Ford Escape ReliabilityAll Years Ranked (2001–2025)

A practical and generally dependable SUV, but vigilance for rust and specific drivetrain quirks is essential for long-term satisfaction.

Top risks: Body/Frame Rust & Corrosion · Transmission (4-speed automatic) · ABS Module Failure

A versatile compact SUV offering good value, but specific powertrain choices are critical for long-term reliability.

Top risks: Engine (1.5L EcoBoost) · Transmission (8-Speed Automatic) · Electrical/Infotainment

A practical and efficient compact SUV that delivers good value, but requires attention to its transmission and electronics for sustained satisfaction.

Top risks: Transmission (8-Speed Automatic) · Electrical/Infotainment (SYNC 4) · Engine (1.5L EcoBoost)

A technologically advanced and efficient compact SUV with solid fundamentals, but early adopters should be prepared for potential minor electronic and powertrain quirks as the model matures.

Top risks: Infotainment & Electrical Systems · 1.5L EcoBoost Powertrain · Automatic Transmission (8-speed)

A practical and affordable compact SUV, but its transmission and rust issues require careful vetting.

Top risks: Transmission (6F35 Automatic) · Rust & Corrosion · 4WD System (PTU/Rear Differential)

A practical and well-rounded compact SUV, but careful engine selection and diligent maintenance are absolutely critical to avoid potential costly powertrain headaches.

Top risks: Engine (1.5L EcoBoost) · Power Transfer Unit (PTU) · Electrical / Infotainment

A well-rounded, efficient compact SUV, but requires attentive ownership to mitigate inherited powertrain and electronic vulnerabilities.

Top risks: EcoBoost Powertrain (1.5L/2.0L) · 8-Speed Automatic Transmission · Electrical & Infotainment

A practical and economical used SUV, but the 4-speed automatic transmission and rust are major watch-outs.

Top risks: Transmission (4-Speed Automatic) · Body & Chassis Rust · Electrical System (Door Ajar Switch)

A budget-friendly SUV that can serve well, but only if you meticulously vet its transmission health and rust situation.

Top risks: Automatic Transmission · Body & Subframe Rust · Electrical System

A practical choice for the budget-conscious, but only if you're prepared to address potential transmission and rust concerns head-on.

Top risks: Automatic Transmission (6F35) · Rust & Corrosion · Electrical & Body Accessories

A comfortable compact SUV with strong features, but its EcoBoost engine and transmission carry notable long-term reliability risks.

Top risks: Engine (1.5L/2.0L EcoBoost) · Transmission (6F35 Automatic) · Electrical System & Sensors

A modern compact SUV with appealing features, but choose your powertrain wisely to avoid significant reliability headaches.

Top risks: 1.5L EcoBoost Engine · Electrical/Infotainment · Transmission (8-speed automatic)

A modern, feature-rich compact SUV that requires diligent maintenance and awareness of specific powertrain vulnerabilities.

Top risks: Powertrain (1.5L EcoBoost Engine) · 8-Speed Automatic Transmission · Electrical/Infotainment System

A budget-friendly SUV that demands careful vetting and proactive maintenance to avoid major headaches.

Top risks: Automatic Transmission · Rust and Corrosion · Suspension Components

A practical and affordable SUV, but budget significantly for potential automatic transmission and HVAC repairs.

Top risks: Automatic Transmission (4F27E) · HVAC Blend Door Actuator · Rust and Corrosion

A practical compact SUV that offers utility, but a potentially fragile transmission makes careful buying essential.

Top risks: Automatic Transmission (CD4E) · Rust & Corrosion · Engine Intake Manifold/EGR (3.0L V6)

A practical choice for the budget-conscious, but only if you meticulously verify its structural integrity and transmission health.

Top risks: Automatic Transmission (CD4E) · Rust and Structural Corrosion · Ignition System (3.0L V6)

A practical budget SUV that can be a great value, provided you meticulously inspect for its notorious transmission and rust issues.

Top risks: Transmission (CD4E) · Rust and Corrosion · Ignition System & V6 Engine

A tempting budget SUV, but only for the diligent buyer prepared for potential transmission and rust woes.

Top risks: Automatic Transmission (CD4E) · Rust and Corrosion · Ignition System

A stylish compact SUV with a good ride, but the first model year's new tech and powertrains bring notable reliability caveats.

Top risks: Engine (1.6L EcoBoost) · Transmission · Electrical & Infotainment

A stylish and enjoyable compact SUV, but it carries a higher-than-average risk of powertrain and electrical issues.

Top risks: Powertrain (Engine) · Powertrain (Transmission) · Electrical/Steering

A fun-to-drive compact SUV that demands careful vetting to avoid significant repair bills.

Top risks: Transmission (6F35 Automatic) · 1.6L EcoBoost Engine · Electrical System & Infotainment

A capable compact SUV burdened by significant powertrain reliability concerns that demand a sharp eye and potential repair budget.

Top risks: Engine Coolant Intrusion · Automatic Transmission (6F35) · Electrical System & SYNC

A modern compact SUV that handles well, but carries significant mechanical risks that demand thorough pre-purchase scrutiny.

Top risks: EcoBoost Engine (1.5L & 2.0L) · 6F35 Automatic Transmission · Electrical System

A budget-friendly SUV that is a considerable gamble due to transmission fragility and rust susceptibility, requiring diligence from potential owners.

Top risks: Automatic Transmission (CD4E) · Rust and Corrosion · Electrical System