What are the cons of a Ford Escape?

The Ford Escape is a popular compact SUV, but like any vehicle, it has its drawbacks. While the Escape offers a comfortable ride, spacious interior, and decent fuel economy, there are several potential cons to consider before purchasing one.

Limited Towing Capacity

The Ford Escape has a relatively low towing capacity, limited to 3,500 pounds. This may be a drawback for those who need to tow larger items, such as a boat or a heavy trailer.

Subpar Handling and Acceleration

The Escape's handling and acceleration are not as responsive as some of its competitors. The vehicle can feel sluggish when accelerating, and the steering may not be as precise as some drivers would prefer.

Reliability Concerns

• The Ford Escape has had some reliability issues, with reports of transmission problems and other mechanical issues.


• Owners have also reported issues with the vehicle's electrical system and infotainment system.

While Ford has made efforts to address these concerns, the Escape's reliability record may be a concern for some buyers.

Limited Cargo Space

Despite its SUV designation, the Ford Escape has a relatively small cargo area compared to some of its competitors. This may be a drawback for those who need to transport larger items or have a growing family.

Higher Maintenance Costs

The Ford Escape may have higher maintenance costs than some other compact SUVs, particularly if it experiences the reliability issues mentioned earlier. Owners may need to budget for more frequent repairs and maintenance.

What is the most common problem with Ford Escapes?

The biggest problems with the Ford Escape are transmission failures and engine issues, particularly in specific model years like 2008, 2013, 2014, and 2020–2022. Other common complaints include ignition misfires and, in some hybrid models, fire risks from lithium-ion batteries. 
This video explains some common issues with the Ford Escape, including transmission and engine problems: 59sThe SUV GuyYouTube · Jan 31, 2025
Transmission issues

• Widespread problem: Transmission issues are frequently cited as the most significant weakness across multiple model years.
• Symptoms: Drivers report issues like harsh, jerky shifts, and complete failure.
• Timing: For some newer models, critical failures can occur around or after the warranty expires, with replacement costs averaging around $4,000.
• Affected models: Some particularly troublesome years include 2008, 2014, and 2016, but other years are also affected. 

Engine problems

• Ignition misfires: A very common problem reported by owners, often affecting models from 2001 through 2013. 
• Engine failure: Some model years have been associated with more severe engine issues. 
• Other issues: Some models have experienced oil leaks and other engine-related problems. 

This video discusses common engine problems in the Ford Escape: 58sCarnivautoYouTube · Feb 10, 2025
Hybrid-specific issues

• Fire risk: A class-action lawsuit alleges that lithium-ion batteries in some hybrid and plug-in hybrid models have a risk of suddenly catching fire. 
• Coolant pump failure: Hybrid models may experience coolant pump failure, which can cause the check engine light to come on and lead to engine shutdown. 

Why are Ford Escapes being discontinued?

Ford is discontinuing the Escape primarily to pivot to electric vehicles (EVs) and retool its Louisville, KY, plant to produce a new $30,000 EV truck. Other contributing factors include declining sales and overlap with the Bronco Sport, which has taken a significant portion of the market share for a similar-sized vehicle. 

• Shift to electric vehicles: Ford is reallocating resources from gasoline-powered models to develop its EV lineup, as demand for them grows. 
• Plant retooling: The plant in Louisville, where the Escape is made, is being retooled to manufacture new electric vehicles, including an upcoming mid-size EV truck. 
• Declining sales: The Escape has faced decreasing sales and is losing ground to competitors like the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V. 
• Overlap with Bronco Sport: The Bronco Sport occupies a similar market space to the Escape, creating internal competition that has reduced the Escape's unique selling proposition. Ford appears to be focusing on niche, more distinct models like the Bronco Sport over more commodified segments. 

What are the pros and cons of the Ford Escape?

The Ford Escape's pros include good fuel economy, available hybrid options, ample cargo and passenger space, and comfortable front seats. However, its cons include potentially rough ride quality, some down-market interior materials, unrefined engine and transmission performance in base models, and disappointing handling characteristics. 
This video provides a comprehensive review of the 2025 Ford Escape, covering its performance and features: 43sAutomotive Anonymous YouTube · Oct 26, 2024
Pros

• Fuel efficiency: The base engine offers good fuel economy, and hybrid options are available for those who want to maximize MPG. 
• Ample space: The Escape provides roomy seating for passengers and a surprisingly large amount of cargo space, especially with the rear seats folded down. 
• Comfortable front seats: Many reviewers find the front seats to be well-shaped and comfortable, particularly in higher trims. 
• Safety: The Escape often receives excellent safety ratings, and its LATCH anchors are easy to access for installing child seats. 
• Punchy optional engine: The optional 2.0-liter turbocharged engine provides quick acceleration and strong performance. 
• Straightforward infotainment: The infotainment system is generally easy to use. 

Cons

• Rough ride: The ride can be choppy, especially on models with the base engine. 
• Unrefined powertrain: The base engine can feel underpowered and less refined than some rivals, and the automatic transmission can have jerky shifts and an unrefined stop-start system. 
• Disappointing handling: The steering can feel vague, and the vehicle may roll significantly in turns. 
• Mixed cabin quality: While some materials look nice from a distance, many reviewers point out that there is a lot of hard and cheap-feeling plastic trim, even in higher-end models. 
• Lackluster base features: Buyers may need to add packages to get features like adaptive cruise control that are standard on some competitors. 
• Inconsistent comfort: While the front seats are often praised, some find the seats flat and unsupportive on long drives. 

What years to avoid for a Ford Escape?

Years to avoid for the Ford Escape include 2008, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023, due to issues like engine, transmission, power steering, and electrical problems. The 2005, 2009, and 2019 models have also been mentioned as having significant issues. 
Years to avoid

• 2005: Prone to severe rust, engine, and electrical issues.
• 2008: High number of complaints, particularly regarding transmission and steering problems.
• 2009: Potential transmission issues.
• 2013 & 2014: Serious engine and transmission problems.
• 2016 & 2017: Reported transmission, electrical, and power steering problems.
• 2019: Mentioned as a year with issues.
• 2020, 2021, 2022, & 2023: Concerns include engine failure, transmission problems, and potential structural or electrical issues. 

Common problems by model year

• Engine issues: Misfires, oil leaks, and complete engine failure have been reported in various years. 
• Transmission problems: Shuddering, slipping, and failure have been reported in several years, particularly the 2008, 2013, and 2014 models. 
• Steering issues: Power steering loss has been a significant problem in some years, including the 2008 model. 
• Electrical problems: These include a range of issues, such as electrical shutdowns, glitching touchscreens, and other accessories.