Ford

Escape (1st)

2001-2007 · Compact SUV · 4 engines
Best Engine ⚠️ Caution (2.1)
5,792 NHTSA Complaints
20 Recalls
239 Fire Reports
295 Crash Reports
Includes data from: ESCAPEESCAPE HYBRID
View all 4 generations of the Ford Escape → 📋 Inspection checklist

NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings

Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
3/5 (20.9% risk)
ESC: No FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
3/5 (20.9% risk)
ESC: No FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
3/5 (20.9% risk)
ESC: No FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
3/5
ESC: No FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
3/5
ESC: No FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
3/5
ESC: No FCW: No LDW: No

Engine Reliability Ratings

2.0-I4-Gas

2.0L 4-cyl
⚠️ Caution (2.1)
61 complaints 15.2 per year Gasoline
2 fire reports
View details

Complaint Breakdown

transmission
13
brakes
12
electrical
9
other
9
engine
8

Known Issues

Transmission Issues (13 complaints)
Brakes Issues (12 complaints)
Electrical System Issues (9 complaints)

Same engine used in

+119 more
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2.3-I4-Hybrid

2.3L 4-cyl / 155 hp
Avoid (1.6)
1,094 complaints 201.7 per year Gasoline
10 fire reports 1 fatality
View details

Complaint Breakdown

brakes
273
engine
186
other
178
electrical
151
suspension
117

Known Issues

Brakes Issues (273 complaints)
Engine Issues (186 complaints)
Electrical System Issues (151 complaints)

3.0-V6-Gas

3.0L 6-cyl / 201 hp
Avoid (1.0)
3,582 complaints 499.0 per year Gasoline
194 fire reports 7 fatalities
View details

Complaint Breakdown

engine
768
body
738
suspension
677
cooling
564
brakes
446

Known Issues

Engine Issues (768 complaints)
Body/Trim Issues (738 complaints)
Suspension Issues (677 complaints)

Same engine used in

+91 more
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Ford Escape Unidentified Engine

Avoid (1.0)
1,046 complaints 149.4 per year
32 fire reports 4 fatalities
View details

Complaint Breakdown

engine
240
cooling
174
body
165
suspension
161
brakes
126

Known Issues

Engine Issues (240 complaints)
Cooling System Issues (174 complaints)
Body/Trim Issues (165 complaints)
Show 7 additional engine variants with limited data
These engines appear in fewer than 10 owner complaints and aren't included in the main ratings above. Low counts can mean a genuinely clean record, but they can also reflect VIN-decode anomalies in NHTSA data. Treat as informational, not as a confident rating.

4.9-I6-Gas

4.9L 6-cyl / 145 hp
Recommended (5.0)
2 complaints 1.0 per year
View details

7.0-V8-Gas

7.0L 8-cyl / 213 hp
Recommended (5.0)
1 complaint 1.0 per year Liquefied Petroleum Gas (propane or LPG)
View details

Complaint Breakdown

electrical
1
brakes
1

Known Issues

Electrical System Issues (1 complaints)
Brakes Issues (1 complaints)

5.4T-V8-Gas

5.4L 8-cyl Turbo / 380 hp
Recommended (5.0)
1 complaint 1.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

transmission
1
fuel system
1

Known Issues

Transmission Issues (1 complaints)
Fuel System Issues (1 complaints)

4.9-I6-FlexFuel

4.9L 6-cyl
Recommended (5.0)
1 complaint 1.0 per year Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV)
View details

Complaint Breakdown

body
1

Known Issues

Body/Trim Issues (1 complaints)

Battery & Propulsion Reliability

Hybrid (HEV)

Battery & propulsion complaint analysis for the 2001-2007 Ford Escape

Avoid
138 battery-related complaints 42.7 per year 1 battery-related recall

That's roughly 6.1x the typical rate for hybrids in this dataset (median 7.0 per year). This generation has materially more battery & propulsion complaints than its peers, even after accounting for sales volume.

2 fire reports

What kind of battery complaint?

Among the 138 battery-related complaints, here's the type mix. These percentages describe what the complaints are about — not how reliable the vehicle is overall.

Hybrid Drivetrain 68 (49%)

Hybrid system warnings, eCVT, motor-generator, hybrid transaxle.

Electric Propulsion 36 (26%)

Loss of power, drive unit, inverter, traction motor, DC-DC converter.

High-Voltage Battery 30 (22%)

Propulsion battery defects, capacity loss, BMS faults, replacement claims.

