7.4

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$260
Average Mileage:
37,450 miles
Total Complaints:
31 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. not sure (16 reports)
  2. ford cannot fix it (7 reports)
  3. replace seal (7 reports)
  4. paint contact surface gloss black, new seal (1 reports)
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This problem may be covered under warranty. Ask your Ford dealer.

problem #31

Jun 012015

Escape XLS 2.5L V4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 55,000 miles

Began leaking under 60k warranty. Dealer put a big ass rubber seal on it and replaced window bolts. I still 6 years later have to slam it shut. However, it still continued to leak and when I went back to the dealer, it was past 60k warranty (62k). Bolts rusted again but work and defrost component rusted and came off. I can see the water run down the back window in little lines or leaves marks visible when the outside is cleaned.

- G S., Cincinnati, OH, US

problem #30

Feb 012018

Escape LL 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 75,000 miles

My rear window kept leaking. I brought it in to dealership and was told it would cost about $258.00 to fix. I thought how difficult could it be to fix. Did some research on computer. Bought a new gasket for rear window online. Had my son come outside and in 10 minutes we removed the old one and replaced it with the new one. minutes and $35.00 later, no more leaks.

- Florence H., Gretna, LA, US

problem #29

Dec 302018

Escape Limited 3.2L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 140,000 miles

The rear window seal began leaking during a hard rain or going through a car wash. I was not aware of the leak until it began to seep to the front of the roof, all the way to windshield. Unfortunately I was not able to get it repaired before the sunroof stopped working due probably to a short caused by the leak in the rear window seal. After the sunroof stopped working, the lights in the mirrored visors quit working. I hope my bumper to bumper warranty covers the repair cost .

Only one complaint at a time - too much repetitive steps to report problems separately. There’s a short under the hood somewhere that causes the battery to corrode in the space of a couple weeks, and causes routine replacement of the battery.

- Diane C., Overgaard, AZ, US

problem #28

Aug 082016

Escape Limited V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 41,000 miles

This is the second Ford Escape that has had the same problem of a bad seal on hatchback gate that I have owned. WTF!

- Cynthia F., Pittsburgh, PA, US

problem #27

Jun 022014

Escape XLT

  • Automatic transmission
  • 82,000 miles

The back window leaks every time there is a heavy rain and every time I wash my vehicle. Always streaks on the back interior window. I have never addressed this problem to have it fixed, though now reading everyone's complaints I realize it is not just mine. I am wondering now if it relates to all the rust on the back hatch door.

- Renee T., Belleville, US

problem #26

Dec 052017

Escape XLT

  • Automatic transmission
  • 180,000 miles

This has been happening in my car(2012 Ford Escape XLT AWD) the last few years and I was not surprised to see a lot of complaints related to this issue in this site, and I am adding mine into it. I hope Ford do something about this. This can ruin the entire mechanical locking system of the rear window due to the water/melted snow with salt, and the cost of repair can really become expensive. I already experienced the trunk not opening because the lock failed to work when raining.

- E H., Farmington, US

problem #25

Dec 172013

Escape XLT 3.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 12,516 miles

There is a KNOWN issue with the the seal on the window glass which allows water into the interior of the back window and then down the back tailgate which in turn will fry the button and/or the actuator for the tailgate.

I am unsure how much it costs to replace but it should have been fixed as this has been a known issue since 2009, and this is a 2012 vehicle.

- Tina R., Cannon Falls, MN, US

problem #24

Jun 152017

Escape V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 64,000 miles

I have brought my 2012 Ford Escape to the dealer at least 10 times for a leaky back window. They replace the seal, they adjust the window, etc etc. The "repair" lasts a couple of months and then I am back to the dealer to have it "repaired" again. I had received a letter in the mail referencing a class action lawsuit regarding the leak but I threw it out and now I am sorry. Since the repair takes all day to repair, I usually get a loaner car. When I called today, a loaner car wasn't available for 10 days! So frustrating...

- Carolyn G., Hampton Bays, US

problem #23

Jun 062016

Escape Limited V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 26,000 miles

ford knows the back window has a problem leaking .

- Roger S., Myrtle Beach, SC, US

problem #22

Jul 162016

Escape Limited 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 95,000 miles

I noticed this problem after the warranty was over....3 month warranty it came with. I am sure the cause of the rusting of the liftgate is from the leaking rear window!

