8.9

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$1,880
Average Mileage:
53,650 miles
Total Complaints:
11 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. replace A/C system (8 reports)
  2. not sure (3 reports)
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This problem may be covered under warranty. Ask your Ford dealer.

problem #11

Sep 262015

Escape XLT

  • Automatic transmission
  • 62,000 miles

Both the core and the compressor of the air conditioner went out at the same time, which I was told rarely happens. The compressor had debris in it and the other part was leaking. I could not afford to have it fixed until just recently. Try driving a vehicle with 2 young children (my grandchildren) in 100 degree weather when the air is filled with smoke from surrounding area fires and with asthma to boot. Most people would think this is not a life threatening issue, but add asthma to the mix and it could very well be. It was not a simple issue to fix. They nearly had to disassemble the car to fix it which took several hours and time with no vehicle.

- Linda W., Billings, MT, US

problem #10

Jul 092015

Escape

  • Automatic transmission
  • 60,000 miles

The A/C system failed, needed complete and very COSTLY replacement, unacceptable for a car with 60,000 miles. Ford motor company needs to step up and take responsibility for poor design and workmanship, shame on Ford.

- Janice P., Howell, MI, US

problem #9

Aug 112015

Escape

  • Automatic transmission
  • 68,174 miles

According to the service manager at the dealership, the air conditioner condenser was "disintegrating" spewing small metal pieces throughout the system, clogging every filter. The entire system has to be replaced to the tune of approx. $2000. That's a lot, considering they just "fixed" the air conditioner with a previous bill of nearly $700. The service manager suggested contacting Ford Customer Service because he felt sure they would take responsibility for the issue.

After all, the car is only 5 years old and the apparently defective condenser is the one Ford put in. Ford customer service was completely uncooperative and did not even seem surprised or sorry for the inconvenience. They would not help help with any of the cost of this repair, stating that they had never heard of this issue before. Not one shred of responsibility did they take on. The service manager was absolutely stunned because he had another Escape in the shop with the exact same issues.

Bottom line...don't buy a Ford Escape. Ford does not stand behind this product. This is my first and last Ford product.

- Karen M., Charlottesville, VA, US

problem #8

Mar 042015

Escape LTD 4cl

  • Manual transmission
  • 41,010 miles

Last year my AC stopped blowing cold air. Took it in under extended warranty. "Sorry this is not covered, there is debris in your compressor and the system needs to be replaced". Frack!!!! I want to sell this piece! So I go to another place $1100, better. If the drier is failing and debris is getting into the system on these cars, shouldn't the dealership be responsible for fixing it? They told me this is a common problem and the new part works better! So obviously they are fully aware of this issue, their wringing their hands and I'm a sucker. Never buy a Ford again!

- debbiegal, Comox, BC, Canada

problem #7

Mar 062012

Escape

  • Automatic transmission
  • 32,000 miles

Since my 2012 this has failed 3, more times the motor, and twice for no AC, This is one of three major issues with this car. Now I am at 78,000 mile and no warranty straight from FORD Exec Lynne Buckman.

Her last response pissed me off so BAD, She is aware of all my issue's since I drove this car off of the lot. I have been in constant contact with her since 2011. I have all of my 53 Emails complaining about the three issue's 48 Times in the shop. Every time I would describe some issue funny how a recall would come out right after.

Her last Response: "Please keep in mind the vehicle does have 79,736 miles on it. At some point the repairs become the customer’s responsibility in full". Are you kidding me These are the same issues I have been dealing with since a purchased the car. Its a quality issue period.. Guess where my Escape is now in the SHOP.

- skills5196, Dearborn Heights, MI, US

problem #6

May 032014

Escape V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 60,000 miles

Just got back from the dealership and they told me the desicant bag in the AC broke and took out the entire system. Seems like this happens a lot in Fords. Costs for repairs will be around the $2,800 to $4,200 dollar range for an entire AC system replacement. I can get central air installed in my house for a lot less, plus it adds value to it, unlike with my Escape!

