Ford Escape Complaints (2017)
2,704 consumer complaints on file.
- #11649722March 21, 2025ENGINE
Coolant leak caused head gasket to leak on cylinder which consistently washed the car's spark plug. This caused the cylinder walls to become washed out which has caused significant damage to the car's engine. The consistent washing of the spark plug has caused the car to not be able to accelerate beyond 20mph - 45mph. This is a danger while driving on main roads as well as the highway. The car has also overheated because of the problem, causing the car to not start as well as to stall. The check engine light typically blinks or stays idle before the issue occurs. The vehicle was first inspected by the car dealer that sold me the car, because the check engine light was on, they stated there was nothing wrong with the car. A Tire Plus mechanic did a diagnostic and discovered the spark plug to need replacement. Most recently, the Ford dealership has given the most recent diagnosis, stating the engine needs to be replaced.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11649423March 20, 2025UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Car started to jump while accelerating, then wouldn’t shift or move. Mechanic stated that the torque converter let go and filled the transmission with steel. He also stated that the transmission shop said they are doing on average 2 of these transmissions per week for the same problem.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11649534March 20, 2025ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle started shaking. The check engine warning light became illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle with a misfire in cylinder #3. The spark plugs and coil pack were replaced; however, the following day, there was no antifreeze in the coolant reservoir. The contact stated that there was no coolant in the oil. The contact checked cylinder #3 and found coolant leaking into cylinder #3. The contact contacted the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The dealer informed the contact that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired after the most recent failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 78,940.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11649547March 20, 2025POWER TRAIN, ENGINE
I was driving stopped at a red light and when the light turned green and I proceeded my car continuously jerked and would not pick up speed then it would go and start jerking while in the middle of traffic putting me and others at risk for possible pile up multi accidents.Given no warning just out if the blue no lights on dash either.Yes it's is available for inspection took it to shop today was advised to take it to transmission specialist which I plan to.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11649214March 19, 2025ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving with the cruise control activated, the vehicle experienced hard shifting and shuddering, with a pinging sound coming from the engine. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that there was a misfire in cylinder #3, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the manufacturer's Extended Warranty coverage for the engine failure. The failure mileage was 78,000.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11649303March 19, 2025POWER TRAIN
I tried to accelerate pulling out of a parking lot and there was a whizzing sound and no acceleration. I pulled to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle and restarted it. I got up to 55 mph and the transmission service light came on and it de-acelerated. I ended up going 20 mph for the next mile to get it home in my driveway to park it. I had the vehicle towed to the dealership for diagnostics, the same dealership that had to replace the short engine block due to coolant intrusion in my engine at 84,000 (which I found by accident EVEN though I had a Ford.com account - they never notified me even though they had my email, address, and phone number - also to note i tried to get the repair at three other local dealerships that said they did not see the CSP for this issue and would not get me in - I did notify Ford customer service). The same dealership also replaced a shifter bushing cable when they did the engine. Dealership called today to advise that it was the torque convertor and I needed a new transmission. They are going to have warranty department see if Ford will assist with repairs, but I'm sure they won't. Mileage is 121,000. At this point there is a class action for transmission related issues for this year, make and model and Ford has STILL Not issued a recall. In speaking with the dealership, they said this is a common issue with the year, make, and model. And that anything over 100,000 is subject to trannie issues for this car. So obviously Ford knows this is an issue. I see they also recalled the torque convertors for other vehicles. And I see several other complaints where customers are being told the same thing as I am. Could a defective shifting bushing cable cause this? Should the torque convertor have been included in their other recall for the Ford Escapes? How does both an engine and transmission need replaced with 120,000 miles on the car. I used to love Ford. I will NEVER buy another Ford again as long as I live.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11649326March 19, 2025ENGINE
It is a coolant leak into the engine which can cause the car to catch on fire. The car is not drivable without a new engine.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11648947March 18, 2025ENGINE
Coolant Intrusion on Cylinder 2 after previous recall was done to "correct" the issue, engine block replacement required. The vehicle suddenly without warning or indication started sputtering at freeway speeds then proceeded to stall. The vehicle was previously inspected by Ford Motor Company 5 months prior.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11649031March 18, 2025ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that there was coolant intrusion into the engine 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 69,000.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11649057March 18, 2025ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The engine failed while i was driving through mountains. The car shut off and would not shut back on. The check engine light had been on for about 2 weeks
