Ford Escape Timing Belt or Chain? Explained Different Models 

Ford Escape has both timing belt and timing chain options depending on the engine type of each model. The company uses timing chains for models that have EcoBoost 2L and all Duratec engines. On the contrary, it uses timing belts in the models containing EcoBoost 1.5L, EcoBoost 1.6L, and all Zetec engines. 

Are you considering buying a Ford Escape? But you’re confused about the lifetime of its engine. Well, the lifetime actually depends on the engine timing belt or chain. 

So, is the Ford Escape timing belt or chain?

Do you want to check which model has which type of timing drive system? Read the article below to learn more.  

Does Ford Escape Have a Timing Belt or Chain? 

There are 4 generations of Ford Escape with multiple engine options and timing drive. You will find both timing belt and timing chain within these models (2001 – present). 

Take a look at the table below to learn more about these models, respective engine types, timing drive type, OEM number, and replacement costs below. 

Ford Model Years	Engine	Timing Belt or Chain	OEM	Price(USD)*
2020-2023	EcoBoost:2.0L, 4 Cyl.	Timing Chain	K2GZ-6268-A	37.47
2023	Hybrid: 2.5L, 4 Cyl.	Timing Chain	1L5Z-6268-AA	41.88
2020-2022	Ecoboost 13-T: 1.5L, 3 Cyl.	Timing Belt	159UP25	47.1
2019-2022	Duratec iVCT (Hybrid): 2.5L, 4 Cyl.	Timing Chain	1L5Z-6268-AA	41.88
2017-2019	Duratec FFV: 2.5L, 4 Cyl.	Timing Chain	1L5Z-6268-AA	41.88
2013-2019	EcoBoost 16V: 1.5L, 4 Cyl.	Timing Belt	BE8Z-6268-B	65.89
2013-2016	EcoBoost SCTi-Sigma: 1.6L, 4 Cyl.	Timing Belt	BE8Z-6268-C	65.31
2010-2012	Duratec 30: 3.0L, V6	Timing Chain	9L8Z-6268-B	40.83
2009-2016	Duratec 25: 2.5L, 4 Cyl.	Timing Chain	1L5Z-6268-AA	41.88
2005-2008	Duratec 23: 2.3L Hybrid	Timing Chain	1L5Z-6268-AA	41.88
2005-2008	Duratec 23: 2.3L	Timing Chain	3L8Z-6268-AA	45.24
2001-2009	Duratec 30: 3.0L, V6	Timing Chain	YF1Z-6268-AA	27.27
2001-2004	Zetec: 2.0L, 4 Cyl.	Timing Belt	F8CZ-6268-AA	44.43

*The prices mentioned on the table are as of January, 2023. This price may vary depending on the seller, availability, and location.

What is the Timing Belt/Chain Replacement Interval for Ford Escape?

The timing drive system replacement depends on each vehicle and the engine it uses. So, all Ford Escape models don’t have a uniform timing belt or chain replacement interval. 

However, Ford Escape models (2001-2004) which contain Zetec engines have a timing belt replacement interval of around 100,000 to 120,000 miles. 

On the other hand, the models (2013-present) having EcoBoost engines will need timing belt replacement after running for 60,000 to 100,000 miles. It’s more applicable for the timing belt in Ford Escape models. 

The rest of the engine types require a timing chain replacement depending on the engine’s lifetime. 

What Type of Timing Belt/Chain Does Ford Escape Use? 

Ford Escape uses different types of timing chain and timing belt in different models. 

Though the type of timing chain or belt isn’t specified anywhere, I have personally inspected each of the timing drive systems. 

Based on my observation, I have specified each type for every Ford Escape generation below.

Timing Belt

The Ford Escape uses modified curvilinear tooth profile timing belts in 3 types of engine such as EcoBoost 16V (1.5L, 4 Cyl.), EcoBoost SCTi-Sigma (1.6L, 4 Cyl), and Zetec (2.0L, 4 Cyl.). These engines are found in the Ford Escape 2001-2004 models and 2013-2019 models. 

These timing belts have a lower tooth depth design with a higher flank angle. As a result, when the tooth comes in contact with one another, it makes less noise. Ford Escape included this type of timing belt for improving high-speed applications.

Here you’ll get to know whether Subaru Outback has a timing belt or a chain (in case, you needed it).  

Timing Chain

Now, you will notice that Ford Escape uses mostly timing chains in most of the models. Depending on the engine type, the Ford Escape uses both silent and roller timing chains. 

I’ve followed the same approach as the timing belt type here. The type of timing chain for respective engines and Ford Escape models are listed below.

Roller Timing Chain: This type of timing chain is used in the Ford Escape 2005-2023 models. These models have the following types of engines – Duratec iCVT (2.5L, 4 Cyl.), Duratec FFV (2.5L, 4 Cyl.), Duratec 25 (2.5L, 4 Cyl.), Duratec 23 (2.3L), EcoBoost 13-T (2.0L, 4 Cyl.), and EcoBoost (2.0L, 4 Cyl.). 

Silent Timing Chain: you will find silent timing chain in the Ford Escape 2001-2012 models. It’s mostly found in two types of Ford Escape engines. These engines are Duratec 23 (2.3L) and Duratec 30 (3.0L, V6). 

Why does the Ford Escape Fourth Generation Have Timing Chain Only? 

Now, from the table you will notice that almost all of the Ford Escape generations have both timing chain and timing belt. But the Fourth Generation Ford Escape models (2020-Present) only have timing chains. In fact, it specifically uses roller timing chains.

The reason the Ford Escape recent generation uses a roller timing chain is because it reduces the friction between the link chains. So, the chains don’t wear off easily. This increases the longevity of the timing chain. 

As a result, you will not need to replace the timing chain frequently. This makes the car cost-efficient for you.

Some models of a few brands come with both a timing belt and a chain, and Hyundai Elantra is one of them.  

FAQs

Final Words

Hopefully, you’re now assured about the Ford Escape timing belt or chain. It actually depends on the model and generation of the car. I hope you’ve found the exact model you were looking for in this article. Thank you very much for reading.