Used Ford Escape: Inspection checklist

Pick the model year you are going to see. Each sheet lists the checks for the problems owners reported on that year, in the order you would do them at the car. Owners filed 4,296 complaints across these 8 years; the 2020 drew the most.

Choose a model year

Problems that follow the Escape from year to year

Each of these is a top-three complaint area in at least two model years. Darker cells mean more complaints that year. Whatever year you are looking at, give these extra time.

Area	2018	2019	2020	2022	2023	2024	2025	Total
Electrical	40	25	130	38	40	29	5	307
Engine	1,096	268	86	63	17	9	2	1,541
Transmission	233	102	220	33	16		3	607

Escape generations and updates

First years of a new generation and mid-cycle updates are marked. Each year links to its checklist.

Fourth generation
2020–now
2023 update: Updated front grille and headlights; New infotainment system features
Third generation
2013–2019
- 2018
- 2019
2017 update: Cosmetic changes to front and rear; New engine options added

Mileages where Escape problems start

From owner reports for each model year, lowest mileage first. Compare these with the odometer of the car you are seeing.

Typical mileage	Problem	Year
650–4,200 miles	Engine overheat warnings, limp mode	2023
3,900–4,500 miles	Driver-assist and park aid faults	2024
4,092–5,000 miles	Engine misfire, check engine light	2024
10,800–20,863 miles	Premature rear brake wear	2019
13,967–32,000 miles	Premature rear brake wear	2018
15,108–69,470 miles	Power steering assist loss	2018
17,000–37,000 miles	Driver door check arm welds	2020
19,000–36,000 miles	Chrome shifter knob cuts	2020
19,000–23,000 miles	Brake pedal sinks to floor	2018
20,000–58,000 miles	AWD module failure	2020
22,000–150,000 miles	Coolant leaking into cylinders	2018
23,000–32,000 miles	Rear brake squeal in reverse	2020
25,000–46,000 miles	Door latch fails to secure	2020
27,000–35,000 miles	Power steering assist failure	2019