Is the 2013 Ford Escape a lemon?

A 2013 Ford Escape is not automatically a lemon; lemon status depends on persistent defects and failed repair attempts under your state's lemon-law rules.

What makes a car a lemon?

In general, lemon-law protections apply when a covered defect substantially affects use, value, or safety and the manufacturer cannot repair it after a reasonable number of attempts within the warranty period. The exact criteria and timelines vary by state, so the path to a lemon-law remedy depends on where you live and your car’s repair history.

• A substantial defect that impairs use, value, or safety of the vehicle.


• The defect is covered by the vehicle's warranty or implied warranty if applicable.


• The dealer or manufacturer has been unable to repair the defect after a reasonable number of attempts, often defined by state law (commonly around three repair attempts).


• The problem persists within the lemon-law coverage period (time or mileage limits vary by state).


• You have complied with notice and repair-request requirements, and the vehicle has spent a significant amount of time out of service for repairs.

If your Escape meets these criteria in your state, you may be eligible for a lemon-law remedy, which could include a replacement vehicle or a refund.

Is the 2013 Ford Escape affected specifically?

The 2013 Ford Escape has been associated with a range of complaints in owner reviews and consumer-safety reporting, including reports of transmission behavior, electronic system reliability, and other intermittent issues. Ford issued recalls and service campaigns affecting some VINs from that year, and a subset of owners may have pursued lemon-law claims based on persistent defects within warranty periods. Because lemon-law eligibility hinges on your vehicle’s repair history and your state’s laws, a definitive determination should come from reviewing the car’s service records and consulting with a qualified attorney or your state lemon-law office.

Common issues reported for the 2013 Escape

• Transmission behavior and shifting concerns reported by some owners with certain trims and engines.


• Infotainment and MyFord Touch reliability problems, including slow responses and occasional freezes.


• Electrical system intermittently showing warning lights or draining the battery after short periods of inactivity.


• Recall and service campaigns affecting a portion of 2013 Escapes; VIN-specific eligibility should be checked.

Any potential lemon-law claim should be evaluated with a thorough review of the vehicle’s repair history, whether the issues were reported during the factory warranty, and how many documented repair attempts occurred.

What to document if you think your Escape is a lemon

• All repair invoices, service dates, and the nature of the defects.


• Dates and outcomes of each repair attempt, including parts replaced and whether the defect reappeared.


• VIN, current mileage, and the vehicle’s condition during each incident.


• Communication records with the dealer or Ford, including written notices of the defect.


• Proof of warranty coverage and any extended warranty information.

Documenting these details thoroughly will strengthen any potential lemon-law filing and help a legal professional assess eligibility.

State variations in lemon-law eligibility

Lemon-law standards differ by state, including what counts as a “reasonable” number of repair attempts, the amount of time the vehicle can be out of service, and whether implied warranties or only express warranties apply. Some states require a specific number of failed repair attempts (such as three) or a cumulative number of days out of service within a warranty period. Because rules can change and vary significantly, consult a local attorney or your state’s consumer protection agency to get precise guidance for your situation.

Summary

In short, a 2013 Ford Escape is not automatically a lemon. Whether a particular vehicle qualifies depends on the nature of the defect, how many times it has been repaired under warranty, how long the car has been out of service, and the specific lemon-law requirements in your state. If you suspect your Escape is a lemon, collect repair records, verify warranty coverage, check for open recalls on your VIN, and seek counsel from a qualified attorney or your state lemon-law office to evaluate potential remedies.

Is the Ford Escape a lemon?

LEMON LAW CLAIMS AND FORD ESCAPE
Transmission, electrical and engine-related issues are listed among the problems reported by Ford Escape owners. Such defects can significantly affect the safety, use, and value of a vehicle, and can potentially lead to lemon law claims.

Are there any recalls on 2013 Ford Escapes?

The 2013 Ford Escape has several recalls, including a major one for a potential fire risk in models with the 1.6L engine due to fuel line leaks. Other recalls involve a potential issue with the transmission shifter cable bushing and a problem with the restraint control module (RCM) that could affect side-curtain airbag deployment. It is important to check the specific recalls for your vehicle using its VIN and contact a Ford dealer for repairs.
 
This video explains a recall for the 2013 Ford Escape: 58sGlobal NewsYouTube · Jul 20, 2012
Key recalls for the 2013 Ford Escape

• Fire risk (1.6L engine models): A recall was issued for 2013 Escapes with a 1.6L engine because the fuel lines could split and leak, leading to a fire risk. Owners were advised to stop driving the vehicle until it could be repaired. 
• Transmission shifter cable bushing: Certain 2013 (and 2014) Escapes with a six-speed automatic transmission were recalled because the bushing connecting the shifter cable to the transmission could degrade and detach. 
• Side-curtain airbag deployment: Some 2013 and 2014 Escapes were recalled because software errors in the restraint control module could cause a delayed deployment of the side-curtain rollover airbags. 

This video shows an issue with the 2013 Ford Escape 1.6L engine: 1mTio's Auto DiagnosticsYouTube · Apr 23, 2023
What to do

• Check for open recalls: Use the Ford recall page or a local dealership to check if your specific vehicle has any open recalls using its Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). 
• Contact a dealer: If your vehicle is affected by a recall, schedule an appointment with a Ford dealer to have the necessary repairs completed. 

What is the most common problem with the 2013 Ford Escape?

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

• Engine Cooling.
• Transmission Minor.
• Paint/Trim.
• Climate System.
• Noises/Leaks.
• Engine Minor.
• Fuel System/Emissions.
• Engine Major. Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

What was the worst year for the Ford Escape?

The worst years for the Ford Escape are 2013 and 2008, with 2013 being frequently cited as the absolute worst due to severe engine and transmission problems like stalling, overheating, and leaks. The 2008 model is also frequently mentioned as one to avoid because of the highest number of overall complaints, primarily related to its transmission and steering systems. 
This video explains why the 2013 Ford Escape is considered one of the worst model years: 34sThe SUV GuyYouTube · Jan 31, 2025
2013 Ford Escape

• Engine problems: Engine stalling, overheating, and oil/coolant leaks were widespread. Some owners experienced catastrophic failures like cracking engine blocks or blown head gaskets. 
• Transmission issues: Problems with the transmission were also common. 
• Other recalls: The model had a high number of recalls for various issues, including electrical system malfunctions and fuel pump problems. 

2008 Ford Escape 

• Transmission and steering: This model year received the most complaints overall, with many related to the transmission and steering system.
• Engine and A/C: Owners also reported loud engine noises, air and water leaks, and air conditioning issues. 

Other years to be cautious about

• 2009: Experienced many of the same problems as the 2008 model, including loud engines and poor handling due to suspension issues. 
• 2014: Had significant transmission cable bushing problems that could lead to gear engagement failures. 
• 2013-2016 1.6L EcoBoost models: These engines have known issues with coolant leaks and overheating.