: Check the engine bay for "sweet" smelling pink or green fluid. In EcoBoost models, coolant leaking into cylinders often requires a full engine replacement.
: Inspect the rear wheel wells and shock mounting points. Older Escapes are prone to severe structural rust that can make them unsafe to drive. buy used ford escape
Reliability often peaks when a manufacturer has had several years to work out a platform's "kinks." : Check the engine bay for "sweet" smelling
: The final year of the second generation. It is highly regarded for its durable "boxy" design, low operating costs, and strong safety record. Older Escapes are prone to severe structural rust
: Often cited as the best choice for the third generation (2013–2019). It has remarkably low complaint volumes (under 500) and includes modern tech like Sync 3 and keyless entry as standard.
: These are considered the "worst" years overall. Common issues include severe engine coolant intrusion (leading to engine failure) and over 15 recalls for the 2014 model alone.
: Recommended for those seeking the newest generation, as these models address early build quality issues and recalls seen in 2020–2021.