Ford Escape (3rd Gen)
13-19 · Ford Escape
The 3rd gen Escape looks modern and has strong safety ratings, but the EcoBoost engines brought the same coolant leak and head issues that plagued the Fusion, the 2.5L base engine is the only safe powertrain choice.
Score breakdown
Our take
What it really is
A completely redesigned Escape with strong crash ratings and standard ESC, but plagued by EcoBoost reliability issues. The 1.5T and 2.0T EcoBoost engines have documented coolant intrusion into cylinders. Ford issued recalls and extended warranties. The base 2.5L naturally aspirated is largely reliable but gets less attention because buyers opt for turbos.
Why it's on this list
Good safety ratings, good cargo space, and reasonable purchase prices. With the 2.5L engine, the 3rd gen Escape is a functional compact SUV. With EcoBoost, it's a gamble.
The honest trade-offs
1.5T and 2.0T EcoBoost engines have coolant/head issues, avoid. The 2.5L is less powerful but the correct choice. Reliability overall (RepairPal 3.5/5) is below class leaders. Sync infotainment complaints are common.
What to buy and what to avoid
17-19 SE or Titanium with the 2.5L 4-cylinder (NOT the EcoBoost). Standard ESC and IIHS Good. Avoid EcoBoost entirely. Verify coolant level and condition on any 1.5T or 2.0T examples you may encounter.
Annual cost of ownership
Key specs
Safety
Rust vulnerability
Reliability data
Repairability
References
Sources used to research and score this vehicle. Superscript numbers in the sections above link here.
- [1]datasetRepairPal
Annual repair cost, visit frequency, and severe issue probability. Used in the reliability formula.
- [2]governmentNHTSA Crash Test Ratings
Federal crash test star ratings and rollover percentages. Used in the safety formula.
- [3]governmentNHTSA Technical Service Bulletins
Manufacturer-issued service bulletins flagging known defects. Used in the PPI checklist generator.
- [4]datasetIIHS Safety Ratings
Insurance Institute crash test ratings (small overlap, side, headlight quality). Used in the safety formula and the repairability headlight benchmark.
- [5]governmentEPA Fuel Economy Guide
Official combined/city/highway MPG figures. Used in the true annual cost formula.
- [6]forum threadCarComplaints
Owner-reported defect patterns by mileage and year. Used in the known-issues list and PPI checklist.
- [7]datasetiSeeCars Long-Term Reliability
Probability of reaching 250,000 miles by make and model. Used in the reliability formula.
- [8]publicationBankrate / Insurify Insurance Estimates
Full-coverage insurance estimates by driver profile (25M, 40F). Used in the true annual cost formula.
Looking to buy a Ford Escape?
Start with our fully customized pre-purchase inspection checklist for you or your mechanic. Three versions: one for buyers who are not mechanics, one for enthusiasts with tools, one for handing off to a professional. Print or save as PDF.
Modernize this car
CarPlay, backup cameras, blind spot monitoring, TPMS, and dashcams. Researched picks and honest watch-outs.
If you like the Ford Escape (3rd Gen), also consider
Picked by segment, score, and ownership cost.
Owner ratings
Owner stories
Real owners. Real mileage. Not a press release.
No stories yet. Be the first.
Community comments
Sign in to leave a comment.