Recall 12V431 affects 6,146 2013 Ford Escape vehicles for coolant loss that can ignite an engine fire. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
Ford is recalling 6,146 2013 Escape SUVs equipped with 1.6L engines because the cylinder head cup plug can dislodge and cause a major coolant loss. When coolant evaporates on the hot engine, glycol can ignite and start an engine compartment fire; the Ford dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The 2013 Ford Escape with the 1.6L engine uses coolant passages in the cylinder head to carry heat away from the engine. A cylinder head cup plug, often called a freeze plug, seals an opening in that casting so coolant stays inside the engine while it circulates.
On affected Escapes, that cup plug can come loose instead of staying seated in the cylinder head. Once it moves out of place, coolant leaves the engine quickly. The problem is not a hose or radiator leak; it is a seal in the engine casting letting coolant escape.
There is no warning sign before failure. After the plug comes loose, an owner can see coolant loss, a rising temperature gauge, or signs that the engine is running hot.
Who's affected?
| 2013 Ford Escape | Engine and engine cooling |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 6,146 |
Not every 2013 Ford Escape SUV is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
Leaking engine coolant can evaporate on hot engine parts. The glycol in that coolant can ignite and start an engine compartment fire, so schedule the recall repair promptly and treat any coolant leak as a reason to stop and call the dealer. Repair will be free at any franchised Ford dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2013 Ford Escape is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised Ford dealer to confirm the free repair path for your VIN.
- Ask the dealer about the cup-plug sealing and secondary plug cover repair that addresses coolant loss near hot engine parts.
- Bring the recall notice if Ford mailed one. If not, reference recall number 12V431 when you call.
- Park the vehicle and call the dealer if you see signs of coolant loss before the repair is complete.
What happens at the repair
Ford's stated dealer repair is to seal the existing cylinder head cup plug and add a secondary plug cover so the plug is less likely to dislodge and drain engine coolant. Once the repair is available, a Ford technician performs that work free under the recall. Parts and labor are covered. Because the remedy status provided for this page is not marked available, confirm the current repair opening with a Ford dealer before planning service.
Timeline
| September 4, 2012 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| September 11, 2012 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 12V431?
Recall 12V431 covers 6,146 2013 Ford Escape vehicles with 1.6L engines. The cylinder head cup plug, also called a freeze plug, can become dislodged and cause major coolant loss. Ford dealers will seal the plug and add a secondary plug cover for free.
What should I do if my 2013 Ford Escape is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Escape is included in recall 12V431. If it is, contact a franchised Ford dealer and ask for the cylinder head cup plug repair. Reference recall 12V431 when you call. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires Ford to repair the defect at no cost, and Ford's remedy says dealers will seal the existing cylinder head cup plug and add a secondary plug cover free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is an engine compartment fire. If the cylinder head cup plug becomes dislodged, the engine can lose coolant. As that coolant evaporates on the hot engine, glycol can ignite, according to NHTSA campaign 12V431.
When did the Ford Escape recall repair start?
Ford's safety recall repair began on September 11, 2012. Owners with an included VIN can contact a franchised Ford dealer for the free repair, or call Ford at 1-866-436-7332 and reference recall 12V431.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/12V431000 |
|---|---|
| Ford customer service | 1-866-436-7332 |
| NHTSA recall # | 12V431 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 12V431000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →