How Many Miles & Years Do Ford Escapes Last? (7 Important Facts)

The Ford Escape is a small-sized SUV notable for its flexibility, comfort, and cargo-carrying credentials.

It is a favorite of many families.

How long does the Ford Escape last?

The longevity of a Ford Escape depends on the care you give the car. Going by the average mileage of the model, you can get up to 12 years of fine service from the vehicle. If you expose your Ford Escape to rough driving conditions, it won’t last you longer than 150,000 miles.

How Many Miles Can the Ford Escape Go?

It depends on your driving habits and maintenance regime; however, if you go gentle on your car and observe regular maintenance, then it can take you as far as 250,000 miles.

In addition, an older model year like 2006 won’t give you so much longevity. As users say, older models are more prone to faults and are likely to stop working earlier in the game.

To save yourself a lot of stress, when looking to purchase a pre-owned Ford Escape, go for newer model years like 2017 and 2018.

Check also our article about how long the popular SUVs last.

How Soon to Except Rust on a Ford Escape?

Most Ford Escapes start rusting 3-5 years after production. Customers often claim that the rust begins from the wheel wells.

Once rust appears on the wheel wells, it often spreads to other parts of the car, like the panel. Notably, the rust accelerates in winter.

If you find rust on your Ford Escape, you can limit its spread by washing your wheel wells with a spray wand. Unfortunately, there is little you can do once the rust has spread.

Early rust in Ford Escapes is one reason you may want to avoid buying them. If you already have one, you can prevent the car from rusting by parking in the garage during wet weather.

How Long Do Ford Escapes Last Compared to Similar Car Models?

When compared to other compact SUVs, the service life of Ford Escapes is average.

Ford Escape vs. Honda CR-V

Both the Ford Escape and Honda CR-V will last the same length of miles on the road.

Usually, the average life expectancy for both cars is 150,000 miles; but with regular maintenance, they can last you 250,000 miles.

To extend the service life of a car, you need to take it for repairs anytime it is faulty. Repairs for the Honda CR-V doesn’t cost that much. At most, you can expect to spend $407 for a yearly repair cost.

Repair on a Ford Escape costs more than average. Most small SUVs require only $521 for annual maintenance, but the Ford Escape incurs an annual maintenance cost of $600.

One advantage Ford Escapes have over Honda CR-Vs is that rust is slower on them.

While a typical Ford Escape rusts 3-5 years after production, Honda CR-V starts rusting within 1-2 years after manufacture.

Ford Escape vs. Kia Sportage

Your Ford Escape is only slightly more durable than a Kia Sportage.

The average miles recorded for the Sportage is 200,000 miles and 250,000 miles for Ford Escape.

Kia Sportage is cheaper to maintain than Ford Escape. Expect a yearly cost of $462 for repair and maintenance on Kia Sportage. But repair and maintenance on your Escape will cost you $600 annually on average.

When it comes to corrosion, Kia Sportages are more resistant than Ford Escapes. Except there are manufacturing problems with the paint, Kia Sportage models will not rust until 10 years after production.

Ford Escape rust much faster, often within 3-5 years.

Ford Escape vs. Nissan Rogue

Nissan Rogues are another model that has the same rate of durability as Ford Escape.

Yes, the two cars will last you 250,000 miles when they enjoy regular maintenance. There is a chance you won’t find a lot of Nissan Rogues with 250,000 miles, but that’s because they are relatively new.

The Nissan Rogue debuted in 2007, while Ford Escapes were first produced in 2000.

If you need your car for some rough driving, choose the Ford Escape over the Nissan Rogue. The 2020 Ford Escape, for example, produces 180 hp, compared to the 2020 Nissan Rogue, which delivers 170 hp.

This is not to say Nissan Rogue will need repair after some rough driving. As the name implies, the Rogue is a tough rider.

How Reliable Is a Ford Escape?

Ford Escapes are very reliable.

The J D. Power 2020 Reliability rating puts Ford Escapes at a 4.5 out of 5. In 2019, Ford Escape also received a reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5 from J.D. Power.