I think it's BS for Ford not to warranty this problem for people who had the same thing go wrong. It surely sounds like a poor design for this to happen with a newer car, with lower mileage on it. Now I get the pleasure of hounding the Ford Motor Company over this. After this fails, I'll probably end up shopping the junkyards for some parts to fix it.

- Bob K., Massillon, OH, US

problem #5

May 102014

Escape XLT 3.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 45,641 miles

A/C was not working so a trip to the dealership revealed that my desiccant bag had ruptured and took out the entire A/C system to the tune of $2000.00. Looks like the last Ford for me.

- Tim N., Livonia, MI, US

problem #4

May 012014

Escape Limited V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 75,000 miles

I went to two separate Ford dealerships regrading my AC not working and they both told me the compressor was seized and the descant bag had broken open and metal debris had contaminated the entire system and I would need a new one. The first dealership gave me a quote of $1500.00+ to make the repairs, the second gave me a quote of $2600.00+. I took my Escape to Firestone and they found that the compressor was not seized, and the descant bag was fully intact, but no coolant in the system. They replaced the coolant for $208.00 and my AC is now working fine.

I find it disturbing that two Ford dealerships gave me, what I consider to be, false information in an attempt to take my money. That's just bad business Ford! Shame on you!

- janfan, West Chester, PA, US

problem #3

Jul 212014

Escape V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 38,200 miles

Took my Ford into the Dealership over two weeks ago. 2010 Ford Escape, bought it new, has under 40K on it. The A/C just doesn't work at all. They said the all system is contaminated and need to be replaced for about $2000. I have a 2004 Toyota with air conditioning, right up. I'm not a happy Ford customer anymore. No matter how nice they may be, it isn't fun driving in the summer without air conditioning.

Now I'm looking for the mechanic who will do this job for less.

Looks like this is the first and last Ford for me.

- merlin1usa, Kenosha, WI, US

problem #2

May 242013

Escape

  • Automatic transmission
  • 63,785 miles

I have had my 2010 Escape in 4 times for a AC problem. Blowing warm air. They hooked it up all pressures were good and the compressor was working fine. Changed the dryer on my second visit. after replacing it we cut it open and it appeared to be fine , no debris in my system. next visit change the lower hose thinking there possibly might be some blockage in that. each time up to this point the air worked for 1-2 days before pooping out again. I have another appoint next week as soon as my upper hose comes in. i was told that somebody on another site also had this unsolvable problem and what it finally was is that there was a flap in the upper tube that allows air flow one way but when you shut off the car and turn it back on the air flow reverses for a moment or two and this flap on the inside of the hose flaps down and won't go back up thus blocking the cool air but giving high pressure readings.Sounds to simple and easy to be it, but at this point $1250+ into it and 4 stops at the repair shop i am willing to listen to anybody for a possible solution.

- James S., Lansing, MI, US

problem #1

Apr 062013

Escape

  • Automatic transmission
  • 43,800 miles

When I turned on the AC for the first time this year it made a loud grinding noise for a few seconds, then never cooled. Took it in to the dealership to check and for regular 45,000 mile maintenance. Dealer called and gave the following description of the problem ..."in the AC dryer there is a filter bag with "little blue balls" of dessicant. It seems that it is a very common problem that these filter bags burst and flood the entire AC system with the balls (aka "debris") which causes all the parts to fail and or clog. Many of the parts can't be effectively flushed so the have to be replaced." The cost to replace the entire AC system (all valves, tubes, hoses, evaporator, compressor, condenser, accumulator, dryer, etc.) came to $2,022.65. This dryer unit that is causing all the problems is a non-servicable unit and is in no way affected by regular maintenance, and there is nothing that can be done to prevent a failure. The cost of this part alone at national parts stores (Advance/Autozone, etc.) is around $30.00. This very inexpensive part however causes extensive damage to very expensive parts. I would call this a "manufacturers defect". Also the replacement dryer used in the $2,022.65 repair is identical to the one that failed. Ford has had many complaints about this, but "not on a scale where we're willing to look into this". On a vehicle with so few miles Ford is definitely losing customers for simply failing to design a better filter for a $30.00 part.

- Melanie H., Charleton, WV, US