Ford Escape Years to Avoid? What the Recall Record Shows
Updated: Oct 18
If you searched for Ford Escape years to avoid, here is the honest answer: no year is a blanket skip. Recall records list certain vehicles, not every Escape built in a year, so the record of the one in front of you matters more than its model year.
This guide shows what the official record says by year, how the engines changed, and how to check the Escape you are looking at.
A used Escape may have remaining factory coverage. Confirm the original in-service date, kilometres, VIN and applicable warranty terms before relying on it.
Carleton Place Ford is a Ford store. Ask our team to check the VIN and confirm any open campaigns before you buy.
Key Takeaways
No Escape model year is a blanket skip. Recall records list certain vehicles, not every Escape of a year, so the VIN check decides.
The engine line-up in Canada's fuel-consumption ratings changed more than once, including for 2017 and 2020, and from 2020 the ratings also list a hybrid and a front-wheel-drive plug-in hybrid. Confirm the engine and drivetrain on the individual vehicle.
Block heater recall records cover certain Escapes from 2013 through 2025, some limited to particular engines, and each tells owners not to use the block heater until the repair is done. An open investigation into potential block heater fires is not a finding of a defect.
The Escape Plug-in Hybrid is front-wheel drive only in the ratings, and recall records for certain 2020 to 2026 plug-ins carry charging advice until the battery repair is done.
See the used Escapes at Carleton Place Ford.
Browse our used Fords and bring your questions about the VIN, the engine and the paperwork.
Which Ford Escape Years to Avoid? The Honest Answer
No Escape model year is one to skip on the official record alone, because recall records name certain vehicles rather than every vehicle built in a year. Some years and engines do appear on records about fire risk, fuel leaks and block heaters, so the useful question is what touched the one you are looking at.
We did not find an official Ford of Canada or Transport Canada source that rates Escape model years for reliability. So this guide does not rank the years; it shows what the record lists and how to check one Escape.
As of October 2026, Ford's Canadian Escape page says the Escape "has reached the end of its journey." This guide is for the buyer choosing a used one.
Picture a Carleton Place commuter whose Escape is aging out and who wants another one for the run into Ottawa. Which used year should they look at?
Any year can work, if the engine suits their driving and the VIN check, repair records and paperwork on that Escape hold up.
For how the Escape suits a family and a daily commute, our Escape review for families and commuters covers the fit.
How the Escape's Engines Changed by Year
The engine line-up changed more than once, so the model year tells you which engines to expect, while only the vehicle tells you which one you have. Natural Resources Canada's fuel-consumption ratings list a 1.6-litre four-cylinder for the 2015 and 2016 Escape, and a 1.5-litre four-cylinder for 2017 through 2019.
From the 2020 model year, the ratings list a 1.5-litre three-cylinder, a 2.0-litre four-cylinder in all-wheel-drive form, and a 2.5-litre hybrid, with a separate plug-in hybrid. The ratings list the 2.5-litre non-hybrid engine only in front-wheel-drive form for 2015 through 2019.
Here is what the ratings list by year, with gas, hybrid and plug-in hybrid kept on separate rows.
Model years | Powertrain | What the ratings list |
|---|---|---|
2015 and 2016 | Gas | 1.6-litre four-cylinder, front-wheel or all-wheel drive; 2.0-litre four-cylinder, front-wheel or all-wheel drive; 2.5-litre four-cylinder, front-wheel drive |
2017 | Gas | 1.5-litre four-cylinder, front-wheel or all-wheel drive; 2.0-litre four-cylinder, front-wheel or all-wheel drive; 2.5-litre flexible-fuel four-cylinder, front-wheel drive |
2018 and 2019 | Gas | 1.5-litre four-cylinder, front-wheel or all-wheel drive; 2.0-litre four-cylinder, all-wheel drive; 2.5-litre flexible-fuel four-cylinder, front-wheel drive |
2020 to 2025 | Gas | 1.5-litre three-cylinder, front-wheel or all-wheel drive; 2.0-litre four-cylinder, all-wheel drive |
2020 to 2025 | Hybrid | 2.5-litre hybrid, front-wheel or all-wheel drive |
2020 to 2025 | Plug-in hybrid | 2.5-litre plug-in hybrid, front-wheel drive only |
2026 | Gas | 1.5-litre three-cylinder, front-wheel or all-wheel drive; 2.0-litre four-cylinder, all-wheel drive |
2026 | Hybrid | 2.5-litre hybrid, all-wheel drive |
2026 | Plug-in hybrid | 2.5-litre plug-in hybrid, front-wheel drive only |
For 2013 and 2014, recall records show certain Escapes with a 1.6-litre engine, and certain 2013 to 2019 Escapes with a 2.0-litre engine.
