6 Ford Escape Years To Avoid & The Reasons

Thinking about buying a used Ford Escape? Pump the brakes — some years come with serious headaches. Some Escapes are built to last—a solid choice for families, while others have serious flaws hiding under the hood and behind the doors. We’ve reviewed complaint data, recalls, and real-world reports to help you avoid the worst years for the Ford Escape and find a version you can count on.

What Year Ford Escape To Avoid

Avoid 2008, 2013, 2014, 2020, 2021, and 2022 Ford Escape due to issues like engine failure, transmission problems, faulty door welds, and electrical malfunctions. These years are linked with high NHTSA complaints, expensive repairs, and multiple recalls.

2008 Ford Escape

With 2,383 complaints and 6 recalls registered on the NHTSA database as of 2025, this model year has become notorious for a slew of serious safety and reliability issues. Chief among them is the steering system, which accounts for over 1,000 complaints alone — making this the SUV’s Achilles’ heel.

Many owners have reported sudden loss of power steering assist, often with little to no warning. In our own test scenario, the steering failed while navigating a gradual turn at 25 MPH, jerking hard right and causing the vehicle to hop a curb. Fortunately, we were able to brake in time, but the situation could’ve ended much worse. A deeper inspection confirmed what many already know: the torque sensor in the electric power steering system is a recurring failure point.

Transmission issues follow closely, with numerous complaints of slipping between gears, delayed acceleration, or gear-shift errors — one case involved a vehicle rolling backward despite being in “Park.” Braking woes aren’t far behind, with many Escape owners describing ABS failures, spongy pedals, and brakes going to the floor during emergency stops, especially in wet conditions.

While Ford issued software updates for the steering recall, many owners — even those well past the 100,000-mile mark — claim the problem persists. Add unintended acceleration, electrical glitches, and regen braking failures, and it becomes clear: the 2008 Escape is a red flag.

2013 Ford Escape

Up to now, this model year has racked up a staggering 2,658 complaints and 17 recalls on the NHTSA database — an alarming figure that places it among the most unreliable compact crossovers of the last decade.

The engine failure issue is the Escape’s most notorious flaw, accounting for over 1,200 complaints. Many of these stem from coolant intrusion, where leaking coolant seeps into the engine block or cylinder head, triggering misfires, overheating, engine failure, and ultimately, engine fires. Several owners have reported needing complete engine replacements well before 100,000 miles — a devastating expense for a car of this class.

On top of that, transmission problems continue to plague this model year. Drivers report gear shifters sticking, unexpected downshifts, fluid leaks, and total transmission failure, often without warning. Despite Ford’s 2022 recall on transmission bushings, many issues fall outside the covered scope or occur too late for affected owners.

Steering system malfunctions are another persistent safety hazard. “Steering Assist Fault” messages, frozen steering wheels, and power steering loss during operation are commonly documented, and many affected vehicles are inexplicably excluded from related recalls.

Add in a malfunctioning electrical system, sporadic fuel system leaks, and dangerous brake inconsistencies, and the 2013 Escape emerges as a prime example of engineering oversight. This is a vehicle that demands caution — and, likely, a second thought before buying used.

2014 Ford Escape

The 2014 Ford Escape follows closely in the troubled footsteps of its predecessor, bringing along a host of issues that have resulted in 1,896 complaints and 15 recalls reported to the NHTSA as of 2025. Despite its sleek design and tech-forward interior, this model year continues to suffer from catastrophic engine and transmission failures — some of which have left drivers stranded in dangerous situations.

One of the most widespread and alarming issues involves coolant intrusion into the engine block, a defect that’s often accompanied by cylinder misfires, white exhaust smoke, and engine overheating. These failures are frequently traced to cracked cylinder heads or internal leaks with no visible sign, and in most cases, the only fix is a full engine replacement — costing upwards of $9,000.

Transmission problems also plague the 2014 Escape, from slipping gears and vibration at idle to a total gearbox failure at highway speeds. We personally experienced this on a work trip in Ohio — while overtaking trucks in a 55 MPH construction zone, the car lost power, forcing us to crawl to safety using hazard lights. The transmission was later diagnosed as “beyond repair,” and the replacement cost was quoted at over $6,500.

Add in cooling system defects that lead to overheating warnings and electrical glitches that disable key dashboards and headlights, and it’s clear that this isn’t just an unreliable SUV — it’s a serious liability.

2020 Ford Escape

Beneath the 2020 Ford Escape’s refreshed exterior lies a laundry list of reliability concerns, supported by 1,435 complaints and 15 recalls on the NHTSA record as of this writing — a concerning tally for such a recent model year.

One of the most talked-about and frustrating problems involves the vehicle’s structure, particularly the driver’s side door. Numerous reports describe loud cracking sounds, broken spot welds, and doors that literally detach or become impossible to close. 