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11649088March 18, 2025ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle was vibrating abnormally upon starting and while accelerating. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local AutoZone, where a diagnostic test retrieved DTC: P0304. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to a local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that there was a misfire in cylinder #4 due to coolant intrusion. The contact stated that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N12 as a possible cause for the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 144,000.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11649145March 18, 2025ENGINE
Coolant is leaking into the engine (1.5 liter Ecoboost) in my 2015 Ford Escape (less than 50,000 miles). After the check engine light came on recently (within the last week) the code was read by a local auto repair shop and a Ford dealer. Both confirmed (codes P0302, P0316). I initially went to my local mechanic before going to Ford dealership. He found the coolant was low and the engine was running rough. He topped off the coolant. He mentioned that there was a known problem with some Fords with coolant leaking into the cylinders. I then went to a Ford dealership for service when the light came on a second time becuase I have an extended warranty. The Ford service tech said I need a new engine becuase coolant is leaking into the cylinder. I'm reading about this now when I researched it. I never received a Customer Satisfaction Program 21N12 letter from the Ford dealership I purchased this from in 2021. My Ford was manufactured in Louisville which seems to be common in Fords with this problem. Someone from the warranty company will inspect the car to confirm within 24 to 48 hours.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11648614March 16, 2025ENGINE
I recently had my engine go on my 2017 Ford escape se due to a coolant intrusion into the cylinders. Ford refused to help me in any way.i have seen online lots of complaints and a few different class action lawsuits claiming that Ford knew about the flawed design on the head gasket. The did a recall on mine in 2018 for a sensor which they never told me what is was for but it was to warn if a problem comes up . anyway I'm out a car and have contacted some lawyers that were filing the lawsuits but was told they couldn't help me because I was not in that state.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11648531March 16, 2025ENGINE
My engine has been affected by the coolant intrusion issue laid out in 21N12. I am over the 85k mileage, so Ford is unwilling to help. I have 115,026 miles and the engine has bearing failure, I’m assuming due to the coolant dilution of the oil. There is metal in the oil due to the poor oil quality. Also, coolant level is low.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11648573March 16, 2025ENGINE
While driving in traffic, engine power became sluggish and had high vibration. Had to pull to side of road on busy highway. Took to dealer who diagnosed coolant leaking into cylinder causing mis-fire and high coolant temp reading.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11648022March 13, 2025ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE
2017 short block was replaced in the engine. Only to find out recalls for engine coolant has been leaking into the engine again. Year models built Sept 17, 2015 to year April 8,2019 at lewyviell Kentucky. Ironically my car was made at this location where the cars have been recalled from March 25, 2017. My car was made and the only thing ford company did was replace the short block not the entire engine. And not with the new engine recalls that started on June 9, 2022. That I already mention was the series of cars made at that plant.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11648135March 13, 2025ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
As has happened to many others, a coolant intrusion destroyed the engine. The engine was replaced around 60k miles. Now around 84k miles, my transmission needs to be replaced. Ford is telling me that a new engine and new transmission for a 2017 car with 84k miles on it is something they see. The Customer Experience team told me there's nothing they can do. I can't believe a car this new, with that mileage, has had such significant and dangerous failures.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11647559March 11, 2025ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle was misfiring and hesitating to respond. Additionally, there was white smoke coming out of the exhaust pipe. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to AutoZone, where it was diagnosed that cylinders #2 and #3 were misfiring due to coolant intrusion. The vehicle was then taken to an unknown dealer, where it was not diagnosed; however, the dealer performed a visual inspection of the vehicle and informed the contact that the short block had a factory defect and 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 159,000.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11647524March 10, 2025STEERING
Steering rack and pinion failure, should not be happening at this low of miles and have read of similar cases with ford's rack and pinion of this style. Pulls hard to other lanes and almost causing accident or crash, extremely unsafe. You can hear it now when car is in park (or moving) and you turn to the right. I have additional video of popping, clunking and grinding noise coming from rack and pinion. I cannot drive safely until this is fixed.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11647224March 9, 2025ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
No warning lights turned on but antifreeze just started spraying out everywhere without warning and car was not overheating or showing any signs of overheating emptying the entire contents of the radiator and the antifreeze reserve.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0