What are the worst Ford Escape years?

Q: What are the worst Ford Escape years?

Based on NHTSA owner complaints per year on the road, the worst Ford Escape years are 2008, 2010, 2013, 2014, 2017, 2018, 2020 - complaint rates far above this model's median. The years with the fewest problems relative to time on the road: 2003, 2004, 2007, 2023.

Ford Escape: best and worst years

Every model year, ranked by owner complaints reported to NHTSA relative to time on the road. Click a year for its problems, recalls and trouble codes.

Years to avoid: 2008, 2010, 2013, 2014, 2017, 2018, 2020

Complaint rates far above this model's median, even after adjusting for time on the road.

Held up best: 2003, 2004, 2007, 2023

The fewest complaints relative to years on the road - at most half the model's median rate.

2026too new to judge3 complaints · 3 recalls 2025too new to judge27 complaints · 10 recalls 2024too new to judge84 complaints · 10 recalls 2023solid year131 complaints · 13 recalls 2022378 complaints · 21 recalls 2021490 complaints · 21 recalls 2020worst year1,887 complaints · 25 recalls 2019588 complaints · 3 recalls 2018worst year1,805 complaints · 4 recalls 2017worst year2,690 complaints · 4 recalls 20161,135 complaints · 4 recalls 20151,106 complaints · 9 recalls 2014worst year2,087 complaints · 16 recalls 2013worst year2,755 complaints · 18 recalls 2012617 complaints · 2 recalls 20111,353 complaints · 3 recalls 2010worst year2,129 complaints · 5 recalls 20091,846 complaints · 3 recalls 2008worst year2,417 complaints · 5 recalls 2007solid year393 complaints · 4 recalls 2006720 complaints · 6 recalls 20051,584 complaints · 5 recalls 2004solid year499 complaints · 8 recalls 2003solid year558 complaints · 9 recalls 20021,027 complaints · 10 recalls 2001996 complaints · 15 recalls

Ranked by complaints per year on the road (age capped at 12 years), so older years do not lead just because they have been around longer. Years under 3 years old are not judged - they have not had time to show their problems. Rates are relative to this model only and are not adjusted for sales volume.