- Carol Y., Oley, PA, US

problem #21

Mar 012012

Escape

  • Automatic transmission
  • 2,000 miles

I started complaining to my dealership two months after purchasing this vehicle brand new. They would never do anything. Had a technician get in the back while another one ran a garden hose over the window. The reply was "no leak nothing we can do". Now almost four years later, the hatch will not open due to the water damage shorting out all the wiring. My fault for not pursuing the issue from the start.

- Lori S., Alma, US

problem #20

Feb 242012

Escape XLT V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 3,580 miles

it has been in the shop 4 times back glass still leaking, has musty smell from the water leak will not buy a ford again i have owned fords for over 25 years no more

- Mark D., Crestwood, KY, US

problem #19

Aug 022012

Escape XLT

  • Automatic transmission
  • 1,243 miles

Not that bad of a leak mostly in heavy rain or when washing the car.

- Paul P., Smiths Falls, ON, Canada

problem #18

Jul 072015

Escape

  • Automatic transmission
  • 25,484 miles

I took my vehicle in to repair hatch struts that stopped working, causing the latch to break. It wasn't under warranty because I bought used. After having work done, I started noticing that water was standing in the well around the post.

When I asked about getting it repaired, neither Ford nor my warranty company cover this. The tech said that the water is leaking in where the defrost comes in.

I'm frustrated that it leaks now, when it didn't before and that it's not covered by warranty. What does a bumper to bumper extended warranty cover if it doesn't cover the seals causing water leaks?

I'm frustrated that my hinges went before 36,000 miles and now this!

- gaydoshpa, Beaver, PA, US

problem #17

Jun 032015

Escape XLS 2.5dohc

  • Automatic transmission
  • 35,900 miles

Found a puddle and wet section on the carpet at the latch in the back after a hard rain. At 35,900 miles, should never happen. Took it to my dealership where I purchased it, brand new in March 2012. After paying $95 to have it checked, was told it would cost $450 to have the back seal replaced. It was rotting. Very upset as the car is only 3 years old.

Other than that, I have never had any other major problems. This price is outrageous. I read that if it were about 20,000 miles, it would have been way below $100 to fix.

- summertime2012, Va. Beach, VA, US

problem #16

Jul 012014

Escape XLT 2.5L 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 83,000 miles

I only own this 2012 Escape because I got a great deal. Decent MPG, high mileage, but highway commuter miles, and only 2 years old.

I've worked on cars for almost 35 years, and for full disclosure, have driven Audi's exclusively for 25 years or so. What a rude awakening to US designed vehicles. (My 20 year old A4 with a 2.8 V6 gets better MPG)

I could bore you to tears with dialog, but I'll get to the point of this issue. The rear lift gate window design is flawed. (yeah I know, big secret).

There's actually two flaws, both of which will appear eventually. First is the issue folks have described where water will flow into the vehicle on the inside of the window glass. This is because the rubber seal surface presses against a black matte surface applied to the window glass to hide the edges. Common in modern vehicles, but not one which should be used to mate and seal with a rubber gasket. This matte surface is like 600 grit sandpaper which isn't a good mating surface and over time, a short time, degrades the surface of the seal. Also, for some reason, the matte surface grabs on to dirt and grit and glues them to itself, making the problem worse.

Now the fix issues are not expensive in the parts area but very labor intensive, which, if you're not doing it yourself, very, very costly. I'm sure Ford already knows what the issues are, but couldn't change the design ($$$) and dealers can't do ($$). The matte surface needs to be cleaned. Thoroughly. Plastic scrapers, polishing compound, finally rubbing alcohol.

Then the area where the seal presses against the window must all masked off, just like auto-body repair, and painted with a high quality gloss black paint. Has to cure at least 48 hours. Once done, make sure the seal is clean, hit with some Armor-All or silicone and close the window. It will squeak like new sneakers on a gym floor. That's what it's supposed to do. (Imagine that).

