Used Ford Escape 3rd Gen (2013-2019): Buyer's Guide

The 2014 Ford Escape logged 101 engine fires and four deaths in NHTSA complaint data. The 2019 Escape logged three fires. Same platform. Same body. Completely different risk profile. The gap maps exactly to which engine is under the hood, and the 3rd gen Escape offered four distinct four-cylinder options with radically different reliability records.

If you're shopping a used 2013 to 2019 Escape without knowing which engine you're looking at, you're flying blind. This guide fixes that.

This Generation at a Glance

The 3rd gen Escape launched for 2013 on Ford's global C1 platform, also called C520. It was a complete departure from the truck-based second generation. The architecture was shared with the Focus and European Kuga. The body went narrower and more aerodynamic, and Ford offered three engine choices at launch.

The generation breaks into two distinct phases:

Phase 1 (2013-2016): The 1.6L EcoBoost was the standard mid-range engine. It produced fire. Multiple fire recalls followed. Ford eventually discontinued it.

Phase 2 (2017-2019): Ford refreshed the exterior, swapped in SYNC 3 to replace the notorious MyFordTouch system, and replaced the 1.6L EcoBoost with the new 1.5L EcoBoost. The 1.5L fixed the fire issue and introduced a coolant-in-cylinder issue instead.

All four-cylinder engines used a timing chain, not a belt. No scheduled replacement.

The 2017 refresh brought a restyled front fascia with boxier headlights, lane-keep assist and blind-spot monitoring on more trims, and SYNC 3 infotainment. It was a meaningful update. Vehicles built before and after 2017 are recognizably different generations of the same model.

See 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019

Powertrain and Trim Breakdown

1.6L EcoBoost (2013-2016): The Engine That Caught Fire

The 1.6L EcoBoost was positioned as the sensible performance option, offering 178 HP with better fuel economy than the 2.0L. Ford sold it in the SE and Titanium trims. It became the most recalled powertrain in the generation by a large margin.

The failure chain starts with the cylinder head. Localized overheating causes the head to crack, which allows engine oil to leak onto hot exhaust components. In a separate but related failure mode, the cylinder head cup plug (a freeze plug seated in the head) can dislodge entirely. When it does, coolant floods out rapidly, the coolant glycol evaporates on hot engine surfaces, and the residue ignites. Owners had fires while parked, while idling, and while driving.

Ford issued at least four separate recalls targeting fire risk on the 2013 1.6L EcoBoost alone, including NHTSA campaigns addressing the fuel line, the cylinder head cup plug, and coolant system failures. By 2014, NHTSA complaint data shows 101 fires and four deaths linked to the Escape. Ford added coolant level sensors under some recall campaigns, a fix that multiple owner communities described as a band-aid rather than a repair of the underlying design flaw. Class action lawsuits against Ford over the EcoBoost coolant defect are ongoing.

The 1.5L replacement in 2017 existed specifically because the 1.6L was unfixable. If you are looking at a 2013 to 2016 Escape and the VIN decodes to a 1.6L EcoBoost, skip it. The used market has enough 2.5L and 2.0L alternatives from the same years that there is no reason to accept this risk.

Owners on the fordescape.org forum have documented fires happening with no warning and no prior symptoms. No overheating light. No smell. Just fire. That pattern is specific to the cup plug failure mode and is what made the 1.6L particularly dangerous.

Mileage thresholds vary widely. Some failures happened under 30,000 miles. The structural weakness in the cylinder head is a design issue, not a wear issue.

1.5L EcoBoost (2017-2019): Better Than Its Predecessor, Still Imperfect

Ford redesigned the midrange engine for the 2017 refresh. The 1.5L EcoBoost made 179 HP, nearly identical output to the 1.6L it replaced, but eliminated the fire-prone cup plug design. It introduced a different problem.

The 1.5L used an open-deck block with machined cooling slots between each cylinder bore. These slots distributed thermal load but reduced the surface area available for the head gasket to seal. Under turbo boost, combustion pressure flexed the narrow metal bridges between bores. Over time, the gasket lost its seal, and coolant entered the combustion chamber.

Symptoms of coolant intrusion include unexplained drops in coolant level, a sweet smell from the exhaust, misfires, and in severe cases, a sudden loss of engine power while driving. The stall can happen at highway speeds with no warning. Ford acknowledged the issue through Customer Satisfaction Program 21N12, which provides a one-time short-block replacement for vehicles with confirmed coolant intrusion.

