# Used Ford Escape: Common Problems and Which Years to Buy > What to check on a used Escape or Kuga, what a problem looks like, and when to walk away. Covers: Kuga TE (2012–2013), Kuga TF (2013–2016), Escape ZG (2016–2019), Escape ZH (2020–2025). Last updated: 2 November 2026. Web page: https://shufti.com.au/checklists/used-ford-escape-inspection-checklist. Printable PDF: https://shufti.com.au/checklists/used-ford-escape-inspection-checklist.pdf. ## Common Problems on a Used Ford Escape The most commonly reported problems on a used Ford Escape, sold as the Kuga until 2016, are coolant leaking into the engine on 1.5-litre turbo petrols, shudder from the automatic gearbox at low speed, and recalls on the plug-in hybrid. Also check the service history and any warning lights. ### Coolant Leaking Into the Engine On Escapes with the 1.5-litre turbo petrol, owners report coolant leaking into the cylinders. It shows up as coolant that keeps dropping with no leak you can see, and in time it can cause misfires, overheating and serious engine damage. With the engine cold, check the coolant is at its mark and ask how often it gets topped up. On a cold start, white exhaust smoke that smells sweet, or a rough idle, is a warning sign. Watch the temperature gauge on the drive. Ask whether the engine or cylinder head has been repaired or replaced, with receipts. A car that's losing coolant needs a mechanic's check before you buy. ### Automatic Gearbox Shudder at Low Speed Owners of later Escapes report the automatic gearbox shuddering or vibrating at low speed, often when pulling away or creeping in traffic. On the test drive, pull away gently several times and drive in stop-start traffic if you can. The car should move off smoothly, with no shudder, flare in the revs or clunks between gears. Ask whether the gearbox has had software updates or repairs, with receipts. If it shudders on your drive, have a mechanic check it or price it into your offer. ### Plug-In Hybrid Recalls The Escape plug-in hybrid (PHEV) has had recalls, including for an engine fault that could cause a fire and for software that could shift it into neutral while driving ([AustralianCar.Reviews](https://www.australiancar.reviews/recalls-faults-ford-cx482-escape-2019/), [Vehicle Recalls](https://www.vehiclerecalls.gov.au/recalls/rec-005991)). Run the VIN through the government's recall search and ask for proof every recall was done. On the test drive, watch the dash for hybrid system warnings. Don't buy a PHEV with recall work still outstanding until the dealer has done it. Recall repairs are free, but a car that's had engine failure may still have damage. ## Which Ford Escape Years to Avoid? No single Ford Escape year stands out as one to avoid. Newer ones usually have fewer kilometres and less wear. Whatever the year, a car's condition, service history and recalls tell you more than its build date, and Shufti looks up the reported faults and recalls for the exact car from its listing. - **Kuga TE (2012–2013).** 13 to 14 years old, typically about 160,000–180,000 km. ANCAP rating: [5 stars (2011) for Trend and Titanium variants](https://www.ancap.com.au/safety-ratings/ford/kuga/bfe6ed). Stability control is standard. At this age, condition and history count for more than the year: look hard for rust, worn suspension and leaks, and check whether a timing belt (if it has one) has been replaced. - **Kuga TF (2013–2016).** 10 to 13 years old, typically about 130,000–160,000 km. ANCAP rating: [5 stars (2013)](https://www.ancap.com.au/safety-ratings/ford/kuga/d1a4f1). Stability control is standard. AEB is on some variants. At this age, condition and history count for more than the year: look hard for rust, worn suspension and leaks, and check whether a timing belt (if it has one) has been replaced. - **Escape ZG (2016–2019).** 7 to 10 years old, typically about 90,000–130,000 km. ANCAP rating: [5 stars (2017) for cars built from 2017](https://www.ancap.com.au/safety-ratings/ford/escape/72d971). Stability control is standard. AEB is on some variants. Most have done enough kilometres for wear items to come due: check the service history for regular servicing, and whether tyres, brakes and the battery need replacing. - **Escape ZH (2020–2025).** 1 to 6 years old, typically about 10,000–80,000 km. ANCAP rating: [5 stars (2019) until it expired in December 2025](https://www.ancap.com.au/safety-ratings/ford/escape/f5449d). Stability control and AEB are standard. Most have done enough kilometres for wear items to come due: check the service history for regular servicing, and whether tyres, brakes and the battery need replacing. Ford's new-car warranty is 5 years with unlimited kilometres for cars sold from May 2018 (7 years for cars first sold from September 2026 and serviced on time only at Ford dealers), so ones first sold from 2021 may still be covered. Kilometres are at the Australian average of about 12,600 km a year. Well above that means harder use; well below, ask why. Warranty terms are from [Ford's warranty page](https://www.ford.com.au/support/how-tos/warranty/warranties-and-coverage/what-is-the-new-vehicle-warranty), as at November 2026, for private buyers. The warranty runs from when the car was first sold or registered, which the service book shows. ## Ford Escape General Inspection Guide A guide to checking for Ford Escape problems, built on the [used car buying checklist](https://shufti.com.au/checklists/australian-used-car-inspection-checklist) for any car. It can't cover every problem reported across its years in one viewing. Tick it if it's fine. Cross it if it isn't, and note what you found so you can price it into your offer. - Safety critical: Affects how safely it drives or protects you in a crash. Best to have a mechanic check it before you buy. - Negotiate: Costs money to fix, from wear to major repairs. Get a quote and take it off the price. ### Exterior - [ ] **Rust.