Ford Escape Years to Avoid
Every Escape model year ranked by owner complaints filed with NHTSA, with recalls and the top problem for each year.
Updated Oct 16, 2026.
Which Escape years should you avoid?
The 2013, 2017 and 2014 Escape have the most NHTSA complaints. Adjusted for how long each year has been on the road, the 2023, 2012 and 2022 models have the fewest problems.
Complaints by model year
Total complaints. Newer years have had less time on the road, so their totals will keep climbing.
Every year at a glance
| Year | Complaints | Per year | Recalls | Top problem |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 26 | 13 | 9 | Engine |
| 2024 | 76 | 25 | 8 | Electrical |
| 2023 | 100 | 25 | 11 | Electrical |
| 2022 | 235 | 47 | 19 | Fuel System |
| 2021 | 349 | 58 | 19 | Body |
| 2020 | 1,608 | 230 | 23 | Body |
| 2019 | 595 | 74 | 3 | Engine |
| 2018 | 1,816 | 202 | 4 | Engine |
| 2017 | 2,697 | 270 | 4 | Engine |
| 2016 | 1,156 | 105 | 4 | Transmission |
| 2015 | 1,116 | 93 | 9 | Transmission |
| 2014 | 2,089 | 161 | 16 | Engine |
| 2013 | 2,750 | 196 | 18 | Engine |
| 2012 | 603 | 40 | 2 | Fuel System |
| 2011 | 1,318 | 82 | 3 | Steering |
| 2010 | 2,070 | 122 | 5 | Acceleration |
| 2009 | 1,693 | 94 | 3 | Steering |
| 2008 | 1,974 | 104 | 5 | Steering |
"Per year" divides complaints by the years since that model year went on sale, so new and old years compare fairly. Highlighted rows have the most complaints.
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Common questions
What is the worst year for the Ford Escape?
The 2013 Escape, with 2,750 complaints. Its most reported problem area is the engine.
What is the best year for the Ford Escape?
Among years with at least three years of owner reports, the 2023 Escape has the fewest complaints per year on the road.
Which Ford Escape years should I avoid?
Be most careful with the 2013, 2017 and 2014 models. Check service records and recall work before buying.