FordEscape2013Overview/ford/escape/2013/base/

2013 Ford Escape

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2013 Escape.

Body SUV

As a compact SUV in Ford's lineup, the 2013 Escape carries a 5.7-quart oil capacity with 5W-30 API viscosity as its manufacturer-recommended lubrication spec, defining the maintenance baseline owners work against to keep the powertrain healthy. That powertrain, however, became a focal point of frustration: the model year accumulated 2,743 owner complaints — the highest in the Escape's 2000–2024 history by a wide margin over the five complaints logged in 2000 — with engine issues leading the field and 18 recalls attached to the chassis. Researchers should treat 2013 as a clear inflection point in the nameplate's reliability arc, the year when the Escape's complaint volume and recall density diverged most sharply from its longer-term trend.

Model year202620252024202320212020201920182013

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity5.7 qtOEM · verified
Engine oil type5W-30 APIOEM · verified
Lug nut torque100 ft-lbsOEM · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 96R · 500 CCA battery. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 96R · 500 CCAOEM · verified
Tire sizeP235-55R17OEM · verified

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length178.7 in
Overall width72.4 in
Overall height66.1 in
Wheelbase105.9 in
Curb weight3732 lb
Track (front / rear)61.4 / 61.8 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)57/43

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the Escape of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

6.8–9.1 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 6.80 sec — 2013 Titanium EcoBoost
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
2013Titanium EcoBoost 2.0L Turbo I-46.80 sec15.20 sec240 hpAWD
2013Titanium EcoBoost 2.0L Turbo I-47.00 sec15.30 sec240 hpAWD
2013SE EcoBoost 1.6L Turbo I-48.90 sec16.70 sec178 hpFWD
2013SE EcoBoost 1.6L Turbo I-49.00 sec16.70 sec178 hpFWD
2013SEL EcoBoost 1.6L Turbo I-49.10 sec16.90 sec178 hpAWD
2014SE EcoBoost 1.6L Turbo I-48.20 sec16.30 sec178 hpFWD
2016SE 2.0 EcoBoost 2.0L Turbo I-47.20 sec15.40 sec240 hpFWD
2017Titanium 2.0 EcoBoost 2.0L Turbo I-47.10 sec15.60 sec245 hpAWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 5.7 qt of 5W-30 API engine oil, 80W-90 · GL-5 in the differential, DOT 3 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 100 ft-lbs, the oil drain plug to 18.0 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-3-4-2. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.

Lubricants & capacities

Automatic Transmission FluidFord Mercon LV
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity9
Brake FluidDOT 3
Differential Gear Oil80W-90 · GL-5
Differential Gear Oil Capacity2.4 Pints
Engine Oil5W-30 · API
Engine Oil Capacity5.7 qt
Engine Oil5W-30 · API

Engine torques

Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts13.3 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head BoltsInstall new studs: 12.5 ft-lbs, Step 2:
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts14.7 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head BoltsInstall new studs: 12.5 ft-lbs, Step 2:
Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug18.0 ft-lbs
Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug18.0 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts100 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order1-3-4-2
Spark Plug ManufacturerMotorcraft
Spark Plug Gap0.031 in
Spark Plug Torque11.0 ft-lbs
Spark Plug ManufacturerMotorcraft
Spark Plug Gap0.049-0.053 in
Spark Plug Torque9.0 ft-lbs
Spark Plug ManufacturerMotorcraft

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR134a
Oil GroupPAG
Oil Type46
Oil Capacity4.5 oz
Standard BCI Group Number96R
Standard BCI Cranking Performance500 cca
Optional BCI Group Number96R
Optional BCI Cranking Performance590 cca

Service checks

Pressure Test21.5 psi
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief17-21 psi
Thermostat Opening Temperature194 °F
Pressure Test21 psi
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief17-21 psi
Thermostat Opening Temperature194 °F
RPM55-72 @ Idle rpm
Key ON Engine OFF (KOEO)55

Brakes

Torque Caliper to Bracket21 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle129 ft-lbs / 46 ft-lbs
Minimum Pad ThicknessFront: 0.059; Rear: 0.059 in
Rotor Runout Limit0.002 in
Rotor Discard at or Under0.905 in / 0.374 in

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs — tightening sequence 1 stages
1Tighten all bolts to finger tight. Step 25 ft. lbs
Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs — tightening sequence 1 stages
1Tighten all bolts finger tight., Step 25 ft. lbs
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
122 ft. lbs., Step 2: 9022 ft. lbs
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
121 ft. lbs., Step 2: 9021 ft. lbs
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
113 ft. lbs., Step 2: 45 degrees, Step 3: 4513 ft. lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
174 ft. lbs., step 2: 90 degrees., step 3: wait 2 seconds 15 degrees.74 ft. lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
174 ft. lbs., step 2: 100 ft. lbs., step 3: 90 degrees.74 ft. lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
174 ft. lbs., step 2: 9074 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 5 stages

Prep Do not reuse old bolts. Use new bolts coated with clean engine oil. Tighten all bolts to finger tight then continue on with the following procedure.

