2017 Ford Escape Complaint Log

Coolant intrusion into cylinders at 81,000 miles has damaged engine and transmission pump, requiring replacement of both. Appears this is a known issue with both 2.0L and 1.5L engines.

Engine suffered coolant intrusion known design defect on ford escape 1.5 L engines. Needs engine replacement.

I began receiving a notification labeled "Engine fault, service now" a few weeks prior to the incident. I took my car to a mechanic and everything checked out fine, so the code was cleared and did not return. A few weeks later, I was changing my oil and noticed my engine coolant appeared extremely low. I also noticed a wet spot under my car under the coolant chamber side. I refilled the coolant, drove 5 minutes home, and then noticed it was once again empty. I then had my engine light come on. I took my car to Ford that night. The next day they called and informed me I had an internal coolant leak that had seized my spark plugs and destroyed my engine. This is a known issue, extremely common, and yet they refuse to do a recall on it and could provide me no help. I was quoted $16,000 for the repair (far more than the car is worth) and essentially just ended up having to buy a new car. The Ford will have to be scrapped for a few hundred dollars despite only being 8 years old with only 98,000 miles on it. I have records of my ownership and a written diagnostic report from Ford. From Ford: "Observed coolant intrusion into cylinder #2. Recommend replacement of the long block at this time. Coolant intrusion into long block at this time. Found the engine assembly has an internal coolant leak." Additionally, Ford has posted a service bulletin with recommended repair instructions for this known issue. The bulletin number is 9-2139 from 2019. There is also an active class action lawsuit against Ford being run by Kershaw Talley Barlow for this issue.

Passed a truck and when I looked in the mirror I noticed blue smoke. As I was returning home noticed a lack of power and then check engine light came on. Was missing out on cylinder #2, so replaced plugs. Ran ok for a bit but started missing again and check engine light came back on. Called the Ford dealership and had it towed to them. Was told it needed a new engine because coolant had entered the cylinders. This happed on 10/28/25. took to dealer on 11/13/25. This car has only 27000 miles on it, Ford knows they have a design flaw with this motor.

I have a 2017 Ford Escape with an EcoBoost engine. My car was running a little bit rough and the check engine light turned on. I made an appointment with an independent service location that I trust to diagnose the issue. After reading the computer code, which noted a cylinder misfire, they noticed that the coolant level was low, did some investigating and found a Ford-issue technical service bulleting from 2022 detailing the likelihood of a coolant leak into the engine. They scoped the cylinder and confirmed the presence of coolant in the cylinder and noted the only repair was a replacement of the entire long block. I then sent my car to a Ford dealership and asked them separately to diagnose the issue, and they returned with the same diagnosis and suggested repair. The safety of me (a lone parent), my 8yo son, and our dog are put at risk every time I have to drive the car since we don't know when the engine might give out completely. I've now been restricted to only driving very small distances until I can find the required $9K to replace the engine. I do not feel comfortable driving my car (which has been great until now), but cannot afford an indefinite rental car, nor a new car, and have no alternative but to drive it. This is a KNOWN ISSUE (as evidenced by the Technical Service Bulletin) and a few older models have actually been recalled, but for some reason, the remaining have not. Ford will not cover any cost of the repair because of the age of the car, even though it only has 52K miles on it (which is extremely low for its age). All known safety issues should be covered regardless of the age of the car. I understand there is an active class action lawsuit against Ford for this very failure, which speaks volumes as to how widespread this safety issue is.

I was informed by the Ford Dealership that I needed new engine. I have spoke to 2 mechanics ( my local mechanic who has 2 Ford Escape with engine failures and the other mechanic from DCH Ford who had 3 engine failures) I see there is no recall but with 5 Ford Escape engine failures that I am aware of via only 2 mechanics I would have to say they are more out there.

The seat stopped working. The ford almost gave out on me multiple times today. On the highway and twice on the road. Apparently this vehicle has been recalled plenty of times. It has something to do with bush wiring. The seat will not adjust or move forward and the windshield wipers don’t work. It basically gave out and will not reverse.

After having brought the car for service multiple times due to “cylinder misfires” & having been told to replace spark plugs, power packs & get a “tune up” the latest mechanic report states there is coolant leaking into the engine, and the engine needs to be replaced. There is a known Technical Service Bulletin (19-2139) regarding this issue with Ford Escape 1.5L models.

I bought this car on 05/30/25 and there is now a Coolant infusion into the engine which has made the car undrivable. The repair at my local Ford delaership is $7500.00. Ford has refused to assist in the repair or help in any way. I am now out of a vehicle due to this known issue Ford has

Check engine light came on and car was idling rough. Took to auto repair shop and was quoted almost $12,000 to fix problem. Code P0316, P2601 and P0302. Misfire in cylinder 2 due to coolant leakage. My entire engine needs to be replaced. I will now need to purchase a new car. I just found out this has been a known issue for 2017 Ford Escapes. I was never notified. Would not have bought this car in 2018 if this informatiom had been available. Just found out there is a class action lawsuit.

