Used Ford Escape: a year-by-year guide for Ford Blue Advantage shoppers

Used · Ford Blue Advantage · Ford

Used Ford Escape: a year-by-year guide for Ford Blue Advantage shoppers

Which engines and transmissions each year had, what EPA rates them, and which used Escape can be Ford Blue Advantage certified.

The short answer

Answer

EPA lists 7 engine versions for the Escape across 2016–2026. Match the VIN to the right row before you compare prices.

A used Ford Escape can be Ford Blue Advantage certified: Gold (up to 6 years old, under 80,000 miles; 12-month/12,000-mile comprehensive plus 7-year/100,000-mile powertrain) or Blue (up to 10 years, under 150,000 miles; 90 days/4,000 miles). Swant Graber Ford is a Ford Blue Advantage dealer: Swant Graber Ford, 1697 E Division Ave, Barron, 715-537-9500.

Used Escape: what EPA lists by model year

Used Escape by model year: EPA-listed powertrains and combined MPG (fueleconomy.gov, Oct 12, 2026), plus NHTSA recall campaign counts for 2017–2025 model years
Model yearEngines EPA listsTransmissionsCombined MPG, 4WD/AWDCombined MPG, FWDNHTSA recall campaigns
20161.6L 4-cyl turbo; 2.0L 4-cyl turbo; 2.5L 4-cyl6-speed automatic23–2524–26—
20171.5L 4-cyl turbo; 2.0L 4-cyl turbo; 2.5L 4-cyl6-speed automatic23–2424–264
20181.5L 4-cyl turbo; 2.0L 4-cyl turbo; 2.5L 4-cyl6-speed automatic23–2424–264
20191.5L 4-cyl turbo; 2.0L 4-cyl turbo; 2.5L 4-cyl6-speed automatic23–2424–263
20201.5L 3-cyl turbo; 2.0L 4-cyl turbo; 2.5L 4-cyl hybrid; 2.5L 4-cyl plug-in hybrid8-speed automatic, CVT26–4030–4123
20211.5L 3-cyl turbo; 2.0L 4-cyl turbo; 2.5L 4-cyl hybrid; 2.5L 4-cyl plug-in hybrid8-speed automatic, CVT26–4030–4119
20221.5L 3-cyl turbo; 2.0L 4-cyl turbo; 2.5L 4-cyl hybrid; 2.5L 4-cyl plug-in hybrid8-speed automatic, CVT26–4030–4119
20231.5L 3-cyl turbo; 2.0L 4-cyl turbo; 2.5L 4-cyl hybrid; 2.5L 4-cyl plug-in hybrid8-speed automatic, CVT26–3930–4011
20241.5L 3-cyl turbo; 2.0L 4-cyl turbo; 2.5L 4-cyl hybrid8-speed automatic, CVT26–3930–398
20251.5L 3-cyl turbo; 2.0L 4-cyl turbo; 2.5L 4-cyl hybrid; 2.5L 4-cyl plug-in hybrid8-speed automatic, CVT26–3930–409
20261.5L 3-cyl turbo; 2.0L 4-cyl turbo; 2.5L 4-cyl hybrid; 2.5L 4-cyl plug-in hybrid8-speed automatic, CVT26–3930–40—

Hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions are listed where EPA rates them. MPG is EPA combined. "—" means EPA lists no version in that column, or (recalls) the year is outside our 2017–2025 NHTSA pull. Recall counts are campaigns for the model and year (all trims); a specific vehicle may not be affected.

Where the lineup changed

  • 2017: adds 1.5L 4-cyl turbo; drops 1.6L 4-cyl turbo.
  • 2020: adds 1.5L 3-cyl turbo, 2.5L 4-cyl hybrid, 2.5L 4-cyl plug-in hybrid; drops 1.5L 4-cyl turbo, 2.5L 4-cyl; new transmission listing: 8-speed automatic, CVT.
  • 2024: drops 2.5L 4-cyl plug-in hybrid.
  • 2025: adds 2.5L 4-cyl plug-in hybrid.

What to check on a used Escape

  • Best EPA combined rating in the 4WD/AWD column: 40 MPG (2022, 2.5L 4-cyl hybrid). Winter mileage in northwest Wisconsin runs lower.
  • Hybrid versions: EPA lists a hybrid Escape in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026.
  • Match the VIN to the right row. The engine is coded in the VIN and printed on the original window sticker; ask us to decode it.
  • Recalls: per-year campaign detail is in our used Escape recalls by year guide. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls on any used vehicle.
  • Gold or Blue? A Ford Escape up to 6 years old with under 80,000 miles can be Gold Certified; up to 10 years and under 150,000 miles, Blue Certified. Ask which tier a specific vehicle is in.