CSP 21N12 transfers to subsequent owners automatically. However, it has mileage and age cutoffs, and vehicles outside those limits receive no coverage. There is also a prerequisite: PCM software update CSP 19B37 must be applied first. Owners who did not receive that update are locked out of 21N12 engine coverage. If you are buying a used 2017 to 2018 Escape with the 1.5L, you need to know the CSP status for both programs before buying.

Ford redesigned the 1.5L block in late 2019 production, replacing the machined cooling slots with angled coolant drillings that give the head gasket more metal to bite into. Vehicles built at the end of the 2019 model year may have the fixed block. The VIN build date can confirm this, but the distinction is not visible from outside the engine.

NHTSA complaint data shows the 2017 Escape generated 2,474 total complaints with 15 fires, more than the 2016. The 2018 had 1,558 complaints and 4 fires. The 2019 had 493 complaints and 3 fires. The decline tracks with the CSP coverage being applied and the block redesign at the end of production.

For buyers who want the 2017 to 2019 Escape and plan to use it as a daily driver, the 1.5L is acceptable if you verify CSP 19B37 and CSP 21N12 status at a Ford dealer with the VIN before purchasing.

2.0L EcoBoost (2013-2019): The Sporty Option With Its Own Issues

The 2.0L EcoBoost is the top-performance option in this generation, producing 240 HP from 2013 through 2018 and 245 HP for 2019. It came standard in the SE Sport trim (added in 2017) and was optional on Titanium.

The 2.0L EcoBoost does not share the cup plug failure mode of the 1.6L. It does share some family resemblance to the coolant-intrusion problems of the 1.5L, but forum consensus rates it as significantly less prone to that specific failure. The documented problems on the 2.0L center on the electric power steering rack and, at higher mileages, general turbo system wear.

The power steering rack in the 2013 to 2016 Escape 2.0L has a documented failure pattern: the rack's electronic controller fails, causing intermittent or complete loss of power steering assist. The fix is a full rack replacement, not just a controller. Dealer replacement runs $2,000 to $2,600 with labor. Independent shops using remanufactured racks bring the cost down to around $1,200 to $1,800.

Power steering failures on the fordescape.org forum show up primarily on 2013 and 2014 models, often in the 60,000 to 100,000 mile range. The 2017 to 2019 refresh appears less affected, possibly due to a revised rack design.

Turbo failure on the 2.0L at higher mileages is documented but not epidemic. Replacement turbos run $800 to $1,500 parts plus labor. The larger displacement also means slightly higher fuel costs: EPA rates the FWD 2.0L at 23 to 25 MPG combined versus 27 to 29 for the naturally aspirated 2.5L.

2.5L iVCT (2013-2019): The Right Answer Nobody Chose

The 2.5L naturally aspirated four-cylinder is the most reliable powertrain in the entire 3rd gen Escape lineup. It is also the least discussed in owner communities, because owners of reliable cars rarely post.

The 2.5L makes 168 HP. It has no turbocharger, no intercooler, no boost pressure, and no coolant routing through the cylinder head under pressure. The failure modes that generated hundreds of fires and thousands of NHTSA complaints in the turbocharged variants simply do not apply here. Owner communities at samarins.com and used car research sites consistently flag the 2.5L as the recommended choice for used Escape buyers prioritizing reliability over performance.

The engine is exclusively available in the S and base SE trim levels. If you see an Escape listed as "S trim" or a base "SE" without a Sport designation, there is a good chance it has the 2.5L. Decode the VIN or check the door sticker to confirm.

The 2.5L iVCT gets 28 to 29 MPG combined in FWD configuration, slightly better than the 1.5L EcoBoost and substantially better than the 2.0L. The annual maintenance cost on RepairPal for 2017 to 2018 Escape averages around $506 to $600, and the 2.5L is at the low end of that range given the absence of turbo-related service items.

The 2.5L gets no towing rating and limited AWD availability. If you need AWD or plan to tow, the 2.0L is the practical choice. If you don't need those things, the 2.5L is the engine to find.

Trim-Specific Notes

The trim ladder for this generation:

S (2013-2016): Base trim, FWD only, 2.5L engine exclusively. No navigation, minimal features. The hidden gem for buyers who want reliability.

