Vehicle startered to deccelerate and lose engine functionality while I was going 60mph on the freeway. Had to involuntarily stop in traffic. No system warnings were on or lights. After the incident mechanic saw a head gasket failure just as other models and coolant had leaked into cylinder two. Seems to be a recurring problem with these models .
2013 Ford Escape engine complaints
Page 2 of 49: complaints 11 to 40 of 1,426, newest first, as owners wrote them.
I took my car in for a safety recall for the bushing on the transmission. A short time after getting it back my cabin filled with smoke when I used the remote start. I had never had this problem until it came back from the dealer. so I stopped using the remote start! but after that the car's cabin began filling with acrid smoke whenever it idled for more than a minute. It now fills with smoke when sitting at a stop sign or in slow traffic, so i have to open the windows to breathe! On top of that the transmission started slipping in park again! I don't think they actually fixed it. and that they may have caused the smoke problem. there are no warning lights going on. I am [XXX] and on socsec. I need my car to be safe! I have been dealing with this for a while now because I don't trust the dealer now. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine Coolant Intrusion. During normal operation coolant leaks into the engine cylinders causing power loss and eventual overheating once the coolant system runs out of coolant. This prompts an emergency shutoff of the vehicle into "limp mode"
This was a recall earlier, twice, and it was supposedly fixed but the fuel vacuum line to the gas tank is leaking and giving off gasoline odors in the passenger area. Also another recall that was supposedly taken care of is an oil leak that is occuring often. The oil was changed only a month ago and already the oil has just about all leaked out. Both of these issues are fire hazards and the fuel leakage can can the operator or passengers to succomb to carbon minoxide. These were told to us by a Ford dealer who put the car on a diagnostic but they are saying that the recall is over and it will cost $1,400. for the fix. I bought this car, in June 2025 ;from a used car dealer. I am still paying on it. I never receive a car history of any kind from this dealer. . I had no idea that there were 18 recalls on this vehicle. That is really a lot. If either of these problems were fixed on a recall, could they re-occur again. On this particular fuel re-call, I read that it had to be done again because the first recall fix was not done well. I do not have $1,400. to fix this. I am an [XXX] senior woman and am buying this car for my daughter. It seems to me that one a recall is made that it is a permanent thing until there is an assurance that it is fixed and won't happen again. It also seems to me that a vehicle that has that many recalls should not be allowed to be sold to the public. Can I hold the dealer who sold it to me accountable for not letting me know about the recalls or not letting me know the history of the vehicle? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the passenger seated in the front passenger's seat became aware of smoke inside the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the contact was informed that the engine cover had cracked and that there was an oil leak coming from the engine. The independent mechanic cleaned up the oil from underneath the engine and became aware that the wires and additional parts underneath the engine were burned. The contact was informed that there had been a fire underneath the engine. The contact was informed that the vehicle could have caught on fire. The contact referenced an unknown recall, but the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
Im having the same issues as the current recall and have been having nonstop issues with my 2013 ford escape that dealerships/mechanics can't seem to figure out or won't figure out, but it says that mine isn't part of that recall, but I believe it should be. Now I have a newborn so these issues worry me even more.
I was parking vehicle & noticed from center console burning smoke coming from heater vents & middle console. I turned it off right away, waited a while & it stopped, driving at 60mph a back & forth forward & back hesitation or vibration. Shifting back & forth, No check engine light, but I feel that this vehicle has the recalls that are listed for this same year model & it has never being corrected. I need to bring this vehicle to a Ford dealership to get it checked. I'm in the Madison Wisconsin area, please have this matter taken care ove. 2013 Ford escape 2.0L
This is a known issue with 1.6L engine 2013 Ford Escapes and they have not issued an official recall on all VINs. The coolant tubing is faulty, causing several leaks and engine overheating, also leading to additional computer failures of the temperature gauge.
My car is the 2013 Ford Escape SEL 1.6 L ecoboost and have had same issue as the recalled 2013 ford escape sel 1.6L economist with over heating,thermostat,and cracked head with coolant leaking into head,why is my car not on recall also.I know this from diagnosis that was ran.
