What is the high mileage for a 2013 Ford Escape?

Around 200,000 miles is generally considered high mileage for a 2013 Ford Escape, though well-maintained examples can continue to run reliably beyond that threshold. The exact point where mileage becomes “high” depends on service history, driving conditions, and which engine it has (2.5L, 1.6L EcoBoost, or 2.0L EcoBoost).

In this article, we explore how mileage is viewed for this model year, what high-mileage Escapes typically show, how to maintain a higher-mileage vehicle, and how to evaluate one before buying. The goal is to help readers gauge risk, plan maintenance, and make informed decisions in today’s used-car market.

Defining high mileage for the 2013 Escape

For many owners, high mileage starts around 200,000 miles. The 2013 Escape platform is known to tolerate higher odometer readings with a solid maintenance history, but turbocharged EcoBoost variants can require more attention to cooling and oil-management components as miles accumulate.

The following points summarize how mileage translates into expected wear and risk for this model year.

• Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone; a documented service log with regular oil changes, fluid flushes, and component replacements is a strong reliability indicator.


• Engine wear, sensors, and the cooling system can become more costly to maintain as miles climb, especially on EcoBoost engines.


• Suspension, steering, and braking components typically show wear earlier in a high-mileage vehicle, affecting ride quality and safety.

In short, while about 200,000 miles is a useful benchmark for high mileage on a 2013 Escape, the vehicle’s care and condition often tell the real story at that level of use.

What to expect from a high-mileage 2013 Escape

As mileage increases, owners commonly encounter wear in several systems. Understanding these patterns helps buyers and owners plan maintenance and budget for repairs.

• Engine and fuel system: ignition coils, spark plugs, oxygen sensors, and fuel injectors may require replacement or cleaning as part of routine maintenance at higher miles.


• Cooling system: water pumps, thermostats, hoses, and radiators can wear and fail, leading to overheating if not kept in check.


• Transmission and drivetrain: automatic transmission fluid changes and potential wear components can become more noticeable with time; performance issues may appear if fluid service has been neglected.


• Suspension and steering: worn ball joints, control arm bushings, tie rods, and struts/shocks can affect handling and ride comfort.


• Electrical and sensors: aging electrical connectors, battery, alternator, and various sensors can become intermittent with high mileage.

A well-maintained high-mileage Escape can still be a reliable daily driver, but buyers should expect more frequent inspections and a readiness to address wear items as miles accumulate.

Maintenance milestones for longevity

Following a disciplined maintenance plan helps maximize the lifespan of a high-mileage Escape. The list below outlines key focus areas to keep in mind, tailored to the model year’s engines and typical wear items.

• Regular oil changes with the recommended grade and interval; synthetic oil is common for newer engines and longer-change intervals.


• Spark plugs and ignition components replacement as recommended by the engine variant (often around high-mileage milestones, depending on the engine).


• Cooling system service, including coolant replacement and inspection of the water pump, thermostat, hoses, and radiator for leaks or wear.


• Brake system maintenance and inspections, including pads, rotors, and ABS components as needed for safe stopping power.


• Transmission service per the manual, with attention to fluid quality and shifting feel; address any rough shifting promptly.


• Inspection of belts/chain guides (where applicable) and associated tensioners to prevent catastrophic failures.


• Air and fuel system maintenance, including air filters and injector cleaning or replacement if necessary.

Adhering to these maintenance practices can help a high-mileage Escape stay on the road longer, but it’s important to align maintenance with the specific engine and drivetrain configuration of the individual vehicle.

Buying or evaluating a high-mileage 2013 Escape

If you’re shopping for a high-mileage Escape, use this checklist to assess condition, reliability, and value. A thorough evaluation can reveal whether the vehicle is a good long-term purchase or a candidate for budgeted repairs.

• Vehicle history report (accidents, title status, number of owners, service history).


• Maintenance records showing regular oil changes, coolant work, brake service, and any major repairs.


• Visual inspection for rust, underbody damage, fluid leaks, and signs of crash repair.


• Test drive to assess handling, braking, acceleration, transmission behavior, and any abnormal noises.


• OBD-II scan to identify pending or active engine codes and sensor issues.


• Pre-purchase inspection by a qualified indie mechanic or Ford specialist, especially a high-mileage unit.

A seller who provides complete maintenance history, transparent disclosures, and a recent professional inspection is typically a safer bet than one without documentation or with a murky history.

Key questions to ask a seller

During negotiations, consider these questions to gauge reliability and remaining life of a high-mileage Escape.

• Has the timing chain or belt been inspected or serviced, and are there records if applicable?


• Have there been any major engine or transmission issues, and what repairs were performed?


• When was the cooling system last serviced, and are there invoices for water pump, thermostat, or radiator work?


• What is the history of oil consumption and any related repairs or sensor work?


• Are there recent brake, suspension, or tire replacements, and are there up-to-date service records?

Clear, verifiable answers plus documentation reduce risk when buying a high-mileage Escape and help you price repairs more accurately.

Summary

For a 2013 Ford Escape, high mileage typically starts around 200,000 miles, but the real story is maintenance history and the vehicle’s overall condition. A well-documented service record, careful ownership, and timely repairs can keep a high-mileage Escape performing well, while neglected maintenance can lead to escalating repair costs. Whether you’re buying or owning a high-mileage Escape, prioritize a thorough inspection, a solid maintenance history, and a plan for ongoing care to maximize reliability and value.

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.

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. 

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 a common problem with a 2013 Ford Escape?

Common problems for the 2013 Ford Escape include transmission issues, particularly hesitation and failures of the 6F35 transmission. The 1.6L engine is also a major concern due to frequent coolant leaks, leading to overheating and potential engine fires. Other common complaints involve ignition misfires, engine stumbling, steering problems, and electrical system failures.
 
Engine and cooling system 

• Coolant leaks: The 1.6L engine is prone to coolant leaks from components like the water pump, thermostat housing, and heater hoses, which can cause overheating. 
• Engine overheating and stalling: Leaks can lead to overheating, even after recalls and repairs. Stalling and hesitation are also reported. 
• Ignition misfires: Many owners report ignition misfires, which can cause the check engine light to illuminate and lead to engine stumbling. 
• Head gasket failure: Severe overheating can lead to head gasket failure. 

Transmission

• Hesitation and shifting issues: The 6F35 automatic transmission is known for hesitation and rough shifting. 
• Torque converter failure: The torque converter is a reported failure point. 

Steering and suspension

• Power steering problems: Reports of issues with the power steering system are common.
• Premature wear: Expect potential premature failure of components like shocks, struts, ball joints, and wheel bearings. 

Electrical and other issues

• Faulty wiring: The vehicle has been linked to faulty wiring harnesses and other electrical system failures.
• Infotainment system: Some owners have reported issues with the infotainment system. 
• Transfer case problems: 4WD models have reported issues with the internal transfer case. 
• Braking problems: Shuddering when braking can occur.