Dealer visit checklist
2025 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 2025 Ford Escape problems to check
- EcoBoost 1.5L three-cylinder engine has a known history of coolant intrusion into the cylinder — a recalled issue on prior generations that buyers should confirm is fully resolved on 2025 units
- Ford's 8-speed automatic transmission can exhibit occasional hesitation or rough shifts, particularly when cold
- SYNC 4 infotainment system has reported intermittent software glitches and Bluetooth connectivity drops requiring over-the-air or dealer updates
- Active noise cancellation and driver-assist features (like lane-centering) can be inconsistent at highway speeds, drawing owner complaints
- Fuel economy on the base 1.5T EcoBoost often falls short of EPA estimates in real-world mixed driving, averaging closer to 26–28 MPG combined
Ask: have these recalls been fixed?
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Escape vehicles.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Bronco Sport, Escape, and Lincoln Corsair vehicles.
- BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Escape 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.
- ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC): Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Maverick and Escape vehicles.
- STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape and 2025 Escape vehicles.
- SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:RETRACTOR: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Corsair and Escape vehicles.
Negotiate the price
- Know the typical price: about $28,000 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