2017 Ford Escape Complaint Log

In June 2023 I took my Grandson on vacation. I filled up my gas and the next day my car began running extremely rough. Once I got home I filled it with premium gas and put fuel injector in hoping it was just bad gas. Did NOT fix problem. Few days later I was driving and the engine just died. Several cars swerved to avoid hitting me. I turned the ignition and the high temperature pull over safely alert came on. I turned the defroster on high hoping that would cool the engine enough for me to get back home. IT took SEVERAL times of me restarting the car for me to creep back home. I was on a very busy road and was afraid someone would hit me. I then called the local ford dealership and told them what happened and was informed this was an on-going issue with Ford Motor Co. 1.5 ltr engines. I bought this car in October, 2020 with 24,900 miles. It now has 50,900! I maintain my vehicle regularly. This should NOT happen to a vehicle with 50,000. Ford Motor Co should offer a buy-out. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE driving this car and certainly not with my grandson. I thought this was a safe, dependable vehicle. I was wrong.

Engine coolant intrusion causing engine failure intermittently while driving at 51k miles. Repaired by Ford at my cost even though it was within warranty mileage but exceeded time by 7 months. This is a known issue by Ford…see Ford Service Bulletin 19-2346.

coolant intrusion

I am reaching out in regards to my 2017 Ford escape vin: [XXX] . I am hoping you can assist me in resolving this matter quickly. In August 2020 I bought my used Ford Escape from a local dealership (Vandevere Buick, Akron Ohio 44303), with high hopes of a reliable and smooth ride. I did receive the attached letter from Ford in July of 2022 regarding the customer satisfaction programs [XXX] and [XX] and it states “it may be possible for coolant to intrude into the cylinder bores”. I was told by Vandevere that no active recalls or work was needed on this Escape. We did not have any of the issues listed on the July 2022 letter (tailpipe smoke, or illuminated malfunction indicator lights MIL). I had oil changes and inspections done on [XXX] On [XXX] the check engine light came on. I was told that coolant was leaking into the cylinders by Spitzer Ford - Dylan Yavorsky (service advisor) 543 West Maple Street. Hartville, Ohio 44632 (330) 877-2252. Spitzer said they were aware of the problem and have the needed tools and parts to do the repair. Dylan said Ford had a warranty extension for this issue until 84,000 miles as stated in the letter from July 2022 or covered until November 30, 2022. Unfortunately, I did not have any problems with my Escape until the engine light came on and was evaluated by Spitzer at 99,000 miles. Dylan said Spitzer submitted a goodwill claim with Ford that was denied. He was very surprised it was denied. I am requesting that Ford motor company reimburses me the cost of repairing the engine in my 2017 Ford Escape for $5,991.34 that was paid on [XXX] to Spitzer Ford (see attached paid invoice). I feel it is a fair and reasonable expectation for a company with a strong reputation to stand by its products and provide support when things go wrong. I would really appreciate if you could take a look at my case and get back to me as soon as possible. If you nee INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

At about 61,000 miles the engine began to use more antifreeze by 63,000 miles the engine was leaking antifreeze into the engine. we now need to replace the engine.

On June 15th I took my car to AllStar Ford in Palestine Texas because my check engine came on flashing and I started my car it was running rough and having trouble accelerating. I was called later that day and told I needed 1 new spark plug. I told them to replace all of them and they also did a tune-up. I picked my car up on June 21st and it seemed to be fine. The next morning my check engine light was flashing again. I took it back and was later told there was a cracked spark plug. Skip to July 14th and my check engine light was back on. I took it back to the dealership. On July 20th they called to tell me there was a leak in my coolant reservoir and they found coolant intrusion in cylinders. Now I'm being told I have to replace my engine. There has been a recall on 2014 to 2019 Ford EcoBoost because of the very same issue. For some reason my car was not part of that. I have researched this issue and found a lot of owners having the same problem and being told the cost is on them. There are also class action lawsuits in California for this problem. Had I know these cars had this severe problem I would have purchased something different. My car could over heat and blow the motor and even catch on fire. I owe less on my car than what it will cost to fix and that doesn't guarantee it won't happen again.

