2017 Ford Escape Complaint Log

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and the mechanic determined that coolant intrusion into several cylinders had caused engine damage. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Ford Campaign Number: 21N12. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 107,000.

My car has been popping up engine fault service now. I went to my local mechanics and my car is exhibiting low coolant level but no signs of leak. They think it is internally leaking and causing spark plug number 4 to have blue corrosion and constant being replace.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the contact heard an abnormal sound coming from the engine. The check engine warning light was illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken a dealer where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into cylinder #1, and crack inside the cylinder. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and informed the contact there were no recalls associated with the VIN for the failure, and that the vehicle was out of warranty. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 49,582.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked and jolted temporarily, and the message "Change Transmission Fluid" was displayed. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unavailable.

Coolant leak

I own a 2017 Ford Escape with approximately 102,000 miles. I am the original and only owner and have had regular maintenance done on my vehicle the entire time I've owned it. After a recent 9-hour road trip, I experienced sudden engine failure with no prior warning signs. My local dealership has diagnosed the issue as coolant intrusion into the engine, which caused catastrophic engine damage and now requires a full engine replacement at a cost of $8,800. After researching the issue, I discovered this is a known and widespread problem with EcoBoost engines in 2013-2019 Ford Escapes and other Ford vehicles. Ford has issued Technical Service Bulletins regarding this, and there is at least one ongoing class action lawsuit related to engine failure caused by coolant intrusion. This problem poses serious safety concerns, especially when it causes vehicles to fail unexpectedly at highway speeds or in unsafe conditions. I am filing this report to document the issue and urge NHTSA to investigate this known defect.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that coolant intrusion into several cylinders had resulted in damages to the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N12 (Short block replacement after coolant intrusion). The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 102,000.

Engine coolant mixing into engine and oil and coolant mixing and leaking internally. Ford service has determined the only fix is too replace the entire engine. Diagnosis codes: P0303 and P0316 with a repair estimate of $9,620. The reason I brought the SUV in for service is the Check Engine Light came on. My 2017 vehicle has the Ecoboost engine

COOLANT IS LEAKING INTO THE CYLINDERS AND HAS SEIZES UP SPARK PLUG #4. BECAUSE OF THIS ISSUE MY CAR CAN CATCH FIRE WHILE DRIVING IT, I ONLY HAVE 77,000 MILES ON THIS VEHICLE AND THE FORD SERVICE MANAGER TOLD ME I NEED A NEW ENGINE AT THE PRICE AT THE PRICE $11,000.

ford coolant intrusion problem. had to replace motor i. 90,000 miles on escape cost $7950.00 plus $150.00 to have it diagnosed.

Bought this car back in December from a used car dealer started misfiring went engine light came on for other things as well as misfires fixed the other things misfiring still happening took car to a different garage was told it’s a head gasket done my own research the head gasket is getting replaced but the problem will come back the engine block needs the remanufactured one since the original ford one failed/is failing

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and occupied, while attempting to start vehicle, there was an abnormal rumbling sound coming from the engine. The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond as intended. The check engine warning light was illuminated. A local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into three cylinders and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N12 (GTDI Engine – Short Block Replacement After Coolant Intrusion); however, the vehicle was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 51,000.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the vehicle started shuddering. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle, and the vehicle responded as needed. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was later illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into cylinder #3, causing an engine misfire. The dealer determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that assistance could not be provided, and that the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 68,200.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was idling, the vehicle vibrated and jerked. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the torque converter and the pump for the torque converter had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 111,500.

Rear passenger door latch no longer latches. The broken pawl spring tab in the door latch causes the door to not be able to close and stay closed. I see recalls for Ford Escapes up to 2016. It has not been inspected by a dealer No warning lamps or any other indicators before it broke. I shut the door and heard a crack sound. I inspected the latch myself and see a part is broken off.