12V Auxiliary Battery 2 (1%)

Low-voltage battery deaths, common on EVs and hybrids that use a 12V for accessories.

Thermal Events 2 (1%)

Battery fires, smoke, thermal runaway. Includes any complaint with fire reported.

Battery & propulsion recalls (1)
14V526000 HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2005-2008 Ford Escape hybrid electric vehicles manufactured October 13, 2003, to June 20, 2008, and 2006-2008 Mercury Mariner hybrid electric vehicles manufactured June 10, 2005, to June 20, 2008. The coolant pump for the hybrid system may fail resulting in the hybrid electronics overheating.

Consequence: If the hybrid electronics system overheats, it may shut down the powertrain, resulting in a stall-like condition, increasing the risk of a crash.

Sample complaint excerpts
Hybrid Drivetrain
  • [2005] I had the hybrid battery replaced by Bill Brandt Ford in Brentwood California. A few days after having it replaced. The car broke down on a very dangerous highway. I had the car towed back to Bill Brandt Ford. They replaced the hybrid battery again. I received the car back on May 9. The car just broke down again today. Roughly Bill Brandt Ford had my car for over 250 days. I found a recall one for
  • [2005] The contact owns a 2005 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle suddenly stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, there was an unknown warning light with a red triangle displayed. The contact turned off the vehicle and waited for approximately 15-30 minutes before the vehicle would restart and function correctly. The contact replac
  • [2005] THE ELECTRONIC COOLANT PUMP THAT COOLS THE HYBRID BATTERY IS FAULTY WE HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM FOR TWO YEARS AND THE CAR CONTINUALLY BREAKS DOWN ON TRIPS. WE HAVE SPENT OVER 1500 FIXING IT. THERE IS A RECALL ON THIS PRODUCT AND FORD REFUSES TO HONOR BECAUSE THE LIGHT IS NOT ON CURRENTLY. AS SOON AS MY SON DRIVES SOMEWHERE THE LIGHT GOES ON AND THE CAR COMES TO A STOP. HE CURRENTLY IS IN GRA
Electric Propulsion
  • [2005] EARLY SEPT 2014 - BEGAN TO EXPERIENCE INTERMITTENT ISSUES OF "LIMP HOME" MODE. ORIGINALLY, ISSUE BEGAN WITH SMALL "SURGES" IN ACCELERATION THAT I BELIEVED WERE SIMPLY RELATED TO THE HYBRID ENGINE KICKING INTO GEAR. THEN EXPERIENCED MULTIPLE BUT RANDOM "LIMP HOME MODE" EVENTS, PARTICULARLY WHEN STOPPING AT LIGHTS OR ACCELERATING (LIGHT-MOD PRESSURE) FROM A FULL STOP. CAR WOULD FLASH "SERVICE ENG
  • [2005] WHILE TRAVELING IN THE HIGH SPEED LANE AT APPROXIMATELY 2 AM, THE VEHICLE LOST ENGINE POWER WITHOUT ANY NOTICE AS THE ENGINE SHUT OFF AND THE POWER WAS REDUCED TO MINIMAL POWER GIVEN BY THE ELECTRIC MOTOR. THIS CAUSED AN INABILITY TO MAINTAIN SPEED ON A VERY DANGEROUS OVERPASS CURVE OF THE FREEWAY AND NEARLY CAUSED TWO VEHICLES IN THE IMMEDIATE PROXIMITY TO COLLIDE WITH MY VEHICLE AS SPEED RAPIDLY
  • [2006] MY 2006 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID IS STALLING ON THE HIGHWAY CREATING AN UNSAFE CONDITION. THIS SEEMS TO BE DUE TO A FAULT IN THE EXTERNAL HYBRID INVERTER COOLING PUMP. THIS HAS OCCURRED 5+ TIMES,USUALLY DURING 70 DEGREE (F) + TEMPS. I'VE CONTACTED THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP & FORD MOTOR CORP RAN THE VIN,WITH NO RECALL. PLEASE INVESTIGATE. *TR
High-Voltage Battery
  • [2005] RIGHT REAR WELL CORRODED EXTENSIVELY. 4 INCH HOLE EXPOSING HIGH VOLTAGE BATTERY IN TRUNK TO WATER, SALT, SNOW. DEALER STATES THAT VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE DUE TO RISK OF COLLAPSE OF STRUTS AND RISK OF EXPLOSION/FIRE FROM HIGH VOLTAGE BATTERY EXPOSURE. QUOTES MORE THAN $4000 TO REPAIR THIS VEHICLE WITH ONLY 59,510 MILES. REAR BUMPER AND REAR SUSPENSION BOTH COMPROMISED. REAR BUMPER HAS NO SU
  • [2005] WHEN THE VEHICLE IS WARMED UP AND DECELERATING BELOW 40MPH THEY GASOLINE ENGINE WILL SHUT OFF AS THE REGENERATIVE BRAKING CHARGES THE HYBRID HIGH VOLTAGE BATTERY. ON A RARE OCCASION DURING THIS BRAKING, THE GASOLINE ENGINE WILL TURN BACK ON GIVING A BRIEF SURGE WHICH REQUIRES PRESSING THE BRAKE HARDER. IT HAS DONE THIS SINCE I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE. *TR
  • [2005] TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND STALLED. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT A RED TRIANGLE ILLUMINATED WITH A MESSAGE TO STOP SAFETY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE SERVICE HARNESS NEEDED TO BE INSTALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED
12V Auxiliary Battery
  • [2005] THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND WOULD NOT START. I RECEIVED WARNINGS ON THE DASH AND THE INFORMATION PANEL STATING TO SLOW TO A STOP AND SERVICE THE BRAKES. I WAS ABLE TO START THE VEHICLE AFTER DISCONNECTING THE BATTERY AND EVERYTHING OPERATED NORMALLY. AFTER GETTING HOME AND RUNNING DIAGNOSTICS EVERYTHING CAME BACK NORMAL. LATER THAT DAY THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START AGAIN WITH THE SAME WARNINGS AND IT
  • [2005] THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND WOULD NOT START. I RECEIVED WARNINGS ON THE DASH AND THE INFORMATION PANEL STATING TO SLOW TO A STOP AND SERVICE THE BRAKES. I WAS ABLE TO START THE VEHICLE AFTER DISCONNECTING THE BATTERY AND EVERYTHING OPERATED NORMALLY. AFTER GETTING HOME AND RUNNING DIAGNOSTICS EVERYTHING CAME BACK NORMAL. LATER THAT DAY THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START AGAIN WITH THE SAME WARNINGS AND IT
Thermal Events
  • [2006] MY 2006 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID CAUGHT FIRE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT 8 HOURS AFTER THE CAR WAS LAST USED. *TR
  • [2006] MY 2006 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID CAUGHT FIRE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT 8 HOURS AFTER THE CAR WAS LAST USED. *TR