Had scheduled a service to repair back latch. The day prior the check engine light came on. Upon diagnostic from Ford service center, it was determined that coolant had leaked into a cylinder and caused miss-fire. The Service center informed me that it was just a matter of time until all cylinders were compromised and would seize. I was quoted roughly $7,500 to replace the engine on a vehicle that is only worth $7,000 ( per the Ford service center sales team ). After looking into this type of problem, it seems to be a re-occurring problem for many of the Eco Boost engines. Currently there is an active Class-Action Lawsuit against Ford for this exact problem. I then contacted Ford Motor and was told by 2 different people & 1 supervisor that there was nothing they could do, and to go to the NHTSA website and put a complaint in. I have yet to have the vehicle repaired. Vehicle has roughly 122K miles.

There were engine maintenance warnings, running hot

Engine began smoking and had to be replaced 2 days after purchase (in 2020- covered under warranty.) Failed inspection for front end suspension problems which was covered under warranty at first but a year later needed struts and tie rods replaced.. In 2021 the transmission suddenly failed, cost $5,000 to repair out of pocket. The other day the power steering assist suddenly stopped working and I was told it would be $150-3,000 to fix.

A check engine light code popped up which was for cylinder 1 misfire and caused a safety issue because it was burning coolant and caused the engine to overheat and lock up. Ford service center tore down the engine and confirmed that there was coolant in cylinder 1 and in the oil.

Unfortunately, this vehicle has had an ongoing electrical safety issue and Peoria Ford has failed to properly address the concern. The issue is, while driving down the road intermittently the door open and not park indication comes on, then all the electronics start flashing randomly, the radio and A/C start working intermittently then stop altogether, and all electronics go out, everything out, no lights, no dash indications, nothing.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the liftgate switch failed to function as intended. The contact stated that the liftgate switch was activated to unlatch and open the liftgate; however, the liftgate failed to open as intended. The contact stated the failure was initially intermittent but became a persistent failure. The liftgate had since become inoperable. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the contact was informed that a diagnostic test fee would be charged to determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Received check engine light for cylinder # 2 misfire. Learned that this relates to a prior technical service bulletin on the vehicle (TSB 22-2229). Required entire engine to be replaced even though car only has 76,500 miles on it.

The contact’s wife owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle was overheating after driving 20-25 miles. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that coolant was leaking into the cylinders, causing the vehicle to overheat. The independent mechanic diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. An unknown dealer was contacted and informed the contact that there was an Extended Warranty Coverage related to the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under the Extended Warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.

I was pulling out on the to the highway and my car just instantly died I barely got it off the road. If someone would have been behind me there would have been a crash I just got lucky. No warning signs no nothing. I had to get my engine replaced because of the coolant leak this is a problem most people are having. I just seen you recalled some 20 20 22s 23s for another problem why can you guys not recall these engines with the coolant leak I have spent thousands to fix this problem Ford needs to pay people back for this problem. Please do something with these engine coolant leaks. So many people are complaining and no one's doing anything. That's not cool when someone's driving and your car just instantly dies on the highway I was just lucky I was able to just Coast to get it off the road.

I have had to have my engine and my transmission replaced within 2 months apart I keep writing and calling everyone I can I keep hearing the 1.0 l engines are blowing up too due to the wet belt and they're doing nothing with the 1.5 l engines due to the coolant issues I had no warning lights going off in my car and it blew the motor if it wouldn't have been for me going downhill I could have easily been killed. I need some reimbursement I have worked out over almost 20 grand between the transmission and engine for repairs and I owe people money I can't afford this anymore. Why can you not make Ford pay for these. All of these engines are bad and the 1.0's and the 1.5 leader engines. I have all the documentation from what I paid for both all I would like is for half back. It seems like nobody's doing anything about this you keep asking for the approximate date and I do not remember. I'm going to try to get as close as I can. It's not a mileage thing on these vehicles they're all having coolant problems or they're all having wet belt problems it does not matter. It's faulty on their part. I've done all my oil changes I've kept up to date with everything I should have. Ford dealership actually refused to put a new engine in my car because they know these cars these vehicles are all bad. They're literally turning people away because they don't want to work on them.

Vehicle has 77,000 miles on it and now needs motor replaced for coolant intrusion into cylinder. After discussing with mechanic it is something they see all the time in the 2.0L ecoboost engines. Mechanic states Ford did not make a block strong enough and they all do this. Apparently ford even sells remanufactured engines where they have corrected this issue.

Coolant intrusion inside the engine it was a designed flaw for the 2017 Ford escape a very, very very common issue the whole engine needs to be replaced

Vehicle Started to shake when stopped at an intersection. Drove it to the local Ford dealer and was informed that I needed a new transmission. If the transmission failed while the vehicle is in motion or turning at an intersection, there would be no acceleration due to the transmission failing and i would not be able to clear on coming traffic while turning. The dealer diagnosed the transmission issue. No warning lamps or messages appeared.

