Is there a recall on the 2013 Ford Escape cooling system?
The current official records do not show an active recall specifically labeled as a cooling-system problem for the 2013 Ford Escape.
What constitutes a cooling-system recall and why it matters
The cooling system encompasses components such as the radiator, water pump, thermostat, hoses, and cooling fans. Recalls can address a single part or related hardware and electrical issues that could lead to overheating, leaks, or other cooling failures. For the 2013 Escape, there is no widely publicized recall focused strictly on the cooling system in the official databases, but related issues in other years or configurations can exist. Always verify your exact vehicle using its VIN.
Official sources you can use to verify recall status for your vehicle include:
- NHTSA recall database: Use the VIN search on https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls to view open or past recalls for your precise vehicle.
- Ford Owner Portal: The official recall and service information page lets you search by VIN and shows any active campaigns on Ford vehicles.
- Dealership verification: Contact or visit a Ford dealer’s service department and provide your VIN; they can pull the latest campaign status for you.
These steps help ensure you have the most current information. If no recalls appear for your VIN, your Escape is not currently subject to a mandated cooling-system repair from Ford or NHTSA, though cooling-system issues can still occur outside recall campaigns and should be monitored during regular maintenance.
How to check your exact vehicle by VIN
To verify the status for your specific car, follow these steps and use the listed resources as check points.
- Locate your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
- Find the VIN on the driver’s side dashboard near the windshield or on the driver’s side door jamb sticker.
- Enter the VIN on the NHTSA recall lookup page to see any active or past recalls tied to your vehicle.
- Visit the Ford Owner Portal and search for recalls by VIN to confirm whether Ford has any current campaigns.
- Call or visit a Ford dealership’s service department with your VIN for a definitive status check.
Remember that recall information can change as new campaigns are announced, so it’s wise to re-check periodically or after major service campaigns.
What to do if a recall is found
If a recall is identified for your 2013 Escape, these are the typical steps you should take.
- Schedule a service appointment with an authorized Ford dealer as soon as possible.
- Repairs under recall campaigns are usually performed at no cost to you, regardless of your warranty status.
- Bring any recall notice or reference numbers to ensure the correct campaign is applied to your vehicle.
After a recall repair, keep your service records and monitor for any further recall notices for your vehicle in the future.
Summary
What is the recall on the 2013 Escape overheating?
Ford is recalling the Escape SUVs from the 2013 model year equipped with 1.6-liter engines because the engine cylinder head may overheat and cause cracks that could allow oil to leak, according to documents filed with the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
What is the recall on the Ford Escape coolant?
Ford has issued multiple recalls and customer satisfaction programs for the Escape related to coolant leaks and potential engine overheating, affecting various model years and engines. Some recalls address external coolant leaks that could cause a fire risk, while others address internal coolant leaks that can lead to engine failure. You can check if your specific vehicle is affected by entering your VIN on Ford's official recall website or through a service like RepairPal.
Recalls and programs by affected vehicles
- 2014 Ford Escapes: Recalled in March 2017 for an increased fire risk due to potential overheating of the 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine. The fix included hardware and software updates and a coolant level sensor.
- 2013-2019 Ford Escapes: This is a wider issue with some 1.5L and 2.0L EcoBoost engines, leading to class-action lawsuits over internal coolant leaks that cause overheating and potential engine failure.
- 2013 Ford Escapes: Recalled in September 2012 for potential coolant leaks from improperly installed engine plugs, which could lead to the engine overheating or catching fire.
- 2017-2019 Ford Escapes with 1.5L engine: Subject to Customer Satisfaction Program 21N12 for potential internal coolant leaks after which a short block replacement might be necessary.
- 2020-2023 Ford Escapes (2.5L HEV/PHEV): Recalled for a different reason involving engine failure due to manufacturing issues, which could be related to engine block or oil pan breaches.
How to check if your vehicle needs repair
- Use your VIN: The most reliable way to know if your vehicle needs a repair is to enter your 17-digit VIN into the safety recall checker on the Ford support website or a similar service like RepairPal.
- Contact a dealer: You can also contact a local Ford dealer to inquire about your VIN's recall status.
- Get the free repair: If your vehicle is under a recall, the repair will be performed for free at an authorized Ford dealership.
What is the lawsuit for the Ford Escape coolant leak?
A class-action lawsuit, Nelson, et al. v. Ford Motor Company, alleges that certain Ford EcoBoost engines, including those in some Escapes, have a defect that causes coolant to leak into the cylinders, leading to overheating and potential engine failure. The lawsuit claims this is due to small grooves between the cylinder bores where the head gasket sits, allowing coolant to pool and degrade the gasket. While some older models had a recall, the lawsuit contends that a 2020 technical service bulletin (TSB) provided a "band-aid" fix that doesn't address the root cause for many vehicles.
This video explains how to join the Ford EcoBoost class action lawsuit: 1mCounty Office LawYouTube · Jul 28, 2024
- The alleged defect: A design flaw in the engine's head gasket allows coolant to leak into the cylinders, leading to engine overheating, smoke, power loss, and eventual failure.
- Affected vehicles: The lawsuit targets vehicles with specific EcoBoost engines, including some Ford Escapes, along with other Ford and Lincoln models. Specific years mentioned in lawsuits include 2013-2019 Ford Escapes and 2015-2019 Ford Fusions, as well as other models like the Ford Edge and Lincoln MKC.
- Claims: Plaintiffs allege Ford knew about the defect for years but failed to disclose it to consumers. They also claim Ford's proposed "fix," a technical service bulletin, is insufficient and doesn't permanently solve the problem.
- Proposed solution: The lawsuit seeks damages and other relief, such as requiring Ford to buy back the defective vehicles.
- Legal status: The case is a class-action lawsuit that has been consolidated in California federal court.
- Note: While this lawsuit covers specific models and engine types, other recalls have addressed similar but potentially different coolant issues in other Ford models. For example, some 2013 and 2014 Ford vehicles with the 1.6L engine were recalled for coolant loss issues.
This video discusses an owner's experience with the engine failure and the lawsuit: 57sWCVB Channel 5 BostonYouTube · Jan 27, 2025
Is there a recall on the 2013 Ford Ecoboost coolant leak?
Ford previously recalled certain 2013 and 2014 Ford vehicles equipped with the 1.6L engine for a similar issue under recall campaigns 12V551 and 17V209. No such recall has been made, however, for vehicles with the 1.5L and 2.0L Ford Ecoboost engines presenting similar problems.
