Ford Escape Years to Avoid

Why 2010 and 2020 made the avoid list

2010 Ford Escape

AvoidTop issue: speed control · 42% of complaints · median 51,000 miles

Owners describe sudden loss of engine power or acceleration and stalling while driving, usually after a wrench or check-engine light appears, sometimes with rough idling or jerky shifting. Many say dealers replaced the throttle body or did transmission work, though some report the problem returned.

Full 2010 report ›

2020 Ford Escape

AvoidTop issue: body and structure · 53% of complaints · median 43,000 miles

Owners describe the driver's door weld, hinge, or check arm cracking, with loud popping sounds and a door that's hard to close or keep secure. Many also report sudden power loss, stalling, or major internal engine damage, plus rough shifting and AWD or powertrain warning lights that dealers often couldn't duplicate.

Full 2020 report ›

Questions owners ask

Which Ford Escape years should you avoid?

Counting complaints owners filed with NHTSA in each year's first five years on the road, per vehicle sold, the 2010 and 2020 Escape drew the most: each more than twice the rate of a typical Escape year, spread across more than one problem area. The 2008, 2009, 2011 and 2013 also ran above average; use caution with them.

What is the best year for a used Ford Escape?

The 2019 Escape drew the fewest complaints for its time on the road and the number sold (0.4× the rate of a typical Escape year), followed by the 2015 and 2016. Years from 2022 on haven't had five years on the road, so they aren't rated yet.

What is the most common problem with the Ford Escape?

Across every year, the problem area owners report most is the engine (29% of complaints), followed by the powertrain (transmission and drivetrain) (22%) and speed control (15%). A complaint can name more than one area.

Has the Ford Escape been recalled?

Yes. NHTSA lists 84 recall campaigns covering Escape model years 2008 to 2026, the most recent in June 2026. Enter a vehicle's VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to see whether its repairs were done.