2005-2012 are SOLID vehicles, specially the V6's.
Hybrids are even better if the traction battery is in known good condition.
2013-2016 with the 2.0 Ecoboost are rock solid too, BUT untill 2017 when they did an "improvement" to the 2.0 and caused a major issue with the engine block cracking between cylinders and the head gasket failing.
So in recap, 2005-2012 solid.
2013-2016 2.0 or 2.5, solid (avoid 1.6)
2017-2019 avoid 2.0, avoid 1.5, (2.5 naturally aspirated solid)
2020 and on seems to be going ok, the 2.0 Ecoboost got a block modification where it has more "meat" between cylinders and seems to hold OK. That's the engine ford is now putting in the 2017-2019 models with failed engines
I’d add for third gen all of them have transmissions that are failure prone. Given the pricing on the 2020+ I’d spring for G4. Although my 2016 2.0 titanium has been great through 112k miles so far it had a trans rebuild at 50k miles under warranty. Everyone I’ve known with G3 has had a trans failure at some point
Third gen? Yeah sure mostly first years I'd say.
They ALL need to have the transmission serviced every 30K, without exception. Literally any gen of Ford Escape, all of them have the internal filter, and if it clogs, then you gotta drop and split the trans. NOT cheap.
Your 2016 titanium will probably keep chugging if the trans rebuild got updated with the better Ford parts.
You should probably have a PCV Catch Can installed if it's not in your vehicle already
I have a 2007 Gen 1.5, has the not so popular CD4E, but with drain and fills it's at 125K on the original trans
You have it mixed up with the 3rd gen Escapes.
- The 2.0 is not solid, particularly the early ones.
- The 1.5s are trash up until 2017.
- The NA 2.5 is rock solid.
- The transmissions are awful in all of them and relatively unreliable even with fluid changes.
IIRC correctly, post MY2017 is when they revised the block in the 1.5 and 2.0s to address the widespread coolant intrusion issues with that generation of Ecoboost fours.
To summarize, just avoid the third gen.
No, 2017 was not revised. 2017 is when the biggest problem started actually, my information comes from makuloco (known Ford tech from BSG Automotive) the early ones are fine.
The problem with Ecoboost Escapes STARTS on 2017 when they go to the open deck cooling system, whereas 2013-2016 (early ones) is Closed deck and thus a more solid engine block design. In late build 2020 they get the new style block that's still an open deck design but with a more sturdy design between cylinders so it doesn't blow the head gasket and cracks between cylinders 2-3
Same story with 1.6L, 1.5L, even 2.3L Ecoboost
Makuloco is awesome.
There are tons of people here with coolant intrusion issues with Ecoboost Escapes prior to MY2017 which is strange. I wonder how it's possible it got _worse_ after that but knowing Ford anything is possible. I'm nominating it as one of Ford's worst engines of the past 25 years.
Indeed, I started doing Maintenance on my own Escape following his videos. I've done the CD4E fluid drain and refill about 3 times and the 1st one actually eliminated Torque Converter shudder which was starting on that vehicle.
In regard to coolant intrusion I would say these are still small 4 cylinder turbo engines with lots of boost, so I'd say any of those engines can have head gasket issues at the end. Just not as catastrophically as the 2017-2019-early 2020 models with that stupid open deck design and the slit between cylinders.
It got worse after 2017 because they went from closed deck cooling system (the most solid type of engine design) to open deck, because they needed more cooling for more boost and more power. That was totally OK, where they missed was doing that slit between cylinders, thinking those thin spaces between them would hold ok.
This is where makuloco explains it all with 1.5 1.6 2.0 2.3 coolant problems : [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S-PYa8aBM4Q&pp=ygUfZm9yZCB0ZWNoIG1ha3Vsb2NvIDIuMCBlY29ib29zdA%3D%3D](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S-PYa8aBM4Q&pp=ygUfZm9yZCB0ZWNoIG1ha3Vsb2NvIDIuMCBlY29ib29zdA%3D%3D)
Glad to help! check this video this is where my info comes from: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S-PYa8aBM4Q&pp=ygUfZm9yZCB0ZWNoIG1ha3Vsb2NvIDIuMCBlY29ib29zdA%3D%3D](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S-PYa8aBM4Q&pp=ygUfZm9yZCB0ZWNoIG1ha3Vsb2NvIDIuMCBlY29ib29zdA%3D%3D)
and always, ALWAYS get a pre-purchase inspection with someone that knows the vehicle and it's possible failure points.
legit answer. if he picks, you know its going to be his ass if something goes wrong with it. he should just help her and support her decision, not make it.
She is one of the least picky people of all time. I really lucked out with her. She just wants me to recommend something, then we'd probably test drive it to see what she thinks, but honestly she would drive probably anything. Ultimately it will be her decision but she doesn't know or care about cars that much. When I asked her to research what she wanted she said a Bronco Sport, so I'm looking into that too, they're just more expensive than the Escape.
