2017 FORD ESCAPE Engine Problems
1,417 NHTSA complaints on file
All Engine Complaints — Page 6
The Ecoboost 2.0L 4 cylinder engine failure due to a coolant intrusion and it is available for inspection upon request. The vehicle was inspected by the dealer and requires a new engine block with an estimated total $8,790 worth of repairs at only 84,189 miles on the odometer.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, there was white smoke coming from the engine compartment and exhaust. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an unknown local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and was able to confirm there was no recall or warranty coverage for the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
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 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.
Ford knows about a manufacturing flaw on their engine. I have a coolant leak that caused white smoke to come out of my exhaust while I warm up my car in the garage. I immediately had a mechanic look at it and was told my car is not drivable until I have a head gasket replacement. I am an avid backpacker, and could have been stranded in the middle of nowhere without cell service for a flaw they know about and should remediate.
When driving the vehicle it suddenly lost all acceleration power. I coasted to side of road and opened hood to determine the vehicle was on fire from rear of engine bay. I then proceeded to offload what I was able from behind the vehicle of my tools for my job. There was no over heat warning or other indicators of any major issues with the vehicle prior to the fire.
Engine began misfiring while driving, and received a check engine light. Brought to a mechanic, who confirmed that coolant had begun leaking into the engine cylinder, consistent with Ford TSB 22-2229. Total engine replacement recommended, but Ford refuses to cover the replacement under warranty, or recall. Vehicle is no longer safely operable.
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...
Coolant intrusion ruined block. Overheated on interstate. My family and I had to wait on side of interstate for many hours in 100 degree weather with nothing to drink. We were sunburnt and dehydrated by the time we got to a motel that evening. Vehicle was towed to Pep Boys. Had to pay for a motel room for 3 days waiting on a diagnosis from them. Finally they informed me of the devastating news so I had to rent a U-Haul and car dolly to tow it back home since we were 300 miles away when this happened. There was a warning light that came on about 5 seconds before car shut off. It is available for inspection at this time.
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 vehicle began shaking when the engine was turned on and the acceleration was not reliable. It was then accessed by a dealership and found that the engine needs replaced due to coolant leaking into the engine. The dealership told me the vehicle is not safe to drive. The vehicle has been maintenanced regularly and only has 76,000 miles on it. The engine needing replaced is due to a defect in the build of this model.
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.
The contact called on behalf of her husband, who owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that her husband was approaching a stop sign at 5 MPH, and upon depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle continued to accelerate. The contact immediately depressed the brake pedal with both feet in order to bring the vehicle to a complete stop; no warning lights were illuminated. The failure occurred on several occasions where the brake pedal failed to stop the vehicle. On a most recent occasion, the contact parked in an empty lot when the vehicle accelerated, causing her to crash into a wall in front at an unknown speed. The building's wall was damaged, and the vehicle came to a stop upon impact. The vehicle was towed to a local repair center. A police report was filed. The vehicle was not destroyed. No injuries were reported. The vehicle was then taken...
Apparently coolant leaked into the engine causing engine failure. No warning! No fix except to replace the engine for $9,500.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that on two occasions while driving under 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact coasted to the side of the road each time and the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure reoccurred five months later. The vehicle was towed to another independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with engine failure and the contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 116,000.
The engine suddenly failed mid-driving, began sputtering and became very weak. It would stutter at intersections or when trying to accelerate and became quite scary to drive. I was on a major freeway heading home when this happened. Upon taking it to a dealership for analysis, they reported a well known TSB-22-2229 had been out for this issue for a few years, but that since none of the "warning signs" were reported at earlier service appointments, they were instructed by Ford to not report it to us consumers unless we first mentioned those issues occurring. When speaking to the technician at the dealership, he acknowledged that due to a design flaw in the original engines, they have been replacing these specific engines in both Ford Escapes and Fusions with wholly new redesigned engines quite frequently. Its should be noted that Ford has extended the TSB at least once since releasing...
I am writing to formally express my deep dissatisfaction and concern regarding a serious mechanical failure in my 2017 Ford Escape, which has associated with safety issues. The issue began with a check engine light accompanied by a diagnostic trouble code indicating a misfire in cylinder 2. Upon further inspection, it was determined that coolant was leaking into the engine — a problem that ultimately led to catastrophic engine failure. Searched online and found it is common issue for this type of car but we did get notice and no warranty coverage offered to address it. The fact that this is a widely reported problem suggests a potential manufacturing or design defect that Ford has failed to proactively acknowledge or address. This issue also caused a big safety issue to the customer.
COOLANT IS LEAKING/RUNNING ONTO ENGINE CAUSING DAMAGE. VEHICLE INSPECTED BY SUTTON FORD, MATTESON, IL AND ADVISED A LONG BLOCK ENGINE REPLACEMENT.
Coolant is leaking into the cylinder. Overheating. It's the known ecoboost coolant intrusion
Coolant is disappearing. It isnt in the oil and nit leaking under vehicle. It is going into cylinder and burning off causing vehicle to miss and shudder while driving. There is 117,000 miles on my vehicle. I keep oil changed every 5,000 miles. I can smell coolant intermittently and have to keep pulling over to check levels to prevent it overheating. I have read several people are having this issue and there is technical bulletin from Ford. So they are aware and have not issued a recall yet. I shouldn't have to pay over $5 grand for a new motor installation with this low of mileage.
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 a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
Coolant is leaking into the cylinders, causing misfire. Per this document that you guys posted: "Customer Satisfaction Program 21N12", this is a known manufacturing defect in the engines that are in the model of car that I am driving currently. This is a safety issue and an environmental issue. Coolant gets into the cylinders and burns, emitting into the atmosphere. But the coolant also runs low, and the engine could overheat or catch on fire. The mechanic is estimating currently that the repairs to either change the head gasket or take the engine apart and rebuild it will cost around 7-9k, money we don't have. Ford should fix this manufacturing defect at not cost to us, as their CSP 21n12 document states. The only caveat is that the car has 98k miles on it while the cutoff for these repairs ends at 84k miles.
When driving highway speeds the check engine light started flashing then a large whoosh sound and the car lost power. I had to have it towed to a repair shop and sure enough the engine blew. Had to replace it, cost $5120 and the car is only worth $7500
Coolant leaking in #2 cylinder needs long block replacement
Coolant issues, calipers needing replaced/seized but maintenance has always been up-kept and done at dealer, odor from turbo.
Coolant intrusion into cylinders causing engine misfires, spikes in engine temperature, and issues with car starting. The check engine light came on as I started the car, and the engine shuddered as if misfiring. As I was driving the vehicle to get the issue checked out, the vehicle’s extreme temperature warning went off, instructing me to pull over and shut the vehicle off immediately. The coolant reservoir was found to be empty. After replacing the coolant, the car had difficulty starting. After finally getting the vehicle to start, I got it to a service center where it was diagnosed with a blown head gasket and coolant was present in the engine oil. I was informed that the vehicle WAS NOT safe to drive and needed a complete engine replacement.
Coolant leaking into engine, brought to Ford dealership for repair. Was charged for repair. Less than two months later the same problem occurred. Took vehicle back to same Ford dealership for repair. Was told needed new head gasket. Ford would not refund me for the first repair made and I had to pay for replacement head gasket.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact stated that an oil change was performed on the vehicle a month prior. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the check engine warning light had been illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 65,000.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that on several occasions when the vehicle was started, there was white smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. The vehicle was taken to a dealer several times for maintenance or service, and the contact inquired about the cause of the white smoke. The contact was informed on several occasion that the smoke as normal, but the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact stated while driving approximately 15 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer. The contact was informed that there was a misfire coming from cylinder #4 due to coolant intrusion. The contact was informed that the long block needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
After having head gasket replaced a year ago. Coolant leaked again into cylynder 3 causing white smoke to come out of exhaust. Ford Dealer looked at car and said the engine was designed wrong... engine needed to be replaced. the headgasket replacement cost 3,000 and now new engine is 7,000
Customer Satisfaction Program 21N12 Ford Motor Company P. O. Box 1904 Dearborn, Michigan 48121 June 09, 2022 Certain 2017-2019 Model Year Fusion and Escape Vehicles Equipped with a 1.5L GTDI Engine – Short Block Replacement After Coolant Intrusion REF: REF: Customer Satisfaction Program 19B37 - Supplement #4 Dated: June 09, 2022 Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 22-2134 Dated: December 19, 2019 Fire Hazard ! Demand a recall NOW !
White smoke coming out of the exhaust with unusual smell. Check engine light with a misfire reading. Consistent with known coolant intrusion issue with the 1.5 Ecoboost engine.
I am writing to formally file a complaint against the Ford Motor Company concerning a serious issue with our 2017 Ford Escape equipped with the EcoBoost engine. The engine suffered a catastrophic failure at approximately 120,000 miles with no previous warning. Upon inspection by a certified mechanic, it was determined that the failure stemmed from a known defect (coolant leaking into the cylinder) in the 1.5L/1.6L EcoBoost engine, which has been widely reported by other consumers experiencing similar issues. This failure resulted in an unexpected and significant financial burden, with repair/replacement costs estimated at approximately $14,000. I find it unacceptable that a relatively new vehicle with a supposedly reliable engine would experience such a severe issue that appears to be a systemic defect rather than a result of misuse or neglect. I contacted Ford Motor Company to report this issue and seek assistance or coverage for the repairs. Unfortunately, I...
