Common 2013 Ford Escape Problems to Be on the Lookout For

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The Ford Escape has excellent handling across a variety of driving situations. Aside from its flexibility, it comes with comfortable seats and multiple driver-assistance features that give it a competitive edge.

Should you experience issues with your Ford Escape, it is always wise to try some troubleshooting before considering taking it to the mechanic. You see, some of the problems require DIY solutions that can save you a lot of dollars. So, if you happen to drive the 2013 Ford Escape, here is a troubleshooting guide for some common issues reported by drivers of this vehicle model.

Are 2013 Ford Escapes Reliable?

In terms of fuel economy, all Ford Escape cars have near-similar capabilities. For instance, according to the EPAs data, the Ford Escape front-drive with its 2.5 turbo ranks at 22 mpg City/ 32. In addition, this car is overall reliable and has some exciting features, which make it a popular choice for Ford lovers.

2013 Ford Escape Transmission Recall

Ford issued a safety recall for 2013-14 Ford Escape vehicles to replace shifter cable bushings. 

The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission on affected vehicles may detach from the transmission. A degraded shifter cable bushing that detaches from the transmission may allow the transmission to be in a gear state different from the driver’s gear shift position. 

For example, the condition could allow the driver to move the shift lever to “Park” and remove the ignition key, while the transmission may not be in “Park,” with no warning message or audible chime. 

In addition, if the parking brake is not applied, a degraded shifter cable bushing that detaches from the transmission could result in unintended vehicle movement, increasing the risk of injury or crash.

The affected 2013 Ford Escape vehicles are 2013-14 Ford Escape vehicles built at Louisville Assembly Plant between May 15, 2013, and Sept. 15, 2013.

The recall involves approximately 549,401 vehicles in North America, including 504,182 in the United States and federalized territories, 36,887 in Canada, and 8,332 in Mexico. The Ford reference number for this recall is 18S20.

2013 Ford Escape Not Shifting

If your vehicle is not shifting, the shifter cable or the linkage could be broken.

To troubleshoot, do the following:

  1. Get under the hood, and look for the shifter cable while somebody moves the shifter from reverse to L (engine off) to see if the line moves the lever on the transmission. It should be on top.
  2. If the lever is moving through its range when the assistant moves the shifter, then the linkage is attached as it should be. If not, then it is likely broken.

Ford Escape 2013 Wipers Not Working

The wiper arms can be manually moved when the ignition is off. This allows for ease of blade replacement and cleaning under the blades. In addition, poor wiper quality can be improved by cleaning the wiper blades and the windshield. 

If the wipers do not wipe properly, substances on the vehicle’s glass or the wiper blades may cause squeaking or chatter noise from the blades and streaking and smearing of the windshield. To clean these items, follow these instructions: 

  • You may clean the windows with a non-abrasive cleaner. 
  • You can clean the wiper blades with isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol or Motorcraft Premium Windshield Washer Concentrate. Be sure to replace wiper blades when they appear worn or do not function properly. 
  • Do not use abrasives, as they may cause scratches. 
  • Do not use fuel, kerosene, or paint thinner to clean any parts.

If you cannot remove those streaks after cleaning with the glass cleaner or if the wipers chatter and move in a jerky motion, clean the outer surface of the windshield and the wiper blades using a sponge or soft cloth with a neutral detergent or mild-abrasive cleaning solution. After cleaning, rinse the windshield and wiper blades with clean water.

Also, Ford recommends replacing the wiper blades at least once per year for optimum performance. To change the front blades, follow these steps:

  1. Pull the wiper blade and arm away from the glass.
  2. Press the locking buttons together. 
  3. Rotate and remove the wiper blade.
  4. Install in the reverse order.

To change the rear blades, do the following:

  1. Lift the wiper arm.
  2. Slightly rotate the wiper blade from the wiper arm. 
  3. Disengage the wiper blade from the wiper arm.
  4. Remove the wiper blade.
  5. Install in the reverse order.

