The 2013 Ford Escape is a compact SUV with a price range of $9,186 to $15,960. Serious engine problems and transmission failures are reasons to avoid the 2013 model in favor of something newer.
2013 Ford Escape: Quick Overview
- The 2013 Escape is the first model year of the 3rd generation and is completely redesigned with new engines, interior and exterior styling, and updated technology.
- Reliability ratings are poor, according to J.D. Power, with more complaints than the outgoing 2012 model.
- Three engine choices are available, including a turbocharged four-cylinder with more power than the competition.
- Fuel economy is excellent and ties for 2nd place out of 24 compact SUVs with a combined rating of up to 26 miles per gallon.
- Safety ratings are decent for the class, getting four out of five stars in government crash tests, and earning a Top Safety Pick award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
- The 2013 Ford Escape ranks 14th out of 24 compact SUVs based on owner reviews. There are just too many problems with the 2013 Escape to recommend it over the better compact SUVs on the market.
Expert Ratings
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Problems Does the 2013 Ford Escape have?
The 2013 Ford Escape’s reported problems include oil leaks, engine overheating, rollaways, and 16 recalls. The 2013 Escape has more problems than other compact SUVs, and most of them are serious mechanical issues. There are more complaints from owners than the newer 2014 model.
Engine problems, including the engine stalling, are the most common issue. There are several failure points which cause the engine to stall including fuel sensors, coolant bypass valves, the wiring harness, and throttle body. Determining the source takes a professional diagnosis, and can cost over $600.
Transmission failures around 75,000 miles are widespread. If you notice the transmission shifting roughly between gears, there’s usually a problem. Replacing the entire transmission costs $4,500.
Navigation system problems are also brought up by owners. The system freezes up regularly, and to fix the screen you will need to either reboot or replace the unit. Replacements can cost over $700.
There are 16 recalls, which is much worse than other SUVs from 2013. The recalls include pedals, fuel line, freeze plug, overheating, child locks, fuel line leaks, seat welds, airbags, doors can be opened while driving, engine wiring splices, and a rollaway caused by a detached shift cable. All are serious and affect the reliability and safety of the vehicle.
What are the Prices, Models & Specs?
The 2013 Ford Escape’s four trims offer leather seats and exclusive luxury add-on packages. The 2013 Escape is more affordable than other compact SUVs, with a price range of $9,186 to $15,960. When new, the price range was $22,470 to $32,120. Depreciation is average, dropping about 45% in value over the first five years.
- S is the entry-level model with 17-inch steel wheels, cloth seating, blind spot mirrors, cruise control, Ford MyKey parental control system, and a six-speaker stereo system with an AUX input.
- SE is next in the lineup and has 17-inch alloy wheels, an upgraded turbocharged engine, automatic headlights, door keypad, 4.2-inch infotainment screen, and voice-activated Sync.
- SEL is a step up and adds 18-inch wheels, leather seating, automatic windows, dual-zone climate control, eight-way power driver’s seat, heated front seats, eight-inch MyFord Touch infotainment system, and nine-speaker stereo system.
- Titanium is the flagship model with 19-inch wheels, a more powerful turbocharged engine, remote start, improved leather, Sony stereo system, xenon headlights, hands-free liftgate, and a panoramic sunroof.
How Long Will the 2013 Ford Escape Last?
A properly maintained 2013 Ford Escape will last about 150,000 miles, and has a shorter lifespan than the competition. Expensive engine and transmission problems mechanically total the vehicle in some cases. Repair Pal estimates annual maintenance costs to be more expensive than other compact SUVs at $708 per year.
When functioning properly it is reliable. However, the transmissions in the vehicle are faulty. I have had to have mine rebuilt twice. The professional who handled my repairs has also made the same repairs on the same vehicles multiple times.
Only problem is the it's hard to see out the back so therefore hard to back in parking, no engine problems whatsoever.
I have had my escape for two years. In that time I have had two costly issues. The first was the power steering go out the second was an oil leak.
My vehicle has been reliable. I haven't had any issues. Just normal expenses such as oil changes, wiper blades and tires.
It did have shift problems I believe there was a recall on this that was fixed. The shifting still kind of acts up on the Hwy or long distance being of 4 hour trips.
Yes, it does have an valve that gets stuck open sometimes after filling up the tank. This leads to it stalling out while stopped occasionally.
We haven't had any problems with it. Just normal maintenance such as oil changed, wiper blades, etc.
It is very relatable I have to haul people let alone kids around with me wherever I go and it works perfect for that and plus when j travel it's a great vehicle for that as well.
What Technology & Safety Features are Included?
Technology is average in the 2013 Escape, with some nice upgrades in the higher-end models.
- Base technology includes an AM/FM/CD stereo system with an AUX input and six speakers.
- Upgrades include 4.2 or eight-inch infotainment systems with MyFord Touch software, Sync voice control, USB and Bluetooth connectivity, a nine-speaker stereo system, and flagship 10-speaker Sony stereo.
- Standard safety features include airbags, anti-lock disc brakes, as well as traction and stability control. Available upgrades include a rearview camera, parking technology package with automated parallel parking, rear parking assistance, and blind-spot monitoring.
What Engine Options are Available?
The 2013 Ford Escape’s three inline-four engines offer decent power and fuel economy but come with dire problems. Performance is better than other compact SUVs. The upgraded 2.0L turbocharged engine takes the Escape from 0 to 60 in 6.8 seconds.
- The base engine is a 2.5L four-cylinder with 169 horsepower.
- A fuel-efficient upgrade is the 1.6L turbocharged four-cylinder which has 173 horsepower.
- The flagship engine found in the Titanium model is the 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder which produces 231 horsepower.
What Color Options are Available?
How Big is the Escape?
The 2013 Escape is a compact SUV, similar in size to the other small SUVs on the market. Passenger room is good in the front and back seats, and the second row reclines for extra headroom. Cargo space is average for the class, with 34.3 cu. ft. of room behind the rear seats, and increases to 67.8 cubic feet when folded flat. There’s enough room to fit six suitcases.
How Does the 2013 Ford Escape Compare to Other SUVs?
Ranking 14th out of 24 compact SUVs, based on owner reviews, the 2013 Ford Escape is near the middle of the class.
Higher up in the lineup is the more expensive Honda CR-V. Long-term reliability ratings, cargo space, and passenger room are all better in the Honda. Where the Escape stands out is with better interior materials and more powerful engine choices. The CR-V wins out, though, since they last longer, and are more affordable to own.
A close competitor is the Nissan Rogue, which is a more affordable choice. The Rogue has a lower cost of ownership, and a more reliable infotainment system. Where the Ford wins out is with a more spacious interior, and higher quality materials. Overall, both have serious mechanical issues and we wouldn’t recommend either to shoppers.
Final Verdict: Is the 2013 Ford Escape a Good SUV?
No, the 2013 Ford Escape is not a good SUV based on information from 1,192 owner reviews, and 18 government and automotive websites. Some positives include good fuel economy, and a luxurious interior for the price. The downsides are poor reliability ratings, and a difficult-to-use infotainment system. Overall, the 2013 Escape is an SUV buyers should avoid in favor of the newer models.