Ford Escape Engine and Engine Cooling Problems
Owners have filed 2,330 complaints with NHTSA about engine and engine cooling problems on the Ford Escape across 25 model years. The 2017 model year has the most (508). The words owners use most often: “coolant intrusion” (24% of reports).
- 2,330engine and engine cooling complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 14mention a crash
- 7mention an injury
- 7related recalls
- $3,000typical repair cost reported by owners
- 28%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Coolant intrusion: mentioned in 548 of 2,330 complaints (24%)
- White smoke: mentioned in 135 of 2,330 complaints (6%)
- Engine overheating: mentioned in 126 of 2,330 complaints (5%)
- Program 21N12: mentioned in 117 of 2,330 complaints (5%)
How much does it cost to fix?
Owners who wrote down what they paid or were quoted put the typical engine and engine cooling repair on the Ford Escape at $3,000, and half of them between $1,000 and $6,150.
Based on 22 NHTSA complaints about this problem alone that state a repair bill or quote (2003–2022), converted to 2026 dollars with the U.S. consumer price index. These are owners' own figures, not a quote: they include dealer quotes, and owners who file complaints often faced larger repairs, so they can run higher than typical shop prices. Prices vary by shop, region and warranty coverage. How we calculate this.
At what mileage do engine and engine cooling problems happen?
Based on 1,781 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 2,330 complaints, 14 mention a crash, 72 a fire, 7 an injury.
Ford Escape engine and engine cooling complaints by model year
| Model year | Engine and Engine Cooling complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Escape | 4 | 15% | 5,000 |
| 2024 Escape | 1 | 1% | 4,500 |
| 2023 Escape | 4 | 4% | 4,200 |
| 2022 Escape | 6 | 3% | 49,100 |
| 2021 Escape | 3 | 1% | 37,350 |
| 2020 Escape | 12 | 1% | 85,000 |
| 2019 Escape | 94 | 16% | 81,000 |
| 2018 Escape | 344 | 19% | 89,300 |
| 2017 Escape | 508 | 19% | 82,038 |
| 2016 Escape | 57 | 5% | 95,500 |
| 2015 Escape | 44 | 4% | 114,000 |
| 2014 Escape | 187 | 9% | 100,000 |
| 2013 Escape | 175 | 6% | 105,000 |
| 2012 Escape | 6 | 1% | 23,186 |
| 2011 Escape | 17 | 1% | 44,500 |
| 2010 Escape | 35 | 2% | 49,012 |
| 2009 Escape | 37 | 2% | 55,000 |
| 2008 Escape | 38 | 2% | 42,000 |
| 2007 Escape | 6 | 2% | 61,500 |
| 2006 Escape | 21 | 5% | 45,000 |
| 2005 Escape | 90 | 6% | 89,362 |
| 2004 Escape | 18 | 4% | 96,000 |
| 2003 Escape | 47 | 8% | 53,357 |
| 2002 Escape | 294 | 29% | 32,000 |
| 2001 Escape | 282 | 28% | 41,500 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (7)
Engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:emission control:gas recirculation valve (egr valve)
Model years: 2025
Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Ranger, Lincoln Nautilus, Mustang, Maverick, Explorer, Escape, Lincoln Corsair, Bronco Sport, and Bronco vehicles. The exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve may fail, resulting in an unexpected loss of drive power.
Risk: An unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the EGR valves, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 31, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S10. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 4, 2026.
Structure:body:bumpers:active shutters/grill; structure:frame and members:underbody shields; engine and engine cooling
Model years: 2020, 2021, 2022
Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape, 2021-2022 Lincoln Corsair, and 2022 Maverick vehicles equipped with 2.5L HEV or PHEV engines. In the event of an engine failure, engine oil and fuel vapor may be released into the engine compartment and accumulate near ignition sources such as hot engine or exhaust components, possibly resulting in an engine compartment fire.
Risk: An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
Fix: Owners are advised to park and shut off the engine as quickly as possible if they hear unexpected engine noises, notice a reduction in vehicle power, or see smoke. Dealers will modify the under engine shield and active grille shutter, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 19, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S47.
Engine and engine cooling:engine:oil/lubrication
Model years: 2020, 2021, 2022
Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape and 2021-2022 Bronco Sport vehicles equipped with 1.5L engines. The engine oil separator housing may crack and develop an oil leak.
Risk: An oil leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the oil separator for damage or oil leaks, and replace the oil separator and seals, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 18, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S21.
