2011 Ford Escape

[Puckrobber]

Just traded in the '16 Nissan Altima (95,000 miles) for a 2011 Escape with just over 62K on the V6. It's an XLT package w/AWD. Well taken care of. Paid just under $11,000 for it, including a 3yr./36K warranty.

Anything I should be concerned about or watch out for? Seems like a decent little SUV. Don't have to worry about that ****ed CVT again.

 

[fsdork]

I had an '08 XLT FWD for several years, and it was a good vehicle overall. At one point it threw a code which the dealer traced to a component related to VVT actuation (solenoids, if I recall correctly). That was covered under a TSB and fixed at no cost. Other than that, no major repairs. I only sold it because I moved from coastal BC to northern Alberta, where the winters aren't so FWD friendly. Also, it was starting to develop some rust, and I wanted to sell it before that got unsightly. Probably not so much of an issue in the PNW.

I really liked the power from the V6 - no complaints whatsoever when passing on the highway.

 

[michaelluscher]

Cyclone V6 water pump failure that puts coolant in the crankcase?

AWD PTU failure, has it been serviced?

Get acquainted with FORScan, it can do lots of fun stuff with newer Ford's

 

[Rochev]

Interesting trade! I had an 09 V6 "AWD" for many years, and I found it to be great overall, but I actually despised it. I couldn't stand the way the transmission wound up like a heavy 4cyl every time.

Only real issue I had was the common transmission fluid leak from the cv axle seals. I've heard of people just replacing axles but the issue is the inner seals.

I didn't really have any other problems in my 150k-ish miles before I sold it because the wheel wells rusted through.
I found it to be easy to work on, and an impressive amount of power for passing.

 

[methusaleh]

I had a 2012 AWD XLT. Got rid of it around 69k miles. It’s the vehicle that turned me away from Ford, even with my best friend owning a dealership and giving me incredible deals.

It ate front end components constantly, even after going aftermarket/high-end. I went through many warranty claims with all of the cheaper brands before giving up. I’d chalk that up to poor engineering.

Rust inside the rear wheel wells, on the “lips” right above the tire surface, was brutal. I had a beginning and end of winter ritual of sanding the area down, priming, and repainting. Ditto the bottom edge of the rear lift gate.

Numerous blower motor resistor failures, assorted other climate control gremlins, rear defogger that worked when it wanted to (no problems could be found), eating wheel bearings one year for no apparent reason, etc.

It was a comfortable vehicle that was nimble, but that’s about all I can say in the positive realm.

 

[blufeb95]

Cyclone V6 water pump failure that puts coolant in the crankcase?

This should have the 3L duratec so that shouldn't be a problem.


I think they may have corrected it in the 08 model year, but the duratec was known at one point to have issues with the cam cap bolts backing out over time and possibly allowing the cam cap to come lose and damage valve train components.

 

[michaelluscher]

Cyclone V6 water pump failure that puts coolant in the crankcase?

AWD PTU failure, has it been serviced?

Get acquainted with FORScan, it can do lots of fun stuff with newer Ford's

Ignore the first two points

I misread Escape as Explorer

My bad

Prepare for eventual throttle body and or purge valve failures, both relatively cheap and easy fixes

You've got the Duratec V6, so prepare for various minor oil leaks, but other than that, fairly stout motor

Did they have coil and PCM driver issues sorted by '11, or should all coils be replaced preventatively?

 

[Escape08]

Just traded in the '16 Nissan Altima (95,000 miles) for a 2011 Escape with just over 62K on the V6. It's an XLT package w/AWD. Well taken care of. Paid just under $11,000 for it, including a 3yr./36K warranty.

Anything I should be concerned about or watch out for? Seems like a decent little SUV. Don't have to worry about that ****ed CVT again.

Not that I am aware of. I am also a member of Ford Escape forum called Escape-City.com.

 

[wander2039]

I wonder if the 2011's have the same issue as the earlier models with the rear wheel wells rusting out? Basically the same underpinnings. I'd watch those more than anything. I had to cut our 04's out and put in the brackets. The front timing cover is a common leak. Ours just started to leak oil past the valve seals.

 

[blufeb95]

I wonder if the 2011's have the same issue as the earlier models with the rear wheel wells rusting out? Basically the same underpinnings. I'd watch those more than anything. I had to cut our 04's out and put in the brackets. The front timing cover is a common leak. Ours just started to leak oil past the valve seals.

What Ford doesn't do that

 

[Puckrobber]

Thanks all for the replies. Sorry for the delay in response. My father just passed and I'm dealing with all of his stuff.

I'll keep an eye on all of your suggestions. Right now, I haven't seen any of those issues yet, but, you never know. Biggest change, so far, is the drop from around 40 MPG to around 25. But, that's to be expected.