GradeFord Escape Reliability Grade
Poor reliability
Grade a specific Ford Escape
Reliability changes from year to year. Pick a model year to see its grade, then add mileage and price to get a deal score and estimated miles remaining.
The Ford Escape earns an F overall reliability grade from GradeMyCar, with an F for its engine and an F for its transmission. It ranks 12th of 13 compact SUVs we grade. Both its engine (F) and transmission (F) grade poorly, so a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic is a must. Grades are based on 14,883 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2013-2023 model years, adjusted for how many were sold.
Ford Escape reliability by year
Overall grade for each model year, from owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Tap a year to see its full grade.
Years to avoid: 2001–2002 (stalling / loss of power), 2005 (stalling / loss of power), 2008–2011 (stalling / loss of power), 2013–2014 (overheating / coolant leaks), 2017–2018 (overheating / coolant leaks) and 2020 (stalling / loss of power)
Faded years are recent, so fewer complaints have come in. Their grades may change.
How long does the Ford Escape last?
A rough estimate for the model across all years, not measured for each model year.
Ford Escape vs. other compact SUVs
| Model | Engine | Trans. | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota RAV4 | A- | A | A- |
| Nissan Rogue | B+ | B- | B+ |
| Mazda CX-5 | B+ | B+ | B+ |
| Toyota Venza | A- | A- | B+ |
| Honda CR-V | B- | B+ | B |
| Chevrolet Equinox | C+ | B+ | B |
| Kia Sportage | C- | B+ | B |
| Subaru Forester | B+ | B | B |
| Volkswagen Tiguan | B- | B+ | B |
| GMC Terrain | C | B- | C+ |
| Hyundai Tucson | D | C+ | C |
| Ford Escape | F | F | F |
| Jeep Cherokee | C- | F | F |
Own a Ford Escape?
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Rate your EscapeFord Escape reliability FAQ
Is the Ford Escape reliable?
Poor reliability. The Ford Escape earns an F overall reliability grade from GradeMyCar, with an F for its engine and an F for its transmission. It ranks 12th of 13 compact SUVs we grade. Both its engine (F) and transmission (F) grade poorly, so a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic is a must. Grades are based on 14,883 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2013-2023 model years, adjusted for how many were sold.
How many miles will a Ford Escape last?
We estimate a well-maintained Ford Escape lasts around 180,000 miles. That's a rough figure for the model across all years, not measured for each model year, so check the grade for the year you're looking at.
What are the best years for the Ford Escape?
No Ford Escape model year stands out as exceptionally reliable in NHTSA owner complaints. The best-graded years are 2003, 2004 and 2007.
What Ford Escape years should I avoid?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the Ford Escape years to be most careful with are 2001, 2002, 2005, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2017, 2018 and 2020. The 2001 grades an F overall (engine D, transmission D), and its top engine/transmission problem is stalling / loss of power, which a recall covers. The 2002 grades an F overall (engine F, transmission D), and its top engine/transmission problem is stalling / loss of power, which a recall covers.
Is the Ford Escape transmission reliable?
GradeMyCar grades the Ford Escape transmission an F (poor reliability). Reliability varies by model year, so grade the specific year you're looking at.
Is the Ford Escape engine reliable?
GradeMyCar grades the Ford Escape engine an F (poor reliability).