I was driving on the interstate when all of a sudden I lost all power, the car started shaking violently, it started leaking and burning oil. I brought it to my local shop and they confirmed that cylinder 3 had a catastrophic failure and it can no longer create any pressure. There were no warning signs. This just happened randomly driving down the interstate.
2017 Ford Escape with 2.0L EcoBoost engine. Experienced rough engine/shutter and check engine light (MIL) came on. Code scanner found P0302 for PCM. Took to dealership and they found coolant intrusion into cylinder requiring a full engine replacement. They quoted almost $10,000 to fix. This is a know design flaw/defect with this engine and Ford has reworked design at least twice to address. Unfortunately, they left existing owners with ticking time bombs in the form of a likely expense repair or early demise to the vehicle.
Coolant is leaking into the cylinder bores of the engine, potentially causing overheating and engine failure. Its unfair to me that I would have to throw $6,000 into a vehicle that going to cost me literally half of what I would be paying off for the vehicle itself.... obviously got the car at a used dealership, no one had given me any extended warranties at all.
I was driving home from work going through a small town so I was only going 45 MPH when my engine started to rattle and smoke started to come out and I was able to immediately pull off the road safely. I noticed straight away that the engine was leaking and would not turn back on. When I had my vehicle towed to my Ford dealership, they had informed me that my engine block was cracked and the engine threw a rod that had impacted my starter. The engine has metal shaving in it so that has to be replaced, including the starter and turbo which was going to cost me $15,000. Also my Escape was just maintenance 2 weeks prior to the event so its unfortunate that the Ford mechanics "Missed" that big crack in my engine block.
White smoke runs very rough, misfires constantly. Put over $600 new parts myself but cylinder 2 has the leak into it. It's only getting worse and worse.
The engine block has coolant leaking into cylinder 1. This is a known defect with the engine that ford acknowledges but refuses to fix. My car has less than 75,000 miles on it.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle was shaking slightly. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 85,000.
low coolant level, white exhaust smoke and/or may run in a rough condition with or without an illuminated malfunction indicator light (MIL) with only diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0300, P0301-P0304, P0316, P0217, P1285 and/or P1299 stored in powertrain control module (PCM). This is due to coolant intrusion into a cylinder bore.
We own and have owned a 2017 Ford Escape Eco-drive for over 5 years. We have just learned from two different local mechanic shops that coolant is leaking into cylinder #2 and presenting a check engine light error code (P0302). This is caused by some sort of internal engine crack. We have been told that this will roughly cost us $6,000.00 for a new engine, and that's on the low end. I have also learned that there is a class action lawsuit related to this issue. So, there's obviously a preexisting problem and ongoing resolved issue with his vehicle which needs to be addressed. Please HELP forward and handle this complaint with high attention and resolve.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the vehicle hesitated to start as intended; however, the vehicle then functioned as needed after being started. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. Upon further investigation, the vehicle was scanned and diagnosed with a misfire in cylinder #4, due to coolant intrusion. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
Catastrophic engine failure; unless it could happen very quickly, the vehicle likely will not be available for inspection. As background, our family purchased this vehicle used from a MI dealer in July 2023. It was a trade-in by the previous owner, and the dealer did not disclose any known issues. This vehicle belongs to our daughter, who is a graduate student in upstate NY. After driving only ~6,000 miles, her safety was put at risk when she lost acceleration as gray smoke poured out of her tailpipe (had she been on a highway, both she and other drivers would have been at grave risk). She had the vehicle towed to a local service station and was told the engine needed to be replaced. After searching Google for problems with this vehicle's engine, a 1.5L Ecoboost, we discovered that not only is this a known issue (coolant intrusion) for which Ford...
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? - The engine's coolant is leaking into the second cylinder, causing unsteady performance and leading to engine failure. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? - In the short term, unpredictable engine performance creates inconsistencies in the how the vehicle is expected to perform; as coolant contaminates the transmission fluid, erratic shifting will make routine maneuvers like accelerating to merge or pass another vehicle unsafe to the driver and those around. This will also lead to an eventual breakdown moment, likely catching the driver and those near to adapt to a sudden dangerous and unexpected action. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? - When the vehicle first displayed signs a problem (a rumbling of the engine on start, followed by the check...
Our engine has quit working due to the much publicized coolant intrusion issue by Ford and the Escape model vehicle. I called Ford customer service and they would do nothing to help with the expensive engine repair left but what is being called on the internet as a faulty design. It appears to be quite well known and quite common and they addressed it somewhat with the 1.5 liter Escapes but ours is a 2.0 engine and it is happening a lot with that engine too.
Engine lost near complete power on highway witrhout warning, nearly causing multiple accidents.
