2013 Ford Escape Engine Problems
From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.
How common are engine problems on the 2013 Ford Escape?
1,425 owners have reported engine problems on the 2013 Ford Escape, 52% of all complaints for this year and the most reported problem area. Most reported problems happened at about 49,000–105,000 miles. 3 recalls cover this area.
1,425 complaints 52% of all 2013 complaints 80,000 miles typical
Which parts fail
The specific part named in each complaint.
Mileage when it failed
Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (1,055 of 1,425). The amber line is the middle value.
When problems were reported
Engine complaints by the year the problem happened.
Engine complaints by Escape year
Related recalls
Engine overheating can leak oil and start a fire
Fire riskSome engines can overheat in one spot on the cylinder head, which may crack and let engine oil leak. The leaking oil can touch a hot engine surface and possibly start a fire in the engine compartment.
Fix: Dealers will modify the engine shielding, cooling, and control systems at no charge to the owner.
Recall 13V583000 · Nov 2013Engine
Fire risk6L engines, as well as certain model year 2013 Fusion vehicles manufactured from February 3, 2012, through November 29, 2012, equipped with 1.6L engines. Coolant system leaks may cause the engines to overheat and leak flammable engine fluids. If flammable engine fluids come in contact with the vehicleÂ’s hot exhaust system, a vehicle fire could occur.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine for coolant system leaks and reprogram the vehicleÂ’s powertrain control module and instrument cluster with an updated calibration and overheat strategy software. There will be no charge to owners for this service.
Recall 12V551000 · Dec 2012Engine
Fire risk6L engines. The cylinder head cup plug (freeze plug) may become dislodged resulting in significant loss of engine coolant. As leaking engine coolant evaporates on the hot engine, the glycol may ignite causing an engine compartment fire.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will seal the existing plug and add a secondary plug cover, free of charge.
Recall 12V431000 · Sep 2012Get an email when your 2013 Ford Escape gets a new recall
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Other 2013 Ford Escape problems
Common questions
What are common 2013 Ford Escape engine problems?
Complaints most often name the cooling system, hoses / lines / piping / fittings and exhaust system.
At what mileage do 2013 Ford Escape engine problems happen?
Most complaints that gave a mileage fell between about 49,000–105,000 miles. The middle value is about 80,000 miles.
Is there a recall for 2013 Ford Escape engine problems?
Yes: 13V583000, 12V551000, 12V431000. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.
Which Escape year has the most engine complaints?
The 2017 Escape, with 1,990 complaints.
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports.