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How Long Do Ford Escapes Last? The Scoop on Vehicle Longevity

in Reliability
Black Ford Escape

Source: Pixabay

The Ford Escape is a compact crossover SUV sold by Ford for two decades. It’s a competitive small SUV offering traditional and hybrid versions. If you’re interested in purchasing a Ford Escape, you might be curious about the lifespan. You might wonder - how long do Ford Escapes last in a typical lifespan?

Longevity is one of the most critical parts of investing in a new vehicle. If a car won’t last very long, there is little point in investing in it for your life. Ford has made some excellent cars - but how does the Ford Escape stack up? Read on to learn more about the lifespan of a Ford Escape, what is considered high mileage for a Ford Escape, and other valuable information.

How Many Miles Does the Ford Escape Last?

How long do Ford Escapes last? According to vehiclehistory.com, the earliest versions of the Ford Fusion can last up to 300,000 miles. However, the newer versions would be lucky to make it nearly 200,000 miles. It’s a decent vehicle, but only the hybrid option is reliable in the models produced past 2013.

According to autotailor.com, here are some items that can impact the lifespan of your Ford Escape:

  • How gently you treat your vehicle
  • Unnecessary speeding and slamming on the brakes
  • Whether you drive in cold or hot weather

Think about these items before driving your Ford Escape.

The more work you put into your Ford Escape, the longer it will last. Ensure you provide proper maintenance when it’s necessary and keep an eye out for issues as they appear. If you notice a break or any damage, address it sooner rather than later to prevent these troubles from getting much worse.

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What Is High Mileage for the Ford Escape?

We’ve mentioned that a Ford Escape can last anywhere from 200,000-300,000 miles with proper maintenance. High mileage for the older versions would be around 250,000 miles, while high mileage for the newer versions would be closer to 150,000 miles. These put them very close to experiencing serious issues.

However, high mileage on a Ford Escape doesn’t always mean you should avoid it. If you find a pre-2013 model or a hybrid from recent years with more mileage, it’s still worth the investment. You might be able to get a few good years out of them for a much more affordable price point than other versions.

What Is a Good Mileage for a Ford Escape?

It’s helpful to determine what’s good mileage for the Ford Escape before investing in it. How long should the Escape be able to drive before encountering serious issues? In the pre-2013 versions and hybrid models, the Escape should be able to make it about 300,000 miles before serious error. In the newer versions, it will only make it to about 200,000 miles.

Those who have longer commutes will reach the end of the vehicle’s life much faster, shortening the predicted lifespan. Those who work from home will be able to rack up more time in their car.

Ensure you keep maintenance in mind when owning a Ford Escape. Take it in for routine checks and changes and act on issues as soon as they appear to avoid pricey complications down the line.

Should I Buy a Used Ford Escape with More Than 100k?

How long do Ford Escapes last? It’s helpful to know this information, but it can still be overwhelming to sort through a used car lot only to find that every vehicle option has at least 100k miles on it. Should you purchase a Ford Escape with this mileage on it? Is it worth it if it costs much less than other selections?

If you notice a Ford Escape with more than 100,000 miles, it’s best to stay away from the vehicle. Unfortunately, Ford Escapes haven’t had a great track record. You should not invest in an Escape with this extensive mileage, and you should look for a different Ford option if possible.

At What Mileage Do Most Fords Break Down?

When examining the lifespan of a Ford Escape, it’s always a good idea to look at the typical lifespan of a Ford. This number will determine if Ford cars are worth it and how the Ford Escape stacks up against other options manufactured by Ford.

According to getjerry.com, most Fords will last around 200,000 miles. While the earlier versions of the Escape lasted for more than this average, the newest versions barely come close to that number.

THE BEST USED SUVS UNDER $10,000

We looked into price, reliability, features, and more to create this list of the best used SUVs under $10k on the market today. Take a look - some of the best used SUVs have gone mostly overlooked or forgotten. 

Common Ford Escape Issues

Several issues are rampant in the Ford Escape. It’s helpful to understand troubles before investing to know what you should prepare for as an owner.

According to motorbiscuit.com, here are the most common Ford Escape issues reported by drivers and owners of the Ford Escape:

  • Ignition misfires: Ford Escape owners often report rough idling, power loss, and misfires, especially during acceleration. These ignition misfires can decrease engine performance, elevate exhaust emissions, and potentially harm the catalytic converter. Common causes include worn spark plugs, defective ignition coils, or fuel system issues, with possible vacuum leaks or compression problems also contributing.
  • Check engine light and hesitation or stumbling while driving: Escape drivers might see the check engine light and experience acceleration issues like hesitation or jerking. These problems could arise from issues like defective sensors, fuel system troubles, or transmission glitches. Overlooking these symptoms risks severe engine or transmission damage, higher fuel use, and expensive repairs.
  • Internal transfer case problems on four-wheel-drive models: Four-wheel-drive Escape owners struggled with grinding sounds, challenges in shifting drive modes, or unexpected disengagement from four-wheel drive. Such problems typically originate from wear or damage inside the transfer case, which could result from insufficient lubrication, extensive use in tough conditions, or factory flaws. Issues with the transfer case can affect the vehicle’s control and safety, especially on challenging terrains. Unresolved, these could culminate in total transfer case breakdown, requiring costly replacement.

These appear most often in the Ford Escape on the move.

These might appear in any year of the Ford Escape, from the worst to the best years. However, they are most likely to come to life in the newer years with extensive mileage and a lack of proper care from the previous owners.

THE BEST USED LUXURY CARS ON THE MARKET

Buying a used or CPO luxury car is one of the smartest buys you can make - you can get a lot of car for not much money. You can pick up a three-year-old luxury car for about half of what you’d pay new. Check out this list of the best used luxury cars on the market to find the best deals. 

Final Thoughts

How long do Ford Escapes last? Overall, there are two approximate life spans for the Ford Escape. The pre-2013 versions and hybrid models can last up to 300,000 miles, while those from after 2013 will only last around 200,000 miles. If you decide the Ford Escape is for you, ensure you properly maintain it to keep it in the best shape and to keep breaks at bay.

We hope this information is valuable! The more you know about the Ford Escape, the wiser a choice you can make for your next vehicle. Although the Ford Escape has some decent years with extended lifespans, you’ll be better off picking another Ford selection if longevity is what matters most to you.

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