2013 Ford Escape Bluetooth Not Working

If Bluetooth is not working, try the following troubleshooting tips:

TIP 1: Reset Bluetooth.

  1. On your phone, turn Bluetooth off and turn it back on.
  2. On your SYNC system, turn Bluetooth off and turn it back on.
  3. Manually connect SYNC with the phone.
  • Touch “Phone.”
  • Press “Settings.”
  • Tap “Bluetooth Devices.”
  • Select your phone.
  • Touch “Connect.”

Note: If the connection times out or attempts to take longer than a minute, cancel the connection on your phone and go to Tip 4.

  1. Manually connect the phone with SYNC.
    1. Find your phone’s Bluetooth menu.
    2. Tap “SYNC” to connect.
  2. Verify that your phone automatically connects to SYNC after performing a key cycle. If it does not work, proceed to Tip 2.

Tip 2: Perform a soft reset on your phone.

  1. Power off your phone and remove the battery, if possible.
  2. Turn the phone back on.
  3. Verify that your phone automatically connects to SYNC after performing a key cycle. If the phone does not connect, move to Tip 3.

TIP 3: Delete the phone and SYNC connections.

  1. Delete the phone from the SYNC system. Refer to your Owner’s Manual for instructions.
  2. Delete SYNC from your phone’s Bluetooth menu.
  3. Pair your phone
  • If the pairing fails on your vehicle’s touchscreen, proceed to Tip 4.
  • If the pairing was successful, verify that your phone automatically connects to SYNC after performing a key cycle. If it fails, proceed to Tip 4.

TIP 4: Reverse pair your phone.

  1. Reverse pair your phone based on your specific SYNC version.
  2. If the pairing was successful, verify that your phone automatically connects to SYNC after performing a key cycle.

How to Reset Oil Warning on a 2013 Ford Escape

You should reset the oil life monitoring only after an oil change. To reset, follow these steps:

  1. Turn the ignition key to the on position. Do not start the engine. For vehicles with push-button start, press and hold the start button for two seconds without pressing the brake pedal. Do not attempt to start the engine. 
  2. Press both the accelerator and brake pedals at the same time. 
  3. Keep both pedals fully pressed. 
  4. After 3 seconds, the Service: Oil reset in prog message will be displayed. 
  5. After 25 seconds, the Service: Oil reset complete message will be displayed. 
  6. Release both the accelerator and brake pedals. 
  7. The Service: Oil reset complete message will no longer be displayed. 
  8. Rotate the key to the off position. For vehicles with push-button start, press the start button to turn the car off completely.

ProTip: Only reset your oil warning after actually changing your oil and replacing the old oil.

Radio Not Working in 2013 Ford Escape

If there is no signal, this indicates loss of signal from the SIRIUS satellite or SIRIUS tower to the vehicle antenna. To fix:

  • The signal is currently being blocked. When you move into an open area, the signal should return.

If there are no channels available, this means all the channels in the selected category are skipped or locked. To fix:

  • Using the channel guide, unlock or unskip the channels.

If you are getting an invalid channel on the radio display, this means the channel is no longer available. To fix this:

  • Tune to another channel or choose another preset.

If you see “Sat Fault/SIRIUS system failure” message on the radio display, this indicates internal module or system failure present. To resolve this:

  • If this message does not clear shortly or with an ignition key cycle, your receiver may have a fault. See your authorized dealer for service.

If you see “Unsubscribed Channel” message on the radio display, this means a subscription is not available for that channel. To fix this:

  • Contact SIRIUS at 1-888- 539-7474 to subscribe to the channel or tune to another channel.

If there is a “Call SIRIUS 1-888-539-7474” message on the radio display, this means the satellite service has been deactivated by SIRIUS Satellite Radio. To resolve this issue:

  • Contact SIRIUS at 1-888- 539-7474 to reactivate or resolve subscription issues.