** Check wheel arches, sills and the bottom edge of the tailgate for bubbling paint or rust spots. Rust starting at a seam usually means water has been sitting there for years. Bubbling under paint near a seam points to trapped moisture. (Negotiate) - [ ] **Windscreen.** Look across the windscreen for chips or cracks, and check the area behind the mirror where a camera may sit is undamaged. A camera-equipped screen costs far more to replace and needs recalibrating. (Negotiate) - [ ] **Tailgate.** Open and close the tailgate, powered or manual, and check it moves smoothly and holds its position without sagging or dropping. A powered tailgate that stalls partway usually needs new struts or a motor. (Negotiate) - [ ] **Towbar wiring.** If a towbar is fitted, check the wiring plug and socket for corrosion and test the trailer light connection if possible. Corroded pins mean trailer lights may fail without warning. (Negotiate) ### Under the Bonnet - [ ] **Engine oil.** Pull the dipstick and check the oil sits between the marks and looks brown, not black or gritty. A low level between services can mean the engine is burning oil. (Negotiate) - [ ] **Coolant level.** Check the coolant reservoir is at its mark and the coolant looks clean, not milky or oily on top. Coolant that drops without a visible leak can be seeping into the engine internally. (Negotiate) - [ ] **Battery.** Look for a date sticker on the battery and check terminals are clean, free of white crust and tight. A battery over four or five years old is near the end of its life. (Negotiate) - [ ] **Cold start.** Start the engine from cold and listen for it settling to a smooth idle within a few seconds, with no smoke or rattle. A rattle or puff of smoke on cold start can point to an engine problem. (Negotiate) ### Underbody and Wheels - [ ] **Tyres.** Check all four tyres are above the wear bars, worn evenly and roughly matched in age and brand. AWD models need four matching tyres, as mismatched ones strain the AWD system. (Negotiate) - [ ] **Exhaust shield.** Crouch down and look under the car for a missing or hanging heat shield around the exhaust. A rattling or missing shield points to corrosion or a previous knock. (Negotiate) - [ ] **AWD driveline.** AWD: look underneath for oil weeping from the rear axle or driveshaft area. A leaking rear differential is an expensive repair on AWD models. (Negotiate) - [ ] **Underbody rust.** Look under the car for rust on the floor or around the suspension mounts, and for bent metal or fresh welds. A patch of new coating among otherwise dirty metal can hide crash repair. (Safety critical) ### Interior and Electrics - [ ] **Warning lights.** Turn the key or push start without starting the engine, and check every dash light comes on then goes out once running. An airbag or brake warning that stays lit needs explaining before you buy. (Safety critical) - [ ] **Seatbelts.** Pull each seatbelt out fully and let it retract, checking it latches firmly and shows no fraying. Fraying webbing means the belt may not hold in a crash. (Safety critical) - [ ] **Infotainment.** Turn on the touchscreen and check it responds, connects to Bluetooth and shows the reversing camera clearly. A screen that freezes or won't pair can be costly to replace or repair. (Negotiate) - [ ] **PHEV charge port.** PHEV: open the charge port flap and check the latch and cover seal are intact with no cracking or water staining inside. A damaged seal lets water into the charging electronics. (Negotiate) ### Test Drive - [ ] **Automatic gearbox shudder.** Drive from a stop and through normal gear changes, feeling for any shudder or vibration at low speed. Judder at low speed is a warning sign of an ageing automatic nearing failure. (Negotiate) - [ ] **DCT clutch judder.** Dual-clutch: pull away gently from a stop several times and feel for shuddering or hesitation before it settles into drive. Shuddering on take-off often means contaminated clutch fluid or worn clutch packs. (Negotiate) - [ ] **Brakes.** Brake firmly from a safe speed and check the car stops straight with a firm pedal and no grinding or squealing. A high-pitched squeal on every stop usually means pads or rotors need replacing soon. (Safety critical) - [ ] **PHEV electric drive.** PHEV: pull away on electric power alone and feel for the petrol engine joining in smoothly, with no surging or warning lights. Jerky handover between electric and petrol power can mean a hybrid system fault. (Negotiate) ### Documentation - [ ] **Service history.** Check the logbook is stamped on time with matching receipts, with extra servicing if the car has towed or done dirt roads. Gaps in the history can hide deferred maintenance. (Negotiate) - [ ] **PHEV battery warranty.** PHEV: ask the seller for any hybrid battery health reports and check how much of the separate battery warranty period remains. - [ ] **Roadworthy certificate.