Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2013 Ford Escape owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at 55 MPH, the rear driver's side control arm detached from the vehicle. The contact lost control of the vehicle momentarily. However, the contact was able to control the vehicle and pulled over to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the subframe had corroded and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was opened. The manufacturer advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 83,000.
The electric power assist stopped working and almost caused my wife to hit another car. You cannot steer this car if the power assist isn't working, lots of complaints about this issue but nobody is checking into it, if this isn't a safety problem than there isn't any reason for you to be in business for you are not recognizing a serious problem, I know a little door latch is important but no where close to this problem. can you imagine going down the road at 60 miles per hour and your steering goes out. also the cross over on the rear suspension must be made of low grade tin for it has completely rotted away, this crossover holds the rear suspension. I know nothing will happen with this but at least I got to vent, Thanks
My radio went out about 3 years ago had to be replaced and now I can not listen to my radio without the car actually being on. My second issue is with my rear axle drive train, I currently have 127k miles on my vehicle took it in to a Ford dealership for diagnostic and repair I was informed that the rear axle needed replacing, they replaced it , however the problem persisted I was then told by the Ford mechanic that the axle assembly needed to be replaced. I spent 1k for the first repair now they want $2683 for the axle assembly, have there been other complaints regarding this parton 2013 Escape??
Purchased this ford escape for our granddaughter with in the last 2 years as a used vehicle and during a recent visit to a local ford dealer for another issue, they noticed the rear subframe crossmember had rust holes across it. Not sure if it is unsafe to drive due to the main structure looks solid. The front and back of the subframe has the rust holes. No other warning signs except a visual inspection. My question is: has there been an issue with this subframe or any other complaints. or is it normal for this part of the vehicle to wear or without warning. PS: I have a photo
While driving on a city street at low speeds and good road conditions the rear torsion(stabilizer) bar cracked and broke off its mount and flipped the rear wheel sideways. This was extremely providential in that had this occurred at high speeds the results would have been disastrous for all around and in the vehicle. The incident occurred fortunately right at a location where there was a service to fix it. I want this incident to register with you because it may save someone's life. Please take this seriously. THIS WAS MY VEHICLE AND NOW IT IS MY DAUGHTER'S VEHICLE.
A wheel bearing is unsafe to drive on. Yes my safety and those in the car with me has been at risk. The problem was confirmed by a Ford Dealership and has been inspected by a suspension tech. There was no light in the dashboard or anything to notify me of this issue.
Due to leaking coolant and overheating. I had to get engine and transmission work done that totaled over $10,000 worth mechanical work. I also had to get suspension work which is also include it the total of being over $10,000.
I would like to alert you to a "near miss" situation regarding my 2013 Ford Escape Titanium automobile which very nearly resulted in a car rollover while driving at 65 mph on the freeway. My wife was driving our 2013 Escape on the freeway. Suddenly, the left rear lower control arm cross support arm assembly Ford Part No. CV6Z*5500*L broke into two pieces. When this happened, the car immediately darted to the right because the left rear tire was no longer pointing straight ahead. Her reaction was to compensate by steering to the left. At that point in time, the car came up on two wheels and very nearly rolled over. After that, the car swerved back and forth until she could stop. It was extremely fortunate that she was in the center lane of a three lane wide freeway when this happened and there were no cars to her immediate right or left. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. While attempting to avoid crashing into another vehicle at approximately 30 MPH, the contact crashed into a curb and several street signs. A police report was filed. No injuries were sustained. The vehicle was driven to the contact's residence and then to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the front end suspension failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 19,300.
I was heading west on [redacted] with my [redacted] granddaughter and about a mile before the [redacted] exit we heard a loud bang and the car was, like a shot, propelled across the center line into the left lane and heading for the ditch. I immediately hit the brakes and pulled a hard right to keep the car on the highway. After three or four hard rights and lefts I was able to pull the car onto the left shoulder. I thought it was a blown tire but upon inspection they were all ok. The passenger right rear wheel though was on an angle. I called [redacted] and they sent a state police officer to assist. We were very lucky as about 10 seconds earlier I pack of cars passed us and a straggler of the pack passed us about 4 seconds before the incident. It could have been a five or six car pile up. …
Suspension complaints in other Escape years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 2013 Ford Escape?
NHTSA has 27 complaints about the suspension of the 2013 Ford Escape, 1% of the model year's 2,751 complaints. The component named most often is rear (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2013 Ford Escape suspension problems?
No. NHTSA lists no suspension recall for the 2013 Ford Escape, though it has 18 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2013 Ford Escape suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 54,000 miles, and 39% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 1 injury to suspension problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.