Car displayed CEL and was losing coolant with no visible leaks. Read about coolant intrusion issue and took car to dealer with around 104,000 miles. Dealer said no problem found with car. Finally decided to try a new head gasket. Metal between cylinders on block and head show no problems, but sealing material on gasket completely eroded between cylinders. We have no idea if this will fix the problem or for how long. Ford prescribed fix is $8k+ long block. Would be insane to put that kind of money in an 8 year old car. Shame too, because the car is perfect otherwise. Paid $19,000 for it at a reputable dealer in 2022 - Blue Oval certified.

I had a regular service on my Ford today and the tech said I had "swollen lug nuts", which in my 56 years on this earth have never heard of. My vehicle has less than 30K miles on it. The tech said it is a common problem, and recommend replacement because if I got a flat tire I probably would not be able to change tire. The tech said it happens because they (Ford) use lug nuts that are made from two different medals which causes the problem. After some reading online it seems Ford has had this problem of damaged or defective lug nuts for many years. From what I read, yes I would probably have difficulty removing tire, but there is an added danger that if I did not replace there is a chance the lug nut could actually break causing other safety issues to include my tire coming off if it goes unnoticed (information from online). Since Ford is aware of this I didn't think I should be charged for something they should be responsible for.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle was starting rough. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who performed an injector test, inspected the spark plugs, and informed the contact that there was coolant leaking into the engine. The mechanic recommended an engine replacement. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

Defect in engine looses coolant could cause overheating and engine lockup

I was on the highway doing 70+ and my car overheated and shut off. When i turned it back on the engine light was on and it was shaking like crazy. I took it to the dealership and they told me that it is a known prob and it has a coolant leak into the engine. I can see online that this is happening to thousands of people and ford is refusing to fix it. I could be dead right now. They’ve known about this problem for years but will not replace my engine.

No warning lights went off nothing just broke down on the highway. Took it to a shop they said it was a coolant intrusion of the cylinders and that I needed a new engine. Ford knows there's a default on these engines they are doing nothing people are forking out a lot of money to get them fixed. It was built faulty and they know it.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, while starting the vehicle, the vehicle was shuddering. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact that the engine needed to be replaced due to coolant intrusion in the cylinder head. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.

Engine brought up a check engine light. I had the light investigated at a ford dealership. Diagnostic test showed coolant intrusion into the cylinders. Code 304 and 316 present. Engine was consuming antifreeze to the tune of 1 tank of coolant a day blowing white smoke out of exhaust and overheating. This made me afraid of a fire because of coolant loss.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the engine was misfiring. The mechanic replaced four spark plugs and the ignition coils. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic, who replaced the ignition coils another time and informed the contact of a coolant leak. The contact called the local dealer, who informed the contact that the repair was not covered under warranty. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.

Please reference the following vehicle and review the two attached documents which are all listed below: 2017 Ford Escape Black Style: SE 4dr SUV AWD (1.5L 4 cyl. Turbo 6A) VIN: [XXX] Style: SE Sport Utility 4D Engine: 4-Cyl, EcoBoost, 2.0T Transmission: Auto, 6-Spd w/SelShft Drivetrain: 4WD Documents: 1.CedarCity.7.10.23.pdf; and 2.SunsetTransmission.8.12.25. On [XXX], we purchased the captioned 2017 Ford Escape VIN: [XXX] from Sunset Ford on with 73,912 miles on the odometer. In the subsequent 3.5 years, the car has been driven primarily on flat roads in St. Louis and Los Angeles and has had regular oil changes and maintenance. On Monday, [XXX], the Escape’s transmission began grinding and broke down near Cedar City Utah. It was subsequently towed to Cedar City Auto Repair & Maintenance where with only 99,436 miles on the odometer, it was diagnosed with a broken fly wheel and Ring Gear Assembly and subsequently repaired for $1,908.70 (Please review 1.JPEG, 2.JPEG, 3.JPEG, 4.JPEG & CedarCity.7.10.23.pdf.) The Escape performed adequately for the next 26 months. However, on Sunday, [XXX], the transmission began grinding again after only an additional 21,000 miles. It was towed to SUNSET TRANSMISSION on 8/12/25, where it was determined the Escape needed a new torque converter, a full transmission rebuild and a new transmission rebuilding kit, despite having only 121,361 miles on the odometer. These repairs cost $3,742.05. (Please review SunsetTransmission.8.12.25.pdf.) As you know, manufacturing quality has been an issue for 2017 Ford Escape’s. The NTSB has previously issued recalls relating to the Transmission Shifter Cable Bushing. In the last two years, we have spent $5,650.75 on our Escape with only 121,361 miles on it. This is unacceptable and we should be entitled to compensation for Ford’s shoddy manufacturing. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The contact's daughter owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 70 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was veered to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 102,800.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle started shuddering and lost motive power. The contact stated that the check engine and engine default warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the temperature gauge rose to the red zone. The contact pulled off the roadway and turned off the vehicle. The contact stated that a big puff of white smoke came from the exhaust pipe. The contact restarted the vehicle and drove to a shopping mall and filled the radiator with one gallon of water. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local parts dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that coolant had leaked into cylinder #2 and #3. The contact called a dealer and was advised not to drive the vehicle. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to TSB Number: 19-2346 Coolant In Cylinders, White Exhaust Smoke (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.

