7 Common Failures Of The Ford Escape: Problems And Solutions
The Ford Escape is a totally dependable vehicle that’s worth the money whether you buy it new or used. But to be surer, look at the problems that this model could present, and find out about the common faults of the Ford Escape.
It is known for its exceptional handling and easy-to-use controls, which allow you to maximize all of its features. It has considerable resale value, depreciating about 54% after five years.
How good are Ford Escapes?
According to RepairPal , the Ford Escape ranks 16th out of 26 compact SUVs, with a rating of 4 out of 5. The Escape is known for its exceptional safety features, nice interior, and excellent handling, which was further improved in the redesign. of 2020.
Mileage on your Escape can average from 200,000 to as much as 320,000 as long as you maintain it regularly.
Common Ford Escape Faults
Despite being a reliable vehicle, this design has some frequent problems, depending on its model year. According to the opinions of experts and the users themselves, here are the common faults of the Ford Escape.
1- Problems with the brakes
2016-2017 Ford Escapes were notorious for excessively noisy brakes . A Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) was issued in 2016 regarding brake squeal, which typically occurs when the front brakes have heated up.
It can also be caused by different driving conditions. Ford has said that it can be remedied by installing a front liner kit.
Aside from the brake noise, Ford issued another TSB for the 2017 Ford Escape’s brake issues regarding the electric parking brake warning indicator being on, as well as an illuminated anti-lock braking system (ABS) lamp for variants. four wheel drive (4WD). Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) have been provided in the TSB along with instructions on how to resolve these issues.
2- Transmission failure
Multiple Ford Escape owners have reported that their car stopped suddenly when it was running fine minutes before. For some, their vehicles stopped suddenly while they were driving without any warnings or symptoms. Most have reported finding Ford Escape transmission problems with the 2014 and 2006 model years.
Some owners have also reported that they had to rebuild or replace their transmissions to fix the problem, but it cost them a lot, around $4,000 or more, depending on parts and labor.
3- Engine fires
The 2013 Ford Escape is known for having multiple problems, including engine fires. Ford made a series of recalls within a few months of its launch. The July 2012 recall was so extreme that Ford advised all owners to simply park their sports cars and send tow trucks to pick them up.
Ford said this was due to a faulty fuel line that had a tendency to split and leak, increasing the risk of fire, putting both driver and passengers in danger.
Later in November, another recall was issued for the 2013 Ford Escape, once again due to engine fires. The Escape, along with other Ford models, was reported to have inadequate cooling systems, which could leak and start a vehicle fire once flammable fluids came in contact with the high-temperature exhaust system.
4- Misfiring
Another common failure of the 2001-2013 Ford Escape is ignition problems due to bad ignition coils. Some owners have reported that a replacement ignition coils is all that is needed.
This also means that you should follow your service schedule, so that the problem can be diagnosed sooner rather than later. If not fixed, other components can be damaged, which means more expensive repairs or replacements.
5- Loss of power steering
The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in the United States) investigated 746,067 units of 2008-2011 Ford Escapes for loss of power steering assist while driving .
Ford said this was caused by inefficient settings with the Electric Power Assist Steering (EPAS) system that prevented the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) from detecting driver steering input.
Many owners found this annoying on long drives, as it would require more steering effort at low speeds. Ford said that this problem can be fixed with a PSCM update that can be done at your dealer.
6- Engine shutdown and PCM failure
Owners of the 2005 Ford Escape have reported unexpected engine failure, with many saying their vehicle shuts down unexpectedly while driving. It occurred so frequently that Ford recalled units of the 2005-2008 Escape in 2014 due to a powertrain failure caused by overheating , which would lead to a stall.
The 2005 Escape’s power control module (PCM) would also malfunction once the car reached 100,000 miles. However, the standard warranty only covered up to 80,000 miles. Most of the car owners who had this problem were over 20,000 miles of the mileage limit.
Some owners have reported that they resolved the PCM problem by replacing the affected components, including spark plugs, coils, cylinders, and the PCM itself, but it cost an average of $2,000 in repairs to get their car back to working order.
7- Damage to the transfer case
Ford Escape models with 4×4 drive are notorious for abnormal noises coming from the transfer case. Some owners have reported that these sounds are like howling bearings, which turn into clicking noises when the car accelerates.
These unusual sounds can mean that the transfer case may have sustained damage from regular use, so it is recommended that these noises be checked by a professional immediately. Some owners have reported that changing the transfer case fluid resolved this issue.