I have a 2017 Ford Escape. Have owned the car for 4 months and it's already experiencing transmission issues i.e. hesitation, slipping etc. Took it the repair shop and found other issues (turbocharger, thermostat, water pump). They claimed they didn't see anything wrong with the transmission. Car ran well for a couple of weeks and then I got transmission fault warning. It wouldn't engage and I couldn't get it in gear. Undrivable. I sat on the side of the road for four hours waiting for a tow. Mechanic says it's either a full transmission problem or the brushing cable.
My warning light went off for misfire in plug 3, then proceeded to set off warning light that temperature was too hot to stop immediately. Took to mechanics, something with the coolant system and it blew my motor. Second motor put in, it was not compressing correctly now waiting on 3rd motor. Also there is no sound coming from my speakers and my radio module will not allow me to change from am to fm. Bluetooth will connect but with no sounds
Other 2017 FORD ESCAPE Problem Areas
Engine And Engine Cooling
468 complaints
Power Train
348 complaints
Unknown Or Other
137 complaints
Electrical System
135 complaints
Fuelpropulsion System
65 complaints
Wheels
54 complaints
Structurebody
52 complaints
Steering
49 complaints
Service Brakes
45 complaints
Exterior Lighting
31 complaints
Vehicle Speed Control
29 complaints
Wheelslugsnutsboltsstuds
27 complaints
Air Bags
20 complaints
Fuel System Gasoline
14 complaints
Power Trainautomatic Transmission
13 complaints
Seat Belts
13 complaints
Visibilitywiper
11 complaints
Electronic Stability Control Esc
7 complaints
Suspension
6 complaints
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling System
5 complaints
Power Trainautomatic Transmissiontorque Converter
5 complaints
Tires
5 complaints
Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasolineturbosupercharger
4 complaints
Exterior Lightingtail Lights
4 complaints
Seats
4 complaints
Electrical Systemignitioncoilspark Plugs
3 complaints
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Controlcatalytic Convertor
3 complaints
Fuel System Gasolinestorageevaporative Emissionscanister
3 complaints
Latcheslockslinkagesdoorslatch
3 complaints
Service Brakes Hydraulic
3 complaints
Structurebodyhatchbackliftgate
3 complaints
Back Over Prevention
2 complaints
Back Over Prevention Sensing System Camera
2 complaints
Carry Handle Shell Base
2 complaints
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling Systemradiator Assembly
2 complaints
Engine And Engine Coolingengineoillubricationsealsgaskets
2 complaints
Exterior Lightingback Up Lights
2 complaints
Exterior Lightingbrake Lights
2 complaints
Firerelated
2 complaints
Fuel System Gasolinedeliveryfuel Pump
2 complaints
Lane Departure Assist
2 complaints
Lane Departure Blind Spot Detection
2 complaints
Latcheslockslinkagestailgatelatch
2 complaints
Otheri Am Not Sure
2 complaints
Structure
2 complaints
Structureframe And Membersunderbody Shields
2 complaints
Back Over Prevention Rearview System Braking
1 complaint
Electrical Systemalternatorgeneratorregulator
1 complaint
Electrical Systeminstrument Panelspeedometerodometer
1 complaint
Electrical Systemsoftware
1 complaint
Electrical Systemwiring
1 complaint
Engine And Engine Coolingengine
1 complaint
Engine And Engine Coolingenginecrankcamshaft Position Sensor
1 complaint
Engine And Engine Coolingengineoillubrication Oil Cooler
1 complaint
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Control
1 complaint
Equipmentapplianceair Conditioner
1 complaint
Equipmentelectrical
1 complaint
Equipmentelectricalinfotainment
1 complaint
Exterior Lightingheadlights
1 complaint
Fuel System Gasolinestorageevaporative Emissionshosesvalvessensors
1 complaint
Fuel System Gasolinestoragetank Assemblyfiller Pipe And Cap
1 complaint
Fuel System Otherdeliveryfuel Pump
1 complaint
Hybrid Propulsion System
1 complaint
Latcheslockslinkages
1 complaint
Latcheslockslinkagesdoorslock
1 complaint
Latcheslockslinkageshatchbackliftgatelock
1 complaint
Parking Brake
1 complaint
Power Trainautomatic Transmissiongear Position Indication Prndl
1 complaint
Power Trainautomatic Transmissioninternalbearingsbushings
1 complaint
Power Traindrivelinechainbeltsproketspulleys
1 complaint
Power Trainshift Linkagecablerod
1 complaint
Seatsfront Assemblyseat Heatercooler
1 complaint
Structurebodydoor
1 complaint
Structureframe And Members
1 complaint
Suspensionfrontcontrol Arm
1 complaint
Suspensionrearshock Absorber
1 complaint
Tirespressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems
1 complaint
Tiressidewall
1 complaint
Traction Control System
1 complaint
Visibility
1 complaint
Visibilitypower Window Devices And Controls
1 complaint
Visibilitywindshieldcritical Fasteners
1 complaint