15.17 ft. lbs.5.17 ft. lbs
211.0 ft. lbs.11 ft. lbs
341.0 ft. lbs.41 ft. lbs
490 degrees90 degrees
590 degrees90 degrees
Engine Flywheel Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
137 ft. lbs., Step 2: 59 ft. lbs., Step 3: 83 ft. lbs., Step 4: 9037 ft. lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
137 ft. lbs., Step 2: 59 ft. lbs., Step 3: 8337 ft. lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
111 ft. lbs., Step 2: 18 ft. lbs., Step 3: 22 ft. lbs., Step 4: 9011 ft. lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
1Install 9 new exhaust manifold stud7.4 ft. lbs
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
14 ft. lbs., Step 2: 18 ft. lbs., Step 3: 604 ft. lbs
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
14 ft. lbs., Step 2: 18 ft. lbs., Step 3: 904 ft. lbs
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
122 ft. lbs., Step 2: 37 ft. lbs., Step 3: 45 degrees, Step 4: 4522 ft. lbs
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs — tightening sequence 1 stages
17 ft. lbs., Step 2: 157 ft. lbs
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs — tightening sequence 1 stages
17 ft. lbs., Step 2: 157 ft. lbs
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs — tightening sequence 1 stages
14 ft. lbs., Step 2: 74 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the spark plugs every 100,000 mi; coolant every 50,000 mi. The big-interval services (every 50,000 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

Every 10,000 miAir Conditioning Condenser (inspect) · Air Conditioning Refrigerant Line (inspect) · Battery (inspect) · Brake System (inspect) · CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Cabin Air Filter (inspect)
Every 20,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Cabin Air Filter (replace)
Every 30,000 miEngine Air Filter Element (replace) · Temperature Controlled Seat Air Filter (replace)
Every 50,000 miEngine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)
At 100,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Engine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)
Every 100,000 miSpark Plugs (replace)
At 150,000 miDrive Belt (replace) · Timing Belt (replace) · Transmission Assembly (drain & refill)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2013 Ford Escape sits at the peak of a generation‑long volatility spike, recording 2,743 complaints—far above the surrounding years (598 in 2012 and 2,068 in 2014)—and the highest recall count (18) since the early 2000s surge. Earlier in the decade, complaints and recalls generally trended downward after the 2008‑2009 high, reaching a low of 598 complaints and 2 recalls in 2012, before jumping sharply in 2013 and staying elevated through 2017. Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) also rose sharply in 2013 (155) and remained high thereafter, indicating persistent post‑sale issues. The top complaint categories for 2013 are engine (802), steering (256) and power‑train (224), with 50 crash‑related and 88 fire‑related complaints, suggesting notable safety‑related concerns. **Takeaway:** Because 2013 marks a pronounced increase in complaints, recalls, and safety‑related issues relative to adjacent years, it is a riskier year to purchase than the surrounding model years.

18
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
155
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
4
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
2,743
Owner complaints
50 involved a crash · 88 a fire
NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars
Overall★★★★
Frontal★★★★
Side★★★★★
Rollover★★★★

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 2,743 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Engine802
Steering256
Power Train224
Unknown Or Other161
Engine & Engine Cooling143
Electrical System104
Fuel/Propulsion System83
Electrical System,Engine73

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 18 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

18V471000Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Lever And Linkage:Floor ShiftReported 16/07/2018

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2014 Ford Escape, and 2013-2016 Ford Fusion vehicles, equipped with six-speed automatic transmissions. The bushing that attaches the transmission shifter cable to the… Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the shifter cable bushing, free of charge. The recall began September 20, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at…

14V239000Structure:Body:DoorReported 07/05/2014

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Escape vehicles manufactured October 5, 2011, through April 10, 2014. Due to an assembly misalignment between the exterior door handle and the door… Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and correct the mounting of the door handles, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on May 30, 2014. Owners may contact…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 155 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
SSM 546012026-02-23Electrical SystemFord and Lincoln vehicles equipped with wired keyless entry keypad systems and accessory…
25B612026-02-17Power TrainCertain 2013-2014 Model Year Escape and 2013-2016 Fusion Vehicles Equipped with a 6F35…
SSM 531762024-11-26Unknown Or OtherSome 2013-2016 Escape vehicles may exhibit an ABS warning indicator with diagnostic…
SSM 530402024-10-10Unknown Or OtherWhile performing a transmission repair on some 2012-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, a…
SSM 524762024-04-24EquipmentAll accessory stick-on keyless entry keypads come with a wallet card containing the…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Escape. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2013 Escape take?

5.7 qt of 5W-30 API MEETING FORD SPECIFICATION WSS-M2C946-A, per the factory manual.

Does the 2013 Escape have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 18 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.