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2013 Ford Escape

1910111214

Comments

  • nr7000nr7000 Member Posts: 6
    edited August 2013
    2013 Escape 1.6L SE FWD. Currently at 1400 miles.

    My escape was built in April 2013, so its a fairly recent build. I was hoping for the best, but I cannot say I am satisfied with its overall performance. There have been a few things I've been wondering about and I'd like to know if others have similar experiences.

    Transmission: At middling speeds (about 35mph), my Escape tends to ride like a bucking bronco! I'm exaggerating the magnitude of the sensation a bit, but my car shifts a LOT. Is this continuing variable transmission or something, or am I just too sensitive?

    I also experience a delayed response when going from "park" to "drive," and I feel like the car lurches a bit as possibly a result of this. I read about this happening to others in this thread, so I think I need to take it to the dealer.

    Front end vibration: when I come to a stop at stoplights, the front end of my car sometimes develops a distinct sort of vibration (with accompanying noise) that I can feel through the brake pedal. It seems fairly inconsequential, but it is still annoying -- especially so because this is not how I suspect it is normally supposed to be.

    Wipers: when I turn the car on, they jolt a little and then remain calm. I think this is weird. When I turn off the car, they jolt again and "settle in" though they were already not in use. What...is going on?

    Thanks for reading.
  • bogey235bogey235 Member Posts: 12
    I know there has been some front end problems.......strut bearings, etc. I am waiting on a part for my front end now. I am getting the noise but no vibration in the brake pedal. I have a 2013 2.0 Titanium.
  • asctonyasctony Member Posts: 46
    FYI - I read in local Detroit paper that new Update will be available for SYNC and MY Touch next week ~ 8/12 via Internet. In case someone is not familiar with download/install here is the link:
    http://support.ford.com/sync-technology/keep-your-vehicle-running-well-sync/down- load-software-updates-card

    Hope this helps.
  • cmunizcmuniz Member Posts: 604
    I just updated the Sync and MyTouch today with the latest software which is NOW available. It took me several tries to get it right since Ford kept telling me I didn't have Java even though my computer said I did. Eventually after several reboots it uploaded to the thumb drive and the installation to the 2013 Ford Escape w/navigation took about 15 minutes during which you have to keep the car running. Haven't tried it our yet, but will report any enhancements/problems after I use it a bit. The on-line directions are pretty straightforward and if you don't encounter any snags it should go quickly.
  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 19,250
    edited August 2013
    You can go to Java dot com to test your computer to see if it has Java and what version, and also download the most current version.
    Some cost money, but you can pick another one with less features.
    2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • asctonyasctony Member Posts: 46
    I just went to Support.Ford.com and clicked on Update Sync Software SYNC with Voice-Activated Navigation ? Gen1 - V4.1.2.F
    and got this display: Your SYNC is up-to-date! Now, you’re running the fastest, simplest and best version of SYNC.

    Where did you find the update and what version is it?
  • escapeti2013escapeti2013 Member Posts: 9
    I updated yesterday afternoon, and I've put on maybe 100 miles since then. I haven't noticed any major changes; it seems to be maybe a little bit quicker to respond overall, and the back-up camera now shows a little green/yellow/red box to indicate how close you are to an object. The display of RDS data on the main screen is also a bit improved -- it now shows the full song title and artist all the time, where I think it used to just show a few characters of one or the other.

    I haven't noticed any changes other than that. I'm assuming this update is mostly "under the hood" changes. Does anyone know what else has changed?
  • escapeti2013escapeti2013 Member Posts: 9
    I was able to find it via support.ford.com as you tried. When I logged in to support.ford.com there was an image/message that said "A new update for MyFord Touch is here!" Checking for updates yielded a notification that the update was available for download, and I was able to download it onto a USB drive and install on the system. I wonder if maybe Ford is staggering the release for some reason.
  • asctonyasctony Member Posts: 46
    Thanks for your post. I tried again and again it stated that my SYNC is up-to-date. So there was no update available for download. You might be right that they are staggering the release. Will check back again tomorrow.
    Thanks again.
  • cmunizcmuniz Member Posts: 604
    I'm @ dealer right now. Update totally screwed up my display. Lost Sirius subscription and Nav. Nothing works as it should. More later.
  • cmunizcmuniz Member Posts: 604
    Well - the diagnosis from the Sync specialist at the dealer service dept. is that i need a new APM module since my navigation and Sirius radio have been disabled and my 4 section screen has been scrambled so it doesn't make sense anymore. About the only things that work are the back-up camera, compass and temp readings. Not even my phone will work.

    I may have found what happened by talking to the customer sync specialist at the showroom that helps users with routine problems. He printed out a whole series of instructions for doing the update which I didn't find on https://support.ford.com/ when I did the update. Apparently I took the thumb drive out before the update finish installing on the vehicle. Since it runs for about 30 mins I waited for a few minutes when it started and it showed a status bar with a dialogue that said 1 of 4 programs ,etc. When I returned about 20 mins later all that it showed was the 4 part screen. I waited a while and nothing changed so I thought it was finished. It is not finished until you get the final message that says to press "OK".

    My advise is to find and print the instructions before you start or to at least wait until the system tells you it is finished before taking out the thumb drive.

    Hard lesson to learn, but I hope nobody else repeats it. I tried re-installing the update, but it wouldn't let me after I got back from the dealer.
  • escapeismescapeism Member Posts: 39
    Wow, when I updated my Titanium, at the very beginning it says on screen and the voice tells you that the update it not finished until the "OK" and "complete" stuff comes up. Even the instructions on Sync My ride say the very same thing. Best of luck in modern life.
  • asctonyasctony Member Posts: 46
    Thanks for the info. I still cannot download any update. I have only SYNC and not My Touch. I assume that may make a difference since my car still shows when I log on that my SYNC is up-to-date. Do you have just SYNC or MY Touch? Hope you get the problem fixed.
  • cmunizcmuniz Member Posts: 604
    Both!
  • automelon48automelon48 Member Posts: 105
    Recently updated My Ford Touch to Gen2 3.6.2 that was just released.
    Did it myself without any issues. I just plugged in my USB stick in the console and the installation started itself. I just followed any instructions given by the system and everything was easy.

    FYI, the improvements listed on the upgrade are published as follows.

    "The latest SYNC® update includes all of the improvements from previous updates, plus additional benefits, such as:
    •Information display on the homescreen for HD, Sirius (if equipped), and FM radio sources
    •Simplified graphics and improved usability
    •Enhanced voice destination entry for SD Card Navigation (if equipped)
    •Improved Navigation vehicle positioning (if equipped)
    •Rear view camera guidelines set to ON by default (if equipped)
    •Updated SYNC/device compatibility information"

    As stated earlier, most of the improvements are "behind the scenes" but you will see a few obvious things as well.

    One of the features that I now have (got back) is the ability to text through the MFT system. I had this ability 6-months ago, but it disappeared at some point, whether it was my BB phone or an earlier MFT upgrade, I can't say for sure. In any case, glad to have it back.

    No issues thus far with new system. Only used it for a few days.
  • lateralglateralg Member Posts: 929
    Can BLIS be disabled so it isn't re-enabled wfter re-start?
  • automelon48automelon48 Member Posts: 105
    Considering that this is a safety feature, I am pretty sure this is something the dealer would have to do. (if they can even do it) There might be paperwork involved as well. ???
  • lateralglateralg Member Posts: 929
    "this is a safety feature"

    We could argue that, which would probably de-rail this thread.
  • tim156tim156 Member Posts: 308
    edited August 2013
    It's as much a safety feature as a convex mirror. Once you get used to how it works, it's as good as a convex.
    I don't understand why someone would want to disable it. If you don't like it, place a small convex mirror in the upper left corner, that's where the non BLIS spot mirror is anyway. Other options, swap out the mirror glass, or don't buy a car with the BLIS feature.
  • printerman1printerman1 Member Posts: 68
    I noted on 2013 escape they eliminated bumpers, cabin is smaller. As compared to my 2011, I have more room, window space. Now we are noting the 2014 is returning to the old station wagon scenerio, just smaller. Your thought?
  • escapeti2013escapeti2013 Member Posts: 9
    What do you mean by "the 2014 is returning to the old station wagon scenerio"?

    Someone posted the list of additions/deletions/changes between the 2013 and 2014 models a while back; to the best of my knowledge, hardly anything is changing between the 2013 and 2014 models.
  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 19,250
    There are several items that are newly optional on not available in the 2014 Titanium, vs the 2013.
    Lincoln is rumored to be coming out with a model based on the Escape, so maybe they are trying to create some separation.
    Good deal for those who bought 2013 Titanium's.
    2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • cmunizcmuniz Member Posts: 604
    One last post on my Sync update experience. The module ordered by the dealer arrived and I made another appointment with the Sync specialist that comes to the dealership 3 times a week for 4 hours each time. He installed the software in about 2 hours and gave me the car back. When I got in nothing worked as it should and the screen was still "scrambled". I gave it back to him right then and in another 30 minutes he gave it back to me working properly. I felt really dumb for screwing up the update in the first place, but I must say I didn't feel so bad after the specialist screwed it up his first time, too. I still think the potential for failure is rather high considering that customers are buying cars, not windows-based computers. My IMac and IPhone update seamlessly time after time.
  • lateralglateralg Member Posts: 929
    The option that's worked for me for 20+ years is proper aiming of outside mirrors.

    I would not tell anyone that it's safe to change lanes if the BLIS light isn't on. In fact, the 2013 Escape Owners' manual implies that by stating that driver should look back over shoulder before changing lanes. That scares me.

    Tim, please keep an open mind on this. If interested, I can send you info. on how to properly aim outside mirrors, including evidence of how good proper aim is.
  • tim156tim156 Member Posts: 308
    edited August 2013
    I assure you, I know how to adjust and use my mirrors. Since 1972 I have driven box trucks, garbage trucks, stake trucks and 40' and 60' transit buses.
    I don't need to have any opinion other than my own, BLIS works fine for me, if it doesn't for you, so be it, go with a spot mirror or no mirror at all, I could care less what you do. You posted a question on a forum and I answered and gave an opinion. Regardless if you use a spot mirror or BLIS, it's always a good practice to look over your shoulder, I don't think the manual implies it, it suggests it.
  • southtxsouthtx Member Posts: 14
    Regarding the latest SYNC update (3.6)...

    Specific question is does this update change the intensity of the graphics display? I remember reading somewhere about earlier issues Edge owners (I think) were having with an update that 'dumbed down' the display. We've had a lot of trouble with the SYNC/MFT in two previous versions, and are currently at 3.4something from Dec '12. Haven't had any major blips since then, and I'm very hesitant to download anything new just so the temperature display shows up somewhere else. At this point, we're not broken... but we HAVE been before and I really don't want to go there again unless there's some real benefit.

    Thanks for any help...
  • bogey235bogey235 Member Posts: 12
    I did my update last night. Had no problems. The first thing I noticed was the temperature is gone again on the display. It used to not be there, the update in June put it there, and the recent update removed it again. Have not noticed much else as of yet.
  • lateralglateralg Member Posts: 929
    Whatever ...
  • tim156tim156 Member Posts: 308
    My thoughts exactly.
  • mikeqtmikeqt Member Posts: 9
    Don't trust ford with any update. Wait 3-4 months then check to see how bad they screwed it up.! Consider it at that time if it still looks safe.
  • automelon48automelon48 Member Posts: 105
    After reading your post about the lost temperature display I went out to look at mine. I still have a temp display. Not sure how this could be different from one vehicle to another.
    My vehicle is a 2013 Escape SEL (built in Oct 2012) with MFT and virtually all the electronic goodies. I put in the new firmware a week or so ago and so far it seems to be only positive changes.
  • gdr2gdr2 Member Posts: 1
    I have essentially the same car. 2.0 ltr AWD. starting with about 8500 mile on the odometer. I was just on an extended road trip and even though much of the driving was across the Rockies and back I got between 27 and 28 mpg. the average speed would be about 60-62 mph, with some intown driving on route.

    Around town at home I have been getting about 24.5 but then I'm not in a huge urban area. I do notice that when the gas companies switch over to winter gas the mileage drops by about 2 mpg.

    Love the car and the last update that just came out for the My Touch system solved the niggly little problems that bugged me such as the guide lines disappearing on the back-up camera.
  • morey000morey000 Member Posts: 384
    A lincoln escape? that might be an interesting product. I've been looking at the escape now for a year, and have liked it's combination of style, size, fuel economy and tech. But- test drove one this week. nice vehicle, but I'm looking for a more comfortable ride (guess I'm getting old) and a higher end/more lux interior. So, I'm not buying an escape. Now let's see if Ford (or, uh Lincoln) can create a competitor to an X3 or Q5.