Was opening the moon rooftop And I noticed smoke started coming from the middle of the radio / navigation system, all through vents smoke coming out something was burning I shut the vehicle, and waited about 10 minutes till it went away Don't know why this happened, but I'm curious that the recalls that coming up for this vehicle are very significant, running hesitation & smell of burning, vibration in front of vehicle
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle in the winter, the coolant temperature warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an Independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the coolant sensor needed to be replaced. The coolant sensor was replaced; however, the warning light remained illuminated. The contact related the failure the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 17V209000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the model year was not included in the recall. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on two different occasions. The manufacturer was not notified of the current failure. The failure mileage was 85,000.
I own a Ford Escape SE with 1.6 L eco boost engine. The vehicle started having loss of power and started smoking under the hood. The car is now not drivable and it’s the same issue people have been having with this engine. The engine made a popping sound with no warning beforehand and stopped in the middle of the highway. No fluids leaking but engine has failed. Engine temp gauge didn’t move but car was overheated. The engine is bad and needs to be replaced Spoke to Endurance warranty and they said the engine has 2 service alerts for same issue and my research corroborates as there is a lawsuit pending over that engine. However Ford continently says there isn’t an issue regarding my VIN but the engine is the original OEM engine that has had issues in the past reported by numerous other owners of the same engine.
This vehicle is going through coolant constantly. I couod not find a leak. I did find a recall FORD had for a cup plug and the cylinder head that leaks. My vehicle is outside the date range it looks like but looking under cylinder 2 coil pack I found that the cup head is visually leaking. Trying to see if this can be fixed under that recall.
Coolant intrusion on 2.0L ecoboost engine due to cracked cylinder head. Ford is aware of this issue yet has refused to issue a recall or offer a replacement to those affected as they have done for the 1.6L engines. The engine now needs to be fully replaced out of my own pocket.
The contact owned a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the contact's uncle was driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact's aunt called the contact's cell phone and informed the contact of smoke coming from underneath the contact's vehicle. The contact's aunt was trailing behind the contact's vehicle as they were traveling. The contact's uncle drove the vehicle to the shoulder of the road and turned the vehicle off. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact and all the occupants of the vehicle exited the vehicle. The contact stated that while exiting the vehicle, the contact noticed a lot of smoke coming from underneath the vehicle. The contact then noticed flames coming from underneath the vehicle and underneath the hood. The fire department was called and extinguished the fire. A police report was filed. No injuries were sustained. The vehicle was towed to a local tow yard. The contact stated that the vehicle was condemned as a total loss. The contact stated that the vehicle was consumed in the fire. In addition, the Police and the fire department advised the contact to contact the federal safety agency Hotline and report the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 138,000.
The car caught on fire from the engine
Despite never overheating, the engine completely failed due to a block crack caused by a coolant and oil leak of unknown origins. This has occurred in multiple other 2013 Ford Escapes owned by many different individuals. The car completely stopped on a highway, and would no accelerate due to loss of compression within cylinder 3.
Component: Engine and Engine Cooling: Cooling System (Thermostat Housing / Water Outlet) What happened: My 2013 Ford Escape developed a fast coolant leak from the thermostat housing/water outlet. Coolant drains quickly and the engine overheats within minutes. The engine has overheated twice while driving on the highway, which created a dangerous situation. This matches the overheating and coolant loss problems covered under Ford recalls 17S09 and 18S07, but my VIN is not included. How often: The leak happens continuously while driving. Coolant loss occurs rapidly and overheating follows if coolant isn’t refilled. Injuries/fires/crashes: No. The engine overheated twice on the highway, but I was able to pull over safely each time. Inspected or repaired: Yes. A mechanic diagnosed a coolant leak from the thermostat housing. Ford replaced the water pump and gasket in 2015 for a similar leak. Concern: Recurring safety issue identical to known Ford cooling system recalls. Requesting investigation or recall expansion for Escapes with fast coolant leaks and overheating.
The contact owns 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 25 - 30 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond as indented. An independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The engine was replaced once; however, the failure persisted. The contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number:13V583000 (ENGINE); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 167,294.
My engine leaks coolant and there is a recall for my car make and from the same year but my car is not included in the recall and it is a known issue with ford. They should expand the recall to more cars if they know it is an issue and a safety concern.
The engine light came on a few weeks after I purchased this used vehicle from Ford. I got s diagnosis on it the other day at Oreillys they said “Thermostat coolant”, we added the necessary liquids. Got it checked out at a Ford dealership the other day and they say they see no issue with the thermostat cooler, but an issue with the standpipe. I search online and see a recall about this issue in the past.
