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⚑ NHTSA Official DataUpdated: Jun 2026How we calculate this
Severe Issues

2007 Ford Escape: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict

Shopping for a used 2007 Ford Escape? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 393 complaints, with Brake System as the top reported area.

393
Complaints
16
Crashes
3
Fires
9
Injuries
2
Deaths
4
Recalls

2007 Ford Escape Fuel Economy

βœ“ EPA Official Data

EPA-rated fuel economy across 8 2007 Ford Escape trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.

20
MPG City
17–31 range
25
MPG Hwy
21–29 range
22
MPG Combined
19–30 range
404
g COβ‚‚/mile
Regular Gasoline
⚠️Costs $3,250 more than avg vehicle over 5 years

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 8 trims analysed.

2007 Ford Escape Safety Ratings

NHTSA 5-Star Program

Official crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.

Overall

Not Rated

20.9% rollover risk

Frontal Crash

Not Rated

Side Crash

Not Rated

Rollover

3/5

20.9% probability

β—‹Stability Control: Noβ—‹Forward Collision Warning: Noβ—‹Lane Departure Warning: No

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.

Quick Answer

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2007 Ford Escape has 393 owner complaints, 16 crash-related complaints, and 4 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Brake System. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.

2007 Ford Escape β€” key reliability facts
Make
Ford
Model
Escape
Model year
2007
NHTSA owner complaints
393
Crash-related complaints
16
Safety recall campaigns
4
Top reported component
Brake System
Reliability signal
Severe Issues
EPA MPG combined
22
EPA MPG city / highway
20 / 25
Fuel type
Regular Gasoline
NHTSA rollover rating
3/5 stars
Electronic stability control
No

Most Common 2007 Ford Escape Problems

Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.

#1
103
complaints

Brake System

Crash-related:4
#2
70
complaints

Engine Problems

Fires:1
#3
59
complaints

Transmission / Drivetrain

Crash-related:2
Fires:1
Injuries:4

Complaint patterns center on Brake System, Engine Problems, Transmission / Drivetrain. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.

Should You Buy a Used 2007 Ford Escape?

The 2007 Ford Escape shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.

Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.

What to Check Before Buying a Used 2007 Ford Escape

Inspection Focus

  • Inspect the brake system thoroughly before purchase.
  • Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
  • Request service records for engine and transmission repairs.
  • Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle for any signs of unintended acceleration issues.

Before You Close the Deal

  • Inspect the brake system thoroughly before purchase.
  • Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
  • Request service records for engine and transmission repairs.
  • Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle for any signs of unintended acceleration issues.

Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.

Before buying a used 2007 Ford Escape, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.

What the Complaint Data Suggests

Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology

Complaints for the 2007 Ford Escape are concentrated in the brake system, engine, and transmission, with a notable number of unintended acceleration reports. The data suggests potential issues in these areas, but the low confidence level and limited model year range caution against broad conclusions.

Key Findings
  • Brake system accounts for the highest number of complaints at 103.
  • Engine problems and transmission/drivetrain issues are also frequently reported.
  • Unintended acceleration complaints total 44, which may be a concern.
Top Concerns
  • Brake System
  • Engine Problems
  • Transmission / Drivetrain
Data note: NHTSA complaints are consumer-submitted and do not confirm a manufacturing defect. The analysis covers only one model year (2007), limiting generalizability. Confidence level is low, so findings should be interpreted with caution.

All 2007 Ford Escape Complaints by Category

Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2007 Ford Escape. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.

ComponentComplaintsCrashesFiresAvg MileageVolume
Brake System1034β€”β€”
Engine Problems70β€”1β€”
Transmission / Drivetrain5921β€”
Electrical Faults5022β€”
Unintended Acceleration44β€”β€”β€”
Hydraulic32β€”β€”β€”
Steering Defects281β€”β€”
Uncategorized Issues21β€”β€”β€”
Suspension Failures21β€”β€”β€”
Structural Problems202β€”β€”
Fuel/Propulsion System181β€”β€”
Airbag Malfunctions126β€”β€”
Fuel System12β€”β€”β€”
Tire Issues91β€”β€”
Visibility9β€”β€”β€”
Gasoline9β€”β€”β€”
Wheel Issues8β€”β€”β€”
Seat Belt Issues82β€”β€”
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)71β€”β€”
Hybrid Propulsion System6β€”β€”β€”
Electric6β€”β€”β€”
Equipment51β€”β€”
Visibility/Wiper4β€”β€”β€”
Door Lock Issues3β€”β€”β€”
Other3β€”β€”β€”
Air2β€”β€”β€”
Headlight/Taillight Failures1β€”β€”β€”
Parking-Brake Issues1β€”β€”β€”
Interior Lighting1β€”β€”β€”
Seat-Related Issues1β€”β€”β€”

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.

Real Owner Complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2007 Ford Escape. Type a keyword (e.g. β€œtransmission”, β€œstalling”, β€œbrakes”) to filter.