SE: Most common trim on the used market. Available with any engine in the lineup depending on year. FWD and AWD configurations available. Standard safety features expanded with the 2017 refresh.

SE Sport (2017-2019): Added in the refresh, comes standard with the 2.0L EcoBoost AWD. Sportier appearance with 19-inch wheels. The 2.0L powertrain is its only engine option.

Titanium: Top trim, available with 1.5L or 2.0L. Adds heated leather seats, full navigation, panoramic sunroof, and premium audio. The panoramic sunroof drain channels are prone to clogging in northern climates, which can cause water to back up into the headliner and footwells. If you are buying a Titanium with a sunroof in a cold-weather market, inspect the interior roof lining for water staining and test the drains.

MyFordTouch infotainment (2013-2016) earned a wide reputation for freezing, crashing, and unresponsive screens. No software update fully resolves it. The 2017 refresh replaced it with SYNC 3, a significant improvement. Budget for the infotainment condition when valuing pre-2017 models.

Which Model Years to Target

2013 to 2015: These years have the 1.6L EcoBoost as the primary midrange engine. The 2014 is the worst year in NHTSA data by a significant margin. If you are buying from this range, verify the engine code before the test drive. A 2.5L from 2014 is a different vehicle than a 1.6L from 2014.

2016: The last year of the 1.6L. The 2.0L and 2.5L are the safer options. Complaint count drops relative to 2014-2015, suggesting some owner attrition from vehicles already repaired or scrapped.

2017 to 2018: The 1.5L generation with real-world complaints and CSP coverage in place. Acceptable if verified. SYNC 3 infotainment and updated safety tech make these more livable.

2019: The best year in this generation. The lowest NHTSA complaint count. The late-production 1.5L block redesign. Two pending recalls (the shifter bushing and a separate item) are still verifiable and free to fix. If you are buying a 3rd gen Escape, this is where you start looking.

Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

All 2013-2019 Escapes

• Run the VIN for all open recalls before you test drive. Recall 22S43 (shifter cable bushing) covers all 2013 to 2019 Escapes, approximately 1.73 million vehicles. If the vehicle shifts into Park, the bushing may still be defective. The recall replaces the bushing and adds a protective cap. Verify completion. The door latch recall went through five separate campaigns (15V-246, 16V-643, 17V-210, 16S30, 20S30) covering 2012 to 2015 models. Confirm which campaigns apply to the VIN and whether the latest fix was completed.
• Get a full OBD2 scan. Stored codes for coolant temperature, misfire, or fuel trim anomalies are red flags across all engines in this lineup.
• Test the infotainment while the engine is running. Pre-2017 MyFordTouch units that freeze or show black screens will not improve. Post-2017 SYNC 3 should respond immediately. Factor in replacement cost if the system is failing.

1.6L EcoBoost Specific (2013-2016)

• Do not buy this engine. If you are committed to a 2013 to 2016 Escape and the VIN shows the 1.6L engine code, walk away. The risk is not theoretical. The failure mode that caused 101 fires in 2014 is a design defect, not a maintenance issue.
• If you cannot confirm the engine code before viewing, look for the engine displacement sticker in the engine bay and check the VIN character for engine code.

1.5L EcoBoost Specific (2017-2019)

• Confirm CSP 19B37 PCM update status at a Ford dealer with the VIN. This is the prerequisite for all subsequent coverage. Vehicles that did not receive this update are locked out of CSP 21N12 engine repair coverage.
• Confirm CSP 21N12 status. Ask if the vehicle has had a short-block replacement under this program, or if the original engine is still in place and eligible. Coverage transfers to subsequent owners but has age and mileage limits.
• Check coolant level cold. The reservoir should be at the full cold mark. Unexplained coolant consumption is the first sign of intrusion.
• Smell the exhaust with the engine warm. A sweet antifreeze smell in exhaust is a sign of coolant burning in the cylinder. Do not buy this vehicle.
• Ask for coolant service history. Extended oil change intervals on a 1.5L EcoBoost with no coolant monitoring is a warning sign.

2.0L EcoBoost Specific

• Test power steering at low speed and full lock. Intermittent assist loss or grinding at full turn indicates early rack failure. Replacement cost is $1,200 to $2,600 depending on shop and part.
• Check power steering fluid for discoloration if accessible on your specific model. The system is electric, so there is no fluid, but look for any evidence of steering column moisture or corrosion behind the front wheels.
• Listen for turbo whine under boost above 2,500 RPM. Light flutter is normal. A metallic grinding sound or surge in turbo noise indicates impeller wear.

2.5L iVCT Specific

• Standard pre-purchase checks apply. No turbo-specific items. Focus on transmission operation, brake condition, suspension noise, and general wear.
• Test the transmission through all forward gears. The 6F35 can develop valve body wear and shifting flare at higher mileage. Smooth, firm shifts indicate a healthy transmission.

Use CarScout's recall lookup to verify all open campaigns against the VIN before buying.

Running Costs

RepairPal shows the 2017 to 2018 Ford Escape averaging $506 to $600 in annual maintenance costs with a reliability rating of 4.0 out of 5.0, ranking 16th of 26 in compact SUVs. The 2.5L models skew lower. The 1.5L models with unresolved coolant intrusion skew higher.

All engines use timing chains that do not require scheduled replacement. Budget for transmission fluid changes every 40,000 to 60,000 miles on any Escape with higher mileage. The 6F35 responds well to fresh fluid and shows deterioration when run on degraded fluid.

FAQ

Which Ford Escape 3rd gen engine is most reliable? The 2.5L naturally aspirated four-cylinder is the most reliable option in the 2013 to 2019 Escape. It produces 168 HP, gets 28 to 29 MPG combined in FWD form, and avoids every turbo-related failure pattern documented across the other three engines. It is found in the S and base SE trims.

What year Ford Escape should I avoid? Avoid 2013 to 2015 if the vehicle has a 1.6L EcoBoost engine. The 2014 model year is the worst in NHTSA data, with 101 reported engine fires and four deaths. These numbers are tied specifically to the 1.6L and not the entire model year. A 2014 Escape with a 2.5L is a different risk profile than a 2014 Escape with a 1.6L.

Does the Ford Escape 3rd gen have engine fire problems? Yes, specifically the 1.6L EcoBoost (2013-2016). Ford issued multiple fire-related recalls for this engine. The defect involves a cylinder head cup plug that can dislodge under heat, causing a rapid coolant loss followed by glycol ignition on hot exhaust surfaces. The 1.5L (2017-2019) replaced the 1.6L and does not share this failure mode, though it has its own documented coolant intrusion issue.

What is CSP 21N12 and does it apply to my Escape? CSP 21N12 is a Ford Customer Satisfaction Program covering 1.5L EcoBoost engines with confirmed coolant intrusion. It provides a one-time short-block replacement at no cost. Coverage transfers to subsequent owners but requires that PCM update CSP 19B37 was applied first. If that update was skipped, the vehicle is ineligible for 21N12 engine coverage. Call a Ford dealer with the VIN to check both programs before purchasing any 2017 to 2019 Escape with the 1.5L.

Is the Ford Escape 3rd gen 2.0L EcoBoost reliable? The 2.0L EcoBoost is the best-performing option in this lineup and more reliable than the 1.6L, but it is not without issues. Electric power steering rack failure is documented on 2013 to 2016 models at 60,000 to 100,000 miles, costing $1,200 to $2,600 to fix. The 2017 to 2019 2.0L models show fewer steering complaints. For buyers who need AWD or towing capability and want more than 168 HP, the 2.0L with a pre-purchase inspection is an acceptable choice.

Bottom Line

The 2019 Escape with the 2.5L iVCT is the version of this generation you want. No fire recalls. No coolant intrusion program to research. Lowest NHTSA complaint count of any year in the generation. Sensible fuel economy. If the 2.5L is too underpowered for your use case, the 2019 with the 1.5L EcoBoost and verified CSP coverage is the next best option.

Before you hand over money on any 3rd gen Escape, run the VIN through a recall check. Confirm recall 22S43 (shifter bushing) is resolved. Confirm any 1.6L fire recalls are closed. Confirm the door latch campaigns on pre-2016 vehicles. Then confirm the engine code. Those four steps take twenty minutes and change the conversation entirely.

CarScout members can set price alerts on specific trims and model years at usecarscout.com to be notified when a 2019 Escape with the 2.5L hits the market in their area at the right price.

Data sourced from NHTSA recalls database, EPA fuel economy data, and real owner experiences from fordescape.org, fordproblems.com, fordescape.org forum community, BobIsTheOilGuy, and CarComplaints.com owner complaint records. See the full Ford Escape market data for current pricing and inventory.