By Mike Jones, President & CEO of autopom! Insurance Services, llc
Similar to previous model years and generations, the 2022 Ford Escape Reliability ranks No. 11 out of 20 compact sport utility vehicle models rated by U.S. News & World Report. In addition to performance, interior design, safety, quality and reliability are major factors in determining this ranking.
RepairPal gives the Ford Escape a reliability ranking of 4 out of 5, which is above average. This ranking is based on an average annual cost of $600 for repairs and maintenance. The average cost to maintain a Ford Escape is slightly higher than the average repair and maintenance costs for other compact SUVs and slightly lower than the average for all vehicle models.
Ford Escape Unscheduled Repairs
The frequency of unscheduled repairs for the Ford Escape is on par with the rest of the class of compact SUVs at 0.31 times per year. This class of vehicles tends to require unscheduled repairs slightly less often than the average of 0.4 times per year for all vehicle models. A Ford Escape has an 11% probability of repairs for major or severe issues, which is the same for other compact SUVs and slightly lower than the average for all vehicle models.
Ford Escape Reliability By Model Year
Introduced in 2000, the Ford Escape was the first SUV to offer a hybrid drivetrain option, beginning with the 2005 model year. A hybrid option was not available for the third-generation Escape model, which includes models from 2013 to 2019. The Ford Escape hybrid became available again in 2020 and later models. Powertrain and engine options can affect Ford Escape reliability.
2023 Ford Escape
The redesigned 2023 Ford Escape earned a Quality & Reliability score of 81 out of 100 from J.D. Power. This model has a consumer rating of 80 out of 100 and ranks seventh in the compact SUV category. Your choice of an EcoBoost, hybrid or plug-in hybrid powertrain option can affect reliability.
2022 Ford Escape
The 2022 Ford Escape also has a Quality & Reliability score of 81 out of 100 from J.D. Power. U.S. News gave this model an overall ranking of 7.9 out of 10 and commented on lackluster handling. This feedback could be due to reported reliability issues involving engine hesitation.
2021 Ford Escape
The 2021 Ford Escape model received a slightly lower 7.8 out of 10 rating from U.S. News. Ford Escape reliability received a 1 out of 5 predicted reliability rating from Consumer Reports and was the lowest-ranked compact SUV.
2020 Ford Escape
The 2020 Ford Escape was the first year model in the fourth generation of this SUV that reintroduced hybrid powertrain options, which had been unavailable since 2013. This model earned a Quality & Reliability score of 72 out of 100 from J.D. Power.
2019 Ford Escape
As the last year of the third generation model, the 2019 Ford Escape is available with an EcoBoost engine but not hybrid or plug-in options. This model earned a Quality & Reliability score of 86 out of 100 from J.D. Power, which is higher than the rankings for later models.
The Best Ford Escape Model Years
The best recent model years for Ford Escape reliability include 2023, 2022 and 2019. Preceding year models also earned high overall ratings from U.S. News, including a rating of 8.5 out of 10 in 2018 and 8.6 out of 10 in 2017.
Common Ford Escape Reliability Problems and Solutions
Some of the most common problems for Ford Escape compact crossover SUVs involve the ignition, engine and transfer cases on four-wheel-drive models. Learn more about the most frequent reliability problems reported on RepairPal.
Misfiring Ignition
Ignition misfires are the most common Ford Escape reliability problem. The ignition coil in this model tends to fail after about 129,000 miles. A replacement ignition coil costs about $100. Timely replacement of this part can prevent further engine damage.
Engine Hesitation
Many Ford Escape owners experience engine hesitation or stumbling while driving. The Check Engine light can illuminate and diagnostics may return error codes P0442, P0456 or P1450. In severe cases, it may be necessary to replace a damaged exhaust gas recirculation valve.
Transfer Case
The internal transfer case on Ford Escape 4WD models may have problems after 125,000 miles with regular use of this system. This issue sounds like a howling wheel bearing at first and causes a clicking noise at higher speeds. Changing the transfer case fluid is a temporary fix, but replacing this component is often necessary to solve the problem.
Contact autopom! to get quotes for Exclusionary, Mid-Level or Powertrain Plus plans for a Ford Escape. The year model, submodel and mileage of your vehicle and your driving habits determine plan eligibility and the cost of coverage.
Ford Escape Pricing and Cost of Ownership
The manufacturer’s suggested retail price for the 2023 Ford Escape starts at $27,500 for the base model and ranges up to $38,515 for the ST-Line Elite. The prices of used Ford Escape SUVs vary based on the year model and mileage. Prices for a 2018 Ford Escape start around $15,000 for vehicles that have high mileage or $20,000 for vehicles that have lower mileage.
Ownership costs for the Ford Escape are slightly below average for a compact SUV at around $5,000 per year for gas, insurance, taxes, fees, repairs and maintenance. Escape owners should budget for regular maintenance and consumable items such as replacement batteries or tires. A vehicle protection plan can help to cover the cost of unexpected mechanical or electrical repairs.
Ford Escape Reliability Summary
In general, Ford Escape reliability is comparable to similar makes and models of compact crossover SUVs. The costs of ownership are slightly below the class average. The reliability of your vehicle may vary based on build and model year, as well as your personal driving habits. Get a quote for a vehicle protection plan from autopom! that can reduce out-of-pocket costs for unexpected repairs and provide other benefits.
