Ford Escape Complaints (2017)

2,704 consumer complaints on file.

#11675910July 24, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to Midas where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion in cylinder #1, causing engine failure. The spark plugs were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that on another occasion, while driving 75 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal, before the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, no cause for the failure was found. A tune-up was performed on the vehicle, and spark plugs and ignition coils were replaced. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact arrived at the dealer to pick up the vehicle, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle remained with the dealer. The contact was informed that several maintenance repairs were completed on the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but denied assistance in covering the cost of the repair. The failure mileage was unknown.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11675960July 24, 2025
ENGINE
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11676004July 24, 2025
ENGINE
Coolant intrusion at only 56,000 miles due to defective engine design. Engine replacement is the only remedy. This has been happening to cars with as little as 20,000 miles. Ford knows about it, there is a TSB that says the repair is "replace engine." At a cost of ~$10,000. Ford can't be allowed to sell cars with defective engines that fail at low mileage saddling consumers with astronomical repair fees. These vehicles can catch fire or leave someone stranded in the middle of nowhere, as well. It's absolutely outrageous that there has not been a recall with how many vehicles have been affected. The government needs to step in and help people. I have tried to upload files, but the site won't let me.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11675660July 23, 2025
ENGINE
Engine is being less powerful and losing coolant like crazy, looked up what issue is and these engines are known to leak coolant into the engine, in the long run ruining the engine, mine is misfiring and running awful at this point, tried to have ford do something and they acknowledged it’s an issue but won’t do anything without me paying thousands of dollars
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11675742July 23, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle jerked, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that there was coolant intrusion in cylinder #2, causing engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was approximately 56,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11675299July 22, 2025
ENGINE, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle shuddered and stalled. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The vehicle was able to restart but was undrivable. The vehicle was towed to Firestone but was not repaired. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that a cracked fuel injector had leaked fuel into cylinder #3, creating a hole in the cylinder and the engine. The dealer determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The contact related the failure to an unknown recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11675318July 22, 2025
ENGINE
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11675363July 22, 2025
ENGINE
Coolant intrusion into engine causing the car to over heat and break down multiple times. On going issue unable to be repaired by multiple mechanics for a year and a half. Coolant leak confirmed during diagnostic using a scope.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11675406July 22, 2025
ENGINE
The problem with my 2017 Ford Escape began in June 2021 (mileage 65652) when the engine warning light came on and there was white exhaust smoke. Our local mechanic tried various actions to determine why the engine light was on, such as performing a GDI treatment for carbon buildup, but over the summer months none of his actions were successful but each action was an incurred expense. By August 30, 2021, a new warning appeared “High Engine Temp. Stop Safely”. At this point our mechanic found a Technical Service Bulletin regarding the 2017 Ford Escape 2.0L EcoBoost engine coolant in cylinders and my car was towed to our local Ford dealership in Prince Frederick, MD. The Ford dealership verified our concern as follows: “Tech Notes: Verified Concern, Check Engine Light Missfire Code Cylinder #3. Remove Plug, Coolant Fouled. Coolant Intrusion. Ford Assisting Customer on Repair. CAS-33032232-M8C9Z8. Remove and Replace Long Block Assembly. Test Drive After Repair. Concern Corrected. Approval Code MSPA102662” Answers to Your Questions: (1) It's a engine failure (2) Potential of sudden stops with engine failure (3) Ford Dealer inspected my engine and verified the problem and Ford corporate issued Technical Bulletins on problems with Ford Escape 2.0L Ecoboost engine (4) Yes, engine warning light and High engine temp light with instruction to stop safely06/23/2021.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11675054July 21, 2025
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact became aware that the driver's and passenger's side taillight housings were filled with water. The contact stated that when the trunk was opened, some of the water in the driver's side taillight housing drained out onto the ground. The contact stated that because of the failure, the taillights and the hatch failed to function as intended. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact was informed that the failure was not covered under any known recall. In addition, the contact was quoted a fee for the repair. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. 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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11675110July 21, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE, ENGINE
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that after refueling at several different gas stations, the engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact added fuel cleaner to the fuel tank. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V187000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11675143July 21, 2025
ENGINE
The engine block of this vehicle is suspected of having a coolant loss/coolant intrusion fault per my independent, certified mechanic. Issues began about a year ago, before 70,000 miles. Several trips to the Ford dealer did not yield any helpful information. This issue started with an occasional misfire or rough idle on startup. A MIL engine scanner revealed code P0302, cylinder 2 misfire. The code was reset and the issue went away for a short period of time. However, it has been returning more frequently, and I've been stranded more than once out of fear of the engine overheating. Coolant consumption is higher than usual, and it is being replaced with approved Ford coolant only. An independent mechanic performed a few tests, the most basic being inspection of the plugs and cylinder, and noted possibility of coolant in cylinder 2 and 3. A midstream sample of the oil during an oil change was bottled and sent to a specialty laboratory for testing. The oil test confirms presence of small amounts of coolant in the used engine oil. My own research into the issue reveals there was a Ford TSB 19-2346, "Coolant in cylinders, white exhaust smoke and/or illuminated MIL," of which I was never informed by Ford as the original owner since new purchase of the vehicle in 2017.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11675177July 21, 2025
ENGINE
Known issue with coolant intrusion into EcoBoost engines
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11674738July 19, 2025
ENGINE
I have been noticing radiator fluid loss the past few months along with a recent engine light coming on so I took my Ford Escape to Vanderhyde Ford Dealership in Cedar Springs Michigan and they were going to do a leak check on the cylinders to see if antifreeze was leaking but they were only able to get 3 of the 4 spark plug out of engine block. They said they didn't want to break the spark plug off inside the block. I asked what would cause the spark plug to corrode and they said it's possible my #1 cylinder is leaking antifreeze and corroding the aluminum intake manifold and the steel spark plugs. So, I took car back home and let engine cool and I was able to get spark plug out. I now have appointment 7/23/2025 to have cylinders checked for leaks. Updates coming if leak in cylinders is confirmed.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11674627July 18, 2025
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the message "Engine Fault Service Immediately" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic where it was diagnosed, and the contact was advised that the engine was faulty due to coolant intrusion, and that the engine needed to be replaced. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 23,114.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11674655July 18, 2025
ENGINE 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 the dealer to be diagnosed and the contact was informed that the engine was faulty due to coolant intrusion. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 78,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11674507July 18, 2025
ENGINE
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
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11674569July 18, 2025
ENGINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the temperature gauge indicated that the engine was overheating, prompting the contact to discontinue driving the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that coolant intrusion into various 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. 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 120,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11674172July 17, 2025
ENGINE
Component/System Involved: Engine – Coolant Intrusion into Cylinder #4 Vehicle: 2017 Ford Escape Titanium 2.0L EcoBoost; mileage 47k. My 2017 Ford Escape Titanium with a 2.0L EcoBoost engine experienced engine misfires and sudden coolant loss. Upon inspection, it was confirmed by a Ford-authorized dealership (Koons Falls Church Ford, VA) that this is due to coolant intrusion into cylinder #4—a known defect with the 2.0L EcoBoost engine in many Ford models from similar years. This issue appeared on July 9, 2025. The issue began with a misfire warning and engine vibration around 47,000 miles. The Ford dealer diagnosed coolant entering the combustion chamber as the root cause, requiring engine replacement. The engine is available for inspection upon request. This failure creates a clear safety hazard, as coolant entering the cylinder can lead to engine stalling or complete failure while driving. The loss of power and unexpected misfire episodes posed a risk to me, my spouse, and our two children while driving. Ford Motor Company denied goodwill financial assistance, citing the vehicle’s age (>7 years), despite its low mileage (47k), excellent service history, and the well-documented design flaw. The defect is known to occur between 60K–100K miles across various Ford vehicles with the same engine type, yet no recall or consumer repair program has been issued. I am reporting this for safety and accountability reasons and urge NHTSA to investigate this issue further. No check engine light appeared until the misfire occurred, and there were no prior warnings of coolant loss.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11674302July 17, 2025
ENGINE
Check engine light illuminated. Produced codes 012, 014, 1299. Took to have it check out. Coolant level was low. Codes were cleared and a day or two afterward, check engine light came back on with same codes.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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