Ford Escape 2013 Backup Camera Not Working

Several issues could cause your vehicle’s backup camera not to work:

Bad Shifter Alignment

To check this, have another person stand behind your Ford Escape and put it in reverse. Have them tell you if the backup lights come on. If the backup lights do not come on, the vehicle is not getting that instruction from the shifter. This can happen when things get out of alignment. 

Blown Fuse

A bad fuse is one of the common reasons for the backup camera failure to work in a Ford Escape. First, try installing a new fuse to see if the backup camera will work. If the problem persists, chances are you have a short circuit.

Short Circuit

Though less common, a short circuit can also be the culprit for your backup camera failure.

Bad Camera

These cameras are exposed to various elements, which means that they have to be pretty durable. There is a likelihood of the camera going bad. With the Ford Escape, in particular, they can go out. Try giving it a flick and see if it could turn back on again. If it doesn’t, you know it is going bad.

Rear Hatch Not Opening or Closing in the 2013 Ford Escape

Open the liftgate and give the latch a good soaking with WD40. Check and see if the striker on the body has been bent, is loose, or worn. Close the gate manually about 5-10 times. If the problem persists, you will need to see if the striker on the body needs to be adjusted so the gate does not have to close so hard. If the issue persists, you will need to replace the latch within the liftgate due to a faulty cinch motor that closes the latch jaws.

Low Beam LED Lighting Problems in 2013 Ford Escape

If the low beam LED lighting in your 2013 Ford Escape is not working, there could be a number of culprits behind this problem:

Burned Out Headlight Bulb

Low beam Bulb fault message displays when the low beam headlamp bulb has burned out. The normal headlights are on far more often than the high beams, so the low beams burn out more frequently. Check the bulbs and if burned out, replace them.

Bad Headlight Fuse or Relay

The electrical systems in your car, including the headlights, are protected with fuses. These are designed to ‘blow’ and break the circuit if too much power comes through them. This safeguards all the components on the circuit. If a headlight fuse blows, it could cause the headlights to stop working.

Most headlight systems also feature a relay that switches the power between low beam and high beam headlights. If this relay goes bad, it could allow power to the high beams, but not the low beams.

Faulty Headlight Wiring

If the headlight wiring is not right, then the system will not work. Whether the wires were damaged by rodents that got under the hood and chewed on them or a connection has come loose, you may find that the headlights stop working. If you are conversant with a voltmeter, you can check for power at the headlight and determine if something is preventing the electricity from getting to the headlights.

Damaged Sockets

The headlights usually consist of bulbs plugged into sockets. These sockets can become corroded with time, either due to bad ground or other issues. Whatever the reason, this leads to a compromised connection with the headlight bulb.

Central Lock Not Working in the 2013 Ford Escape

A failing car central locking system might be due to a blown fuse, faulty solenoid, or electrical wiring issues. Again, the issue might not be with the central car locking system but the key fob instead. Key Fobs can become problematic, and their batteries will die eventually, both causing the same outcome.

To troubleshoot your car’s central locking system, always start with the most likely causes, which are often the easiest to fix. In this case, the most likely reason for your centrallock is not working is a problem with the key fob.

The key fob or vehicle central locking remote is the device that sends signals to the system to do its job. These key fobs use tiny batteries that will eventually run out of charge. When that happens, your car locks will not respond even when you use the key fob.

Besides dead batteries, it is also possible that the remote itself is faulty. Perhaps the key fob has been in use for a long time, experienced plenty of wear and tear, or even fell into some water. All of these could cause the key fob to fail.

The vehicle’s central locking system is connected to the vehicle’s overall electrical system, which means there are fuses put in place to protect it from electrical damage. If the fuse gets blown, the central locking system will not work.

To fix the problem, you need to identify the fuse for the vehicle’s central locking system and see if it is blown. Replace it with the appropriate working fuse if it is.

Lastly, the issue may have been caused by a faulty solenoid. A solenoid is a component that converts electrical power into mechanical movement. For example, in a vehicle centrallocking system, the solenoid in each door will activate and lock or unlock the door. A typical sign that you have a faulty solenoid is if you find the locks not working on only one or two doors as opposed to all of them failing at the same time.