Ford Blue Advantage: which tier?

Swant Graber Ford is a Ford Blue Advantage dealer. Ford's tiers: Gold Certified is for Ford models no more than 6 years old with under 80,000 miles (172-point inspection; 12-month/12,000-mile Comprehensive and 7-year/100,000-mile Powertrain Limited Warranties). Blue Certified covers vehicles up to 10 years old with under 150,000 miles (139-point inspection; 90-day/4,000-mile Comprehensive Limited Warranty). Swant Graber Ford participates in the 14-day/1,000-mile Money Back Guarantee; Ford's conditions apply. Used vehicles that aren't certified get our coverage: 45 days / 5,000 miles powertrain, on used units 10 model years or newer with under 150,000 miles. See dealer for details.

Checklist

Before you buy a used Escape

6 items

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Swant Graber Appearance Package, $1,399 (optional): Xzylon protection with a 7-year exterior/interior warranty against bugs, tar and road grime, paint protection, fabric protection, 5-year windshield protection and rustproofing for doors and body panels. It is never pre-installed or added to the price; we sell at invoice with no dealer add-ons. Package details.

Recall campaigns by model year

NHTSA recalls API, Ford Escape, queried Oct. 11, 2026. A campaign that covers several model years is counted in each of those years.
Model yearCampaignsComponents named most (campaigns)
20174Visibility (2), Powertrain (1), Equipment (1)
20184Air bags (1), Hydraulic brakes (1), Powertrain (1)
20193Tires (1), Powertrain (1), Equipment (1)
202023Electrical (3), Powertrain (3), Rear camera / backover (3)
202119Fuel system (gas) (4), Electrical (3), Engine and cooling (2)
202219Fuel system (gas) (4), Electrical (2), Engine and cooling (2)
202311Engine (3), Electrical (3), Fuel system (gas) (2)
20248Electrical (3), Forward Collision Avoidance (1), Fuel system (gas) (1)
20259Electrical (3), Rear camera / backover (1), Engine (1)

The campaigns that cover the most model years

Consequence text quoted or shortened from NHTSA's recall record.
NHTSA campaignComponentModel years covered (2017–2025)What NHTSA says could happen
24V852000Equipment2020–2024Without a label that shows the proper restraint usage guidelines, the occupants may have an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
24V954000Electrical2020–2024Battery failure can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
22V859000Fuel system (gas)2020–2023A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
23V380000Engine2020–2023An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
25V345000Engine2020–2023An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
25V829000Structure2020–2022, 2025A detached liftgate hinge cover can create a distraction or a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
22V191000Engine and cooling2020–2022An oil leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
22V413000Powertrain2017–2019A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, and cause the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction.

Newest campaigns (filed in 2026)

Recalls keep arriving years after a vehicle is built. These were filed with NHTSA in 2026, so a used vehicle checked last year may need a fresh look:

  • 26V374000, filed June 9, 2026: Visibility, model years 2017. A closing window that does not reverse direction as expected can pinch a driver or passenger before retracting, increasing the risk of injury.
  • 26V117000, filed March 3, 2026: Visibility, model years 2020–2022. Windshield wipers that fail to operate properly can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
  • 26V123000, filed March 3, 2026: Rear camera / backover, model years 2020–2022. An incorrectly displayed rearview image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
  • 26V122000, filed March 3, 2026: Engine and cooling, model years 2025. An unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
  • 26V011000, filed Jan. 15, 2026: Equipment, model years 2017–2019. An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.

Sources: https://api.nhtsa.gov/recalls/recallsByVehicle?make=ford&model=ESCAPE&modelYear= · https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/code/admin_code/trans/139/04/6/a · https://api.nhtsa.gov/recalls/recallsByVehicle?make=ford&model=ESCAPE&modelYear= · https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/code/admin_code/trans/139/04/6/a

What to check on a certified Escape

EPA lists 7 Escape engine versions across 2016–2026, from the 1.5L turbo to the 2.5L hybrid; combined MPG ranges widely by powertrain, so match the VIN before comparing prices. Year-by-year engines and recalls: used Ford Escape guide.

More questions

How many recalls does the Ford Escape have?

For 2017–2025 model years, NHTSA lists 48 distinct recall campaigns as of Oct. 11, 2026. 2020 has the most (23). Counts change as new campaigns are filed.

Which used Escape year has the fewest recalls?

In NHTSA's data, 2019 has the fewest (3). Newer model years have had less time to collect recalls, so a low count isn't proof a year is better.

Are recall repairs free on a used vehicle?

Yes. Safety-recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer of that brand, regardless of who owns the vehicle. Ours: Swant Graber Ford.

