# Ford Escape 2013–2019 Pre-Purchase Checklist | CarCaseFile

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> Printable pre-purchase inspection checklist for the 2013–2019 Ford Escape: the generation-specific checks that separate a good one from someone else's problem.

Case file · FORD-ESCAPE-2013-2019 · Field document

# Ford Escape 2013–2019 · Pre-purchase checklist

Bring this to the inspection. Every check below is specific to this generation's documented failure modes, not generic used-car advice.

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Check 01

Identify the engine first. 2.5L (non-turbo) is lowest-risk; 1.6L EcoBoost is highest-risk. Open the cap and check for the engine code.

Check 02

On any EcoBoost: check the coolant reservoir level and look for unexplained coolant loss, white/sweet-smelling exhaust, or a rough cold idle. Those are the coolant-intrusion tells.

Check 03

Run the VIN through NHTSA and a Ford dealer for open recalls. Early 1.6L cars had multiple fire-related recalls; confirm the fixes were performed.

Check 04

Test-drive at highway speed and feel for a shimmy/shudder around 40–55 mph and on light throttle. That's classic 6F35 torque-converter shudder.

Check 05

Force a few stop-and-go shifts; harsh banging, slipping, or hesitation points to a failing transmission.

Check 06

Check that all four doors latch firmly. A generation-wide door-latch recall covered pawl-spring breakage that let doors pop open.

Check 07

Confirm the power steering feels normal at all speeds; EPAS (electric power steering) failure is a common, ~$1,500 complaint on these.

Walk-away signals

2013 (worst year: engine-fire recalls + transmission failures) · 2014 (transmission failures peak ~70k mi) · Any 1.6L EcoBoost unless coolant-intrusion history is documented clean

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