2011 Ford Escape Hybrid from North America

Summary:

Hesitant to trust at first, but very pleased at the reliability & cost

Faults:

Typical suspension wear every 100,000 miles, coil on plug & oxygen sensor. Service light is frequently on after 150K miles complaining about one of the temp sensors in the hybrid transmission. Actual live readings are fine & seems to be a common problem without an answer.

Cracked rear drivetrain mount. Driver's seat broke. Common rust at the rear wheel wells occurred early.

General Comments:

If I'm not mistaken the engine is based off of their Mazda division and paired up with their second generation hybrid drivetrain. This is the second most reliable vehicle I've ever driven. I use it for delivery work so reliability is great for keeping me working, and the hybrid system is perfect for saving on fuel and keeping the vehicle hot or cool while I sometimes catch a nap between jobs. The hybrid system starts the motor to generate some heat if needed or recharge the voltage system, or to recharge the main battery after running the electric AC for a while.

Since the gas motor is spun to life by the hybrid electric motor, I have never had to replace the starter motor since it doesn't exist. This also means the vehicle is ready to go faster than any other vehicle I've ever had with a flick of the key.

Self repairs on the brakes or struts are fairly standard and easy. As long as the coolant pump for the hybrid electronics under the hood keeps running, there's little risk of a failure in that system. Mine has run many many hours and is the real workhorse in the whole system.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 20th February, 2025

2011 Ford Escape XLT 2.5 from North America

Summary:

I can't say it's fun or exciting, but it never lets me down

Faults:

2 window regulators.

A/C condenser.

Front wheel bearings.

Windshield washer squirter motor.

Sync.

General Comments:

I really didn't want to like this car. It was purchased out of necessity. I was in a situation where I had to take what was available to me at the time, and this was it.

It's not necessarily powerful, has a lot of body roll in corners, and is frankly boring. There's nothing about the vehicle that I find exciting. However, it's by far one of the most reliable cars I've ever owned. For that, I sing its praises.

It's never had any problems that left me stranded. It hasn't had problems that were unexpected due to its mileage. Over 161,000 miles now and it's still going strong, without any signs of slowing down.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 7th January, 2019

2011 Ford Escape XLT 3.0 V6 from North America

Summary:

Great SUV!

Faults:

Replaced the battery, a tail light bulb and the blower fan resister (only $40). That's it.

General Comments:

Really like it and would buy another in a second if Ford still offered it with the V6. The gas mileage is great - regularly gets 36 MPG (Imperial) 30 MPG (US) on the highway. Reliability has been fantastic.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd March, 2018

16th Jul 2018, 10:29

Please, there is no car on the road that will go for these many miles without lots of wear parts repairs. Do you indeed own the vehicle?

In reply to 16th Jul 2018, 10:29

16th Jul 2018, 21:06

Why is it so hard to believe? Judging the mileage in the 7 years the reviewer owned it, sounds like the vehicle is mostly highway usage which is the best thing. A lot less wear and tear on the brakes, transmission and many other items.

In reply to 16th Jul 2018, 21:06

17th Jul 2018, 15:59

I had a 2010 same era Edge SEL with 6. Sounds similar as far as repairs beyond the expected oil change, trans flush, hoses, tires, and 2 batteries stuff. I had issues with the air conditioning switch failing a couple times. Paint was lousy - chipped easily. But it always started and ran well. Mileage far beyond this one at 204,000 (same engine and trans). Great in winter and a great size as a crossover. People often were surprised it was a Ford; it looked like a Lexus from a distance. Maybe the dark grey. Good vehicle. The Escape is smaller, but might share maintenance similarities. Just keep the fluids changed and you should be fine.

In reply to 16th Jul 2018, 21:06

17th Nov 2018, 11:50

Yes I do own it. One correction though - the mileage is in km, not miles. It is now at 150k km and I just did the front brakes for the first time (pads and rotors). I also had one repair - the tailgate latch quit. It took 2 minutes to replace it (part was $120) but I did have the good sense to remove the interior panel at the first sign it was starting to go. It would be real hard to get the panel off if you can't open the tailgate.

In reply to 16th Jul 2018, 10:29

29th Dec 2018, 02:56

I've got one with 93000 miles or 150000 km. Only oil changes and a trans fluid change. My biggest problem is the little insert in the driver's side door handles keeps popping off.

In reply to 16th Jul 2018, 10:29

7th Jan 2019, 04:54

I have an Escape with 161,000 miles (259,000 km). I've only replaced the battery, A/C condenser, and rear wheel bearings. Most reliable car I've ever had.