Ford Escape vs Honda CR-V
For 2005–2021 models, the Honda CR-V has 24.7 owner complaints per 10,000 sold, against 59.7 for the Ford Escape. Below: what each one’s owners report most, when it shows up, and what it costs to fix.
Both rates cover the same model years (2005–2021), counting each complaint once and dividing by US sales, so the more popular vehicle isn’t penalized for being popular. Years too new to judge are left out. How this is calculated.
Ford Escape
59.7 complaints per 10,000 sold
2.4× the Honda CR-V’s rate
- Complaints
- 23,323
- Sold
- 3,904,278
- Recall campaigns
- 65
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 2
Most complaints: 2008–2010 and 2013. Fewest: 2007, 2012, 2019 and 2021. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Stalling and no-start
Typically around 56,500 mi
-
Head gasket and cylinder head
Typically around 85,000 mi · repair $1,620–$3,010
-
Electric power steering motor and module
Typically around 110,984 mi · repair $750–$2,230
-
Doors, windows, latches, seats and trim
Typically around 52,000 mi
-
Cooling system: radiator, water pump, thermostat, fan
Typically around 80,200 mi · repair $260–$1,910
Honda CR-V
24.7 complaints per 10,000 sold
59% fewer than the Ford Escape
- Complaints
- 11,995
- Sold
- 4,860,851
- Recall campaigns
- 47
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 3
Most complaints: 2007–2008 and 2017–2018. Fewest: 2013, 2016 and 2020–2021. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Airbags, seatbelts and restraints
Typically around 68,000 mi
-
Driver-assist cameras, radar and calibration
Typically around 16,750 mi
-
Body control and other modules
Typically around 45,000 mi
-
Doors, windows, latches, seats and trim
Typically around 66,350 mi
-
Injectors and high-pressure fuel system
Typically around 13,203 mi · repair $720–$2,150
Common questions
Which has fewer problems, the Ford Escape or the Honda CR-V?
For 2005–2021 models, the Honda CR-V has 24.7 owner complaints per 10,000 sold and the Ford Escape has 59.7, counting the same model years for both.
What is the most common problem on the Ford Escape?
The most-reported problem on the Ford Escape is stalling and no-start, typically around 56,500 miles.
What is the most common problem on the Honda CR-V?
The most-reported problem on the Honda CR-V is airbags, seatbelts and restraints, typically around 68,000 miles.
Which Ford Escape and Honda CR-V years have the most complaints?
Relative to each vehicle's typical year: Ford Escape: 2008–2010 and 2013; Honda CR-V: 2007–2008 and 2017–2018.
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, recalls and investigations; US sales from public industry figures; repair costs from book labor hours and parts pricing at national rates. Complaints are self-reported and not independently verified. Problem lists cover each vehicle’s full history. This is not a recommendation to buy or avoid either vehicle.