My power steering has gone out 6 times in the last month. It has happened once while driving on the road, and the other times in parking lots while attempting to park. I get the error Service Steering - the electric power steering system has detected a fault. I turn the car off and back on, and steering returns, but the problem persists. Since this occurred while driving at an intersection, it was extremely dangerous and I almost drove straight into another vehicle because I couldn't steer manually. I took it to a dealership, who couldn't replicate the problem. There were no other warnings or messages prior to the failure and appeared the first time the failure happened. I am concerned for my safety and the safety of others and don't feel comfortable driving the car.

Engine failure. Check engine light came on and then went back off a day later. Took it to multiple places to get it checked out. They all told me it was a faulty engine and Ford knows about it. My car really started smoking. Took it to a Ford dealer ship and the even tried to get me some help. The are now denying to fix my car so I took it somewhere else. I'm just glad my engine didn't catch fire. Ford didn't seem to care. In the last 3 month I have paid 16,000 dollars to get it fixed.

I have filled out this form before. I had to have my engine replaced in my 2017 Ford escape 1.5l. so many people are having problems with these cars with the coolant intrusion problem. Ford refuses to acknowledge it don't know why you guys won't make them put a recall on these engines people owe too much money on their vehicles to keep doing this they can't just get rid of their cars. Now some people are realizing the new engines are not working either and they're forced to get a second new engine or lose all that money on their car. There is a Facebook page it's Ford EcoBoost Nightmares. You might want to check in on this so you actually know what's going on. This is not a joke anymore people are losing a lot of money Ford needs to be reimbursing people for their engine problems and if they have other engine problems they need to replace them too until they can learn how to fix these engines. I'm in the hole now and I have no money I have put every penny I have into this car and I still owe nine grand on it. I'm barely keeping a roof over my head. Please make them put the recall out people need to get reimbursed.

My car is at 86k and the block cracked causing the antifreeze to leak out into the exhaust system, and overheat. The incident left us stranded. There was a check engine light that came on when the vehicle overheated. We took the car to the mechanic and he told us that there is a flaw in the engine block that caused this problem. We have not had the vehicle inspected by our insurance company or the police.

Coolant leaking into cylinder on the engine, and Ford says it is out of warranty, but a fired hazard

The vehicle has been going low on coolant and when it does the check engine line comes on. We took it to the dealership and were told the engine is bad. After searching online, it appears this is a widely known design flaw with the 2.0 ecoboost engine. If this is correct, then it seems Ford should have to do something about it.

Head gasket issue with coolant getting in the engine. Recommendation from Ford is to basically replace the engine/block, etc estimating $7900 is repairs. Service bulletin 22-2229 exists but Ford will not provide any financial assistance as the vehicle is at 91k miles with a 60K warranty.

Coolant is leaking into the cylinders as confirmed by a Ford service center. This issue poses an engine overheating/fire hazard. This issue did not present until 68,000 miles which is outside of the manufacturer's warranty.

I special ordered a 2017 Ford Escape.The paint on both side windshield pillars is peeling and blistering. I took it to the Ford Dealership and was basically told that Ford would not repair it. There are many with the same problem. My concern is that due to the fact that raw metal is visible it will eventually rust and weaken the windshield, possibly causing it to break or even fly off. Please help all of us. I live on Social security and can't afford to get it painted.