Engine and engine cooling:engine
Model years: 2014
Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014 Escape, 2014-2015 Fiesta ST, 2013-2014 Fusion and 2013-2015 Transit Connect vehicles equipped with 1.6L GTDI engines. If the vehicle is started and driven with an insufficient level of coolant within the engine cooling system, the engine cylinder head may overheat, crack and leak oil.
Risk: If the cylinder head cracks and leaks oil, the oil may contact a hot engine or exhaust component, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will install a coolant level sensor and the supporting hardware and software, free of charge. Interim notices informing owners of the safety risk were mailed April 21, 2017. The recall began on January 5, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17S09.
Engine and engine cooling
Model years: 2013
Problem: This is an update to a recently announced recall. Ford is recalling certain model year 2013 Escape vehicles manufactured from October 5, 2011, through November 26, 2012, equipped with 1.6L 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.
Risk: If flammable engine fluids come in contact with the vehicleÂs 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 vehicleÂs powertrain control module and instrument cluster with an updated calibration and overheat strategy software. There will be no charge to owners for this service. Owners were recently notified to contact dealers to arrange for alternative transportation as Ford developed a remedy. Owners will be shortly receiving notifications to contact Ford dealers to schedule the free remedy repair. Owners may contact Ford Motor Company Customer Relationship Center at 1-866-436-7332.
Engine and engine cooling
Model years: 2013
Problem: Ford is recalling certain model year 2013 Escape vehicles manufactured from October 5, 2011, through August 31, 2012, equipped with 1.6L engines. The cylinder head cup plug (freeze plug) may become dislodged resulting in significant loss of engine coolant.
Risk: 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. The safety recall began on September 11, 2012. Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332.
Vehicle speed control:cables; engine and engine cooling
Model years: 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004
Problem: Ford Motor Company is recalling certain model year 2001 through 2004 Escape vehicles equipped with 3.0L V6 engines and speed control manufactured from October 22, 1999, through January 23, 2004. Inadequate clearance between the engine cover and the speed control cable connector could result in a stuck throttle when the accelerator pedal is fully or almost-fully depressed. This risk exists regardless of whether or not speed control (cruise control) is used.
Risk: A stuck throttle may result in very high vehicle speeds and make it difficult to stop or slow the vehicle, which could cause a crash, serious injury or death.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicles by increasing the engine cover clearance, free of charge. The safety recall began August 3, 2012. Remedy parts are expected to be available in mid-August 2012. Until then dealers will disconnect the speed control cable as an interim remedy, if parts are not available at the time of an owner's service appointment. Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving, the temperature gauge indicated that the engine was hot(H). While inspecting the vehicle, the contact discovered that the coolant level was low. The contact added coolant to the coolant reservoir; however, the failure…
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH, the head gasket of the engine cracked and the vehicle stalled. There was coolant leaking into the engine previously, and the vehicle was repaired. The vehicle was leaking coolant. There was white smoke coming from…
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. While driving at an undisclosed speed, an unknown warning light illuminated, and the message to "Pull Over Immediately" was displayed. The contact pulled over and had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic, who replaced the long block, turbo charger…
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator, the vehicle hesitated and was idling rough. During initial start-up there was a backfire coming from the engine with white smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. The maintenance warning light was…
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, a high alert warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over to the right side of the road, turned off the vehicle, and waited for fifteen minutes before restarting the vehicle. However, the failure persisted. An…
Frequently asked questions
Do all Ford Escapes have engine and engine cooling problems?
No. NHTSA has 2,330 owner complaints about engine and engine cooling for the Ford Escape. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the Ford Escape engine and engine cooling?
Yes: 7 safety recalls list engine and engine cooling. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
How much does it cost to fix engine and engine cooling problems on the Ford Escape?
Owners report a typical cost of $3,000 (half paid between $1,000 and $6,150), from 22 complaints that state a repair bill or quote, in 2026 dollars.
What do owners say about engine and engine cooling problems on the Ford Escape?
The most frequent phrase is “coolant intrusion”, in 548 of 2,330 complaints, followed by “white smoke” (135).
Other Ford Escape problems
- Engine problems (7,206)
- Power Train problems (4,654)
- Steering problems (3,944)
- Electrical System problems (2,524)
- Vehicle Speed Control problems (2,298)
- Structure problems (2,296)
- Fuel/propulsion System problems (1,833)
- Suspension problems (1,145)
See all Ford Escape problems.