None of this is a model-year rule. Verify the engine by VIN, trim and under-hood label, and confirm the drivetrain on the individual vehicle.
It matters because some recalls below apply only to certain vehicles with one engine or powertrain, such as the 1.6-litre, the 1.5-litre EcoBoost or the plug-in hybrid.
Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid Escapes Are Different Vehicles
Treat the hybrid and the plug-in hybrid as two separate choices, not as versions of the gas Escape. For 2020 to 2025 the ratings list the 2.5-litre hybrid in front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive forms, and the Escape Plug-in Hybrid only as a front-wheel-drive vehicle every year from 2020.
Ford's 2025 and 2026 pages list the plug-in with standard front-wheel drive. If your driving calls for all-wheel drive, look at a gas or hybrid Escape listed with it, and confirm the drivetrain on the individual vehicle.
Ford's 2020 and 2025 warranty guides list hybrid-unique component coverage of 8 years or 160,000 kilometres, whichever occurs first, from the original warranty start date. Both say gradual battery capacity loss is not covered.
A used Escape Hybrid or Plug-in Hybrid may have some of that coverage left. Confirm the original in-service date, kilometres, VIN and applicable warranty terms before relying on it.
Choosing between the two? Our Ford Escape hybrid or plug-in guide walks through which one fits your driving.
What the Escape's Recall Records Show
The recall records name certain vehicles, and some are limited further, to one engine or to a factory-installed block heater. A model year on a record does not mean every Escape of that year is affected, because recalls are VIN-specific.
Ask our team to check the VIN and confirm any open campaigns before you buy.
The records below are grouped by problem, and they are not every record that lists the Escape. The table gives each one's Escape model years, subject and scope.
Recall | Escape model years listed | What it concerns | Scope as the record states it |
|---|---|---|---|
2026004 | 2013 to 2019 | Engine block heater | Certain vehicles with a 2.0-litre engine |
2026005 | 2020 to 2022 | Engine block heater | Certain vehicles |
2025281 | 2023 to 2025 | Engine block heater | Certain vehicles with a 1.5-litre or 2.0-litre engine and a factory-installed block heater |
2012298 | 2013 | Cylinder head cup plug and coolant loss | Certain vehicles with a 1.6-litre engine |
2012399 | 2013 | Engine-compartment fire from overheating | Certain vehicles with 1.6-litre engines |
2013424 | 2013 | Cylinder head cracks and fuel lines | Certain vehicles with 1.6-litre engines |
2025376 | 2020 to 2022 | Fuel injector | Certain vehicles with the 1.5-litre EcoBoost engine |
2024781 | 2020 to 2024 | High-voltage battery | Certain plug-in hybrids with the 2.5-litre engine |
2026070 | 2020 to 2026 | High-voltage battery, second repair | Certain plug-in hybrids with the 2.5-litre engine |
Block Heaters: Check Before You Plug In
Recall records cover certain Escapes from 2013 through 2025 for block heater problems that can create a fire risk, and each tells owners not to use the block heater until the recall repair is done.
Recall 2026004 lists certain 2013 to 2019 Escapes with a 2.0-litre engine: the engine block heater could leak coolant and then short circuit when it is plugged in, which can create a risk of fire. Ford advises not using the block heater until the repair is done, and will notify owners by mail to have a dealership replace it or, if the owner chooses, permanently disable it.
Recall 2026005 lists certain 2020 to 2022 Escapes for the same leak and short circuit, which can create a risk of fire. Ford again advises not using the block heater until the repair is done, and will notify owners by mail to have a dealership replace it or, if the owner chooses, permanently disable it; vehicles repaired under the earlier recall this one replaces do not need it.
Recall 2025281 lists certain 2023 to 2025 Escapes with a 1.5-litre or 2.0-litre engine and a factory-installed block heater: the block heater could overheat when plugged in, and a heater or wiring that overheats or melts could create a risk of fire. Ford advises not plugging it in until the repair is done and will notify owners by mail: owners can have the dealer remove the block heater, or, once the final repair is available, Ford will send another notice to have a dealership replace the block heater element, and the dealer will also inspect and, if necessary, replace the block heater electrical cord.
Transport Canada also lists an open investigation into potential block heater fires that names certain 2013 to 2022 Escapes. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.
The 2013 Escape With the 1.6-Litre Engine
Recall records for the 2013 Escape include engine-compartment fire risk on certain vehicles with the 1.6-litre engine. Each record lists a repair, and whether that repair was done on a particular Escape is a VIN question.
