The best and worst Ford Escape years, by the numbers
Short answer: among Ford Escapes old enough to judge (2005–2022), the 2007, 2012 and 2021–2022 have the fewest owner complaints per 10,000 sold. The 2008–2010 and 2013 have the most.
We counted every owner complaint filed with the federal government (NHTSA) for each model year and divided by how many were sold that year, so a year that sold more doesn’t look worse just for being popular. Years newer than 2022 are shown but not ranked — they haven’t been on the road long enough. How this is calculated.
Years with the most complaints
2008 Ford Escape · 119.0 per 10,000 sold (2.0× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported: Electric power steering motor and module, typically around 116,800 miles; then power steering pump, rack and lines.
2009 Ford Escape · 97.2 per 10,000 sold (1.7× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported: Stalling and no-start, typically around 68,000 miles; then electric power steering motor and module.
2010 Ford Escape · 108.2 per 10,000 sold (1.8× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported: Stalling and no-start, typically around 53,000 miles; then spark plugs, coils and ignition.
2013 Ford Escape · 92.8 per 10,000 sold (1.6× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported: Cooling system: radiator, water pump, thermostat, fan, typically around 81,000 miles; then stalling and no-start.
Years with the fewest complaints
2007 Ford Escape · 13.2 per 10,000 sold (0.2× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported, even so: ABS module and wheel speed sensors, typically around 50,000 miles.
2012 Ford Escape · 21.4 per 10,000 sold (0.4× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported, even so: Stalling and no-start, typically around 41,000 miles.
2021 Ford Escape · 23.2 per 10,000 sold (0.4× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported, even so: Doors, windows, latches, seats and trim, typically around 42,000 miles.
2022 Ford Escape · 16.7 per 10,000 sold (0.3× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported, even so: Tank, lines and filler, typically around 49,400 miles.
Every year: complaints per 10,000 sold
Typical Ford Escape year: 58.7 per 10,000 sold.
Complaints are counted once each, even when an owner lists several parts. Sales are US units sold in the calendar year, a close stand-in for the model year.
Common questions
What is the worst year for the Ford Escape?
Among Ford Escapes old enough to judge (2005–2022), the 2008 has the most owner complaints per 10,000 sold: 119.0, about 2.0× a typical Ford Escape year. The 2009–2010 and 2013 also stand out.
What is the best year for the Ford Escape?
The 2007 has the fewest owner complaints per 10,000 sold among Ford Escapes from 2005–2022: 13.2, against 58.7 for a typical year. The 2012 and 2021–2022 are also well below typical.
What goes wrong on the 2008 Ford Escape?
The most-reported problem on the 2008 Ford Escape is electric power steering motor and module, typically around 116,800 miles.
Why aren't the newest Ford Escape years ranked?
The 2023–2026 haven't been on the road long enough. Newer cars have fewer complaints mainly because they're newer, so ranking them would flatter them.
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Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; US sales from public industry figures. Complaints are self-reported and not independently verified. This is not an inspection and not a recommendation to buy or avoid any vehicle.