Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (wheels, lug nuts, original-equipment tires, TPMS).
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 there was oil leaking from the turbocharger. The contact stated that the hose had detached, and the coolant had leaked out. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine overheated. The TPMS warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V551000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed the contact about a recall and referred the contact to the local dealer. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a claim, and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000.
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle to the dealer for a routine inspection, the dealer informed the contact that the lug nuts were swollen and needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the vehicle was equipped with a tire replacement kit; however, the swollen lug nuts could cause the contact to be stranded on the side of the road if there was a flat tire. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 71,422.
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated while the vehicle was at the dealer having the tires rotated, the contact was informed that the lug nuts were swollen. The contact was informed that the lug nuts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to report the failure to NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000. The VIN was unavailable.
Took my 2013 Ford Escape SEL to a Ford dealership to have a recall repaired. The dealership completed a Service Inspection of the car as standard practice. The service manager told me that all of the lug nuts have swelled and if I get a flat I won't be able to change the tire because the lug wrench won't fit the lug nuts. He also told me this is a common problem with Fords. I was not previously aware of this problem as I just bought the car last year. When I got home I tried my lug wrench on the nuts and verified the problem. I read a previous complaint on-line in another forum, where the problem is that the lug nuts are chrome plated, but not sealed causing moisture to get between the lug nut and plating and causing it to swell. I don't know this as a fact, but regardless of the cause, the lug nuts are clearly defective and I feel that Ford should replace them free of charge. …
On 12-22-2021during routine vehicle servicing of my 2013 Ford Escape at Mac Haik Ford in Georgetown, TX, Invoice Number 776999, I was told by the Service Advisor that the mechanic was having troubles getting the wheels off to rotate and balance. Sophie Rosa, Service Advisor told me that the mechanic reported the lug nuts on the wheels were swollen and need replacement. She advised that if not replaced it would cause trouble if a flat tire occurred as the Ford issued lug nut wrench would not fit over the swollen lug nuts. I agreed to have the 20 lug nuts replaced at a cost of $5.36 each plus labor. I did not get the defective nuts returned to me. Checking on-line I found that swollen lug nuts is caused by chrome being overlaid on metal lug nuts which cause rust to occur and thereby causes the swelling to occur. …
Ford two-piece lug nuts distort during installation/removal as a result of regular vehicle servicing, tire replacement or rotation, brake maintenance, and other maintenance requiring removal of tires. "Swollen" lug nuts with Ford vehicles is a well known safety issue. Many service outlets, including dealers refuse to service tires due to lug nut issues. Due to this issue, it is impossible to determine if appropriate torque requirements are met during installation. This may result in broken lugs, improperly torqued nuts, stranded drivers on major roadways causing traffic hazards, or complete failure resulting in vehicle crash. This is a safety critical issue that should be addressed by FoMoCo, and not be a cost burden passed on to the consumer. Please take necessary steps to enact a recall campaign for these improperly designed two-piece lug nuts.
My ford Escape began shaking recently and as a precaution I tried to tighten the lug nuts, unfortunately I was unable to do so as the nuts no longer fit in the lug wrench, while my car was still driveable this could be an extremely dangerous circumstance if I received a flat tire in a remote location, there are countless similar stories on this I found out after doing some searches (I noted a few below). I don't understand how this dangerous safety issue has not caused a mandatory recall from Ford, and would love to hear if that is expected. Thanks, [redacted]
235/55 R-17 99T This is one of a set of two tires I purchased in Oct. 2021. The passenger side front tire had the same issue discovered a few weeks earlier. The steering wheel started to shake while driving. I took the vehicle to the shop who informed me the tread was separating like the passenger tire was separating a few weeks earlier. Again the tire was more worn on the inside versus the outside tread. The replace tire indicator was still in place. It seems very odd that both tires purchased and installed at the same time had the same issue with the tread separating. I have both tires in my garage if anyone wants to inspect them.
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.
Tire 235/55 R-17 99 T. the steering wheel started to shimmy while driving. I took the vehicle into the service shop found that the a section of the tire was indented and the inside of the tire had a bubble. The repair shop stated this was caused by the tread separating. The tire had to be replaced. The tire is 2.5 years old and the tread on the inside was heavily worn while the outside tread was in good shape. The replace tire indicator was still intact. I purchased this tire at the same time i purchased the driver side tire.
Wheel & Tire complaints in other Escape years
Frequently asked questions
How common are wheel & tire problems on the 2013 Ford Escape?
NHTSA has 39 complaints about the wheels & tires of the 2013 Ford Escape, 1% of the model year's 2,751 complaints. The component named most often is lugs/nuts/bolts/studs (8 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2013 Ford Escape wheel & tire problems?
No. NHTSA lists no wheels & tires 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 wheel & tire problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 64,000 miles, and 14% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 1 injury to wheels & tires 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.