Dealer visit checklist
2022 Ford Escape checklist
Print it or keep it on your phone. Tick each item as you go so nothing gets missed.
Inspect the car
- Check every panel gap and look for mismatched paint (signs of past accident repair)
- Look at the tires: even wear, matching brands, at least 4/32" tread
- Check under the car and engine bay for oil, coolant or other leaks
- Start the engine cold; listen for knocks, ticks or squeals and watch for smoke
- Test every window, lock, seat, light, the A/C, heat and infotainment
- Test drive on city streets and highway: straight braking, smooth shifts, no pulling
- Ask for the service records and a vehicle history report
- Have an independent mechanic do a pre-purchase inspection (about $100–$200)
Known 2022 Ford Escape problems to check
- 1.5L EcoBoost engine oil dilution with fuel — a known Ford issue that can require engine replacement if ignored; check service records carefully
- Transmission shuddering or hesitation on the 8-speed automatic, particularly noticeable at low speeds or during cold starts
- Electrical gremlins including SYNC 3 infotainment freezes, backup camera dropouts, and intermittent power liftgate failures
- Coolant leaks associated with the 1.5L three-cylinder engine, flagged in multiple NHTSA complaints and TSBs
- Faulty door latches and power window regulator failures reported by multiple owners in the 2021-2022 model years
Ask: have these recalls been fixed?
- SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Bronco Sport and Escape vehicles.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022 Corsair and 2021-2022 Escape vehicles equipped with a 2.5L Hybrid powertrain.
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape and 2021-2022 Bronco Sport vehicles equipped with 1.5L engines.
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape, 2021-2022 Lincoln Corsair, and 2022 Maverick vehicles equipped with 2.5L HEV or PHEV engines.
- FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Escape and 2021-2023 Bronco Sport vehicles equipped with 1.5L engines.
- ENGINE: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Escape, 2022-2023 Maverick, and 2021-2023 Corsair vehicles equipped with 2.5L HEV or PHEV engines.
- FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Bronco Sport and 2022 Escape vehicles equipped with 1.5L engines.
- POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM): Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Maverick, 2020-2022 Escape, and 2021-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles.
Negotiate the price
- Know the typical price: about $29,000 for this model year
- Negotiate the out-the-door price, not the monthly payment
- Get the full price with every fee listed in writing before you sign
- Bring your own loan pre-approval so the dealer has a rate to beat
- Say no to add-ons you didn't ask for (paint protection, VIN etching, nitrogen tires)
- Negotiate your trade-in separately, after the car's price is agreed
- Be ready to walk away; another listing is usually a click away