can stall without warning. And the problem is with the car’s high voltage battery. It’s unclear what is causing the pain, but it appears to be a manufacturing defect.
Ford has already issued a recall for this issue, and they are replacing the battery for free. The problem is that the replacement battery is only a temporary fix. Ford is currently working on a permanent solution, but it’s not clear when that will be available.
Read: Why Car Overheats?
3. Fuel System Issue With the 2021 Escape
In September of 2021, Ford announced a fuel system issue with the 2021 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, and 2021-2022 Branco Sport Vehicles. The problem caused the engine to stall without warning. This came just a few months after Ford had issued a voluntary tire recall for the F series.
Later, Ford announced that the issue was with a leaky delivery module that caused low fuel pressure, which could cause the engine to stall. Ford also said that if the problem happened, the vehicle could start up again as long as it has enough fuel in the tank.
For this recall, dealers would replace the fuel system module for free. However, the recall only applied to specific vehicles. Owners of cars outside that production would not get the free fix.
4. Transmission Issue With the 2020 Escape
The 2020 Escape came with loose or missing bolts on the start-stop accumulator end cap. This allowed the transmission fluid to leak and eventually led to transmission failure. This was a huge issue, as the transmission is one of the most expensive parts of a car.
The solution was to replace the start-stop accumulator for free. But again, this only applied to specific vehicles. Owners of cars outside of the recall would not get the free fix.
It is also worth noting that a transmission fluid leak is always dangerous. The lubricant is highly flammable, so it can quickly start a fire. This means you should not overlook a red paddle that appears under your car.
5. Transmission Issue With the 2013–2014 Escape
The 2013-2014 Ford Escape with a six-speed transmission was recalled because of a problem with the transmission shifter cable. The issue was that the line could wear out prematurely and allow the bushing to detach from the transmission. This means you may assume the gear lever is in Park while it’s not, resulting in unexpected movement.
This issue is particularly dangerous for people who park their cars on a steep incline. If the vehicle were to roll, it could easily go into gear and cause damage or injury.
Ford replaced the shifter cable for free through their dealers, but it is a recurring problem with the model. That’s why you want to take your car in for service if you’re experiencing difficulties with the gear shift and transmission. It might not be a problem with the cable, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Read: Why Car Won’t Start but Battery Is Good?
6. Cracking Cylinder Head on the 2014 Ford Escape
According to reports, the cylinder head can crack and cause the engine to overheat and leak oil. This is a significant safety concern, as this leak increases the risk of a fire.
People also report that the problem is not just limited to the 2014 model year. The 2013 and 2015 models have both suffered from the same issue.
Ford solved this problem by installing a coolant level sensor and all supporting equipment. This will shut the engine off if it detects a low coolant condition.
Unfortunately, this system adds a layer of complexity to the engine. It also means that if your car does have this issue, you will need to take it to a dealership for service. This will cost you a decent amount of money.
Read: Why Car Makes Noise When Turning at Low Speed?
7. Air Bag Issue With the 2011 Ford Escape
Most people will agree that Ford builds relatively safe cars. They include safety features like the blind spot information system that helps people change lanes safely. However, there was a problem with the airbag system in the 2011 Ford Escape.
The problem was that the airbags could not go off in a crash. This means that if you got into a severe accident, you would be completely unprotected.
Ford recalled the car and replaced the RCM (Resistance Control Module) with a new one. This module is responsible for telling the airbags when to deploy. The previous model of the RCM would crack, exposing the electronics to humidity. This resulted in a shot on the circuit board, which would result in a total malfunction of this important safety feature.
8. Rust Issue
The 2001 and 2004 Escape are notorious for having rust issues on the forward attachment of the lower control arm. This may result in the separation of this important steering component, which translates to a loss of steering control.
Unfortunately, this part is no longer available from Ford, so if this happens to your Escape, you’ll have to find a used or aftermarket part. This is just one example of an issue with a used car. That’s why it’s important to have the vehicle inspected by a professional before you buy it.
Read: Why No Dash Lights When I Turn the Key?
Conclusion
Ford has had its share of problems over the years. Some models, like the 2011 Ford Escape, had airbags that wouldn’t deploy in a crash, and rust issues that could lead to steering control loss for the 2001 and 2004 Ford Escapes.
The good news is that Ford has always been willing to admit when they’ve made a mistake and recall the car. They have also been known to come up with working solutions.
So if you’re considering buying a used Ford Escape, be sure to have it inspected by a professional first.