On May 18,2023 my husband washed my car and realized the paint is peeling off around the windshield. It is bubbled up in areas and in some areas metal is showing. I have searched this problem on the internet and there are a lot of people having the same issue. I immediately called Ford and the warranty on the paint is only for 36k miles and they have no intentions on helping me pay to have my car painted. My car is in great shape and only has 70k miles on it. Seems to me that this is an issue for a recall.

Transmission Failed - Vehicle has been repaired When the transmission failed, I was turning at an intersection and was unable to accelerate to make the turn causing other vehicles to slam on their brakes to avoid an accident. The dealership diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced There were no warning lamps or messages.

The vehicle began experiencing a slight vibration when accelerating. When the vehicle reaches 28 mph through 54 mph, the vibration is noticeable. Very noticeable when going uphill. It feels like the rumble strips you drive over at a road construction area. When the vehicle reaches close to 60 mph the vibration is not felt. It began around May/June 2023 and got worse as the months went on. I took the vehicle to the dealer and they said it was a known issue with some Ford vehicles where a transmission torque converter would fail. Their recommendation was to pay them $6K for a new transmission that would come with a 3-year warranty. I already paid them $8K for a new engine for another known problem. I am not giving them another penny.

At 71,000 miles, steering fault service now keeps showing up. Steering would lock up out of the blue. Dealer states rack and pinion needed to be replaced. Ford should do a recall since a lot of people are having the same problem and it is extremely dangerous to lose steering while driving.

Engine failed at less than 60,000 miles. Defect is coolant leak into cylinders 2 & 3 (confirmed by 2 dealerships). Ford is aware of this problem with this engine for vehicles of this type with the 1.5L engine. Ford issued a recall on these vehicles and the repair is to replace the engine. Our vehicle did not get on the VIN list. Ford issued a TSB and implemented a repair program (19B37 & 21N12) to replace these engines. This vehicle failed precisely how they said it would fail and was the correct type and the correct manufacture plant and dates. But since the vehicle was not on the list they refused to cover the repairs. They offered to cover 40% of the cost which left us $3,000 out of pocket. This is after over $1,000 out of pocket on earlier repairs that were not effective and on having to tow the vehicle multiple times. The vehicle is out of warranty (over 5 years old) but not mileage. Not a satisfactory outcome. A lemon law complaint has been filed.

The vehicle first started running in a very ragged manner. We first tried better gas but that didn’t help. Then a strange smell, soon followed by car overheating. Realized coolant had all drained out, when actually it was running into the design-flawed engine. It would not hold coolant and has gotten to the point where if I go more than 10 miles the vehicle has to have coolant put into it. I am constantly having to check issue. Also an issue with white smoke coming out. Have been told if the car runs hot too long it will catch fire and burn. 61,000 miles and must replace engine at $8,200. Or risk burning. The contact stated the vehicle is leaking antifreeze into the engine and then burning it off, producing a white smoke. Further, driving the vehicle can produce a rough, shaky ride, especially upon start-up. Another issue is the “check engine” light comes on and does not readily go off.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle was shuddering. The contact was able to continue driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that an unknown cylinder was misfiring. An unknown repair was performed; however, the failure recurred while driving. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to another mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the failure was related to the transmission. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that after parking and turning off the vehicle, the engine fan continued to run. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was a coolant intrusion in the engine, and the engine needed to be replaced. The contact related the failure to Ford Campaign Number: 21N12; however, the dealer informed the contact that the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.

While driving on the interstate, I passed a vehicle. Once I got back into the left lane my vehicle flashed a warning saying ‘service engine now’. My vehicle went from 70 mph to 50 mph very quickly! Cars and semi trucks were passing me by and almost hitting me because of the immediate decrease in my speed. Took my vehicle to the dealership where it was purchased. They told me the turbo was bad. Nothing that I did on my end, it was a bad turbo from the beginning.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated intermittently. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the engine to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure and associated the failure with Manufacturer Recall Number: 21N12 (Short Block Replacement After Coolant Intrusion). The failure mileage was approximately 69,000.

In 2023, at around 77,000 miles the engine block in my moms 2017 Ford Escape Titanium (2.0L EcoBoost) cracked due to coolant intrusion and we had to have it replaced. Although the engine was replaced, the replacement engine was the same model, just from 2016 instead of 2017. The engine is still running fine, but due to the poor manufacturing of the engine block, I am worried it will happen again soon since the car itself has 108,000 miles, and the engine has around 85,000.