Dealer visit checklist
2024 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 2024 Ford Escape problems to check
- The 1.5L EcoBoost three-cylinder engine has a known history of coolant intrusion into the cylinder, a issue Ford has worked to address but buyers should monitor closely
- Infotainment system (SYNC 4) occasionally experiences freezes or unresponsive touchscreen behavior requiring software updates or resets
- Transmission hesitation and rough shifts from the 8-speed automatic have been reported, particularly during low-speed maneuvering
- Rattles and interior trim squeaks tend to develop within the first two years, a recurring criticism in owner surveys
- Fuel economy in real-world city driving often falls 2-3 MPG short of the EPA-estimated 28 MPG city for the base engine
Ask: have these recalls been fixed?
- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Escape two-wheel drive vehicles equipped with adaptive cruise control.
- FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:INJECTORS: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 Lincoln Corsair, 2023-2024 Escape, 2024 Mustang, and 2025 Explorer vehicles.
- EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, 2020-2024 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2018-2024 F-150, Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Escape vehicles.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY:MANAGEMENT SYSTEM/ENERGY CONTROL MODULE (BMS/BECM): Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Ford Escape, and 2021-2024 Lincoln Corsair vehicles.
- BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Bronco, F-150, 2021-2024 Edge, 2022-2025 Escape, F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, F-600, 2022-2024 Expedition, 2022-2025 Transit, 2021-2023 Mach-E, 2024 Ranger, Mustang, 2021-2023 Lincoln Nautilus, 2022-2024 Navigator, and 2023-2024 Corsair vehicles.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Lincoln Nautilus, 2023-2025 Escape, 2023 Lincoln Corsair, 2025 Lincoln Corsair, Maverick, and Bronco Sport vehicles equipped with a 1.5L or 2.0L MPC engine and an engine block heater.
- ENGINE: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Escape, and 2025 Bronco Sport vehicles.
Negotiate the price
- Know the typical price: about $26,500 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