Source: classified from NHTSA complaint and recall data. "Battery-related" includes high-voltage propulsion battery, charging system, hybrid drivetrain, electric propulsion, regenerative braking, 12V auxiliary battery, and thermal-event complaints. Other complaints (suspension, steering, brakes, infotainment) appear in the engine and vehicle-level sections. Rates are absolute counts, not normalized per-VIN — high-volume models naturally produce more raw complaints than low-volume ones. Self-reported death and injury counts are capped per complaint to limit form abuse.

Vehicle-Level Issues

These issues affect the Ford Escape regardless of engine variant.

Engine Issues (1,196 complaints)
engine critical
Body/Trim Issues (1,011 complaints)
body critical
Suspension Issues (955 complaints)
suspension critical
Brakes Issues (858 complaints)
brakes critical
Cooling System Issues (738 complaints)
cooling critical

Recalls (20)

15V606000Sep 28, 2015serious
Powertrain

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2001-2008 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner vehicles manufactured March 31, 2001, to September 1, 2009. The affected vehicles are equipped with either a 2.3L or 3.0L engine and have had their CD4E transmission replaced with remanufactured one that was rebuilt between June 11, 2015 through July 15, 2015. These service repair part transmissions have a shift lever bolt that may not be properly tightened. As a result, the shift control lever could disengage from the transmission without warning.

15E045000Mar 5, 2015serious
Suspension

The Timken Company (Timken) is recalling certain aftermarket front wheel bearings, part number 510072, sold from January 22, 2015, to May 21, 2015, to be used as service parts on 2001-2012 Ford Escape, 2001-2011 Mazda Tribute, and 2005-2011 Mercury Mariner vehicles. The affected wheel bearings have incorrect dimensions of a 42mm bore, 76mm outer dimension, and 39mm width, instead of a 42mm bore, 78mm outer dimension and a 45mm width.

