Federal safety advisory

Do not drive this vehicle until the repair is completed.

Model year record

2013 Ford Escape

18 recall campaigns on file for this model year. 3,863 owner complaints on file.

Recalls

Recall campaignNHTSA 26V011000

Equipment: electrical: engine block heater

Component: Equipment: electrical: engine block heater
Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Vehicles affected: 116,672
Reported to NHTSA: 2026-01-15

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.

Manufacturer remedy

Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed March 6, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S01. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on January 16, 2026.

Recall campaignNHTSA 22V413000

Power train: shift linkage/cable/rod

Component: Power train: shift linkage/cable/rod
Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Vehicles affected: 2,925,968
Reported to NHTSA: 2022-06-10
Owners notified: 2022-10-27

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, and cause the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction. Additionally, the vehicle may roll after the driver selects the 'Park' position. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash or injury.

Manufacturer remedy

Dealers will replace the under hood shift bushing and add a protective cap over the shift cable bushing, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 1, 2022. Remedy parts are expected to be available in 4th Quarter 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed October 27, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S43.

Recall campaignNHTSA 20V331000

Latches/locks/linkages: doors: latch

Component: Latches/locks/linkages: doors: latch
Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Vehicles affected: 2,147,323
Reported to NHTSA: 2020-06-08
Owners notified: 2020-07-27

Defect description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Fiesta, 2013-2014 Fusion, 2015 Mustang, 2013-2015 Escape and C-Max, 2012-2015 Focus, 2014-2016 Transit Connect, 2013-2014 Lincoln MKZ, and 2015 MKC vehicles. These vehicles were previously recalled and repaired under recalls 15V-246, 16V-643 or 17V-210, however the repair may not have been completed properly. A component within the door latches may break making the doors difficult to latch and/or leading the driver or a passenger to believe a door is securely closed when, in fact, it is not.

Safety risk

A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.

Manufacturer remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the latch date codes to confirm if the repair was done correctly, and replace the side door latches if necessary, free of charge. Owners will also have the option to inspect their own vehicle's door latches and enter the date codes into a website to determine if the latches are correct. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 27, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S30.

Recall campaignNHTSA 18V471000

Power train: automatic transmission: lever and linkage: floor shift

Component: Power train: automatic transmission: lever and linkage: floor shift
Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Vehicles affected: 504,182
Reported to NHTSA: 2018-07-16
Owners notified: 2018-09-20

Defect description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2014 Ford Escape, and 2013-2016 Ford Fusion vehicles, equipped with six-speed automatic transmissions. The bushing that attaches the transmission shifter cable to the transmission may degrade over time and cause the bushing to detach from the transmission. The condition could allow the driver to move the shift lever to Park and remove the ignition key, while the transmission may not be in Park, with no warning message or audible chime.

Safety risk

If the vehicle is exited without the transmission being in Park and without the parking brake being applied, the vehicle may unexpectedly move, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the shifter cable bushing, free of charge. The recall began September 20, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S20. Note: Owners are directed to use the parking brake until the recall remedy repairs can be made.

Recall campaignNHTSA 16V643000

Latches/locks/linkages: doors: latch

Component: Latches/locks/linkages: doors: latch
Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Vehicles affected: 2,046,297
Reported to NHTSA: 2016-09-06
Owners notified: 2017-01-27

Defect description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2012-2015 Ford Focus, 2013-2015 Ford Escape and Ford C-MAX, 2015 Lincoln MKC and Ford Mustang, and 2014-2016 Ford Transit Connect vehicles. A component within the door latches may break, preventing the doors from latching and/or leading the driver or a passenger to believe a door is securely closed when, in fact, it is not.

Safety risk

A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.

Manufacturer remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the door latches with an improved part, free of charge. The recall began on January 27, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S30.

Recall campaignNHTSA 15V813000

Electrical system: wiring

Component: Electrical system: wiring
Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Vehicles affected: 9,017
Reported to NHTSA: 2015-12-02
Owners notified: 2016-01-07

Defect description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013 Escape vehicles manufactured January 11, 2012, to April 1, 2013, and 2013-2014 Focus ST vehicles manufactured May 03, 2012, to October 14, 2013. Insufficient compression in the engine wiring harness splices to the Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) sensor may provide incorrect signals to the powertrain control module (PCM).

Safety risk

The incorrect signals could cause the vehicle to hesitate or the engine to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the current crimped splices with new splices, free of charge. The recall began on January 7, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 14S17-S1.

