Ford Escape Used Buying Guide: Known Issues

• From coolant leaks to unreliable infotainment technology, the Escape has a few known issues to watch out for.
• No matter which model year you select, make sure you verify that your used Escape has had any necessary recall repairs.
• Looking for a reliable used Escape? At Lafayette Ford, we make sure every model on our used lot is a high-quality option!

Coolant leaks are always a bad thing, but they’re especially bad anywhere near an ignition source. Because of a suspected design flaw in the engine cylinder head, third-generation Escapes (2013-2019) were prone to coolant leaks. Allegedly, coolant pooling in the grooves around the cylinder head can do a number on the gasket seals, eventually allowing coolant to enter the engine itself. If this happens, the engine may begin to misfire. Drivers may also notice blue smoke coming from the tailpipe. To compound the issue, low coolant levels could cause the engine to overheat, potentially resulting in costly damage.

If you own a third-generation Escape, we recommend checking your coolant level on a regular basis. If you notice that it’s dropping, don’t hesitate to take your Escape in for a check-up! You may also want to consider an extended warranty for these model years; these particular coolant leaks could result in costly damages.

Ford introduced its electric power-assisted steering system (EPAS) to help improve fuel mileage and enhanced steering feedback. But for some second-generation Escapes, the EPAS is prone to electrical failures. A sudden loss of power steering could make it difficult to guide your Escape in the right direction, especially if you’re traveling at low speeds. Although Ford issued a recall to fix the issue for 2008-2011 Escapes, some drivers report the same problem in their 2012 Escape.

One of Ford’s early attempts at infotainment, MyFord Touch, doesn’t exactly have a sterling reputation. Over the years, complaints about the system included crashing software and frozen touchscreens. Unfortunately, early renditions of MyFord Touch didn’t feature redundant buttons, so if the touchscreen went out, so did your ability to turn on, say, the windshield defroster. Problems were so widespread that Ford eventually settled a class-action lawsuit with a $17 million payout, paying drivers up to $400 each.

Used shoppers will find this system on some 2013-2015 Escape trim models. For the 2016 model year, the Escape replaced MyFord Touch with the much more popular SYNC 3 infotainment system. You’ll find the even more popular SYNC 4 system starting in the 2023 Escape. If your used Escape has the outdated MyFord Touch system, ask your friendly Ford dealer about replacing it with newer technology!

In addition to the used Escape’s common problems, make sure to check your model for any outstanding recalls. Many of the Escape’s known issues have been resolved by recall repairs that are complimentary at your local Ford dealer. Because recalls often involve serious safety risks, you should make sure they’re completed before you drive home in any used vehicle! To help you get an idea of what we mean, here’s a look at some of the Escape’s recent recalls.