One of Ford’s most popular vehicles during the 2000s, the Ford Escape has been popular with drivers who need the storage space afforded by an SUV without the high fuel costs associated with that type of vehicle. One of the first true crossovers–vehicles with the height and profile of an SUV but the flexible suspension of a car–the Escape revolutionized the American car market and continues to attract new buyers every year. As the first hybrid SUV released in North America, the Escape also cemented Ford’s reputation as an environmental leader among automakers.
First built in 2000, the oldest Escapes on the market are now showing their age. The car has proven reliable over the long haul, but many age-related mechanical problems have nonetheless appeared. The biggest of these, a defect in the anti-lock braking system that could cause an electrical short and potentially lead to an engine fire, was corrected several years ago through a recall. Other problems have included engine malfunctions, transmission and power steering fluid leaks, clutch problems on manual-transmission versions, uneven tire wear, and various brake issues. Owners of hybrid models have also reported some battery issues, including shortened battery life under severe temperature and driving conditions.
Ford is renowned for its service, offering one of the best warranties in the business at five years and 60,000 miles of coverage for most models with select plans running for even longer than that. But because the Escape has proven so dependable, owners are always encouraged to look into extended warranty plans to save money and stress as their car ages and begins to require more maintenance and repair work.
There are many different extended warranty plans available for the Ford Escape. The cheapest and most basic cover catastrophic problems like transmission replacements and engine rebuilds but ask owners to pay out-of-pocket for smaller repair jobs. Intermediate plans cover certain repairs but may still require owners to pay for maintenance. The most comprehensive extended warranties are exclusionary, covering almost everything that could go wrong with an older vehicle. In any case, each warranty works the same way: in exchange for an agreed-upon weekly or monthly payment, the warranty will pay for service and repair on a car so its owner doesn’t have to. For owners of the Ford Escape, this type of guarantee can quickly add up to thousands of dollars saved over the vehicle’s life!