We were going down the road and my car started shaking within the engine area, pull over and it felt like my car was going to stall out, but it still ran very roughly. Took it to a service mechanic and they said it was a blown engine, due to coolant getting into engine. A engine light did come on at the time.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while the accelerator pedal was depressed. Additionally, the vehicle shuddered abnormally. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with a coolant intrusion and the contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 48,000.

At 51,000 engine needs replaced due to defect that causes coolant to leak into engine. Vehicle has a very slow start when stepping on the accelerator due to no compression from the coolant leak into the piston. White smoke would come from exhaust when accelerating. When pulling out into traffic car will almost stall out. Check engine light had been on repeatedly for the issue and Ford service. They claimed they did not see any issues. I had taken it to other places for service and they stated it should be under warranty with Ford. Ford does have a TSB on the issue but no recall

In 2024 the vehicle was brought in for a P0012 code, rough idling, loss of power, and hesitation when accelerating. The cam phasers were the culprit which were replaced along side multiple gaskets, and the timing belt. The tensioner was not replaced at that time. One year the vehicle is performing the same way, threw a P0012 code, rough idle, and loss of power. This time the dealership found suspended metals in the oil, and discovered scoring in the chambers. They refuse to look at the cam phasers or belt to see if there is wear or damage.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic with CarMax, who diagnosed that the engine was failing due to a coolant leak. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that there was coolant inside cylinder #3, and the long block needed to be replaced due to coolant intrusion. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 97,000.

Flaw in the design of cooling of the gaskets. Coolant incursion because the wall built to thin.

This began may of 2023. I had a 2017 ford escape and at 50,000 it had to get a whole new transmission. I have also purchased a new engine for this escape that has the same issues.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that there was coolant intrusion into several cylinders, resulting in engine damage. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N12. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.

Coolent intrusion through cracked engine block. White smoke and loss of power. Ford says the engine needs to be replaced.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a local dealer for an inspection, and the contact was informed that the engine was faulty due to coolant intrusion, and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 60,258.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the front of the vehicle. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that a handheld diagnostic machine was used to retrieve diagnostic trouble codes related to the transmission, and torque converter. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 112,453.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle remotely, the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started manually, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a misfire in cylinder #4. The contact was informed that the spark plugs needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred three days later. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 69,900.

My wife was driving when power steering went out . Power steering assist fault shows on the dash. She was almost in an accident due to it going out suddenly. This is incredibly unsafe. It shows no recall yet the same issue happened twice in our 2009 ford escape as well as many complaints filed for this same issue by many individuals. This needs to be addressed by ford . It is unfair that I foot a $2000 or more repair bill for their faulty manufacturing

Coolant intrusion. Ruined the engine. No help from Ford. Engine started overheating with my kids in the car. Could have started on fire. Ford obviously knows the issues with this vehicle, but since it's over the miles, due to my job I travel, they will not fix. Engine barely runs. Engine fault comes across the screen. No check engine light. Also.Engine overheating pull over safely comes across the screen. This vehicle needs to be recalled. Not the only one dealing with this. It's got 126,000 miles on it. Shouldn't have to replace Engine this soon.

Transmission total catastrophic Internal failure. Parts of the transmission broke loose internally and came out the side of the bellhousing. Total replacement cost is over $5000 and parts are unavailable due to frequency of issues with these transmissions.

My 2017 Ford Escape has been exhibiting recurring transmission and torque converter-related issues, especially during low-speed driving. The vehicle frequently hesitates when accelerating and experiences sudden reductions in power, creating unsafe driving conditions in traffic and on inclines. These symptoms often occur below 40 MPH and are accompanied by a noticeable shudder and jerking sensation. Despite regular maintenance, the drivability continues to deteriorate, resembling the widespread problems other owners have reported. I am submitting this complaint in hopes that Ford will acknowledge and address this serious mechanical defect.

its loosing coolant and throwing a code for mis fire spark plug

Powertrain suddenly failed with no prior issues displaying red Powertrain failure light- car will not move or shift, has high RPMS and has loud revving/screeching sound

Started having issues with the power of the engine, white smoke from exhaust, and loss of coolant. Apparently there are multiple TSBs about this problem, and has been discovered to be an engine design failure for several models under Ford and Lincoln and it is still not a recall. This issue is known to ruin the head gasket and ultimately crack the cylinder head. If I had not spoke to my mechanic about the white smoke and power loss, he would not have recommended that I check my fluids and saw I was losing coolant untimely. Due to it leaking into the engine every time I drove my car. He also stated that he’s seen this issue before, found multiple sources around the country that have seen the same issue and basically fixing the issue won’t ultimately fix the problem. Because the engine design is defective, the problem will happen again. The engine would have to replaced. Which costs more than the car is worth. It’s very dangerous to have a faulty engine design and not do a proper recall or replacement plan.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the contact's husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormal, loud rattling sound. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine failure, and the contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the dealer had previously replaced the engine in June 2022. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the safety failure. The failure mileage was approximately 58,000.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle sputtered and the engine was running rough. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic, who diagnosed that the spark plugs had failed and needed to be replaced. The spark plugs were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was returned to the mechanic, who replaced the ignition coils; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was returned to the dealer a third time, and the mechanic diagnosed that there was coolant intrusion in cylinder #3. The mechanic determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact became aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V431000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 81,277.

Cylinder 2 has coolant intrusion causing a misfire spark plug and ignition coil have already been replaced after a few days half a gallon of coolant is lost no external leaks coolant is going into cylinder 2 fouling the plug on cylinder 2 causing the vehicle to go into limp mode because the coolant pump is throwing a code because there's lack of coolant in the engine called Ford because there is a warranty extension through 88,000 mi for the vehicle knowing that this is an issue with these motors and these vehicles Ford says our VIN number is not included in the warranty extension or the recall don't want to spend $10,000 for an engine nor can we afford $10,000 for an engine replacement on a vehicle that we still have a couple thousand dollars left on payments will try to call the Ford dealer to see if we can get any assistance from them was already turned down from Sarasota Ford said they can do nothing for us

The brakes locked up and was red hot had to poor water on them, had our shop put new brake pads ,rotors ,new hoses on rotors and brake calibers on it. It got so hot it melted the hose .Not even 2 weeks later it has done it again. So shop started all over with new pads ,rotors,hoses ,calibers ,and Master cylindeda.Still didnt fix the issues. They said something is got to be wrong with the ibs . I have had it towed to the dealership in panama city Fl. were we can trade it in cause we are scared of it now But there should be a recall on this before someone gets hurt This is very dangerous and could make you lose control of the vehicle when it does this white driving.

The coolant leaks into the the cylinders. I bought this car June 7th 2025 and was told it was being sold as is due to hail damage. I have no issue with cosmetic problems but I come to find out that there is major defect with ford escapes. My vehicle started to overheat with my children in the car so I checked the coolant and it was empty. I have been keeping my eye on it and filling when needed but when I went to turn it on a couple days ago it will not start at all. I put 4,000 down on this car and got into payments because I trusted the dealership to put me in a car that was not known for these issues. I had no idea because I am not in the car business and I scrambled to get a car because mine was wrecked. The check engine light even came as the salesman was pumping gas to give me the car after I bought it and told me they would check into. I was told a couple days later it was a loose ignition coil and that they topped off the coolant for me. It was within the same week that I started having these issues because I am sure this issue was preexisting but they did not want to tell me.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the vehicle was idling rough with smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. The coolant level was constantly low despite adding coolant once every 3 days. The dealer was contacted and informed of the failure. The dealer confirmed there were no recalls associated with the failure. The contact learned of Customer Satisfaction Program: NHTSA ID 10213732 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed there was no recall associated with the failure. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 111,768.

About my 2017 Ford Escape 2021 engine failed and was replaced. 2025 transmission failed. Repairs cost too much! Car is now junk. $500 to junk it! Body and interior are fine. Ford Escapes as I now understand, are a terrible car from what I have witnessed, read AND heard from others. Ford is not right on this car, and I will not buy another Ford. I see there are no recalls on this car but there should have been. Ford knows about the issues with Escapes! This is horrible!

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 49,000.

COOLENT INTRUSION INTO THE CYLINDER WHICH CUSE THE CAR STALL AND STOP DURING DRIVING IN TRAFIC ON THE HIWAY. FORD COMPANY IS AWARE OF THE ISUE AND REFUSE TO ISSUE A RECALL.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was a misfire in cylinder #3 due to coolant intrusion. The dealer determined that the engine short block needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.

Without warning my car started not allowing me to go over 40 mph without a very violent jerking under the drivers side floor board. The jerk of the wheel would not allow the car to speed up. And then eventually upon driving my car immediately came to an abrupt stop and would not move forward any farther I was able to get it off to the side of the road of which at that point I was unable to get the car to go into or shift into any gear. It will not shift into park. The only reason my car is standing still now is because of the emergency parking brake, the transmission has gone completely out of my car . My car will not shift into drive neutral or any position. If you attempt to shift it into any position, you get anMy car will not shift into drive neutral or any position. If you attempt to shift it into any position, you get a very loud knocking rattling noise and it will not lock into place. Ford has done a recall for the same situation on many of the vehicles Ford made during that 2017 year. My question is why am I having to deal with this vehicle when Ford knew very well that there were many problems with it. Three years ago I had to deal with an engine block replacement for a new vehicle because Ford had a malfunction when it came to the coolant going into the engine. These are all problems that are not caused by general wear and tear of your customer they are caused by incompetent of Putting the car together in the first place. I really expected More from Ford. The first time I drove a Ford escape I fell in love with it so I want like I’ll regret ever buying this car. This car needs to be completely recalled. I can not afford to pay for a card that is not drivable.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to move. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that there was coolant intrusion into the engine, causing engine failure. The dealer recommended that the engine be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 77,000.

The contact's mother-in-law owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle and while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was shuddering. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with cylinder #2 failure, and that there were metal shavings inside the engine oil. The dealer determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 25,782.

Vehicle was purchased [XXX], the very next day multiple lights came on on the dash and it started bucking while driving. I took it back to the dealership for repairs.The right rear wheel speed sensor was bad. While the vehicle was being repaired a bolt that was seized up was broken requiring the Rr wheel knuckle to be replaced. July, the vehicle was treated for a water leak into the spare tire compartment.In September, more repairs were needed. I took it to my mechanic.The L axle shaft, wheel bearing, control arm w/ball joint, speed sensor and Rt.knuckle needed replaced. At this point, I was informed of the extensive rust under the vehicle and only being 8 years old, is a great concern. When it was taken in for an alignment, it was discovered there was a bolt broken off the Rr control arm, and it was repaired. October, it was treated again for the water leak. Water was still getting in with the spare tire when it rained. Also in October, I noticed a lag in shifting when accelerating. One incident that happened when merging onto a highway, the shifting lagged, delaying my acceleration and caused my vehicle to be traveling at a much slower rate than traffic. I took it to the dealership for repairs for the lag and a grinding noise. The transmission and torque converter were replaced. The grinding noise continued even after the repairs. January 2026, the vehicle was again taken in for the grinding noise and water leak. It now requires a transfer case, drive shaft, rear differential and the sub frame is cracked. I am greatly concerned about the structural integrity of this vehicle. Dealership claims the rust of the frame is from PA winters however the steering shaft INSIDE the car also has rust on it. For comparison, I also have a 2003 Jeep and it has minimal rust and is kept outside daily. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 66,000, and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 199,000.

Check engine light came on. Took car to dealer. Coolant leak inside of the cylinders / chambers of the engine.