Recall campaignNHTSA 14V597000

Seat belts

Component: Seat belts
Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Vehicles affected: 746,842
Reported to NHTSA: 2014-09-26
Owners notified: 2015-05-26

Defect description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Ford C-Max vehicles manufactured January 19, 2012, to November 21, 2013; Ford Fusion vehicles manufactured February 3, 2012, to August 24, 2013; Ford Escape vehicles manufactured October 5, 2011, to November 1, 2013; and Lincoln MKZ vehicles manufactured April 25, 2012, to September 30, 2013. The coating on portions of the Restraint Control Module (RCM) may crack, and when exposed to humidity, circuits on the printed circuit board may short.

Safety risk

The short circuits could cause the frontal air bags, side curtain air bags and the seat belt pretensioners to not function as intended when needed, increasing the risk of occupant injury in the event of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the RCM, free of charge. Parts are not currently available. The recall began on May 26,2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 14S21.

Recall campaignNHTSA 14V495000

Electrical system: wiring

Component: Electrical system: wiring
Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Vehicles affected: 133,227
Reported to NHTSA: 2014-08-11
Owners notified: 2014-10-06

Defect description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Escape vehicles manufactured October 5, 2011, to April 1, 2013, and equipped with 2.0 liter engines and Focus ST vehicles manufactured February 14, 2012, to October 14, 2013, and equipped with 2.0 liter engines. Insufficient compression in the engine wiring harness splices to the Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) sensor may provide incorrect signals to the powertrain control module (PCM).

Safety risk

The incorrect signals could cause the vehicle to hesitate or the engine to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the current crimped splices with new splices, free of charge. The recall began in October 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14S17.

Recall campaignNHTSA 14V237000

Air bags: side/window

Component: Air bags: side/window
Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Vehicles affected: 594,785
Reported to NHTSA: 2014-05-07
Owners notified: 2014-05-30

Defect description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 C-MAX, and Escape vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the restraint control module (RCM) may have errors in the programming software which may result in a delayed deployment of the side-curtain rollover air bag.

Safety risk

If the side-curtain rollover air bag is delayed in deploying in certain rollover circumstances, the risk of injury to the passengers is increased.

Manufacturer remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the RCM, free of charge. The recall began on May 30, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14S04.

Recall campaignNHTSA 14V239000

Structure: body: door

Component: Structure: body: door
Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Vehicles affected: 581,986
Reported to NHTSA: 2014-05-07
Owners notified: 2014-05-30

Defect description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Escape vehicles manufactured October 5, 2011, through April 10, 2014. Due to an assembly misalignment between the exterior door handle and the door outer panel, the affected vehicles have doors that may be difficult to close or may possibly open while driving.

Safety risk

A door that opens unexpectedly may result in an unrestrained occupant falling from the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury.

Manufacturer remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and correct the mounting of the door handles, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on May 30, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14S03.

Recall campaignNHTSA 14V164000

Seats: front assembly: recliner

Component: Seats: front assembly: recliner
Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Vehicles affected: 43,135
Reported to NHTSA: 2014-04-02
Owners notified: 2014-05-30

Defect description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles manufactured August 15, 2012, through September 10, 2013, 2013-2014 Ford Escape vehicles manufactured June 5, 2012, through August 12, 2013, and 2013-2014 Ford C-Max vehicles manufactured from July 23, 2012, through May 28, 2013. The driver and passenger seatback assemblies may have been produced with sub-standard weld joints used to attach the seat back recliner mechanism to the seat frame. The affected seat backs may have insufficient strength to meet the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 207, "Seating Systems."

Safety risk

The back of the subject seats may become loose or lean while driving and potentially increase the risk of injury in certain crashes.

Manufacturer remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seatback, free of charge. The recall began on May 30, 2014. Owners may contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14C03.

Recall campaignNHTSA 13V584000

Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

Component: Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Vehicles affected: 9,469
Reported to NHTSA: 2013-11-25
Owners notified: 2014-04-09

Defect description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013 Escape vehicles manufactured from October 5, 2011, through July 11, 2012, and equipped with a 1.6L engine subject to prior safety recall NHTSA 12V-336. In some cases, the engine compartment fuel line may have been installed incorrectly when repaired under the prior recall. The misinstalled fuel line could chafe and eventually leak fuel.

Safety risk

A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.

Manufacturer remedy

Ford will notify owners and dealers will inspect the engine compartment fuel line, and if necessary, replace it, free of charge. An interim notice will be mailed to owners during January 2014. The recall began on April 9, 2014. Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's recall number is 13S12.

Recall campaignNHTSA 13V583000

Engine

Component: Engine
Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Vehicles affected: 139,917
Reported to NHTSA: 2013-11-25
Owners notified: 2014-04-09

Defect description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013 Escape vehicles manufactured October 5, 2011, through June 2, 2013 and equipped with 1.6L engines. The affected vehicles may experience localized overheating of the engine cylinder head which may cause cracks that could allow oil to leak.