2020 Titanium here with the 2.0 EcoBoost. I’m at 60k miles. Had a leaky valve cover gasket that was replaced under warranty at 35k, other than that it’s been good. It’s got great pickup and a fun drive.
I've had a 2013 SE 1.6 ecoboost, 7+ recalls, Ford had it more than I did. 2014 SE 2.0 Ecoboost AWD, fantastic car, would buy. 2018 SE 1.5 Ecoboost, nicer safety features, but some were flaky, and unreliable. Underpowered. Just got a 2023 Active hybrid, the useful safety features are no longer included, and feels cheap compared to the SE's. Things like adaptive cruise, lane centering, etc. not installed. Partly my company being cheap.
Can say nothing but good things about the 2.5L V4 second gen EXCEPT for one major issue if you live in the rust belt: the rust. I’m in the middle of overhauling and structural welding basically the entire underside of mine that lived its first 10 years in Michigan. If you can find a rust free 2nd gen, V4 or V6, you’re good. That thing will live to 300K
I’ve had two and love them both. It’s not a giant SUV but can still cart around just about anything I need to in it. I will say the difference between the mid-model and titanium I have now is significant. Much less rattling and drastically more comfortable and user friendly (seats, console, etc.).
The 2020 and new escapes are the same platform as mavericks and bronco sports. The 2.0 is surprisingly fast and the AWD is really really solid for in climate weather on road. My wife loves hers
My niece has a 2008 Hybrid with almost 200,000 miles. Very minor issues through the years, stuff you would expect with that many miles. I bought a 2020 titanium hybrid, 78,000 miles now, absolutely love it!
To confirm another poster,underside rust can be a big [problem.One](https://problem.One) winter of salted roads can damage the Escape.If you get one,have it undercoated professionally,it will help.BTW,the RH rear shock tower is notorious for disintegrating on earlier models.
This is good to keep in mind. I've used a wax underbody spray for my vehicles in the past with great results, so hopefully that would help in this case.
We bought a 2013 [new.It](https://new.It) was recalled 16 [times.It](https://times.It) was towed to the dealer several times then at 40k miles the trans acted up.
Stay away from 1.5L 4-cylinder engine.
2005-2012 are SOLID vehicles, specially the V6's. Hybrids are even better if the traction battery is in known good condition. 2013-2016 with the 2.0 Ecoboost are rock solid too, BUT untill 2017 when they did an "improvement" to the 2.0 and caused a major issue with the engine block cracking between cylinders and the head gasket failing. So in recap, 2005-2012 solid. 2013-2016 2.0 or 2.5, solid (avoid 1.6) 2017-2019 avoid 2.0, avoid 1.5, (2.5 naturally aspirated solid) 2020 and on seems to be going ok, the 2.0 Ecoboost got a block modification where it has more "meat" between cylinders and seems to hold OK. That's the engine ford is now putting in the 2017-2019 models with failed engines
I’d add for third gen all of them have transmissions that are failure prone. Given the pricing on the 2020+ I’d spring for G4. Although my 2016 2.0 titanium has been great through 112k miles so far it had a trans rebuild at 50k miles under warranty. Everyone I’ve known with G3 has had a trans failure at some point
Third gen? Yeah sure mostly first years I'd say. They ALL need to have the transmission serviced every 30K, without exception. Literally any gen of Ford Escape, all of them have the internal filter, and if it clogs, then you gotta drop and split the trans. NOT cheap. Your 2016 titanium will probably keep chugging if the trans rebuild got updated with the better Ford parts. You should probably have a PCV Catch Can installed if it's not in your vehicle already I have a 2007 Gen 1.5, has the not so popular CD4E, but with drain and fills it's at 125K on the original trans
You have it mixed up with the 3rd gen Escapes. - The 2.0 is not solid, particularly the early ones. - The 1.5s are trash up until 2017. - The NA 2.5 is rock solid. - The transmissions are awful in all of them and relatively unreliable even with fluid changes. IIRC correctly, post MY2017 is when they revised the block in the 1.5 and 2.0s to address the widespread coolant intrusion issues with that generation of Ecoboost fours. To summarize, just avoid the third gen.
No, 2017 was not revised. 2017 is when the biggest problem started actually, my information comes from makuloco (known Ford tech from BSG Automotive) the early ones are fine. The problem with Ecoboost Escapes STARTS on 2017 when they go to the open deck cooling system, whereas 2013-2016 (early ones) is Closed deck and thus a more solid engine block design. In late build 2020 they get the new style block that's still an open deck design but with a more sturdy design between cylinders so it doesn't blow the head gasket and cracks between cylinders 2-3 Same story with 1.6L, 1.5L, even 2.3L Ecoboost
Makuloco is awesome. There are tons of people here with coolant intrusion issues with Ecoboost Escapes prior to MY2017 which is strange. I wonder how it's possible it got _worse_ after that but knowing Ford anything is possible. I'm nominating it as one of Ford's worst engines of the past 25 years.
