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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 · How we rate

The Ford Escape III (2013–2019) had one of the worst launches of any compact SUV — five recalls within months, three for engine fire risk. The 1.6L EcoBoost (2013–2016) had cylinder head cup plug failures causing 13 confirmed fires. Avoid all 2013–2014 1.6L models.

The 1.5L EcoBoost (2017–2019) is better but carries cylinder block crack risk at 60k–100k miles ($2,500–$6,000). The 2.5L I4 naturally aspirated is the safest drivetrain — no turbo, no block cracks.

Door latch recall (16S30/20S30) covers 2013–2019 — verify complete. The 6F35 auto leaks at the left axle seal from 100k miles.

2026 market: 2013 1.6L $6,000–$9,000 (risk not worth it). 2017 SE 1.5L $11,000–$15,000. Insider pick: 2017–2018 SE AWD with 2.5L NA, all recalls done, under 80k miles.

Generations

Engine Overview

The Ford Escape 3 is available with 2 engine variants — from 150 to 245 hp.

1.6L EcoBoost · Petrol· 147 PS
2013 2019

1.6L four-cylinder turbo in the Kuga II (2012-2016). 150 or 182 hp. Replaced by the 1.5 EcoBoost in the facelift.

  • !! Cylinder head cracks — known EcoBoost problem from 80,000 km

    The 1.6 EcoBoost in the Kuga 2 (2013–2019) is identical to the affected 1.6 EcoBoost variants in other Ford models. Cylinder head cracks from overheating are the known risk profile of this engine generation.

    Symptoms: Coolant loss, white exhaust smoke, engine running hot
    1,500–4,000 $
    Ad Ford Kuga 1.6 EcoBoost cylinder headFord Kuga 1.6 EcoBoost cylinder head gasket
  • !! Turbocharger wear in SUV use from 130,000 km

    In the heavier Kuga body, the 1.6 EcoBoost loads the turbocharger through more frequent full-throttle operation. Poor oil condition accelerates bearing wear.

    Symptoms: Boost loss when overtaking, whistling, bluish smoke
    800–2,000 $
    Ad Ford Kuga 1.6 EcoBoost turbochargerFord EcoBoost 1.6 turbo Kuga
  • !! Recall: Missing coolant level sensor

    Ford recalled 1.6 EcoBoost Kuga vehicles (Valencia plant, 2012–2014) because no coolant level sensor was fitted. Without any warning, overheating could cause the cylinder head to crack.

    Symptoms: No driver perception before the damage. After overheating: temperature gauge in the red zone, white exhaust.
    0–200 $
    Ad coolant sensor 1.6 EcoBoost Kugathermostat Ford Kuga 1.6

+ 4 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

2.0L EcoBoost · Petrol· 200 PS
2013 2019

2.0L EcoBoost in the Ford Edge. Large SUV with considerable weight. Shares typical 2.0 EcoBoost weaknesses — fuel pump and carbon deposits at high mileage.

  • !! Low-pressure fuel pump (LPFP) failure from 120,000 km

    The in-tank low-pressure fuel pump is a known weak point across all 2.0 EcoBoost engines. A clogged fuel filter increases pump load until failure.

    Symptoms: Stumbling and power loss under load, difficult starting, code P0087, sudden engine stall.
    400–1,200 $
    Ad Ford 2.0 EcoBoost fuel pumpFord LPFP 2.0 EcoBoostCM5Z9C407A
  • !! Hairline cracks in cylinder block (coolant loss) from 120,000 km

    Older 2.0 EcoBoost engines show hairline cracks in the open-deck block at high mileages, with coolant ingress. The problem existed until around 2019; the newer block is more robust.

    Symptoms: Coolant loss without visible leak, rough cold start, oil-coolant mix.
    3,000–9,000 $
    Ad Ford 2.0 EcoBoost MotorblockFord EcoBoost short block 2.0
  • !! Hairline crack in cylinder block — coolant entering combustion chamber from 60,000 km

    A design-series defect up to mid-2019: a hairline crack in the cylinder block between the cylinders allows coolant to enter the combustion chamber. Ford revised the block from mid-2019.

    Symptoms: Coolant loss without external leak; rough engine running on cold start; white smoke from the exhaust; milky coolant.
    3,000–8,000 $
    Ad replacementmotor Ford 2.0 EcoBoostMotorblock Ford 2.0 EcoBoost Kuga Mondeocylinder head Ford 2.0 EcoBoost TNBA

+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

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
  1. 01 Engine
    5,047 ⚠ 31
  2. 02 Powertrain
    2,178 ⚠ 46
  3. 03 Engine & Cooling
    1,356 ⚠ 2
  4. 04 Other
    1,074 ⚠ 25
  5. 05 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 20 weaknesses have been documented for the Ford Escape 3 (2013–2019) — 13 engine-related and 7 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 7 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 150 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