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Are Ford Escapes expensive to maintain?

Generally, Ford Escapes are not particularly expensive to maintain; their routine upkeep tends to be in the mid-range for compact SUVs, with costs varying by year, engine, and drivetrain. In practice, you’ll pay more for newer models or hybrids if you rack up high mileage, but the Escape remains a mainstream, affordable option for many buyers.

This article examines what drives maintenance costs for the Escape, what owners typically pay for routine service and common repairs, and how costs differ across gasoline, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid variants. It also offers practical tips to curb expenses and guidance for shoppers evaluating used Escapes.

Factors that influence maintenance costs

Several variables determine how much you’ll spend maintaining an Escape over its lifetime. Here are the main factors you’ll encounter.

Here are the leading factors that typically drive maintenance costs for the Escape.

Powertrain and drivetrain: gasoline vs hybrid vs plug-in hybrid. Hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants can have higher maintenance costs for battery systems and electric components, though they may reduce fuel expenses over time.

Model year and design: different generations and updates bring varying reliability and component needs; some model years have more reported issues than others.

Mileage and driving habits: high mileage, dense city driving, and harsh climates can accelerate wear on brakes, tires, cooling systems, and fluids.

Maintenance adherence: sticking to recommended service intervals (oil changes, filter changes, fluid flushes) helps prevent expensive repairs later.

Recall/extended warranty coverage: widespread recalls or active service campaigns can reduce out-of-pocket costs when addressed through dealers or authorized shops.

In short, proactive maintenance aligned with Ford’s schedule is a key factor in keeping ownership costs down over time.

Costs by powertrain and generation

Maintenance patterns differ across gasoline Escapes, hybrids, and plug-in hybrids, and newer generations can introduce different service needs. Below is a general guide to what owners report and how service demand tends to differ by drivetrain.

General expectations by drivetrain and generation are summarized here to help shoppers gauge potential upkeep expenses.

Gasoline Escape (non-hybrid): Routine services—oil changes, filter replacements, brake maintenance, tire rotations, and fluid top-offs—form the bulk of annual costs and are typically in the mid-range for compact SUVs.

Hybrid Escape: Similar routine maintenance with added checks for the hybrid battery system and related electronics; brake wear can be reduced by regenerative braking, but there are extra diagnostic checks for the hybrid system.

Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV): Adds battery health monitoring, charging system servicing, and high-voltage component checks; while fuel savings can be substantial, you may see higher specialized service costs if HV components require attention outside of warranty.

In practice, hybrid variants can offer lower operating costs through fuel savings, but you may encounter higher service costs for battery-related systems if issues arise outside of warranty.

What to watch for and how to save money

Consumer data and owner experiences suggest reliability is generally solid for recent Escapes, with variations by year and powertrain. Proactive maintenance remains the best defense against expensive repairs—and the most effective way to protect resale value.

Maintenance tips to reduce expenses

These practices can help keep ownership costs down and extend the life of your Escape.

Follow Ford’s recommended maintenance schedule and keep thorough service records for all powertrains.

Use OEM or recommended aftermarket parts and shop around for routine service like oil changes and brake work.

Monitor tires, brakes, and suspension components closely; address wear and noise promptly to avoid more costly repairs later.

Stay current on recalls and service campaigns; many fixes are provided at no charge when handled through dealers or qualified shops.

For hybrids and plug-ins, seek technicians experienced with hybrid systems to ensure proper handling and diagnostics.

Compare quotes for major repairs and consider preventive maintenance plans or extended warranties if they fit your ownership outlook.

With careful maintenance and timely service, the Escape can be reasonably affordable to own and operate relative to peers in the compact-SUV segment.

Summary

Ford Escapes generally offer mid-range maintenance costs compared with other mainstream compact SUVs. Costs are influenced by the powertrain (gasoline, hybrid, or plug-in hybrid), the model year, mileage, and how well maintenance is kept up. Gasoline Escapes tend to have predictable routine-service expenses, while hybrids and plug-ins add complexity that can raise specialized-service costs, though they often compensate with fuel savings. By adhering to the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule, addressing issues early, and shopping around for routine services, owners can keep ownership costs in a reasonable range. Always check model-year reliability data and consult trusted service sources when evaluating a specific used Escape.

