You want a vehicle you can count on, so we’re here to help you discover the truth about the Ford Escape‘s reliability. We asked our expert team at John Kennedy Ford Conshohocken in Pennsylvania to provide insight, discuss common issues, and review helpful maintenance tips to improve dependability so you can make an informed decision on your next SUV.
Ford Escape Reliability by Year
Over the years, the Ford Escape has proven slightly better than average with the rest of its compact SUV segment, logging 0.31 unscheduled repairs per year compared to the average 0.4 per year. The Ford Escape has an 11% probability of needing major repairs, which puts it on par with other compact SUVs. Let’s look at the Escape’s breakdown by recent model year.
2023 Ford Escape
Ford redesigned its Escape SUV in 2023, earning it a quality and reliability score of 81 from J.D. Power. The 2023 Ford Escape has a consumer rating of 80 out of 100, ranking it seventh in its category. Your choice of engine has the most significant impact on reliability.
2022 Ford Escape
J.D. Power scored the 2022 Escape 81 out of 100 in its quality and reliability ratings. U.S. News gave it a 7.9 out of 10 ranking and mentioned lackluster handling as its main weakness stemming from customer feedback regarding engine hesitation.
2021 Ford Escape
For 2021, the Escape’s rating from U.S. News dipped slightly to 7.8 out of 10. Consumer Reports gave the Escape a one out of five predicted reliability rating.
2020 Ford Escape
Ford kicked off Escape’s fourth generation with this model year, which saw the reintroduction of the hybrid powertrain. J.D. Power gave this year’s Escape a rating of 72 for quality and reliability.
If you’re shopping for preowned Ford Escape models, the 2023, 2022, and 2019 have the best reliability ratings in recent years. U.S. News rated the 2018 model at 8.5 and the 2017 at 8.6 if you happen upon a slightly older Escape.
In-Depth Analysis of Common Ford Escape Problems and Solutions
Every vehicle from every manufacturer has issues that arise, whether that’s a faulty switch, leaky hose, or something else. We’ve scoured the repair logs to compile a list of common Ford Escape problems and detail their solutions for you.
Ignition Misfire
Ford Escape models most commonly encounter misfiring ignitions caused by a failing ignition coil. Ignition coils typically last 129,000 miles. Failing ignition coils aren’t common in that they fail often, but rather that they’ll fail eventually. They cost around $100 to replace.
Engine Hesitation
Some models experience engine hesitation, described as sluggish or lagging when accelerating. This engine stumbling can lead to your check engine light illuminating and return error codes related to your engine, likely caused by a damaged exhaust gas recirculation valve. Replacing this costs around $200.
Four-Wheel-Drive Transfer Case
If you use your four-wheel drive often, the transfer case may fail eventually. This part typically lasts 125,000 miles, so it doesn’t happen regularly. Sometimes, you may find replacing a seal and refilling the fluid helpful. Other times, it may require a complete replacement.
Real Owner Insights: Ford Escape Reliability Stories
We asked real owners to tell us their experiences with the Ford Escape. Here’s what they said.
5 Stars — “White Escape Hybrid Titanium. Glad we decided on this instead of Rav4. It’s a luxury car for us ‘middle-weight’ type people. Everything is fine…right now. More satisfied with the 2020 model than our 2016 titanium. Quiet, handles well, like switches, leather upholstery comfortable, visibility good, safety good, very good audio, and good grunt when needed. Driving 2/3’s city and 1/3rd highways (2 lane mostly) currently averaging 42.2 mpg!”
5 Stars — “It’s a bit different than my prior 2017 Escape, but the plug-in advantage is great! I got all my bells and whistles…”
4 Stars — “Our first PHEV. We purchased a 2015 C-Max and a 2018 C-Max, both regular hybrids, and achieved 40 mpg through 150,000 miles. Each time enjoying the newest technology. The Escape is a bigger car that feels more like a small truck and is very solid! The new adaptive cruise control with lane assist and distance spacing is awesome and makes road trips much easier. So far, it gets 40+ mpg when in auto hybrid mode. It is simply a beautiful car that is fun to drive past gas stations with!”
5 Stars — “I can only vouch for the Escape Hybrid I own. I purchased a new one four-plus years ago. I just passed 40K miles. Drive great, handles well, comfortable seats. 360 degrees is a huge plus, making driving safer. Reclining rear seats is a great addition. All problems have been minor. One thing to keep in mind is that the 12-volt battery is small, and if it is not at peak charge, the car can start dropping some amenities. I.e., the passenger side auto lock and unlock function. Ford replaced door locking parts when the battery was not holding peak charge. If you drive it, say 15 miles per day, it should not be an issue. Being retired, my car can sit for days. I would recommend the Escape hybrid. Family that have used it, love it.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some frequently asked questions about the Ford Escape.
Does Ford Offer Warranty Protection on the Escape?
Yes. Ford has a comprehensive warranty, with a three-year/36,000-mile limited warranty or a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.
Does the Ford Escape Have All-Wheel-Drive?
The standard Escape has front-wheel drive. You can also opt for four-wheel drive if you’re after more control.
Is the Ford Escape a Reliable SUV?
Ford has a well-earned reputation for quality builds, and they stand behind every Escape with a comprehensive warranty package, which includes 24/7 roadside assistance should you experience any issues.
Final Thoughts on Ford Escape’s Reliability
Escape models built before 2012 have run 200,000-300,000 miles with routine maintenance. At a 15,000-mile yearly average, that equates to a life span of 13-20 years. The key is to adhere to the recommended maintenance schedule. If you want to learn more about the latest Ford Escape, we invite you to shop our inventory online or speak with one of our SUV experts.
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