2013 Ford Escape: problems, recalls and fuel economy

Recalls

NHTSA lists 18 recalls for the 2013 Escape^[2]. Newest first:

• Remedy pending
  Block heater (26V011). Filed 2026-01-15 for 2.0L engines^[14]. The block heater can crack and leak coolant, then short out when plugged in, which raises the risk of fire^[14]. Owners are told not to plug it in. Dealers will replace the heater or swap the element for a threaded plug^[14]. Final remedy not yet available^[14].
• Shift cable bushing (22V413). Filed 2022-06-10, covering 2,925,968 vehicles across several Ford models^[15]. The bushing that joins the shifter cable to the transmission can wear out or come off, so the car may not shift into the gear chosen or may roll after Park is selected^[15]. Dealers replace the bushing and add a protective cap^[15].
• Door latch repair check (20V331). Filed 2020-06-08^[16]. Earlier latch repairs may not have been done properly, so a door could seem latched when it is not^[16]. Dealers check the latch date codes and replace latches if needed^[16].
• Shifter cable bushing (18V471). Filed 2018-07-16 for 2013-2014 Escapes with six-speed automatic transmissions^[17]. The bushing can come off, so the shift lever may read Park while the transmission is not, with no warning^[17]. Dealers replace the bushing. Until then, owners are told to use the parking brake^[17].
• Door latches (16V643). Filed 2016-09-06^[18]. A part inside the latch can break, so a door may not latch although it feels closed^[18]. Dealers replace the latches with an improved part^[18].
• Engine wiring splices (15V813). Filed 2015-12-02 for certain 2013 Escapes built between January 11, 2012 and April 1, 2013^[19]. Poor splices to the MAP sensor can send wrong signals, so the engine may hesitate or stall^[19]. Dealers replace the splices^[19].
• Restraint control module (14V597). Filed 2014-09-26^[20]. A cracked coating can let humidity short the module, and the front air bags, side curtain air bags and belt pretensioners may not work as intended^[20]. Dealers replace the module, but the record says parts were not currently available^[20].
• Engine wiring splices, 2.0L (14V495). Filed 2014-08-11 for 2.0 liter engines^[21]. Same splice problem as above, with a risk of stalling^[21]. Dealers replace the splices^[21].
• Door handle (14V239). Filed 2014-05-07^[22]. A misaligned door handle can make a door hard to close or let it open while driving^[22]. Dealers inspect and correct the handle mounting^[22].
• Side curtain air bag software (14V237). Filed 2014-05-07^[23]. Software errors may delay the side curtain air bag in a rollover^[23]. Dealers reprogram the module^[23].
• Seatback recliner (14V164). Filed 2014-04-02 for certain 2013-2014 Escapes built June 5, 2012 through August 12, 2013^[24]. Weak welds may let seatbacks loosen or lean while driving^[24]. Dealers replace the seatback^[24].
• Fuel line, repeat repair (13V584). Filed 2013-11-25 for 1.6L engines^[3]. A fuel line installed incorrectly during the earlier recall repair could chafe and leak, which may cause a fire^[3]. Dealers inspect the line and replace it if needed^[3].
• Cylinder head overheating (13V583). Filed 2013-11-25 for 1.6L engines^[4]. Local overheating can crack the cylinder head and leak oil onto hot parts, risking an engine fire^[4]. Dealers modify the engine shielding, cooling and control systems^[4].
• Child lock (13V085). Filed 2013-03-07 for certain Escapes built November 14 to 21, 2012^[25]. The left rear child lock may not engage, so a child could open the door from inside^[25]. Dealers inspect and replace latches as needed^[25].
• Coolant leaks (12V551). Filed 2012-12-03 for 1.6L engines^[5]. Coolant leaks can cause overheating and a fire if fluids reach the hot exhaust^[5]. Dealers inspect for leaks and update the engine and instrument cluster software^[5].
• Freeze plug (12V431). Filed 2012-09-04 for 1.6L engines^[6]. A dislodged cylinder head plug can drain coolant, and the coolant may ignite on the hot engine^[6]. Dealers seal the plug and add a cover^[6].
• Fuel line (12V336). Filed 2012-07-18 for 1.6L engines^[7]. A fuel line can split and leak, which risks a fire^[7]. Owners were told to stop driving and arrange pickup, and dealers replace the line^[7].
• Brake pedal clearance (12V319). Filed 2012-07-06 for certain Escapes built March 8 to June 7, 2012^[26]. Misplaced carpet padding can push the console panel against the pedals, so a foot may catch the brake pedal and stopping distance can grow^[26]. Dealers remove the padding and replace the panel^[26].

Many of these cover only certain engines or build dates. A dealer can look up your VIN to see which ones apply and which repairs are done.