Which Ford escapes to stay away from?

You should be cautious with Ford Escapes from 2005–2009, 2013–2014, and 2020–2022, as these model years have reported issues including hybrid battery problems, transmission failures, engine fires, and numerous recalls. Other years to watch out for include the 2016–2017 models due to noisy brakes and potential transmission issues, and the 2018 model for poor safety test scores.
Years with the most significant issues

2005–2009: Older models have potential issues with hybrid battery systems and general rust, though some V6 engines from this era are considered durable.
2013–2014: The 2013 model experienced issues with its electronic systems, leading to recalls. The 2014 model had transmission problems, while some earlier Escapes had issues with ignition misfires, hesitation, and transfer cases.
2016–2017: These years are noted for having significant problems with noisy brakes and potential transmission issues.
2020–2022: These models are linked to a high number of recalls and complaints, particularly concerning the 1.5L EcoBoost engine, transmission problems, and infotainment system glitches.

Other considerations

2018: The 2018 model received a "poor" rating in some crash tests, though this was specific to certain evaluations.
2012 and 2013: Both years had recalls due to a specific engine design that posed a fire risk.

What to do when buying a used Ford Escape

Request the service history: This can reveal if previous owners addressed known issues.
Check for recalls: Verify that all open recalls have been addressed.
Get a pre-purchase inspection: A mechanic can identify potential problems that might not be obvious.
Inspect the vehicle thoroughly: Look for signs of rust, leaks, and other potential issues.

Are Ford Escapes expensive to fix?

The Ford Escape is moderately expensive to maintain, with some model years facing potential issues like transmission problems that can lead to significant repair costs. While routine maintenance is comparable to other compact SUVs, some owners report higher repair bills, especially for issues outside the warranty period.
Cost breakdown

Routine maintenance: Annual costs for routine maintenance like oil changes and tire rotations are estimated to be between \$400 and \$500.
Overall costs: Over five years, estimated maintenance and repair costs can range from \$3,000 to \$5,000, which is in the mid-range for its class.
Repair costs: While reliability is generally average, some model years have been linked to significant issues that can be costly, particularly for transmissions. Transmission problems, in particular, can lead to repairs costing around \$4,000 or more if a full replacement is needed, especially if the repair occurs after the warranty expires.

Factors to consider

Model year: Some model years have reported more issues than others, so checking the specific year you're interested in is important.
Transmission type: Both the 8-speed automatic in gasoline models and the continuously variable transmissions in hybrid models have reportedly experienced issues.
Warranty: The standard warranty covers the vehicle for the first few years, but potential expensive repairs may occur once the warranty is expired.
Regular service: Following the recommended maintenance schedule and using quality parts can help prevent small issues from becoming major problems, which can help manage long-term costs.

What is the most common problem with Ford Escapes?

The biggest problems with the Ford Escape include engine issues related to coolant leaks into the cylinders and a high incidence of transmission failures in newer models. Additionally, both older and newer generations have faced problems with their transfer case and other engine and electrical system issues, making reliability a concern for many owners.

This video discusses the top 5 problems with Ford Escape 2008-2012 models: 1m1A Auto: Repair Tips & Secrets Only Mechanics KnowYouTube · Jan 17, 2023
Engine and cooling system problems

Coolant leaks: A known issue, particularly in models from 2013–2019, is coolant leaking into the cylinders, which can lead to engine failure. Some fixes are available, but this issue affects many engines, not just the 1.6L.
Ignition and electrical problems: Some model years have reported ignition misfires and other electrical system issues.

Transmission issues

Jerky shifts and failure: Many reports indicate problems with the automatic transmissions, ranging from jerky shifting to complete failure, which can happen around or after the warranty expires.
CVT problems: Hybrid models have also experienced transmission issues with their Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVTs).

Is the Ford Escape high maintenance?

The average annual maintenance cost is around $400 to $700, which is a small price to pay compared to costly repairs down the line. By following a regular maintenance schedule, you can enjoy a longer lifespan for your Ford Escape, better performance, and lower repair costs over time.

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.