My 2017 Ford Escape with 55K miles (never missed a scheduled oil change since bought) was diagnosed with "coolant intrusion" . When the car broke down there were no prior indications that something was wrong, totally out of the blue. The dealership told me I would have to pay for a new engine because the warranty expired and gave me an estimate of $13,500.00. This is an engine defect and is happening to Ford owners throughout the US and they are being told the same things. How does coolant intrusion happen and why? A design defect which should be recalled and repaired by the company and not the consumer who has done nothing wrong.

vehicle idled rough and then check engine light came on. Took to ford dealer in Stillwater, OK and they told me coolant was low, vehicle is leaking coolant into cylinder one and needs a new engine block for $9700. Asked about adding coolant and was told without the repair it would just go straight into the engine. Low coolant is at risk for overheating and engine shutdown

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and there was a misfire coming from the engine. In addition, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. In addition, the contact stated that the failure had occurred while the contact was driving on the highway. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the road. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a misfire in cylinders #2 and #3. The vehicle was diagnosed with coolant intrusion and engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was in the process of being repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.

Coolant intrusion due to head gasket wear from Ecoboost, a known defect on the Ford Escape from 2013-2019. Yes, safety was put at risk, as the entire vehicle started shaking violently without warning on the expressway due to misfire caused from coolant intrusion. Vehicle is currently at Roy O'Brien Ford, SCS MI, where it was diagnosed having coolant intrusion. No warning lights appeared until the incident on [XXX], with a flashing check engine light while driving, with the vehicle shaking violently. Prior to, I could feel and see the RPM's bouncing. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

My 2017 Ford Escape with has 37000 miles and I was told I need a new engine

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the message “Pull Over Immediately” was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle entered LIMP Mode and failed to exceed 5 MPH. Upon inspection, the contact became aware that there was no coolant in the coolant reservoir. There was no coolant visible on the ground. An independent mechanic diagnosed the vehicle with coolant intrusion in the cylinders. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.

I just purchased a car with under 45,000 miles and was told by the dealership that it needs a new engine because it is leaking coolant into the engine. This is a known problem with these cars.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that soon after the engine was replaced by the dealer under warranty, the vehicle started to hesitate and jerk while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The failure worsened, and the contact initially called the dealer and was provided an estimate for a diagnostic test. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic, where the vehicle was diagnosed with transmission failure, and the contact was provided with estimates to replace the transmission. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The contact was then referred to the NHTSA for additional assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 3,000.

2017 Ford Escape Eco Boost 2.0 Bought used, immediately experienced what everyone else has according to the well documented design flaw in these engines, coolant leaked into cylinder 3. eventually destroyed turbo, ( major safety concern ) potential fire could have occurred, ultimately this caused me to replaced engine at 126k miles which was my best option. Now I need to replace Torque converter/ Transmission. Common issue with Torque converter occurred at 130k miles, locked up, could only drive by going from neutral to Drive while applying gas. Just failed on me and now I'm discovering that the coolant is leaking into the engine I just replaced which was from a 2018 Ford Escape Eco boost. I still owe 8k, exhausted finances, total loss on what to do faced with replacing both the transmission and engine. Haggerty Ford in West Chicago knowingly sold this piece of junk to me.

Coolant Infusion Into Engine , Powertrain Light Issue Turns On But & It Stated To Replace Spark Plugs/ Coil Overs But Coolant Still Dissapates From Coolant Resevior

My check engine light came on. So I decided to get a code reading from auto zone. Once code scan I received error code p0303. I then decided to replace all coils and spark plugs, then the check engine light goes out for a couple of days. I decided to take to a local shop they tell me a hose was loose and if the check engine light comes back bring it back…. I thought to myself that's why I came the first time, I then decided to take to ford. They do the diagnostic and say I have to replace engine because of coolant intrusion. I would need a long block and would cost around 8000 to fix. The reason I am sending this is because I believe that Ford should be held accountable for this known flaw in the design of the ecoboost engine. Many people are or has been going through this problem. A recall is the best way for ford to handle and take accountability.

Engine coolant leaked into oil, car needs new engine. Research shows that this is a design flaw on Ford and needs to be remedied asap.

My 2017 ford escape has a manufacturer defect. The casting was bad on this particular motor causing coolant intrusion which has been confirmed by an authorized ford mechanic. This is making my vehicle non drivable.