I was driving my vehicle. I pulled into a gas station to buy something. When I stopped, smoke was coming out of the engine bay. When I popped the hood, the engine bay was on fire! I put it out with a fire extinguisher. Side Note: I bought this vehicle from a friend. It has not been registered in my name. It will be registered today, 08/15/2025 in Butler County Kansas. Augusta, KS.
coolant leak-put more in and leaks took to Ford Dealer in LaFollette, Tennessee. Was told after review it was the waterpump needed and also if they do that do the timing belt and the drive belt all costs were $ 2,133.00 estimated. The car has approximately 150,000 miles on it. I do not feel with all the safety issues for the coolant and the cars catching fire possibly that we should have to pay for these repairs and it would of been in a recall and fixed by Ford Motor Company. The check engine light soon has come on and remained on. It smells like the car is burning and it will only hold coolant at the minimun level. They stated it is driveable but it will eventually fail, dont you think Ford would have fixed this issue with all the complaints that have come in for the same issue. I do not have the estimate in had at this time as it is at the dealer and they have just called me with what is wrong with vehicle. Their phone number is 423‑562‑2251 Tim Short Ford
Check engine light came on, Coolant intrusion into the engine block. Ford knew of the issue but had stringent and not widespread enough recalls for this issue.
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the engine was overheating with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local Firestone Service Center who diagnosed that the coolant reservoir hose was faulty and needed to be replaced. The reservoir hose was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 120,000.
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while his mom was driving 35 MPH, there was white smoke coming from the engine and the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that his mom pulled over into a parking lot and after several minutes, the vehicle was restarted; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that his mom was able to drive the vehicle the residence. An independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a blown head gasket, a cracked cylinder head, and a crack in the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 13V583000 (ENGINE); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The contact was referred to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 97,773.
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the warning light indicating that the Engine was Overheating was illuminated. The contact inspected the vehicle and became aware that the engine had overheated. The contact filled the coolant reservoir with coolant. The contact stated that the warning light became illuminated again the following morning while driving approximately 5 MPH. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic, who tested the vehicle and confirmed that the vehicle failed the block test, indicating there was a coolant leak into the engine. The contact stated that the coolant pump was replaced, and the mechanic performed an oil change. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not included in a recall. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 90,000.
While driving the engine seems to "go out" which is a risk to the driver, passengers, and other motorists near by because it is not expected and can happen anywhere (two lane road, major highway, while turning, etc.). You are able to press the gas and hear the engine but the car does not move - it acts as if it were in neutral. There are no safety or warning lights on the dashboard before or during this issue meaning that there is no way for the driver to prepare. There have been times where I was able to pull off the road and restart the car to temporarily remedy the issue but safe and accessible pull offs are not always available (bride, two lane road,etc). I travel with small children and there is a fear that if this continues to happen it can result in fatal consequences. In addition to the safety issue mentioned above there is a perpetual leak coming from the engine. This has progressively gotten worse and after speaking with a representative at Ford they named off a few "possible" causes but were unable to make a definitive decision. I was also informed that the issues that I am experiencing were not unique to just my vehicle but many Ford Escape 2013's in the area that had come to the dealership for guidance and help. While I have stated that the issue occurred in 2013 - it is still happening and continues to get worse.
On June 24, 2025 at approx 4:45 pm, my wife and I were driving home. The car was running fine, no lights, gauges were normal, no info on screen, when all of a sudden the engine shut down, info on screen stated steering assisi unavailable, and smoke started coming from vents. We were aproaching a sharp curve in the road, so I had to manhandle the steering to keep from crashing. Then used the emergency brake to stop after insuring we cleared the curve. By that time, we were unable to see anything for all the smoke inside the car. Nothing would work so we could not roll the electric windows down. When stopped, we opened the doors and jumped out. Then I heard the engine compartment crackling due to a fire. Luckily, we escaped with no injuries except for smoke inhalation. I have been driving for over 58 years and doing mechanical repairs for over 60 years. I have never experienced anything like this. We bought this car new and I have maintained it in 'like new' condition since. Now it is completely destroyed. I also know Ford has had recalls on this vehicle and we have taken care of all these except the one on the shifter linkage bushing. I am very concerned something went very wrong with this car and others may, too. Plus, I am a dedicated Ford owner and may be concerned on replacing with something else after this terrifying incident.
Coolant constantly leaking. Need to fill every couple of days. Replace thermostat. Didn’t work.
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