14V526000Mar 8, 2014serious
Hybrid Propulsion System

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2005-2008 Ford Escape hybrid electric vehicles manufactured October 13, 2003, to June 20, 2008, and 2006-2008 Mercury Mariner hybrid electric vehicles manufactured June 10, 2005, to June 20, 2008. The coolant pump for the hybrid system may fail resulting in the hybrid electronics overheating.

14V165000Feb 3, 2014serious
Structure

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2001-2004 Escape vehicles manufactured October 22, 1999, through January 23, 2004, originally sold, or currently registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. These vehicles may experience excessive corrosion at the forward attachment of the lower control arm.

12V353000Jul 25, 2012critical
Engine & Cooling

Ford Motor Company is recalling certain model year 2001 through 2004 Escape vehicles equipped with 3.0L V6 engines and speed control manufactured from October 22, 1999, through January 23, 2004. Inadequate clearance between the engine cover and the speed control cable connector could result in a stuck throttle when the accelerator pedal is fully or almost-fully depressed. This risk exists regardless of whether or not speed control (cruise control) is used.

12V005000Aug 31, 2012serious
Service Brakes

FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2001-2002 ESCAPE VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 22, 1999, THROUGH JULY 19, 2002, EQUIPPED WITH A BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER RESERVOIR CAP THAT COULD LEAK BRAKE FLUID. IF BRAKE FLUID LEAKS FROM THE CAP, IT COULD COME IN CONTACT WITH THE ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) MODULE WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR.

10E043000Mar 8, 2010serious
Equipment

MARATHON IS RECALLING CERTAIN SEAT COVERS, BRAND SUPERHIDES WITH PART NUMBERS 593, 594, 578, 960, 228, 228-09, 267-08, 333, 625, AND 630, SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE SEAT COVERS ARE MADE OF HEAVIER THREAD AND ARE NOT COMPATIBLE WITH SEATS CONTAINING SIDE AIRBAGS. THE HEAVIER SEAT COVER COULD INTERFERE WITH FULL DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIRBAG IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.

07E023000Mar 28, 2007serious
Service Brakes

CERTAIN CARDONE MASTER CYLINDERS WITH PART NUMBERS 10-2925, 10-2987, 10-2987MZA, 10-3083, 11-3015, 11-3042, 11-3044, 11-3045, 11-3047, 11-3064, AND 11-3156, AND WITH DATE CODES LOWER THAN DCA7078 SOLD AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE SEAL ON MASTER CYLINDER CAN FAIL AND LEAK BRAKE FLUID.

07V156000Oct 3, 2007serious
Service Brakes

ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ANTILOCK BRAKES (ABS), THE ABS MODULE CONNECTOR MAY HAVE MISSING OR DISLODGED WIRE SEALS. THIS CONDITION COULD ALLOW CONTAMINATION TO ENTER THE MODULE CONNECTOR, CREATING A POTENTIAL FOR AN ELECTRICAL SHORT.

06V111000Jul 3, 2006serious
Seats

CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITHOUT SIDE AIR CURTAINS OR MOONROOFS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 201, "OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN INTERIOR IMPACT." DURING TESTING, THE FREE MOTION HEAD FORM REGISTERED A MEASUREMENT ABOVE THE PERMITTED LIMIT AT THE LEFT HAND A-PILLAR TRIM AREA.

05V520000Sep 10, 2005serious
Visibility

ON CERTAIN TRUCKS, PASSENGER CARS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR MAY HAVE BEEN PRODUCED WITHOUT GREASE BEING APPLIED TO THE OUTPUT SHAFT GEAR.

04V602000Dec 19, 2004serious
Latches/Locks/Linkages

CERTAIN 2004-2005 SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES AND CERTAIN 2001-2003 SPORT UTIITY VEHICLE HAVING REAR LIFTGATE COMPONENTS SERVICED WITH 2004 EQUIVALENT COMPONENTS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 206, 'DOOR LOCKS AND DOOR RETENTION COMPONENTS.' THE REAR LIFTGATE LATCHING SYSTEM DOES NOT MEET THE INERTIA LOAD REQUIREMENT IN ONE DIRECTION.

04V574000Jul 11, 2004serious
Vehicle Speed Control

ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES BUILT WITH 3.0L V6 ENGINES, THE ACCELERATOR CABLE MAY PREVENT THE THROTTLE FROM RETURNING TO THE IDLE POSITION.

04V165000Jun 3, 2004serious
Powertrain

ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 3.0L V6 ENGINES, DURING DECELERATION, THE ENGINE CAN STALL.