If you thought that was bad, the second issue is the mating of the seal to the sheet metal window frame itself. Problem is, it doesn't. Mate or seal. I can tell looking at the seal closely (You'll want to buy a new one), that Ford did it's best to make a good seal. But, alas, it doesn't work. At some point they put some sort of goo at the bottom of the seal that helps it stay in place, (and no doubt to try and fend off the leakage issue) but to no avail. Even if water is not running under the glass at the top, water will eventually invade behind the seal at the top, worm it's way within the seal cavity, build up, and find a way out - Into the interior of the vehicle. Ever have the wet carpet by the door and/or the puddle in the bowl section around the door latch? This is why.

Take a deep breath. You can get a new seal for $30-$40, and good silicone caulk for 5 bucks, but the devil's in the labor. Take down the window struts, unplug the wiring components, remove liftgate interior panels... Then there is laborious, meticulous cleaning that must be done to remove all the grime that came in with the water, and the goo that comes with the seal. (I used paint thinner)

After clean, I masked off the outer boundry of the seal seat (want to mark where this is while old seal still on the vehicle). This is so when you fill the seal cavity with silicone sealant and push it back in place, you can run a wet finger around the perimeter for a smooth finish. Yes, this is what has to be done, since the seal will fail if not sealed itself in place with silicone, and why your Ford dealer will never, ever, actually fix your problem. (Well, it was Ford's problem, but now you took it off their hands for 26 -30 grand). Let rest for at least 24 hours then button everything back up. Easy huh ? As eluded to in the first stanza, buy a clunker, use it for a few years, save your money, and buy a certified used Audi. They have the window seal thing down, and the engine doesn't sound like you're running a blender.

Cheers, Wundersmitty

- wundersmitty, Hollidaysburg, PA, US

problem #15

Jun 012013

Escape XLT 4.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 12,000 miles

I have taken this car back to the dealer twice. They cannot fix the leak so they need to replace the entire rear door. This issue is getting real old!

- Karen K., Lakewood, OH, US

problem #14

May 162014

Escape XLT 2.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 81,000 miles

Noticed the back window leaks and you would think that by 2012 their escape designs would be flawless against these kind of errors. do have to say keep in mind that it really isn't hurting anything like this, but eventually a new windshield wiper motor may be needed. reading other complaints it doesn't seem to be on their top list of things to do.

- Richard S., Norfolk, NE, US

problem #13

Mar 112014

Escape V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 35,920 miles

We purchased this 2012 Escape used in July of 2013 in WA state. I took it in for an oil change to a Ford dealership in western WA in December of 2012. Upon leaving, I mentioned to the service tech that the rear window seal looked a little off kilter and kept the window from closing all the way. He had a mechanic come out into the lot and "fix it" right there on the spot. No paperwork, no record of the "repair". Great. Seemed okay, until recent heavy February and March rains. Since the vehicle is quickly reaching the 36K bumper to bumper warranty expiration, I took the car back to that dealership and had them check that rear window seal again, because in February, I noticed the rear cargo area carpet was wet when I put groceries into the car. They had my car for 3 days to replace a blown speaker and to replace the rear window seal. I picked up my car late in the day on the 3rd day. The entire back cargo area rug was soaking wet, along with areas of the back seats and the rear seat carpeting under my mats. I wondered if they used a fire hose to "test" the seals after they "fixed" it? There was also a lot of small pieces of white debris (maybe caulk?) on the wet cargo area carpeting. As the dealership was about to close, I left as a very unhappy customer. I was outraged and will be calling them today. Per this website, I am seeing that this is an "unfixable" problem and I hope to find a remedy of some sort. I will pursue a lawyer if necessary, as others have done.

- Edie S., Mukilteo, WA, US

problem #12

Jun 152013

Escape V4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 20,000 miles

I bought my 2012 Ford Escape in March of that year. Within a year I noticed the back window was leaking as there were lines on the window that wouldn't clear with the wiper. Took back to Ford Dealer and they replaced the seal. A few months later it was leaking again (and the carpet in the back was wet), took back to ford, they replaced the seal again and also the Wiper motor as it was making a loud noise from getting water constantly running in to it. Then last week I noticed it leaking again, but this time, pouring in when I used the back windshield washer fluid. Also, it snowed and while driving to work it was melting down the back and pouring in my back window again. It is currently at the Ford dealership and I'm awaiting a resolution to this ongoing problem. I found this website because I wanted to see if others had this problem and now I see they do!

- angel lights, Absecon, NJ, US

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