Used Ford Escape: which years to avoid?

The Ford Escape is no longer the popular SUV it once was. Why not? Its design has changed quite a bit over the last two generations, and it has, shall we say, become gentrified as a result, losing its small-truck allure. This explains in part the birth of the Bronco Sport.

Quality issues and less-than-satisfactory performance from the new 1.5-liter, three-cylinder turbocharged engine didn't help the Escape stand up to its many rivals either. But hey, if you've arrived here, it's because you're more interested in a used one. Instead of telling you whether a used Ford Escape is a good choice or not, we've chosen to identify some of the more problematic model years that you might want to avoid.

First, let's look at the safety reminders. The list for the Escape is awfully long when compared with the average for other compact SUVs. Specifically, the years 2020-2021 - the first two of the current generation - are the worst. Ford has been through a lot in the development and marketing of its new Escape, and here's the proof. Oil leaks, short circuits and electrical problems can lead to fire hazards and malfunctioning systems. The most serious recall concerns a leak in the engine oil separator of certain Escape models equipped with the 1.5-liter turbo engine.

Then there are the 2013-2014 model years - again, the first two of the previous generation. Can you spot a trend? Everything goes in terms of recalls: fuel pump, transmission, cooling system, doors, airbags, panoramic roof, etc. The 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine suffered a number of problems, including overheating of the cylinder head, which led to cracks and oil leaks.

The 2013 and 2014 Ford Escape, more generally, have had the toughest time of it all. The former, in fact, is designated "Avoid like the plague" by CarComplaints.com, having generated over 3,000 driver complaints to the US transportation regulator (NHTSA). Cases of engine failure, stalling and fire are legion. The automatic gearbox has also been a nightmare for many owners.

The situation hasn't improved at all for 2014, and you might as well stay away from this model. There are many stories of transmissions needing repair or replacement, many of which have caused the vehicle to come to a standstill while driving.

Otherwise, those looking to save money by opting for an older used Ford Escape should definitely avoid the 2008 model year. Guess what? It was also the first of this generation of Escape (2008-2012). Once again, the transmission was acting up and experiencing a lot of misfires, but let's not forget the steering and engine. Many owners also complained about the air conditioning and paintwork, the latter being of poor quality, prone to corrosion and often requiring bodywork.

Happy shopping, and consider yourself warned!