2013 Ford Escape Key Not Detected

If you see the ‘No Key Detected’ message on your Ford Escape when you insert your key into the ignition, your key battery might be faulty or has no charge. Try changing your Ford Escape key battery once you see this message. The appropriate key battery for your Ford Escape key is CR2032. Follow these steps below for your 2013 Ford Escape key fob battery replacement:

  1. Slide over the key release switch on the back of the fob
  2. Remove the metal ignition key from the fob
  3. Insert the ignition key in the notch on the left with the FORD logo facing upward
  4. Gently remove the back cover of the key fob
  5. Remove the old battery using the ignition key. Ensure that the positive side of your battery is facing down.
  6. Then to reassemble your device, replace the back cover to the key fob and secure it firmly.

Besides the battery, this issue might be caused by other reasons. For example, a valid key must be located inside your vehicle to switch the ignition on and start the engine.

The keyless starting system may not function if the key is close to metal objects or electronic devices such as cellular phones. If you are unable to start your vehicle, do the following:

  1. Place the key in the backup slot. The location of the backup slot varies. It can be found in the console storage compartment, cup holder, or other location, depending on your vehicle.
  2. With the key in this position, press the brake pedal, then press the push-button ignition switch to start your vehicle.

2013 Ford Escape Cigarette Lighter Not Working

It is not recommended to plug optional electrical accessories into the cigar lighter socket (12 Volt DC powerpoint) or using the powerpoint over the vehicle capacity of 12 Volts DC 180 watts to prevent damage.

If the cigarette lighter on your 2013 Ford Escape is not working, the fuse could be blown and will have to be replaced. Blown fuses are identified by a broken wire within the fuse.

If you have tested the fuse and it is okay, then there are other possible causes of a faulty car cigarette lighter that you may want to check out as well:

Defective power consumer plug/lighter

If the consumer is a cigarette lighter, check the coil face, is it broken or covered in tobacco? You can take your lighter to a friend’s car and test it in their socket.

Debris in socket

Sometimes debris just gets stuck in the socket; pushing in the plug or lighter pushes it further in and prevents the contact points from connecting.

Dirty/faulty fuse

A buildup of corrosion on electrical contact points is not uncommon. This is caused by the flow of energy. Try removing, inspecting, and cleaning the fuse contacts with sandpaper to see if the problem gets resolved.

Damaged socket

Check inside the socket; corrosion usually starts at the bottom, where moisture collects. Remove the fuse and use a suitable metal object to clean the rust, and then finish up with some sandpaper.

If the power contacts are out of shape, prize them slightly towards the center. If the problem remains unresolved, replace the socket.

Disconnected or broken wire

 You can test this using a test light. Place the point of the test light on the brass center ring at the bottom of the outlet. Next, place the ground on the metal outer rim.

Prior to testing, turn on the ignition. Power outlets will only be powered when the ignition is switched on. This prevents your car battery from draining away.

 Alternatively, you can test using a voltmeter. Place the positive probe in the center and the ground to the outer rim. If you get 12 volts here, then it is all okay. 

When you access the wiring, inspect them to ensure they are all secured. If all is okay, go ahead and remove it. Check carefully that the metal contacts are clean and tight. When wiring connectors start to get loose, they will widen the mental contacts, causing a poor connection, even though the connector is attached.

If you find the contacts have widened, just squeeze them gently with pliers.

Check the wiring and connector for signs of scorch marks. Any damaged wiring will need to be replaced.

2013 Ford Escape Sync Not Working

SYNC is an in-vehicle communications system that works with your Bluetooth-enabled cellular phone and portable media player. This allows you to: 

  • Make and receive calls.
  • Access and play music from your portable music player.
  • Use 911 Assist, Vehicle Health Report, and SYNC Services (Traffic, Directions & Information) (if equipped).
  • Access phonebook contacts and music using voice commands.
  • Stream music from your connected phone. 
  • Text message.
  • Use the advanced voice recognition system
  • Charge your USB device (if your device supports this).