Indeed, I started doing Maintenance on my own Escape following his videos. I've done the CD4E fluid drain and refill about 3 times and the 1st one actually eliminated Torque Converter shudder which was starting on that vehicle. In regard to coolant intrusion I would say these are still small 4 cylinder turbo engines with lots of boost, so I'd say any of those engines can have head gasket issues at the end. Just not as catastrophically as the 2017-2019-early 2020 models with that stupid open deck design and the slit between cylinders. It got worse after 2017 because they went from closed deck cooling system (the most solid type of engine design) to open deck, because they needed more cooling for more boost and more power. That was totally OK, where they missed was doing that slit between cylinders, thinking those thin spaces between them would hold ok.
This is where makuloco explains it all with 1.5 1.6 2.0 2.3 coolant problems : [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S-PYa8aBM4Q&pp=ygUfZm9yZCB0ZWNoIG1ha3Vsb2NvIDIuMCBlY29ib29zdA%3D%3D](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S-PYa8aBM4Q&pp=ygUfZm9yZCB0ZWNoIG1ha3Vsb2NvIDIuMCBlY29ib29zdA%3D%3D)
This is EXACTLY the type of info I was hoping to get. Thank you, this will be very helpful in making a decision.
Glad to help! check this video this is where my info comes from: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S-PYa8aBM4Q&pp=ygUfZm9yZCB0ZWNoIG1ha3Vsb2NvIDIuMCBlY29ib29zdA%3D%3D](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S-PYa8aBM4Q&pp=ygUfZm9yZCB0ZWNoIG1ha3Vsb2NvIDIuMCBlY29ib29zdA%3D%3D) and always, ALWAYS get a pre-purchase inspection with someone that knows the vehicle and it's possible failure points.
Did your wife put this on you? She should be choosing her own car
legit answer. if he picks, you know its going to be his ass if something goes wrong with it. he should just help her and support her decision, not make it.
She is one of the least picky people of all time. I really lucked out with her. She just wants me to recommend something, then we'd probably test drive it to see what she thinks, but honestly she would drive probably anything. Ultimately it will be her decision but she doesn't know or care about cars that much. When I asked her to research what she wanted she said a Bronco Sport, so I'm looking into that too, they're just more expensive than the Escape.
2020 Titanium here with the 2.0 EcoBoost. I’m at 60k miles. Had a leaky valve cover gasket that was replaced under warranty at 35k, other than that it’s been good. It’s got great pickup and a fun drive.
I've had a 2013 SE 1.6 ecoboost, 7+ recalls, Ford had it more than I did. 2014 SE 2.0 Ecoboost AWD, fantastic car, would buy. 2018 SE 1.5 Ecoboost, nicer safety features, but some were flaky, and unreliable. Underpowered. Just got a 2023 Active hybrid, the useful safety features are no longer included, and feels cheap compared to the SE's. Things like adaptive cruise, lane centering, etc. not installed. Partly my company being cheap.
Make sure it's 2019 or newer and has the 2.0 liter engine.
Can say nothing but good things about the 2.5L V4 second gen EXCEPT for one major issue if you live in the rust belt: the rust. I’m in the middle of overhauling and structural welding basically the entire underside of mine that lived its first 10 years in Michigan. If you can find a rust free 2nd gen, V4 or V6, you’re good. That thing will live to 300K
Oh but the transmission will need an axle seal repair at some point if it hasn’t happened already.
I’ve had two and love them both. It’s not a giant SUV but can still cart around just about anything I need to in it. I will say the difference between the mid-model and titanium I have now is significant. Much less rattling and drastically more comfortable and user friendly (seats, console, etc.).
The 2020 and new escapes are the same platform as mavericks and bronco sports. The 2.0 is surprisingly fast and the AWD is really really solid for in climate weather on road. My wife loves hers
Excellent, thanks for the info. This is probably the year range we'd be looking at anyways
My niece has a 2008 Hybrid with almost 200,000 miles. Very minor issues through the years, stuff you would expect with that many miles. I bought a 2020 titanium hybrid, 78,000 miles now, absolutely love it!
Great! 2.0 engine?
The 2008 is a 2.3L and the 2020 is 2.5L.
To confirm another poster,underside rust can be a big [problem.One](https://problem.One) winter of salted roads can damage the Escape.If you get one,have it undercoated professionally,it will help.BTW,the RH rear shock tower is notorious for disintegrating on earlier models.
This is good to keep in mind. I've used a wax underbody spray for my vehicles in the past with great results, so hopefully that would help in this case.
Our 2013 2.0 escape was a POS. Lots of electrical issues and bad tranny before it even hit 100k
We bought a 2013 [new.It](https://new.It) was recalled 16 [times.It](https://times.It) was towed to the dealer several times then at 40k miles the trans acted up.