Ford Escape Best and Worst Years (2010–2025)
The 2013, 2014, 2017, and 2020 Ford Escape years are the ones to avoid, led by 2013 with a complaint index of 100 and 18 recalls including 1 do-not-drive recall. The 2022-2025 model years score best, with complaint indexes from 20 down to 0.
Avoid 2013Avoid 2014Avoid 2017Avoid 2020Best 2022Best 2023Best 2024Best 2025
- Model years
- 16
- 2010–2025
- NHTSA complaints
- 18,481
- Recall campaigns
- 77
- Crashes reported
- 396
- Fires reported
- 278
- Top problem area
- Engine
Escape Complaint Index by year
Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.
Ford Escape problems and recalls by year
| Year | Verdict | Index | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Recalls | Top issue | MPG | NCAP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Caution | 73 | 2,068 | 29 | 3 | 3 | Engine | 22 | — |
| 2011 | Caution | 60 | 1,316 | 38 | 7 | 2 | Engine | 22 | 3★ |
| 2012 | Good | 33 | 599 | 37 | 3 | 1 | Fuel System | 23 | 3★ |
| 2013 | Avoid | 100 | 2,749 | 49 | 90 | 18 ! | Engine | 25 | 4★ |
| 2014 | Avoid | 87 | 2,084 | 47 | 103 | 16 | Engine | 25 | 4★ |
| 2015 | Caution | 53 | 1,100 | 29 | 19 | 9 | Transmission & Powertrain | 25 | 4★ |
| 2016 | Good | 47 | 1,123 | 36 | 10 | 4 | Transmission & Powertrain | 25 | 4★ |
| 2017 | Avoid | 93 | 2,684 | 39 | 15 | 4 | Engine | 24 | 5★ |
| 2018 | Caution | 67 | 1,797 | 25 | 5 | 4 | Engine | 24 | 5★ |
| 2019 | Good | 40 | 587 | 24 | 3 | 3 | Engine | 24 | 5★ |
| 2020 | Avoid | 80 | 1,599 | 20 | 4 | 23 | Structure & Body | 35 | 5★ |
| 2021 | Good | 27 | 346 | 9 | 9 | 19 | Structure & Body | 35 | 5★ |
| 2022 | Best | 20 | 231 | 7 | 4 | 19 | Fuel System | 35 | 5★ |
| 2023 | Best | 7 | 98 | 2 | 3 | 11 | Electrical System | 34.5 | 5★ |
| 2024 | Best | 13 | 76 | 5 | 0 | 8 | Electrical System | 30 | 5★ |
| 2025 | Best | 0 | 24 | 0 | 0 | 9 | Engine | 34.5 | — |
Escape years to avoid: what went wrong
2013 Ford Escape Index 100 · 2,749 complaints · 18 recalls
The 2013 Escape ranks worst of all years with a complaint index of 100 and 2,749 complaints. Engine problems make up 53% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 78,000 miles. Owners also report transmission and electrical issues, plus airbags that failed to deploy in crashes. NHTSA logged 18 recalls for this year, including 1 do-not-drive recall, and fires were reported 90 times. Structure and body complaints include rear hatch locks failing and causing the hatch to strike other objects.
2013 engine problems →2013 transmission & powertrain problems →2013 electrical system problems →
2017 Ford Escape Index 93 · 2,684 complaints · 4 recalls
The 2017 Escape has a complaint index of 93 from 2,684 complaints, ranking second worst. Engine complaints dominate at 74% share, with a median failure mileage of 76,000 miles. Owners report airbags failing to deploy correctly in collisions, sudden unintended movement while parking, and automatic parking assist crashing into parked vehicles. NHTSA logged 4 recalls for this year, including a 2026 software update for power windows exerting excessive force.
2017 engine problems →2017 transmission & powertrain problems →2017 electrical system problems →
2014 Ford Escape Index 87 · 2,084 complaints · 16 recalls
The 2014 Escape carries a complaint index of 87 across 2,084 complaints, with 4 reported deaths. Engine complaints account for 43%, with median failure mileage of 79,464.5 miles, and transmission problems follow at 23% with median failure at 89,804 miles. Owners describe seat belts failing to restrain occupants in crashes, airbags not deploying, brake pedals going to the floor, and burning odors from the electrical system. NHTSA recorded 16 recalls for this year, and fires were reported 103 times.
2014 engine problems →2014 transmission & powertrain problems →2014 electrical system problems →
2020 Ford Escape Index 80 · 1,599 complaints · 23 recalls
The 2020 Escape has a complaint index of 80 from 1,599 complaints and the highest recall count among avoid years, at 23. Structure and body complaints lead at 45% share, with a median failure mileage of 45,500 miles, and owners describe liftgate hinge covers detaching. Other reports include unintended acceleration while braking, airbags failing to deploy in head-on crashes, brake failure, and power steering loss while pulling into a driveway.
2020 structure & body problems →2020 transmission & powertrain problems →2020 fuel system problems →
Most common Ford Escape problems (all years)
Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.
- Engine8,478 (46%)
- Transmission & Powertrain3,455 (19%)
- Fuel System2,039 (11%)
- Other1,825 (10%)
- Electrical System1,789 (10%)
- Steering1,700 (9%)
- Structure & Body1,576 (9%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras612 (3%)
- Brakes600 (3%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires511 (3%)
Frequently asked questions
- What years of the Ford Escape should I avoid?
- Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, the 2013, 2014, 2017, and 2020 Ford Escape rank worst, with 2013 topping the list at a complaint index of 100 and 18 recalls.
- What is the best year for the Ford Escape?
- The 2022 through 2025 Ford Escape model years rank best, with complaint indexes ranging from 20 down to 0 and far fewer complaints than earlier years.
- Does the 2013 Ford Escape have engine problems?
- Yes. Engine complaints make up 53% of all complaints for the 2013 Escape, with a median failure mileage of 78,000 miles, and NHTSA logged 18 recalls for that model year.
- Is the 2020 Ford Escape reliable?
- The 2020 Escape is rated Avoid relative to other Escape years, with a complaint index of 80, 1,599 complaints, and 23 recalls, the highest recall count of any avoid year.
- How many total complaints does the Ford Escape have?
- Across the 2010-2025 model years, NHTSA lists 18,481 total complaints and 77 total recall campaigns for the Ford Escape.