** Confirm a current roadworthy certificate is supplied if your state requires one on sale, and that its details match the car. ## Stay Safe Never go under a car held up only by a jack, and never open the radiator or coolant cap on a hot engine. Keep hands, hair and loose clothing clear of fans and belts when the engine is running, and do checks under the bonnet with it switched off where you can. On the test drive, hold a current licence, confirm the car is registered and insured, obey road rules, and only brake hard when the road behind is clear. Meet in a safe, public-facing place, take someone with you, and don't carry large amounts of cash to a viewing. ## Disclaimer Shufti is not affiliated with or endorsed by Ford; Ford, Escape and Kuga are trademarks of Ford Motor Company. Figures are counts from Shufti's analysis of official records and published reports, not a statement that any particular vehicle is affected. This checklist is general information only and is not professional, mechanical, legal or financial advice. It covers common checks, not every possible fault, and a car can pass every item here and still have problems. It is not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic, which is worth considering before you buy, especially if anything tagged Safety critical turns up. Repair costs vary widely; get your own quotes. Roadworthy, registration and transfer rules differ by state, so check with your state road authority. Private sales generally don't come with the consumer guarantees that apply when you buy from a dealer. You use this checklist at your own risk and, to the extent permitted by law, Shufti accepts no liability for any loss, damage or injury arising from its use. ## Buying a Used Ford Escape: Questions Answered ### Is a used Ford Escape reliable? It depends more on the particular car than the badge: how it was driven, loaded and serviced. Work through the commonly reported problems above, read the service history for servicing done on time, and run a PPSR check. ### Which Ford Escape years should I avoid? No single Ford Escape year stands out as one to avoid. Newer ones usually have fewer kilometres and less wear. Whatever the year, a car's condition, service history and recalls tell you more than its build date, and Shufti looks up the reported faults and recalls for the exact car from its listing. This checklist covers the Kuga TE (2012–2013), Kuga TF (2013–2016), Escape ZG (2016–2019) and Escape ZH (2020–2025) Ford Escape. Problems reported across them include coolant leaking into the engine, automatic gearbox shudder and plug-in hybrid recalls. ### How many kilometres is too many for a used Ford Escape? Kilometres matter less than how the car was driven and serviced. A high-kilometre SUV with a full service history can be a better buy than a low-kilometre one that's missed services, done short trips or been used for rideshare. Check the history for regular servicing, and on a hybrid ask for a battery health check. ### Should I get a pre-purchase inspection on a used Ford Escape? It's most worth it on a car where a hidden fault could be costly. All-wheel-drive and hybrid systems can hide faults a visual check won't show, so ask for the service records for them and watch for warning lights on the test drive. Either way, start by checking the car yourself with this checklist, so you know what to look for and whether it's worth paying a mechanic to see. See Pre-purchase car inspection: what it checks and costs (https://shufti.com.au/guides/used-car-inspection-options) ### How do I check a used Ford Escape for money owing or a write-off? Run a PPSR check with the car's VIN on ppsr.gov.au (https://www.ppsr.gov.au/). It shows whether there's finance owing and whether the car has been reported stolen or written off. Run it on the day you pay. See What a PPSR check covers and what it doesn't (https://shufti.com.au/guides/what-is-a-ppsr-check) ### How do I check recalls on a used Ford Escape? Search the government's Vehicle Recalls site for the Ford Escape (https://www.vehiclerecalls.gov.au/recalls/browse-all-recalls?search=Ford%20Escape). Each notice says which models and build dates it covers and what the fault is. A recall on record doesn't tell you whether the work was done on a particular car, so ask the seller for proof, or ask a Ford dealer to check the VIN. --- Shufti is an Australian used car inspection app for iPhone and Android that tailors the inspection to the exact car you're looking at. It is not affiliated with Shufti Pro, the identity verification (KYC) company. From the listing link, it builds every check around that car's make, model and year, odometer reading and the seller's description. It runs PPSR and government recall checks, crosschecks a database of more than 3 million recalls and owner complaints, flags problems from your photos and audio, plans a test drive, produces a shareable report with repair cost estimates, and coaches you through the negotiation. A Tailored check costs $24.99, or $49.99 for three, including PPSR and recall checks. A mechanic's pre-purchase inspection costs $250–350. To start, Shufti's General inspection guide is free: pick the car's make and model, and it takes you through the checks that matter for that model, on your phone. There's a guide for popular models, and one for every type of car. Made by Frontpoint Digital Pty Ltd (ABN 23 669 870 366), Melbourne, Australia. Contact: hello@shufti.com.au. Download: [App Store](https://apps.apple.com/au/app/shufti-used-car-inspection/id6795718336?pt=129235165&ct=Website%20guide&mt=8), [Google Play](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=au.shufti.shufti_app&referrer=utm_source%3Dshufti.com.au%26utm_medium%3Dwebsite%26utm_campaign%3DWebsite%2520guide%26utm_content%3Dllms%26utm_term%3D%252Fllms.txt).