    There's not much out there in the way of a smaller SUV that has a luxury feel. It's as if luxury only comes with size. (the buick encore is just too tiny and underpowered, but they did move in that direction)
  • macusermacuser Member Posts: 23
    WOW! Unbelievablle mileage at 44.5 mpg! Which engine, 1.6 or 2.0? and is it Front wheel drive or 4 wheel drive?
  • cmunizcmuniz Member Posts: 604
    Just finished a 3,000 mile trip from Texas to the Michigan UP and averaged just under 28 mpg for the trip. The mileage is very speed sensitive. Traveling at 75 mph we got between 25 and 27 mpg. Traveling at 60-65 we got around 28 mpg. On the back roads going about 58 mph we were able to get up to 30.2 mpg, that was the best of the entire trip. We have the 2.0T.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Hey, that's my (current) neck of the woods. You get up to Copper Harbor or over to the Soo? Funny, I was in Texas a couple of weeks ago, doing a legal 75 on some of your back roads.
  • cmunizcmuniz Member Posts: 604
    Spent a week in Munising. Went up thru Madison and Milwaukee, Green Bay and came back down from Marquette, Stevens Point and Des Moines. Back road driving was mostly done in the UP and Wisconsin roads like N, X, L, etc.......
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    "Ford is recalling 139,917 2013 Ford Escape SUVs equipped with 1.6-liter engines in the U.S. after reports of engine fires, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

    Owners can contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332.

    Edmunds says: If you own one of the aforementioned Ford Escapes and notice a problem, the best thing is to get it into your dealership immediately, since these new recalls are about eight weeks away."

    2013 Ford Escape Recalled for Fire Risks
  • tinycadontinycadon Member Posts: 287
    The HOTTEST selling SUV in America, the Ford Fire Escape!
  • tobasco27tobasco27 Member Posts: 2
    Thanks for the update on the recall - crazy. My Escape is a company car for one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world. I'm amazed that they didn't switch at least the engine to the 2.0, if not another car altogether. Oh well, another day at the dealer!

    Thanks, again.
  • Sandman6472Sandman6472 Member Posts: 6,952
    Looking at a slightly used 2014 SE with 1830 miles. Going in again in the morning. Should I really do this? hearing some bad things about the 1.6 engine and MyFord sync system that I am getting cold feet here. thinking I just might move away and wait for the Buick Verano I am seriously considering as I didn't love the Encore, it was just o k. Love the Escape really but do not want to make a mistake here. My neighbor down the street has one and likes it so far, it's his provided work vehicle from fleet sales and he showed me it all. Good to hear some positive things because online here, all I seem to see is negative and that's not good!! I want no drama, none and am used to that foreign experience that I'm not sure I want to go domestic but willing to give it a shot. So please folks, tell me now before I commit...sorry for the short notice here but with this particular unit, I don't have the necessary time. But if it sells before I can make a deal, it wasn't meant to be so I will move on. There are many other small utes for me to test as I did like the ergonomics of the Mitsu Outlander Sport and would think they would be dealing this time of year. Their market share is so small that sure they'd love to sell as many as possible, and they might even have some good financing right now also. Like the Subaru offerings but not sure I really need...or want all wheel drive. Want quality but decent mileage figures in a well put together rig be it a small ute or compact sedan...I want it all with no drama what so ever. Can the Ford deliver? Just not sure here!

    The Sandman :) :sick: :shades:

    2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2015 Golf TSI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)

  • bogey235bogey235 Member Posts: 12
    We bought a 2013 Titanium with the 2.0 engine. We have not had any recalls and have had no trouble with the MyFord Sync either. We love the vehicle. After hearing of all of the issues with the 1.6 engine we were real happy we had the 2.0.
  • Sandman6472Sandman6472 Member Posts: 6,952
    What issues?? I have put the purchase off because of doubts now. I don't want the vehicle for the price they want me to pay though it is a good price according to Truecar.com.