My check engine light came on. Ford dealer diagnostics reveal coolant has leaked into the cylinder and ruined the engine. Now the engine needs to be replaced altogether. There is no crack in the engine block that the dealer sees and there have been no previous issues with the head gasket or cylinder heads. My understanding is that this is a problem for which Ford has created some "programs" (23N03, 22-2174, 20-2271 are the ones I found). Ford does not appear to have widened this program to include my car YET. The car has 71,100 miles, which is the same timeframe the recalled vehicles averaged their issue.I believe my car has a defect in the engine as well and this problem is a direct result of this defect.

Code for camshaft timing and cylinder 2 misfire. Scoped coils and performed relative compression test. Dead cylinder on number 2. Recommend manual compression test and cylinder leak down test to identify cause of low compression Performed manual compression test and confirmed cylinder has 0 compression. Performed cylinder leak down test. Air coming from crankcase. This indicates an issue with rings, cylinder wall, or piston. Engine will need to be replaced. The coolant leaked into the cylinders, which lead to engine failure.

I have a 1.5L ecoboost engine in my 2017 Ford escape. Known now for it's design flaw allowing coolant to enter the engine and cause catastrophic damage. This has happened to my vehicle and it is not covered under any recall.

My 2017 Ford Escape SE has the original 2.0 engine, 90857 miles, no accidents. A widely known Ford engine defect called “coolant intrusion”marked by engine error code P0301, causes the car to consume coolant and overheat without notice. Issue is documented in TSV-22-2229 replacing TSV 22-2133. Byers Ford dealer, in Delaware Ohio, pressure tested the cylinder and identified the internal coolant leak with engine bore scope. Dealer service quoted an engine replacement over $9,100 as the only repair option. Ford Motor is unwilling to provide any financial assistance for this widely known defect because it’s outside of their eligibility window. I am requesting this vehicle and year be placed on a recall.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while her son was driving approximately 65 MPH, the check engine warning illuminated. The contact’s son reported that the vehicle was shaking and vibrating abnormally, and he pulled over and turned off the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that there was coolant intrusion in the engine block, causing a crack in cylinder #2. The contact was informed by the mechanic that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to a defect in the 1.5L GTDI engines. The contact informed the manufacturer of the failure and was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 77,900.

I just purchased a 2017 Ford Escape with under 44,000 miles in August 2025 only to find out cylinder 3 has a coolant intrusion allowing coolant to enter on top of the piston. This can cause a fire!!!! I was told I need a new engine!!! Ford needs to pay for this because it's a known defect with these cars!!!

Ford Dealer found Coolant Intrusion into cylinder 4 with 2.0L Ecoboost engine at 82,000 miles for 2017 Ford Escape. This is a well known issue that had recall issued in 2022. Ford offered no resolution or support for repair estimated at $8,000 to a well know engine flaw.

Engine started to over heat and leak/burn coolant

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (POWER TRAIN). The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. No warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to coast to the side of the on-ramp where the vehicle failed to restart. The contact asked passersby for help pushing the vehicle off the ramp. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the cylinder, causing engine failure. The contact was informed that the head gasket needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact then towed the vehicle to an independent mechanic who confirmed coolant intrusion in the cylinder. The contact stated that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact then towed the vehicle to another independent mechanic, who confirmed coolant intrusion into the cylinder. An independent mechanic replaced the engine block. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Known issue from Ford with coolant intrusion into cylinder 2 and maybe cylinder. Addressed through TSB 22-2232. Purchased car in February 2024 with 77k on it. Dealer won't repair the issue. Needs a new redesigned engine. Dealer only covers the issue if it's under the original warranty with less than 60k miles. My car now has 131k miles on it.

Engine intrusion. Crack in block is allowing coolant to leak into the engine and am now being told a complete engine repair is needed. Even though it's a known issue with Technical Service Bulletin 22-2229 they are saying we need to pay the whole thing and is not covered under any recall issue and only has 70,000 miles on it.

Like so many other with the ford escape from 2017 I experience a coolant leak into engine head causing overheating. With only 115,000 miles and the clear amount of vehicles with the same issues its quite disappointing there is nothing ford motor company is doing, when its clearly a manufacturer defect. Any other company would be held responsible for such an obvious mistake made on their part. I would never buy a ford vehicle going forward as this experience is very disappointing.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that on several occasions when the vehicle was started, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the engine, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the engine needed to be replaced due to a coolant intrusion into the engine. The vehicle was repaired, but the small bolt package had not arrived after five days, due to the bolt kit not being available. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 47,500.

Coolant in cylinder 2 due to crack in cylinder wall at head gasket due to thin sealing surface

My Ford Escape 2017 at 77,000 was diagnosed with coolant intrusion, causing catastrophic damage to the engine & requiring a total engine rebuild. This is a known issue identified by Ford in CSP 21N12 by Ford and TB 22-2134, but Ford has refused to subsidize any repairs because the car warranty is over 7 years old (it is currently an 8.5 year-old car). This issue can cause overheating, engine failure, and fires & has been known by Ford since at least June 2022, but they failed to notify me via mail or otherwise & have refused all requests to grant an extension or partial coverage for the necessary engine repairs.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle intermittently sputtered. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the engine, causing engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 144,000.