Safety risk

Leaking engine oil may come into contact with a hot engine surface potentially resulting in an engine compartment fire.

Manufacturer remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will modify the engine shielding, cooling and control systems, free of charge. An interim notice will be mailed to owners during January 2014. The recall began on April 9, 2014. Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's recall number is 13S12.

Recall campaignNHTSA 13V085000

Latches/locks/linkages

Component: Latches/locks/linkages
Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Vehicles affected: 5,675
Reported to NHTSA: 2013-03-07
Owners notified: 2013-03-27

Defect description

Ford is recalling certain model year 2013 Focus and C-Max vehicles built from November 16, 2012, through November 21, 2012; and model year 2013 Escape vehicles manufactured from November 14, 2012, through November 21, 2012. The left rear door child lock was built incorrectly. As a result, the child lock may not engage when the operator uses normal force to activate the child lock.

Safety risk

The operator may incorrectly believe the child lock is engaged. However, the door may be opened from the inside, increasing the risk of injury to an unrestrained child.

Manufacturer remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the affected rear door latches, and replace them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on March 27, 2013. Owners may contact Ford Motor Company Customer Relationship Center at 1-866-436-7332.

Recall campaignNHTSA 12V551000

Engine and engine cooling

Component: Engine and engine cooling
Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Vehicles affected: 80,057
Reported to NHTSA: 2012-12-03
Owners notified: 2012-12-07

Defect description

This is an update to a recently announced recall. Ford is recalling certain model year 2013 Escape vehicles manufactured from October 5, 2011, through November 26, 2012, equipped with 1.6L engines, as well as certain model year 2013 Fusion vehicles manufactured from February 3, 2012, through November 29, 2012, equipped with 1.6L engines. Coolant system leaks may cause the engines to overheat and leak flammable engine fluids.

Safety risk

If flammable engine fluids come in contact with the vehicles hot exhaust system, a vehicle fire could occur.

Manufacturer remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine for coolant system leaks and reprogram the vehicles powertrain control module and instrument cluster with an updated calibration and overheat strategy software. There will be no charge to owners for this service. Owners were recently notified to contact dealers to arrange for alternative transportation as Ford developed a remedy. Owners will be shortly receiving notifications to contact Ford dealers to schedule the free remedy repair. Owners may contact Ford Motor Company Customer Relationship Center at 1-866-436-7332.

Recall campaignNHTSA 12V431000

Engine and engine cooling

Component: Engine and engine cooling
Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected: 6,146
Reported to NHTSA: 2012-09-04
Owners notified: 2012-09-11

Defect description

Ford is recalling certain model year 2013 Escape vehicles manufactured from October 5, 2011, through August 31, 2012, equipped with 1.6L engines. The cylinder head cup plug (freeze plug) may become dislodged resulting in significant loss of engine coolant.

Safety risk

As leaking engine coolant evaporates on the hot engine, the glycol may ignite causing an engine compartment fire.

Manufacturer remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will seal the existing plug and add a secondary plug cover, free of charge. The safety recall began on September 11, 2012. Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332.

Recall campaignNHTSA 12V336000

Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

Component: Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected: 9,320
Reported to NHTSA: 2012-07-18
Owners notified: 2012-08-10

Defect description

Ford is recalling certain model year 2013 Escape vehicles manufactured from October 5, 2011, through July 11, 2012, and equipped with a 1.6L engine. These vehicles have an engine compartment fuel line which may split, resulting in a leak.

Safety risk

If this leak occurs in the presence of an ignition source, there is an increased risk of a fire and/or personal injury.

Manufacturer remedy

Ford will notify and instruct owners to stop driving their vehicles and contact a Ford or Lincoln dealer to arrange pick-up of their vehicle. Customers will be provided with a rental vehicle if needed. The dealer will replace the engine compartment fuel line, free charge. The recall began on August 10, 2012. Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332.

Recall campaignNHTSA 12V319000

Structure

Component: Structure
Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected: 8,266
Reported to NHTSA: 2012-07-06
Owners notified: 2012-07-20

Defect description

FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2013 ESCAPE VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM MARCH 8, 2012 THROUGH JUNE 7, 2012. DUE TO MIS-POSITIONED CARPET PADDING THE CENTER CONSOLE TRIM PANEL MAY BE PUSHED OUTBOARD OF THE INTENDED POSITION, REDUCING CLEARANCE RELATIVE TO THE PEDAL PACKAGE.

Safety risk

THE REDUCED CLEARANCE MAY RESULT IN THE DRIVERS FOOT CONTACTING THE SIDE OF THE BRAKE PEDAL WHILE TRANSFERRING THE FOOT FROM THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL TO THE BRAKE PEDAL, INCREASING STOPPING DISTANCES AND THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE CARPET PADDING AND LEFT-SIDE CONSOLE TRIM PANEL REPLACED WITH A NEW PANEL, FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 20, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.

