Ford escape Problems Common Issues and Repair Costs
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Ford Escape Problems: Common Issues and Repair Costs

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The Ford Escape is a practical and well-loved SUV that offers comfort, decent performance, and good fuel efficiency. But like any car, it comes with its fair share of problems, especially if you’re buying a used model. Whether you’re planning to own one or already drive it, this guide explains the most common Ford Escape problems and how much it might cost you to fix them.

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1. Transmission Failure

Affected Years: 2005 to 2008 and 2013 to 2014

What Happens: The gearbox may slip, delay when changing gears, or stop engaging completely. Drivers sometimes notice a sudden loss of acceleration even though the engine keeps revving.

Why It Happens: The transmission control module (TCM) often fails, or the transmission wears out internally due to poor maintenance or factory faults.

Fix Cost:

  • TCM replacement costs between £450 and £750
  • Full transmission rebuild or replacement can cost between £2,000 and £3,500

2. Engine Misfires and Ignition Problems

Affected Years: 2001 to 2004 and 2010 to 2012

What Happens: The engine may shake, hesitate during acceleration, or run rough at idle. You’ll likely see the Check Engine Light on the dashboard.

Why It Happens: Failing ignition coil packs or spark plugs are common causes. On some models, water leaks onto the PCM (engine computer) and damages it.

Fix Cost:

  • Coil pack replacement costs around £250 to £400
  • Spark plugs cost £120 to £180
  • PCM replacement can be £600 to £1,200

3. Engine Overheating and Coolant Loss

Affected Years: 2013 to 2019 (especially 1.6L EcoBoost)

What Happens: The engine overheats, you smell coolant inside the cabin, or the coolant disappears even when you don’t see a visible leak.

Why It Happens: A cracked engine block or a leaking coolant bypass valve is often the cause.

Fix Cost:

  • Replacing the coolant bypass valve costs £250 to £400
  • If the engine block is cracked, a replacement engine can cost £4,000 to £6,000

4. Steering Problems and Power Assist Failure

Affected Years: 2008 to 2012

What Happens: The steering becomes stiff, especially at low speeds, or you hear clicking noises while turning. A warning light may also appear.

Why It Happens: Electric power steering systems in these years often suffer from torque sensor or motor failure.

Fix Cost:

  • Torque sensor replacement is around £450 to £600
  • A full steering column replacement costs between £1,000 and £1,600

5. Throttle Body Malfunction

Affected Years: 2009 to 2015

What Happens: The car may suddenly lose power and enter limp mode. A wrench-shaped warning light may appear on the dashboard.

Why It Happens: The electronic throttle body gets dirty or fails electronically.

Fix Cost:

  • Throttle body replacement usually costs £280 to £450

6. Electrical System Failures

Affected Years: 2013 to 2016

What Happens: Your battery may die overnight, touchscreen functions may stop working, or sensors like ABS and TPMS may start acting up.

Why It Happens: Wiring faults or a defective body control module (BCM) are usually to blame.

Fix Cost:

  • BCM replacement and programming can cost £600 to £900
  • Wiring repairs can cost anywhere from £150 to £400

7. Rust and Corrosion

Affected Years: 2001 to 2008

What Happens: Rust appears around wheel arches, on the tailgate, or worse, on the rear subframe.

Why It Happens: These models lacked proper rustproofing and suffer heavily in areas where roads are salted in winter.

Fix Cost:

  • Body panel rust repair ranges from £300 to £1,200
  • Rear subframe replacement can cost £1,000 to £1,800

Are Ford Escapes Expensive to Maintain?

On average, a Ford Escape costs between £350 and £600 per year to maintain. Basic servicing like oil changes, brakes, and filters is quite affordable. But if you run into major issues like transmission or engine problems, repair costs can easily go beyond £3,000.

Should You Buy a Used Ford Escape?

Yes, but choose carefully. Avoid model years known for major issues and always check the service history. Most importantly, never buy without a professional pre-purchase inspection.

In the UK, the most trusted name for this is CAREXAMER. Their expert inspectors travel to the car’s location, do a full 170+ point check, and send you a detailed report the same day. It’s the safest way to avoid buying a problem vehicle.

Final Thoughts

The Ford Escape is a solid SUV if you know what to look out for. Avoid models with known issues, do regular maintenance, and book a proper inspection with CAREXAMER before buying used. That one inspection could save you thousands and give you peace of mind.

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