Coolant leaking into cylinders 2 and 3. Engine overheating.

While driving on the highway, car started to shutter and sputter. Engine light came on, then started flashing putting the car into limp mode and I was almost rear ended by a tractor trailer. I took the car to my local mechanic and he said cylinder 3 misfire. He went to check the plug and coil, coil good but he could not get the plug out. I then called ford and they said they would not let me talk to a mechanic or service technician. I called another place, then another. Finally one person told me that there has been issues with coolant leaking into cylinders causing people to have to replace engines and it is a known issue yet ford does not seem to care. This is the last Ford I ever buy, they have known issues that could cause you to be hurt while driving and they don't stand by their products.

When starting the engine ran very rough. Took it do a repair place to get checked out and they scoped the cylinder and found that the engine block cracked leaking coolant into #3 cylinder. Unrepairable. Requires a new engine.

My engine is done from coolant infusion in cylinder 2. It is available for inspection upon request. Because of this known issue my engine could have stopped at anytime allowing for endless ways my family and I could have been killed. I found out about this issue when I took my car into Kerry Ford for a simple oil change and mentioned that my car had just started shaking upon starting it and until I drive for a bit. I’ve now had the engine inspected by the dealership and someone from my extended warranty. The check engine light came on after the car started shaking and my only warning was that I knew the car was shaking.

Issue of coolant leaking into the engine which will need engine replacement.

Coolant leak in engine as described in Ford customer service program 21N12. [XXX] ). The fact that this was not a recall or covered past November 2022 is quite frankly irresponsible and despicable from the Ford motor company. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

I bought my 2017 Ford Escape from Cocoa Ford in Cocoa, FL on 8/23/2025. Less than a month after purchase, I noticed the coolant was low, and that the engine was making a weird noise. I also had the check engine light come on two different times and after using an OBD reader, I got code P0303. After the first instance, around Mid-November, 2025, I cleared the code myself, but then immediately scheduled an appointment with my mechanic. Seaside Auto Repair in Satellite Beach, FL on November 24, 2025. They came back stating that the problem is a known issue with Ford Escape cars, citing [XXX] & [XXX] . No repairs were made at this time, as I was assessing my options. Shortly after taking the car to the mechanic was when the check engine light came on again. Around December 5, 2025. Due to the holidays, and the car seemingly getting me to point A to Point B without too much trouble when I wasn't driving far, and constantly monitoring the coolant levels, which continued to drop, even after topping off, I have been waiting until after the new years to seek further mechanical fixes, however on Jan 1, 2026, while driving on the highway, my car began to shake, and I had a flashing check engine light on. I immediately returned home, about an additional 25 minutes of driving, and have not driven the car since. Since this is a known issue, Ford should be responsible for the fixes and/or replacement of my car. It is asinine that this issue does not yet have a recall. I will be reaching out to Ford directly to see if they will assist with this matter, but for now, I wanted to voice my concern about this issue. I'm lucky I was close to home when the issue became more serious. I have attached the invoice from my mechanic, which also includes a descriptions of their findings. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The check engine light came on and is still on at this time. I was told that there is coolant in the cylinders of the engine. I was informed that the engine has to be replaced. I purchased the SUV a year ago with 60,000 miles on it and I have added another 1,000 miles. So far I have been lucky in the fact the vehicle is still running. it has been about a week now since the light came on and 3 days since I was given the information. From my research this problem is known to Ford Motor Company and has been for some time. I am aware that there is Technical Service Bulletin #22-2229. I know there is a class action suite dealing with this matter. There is also a Lemon Car suite on going. My next step will be to contact a local dealership to see if we can come to a resolution in this matter.

While driving the car- the front end started to shake and the check engine light came on. Took it to our local Ford dealership and the advised that it was a cylinder 2 misfire when they diagnosed. They advised that the engine block is porous and the coolant slowly leaks into the engine which is causing the misfire. Called Ford's customer assistance line and since the car is out of warranty- and there are no open recalls, that they will not cover the $9100.00 new engine repair. Our car is a 2017 Ford Escape Titanium- with approx 82k miles. We purchased the car as a certified pre-owned in 2021- and have had no prior issues. We did not purchase any extended warranty. We were advised that the car isn't safe to drive due to the engine misfire.

the infamous coolant intrusion into a cylinder I no longer have a working car, im a nursing student this sucks!

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle started shuddering intermittently. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to two independent mechanics, where it was diagnosed with alternator and pistons failure. The second mechanic replaced the alternator; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the second mechanic, where the contact was informed that there was oil and coolant dilution, and metal shavings were found inside the engine. The dealer and the manufacturer were not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 134,003.