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Ford · Compact SUV · 2013–2019 Custom Search

Ford Escape 3

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
1.0 / 5.0 · Based on 2 engine variants

Generations

Engine Overview

The Ford Escape 3 is available with 2 engine variants — from 147 to 245 hp.

1.6L EcoBoost · Petrol· 147 PS
2013 2019
Stay Away! 7 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
2.0L EcoBoost · Petrol· 200 PS
2013 2019
Stay Away! 6 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →

The Ford 1.6L EcoBoost (Petrol, 147 PS) has the EcoBoost-1.6-Kuga2 (1.6L EcoBoost) — rated: "Stay Away!", 7 known weaknesses.

The Ford 2.0L EcoBoost (Petrol, 200 PS) has the EcoBoost-2.0-Edge (2.0L EcoBoost) — rated: "Stay Away!", 6 known weaknesses.

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Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
●SYNC 2 Infotainment Freeze / No Boot (2013-2016)

SYNC 2 infotainment freezes or won't boot. Known US issue 2013-2016.

Symptoms: Screen frozen, restart required
from 50,000 km
 Low
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Below average
11,281 complaints · 2013–2019
Engine
5047 ⚠ 31
Powertrain
2178 ⚠ 46
Engine & Cooling
1356 ⚠ 2
Other
1074 ⚠ 25
Electrical
977 ⚠ 17

Top Reported Issues

⚠ Engine (5047 complaints)
⚠ Powertrain (2178 complaints)
⚠ Engine & Cooling (1356 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 22 weaknesses have been documented for the Ford Escape 3 (2013–2019) — 13 engine-related and 9 vehicle-related. 2 problem engines: EcoBoost-1.6-Kuga2 (1.6L EcoBoost), EcoBoost-2.0-Edge (2.0L EcoBoost). Typical issues affect Electronics, Brakes, Body, Cooling.

Escape (EcoBoost-1.6-Kuga2, 2013–2019) — Stay Away!: Cylinder head cracks — known EcoBoost problem, Turbocharger wear in SUV use, Recall: Missing coolant level sensor. Power: 147 PS.

Escape (EcoBoost-2.0-Edge, 2013–2019) — Stay Away!: Low-pressure fuel pump (LPFP) failure, Hairline cracks in cylinder block (coolant loss), Hairline crack in cylinder block — coolant entering combustion chamber. Power: 200 PS.

What to watch out for with the Ford Escape? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Ford Escape 3 have? +
The Ford Escape 3 has 13 known engine weaknesses and 9 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Ford Escape 3? +
faq.watch_a_avoid
Which engine is recommended? +
None of the available engines are rated 'Good Choice'. Stay away! The most fun to drive is the EcoBoost-2.0-Edge (2.0L EcoBoost). Problem engine: EcoBoost-1.6-Kuga2 (1.6L EcoBoost) — stay away!
Which Ford Escape 3 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Ford Escape 3 — rated: "Decent". {description} 200 hp 2.0L EcoBoost: the stronger Escape variant. Timing chain and turbo issues like the Edge. SYNC 2 freezes. Overall a competent compact SUV without special emotions.
Is the Ford Escape 3 worth buying used? +
Caution is advised with the Ford Escape 3 — 2 of 2 engine variants are rated 'Stay Away!'. The engine choice is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Ford Escape 3? +
The Ford Escape 3 is available with engine variants from 147 to 245 hp. Petrol: EcoBoost-1.6-Kuga2 (1.6L EcoBoost), EcoBoost-2.0-Edge (2.0L EcoBoost).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee