Ford Escape vs Jeep Liberty
For 2005–2012 models, the Jeep Liberty has 56.1 owner complaints per 10,000 sold, against 68.5 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 (2005–2012), 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
68.5 complaints per 10,000 sold
1.2× the Jeep Liberty’s rate
- Complaints
- 10,570
- Sold
- 1,542,694
- Recall campaigns
- 5
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 2
Most complaints: 2008–2010. Fewest: 2007 and 2012. 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
Jeep Liberty
56.1 complaints per 10,000 sold
18% fewer than the Ford Escape
- Complaints
- 3,942
- Sold
- 702,059
- Recall campaigns
- 11
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 1
Most complaints: 2006 and 2008. Fewest: 2009 and 2011. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Tank, lines and filler
Typically around 64,000 mi
-
Airbags, seatbelts and restraints
Typically around 101,956 mi
-
Doors, windows, latches, seats and trim
Typically around 57,255 mi
-
Control arms, ball joints and bushings
Typically around 120,000 mi · repair $230–$700
-
Body control and other modules
Typically around 88,000 mi
Common questions
Which has fewer problems, the Ford Escape or the Jeep Liberty?
For 2005–2012 models, the Jeep Liberty has 56.1 owner complaints per 10,000 sold and the Ford Escape has 68.5, 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 Jeep Liberty?
The most-reported problem on the Jeep Liberty is tank, lines and filler, typically around 64,000 miles.
Which Ford Escape and Jeep Liberty years have the most complaints?
Relative to each vehicle's typical year: Ford Escape: 2008–2010; Jeep Liberty: 2006 and 2008.
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.