Recall 2012298: on certain 2013 Escapes with a 1.6-litre engine, the cylinder head cup plug could come loose and cause a significant loss of coolant and overheating, and under certain circumstances the remaining coolant could become flammable and, in the presence of an ignition source, cause a fire. Dealers inspect the cylinder head and replace the cylinder head assembly if the plug is dislodged or leaking; if it is not, they apply a wicking sealant to the plug and fit a cover plate over it with adhesive.
Recall 2012399: on certain 2013 Escapes with 1.6-litre engines, overheating could cause flammable fluid leaks to reach the hot exhaust system and start an engine-compartment fire while the engine is running. Dealers reprogram the powertrain control module and instrument panel cluster module to better detect and mitigate overheating, and inspect for coolant leaks and make any necessary corrections.
Recall 2013424: on certain 2013 Escapes with 1.6-litre engines, localized overheating could crack the cylinder head and leak oil onto hot engine surfaces, and fuel lines replaced under an earlier recall may have been improperly installed and could chafe and leak; either could cause a fire. Dealers enhance the engine heat shielding, cooling and control systems, and inspect fuel line routing and replace fuel lines as necessary; this recall supersedes that earlier one.
2020 to 2022: The 1.5-Litre EcoBoost Fuel Injector
Recall 2025376 lists certain 2020 to 2022 Escapes with the 1.5-litre EcoBoost engine: a fuel injector may crack and leak fuel into the engine compartment, which can create a risk of fire. As an interim repair, a dealer updates the engine control software to detect injector leaks, and owners who already have that update are told it is not required; once the final repair is available, Ford will notify owners by mail to have a dealership replace the high-pressure fuel rail assembly and high-pressure fuel injectors and update the engine control software.
2020 to 2026: The Plug-in Hybrid Battery
Recall 2024781 lists certain 2020 to 2024 Escape plug-in hybrids with the 2.5-litre engine: a problem inside the high-voltage battery could cause a short circuit, leading to a loss of power to the wheels and/or an overheating battery; a loss of power to the wheels could increase the risk of a crash, and an overheating battery can create a fire risk even while the vehicle is parked and turned off. Ford advises not charging until the repair is done and will notify owners by mail to have a dealership update the battery energy control module software, which watches the battery and warns if it detects a problem; if that warning appears, the owner should contact a dealership to arrange replacement of the high-voltage battery pack.
Recall 2026070 lists certain 2020 to 2026 Escape plug-in hybrids with the 2.5-litre engine for the same battery problem, because that software update may not be effective, so a second repair is required. Until it is done, Ford advises setting the vehicle's maximum charge to 80% and using only normal EV mode, and Ford will notify owners by mail to have a dealership update the battery energy control module and hybrid powertrain control module software; if the battery software then warns of a problem, the owner should contact a dealership to arrange replacement of the high-voltage battery pack.
These records are verified, not exhaustive, and new recalls can be added at any time.
You can come to us for open Ford recall campaigns applicable to your vehicle, subject to parts availability and appointment scheduling.
How to Check the Escape in Front of You
Work from the vehicle, not the model year: confirm the engine and drivetrain, the recall status, the block heater, the repair and service records, and the Ontario paperwork, in that order. Each step answers a question the year on the ownership cannot.
1. Engine and drivetrain: verify the engine by VIN, trim and under-hood label, and confirm the drivetrain on the individual vehicle. Some recalls above apply only to certain vehicles with one engine.
2. Recalls: Ask our team to check the VIN and confirm any open campaigns before you buy. Then ask for the record of any recall repair already done.
3. Block heater: will this Escape be plugged in on cold Eastern Ontario nights? Then find out whether it is on a block heater recall before anyone plugs it in.
4. Service history and coverage: ask for the maintenance receipts; a used Escape may have remaining factory coverage. Confirm the original in-service date, kilometres, VIN and applicable warranty terms before relying on it.
5. Underneath: Ford's 2025 warranty guide does not cover surface rust or other appearance damage from use or exposure to the elements, and names road salt among its examples. Have your own mechanic look underneath.
6. Ontario paperwork: for a vehicle sold with a safety standards certificate, it confirms only that the vehicle met the minimum standard on the date the certificate was issued, and it is not a warranty. Walk when a dealer will not provide the applicable written disclosures before you sign.
The Government of Ontario says that under Ontario law, there is no cooling-off period for motor vehicle contracts, so be sure of your decision before you sign.
Then compare it with other used SUVs before you decide.
What Is Your Current Vehicle Worth as a Trade?
Find out before you shop, because the number changes which Escapes are genuinely on your list. At Carleton Place Ford, we take trades of any make, whether it is paid off or not, and we put our appraisal of your trade in writing.
Value your trade online first, then let us appraise it in person. We buy vehicles outright, so an appraisal does not commit you to buying from us.