The reliability of Ford Escapes is further reinstated because recent Ford Escapes have a powerful engine. It delivers 180hp, which is ideal for various driving conditions.

On the other hand, maintenance and repair of a Ford Escape can cost above-average prices. Repair on Ford escape costs $600 yearly while the average maintenance cost for small-sized SUVs is $521.

The Best and Worst Years for Ford Escape

The 2014 model is the worst model year for Ford Escapes.

Although it didn’t garner many complaints, the severity of the issues made the model the worst.

For example, about 40 of these distressed users said their car unexpectedly came to a halt while they were driving. While some cars started again after several turns of the ignition, others had to tow their vehicles away.

What’s worse is that neither mechanics nor Ford dealerships found a solution to the problem.

The 2020 Ford Escape is the best to date. It boasts a 4.5 out of 5 reliability rating from J.D. Power, the highest score attained by Ford Escapes.

At the same time, the car enjoys impressive handling because of its high engine output.

Notwithstanding, the 2020 Ford Escape suffers some problems. They include a less-than-standard interior and uncomfortable seats.

What About Recalls for these Models?

The Ford Motor Company has recalled the Escape 49 times.

It recalled the 2014 Ford Escape because of faulty engine cylinders. These cylinders lack sufficient coolant to prevent overheating or leaking during a drive.

Some 2020 Ford Escapes were also recalled to adjust the comfort of their seats. The seats were uncomfortable and put passengers at higher risk during a crash.

Below is a table showing the number of recall actions involving Escape models:

Are Ford Escapes Expensive to Maintain?

Yes, they are more maintenance-intensive compared to competitors like the Kia Sportage or Honda CR-V.

Annual repair and maintenance of small-sized SUVs cost $521 on the average, about $80 less than the Ford Escape’s yearly maintenance bills. 

In addition, the engine often requires repair and expensive replacement.

Several Ford Escape drivers have complained about the following engine problems:

• Ignition Coil Problems: About 418 drivers reported that they had to replace their ignition coils sooner than they expected. Whereas the usual price for an ignition coil is $375, the cheapest ignition coil for Ford Escapes costs $576.
• Engine resistance: Users also complained about engines that would stop in the middle of a drive. Usually, the problem here is with the EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) sensors. The price of the replacement EGR sensor ranges from $211 to $280. The average cost of EGR sensors for small SUVs is $147.

How Long Do Brakes Last?

The service life of Ford Escape brakes ranges from 30,000-60,000 miles.

However, their durability may be affected by their owner’s manner of driving.

If you drive rough, then they won’t last very long. Ford advises that you take your brakes for a checkup after every 10,000-15,000 miles.

How Long Do Hybrid Batteries Last?

Hybrid batteries in Ford Escape cars can last as long as 300,000 miles.

Since most Ford Escapes don’t last longer than 250,000 miles, you probably won’t need to replace your batteries before you buy a new car.

However, if for any reason you need to replace them, expect to purchase new ones for $5000.

How Long Do Tires Last?

Most Ford Escape cars use Goodyear tires, and they usually last for 22,500 miles.

How Long Do Transmissions Last?

The service life of Ford Escape transmissions ranges between 80,000-180,000 miles.

Nevertheless, you can extend their service life if you maintain your car regularly. To replace your transmissions, you need at least $1,300.

How Long do Spark Plugs Last?

Your spark plugs can last for about 100,000 miles.

You may need to replace your spark plugs when you notice the following:

1. It takes you longer to start your car.
2. Your car consumes more fuel than usual.
3. Your vehicle moves at a slower pace.

What Is the Insurance Cost of a Ford Escape?

It depends. But you can expect to insure a Ford Escape for less than $100 per month in most places.

Tips on How to Prolong the Life of Ford Escapes

Here are tips to keep your Ford Escape on the road for longer:

• Keep your car indoors during the winter as much as you can. Ford Escapes rust faster when they come in contact with the salt in snow. Protecting your car from the snow will make it last longer.
• Wash your car thoroughly so you can remove foreign elements that may cause rust.
• Take your car to the mechanic from time to time for regular checks.

Was this article helpful?