How many miles is too much for a 2013 Ford Escape?

There isn’t a hard mileage cap for a 2013 Ford Escape. With diligent maintenance, these SUVs can reliably reach well over 150,000 miles, and many owners report 200,000 miles or more. The real limit is tied to how well the vehicle has been cared for, not a specific odometer reading.

What follows explains how mileage translates into reality for the 2013 Escape, what to check if you’re evaluating a high-mileage example, and how to extend the vehicle’s life through proactive maintenance.

Mileage reality for the 2013 Ford Escape

Several factors determine how far a 2013 Escape can go. The vehicle's engine choice, transmission, maintenance history, and driving conditions all influence longevity.

Engine options and what they mean for longevity

The 2013 Escape offered multiple powertrains, including a traditional 2.5-liter four-cylinder and EcoBoost turbocharged engines (1.6L and 2.0L). Turbocharged engines can deliver more performance but often require more attentive maintenance, especially for the cooling system and turbo components. A well-maintained non-turbo engine can also reach high mileages, provided routine upkeep is followed.

• Engine design and maintenance history significantly affect how many miles you can expect.


• Transmission type and health—some EcoBoost variants use different automatic/transmission designs—have a big impact on longevity, especially if shifts become rough or if fluid maintenance has been neglected.


• Driving conditions matter: steady highway cruising usually causes less wear than frequent stop-and-go driving combined with heavy loads or harsh climates.


• Non-motor components (suspension, brakes, cooling system, and rust protection) also play a role in overall lifespan.

In short, the best predictor of long life is consistent, documented maintenance and careful operation over the vehicle’s life.

Buying or owning high-mileage: what to check

When evaluating a 2013 Escape with high odometer readings, pay close attention to the following indicators that correlate with future reliability.

• Maintenance history: Look for complete service records, including oil changes, filter replacements, coolant and transmission services if applicable, and any major repairs.


• Engine performance: Listen for unusual noises, check for excessive oil consumption, and watch for blue smoke on startup or acceleration, which can indicate burning oil.


• Transmission behavior: Ensure smooth shifting, no slipping, hesitation, or clunking, particularly in EcoBoost models or automatic designs with known sensitivities.


• Cooling system and leaks: Check for coolant leaks, overheating history, and a clean engine bay that suggests previous repairs.


• Drivetrain and suspension: Inspect worn ball joints, bushings, CV joints, and look for excessive tire wear or alignment issues that signal suspension wear.


• Rust and corrosion: Inspect the underbody and common rust areas, especially in regions with harsh winters or salty roads.


• Recalls and service bulletins: Verify that open recalls have been addressed and that any relevant service campaigns have been completed.

A well-documented service history and a thorough pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic increase confidence in a high-mileage Escape.

Maintenance habits that extend life

To maximize the miles you can squeeze out of a 2013 Escape, adopt a disciplined maintenance routine that aligns with Ford’s recommendations and your driving style.

• Follow the official maintenance schedule: Adhere to oil changes, filters, fluid services, and inspections at the intervals recommended for your engine and transmission.


• Use the right oil and parts: Use the manufacturer-recommended oil grade and OEM or equivalent-quality filters and parts.


• Maintain fluids proactively: Regularly check and top off engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and transmission fluid as specified by the manual.


• Inspect belts, hoses, and cooling components: Replace worn belts and cracked hoses before they cause breakdowns; monitor the cooling system for leaks or overheating.


• Watch for wear indicators: Heed signals of transmission slipping, engine knocking, misfires, or reduced power, and address issues early.


• Keep tires and brakes in good shape: Regular rotations, proper alignment, and brake maintenance reduce stress on the powertrain and improve safety.


• Schedule recalls and dealer inspections: Periodically check for open recalls and service campaigns and have them completed by a dealer.

By sticking to a thorough maintenance plan, a 2013 Escape can remain dependable into the 200,000-mile range and beyond, provided the original design and components were sound and issues are addressed promptly.

What this means for buyers today

For buyers, a high-mileage Escape is not a lost cause, but it warrants careful vetting and a realistic price based on condition and maintenance history.

• Ask for complete service history and receipts for major repairs, especially engine and transmission work.