With your permission, we get the payout from your lender and show it beside our appraisal.
If you owe more than the vehicle is worth, the shortfall may be added to the amount financed, increasing the amount borrowed and potentially the total cost of borrowing. Financing is subject to lender approval (O.A.C.).
You may also cover the difference with money down. Bring the ownership, every key and fob, and any service records.
How Does Financing a Used Escape Work at Carleton Place Ford?
Apply for financing before you come in if you wish. With your consent, we can review options with participating lenders, on approved credit (O.A.C.).
Approval, rate, term and payment depend on the applicant, lender and vehicle, and a credit-bureau inquiry may be required. If a bruised credit file is the worry, our guide explains what happens when you apply.
Bring a driver's licence and proof of income if requested; lender requirements vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Ford Escape Years Should You Avoid?
No year is a blanket skip. Recall records list certain vehicles, not every Escape built in a year, so the individual Escape's record matters more than its year.
Ask our team to check the VIN and confirm any open campaigns before you buy.
What Do Recall Records Show for the 2013 Ford Escape?
Recall records for the 2013 Escape include engine-compartment fire risk on certain vehicles with the 1.6-litre engine, and each of those records lists a dealer repair.
Whether that repair was done on a particular Escape is a VIN question, so ask our team to check it.
Is the Ford Escape Hybrid All-Wheel Drive?
It depends on the vehicle. Canada's fuel-consumption ratings list the 2020 to 2025 hybrid in front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive forms, and the plug-in hybrid only as a front-wheel-drive vehicle from 2020.
Confirm the drivetrain on the individual vehicle.
Should You Plug In the Block Heater on a Used Escape?
Check first. Recall records cover certain Escapes from 2013 through 2025, some limited to particular engines, for block heater problems that can create a fire risk, and each tells owners not to use the block heater until the repair is done.
Ask our team to check the VIN and confirm any open campaigns before you buy.
Does a Used Ford Escape Have Factory Warranty Left?
A used Escape may have remaining factory coverage. Confirm the original in-service date, kilometres, VIN and applicable warranty terms before relying on it.
For hybrids and plug-ins, Ford's 2020 and 2025 warranty guides also list separate hybrid-unique component coverage from the original warranty start date.
Do Ford Escape Recalls Expire?
Ford says there are no expiration dates on safety recalls or safety compliance recalls, and that recalls are VIN-specific.
So an older Escape can still have an open campaign. Ask our team to check the VIN and confirm any open campaigns before you buy.
So Which Used Escape Should You Buy?
Buy the one whose record holds up, whatever its year. If the engine and drivetrain suit your driving, the open campaigns are confirmed and handled, the block heater question is settled and the paperwork supports what you are counting on, that Escape deserves a place on your list.
If any one of those is missing, keep looking.
Start with our used inventory and tell Carleton Place Ford how you drive.
Visit us at 10441 Hwy 7, Carleton Place, ON K7C 0T6
Browse inventory, value your trade, apply for financing (on approved credit), book service, or contact the team.
Sales: (888)-910-3538 Parts: (888)-876-1102 Service: (877)-866-8810 Local: 613-257-3988
About the Author:
Kerry Irven is the Vice President of New and Used Automotive Operations for Heighton Automotive Group, a family-owned and operated automotive group serving communities across Eastern Ontario. Kerry began his automotive career in new-car sales, building his experience on the showroom floor and working his way through multi-store dealership operations.
With over 25 years in the automotive industry, Kerry has helped grow automotive businesses from one location with 40 to 50 vehicles in stock to more than 500 vehicles across 10 rooftops. His hands-on background in both new and used-vehicle operations gives him a practical understanding of what customers look for when shopping for their next vehicle.
Throughout his career, Kerry has always been actively involved in staff coaching and in understanding customer wants and needs, helping ensure the businesses he works with continue to adapt to what customers are truly looking for.
One of the most exciting chapters of his career has been the shift into modern automotive marketing, embracing new technology, transparent pricing, customer-first inventory strategies, and new ways to create a better vehicle-shopping experience.
Kerry has completed extensive automotive training, including certification through the Ontario Motor Vehicle Industry Council, involvement with the Used Car Dealers Association of Ontario, Canadian automotive dealer training, and multiple customer service courses.
Born and raised on a farm, Kerry has always valued family, hard work, and a practical, down-to-earth approach. Joining Heighton Automotive Group and working alongside Thomas Heighton and family, along with managing partners Kyle Lothian and Martin Gougeon, has allowed him to bring those same values into the car business. It has also allowed Kerry to continue following a simple philosophy: treat every customer exactly the way he would want to be treated.
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