For the first 7 years, I parked my 2013 Escape in a garage and never had a wiring issue. When my son came home from college, I gave him my spot in the garage and parked in the driveway. During COVID, I was also working from home and using the car infrequently, so it sat in the driveway for a few days at a time between uses. Finally, when I started seeing an issue with getting into gear and power issues, it was too late. I looked under hood and sure enough, the squirrels in my yard had built a nest in my engine and chewed through insulation on my transmission wires. I was able to get the car to limp into my mechanic's garage to diagnose, he shared with my the problem, which is the soy based insulation that the Ford uses in these wiring cables. Now 3 years later I am on assignment in Washington, DC, and the local rats have done the same thing. This is not an isolated issue as multiple Ford vehicles have the same problem and there is no recall on these defective cables and harnesses. Is this what they mean by being "Ford Tough". This will probably run me another $2000 to fix, unless Ford want to admin this is a faulty component. Is there an aftermarket solution to replacing these wires?

Car would stall intermittently. Told dealer about recall and they fixed for free. Now, same problem has returned with different symptoms. Code P0236 sets but will not store. Shutting off engine and restarting fixes temporarily until next time it happens. TSB 13-12-12 is recommended for this code which looks like same splice location that was repaired before.

Now it is my problem and will have to pay only if dealer can get symptoms to act up. It never does for them. I'm going to request they give me the kit for free and I will do the repair myself. Then it will get done correctly. I was ASE certified for 25 years until my back went out.

Update from Sep 2, 2021: Same problem occurred again at about 47000 this year. Ford would not honor a 2nd recall, so I tested and fixed myself. I inspected the splices first, figuring a half ass job, but they were done well. I disconnected boost sensor wire and connector B in ECM/TCM box. The wire had good continuity. But the pins at ECM were rusty. The plastic case was warped and is in front of left wheel well (great place for electrical). So I plugged and unplugged 6 times, duct taped the case with a gaping hole from war-page, and no problems since.

Who puts the most critical computer in front of a wheel well? If they had added 2 more bolts at top of case, it would have never warped and stayed water tight.

Our 2013 Ford Escape SEL 2.0 has been a nightmare to own from day one. The latest recall #14s17, engine wiring harness splice, came two years too late. Just look at the recall list and this is only what they are forced to report on so far. Ford has been fully aware of the issues owners of Ford products are having but seem overwhelmed and unable to effectively address them.

DO NOT MESS AROUND WITH FORD!! Document everything and sue them. Ford, and others do not care about your safety! This becomes readily apparent when you call their customer service and visit their dealers' service departments. They only understand when it affects their sales and costs them money. If your Ford has become dangerous to drive, have it towed at their expense, get demo to drive, etc.I have sued them so far for $15,000 and have gotten paid by a lemon law lawyer. To those that are thinking of buying their product, beware, you are in for an experience. Corporate greed has taken over our auto industry. I recommend buying a quality foreign car until this gets addressed and research before you buy. If you already own one as we do, I am sorry, I feel your pain. Get rid of it before someone you love gets hurt by driving it!