• Arrange a professional pre-purchase inspection to evaluate the powertrain, cooling system, suspension, brakes, and exhaust under load.


• Check for open recalls and confirm that they have been completed.


• Consider overall condition and expected remaining life: a well-maintained 150,000-mile vehicle may be a smarter buy than a poorly documented 100,000-mile example.

With clear records and a solid inspection, a high-mileage 2013 Escape can still be a practical, dependable vehicle that fits a budget while delivering the utility many buyers expect.

Summary

The limit for a 2013 Ford Escape isn’t a fixed odometer number. With disciplined maintenance, these vehicles can comfortably exceed 150,000 miles and often reach 200,000 miles or more. The key factors are how well the car was maintained, the engine/transmission configuration, driving conditions, and how proactively issues are addressed. For prospective buyers, a thorough inspection and complete service history are the best predictors of whether a high-mileage Escape will continue to perform reliably.

How many miles will a 2013 Ford Escape last?

A 2013 Ford Escape can last between 150,000 and 200,000 miles, or approximately 12 to 15 years with regular maintenance. Some owners have reported reaching over 250,000 miles by consistently following a rigorous maintenance schedule, while factors like driving conditions and climate can significantly impact its lifespan. 
Key factors that influence longevity

• Maintenance: Regular oil changes, fluid checks, and other scheduled maintenance are crucial for a longer lifespan. 
• Driving conditions: Cars driven mostly on highways tend to last longer than those used for frequent stop-and-go city traffic. 
• Climate: Harsh climates can put more stress on a vehicle's components, potentially shortening its life. 
• Repairs: While many owners have good experiences, issues can arise. For example, the 1.6L engine in some 2013 models has a known issue with coolant leaks and overheating, which can lead to severe engine damage if not addressed promptly. 

What to expect at higher mileage

• Around 120,000–150,000 miles: It's common to start seeing the need for more significant repairs, but reaching 150,000 miles is achievable with consistent care. 
• Around 200,000 miles: It's more likely that major components like the engine or transmission may require repair or replacement. 
• Over 200,000 miles: Many owners are able to reach this mileage with proper upkeep, though it may require replacing more parts. 

Which year to avoid Ford Escape?

Years to avoid for the Ford Escape include the 2005, 2008, 2013, 2014, and 2020-2022 models due to a high number of complaints and recalls for serious issues like engine failure, transmission problems, and steering loss. Other problematic years often cited are 2016, 2017, 2021, 2022, and 2023.
 
This video explains why you should be careful when buying a used Ford Escape and which model years to avoid: 1mCar Lensy YouTube · Apr 23, 2025
Ford Escape years to avoid

• 2005: Prone to severe rust-related structural failures, leading to a risk of steering loss. 
• 2008: High number of complaints for transmission and steering system issues. 
• 2013 & 2014: Known for significant engine and transmission problems, with the 2013 model even seeing a risk of engine fires. 
• 2016, 2017, and the 2020-2022 models: Have significant engine and transmission issues. 
• 2020-2022: Suffer from engine and transmission problems, oil leaks, and infotainment glitches. 
• 2021 & 2022: Mentioned as years to avoid, potentially due to continuing issues from the redesign generation. 

General problems to watch for

• Engine issues: Overheating, coolant leaks, and engine failure are common complaints, particularly in 1.6L EcoBoost engines from 2013-2019. 
• Transmission problems: High failure rates have been reported across several model years, including the 2008-2014 models. 
• Steering and electrical issues: Some years have had problems with power steering loss or other electrical glitches. 
• Structural problems: Rust, especially in the subframe, has been a significant issue on certain models. 

Will a Ford Escape last 300,000 miles?

In conclusion, the Ford Escape is a reliable choice for those seeking a durable vehicle. With proper care, it can last between 200,000 to 300,000 miles, depending on the model year and engine type. Regular maintenance, such as oil changes and tire rotations, is key to extending its lifespan.

What is considered high mileage on a Ford Escape?

Average Mileage Before Major Repairs
With proper maintenance, a Ford Escape can typically last between 150,000 and 200,000 miles before requiring significant repairs. Some owners have reported reaching as much as 250,000 miles, though this is less common.