If SYNC is not working on your 2013 Ford Escape, below is a troubleshooting guide to resolve the various issues:

Phone Issues

If you are having trouble connecting your phone to SYNC, you should note that SYNC is a phone-dependent feature. Start by checking your phone’s compatibility, visit www.SYNCMyRide.com, www.SYNCMyRide.ca, or www.syncmaroute.ca. 

If your phone is compatible, then you can try these other troubleshooting tips:

  • Try turning off the device, resetting the device, or removing the device’s battery, then try again.
  • Try deleting your device from SYNC, deleting SYNC from your device, and trying again. 
  • Check the security and “auto-accept/prompt always” settings relative to the SYNC Bluetooth connection on your phone. 
  • Update your device’s firmware.
  • Turn off the Auto phonebook download setting.

If there is a lot of background noise during a phone call, check the audio control settings on your phone as it may be affecting SYNC performance. To fix this:

  • Review your phone’s user guide regarding audio adjustments.

If you can hear the other person during a call, but they cannot hear you, this is likely due to a phone malfunction. To fix:

  • Try turning off the device, resetting the device, removing the device’s battery, then trying again.

If SYNC is not able to download your phonebook, try the following troubleshooting tips:

  • Go to the website to review your phone’s compatibility.
  • Try turning off the device, resetting the device, or removing the device’s battery, then try again.
  • Try “pushing” your phonebook contacts to SYNC by using the Add Contacts feature. 
  • Use the “SYNCmyphone” feature available on the website.

If the system says “Phonebook downloaded,” but your phonebook in SYNC is empty or is missing contact, this is likely due to limitations on your phone’s capability. To fix this, try the following:

  • Try “pushing” your phonebook contacts to SYNC by using the Add Contacts feature.
  • If the missing contacts are stored on your SIM card, try moving them to the device memory.
  • Remove any pictures or special ring tones associated with the missing contact.

If text messaging is not working on SYNC, try the following solutions:

  • Go to the website to review your phone’s compatibility.
  • Try turning off the device, resetting the device, or removing the device’s battery, then try again.

USB/Media Issues

If you are having trouble connecting your device, try the following troubleshooting steps:

  • Try turning off the device, resetting the device, removing the device’s battery, then trying again.
  • Make sure you are using the manufacturer’s cable. 
  • Ensure the USB cable is properly inserted into the device and the vehicle’s USB port.
  • Make sure that the device does not have an auto-install program or active security settings.

SYNC does not recognize your device when you turn on the car

  • This is a device limitation. Make sure you are not leaving the device in your vehicle during very hot or cold temperatures.

Bluetooth audio does not stream.

  • Make sure the device is connected to SYNC and that you have pressed play on your device.

SYNC does not recognize music that is on your device

  • Your music files may not contain the proper artist, song title, album, or genre information. Make sure that all song details are populated.
  • The file may be corrupted. Some devices require you to change the USB settings from mass storage to MTP class.
  • The song may have copyright protection that does not allow it to play.

Voice Command Issues

SYNC does not understand what you are saying

  • You may be using the wrong voice commands. Review the phone voice commands, and the media voice commands at the beginning of their respective sections.
  • You may be speaking too soon or at the wrong time.
  • Be aware that SYNC’s microphone is either in your rearview mirror or in the headliner just above the windshield.

SYNC does not understand or is calling the wrong contact when you want to make a call

  • You may be using the wrong voice commands. Review the phone voice commands at the beginning of the phone section.
  • Make sure you are saying the contacts exactly as they are listed. For example, if contact is saved as John Doe, say, “Call John Doe.”
  • The system works better if you list full names such as “John Doe” rather than “John.”
  • Do not use special characters such as 123 or ICE as the system does not recognize them.
  • If contacts are saved in CAPS, you have to spell them. DAVE requires you to say “Call D-A-V-E”.