Owner complaints

A complaint is one person's report to a federal agency. It is not a finding.

Component	Complaints	Median mileage
Engine	1,317	75,000 mi
Power train	408	80,000 mi
Electrical system	345	60,478 mi
Unknown or other	328	80,000 mi
Steering	301	80,000 mi
Fuel/propulsion system	253	76,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling	179	106,000 mi
Vehicle speed control	94	57,000 mi
Service brakes	68	58,000 mi
Structure: body	67	40,000 mi
Air bags	56	31,410 mi
Latches/locks/linkages	48	94,996 mi
Seat belts	44	80,000 mi
Electronic stability control (ESC)	40	80,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline	38	67,750 mi
Visibility/wiper	34	58,000 mi
Suspension	29	54,000 mi
Wheels	29	65,000 mi
Latches/locks/linkages: doors: latch	18	60,400 mi
Exterior lighting	14	42,400 mi
Structure	14	18,000 mi
Wheels: lugs/nuts/bolts/studs	9	62,453 mi
Power train: automatic transmission: lever and linkage: floor shift	8	153,859 mi
Seats	7	38,000 mi
Structure: body: door	6	28,675 mi
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system	5	113,000 mi
Lane departure: blind spot detection	5	—
Service brakes, hydraulic: pedals and linkages	5	6,800 mi
Tires	5	26,000 mi
Electrical system: wiring	4	63,000 mi
Forward collision avoidance: automatic emergency braking	4	—
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: hoses/lines/piping/fittings	3	100,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings	3	—
Lane departure: warning	3	—
Power train: automatic transmission	3	56,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic	3	124,000 mi
Structure: body: hatchback/liftgate	3	50,000 mi
Back over prevention	2	—
Back over prevention: sensing system: camera	2	40,000 mi
Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel	2	—
Electrical system: 12V/24V/48V battery	2	75,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system	2	120,125 mi
Equipment adaptive/mobility	2	786 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump	2	18,000 mi
Steering: rack and pinion	2	93,000 mi
Tires: pressure monitoring and regulating systems	2	118,000 mi
Tires: tread/belt	2	—
Visibility	2	13,000 mi
Visibility: windshield	2	62,000 mi
Back over prevention: camera system	1	—
Back over prevention: rearview system braking	1	—
Back over prevention: warnings	1	—
Electrical system: wiring: front underhood	1	112,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: pump	1	—
Engine and engine cooling: engine: engine control module (ECU/ECM)	1	81,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline: turbo/supercharger	1	175,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine: oil/lubrication: oil cooler	1	158,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: catalytic convertor	1	24,800 mi
Equipment: electrical: navigational system(global positioning system)	1	1,000 mi
Equipment: electrical: radio/tape deck/CD etc.	1	—
Exterior lighting: brake lights	1	134,000 mi
Firerelated	1	—
Fuel system, diesel	1	56,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly: filler pipe and cap	1	—
Fuel system, other	1	—
Latches/locks/linkages: hatchback/liftgate: lock	1	2 mi
Latches/locks/linkages: trunk lid: lock	1	32,000 mi
Power train: shift linkage/cable/rod	1	126,000 mi
Service brakes, air: antilock	1	105,000 mi
Service brakes, air: antilock: ABS warning light	1	40,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip	1	230,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: rotor	1	19,500 mi
Steering: column	1	157,000 mi
Steering: electric power assist system	1	105,000 mi
Steering: gear box (other than rack and pinion)	1	145,303 mi
Steering: hydraulic power assist: power steering fluid	1	112,287 mi
Structure: body: tailgate	1	61,000 mi
Structure: frame and members	1	—
Structure: frame and members: underbody shields	1	8,400 mi
Suspension: front: wheel bearing	1	57,000 mi
Suspension: rear	1	44,196 mi
Traction control system	1	2,417 mi
Vehicle speed control: accelerator pedal	1	29,000 mi
Vehicle speed control: cruise control	1	—
Visibility: power window devices and controls	1	6,000 mi
Visibility: rearview mirrors/devices	1	—
Visibility: rearview mirrors/devices: exterior	1	13,500 mi
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer: motor	1	76,000 mi

The 2012 model has 5 times as many complaints as this one. The 2014 model has about 1.5 times as many complaints as this one. These figures reflect raw complaint counts, not failure rates. Higher-selling model years naturally receive more complaints.

Safety recall repairs are provided free of charge by franchised dealers, regardless of vehicle age or mileage. This page displays aggregated data for the model year. To check recall status for a specific vehicle, search its VIN at nhtsa.gov.