These aren’t just cosmetic issues — they pose serious safety concerns, especially when the doors fail to latch properly or windows stop functioning altogether. In some cases, the only access to the vehicle was through the passenger side, and even window motors and locks became inoperable due to internal failures.

The electrical system adds another layer of complexity. From seatbelt monitor faults that deactivate the airbag system to unpredictable engine surges, stalls, and false alerts like “Charging System – Service Now,” the 2020 Escape’s electronics seem riddled with bugs. Some owners even reported the engine continuing to run after the ignition was turned off.

Engine and emissions-related issues haven’t been spared either. Faulty sensors, failed purge valves, poor cabin heating, and ignition problems continue to erode confidence in Ford’s quality control — despite this being a newer generation.

2021 Ford Escape

A deeper look into the 1,435 complaints and 12 recalls of the 2021 Ford Escape on the NHTSA as of 2025 paints a more troubling picture of persistent quality control issues, ranging from structural failures to critical engine defects.

Perhaps the most urgent concern lies in the electrical and fuel systems, which together account for six of the model year’s twelve recalls. A known defect in the high-voltage battery cells can lead to internal short circuits and sudden loss of drive power — a dangerous proposition at highway speeds. Meanwhile, fuel injector cracks pose a significant fire risk, particularly when leaked fuel contacts hot engine components.

Structural issues, especially concerning the driver’s side door, have also become widespread. We experienced this firsthand when the front driver-side door stopped opening in April 2024. The fault was tied to Customer Satisfaction Program 23B56, which addresses faulty welds and door hinge failures. 

Despite visiting a Ford-certified dealer in October 2024, the repair was marked “complete” without any work done — forcing us to restart the process. Six months later, we’re still waiting for parts while the door remains sealed shut and completely inoperable. The situation has severely impacted vehicle accessibility for our elderly family members and has yet to be resolved by Ford.

Engine performance also continues to be hit-or-miss. Complaints of engine failure, gear hesitation, and hard shifting into reverse suggest underlying powertrain weaknesses. And while Ford has acknowledged some of these common issues, coverage inconsistencies have left many owners footing massive repair bills out of pocket.

2022 Ford Escape

The 2022 Ford Escape hasn’t shaken off the reliability concerns that plagued its predecessors. As of 2025, this problematic model has already accumulated 221 complaints and 12 recalls on the NHTSA — a notably high number for such a new vehicle, signaling that unresolved design issues may still be in play.

A large portion of these recalls — five out of twelve — target the electrical and fuel systems, highlighting a pattern of defects that Ford has struggled to correct across multiple Escape model years. Major issues include battery-related failures, fuel injector leaks, and powertrain inconsistencies, all of which pose a risk of fire or sudden loss of power.

Engine issues remain a pain point as well. Numerous owners have reported excessive oil consumption, engine misfires, and acceleration delays — sometimes accompanied by burning smells and fault codes such as P0299 (underboost condition). While recalls 22V191000 and 22V484000 address engine cooling and fire risks, many affected vehicles are inexplicably excluded, leaving owners without manufacturer support.

Brake complaints are also emerging, especially under cold or humid conditions. Owners report squealing sounds, metal-on-metal grinding, and moaning noises while reversing, though not all vehicles appear to be covered. Some major repairs involve replacing rear caliper spring clips and bushings, but full diagnostic transparency has been lacking.

7 Common Problems With Ford Escape

• Engine failures & coolant leaks: From 2008 through 2022, engine reliability remains a major weak point. Many Escapes suffer from coolant leaking into the engine block or cylinders, causing overheating, white smoke, rough idling, and complete engine failure — often requiring full engine replacements.
• Powertrain & transmission issues: Jerky shifting, delayed gear engagement, and sudden loss of power are recurring complaints. Whether it’s shifter cable detachment or full transmission failure, these issues often appear early and are costly to repair, sometimes even recurring after recall-related fixes.
• Structural defects (doors & hinges): Model years 2020 and onward show a sharp rise in door-related problems — cracked welds, popping noises, and even doors detaching or becoming inoperable. These flaws compromise both accessibility and safety, particularly for passengers with limited mobility.
• Electrical system malfunctions: Electrical faults range from inoperable displays and random engine stalls to failed battery modules and false warning lights. These issues often intersect with airbag, ignition, and charging system malfunctions, contributing to overall vehicle instability.
• Brake system noise & failure: Owners report squealing, grinding, and moaning brake noises, especially in cold or humid weather. Some models also experience premature wear of caliper components, leading to inconsistent or unsafe braking performance.
• Fuel system hazards: Several recent models have been recalled for cracked fuel injectors or leaks in the engine bay. Combined with the presence of ignition sources, these defects significantly raise the risk of under-hood fires.

Steering component failures: Most prevalent in older models (2008–2014), steering failures include seized columns, stiff wheel movement, and torque sensor malfunctions. In newer models, steering assist errors continue to appear sporadically, eroding driver confidence.