Showing 393 most recent complaints

Transmission / DrivetrainFeb 28, 2025

My 2007 Ford Escape Hybrid (mileage currently 180,000 but the issue started around 150,000 miles) will occasionally (varies from once a week to once every 3 months) not respond properly when I'm accelerating from a stop. When this happens, I can push the accelerator all the way t…

Transmission / DrivetrainDec 7, 2024

While driving, a red triangle to safely stop came up and the vehicle engine shut down. I could not accelerate since the engine was shut down, I could only coast and brake. After the vehicle has been cooling down for 20 min, I’m able to restart the vehicle and drive again until th…

Suspension FailuresAug 23, 2024

Rear frame rails rotting thru from the inside out, causing potential suspension issues

Hybrid Propulsion SystemJul 22, 2024

The contact owns a 2007 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact stated while driving from a complete stop and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond as needed, nearly causing a crash. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact continuously depressed the …

Hybrid Propulsion SystemMay 20, 2024

The contact owns a 2007 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power, after which the message "Service Engine Now” was displayed. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the ve…

Structural ProblemsDec 6, 2023

The contact owns a 2007 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at an independent mechanic for an inspection, the contact was informed that the subframe was severely corroded and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made awa…

Transmission / DrivetrainSep 8, 2023

When accelerating on the vehicle it would run fine till about a couple minutes driving then it would jerk and the rpm gauge would go to 0 and then back up the the right rpm

Steering DefectsMay 9, 2023

The contact owns a 2007 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering assist. The transmission warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the po…

Brake SystemMar 17, 2023

The contact owns a 2007 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while his wife was driving 10 MPH, the brakes failed with the brake pedal depressed to the floorboard. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that his wife was able to coast the vehicle off the roadw…

Transmission / DrivetrainFeb 5, 2023

The torque converter was failing in my 07 escape. When I switched gears from park to drive or reverse the car would shake and sometimes stall out. Or if I had to stop at a stop sign or traffic signal while in drive the same issues would happen. The old torque converter is not ava…

Structural ProblemsSep 9, 2022

The contact owns a 2007 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds a clunking noise was present coming from the rear passenger’s side of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who discovered that the rear passenger’s side wheel well was…

Brake SystemπŸ’₯ CrashJun 27, 2022

ABS service system warning came up on my dash along with the brake light and the abs light, immediately after the lights came on the ability to stop and stay stopped vanished.

Electrical FaultsπŸ’₯ CrashJun 5, 2022

ABS service light comes on intermittently, when light is on a "service brake system" warning comes across the guage cluster. While this service light is on the escape has little to no braking and requires upwards of 300ft to stop when going 45mph. Once the vehicle is brought to a…

Structural ProblemsApr 5, 2022

The contact owns a 2007 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was receiving routine maintenance by an independent mechanic, the contact was informed that underneath the rear of the vehicle was rusted. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. Th…

Suspension FailuresMar 5, 2022

Front tires bald and worn out in a circular pattern in less then about 4000 miles tires were brand new then purchased another set of 2 new front tires and again tires were bald and in some area they had a circular pattern after 2000 miles

Transmission / DrivetrainFeb 28, 2022

The contact's mother owns a 2007 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while his brother was driving at 60 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently downshifted and decelerated to 40-45 MPH. The check engine warning light illuminated. The contact's brother depressed the accelerator pedal how…

Transmission / DrivetrainFeb 14, 2022

This Escape is an AWD Hybrid. When driving in slippery snow, sand, ice, etc., the front wheels spin, but there is no power transmitted to the rear wheels, causing serious control and traction problems. An "all-wheel-drive-locked" signal appears on the info display, followed inst…

Brake SystemDec 19, 2021

On 12/10/21 the accelerator stuck. I had to pull off the road, because I was losing power. But what if it got stuck at a high rate of speed? How would I stop, other than the hand brake and pray that it works. It had happened another time that week, but I thought it was a fluke …

Electrical FaultsOct 27, 2021

The theft system randomly sounds off for no reason. The theft light keeps blinking as the key is placed in the run position. The vehicle is having issues starting and there's no sound at all when turning the key. When the vehicle does start it stalls, so the gas pedal must be pus…

Brake SystemOct 13, 2021

The contact owns a 2007 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact stated that an abnormal grinding noise would emit from vehicle upon depression of the brake pedal. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic for repair. The contact was informed that the ABS module needed …

Page 1 of 20

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2007 Ford Escape.

2007 Ford Escape Recalls

4 campaigns

NHTSA recall campaigns for the 2007 Ford Escape. 4 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.

15V60600029/09/2015
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:FLOOR SHIFT

14V526000Mar 9, 2014
HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM

15E045000Mar 6, 2015
SUSPENSION:FRONT:WHEEL BEARING

10E043000Mar 9, 2010
EQUIPMENT

Compare Ford Escape Model Years

Compare complaint and recall volume across years to see whether 2007 lands in a lower-risk or higher-risk part of the model timeline.

2025202420232022202120202019201820172016201520142013201220112010200920082007200620052004200320022001

2007 Ford Escape Buying FAQ

Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.

Is the 2007 Ford Escape reliable?β–Ύ

Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 393 owner complaints, 16 crash-related complaints, and 4 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2007 Ford Escape shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.

What are the most common problems with the 2007 Ford Escape?β–Ύ

#1: Brake System (103 complaints). #2: Engine Problems (70 complaints). #3: Transmission / Drivetrain (59 complaints)

At what mileage do problems start on the 2007 Ford Escape?β–Ύ

Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.

How safe is the 2007 Ford Escape?β–Ύ

Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2007 Ford Escape, NHTSA complaints include 16 crash-related reports and 3 fire reports out of 393 total complaints. 9 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Does the 2007 Ford Escape have any recalls?β–Ύ

Yes. 4 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2007 Ford Escape. A major recall area is POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:FLOOR SHIFT. 4 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.

Should I buy a 2007 Ford Escape?β–Ύ

The 2007 Ford Escape shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Brake System during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.

Wider context: See the full Ford Escape reliability report with year-by-year comparison.

Owner Reliability Rating

Rate the 2007 Ford Escape based on your ownership experience.

Add your rating:

Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.

Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy

Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.