Which Years Of Used Ford Escapes Are Most Reliable?
We've rounded up eight of the most reliable Ford Escape years, so you can make a smart decision when doing your used car researching and shopping.
The Ford Escape has not just been a player, but a resilient contender in the fiercely competitive compact SUV market. It has held its ground against top-selling rivals like the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, and Nissan Rogue. As a popular choice among consumers, the Escape has undergone numerous updates and redesigns over the years and has also maintained its appeal. With the recent facelift, Ford is not just aiming to enhance the Escape’s competitiveness but to solidify its position. However, the question remains for those considering a used Ford Escape: which model years offer the best reliability?
For today’s post, we will not just highlight the most reliable Ford Escape year models. This buyer’s guide is based on a thorough analysis of various factors, ensuring that you can purchase a used Escape with confidence. Let’s get to it.
The Most Reliable Ford Escape Years
Regarding the most reliable Ford Escape year, you have plenty of options since it’s a long-running SUV model. As such, we’re cutting through the noise to highlight the most reliable model years of this popular crossover.
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Buy: 2007 Ford Escape
The 2007 Ford Escape, a reliable choice for used car buyers, stands out among other model years in the Escape lineup. Despite instances of transmission issues, diligent maintenance and care have proven effective in mitigating these problems. Numerous owners have shared their positive experiences, with their 2007 Escapes serving as dependable daily drivers, some even surpassing high mileage without major mechanical failures.
One of the key advantages of the 2007 model year is that it represents a later stage in the first generation, allowing Ford to refine and enhance previous designs. When considering a used 2007 Escape, it’s vital to thoroughly review the vehicle’s maintenance history and arrange for a trusted mechanic to conduct a comprehensive inspection before signing the dotted line.
Buy: 2011 Ford Escape
The 2011 Escape continues the theme of being “less awful” than other model years. It’s not our first pick in the reliability race, but it does check many of the right boxes for a used crossover SUV–mainly the improved transmission and engine. Despite the familiar body style, the 2011 model showcased Ford’s commitment to addressing previous issues. With its solid build quality and noteworthy enhancements, the 2011 Escape offers dependable performance for savvy shoppers.
HOW LONG DO FORD ESCAPES LAST?
If you’re interested in purchasing a Ford Escape, you might be curious about the lifespan. You might wonder - how long do Ford Escapes last in a typical lifespan?
Buy: 2012 Ford Escape
The 2012 model is another solid pick for the most reliable Ford Escape year, especially as it is the last version of the old body style. While there have been some reported issues, such as leaking rear windows and stalling while driving, the 2012 Escape has fewer complaints than other model years. This suggests that many of the problems with the previous designs had been resolved and refined by the 2012 model year.
It is worth noting that the 2012 Escape received a ”marginal” rating for a side impact from the NHTSA, which may raise concerns among safety-conscious buyers. However, the vehicle remains a reliable and trustworthy option for those looking to purchase a used compact SUV, as it has a low incidence of major transmission and electrical systems issues.
Buy: 2015 Ford Escape
If you’re in the market for a reliable, compact SUV, the 2015 Ford Escape is a reassuring choice for used car buyers. While there have been some reported issues with the engine and transmission (especially transmission failure), particularly the 1.6L EcoBoost engine, the 2015 model generally offers a solid track record of long-term reliability, outperforming other years of the Escape.
Owners have consistently praised the 2015 Escape for its reliability, noting that proper maintenance can provide years of trouble-free driving. Furthermore, as a later model of the third generation, the 2015 Escape reaps the benefits of Ford’s refinements and enhancements on earlier designs, making it a compelling choice.
Buy: 2016 Ford Escape
The 2016 Ford Escape is often considered a reliable option for those looking to buy a used car, but it has some significant caveats, especially regarding its engine variants. The 2.0L engine tends to deliver a solid performance, but the 1.6L EcoBoost version has occasionally faced issues, including premature transmission failures and engine stalls. Despite these concerns, numerous owners have found that the 2016 Escape can be a trustworthy vehicle with diligent maintenance and care.
If you are considering purchasing a 2016 Escape, it is highly recommended that you thoroughly check its history and adhere to a regular maintenance schedule. While there may be some potential drawbacks, the 2016 Escape remains a popular choice in the compact SUV category due to its exceptional performance, features, and relatively high reliability across different model years.
ARE FORD ESCAPES GOOD CARS?
If you’re looking to buy this SUV model, you’re likely asking: are Ford Escapes good cars?
Buy: 2018-2020 Ford Escape
For the most reliable Ford Escape year models that are relatively new, it’s hard to go wrong with these three iterations. These Escape model years have fewer complaints than the average Ford Escape. However, they’re still plagued with potential major issues that may result in expensive repairs down the line–so it’s best to do your due diligence.
For instance, the 2018 Escape struggled with engine problems, particularly with the 1.5L EcoBoost. Numerous owners have reported coolant leaks into the cylinders, leading to misfires, rough running, and even complete engine failure at low mileage. As expected, these issues have led to costly repairs and diminished confidence in the vehicle. But with proper maintenance and care, the 2018 Escape can be a worthy investment.
Thankfully, the 2019 and 2020 Escapes have fared better so far. The 2019 Escape stands out with its unique combination of upgrades and redesigned standard equipment. It offers high towing capacities, agile handling, strong engines, and a smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transmission. The 1.5-liter engine in the 2019 model delivers impressive fuel economy, making it perfect for long trips without worrying about breakdowns.
Similarly, the 2020 Ford Escape is another excellent choice. It is one of the newest models with an attractive price point and many convenient features. This model year boasts an extensive overhaul and ample space for passengers and cargo. The user-friendly infotainment system adds to the 2020 Escape’s appeal, while the cylinder deactivation mechanism helps maximize fuel efficiency.
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