03V507000May 11, 2003serious
Seat Belts

ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, A POST WITHIN THE SAFETY BELT BUCKLE COVERS COULD FRACTURE, WHICH COULD AFFECT LATCH FUNCTION, RESULTING IN EITHER A "NO LATCH" OR "PARTIAL LATCH" CONDITION. IN THE "PARTIAL LATCH" CONDITION, THE BUCKLE TONGUE CAN BE INSERTED INTO THE BUCKLE AND APPEAR TO BE ENGAGED, BUT WILL RELEASE FROM THE BUCKLE WITHOUT THE PUSH BUTTON BEING DEPRESSED WHEN A RELATIVELY LOW LOAD IS APPLIED, SUCH AS WHEN AN OCCUPANT MOVES SLIGHTLY IN THE SEAT.

00V387002Nov 26, 2000serious
Visibility

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THE WINDSHIELD WIPER LINKAGE CAN DISENGAGE DUE TO A BROKEN BALL SOCKET.

00V277001Sep 17, 2000serious
Fuel System

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THE O-RING SEALS IN THE FUEL LINE CONNECTOR AT THE OUTLET END OF THE FUEL FILTER WERE DAMAGED WHEN THE LINE WAS CONNECTED TO THE FILTER DURING VEHICLE ASSEMBLY. IN SOME CASES, THIS DAMAGE COULD RESULT IN A FUEL ODOR, OR POSSIBLY IN FUEL DRIPPING FROM THE CONNECTION.

00V260001Dec 8, 2000serious
Wheels

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SOME 4X2 SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES NOT EQUIPPED WITH AN ANTILOCK BRAKING SYSTEM MAY HAVE INADVERTENTLY BEEN BUILT WITH 4X4 REAR HUBS INSTEAD OF 4X2 HUBS. IF THE INCORRECT HUBS ARE INSTALLED ON A 4X2 VEHICLE, THE REAR WHEELS CAN LOOSEN, OR IN SOME CASES, SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE.

00V210001Sep 7, 2000serious
Vehicle Speed Control

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SPEED CONTROL. THE SPEED CONTROL CABLE CAN HAVE A CRACKED OR MISSING SPEED CONTROL CABLE SERVO CAP LOCATING TAB. THE LOCATING TAB COULD ENTER THE SERVO CLUTCH CAVITY AND INTERFERE WITH THE SPEED CONTROL SERVO CLUTCH. ALSO, WATER COULD ENTER THOSE UNITS THAT CONTAIN A CRACKED OR MISSING SERVO CAP LOCATING TAB, EVENTUALLY CAUSING CORROSION THAT COULD INTERFERE WITH THE FUNCTION OF THE SPEED CONTROL.

00V223001Aug 7, 2000cosmetic
Steering

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE A MIS-ASSEMBLED OR INCORRECTLY MANUFACTURED NUT THAT ATTACHES THE STEERING WHEEL ASSEMBLY TO THE STEERING COLUMN. THE NUT COULD BE UPSIDE DOWN IN THE STEERING WHEEL ASSEMBLY, WHICH COULD OVERSTRESS THE STEERING COLUMN SHAFT WHEN THE NUT IS TIGHTENED. IN ADDITION, SOME OF THE NUTS MAY HAVE BEEN CRACKED DURING MANUFACTURE RESULTING IN THE NUT FRACTURING WHEN IT IS TIGHTENED DURING VEHICLE ASSEMBLY.

Alternatives in Compact SUV

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2001-2007 Ford Escape problems?

The 2001-2007 Ford Escape has accumulated 5,792 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Engine, Body/Trim, Suspension. As with any used vehicle, an inspection before buying and a vehicle history report are recommended.

Which Ford Escape engine is most reliable?

The 2001-2007 Ford Escape was offered with 11 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2.0L 4-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.

Is the 2001-2007 Ford Escape a good used car?

The 2001-2007 Ford Escape can be a sound used car depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 5,792 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2001-2007 Ford Escape have?

The 2001-2007 Ford Escape has 5,792 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.

What recalls affect the 2001-2007 Ford Escape?

There are 20 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2001-2007 Ford Escape vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.

What should I check before buying a used Ford Escape?

Before buying a used Ford Escape, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Engine, Body/Trim, Suspension, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.

What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the Escape?

The 2007 Ford Escape received an overall N/A-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: N/A stars. Side crash: N/A stars. Rollover: 3 stars (20.9% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: No. Forward Collision Warning: No. Lane Departure Warning: No. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 5,792 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-05-23.

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