PROBLEM GUIDE

2013–2016 Ford Escape Common Problems

Here's what owners are experiencing, based on our research of real owner reports and repair data.

Last updated March 2026

2,078

complaints filed for the 2014 model year

2013–2016

Model years affected

$4,500 – $5,500

Typical repair cost, by problem

The 1.6L EcoBoost engine suffers coolant intrusion into the cylinders, causing misfires and engine failure — despite a well-documented multi-recall history for fire risk on this engine, owners report the same defect recurring after recall repairs. Separately, backup camera failures affecting 2014 models specifically, which were excluded from recalls covering other model years, are another case where a recall left some model years out.

Quick Scan: 15 Issues

Click a problem for the full write-up — symptoms, what we found, and typical repair costs where we have them.

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PROBLEM DETAILS

1.6L EcoBoost coolant intrusion, recurring despite recalls

Misfires and engine failure

Check engine light: On

The 1.6L EcoBoost engine suffers coolant intrusion into the cylinders, causing misfires and engine failure. Despite a well-documented multi-recall history for fire risk on this engine, owners report the same defect recurring after recall repairs.

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Backup camera failures, 2014 models excluded from recall

Upside-down image, blank screen, or error messages

Check engine light: Off

Backup camera failures (upside-down image, blank screen, error messages) affect this generation, with owners stating 2014 models were excluded from recalls covering other model years.

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Transmission failures at comparatively low mileage

Slipping out of gear, or getting stuck in Neutral

Check engine light: On

Transmission failures occur at comparatively low mileage — slipping out of gear or failing completely, with one owner reporting it "got stuck in Neutral." NHTSA-sampled repair costs cited as high as $7,500+.

$5,000117,000 mi

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Power steering failure

Steering wheel unable to be turned

Check engine light: On

Power steering failures occur, with one owner reporting the "steering wheel was not able to be turned."

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Ignition Misfires

The ignition misfires

Check engine light: On

The ignition misfires. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 437 owner reports on file.

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Check Engine Light and Hesitation or Stumbling While Driving

The check engine light comes on with hesitation or stumbling while driving

Check engine light: On

The check engine light comes on with hesitation or stumbling while driving. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 404 owner reports on file.

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Internal Transfer Case Problem on the 4WD Models

An internal transfer case problem occurs on the 4WD models

Check engine light: Off

An internal transfer case problem occurs on the 4WD models. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 308 owner reports on file.

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Blower Motor Only Works on High

The blower motor only works on high

Check engine light: Off

The blower motor only works on high. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 166 owner reports on file.

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Coolant pump on hybrid may fail and cause check engine light or engine shutdown

The coolant pump on the hybrid may fail and cause a check engine light or engine shutdown

Check engine light: On

The coolant pump on the hybrid may fail and cause a check engine light or engine shutdown. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 136 owner reports on file.

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Ford Escape Alternator Failure Causing Multiple Electrical Issues and Loss of Power

Alternator failure causes multiple electrical issues and loss of power

Check engine light: Off

Alternator failure causes multiple electrical issues and loss of power. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 85 owner reports on file.

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Ford Escape Air Conditioning and Heating System Only Functions on High, Inconsistent Temperature Output

The air conditioning and heating system only functions on high, with inconsistent temperature output

Check engine light: Off

The air conditioning and heating system only functions on high, with inconsistent temperature output. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 23 owner reports on file.

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Ford Escape Whining Noise During Acceleration With Potential Power Loss and Exhaust Leak

A whining noise occurs during acceleration with potential power loss and an exhaust leak

Check engine light: Off

A whining noise occurs during acceleration with potential power loss and an exhaust leak. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 21 owner reports on file.

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Ford Escape AC Issues When Accelerating Uphill, Possibly Due to Vacuum Line Problem

AC issues occur when accelerating uphill, possibly due to a vacuum line problem

Check engine light: Off

AC issues occur when accelerating uphill, possibly due to a vacuum line problem. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 15 owner reports on file.

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Ford Escape V6 3.0L Misfire Issue Resolved by Repairing Broken Wire at PCM Connector

A V6 3.0L misfire issue is resolved by repairing a broken wire at the PCM connector

Check engine light: On

A V6 3.0L misfire issue is resolved by repairing a broken wire at the PCM connector. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 15 owner reports on file.

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Ford Escape Burnt Exhaust Valves in Cylinders 1 and 2 Causing Low Compression and Misfire

Burnt exhaust valves in cylinders 1 and 2 cause low compression and misfire

Check engine light: On

Burnt exhaust valves in cylinders 1 and 2 cause low compression and misfire. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 11 owner reports on file.

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Owners report 2014 models were excluded from backup-camera recalls that cover other model years. Enter your VIN to get the confirmed, current recall picture for your specific car.

The information on this page is for general educational purposes only and is not a diagnosis. It is compiled from aggregated owner-reported data and publicly available sources, not from an inspection of your vehicle. Symptoms described here can have multiple causes, and the presence of a commonly reported problem does not mean your vehicle has it. Repair cost ranges are estimates that vary by region, shop, vehicle condition, and parts availability. Recall and service campaign information may be incomplete or out of date — verify current recall status with NHTSA or your manufacturer. MyGearGuru is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any vehicle manufacturer; manufacturer and model names are used for identification only. Always consult a qualified technician before making repair decisions.

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