Does a high recall count mean the vehicle is unreliable?

Not on its own. Recall counts don't reflect how many vehicles each campaign covers or how serious it is. Check whether the specific VIN's recalls are done, and look at service records and a pre-purchase inspection.

Does Swant Graber Ford sell certified used Escapes?

Yes, qualifying Escapes as Gold or Blue Certified.

Used Ford Escape recalls by model year, 2017–2025

NHTSA's recall database lists 48 distinct safety-recall campaigns that cover at least one 2017–2025 Ford Escape model year, as of Oct. 11, 2026. 2020 has the most (23); the components named most often are Electrical, Fuel system (gas), Powertrain and Rear camera / backover.

Questions

Can a used Ford Escape be Ford Blue Advantage certified?

Yes, if it meets Ford's rules: Gold Certified for Ford models up to 6 years old with under 80,000 miles; Blue Certified for vehicles up to 10 years old with under 150,000 miles. Swant Graber Ford is a Ford Blue Advantage dealer.

What MPG does a used Escape get?

EPA combined ratings in our 4WD/AWD column run 23–40 MPG across 2016–2026, depending on engine and year. Real winter mileage is lower.

Does Swant Graber Ford offer the Money Back Guarantee?

Yes. Swant Graber Ford participates in Ford Blue Advantage's 14-day/1,000-mile Money Back Guarantee. Ford's conditions apply: return the vehicle within 14 days or 1,000 miles of the original sale date, whichever comes first, in the same condition as sold.

Next steps at Swant Graber

Swant Graber Motors (Chevrolet, Ram, Dodge): 1690 E Division Ave, Barron, WI 54812, 715-537-5657. Swant Graber Ford: 1697 E Division Ave, 715-537-9500. Search new or used inventory, or see shop near you for model-by-model answers.

Sources

  1. fueleconomy.gov (U.S. DOE/EPA), vehicle records for Ford Escape, 2016–2026 model years, pulled through the fueleconomy.gov web services Oct 12, 2026 — https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/PowerSearch.do?action=noform&path=1&year1=2016&year2=2026&make=Ford&baseModel=Escape&srchtyp=ymm
  2. NHTSA recalls API, recallsByVehicle (recall campaign counts by model year, queried Oct 11–12, 2026) — https://www.nhtsa.gov/nhtsa-datasets-and-apis
  3. NHTSA, Recalls: look up a VIN (free; shows unrepaired safety recalls from the last 15 years) — https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls
  4. Ford Blue Advantage, Gold Certified inspection (Ford model; no more than 6 years old; under 80,000 miles; 172-point inspection; 12-Month/12,000-Mile Comprehensive and 7-Year/100,000-Mile Powertrain Limited Warranties); ford.com page as archived Sept 8, 2026 — https://web.archive.org/web/20260908063111/https://www.ford.com/used/about-certified/gold-certification/
  5. Ford Blue Advantage, Blue Certified inspection (no more than 10 years old; under 150,000 miles; 139-point inspection; 90-day/4,000-mile comprehensive limited warranty); ford.com page as archived Oct 9, 2026 — https://web.archive.org/web/20261009235010/https://www.ford.com/used/about-certified/blue-certification/
  6. Ford Blue Advantage, FAQs (14-Day/1,000-Mile Money Back Guarantee at participating Ford dealers; warranty transferable at no cost); ford.com page as archived Feb 10, 2026 — https://web.archive.org/web/20260210031237/https://www.ford.com/used/about-certified/faq/

Manufacturer figures are "when properly equipped" and change by model year, configuration and equipment. Confirm the window sticker, the door-jamb labels and the owner's manual for the exact vehicle.

Swant Graber Auto Group · Barron, WI

3 brands. 2 rooftops. 1 Swant Graber.

Chevrolet, Dodge, Ram, and Ford on one Highway 8 campus in Barron, with Swant Graber roots here since 1959. Swant Graber Motors and Swant Graber Ford sit directly across Highway 8 from each other.

Swant Graber Ford dealership on Highway 8 in Barron, Wisconsin

Swant Graber Ford

Ford · across Highway 8
1697 E Division Ave (Highway 8)
Barron, WI 54812
Phone715-537-9500

Sales: Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m., Sat 8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. · Service: Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

BarronFord.com

Swant Graber Motors Chevrolet, Dodge and Ram dealership in Barron, Wisconsin

Swant Graber Motors

Chevrolet · Dodge · Ram
1690 E Division Ave (Highway 8)
Barron, WI 54812
Phone715-537-5657

Sales: Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m., Sat 8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. · Service: Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

SwantGraberMotors.net (Dodge & Ram) · SwantGraberChevy.com