    The Sandman

    2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2015 Golf TSI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)

  • mikeqtmikeqt Member Posts: 9
    Stay as far away from the ford escape as you can!
    In the past 15 years I have not seen the inside of a repair garage for a warranty issue, but since I bought my escape in Feb 2013 I have spent more than 50 hours waiting for warranty repairs. This does not include the 3 times I was given a rental car because it could not be repaired in one day.
    Major issuses;
    Tailgate rubbing on rear bumper and rattling. In 3 times for this defect.
    Major problems with Nav. In more then 5 times for this defect.
    Wiring harness under hood defective splice. Engine won't run, took 3 hours to repair. Also occured 4 times but service center could not pin point the reason.
    I'm going for a buy back or I will send Ford a certified letter so I can use the lemon law. I must have at least 4 attempts to repair and I have 5.
    There are many more issues but too many to list!
    Worst car I have owned since GM bought back my 1987 Camero under the lemon law.
  • automelon48automelon48 Member Posts: 105
    Sandman, The 1.6 engine has had at least a few recalls since it came out. Some earlier versions of Sync were too buggy, but that is a free upgrade if you have an older one.
    The 2.0 AWD seems to have a fair number of complaints with city gas mileage.
    I have more than a year on my 2.0 SEL FWD with all options and I am very pleased with it. I am getting the EPA estimate for my vehicle as long as I drive it light-footed. These Ecoboost engines are so strong that it is easy to use more HP (fuel) that you might realize. I have no regrets with mine. No unscheduled visits to the dealership for mine.
  • Sandman6472Sandman6472 Member Posts: 6,952
    Have decided to not purchase at this time actually...too many doubts though they came down over $1k to my price which bothered me also...they were actually trying to screw me from the start here...I hate games like this! Nice vehicle, but not for us, as the wife hated it and said she would never drive it. And lastly...it's a Ford! Enough said...when push came to shove, I just couldn't buy a Ford product after years of great foreign vehicles, they are just not in the same league!

    The Sandman

    2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2015 Golf TSI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)

  • lisa147lisa147 Member Posts: 1
    My 2013 SE has no heat. I took it to my dealer who took it to the Ford dealership and they said there is nothing wrong with it. What is my next step in getting this repaired?
  • Sandman6472Sandman6472 Member Posts: 6,952
    Went with this instead of the Escape SE and like the engine so much better. like the looks of the escape a bit more as it does look a bit more rugged but all the extras made me go with the Tuscon. it's a few inches shorter which is better for me but never realized that they are both tall vehicles. Liked the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport also, a lot, but didn't care for the CVT tranny though everything else was top notch and that Rockford Fosgate audio was pretty sweet! And could've gotten all three for the same price that I paid for the Hyundai, which I found interesting but hey, it was the end of the month on a long holiday weekend and they all wanted to move another vehicle. One thing I did notice, of the three stores, the Hyundai place had the most activity and sold the most vehicles that day...every desk had buyers in them while the other two stores were pretty empty besides me and another customer. Even the pouring rain had no effect on us Hyundai buyers. Just something I did notice.
    I should've looked at the escape with the 2.5 engine as I ended up with the 2.4 in the Tuscon, it was the only one offered with the SE package even though I really wanted the 2.0 engine. The extras were just too hard to pass up.

    The Sandman :) :sick: :shades:

    2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2015 Golf TSI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)

  • maniac4maniac4 Member Posts: 41
    edited December 2013
    FORD has successfully put me into bankrupcy after a
    A rotten 2012 focus.....rid of
    A 2013 escape with rod knock, .......volutarilary returned.
    I now use a public bus
    Are you sure you want a new ford ,

    As soon as possible i need to get a good used car.
    F-ORD!...........never ever again in my lifetime.
    Thank you ford for screwing up my life rotten company should be burned down.
    Thank you ford for giving me trash for new cars.
    burn in hell ford.
  • Sandman6472Sandman6472 Member Posts: 6,952
    After what I read about others complaints, I walked away as fast as I could with my cane! Out of all the small utes, the Escape is the nicest looking but that's where it ends...nothing really compelled me to buy it. If it had the 2.5 engine, I might have thought about it but the 1.6 turbo, no way in hell! Sorry about your difficulties with Ford...they should make you whole again somehow, some way.

    The Sandman

    2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2015 Golf TSI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)

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