I’ve got a 2012 Ford Escape with almost 130k miles. I really like it, but a lot of things seem to be going wrong, and I’m worried the repair costs are going to add up. Not sure if I should trade it in now while it still has some value or keep fixing it until it finally gives out. With winter coming up, I’d feel better with a reliable car.
Here’s a list of issues I’m dealing with:
• Brakes and rotors need replacing (already did them a year and a half ago)
• Engine shakes when idling (might be the torque converter?)
• AC makes the engine shake even more when it’s on
• Exhaust was recently replaced due to rust, but it’s now louder, so something might still be wrong
Anyone had similar issues or advice on whether to keep or sell?
Brakes and rotors should last more than a year and a half! If a shop is saying they need replacing already, maybe get a second opinion. Some places push unnecessary repairs to get more business.
For the exhaust, check underneath. As long as there are no holes, it might just be a different muffler sound. A second opinion on that wouldn’t hurt either.
As for the engine shaking with the AC, it could be related to spark plugs. I have a 2012 too, and mine needed new plugs around this time. They’re easy to change yourself—shouldn’t need much more than basic tools.
If it shakes while idling, motor mounts might be the problem. Not too pricey to fix, and it’ll keep your Escape running. My 2008 is still going strong, and it beats a new car payment!
I’ve got an ‘09 Escape and replaced just about everything by 130k miles. If you can do the repairs yourself, I’d say keep it. If you’re paying someone for all the work, though, it might be better to let it go. It’s not worth dumping thousands into it.
I have an ’08 with over 200k miles and have put thousands into repairs, including brakes, shocks, valve gasket, control arms, AC, and even upgraded the stereo. I do some repairs myself, but most are done by a local mechanic. It’s still cheaper than buying a new or even used car, so I plan to keep it until the engine or transmission dies.
@Kelby
Nice! I’m thinking of turning my 2012 V6 into a rugged off-roader eventually. Starting with a suspension upgrade since I haul a lot. Should handle rough use better that way.
Kiran said:
I’ve got the same car. I replaced one of the engine mounts, did a brake job, swapped out spark plugs, and changed the fluids. Runs like new now.
Brakes and rotors shouldn’t need replacing this soon if you just did them. Engine shake might just be a motor mount issue. Exhaust could be the flex pipe. I’d say fix it up—it doesn’t sound too bad.
Brakes and rotors should last longer than 1.5 years. Did you use quality parts? Engine shake might be due to spark plugs or a motor mount. Spark plugs are easy to replace:
Buy pre-gapped ones from RockAuto.
Unhook ignition coils, remove them, then unscrew and replace each plug.
Be careful threading them back in—they can cross-thread easily.
Reconnect everything, and you’re good to go. It’s an easy DIY job.
Like others have said, check the motor mounts. These are usually easy and cheap to fix. If you’ve got the 3.0 V6, it should have a lot of life left at 130k miles. The 2008-2012 3.0 engines can run a long time if taken care of.
If you’re not sure what’s going on, try a local shop instead of the dealership. In my experience, smaller shops are usually more affordable and honest. Where I live, I go to a locally owned shop, and they’re fantastic. I wouldn’t give up on your Escape just yet!
